USA > Iowa > Fayette County > The history of Fayette County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 59
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99
April 22d, the committee presented a plan for the building, which was adopted with a few slight changes. J. A. Griffith's proposition to erect the building for $15,000 was accepted. The land belonging to the Davis estate was bought at this meeting, the Trustees giving their notes for the purchase money. It should be noted here that within six weeks after the Trustees had met and organized, the whole preliminary work had been accomplished-a commendable instance of Western enterprise.
July 9th, the Trustees decided to revise the Constitution of the organiza- tion. The details of the interior construction of the building were provided for. E. C. Byam was nominated for Financial Agent.
August 22d, two bids for the interior work of the building were presented, which were referred to the Building Committee, with power to act. It was stated that money to finish the building could be obtained at 25 per cent. interest, and the Building Committee was authorized to borrow $4,000. William H. Poor was chosen Principal of the Seminary, David Poor selected as Steward, and a committee appointed to confer with them in regard to salaries. David Poor was requested to authorize his son to employ a teacher of languages, one for natural sciences, and a preceptress, and was instructed to advertise the time of opening the first term of school.
November 6th, it was ordered that the first term begin January 1, 1857. David Poor made his proposal to serve as Steward, perform the duties of Pastor of the Circuit, and add the labors of his wife at the Seminary, for $400 a year and the board of himself and family, including rent and fuel. Wm. H. Poor agreed to act as Principal for $550 a year and board. These offers were ac- cepted, except that W. H. Poor was required to board himself. The Finance Committee reported the indebtedness of the institution to be $31,683, and the assets, not including the building, to be $19,738. The estimated expense for the first year's conduct of the school was $4,512. Provision was made for issuing scholarships, to cost $75.00, and to be perpetual. The house and lot purchased by E. C. Byam was taken off his hands and he was reimbursed for the amount he had paid, the property reverting to the corporation. Two schol- arships were donated to Robert Alexander. The action of Dr. Poor, in pur- chasing a bell at a cost of $452.60, was ratified, and an appropriation made for
476
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
that purpose. The price of board and tuition was fixed at $50.00 per term, and music, painting and drawing were classed as extra studies. It was resolved at this meeting to have one-half of the building ready for use on the 1st of January following.
The Trustees did not quite succeed in opening the school January 1st, but they were ready on the 7th. Mr. Poor remained only during the first term, owing to the dismissal of his father from the position of Steward. Mrs. Brun- son took the place left vacant by the Steward, and so continued to the close of the first term.
The difficulty in regard to Rev. Mr. Poor has become somewhat obscured by the lapse of twenty years. It seems to have originated first from the com- plaints of some of the students. Advantage was taken of the fact that one of Poor's younger boys was a little wild, and by such and other trivial pretexts, the Executive Committee were induced to depose him. William H. Poor is said to have been a young man of excellent character and a very capable instructor.
March 13, 1857, the Agent was instructed to stop the sale of scholarships. It was decided that the second term should begin May 28, 1857, and Dr. Parker, Levi Fuller and H. S. Brunson were delegated to provide a corps of teachers therefor. A committee was appointed to confer with Wm. H. Poor with regard to his remaining as Principal, who stated before the Trustees, that if his father was not employed as Steward, they could not expect to hire him, as he could not consent to stay in the institution.
July 8, 1857, Article I of Incorporation was altered to read : "This incor- poration shall be called the Board of Trustees of Fayette Seminary of the Upper Iowa Conference." Article III was amended to read : "Said Seminary to be under the supervision of the Upper Iowa Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church." The. Trustees were divided into classes, one-third to be elected annually and to hold for three years. J. E. Robertson then asked for an investigation of the reasons of removing Dr. Poor from the position of Stew- ard. The next day, the Executive Committee presented written charges against him, upon which witnesses were examined, and the Trustees decided the charges to be fully sustained. A supplemental resolution was adopted, excul- pating E. C. Byam from any censure growing out of the "Poor " case or any other matters connected with the institution. Levi Fuller was nominated for President of the Board, and John A. Griffith, Secretary, subject to approval by the Conference.
September 2d, the Agent reported that certain lands had been donated to the Trustees by S. H. Robertson, Robert Alexander and others, on condition that the same should be appropriated for the erection of college buildings and to the payment of outstanding debts. Also, that other lands would probably be donated. He had accepted these offers, and had caused the papers to be made out for the purpose. Samuel H. Robertson and Alexander were then requested to select a name for the proposed college.
December 23, L. H. Bugbee, Principal of the Seminary, gave an invitation to the Trustees to attend the public examination of classes, and an exhibition by the literary societies in the evening, which was accepted. The following day the Financial Agent tendered his resignation, owing to the hard times, which was accepted, and the accounts were placed in the Principal's hands. The name of the " Collegiate Institute " was adopted, and a classification of studies adopted, apparently from a printed circular. A resolution laudatory of the exercises witnessed the day before was spread on the minutes. L. H. Bugbee was con-
477
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
tinued as Principal at $333.00 per term, and the other teachers were J. M. Mc- Kenzie, Misses S. M. Birdsall, E. A. Dayton and E. A. Carpenter. Rev. George Clifford (hard times notwithstanding) was chosen Agent. J. A. Griffith having tendered his resignation, Dr. C. C. Parker was elected Secretary.
July 14, 1858, L. H. Bugbee, Principal, made a report of the history, con- dition and prospects of the school, upon which the Trustees expressed them- selves as well satisfied with his administration of affairs. New Articles of Incor- poration were adopted, and the name of the institution changed to " Upper Iowa University," and the By-laws of the Trustees were fully revised. Dr. L. Fuller was elected President ; Dr. Parker, Secretary, and James E. Robertson, Treasurer. The Faculty was then re-organized as follows : Rev. L. H. Bugbee, A. M., President and Professor of Belles Lettres and Mental Philosopy ; Ed- win S. Gilbert. A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Ancient Languages ; Rev. Moses Crow, D. D., Professor of Biblical Literature and Christian Ethics ; J. M. Mckenzie, A. M., Professor of Natural Sciences ; C. C. Parker, M. D., Lecturer on Anatomy and Physiology ; Miss Sarah M. Birdsall, Preceptress and Teacher of French. It was voted that the chair of Biblical Literature and Christian Ethics be called the Robertson Professorship, and the University Library be called the Alexandrian Library, in memory of Samuel H. Robert- son and Robert Alexander, whose munificent gifts have been so essential to the prosperity of the institution.
February 8, 1859, it was resolved to hold regular inauguration services at the next commencement, the details to be arranged by President Bugbee and the Executive Committee.
July 19th, H. S. Brunson was elected President, the Secretary and Treas- urer being continued.
January 19, 1860, President Bugbee, in his report, stated that about sixty- five students were in attendance. He also reported that the expenditures, since he had been in charge, exceeded the receipts by $1,331.91. The sum of $775 was pledged among the Trustees to apply toward liquidating this sum, and it was voted to request a public meeting of the citizens of Fayette to assist in raising the balance. It was then voted to apply to the Legislature for a charter. J. H. Maxson, J. E. Robertson and J. M. Mckenzie were directed to plant trees around the college and to keep the grounds in order.
July 18, 1860, Misses Birdsall and Dorchester resigned their positions as teachers, owing to the insufficiency of pay. Rev. Wm. Brush, who was acting as President, was elected to that position. Rev. E. Skinner was chosen Presi- dent of the Board, and Le Roy Templeton, Secretary.
June 25, 1862, it was reported to the Trustees that the Legislature had le- galized the action of that body in changing the Articles of Incorporation. Dr. Levi Fuller was elected President of the Board; Rev. E. Skinner, Secretary ; and S. H. Robertson, Treasurer. Resolutions commendatory of the Com- mencement Exercises were passed, and gratification expressed that the institu- tion was growing in strength and importance.
June 24, 1863, the honorary degree of A. M. was conferred upon Rev. I. K. Fuller. S. H. Drake was voted the degree of A. B., and Susie Sorin and Clara L. Warner were complimented with the title of B. S. A deputation of young ladies appeared before the Board, asking that room No. 4 be furnished for the use of the Aonian Society, which was granted. The Zethegathians were then allowed the use of Room No. 16.
June 21, 1864, President Brush reported an average attendance of 160 students. The honorary degree of A. M. was conferred upon Rev. John Bow-
478
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
man. James S. Chase and Celia J. H. Drake, having completed the prescribed course, were declared B. S.
At the meeting in October it was resolved to give gratuitous tuition to indi- gent soldiers and their children.
June 28, 1865, Rev. H. S. Brunson again became President of the Board ; L. W. Waterbury, Secretary, and S. H. Robertson, Treasurer. Mary A. Hig- by was voted the degree of A. B., and Sarah A. Preston and Lucy A. Talbot that of B. S.
April 17, 1866, it was resolved by the Trustees to make an effort to endow the Institution with a fund of at least $100,000.
June 27th, the Institution was reported out of debt. The government was criticised as being too lax, and a change was recommended. The degree of B. A. was bestowed upon Frank M. Robertson, and that of B. S. on Miss I. A. Sherman, Mary E. Preston and L. Hattie S. Aldrich.
March 1, 1867, it was stated to the Trustees that the endowment had reached the sum of $26,324, which, at the meeting of June 25th, had increased to $34,933.95. At the meeting in August, the degree of A. M. was conferred on Mr. Nightingale and Miss Higby.
June 26, 1867, President Brush was requested to resign, to which that gentleman made answer, that as he had received no assurances of being re-im- bursed for money advanced and liabilities incurred, he declined to comply with the request. This matter remained in statu quo till June, 1868, when a full settlement was had with Mr. Brush, showing the institution to be indebted to him in the amount of $1,167.03, and a long dispute was thus ended. Rev. J. N. Stowers succeeded to the Presidency, a position he held for about one year.
In June, 1869, the degree of A. M., in regular course, was conferred upon Rev. F. M. Robertson, Rev. J. L. Paine, Prof. B. McLaine, and Prof. Albert Schindelmeisser, of Lawrence University, Wisconsin. Carrie Robertson and Nellie Aldrich were voted the degree of B. S.
June 23, 1870, the resignation of President Stowers was accepted. The degree of B. S. was voted Miss Manda Robertson. Prof. McLaine was called upon to discharge the duties of President for one year, and was succeeded by Rev. R. Norton, a gentleman of the highest personal worth and of great erudi- tion, who remained two years.
Rev. J. W. Bissell, after an interregnum of one year, was elected President in 1874, a position he still holds, having proved an admirable officer and always zealous for the welfare and prosperity of the institution.
The information to be gleaned from such catalogues as have been preserved is as follows : In the college year of 1857-8, the number of students was 114; the following year, 174. The catalogue of 1865 indicates that 10 had grad- uated, and that there were 39 pursuing the collegiate courses. James E. Clough, a graduate, was a missionary in India. F. M. Robertson, then a Senior, is now a talented minister in the M. E. Church, and V. A. Ballou, a Freshman, is a well-known publisher in Western Iowa. In the year 1867-8, there were 19 in the college classes, and, in the Preparatory Department, 223. In 1873-4, the college course included 32 students, and the preparatory classes 173. The catalogue of 1875-6 shows 30 students in the collegiate course.
The graduates of Upper Iowa University are : James E. Clough, J. L. Paine, S. H. Drake, Susie S. Holmes, Clara L. Warner, James S. Chase, Celia J. H. Drake, Mary A. Higbey, Sarah E. Burch, Lucy A. Talbot, Frank M. Robertson, Hattie S. Aldrich, Mary E. P. Cooke, J. Addie Sherman, Car- rie E. Robertson, Nellie M. Aldrich, Manda Robertson, Vinie R. Clough,
479
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
Lucretia Brunson, John C. Magee, William W. Robinson, Sarah B. Scobey, L. Ella Lee, John O'B. Scobey, John C. Burch, Sarah E. Buckley, Robert G. Young, George A. Matthews, Antoinette B. Smith, John N. Blodgett, Solon C. Brunson, B. W. Newbery, William J. Robinson, C. R. A. Scobey, G. P. Linn, Addison C. Churchill, Edith S. Shoemaker.
An Alumni Association was formed in 1874, and its first reunion was at Commencement, 1875, the exercises being addresses by W. W. Robinson, J. C. Burch, S. H. Drake and J. C. Magee, and the poem read by Hattie Aldrich Feuling. The present officers of the Alumni Association are : G. A. Matthews, President ; A. C. Churchill, Vice President; C. R. A. Scobey, Secretary ; Mrs. A. J. Duncan, Treasurer.
The college edifice, as completed, is one hundred feet long and forty-four wide, three stories high, and built of a light drab stone, quarried in the vicinity. The entrances are from the east, west and south. The chapel is at the north end, and on this floor are the laboratory, Steward's rooms and a suite of rooms for one of the professors. On the second floor are the recitation rooms, library, museum, parlor, etc. The third floor contains the society halls, studio, etc. The campus contains twelve acres on the beautifully sloping summit rising in the southwestern part of the town. It is now shaded by deciduous trees, planted by S. H. Robertson and others about fifteen years ago.
The museum of the University is an excellent one, and contains a plenti- ful collection of specimens illustrating the sciences of mineralogy and geology, as well as numerous forms of extant marine life. The apparatus includes everything necessary for exemplifying physics and chemistry, and included with the rest is a fine microscope. The " Alexandrian " Library is opened daily to the students ; it contains 1,000 volumes.
The Commercial Department was organized in 1867, under Prof. H. E. Hurd, and has ever since proved a valuable adjunct to the Institution. In 1872, a Telegraphic Department was added.
The Faculty is now composed of Rev. J. W. Bissell, A. M., President and Professor of Mental, Moral and Natural Science ; E. Tarbet, A. M., Professor of English, French, German and Greek ; T. B. Duncan, A. M., Professor of Mathematics and Latin, and Principal of Normal Department; H. E. Hurd, M. A., Principal of Commercial Department ; Abbie Mills, A. M., Professor of Painting and Drawing ; W. N. Burrett, Professor of Instrumental and Vo- cal Music ; Della W. Mack, Assistant in English ; J. G. Henderson, Assistant in Mathematics.
A leading event in the commencement week of 1878-June 15-20-was the conferring of the Master's degree on five graduates of 1875-Rev. S. C. Brunson, Dyersville ; Rev. J. N. Blodgett, Cottage; Rev. W. J. Robinson, Chelsea ; B. W. Newberry, Strawberry Point ; C. R. A. Scobey, Farley. Master's orations were delivered on that day by Messrs. Newberry, Blodgett and Brunson.
PHILOMATHEAN SOCIETY.
The early records of this organization, the oldest of the College societies, are gone, but the recollections of some of the oldest students recall the names of J. L. Payne, L. W. Waterbury, Phin. Hulbert, George Kipple, Capt. War- ner, James Preston and Adam Fussell as among the first members. It was or- ganized in 1859, under the Presidency of Rev. Mr. Bugbee, and mainly through the influence of J. L. Payne, then a student. The records extant begin in 1865, with C. A. Rounds as President, followed by W. F. Boyce. January 5,
480
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
1866, a public session was held, having been first advertised in the town papers; and at McGregor also, to which the other societies were invited to attend. Among those who were members at that time were Messrs. Van Butler, Boyce, Gibbs, Mckenzie, Matthews, Fitch, Rounds, Elliott, Sprague and Merriam. Soon after, Messrs. Stubbs, Berry, Spears, Plumpton, Morley, Hulse, Jamison, Bezola, Miller and McCarty came in to swell the membership and increase the value of the meetings. The first meetings were held in the chapel, and thence transferred to the present museum. While situated in this room, the Society had a difficulty with President Brush, who ordered them to- vacate, which they were not disposed to do, but the young men, after some demur, agreed to go, being allowed the room now occupied by them. Decem- ber 7, 1866, the first Chaplain was elected ; P. R. Woods was President, and B. W. Lacy, Secretary. An ancient custom with the Society was to contribute a sum which was expended for provisions for a "love feast," and these semi- occasional festivities would last till nearly day-light, the time being filled up mainly with speeches by the more voluble members. September 6, 1867, the Society came to order with Thomas L. Thompson and B. W. Lacy in attend- ance, the latter sitting as President and Secretary. A full set of exercises was worked through, however, but the boys felt a little envious of the other society, as a dozen Zeths filed past their locked door. Attracted by the eloquent tones, some of their rivals knocked and craved admission, but the requests were cour- teously declined, as the Philos had just gone into executive session. Among the members in 1869 and 1870, were Messrs. Scott, Lee, Smith, Conner, Fitch, Jones, Adams, Post and Scobey. In 1873, the Philos furnished both the young men graduating, and, in 1875, it furnished the whole graduating class, save one.
The present officers are W. H. Stewart, President; C. A. Husband, Sec- retary ; F. Richardson, Corresponding Secretary ; F. L. Montgomery, Treas- urer ; D. M. Parker and C. Colegrove, Critics ; C. L. Parker, Prosecuting Attorney ; J. G. Henderson, Chaplain.
THE ZETHEGATHIAN SOCIETY
was organized on the evening of April 12, 1861, with J. R. Baker as tempo- rary Chairman, and A. Thornebrue, Secretary. J. R. Baker was then elected President; C. Sweney, Vice President; J. W. Rich. Secretary, and A. Patter- son, Treasurer. The remaining members were F. M. Duncan, J. Aspey, James Butler, W. J. Wood and W. M. Patterson, to whom were added during the next month, Sylvester Harwood, I. Wood, J. W. Albright, J. E. Kent, F. M. Jaques and H. M. Flanders. The question, "Resolved, That man is happier in possession than in pursuit," was discussed at the succeeding meeting. January 30, 1862, the society voted to challenge the Philomatheans for a debate, which occurred February 14, and was lost by the challengers. May 20, 1864, the members were entertained by the Aonian Society. June 17, N. S. Harwood, F. M. Robertson, Alex. Bryson, Joshua Holmes, C. Doane, Wm. Torode, Wm. Quigley and A. Mallory having enlisted. the society passed resolutions of regret. for their departure, followed by patriotic sentiments. September 24, 1868, met. to arrange for attending the funeral of Francis E. Burch, a member who had just deceased. April 20, 1870, it was stated to the assembled Zeths. that President Stowers had forbidden the Aonians to accept their invitation to visit the Zethegathian hall that evening. It was resolved to appoint a conference committee- to ascertain if the young ladies were willing to brave the President's prohibition. The answer was returned that they were waiting to be escorted, whereupon G. P. Scobey and J. A. Anderson withdrew to escort the Aonians, but the proces-
481
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
sion was halted on the stairway by President Stowers, and all the eloquence of the Zeths. availed not to change his inexorable order. The ladies retired, and the discussion between the students and the head of the college was continued, but the young men ascertained it to be an insoluble equation, and ended the rebellion by discussing a political question. September 8, 1871, four members were voted to be enemies of the society, and were expelled. At the same- meeting, $7.20 was raised to relieve the grasp of the Sheriff on the society's property. Another member was expelled with hisses, at the next meeting. March 10, 1873, the society agreed to unite with the other bodies in publishing- a college paper, and J. C. Burch and J. O. B. Scobey were chosen as the society's editors.
The officers of the Zethegathian Society for the term now closing are J: H. Cavin, President ; W. H. Troy, Jr., Secretary ; P. B. Fussell, Corresponding Secretary and Librarian ; - Bomin, Treasurer. The society has 124 vol- umes in its library.
THE AONIAN SOCIETY
was organized about the same time with the Philomathean Society, by the young ladies of the college, and has always had a prosperous existence, but as. the records of the society have been lost within the past two years, it is impos- sible to do more than to record a mention of the society's name.
THE LADY PROFESSORSHIP ASSOCIATION
was formed November 27, 1873, and officers elected the following evening. Mrs .. S. W. Ingham was chosen President; Mrs. J. E. Boyce and Mrs. J. W. Bis- sell, Vice Presidents ; Lucretia Brunson, Recording Secretary ; Mrs. Abbie Wells, Corresponding Secretary ; Mrs. L. S. Strong, Treasurer. The other members were Mrs. E. Burch, Mrs. N. Keasey, Mrs. E. Scobey, Miss A. Mills. and Mrs. S. P. Burch. The object is indicated by the name of the society. In June, 1874, the society had already raised pledges to the amount of $1,102, and three years later this sum had been increased to $1,784, besides which the society has contributed annually from $150 to $200 a year toward the salary of one of the lady teachers. The present officers are Mrs. A. Hamlin, President ; Miss. E. Torbet, Secretary ; Mrs. A. J. Duncan, Corresponding Secretary : Mrs. L. S. Strong, Treasurer.
MISCELLANEOUS.
CAVES.
In the Fall of 1848, Lorenzo Dutton, Maj. Henry Jones and Wm. W. Bailey, while ascending the little creek that rises in Section 34, Township 95 north, Range 8 (Dover), came to a wall of rock forming the end of the gorge and rising above their heads, half way to the top of the adjacent bluffs. The rocky wall retreats inwardly, and on passing under the edge of the overhang- ing rock, discovered a cave, which has ever since borne the appellation of " Dutton's Cave." Ever since its discovery, the spot has been much visited, and picnic parties from Clermont and West Union frequently assemble here. Teams can be driven close to the edge of the gorge. On descending the well- nigh perpendicular bank to a depth of over fifty feet, the visitor discovers a prattling spring on either hand, rising near the entrance of the cave. On the left is a crevice, terminating in a point about ten feet above the observer's head. Near the center are the entrances, one leading through several rooms, one of
482
HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
them covered below with water of an unknown depth, and two where small stalactites are formed. This series of rooms has been penetrated to a distance of 600 feet. At the right, by descending gradually a short distance, the explorer comes to a small room, terminating in a point far above his head, and which has been styled, not inappropriately, " steeple cavern." It is difficult to conceive of a spot more romantic than this gorge, the cave and the bustling little stream that heads here, surrounded by leafy trees, the ground carpeted with grass, besprin- kled with flowers and so easily accessible.
Another cave, known as "Soward's Cave," has also much local repute. This is situated about three-fourths of a mile northwest of the " Dutton Cave." These caves are quite frequent in the high bluffs that skirt the Turkey, and it may be, when fully explored, some one of them will be found of considerable extent.
AN INDIAN SURPRISE.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.