USA > Iowa > Jefferson County > The history of Jefferson County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., a biographical directory of citizens, war records of its volunteers in the late rebellion, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 58
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The record kept by Mr. Wells, the Librarian, is a very complete exhibit of the growth of the library. In 1872, the receipts from all sources amounted to $44.10; number of visitors, 850; number of books read, 630. In 1873, receipts, $358.90; number of visitors, 2,169; number of books read, 1,122. In 1874, receipts, $287.10; visitors, 6,325; books, read, 3,525. In 1875, receipts, $706.05 ; visitors, 8,808; books read, 6,108. In 1876, receipts, $1,350.10; visitors, 9,971; books read, 6,850. In 1877, receipts, $798.10; visitors, 16,983 ; books read, 8,920.
The first purchase of books was 515 volumes. The present number of volumes, bound and unbound, 8,460; an average increase of 326 per year.
480
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
In closing this sketch of an institution which is an honor to the people, who, by their support, have brought it to its present high state of usefulness, special mention should be made of the four persons most closely identified with its history.
To Ward Lamson, Esq., whose love of education and a desire to stimulate the mind of the community to a more advanced plane of thought, led him to conceive the establishment of a public library, marked praise should be awarded.
When Lamson had planted, Dr. J. M. Shaffer came to cultivate, and, as Librarian for many years without compensation or hope of reward, right nobly did he discharge his work. It is no disparagement to Mr. Lamson to say that but for the energy, the liberality, the patience and persistent industry of Dr. Shaf- fer, the seed he planted would have gone to decay, and instead of a library and a museum of which not only the county, but the State may be proud, there would be now but the memory of the effort to remind the people that such an institution had ever been contemplated.
Hon. James F. Wilson, during his long term in public life, ever remem- bered the little library at home. His residence at Washington, and association with prominent men of the nation, gave him superior advantages of which the Library has received the benefit. His individual contributions to the Associa- tion have been frequent and liberal, and through his efforts have been secured a large portion of its present valuable collections.
And finally, due credit must be given A. T. Wells, Esq., the present Librarian, for his very efficient management of the details of the Library.
LECTURE COURSE.
In October, 1876, O. L. Hackett, Esq., a son of Providence, R. I., inaugurated measures that resulted in the establishment of a regular lecture and amusement course. The enterprise has been well sustained by the Fairfield public, who by this means are afforded a series of amusing and instructive entertainments that could not have been otherwise secured. Among the lecturers and readers that have been induced to visit Fairfield through Mr. Hackett's agency, are Wendell Phillips, Rev. David Swing, Rev. Robert Collyer, Gen. Kilpatrick, Helen Potter, Laura Dainty and others. The great secret of Mr. Hackett's success is the fact that previous to his coming West he was for ten years a member of different lecture committees, and not only enjoys a personal acquaintance with many of the prominent lecturers in the country, but also knows what kind of talent will suit the people.
THE PRESS.
" But mightiest of the mighty means, On which the arm of progress leans, Man's noblest mission to advance, His woes assuage, his weal enhance, His rights enforce, his wrongs redress- MIGHTIEST OF MIGHTY IS THE PRESS."
The principal facts embodied in this chapter are compiled from an article entitled "Silver Paper Anniversary-a Retrospect of Newspaper Life in Fair- field," prepared by W. W. Junkin, Esq. (the oldest continuous editor in the State), and published in the Fairfield Ledger on the 22d of May, 1878.
"The editor of the Ledger first set type at the age of ten years in the office of the Wheeling (Va.) Argus. His parents removed to Iowa in 1844. In the fall of 1847, he commenced again an apprenticeship in the office of the
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Iowa Sentinel, which had been established in Fairfield, by A. R. Sparks, that year. In the summer of 1848, Mr. Sparks sold the Sentinel to Ezra Brown and R. B. Pope. This threw the Ledger boy out of employment, but Mr. Sparks kindly procured him a situation at Des Moines, with Barlow Granger, and he aided in issuing the first number of the Star, in June, 1848, being the first paper printed in that city. He remained at Des Moines several months, and shortly after his return to Fairfield secured a situation on the Ottumwa Courier, published by Street & Warden, where he stayed during the winter of 1848-49.
"In November, 1849, Orlando McCraney established the Ledger, and was anxious that its present editor should enter into partnership with him; but a situation as a compositor was all he desired, and this he secured. In the spring of 1851, he left Fairfield, going as directly as the state of his finances would permit, to Richmond, Va., where he remained in the State printing office for nearly two years.
"May 16, 1853, he returned to his home at Fairfield, and found A. R. Fulton in possession of the Ledger, or the Ledger in possession of Fulton. On the 26th of May following, he purchased a half-interest of Fulton for $450, and commenced the newspaper business and the battle of life in earnest. This partnership continued very pleasantly until August 14, 1854. The business was not profitable for two persons, and, after a little preliminary arrangement, Mr. Fulton retired, receiving $450 for his interest in the office. With kindly' aid and encouragement, Mr. Junkin took hold of the business with the inten- tion of making an influential local and paying newspaper. In the latter direction, he succeeded much better than in the former, believing at this time that there never was a year that he did not make more money than he spent.
" The life of the Ledger and its editor has been uneventful. He stuck to business and improved his paper as his means and ability gave him opportunity. He found warm friends who aided him by their wise counsel, and can now number over one hundred names on the subscription-books which were placed there twenty-five years ago. These friends will stick to him while life lasts. Thousands of other friends have continued to aid and encourage him, and at this time there are about one thousand on the books whom the editor regards as his personal friends.
" On the 8th of August, 1868, Mr. Junkin formed a partnership with Ralph Robinson, receiving $2,500 for one-half interest in the office. This partnership continued pleasantly and profitably until January 5, 1875, when Mr. Robinson retired, receiving $4,500 for the interest that he had previously purchased for $2,500. Power-presses and other improvements had enhanced the value of the office."
When Mr. Robinson retired, Mr. Charles M. Junkin, a son of the "oldest continuous editor in Iowa," succeeded him as co-manager, bringing with him not only the experience he acquired under the careful direction of his father, but in the Government printing office at Washington City.
The 25th of May last completed the silver anniversary of Mr. Junkin's connection with the Ledger, and as he had married in 1854, and raised a son (and seven other children-four girls and three boys) and schooled him in the "art preservative," he admitted that son (Charles M.) to an interest in the business. The Ledger is now conducted under the firm name of W. W. & C. M. Junkin.
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Mr. Junkin continues :
"This article is longer than was intended, but it would not be completed did it not give a brief history of the newspaper business in Fairfield. This will necessarily be imperfect, as files of the newspapers published here cannot be procured.
" The lowa Sentinel (Democratic) was started in June, 1847, by A. R. Sparks. In 1848, it was sold to Brown & Pope. Mr. Pope died, and the paper was then sold to D. Sheward, who continued its publication until 1854, when his brother W. H. Sheward took possession and run it until 1855, when it died the death. The material was purchased by D. N. Smith, and the editor of the Ledger very complacently packed up the material for shipment to Corning.
" The Fairfield Jeffersonian was started September 18, 1857, by T. Buckey Taylor. In two weeks, Mr. Taylor tired of a Democratic paper, and sold to H. N. Moore and I. J. Tolan. This partnership did not continue long, Mr. Moore retired, and the paper was published by Tolan & Hanna. In a short time, Mr. Moore connected himself with the paper again. Then Tolan & Hanna went out, and Samuel Jacobs became Mr. Moore's partner. Sometime in 1860, Mr. Jacobs retired, and, in the fall of that year, Mr. Moore closed the publication of the Jeffersonian, and shortly afterward, Mr. Junkin bought the material.
"The Constitution and Union was started by D. Sheward on the 8th of August, 1861, and was discontinued in the fall of 1863.
" In the fall of 1864, Rev. A. Axline started the Home Visitor, an educa- tional journal. He formed a partnership with R. H. Moore, and, in 1866, we believe, A. R. Fulton became connected with it. In the fall of 1867, W. B. Murray bought Mr. Fulton's interest. In December, 1867, the editor of the Ledger concluded that the Visitor had run long enough, and made a proposi- tion to purchase it, which was gladly accepted by Mr. Axline. The material was merged in the Ledger. In 1865, the Iowa Democrat was started, and con- tinued until the grange excitement culminated in a desire for a county organ. The Iowa Democrat ceased to live, and on the 10th of January, 1874, the Industrial Era made its appearance with I. T. Flint and J. B. Kent, proprietors. Mr. Kent soon dropped out, as it was much work and no pay. Mr. Flint struggled on until September, 1875, when it gave up the ghost. The restart- ing of the Iowa Democrat early in 1875, by M. M. Bleakmore, had something to do with the demise of the Era. The Iowa Democrat was continued until August, 1877, when it was purchased by Woodward & Edwards, who changed the name to Fairfield Democrat."
In April, 1878, Frank Green purchased the Democrat material and changed the name of the paper to the Fairfield Tribune, under which name the paper is continued. On the 20th of April, O. L. Hackett became associate editor with Mr. Green, and, under their joint management, the Tribune promises to master the vicissitudes and trials that crippled and destroyed so many of its party pred- ecessors.
RELIGIOUS INTERESTS. - METHODST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first sermon preached in Fairfield, by a Methodist, was by Rev. Jesse Herbert,* who was appointed to the Richland (Iowa) Mission, from the Illinois
* The writer is of the opinion that this name should be Hobart. There were twin brothers of the name of Hobart, who were both Methodist preachers and members of the Illinois Conference in those days. They were appointed to the work in Iowa in early times. Chauncy Hobart was assigned to duty in Cedar and adjoining counties in 1836, and remained there some two years. When Minnesota began to be settled up, he was sent up there as a missionary. where he has ever since remained in the harness. He is now an old man and a resident of Red Wing, Goodhne County, where the writer met him in August of this year (1878). Incapacitated by old age from active work, he is held in reserve for urgent calls. He was elected Chaplain to the House of Representatives during the last session of the Min- nesota Legislature. During the writer's interview with him in August, he spoke of a brother Jesse, which inclines the writer to the opinion that it was Jesse Hobart, and not Jesse Herbert that preached the first Methodist sermon in Fairfield. These twin brothers were pioneer missionaries of Methodism in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota .- B.
483
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Annual Conference, which met at Bloomington, in that State, September 11, 1839. His first visit to Fairfield was in March, 1840, and, on the 16th of that month, he organized a class, with David Bowman and wife, Mrs. Nancy Shields, " Old Father Herrington," Mrs. Elizabeth Dickey and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Cul- bertson as members ; David Bowman, Leader.
The place of preaching at the time of founding the society was at Thomas Dickey's tavern, but succeeding meetings were held at the Court House. The first quarterly meeting was held in the winter of 1840-41, at which the Pre- siding Elder, Rev. Henry Summers, was present. "This sinewy and self- sacrificing itenerant traversed nearly all the settled portions of Iowa Territory, and many a thrilling and startling incident can he tell of pioneer life." He was peculiarly fitted for the work in which he was engaged, and his memory is dear to the early settlers with whom he came in contact, without regard to sect or creed.
At this first quarterly meeting were added to the Church : Charles Negus, Mrs. Elizabeth De Puy and an unmarried sister of her husband, Job C. Sweet and wife, Capt. T. D. Evans and wife, and Alexander Fulton and wife.+
Mr. Herbert (as the name was given to the writer) did not return to the work after his visit in March, but was succeeded in the fall of that year by Rev. Moses F. Shinn.
In the spring of 1844, the membership of the Church had increased to twenty-eight. In April, Captain Evans presented the Church with Lot No. 4, Block No. 21, old plat of the town of Fairfield, and an effort was made to erect a house of worship, considerable material for which was gathered; but it was four years later before work was actually begun on a brick church, 45x60 feet, which was completed in 1850, at a cost of about $2,200. In 1852, a comfortable par- sonage was completed, the building of which was superintended by Rev. D. N. Smith.
The first Sunday school was organized in January, 1852, with T. D. Evans, Superintendent.
In 1869, a division occurred in the Church, a minority withdrawing under the leadership of Rev. W. C. Shippen. This division built what was known as " Harmony Church," now occupied as the court-room of the county. In 1876, the two churches re-united, and the present beautiful and commodious church was erected, at a cost, including the two lots occupied, of about $18,- 000. The laying of the corner-stone of this church was a feature of the Fourth of July exercises, at Fairfield, in 1877. We quote from the Ledger :
" This was very interesting and pleasing. Prof. Fellows, of Iowa City, conducted the exercises, assisted by Rev. Carson Reed, and delivered an address. very appropriate and comprehensive. After the memorials were deposited in the beautiful white sandstone, Capt. W. T. Burgess made an address, which, for eloquence and beautiful arrangement, could not be excelled."
The following-named ministers, in succession, have been in charge of this. Church : Jesse Herbert, 1839-40; Moses F. Shinn, 1840-41; William B. Cooley, 1841-42; Robert Hawk, 1842-43; Joel Arrington, 1843-44 ; Hugh Gibson, 1844-45; Micajah Reeder, 1845-46, with Alvin Rucker, Assistant; Joseph Brooks, 1846-47; John Hayden, 1847 (two years), with James C. Smith, Assistant; David N. Smith, 1849 (two years); Joseph McDowell, 1851-52 ;
+ An incident of this meeting is worthy of insertion : Capt. Evans had arrived in Fairfield but a few days pre vious, and having come from an older country his elothing was of a finer texture than the homespun of the earlier settlers and attraeted attention. The Captain, rising to speak in love-feast, Father Herrington, whose piety was unquestioned, asked " Who is that getting up with broadeloth on ?" and seemed to feel that the new-comer needed. rebuking. However, after hearing the Captain's experience, he expressed his approval of man and manner.
484
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
David N. Smith, 1852-53; L. B. Dennis, 1853-54 ; John Harris, 1854-55; Joseph Gasner, 1855 (two years); Peter F. Haltzinger, 1857-8; Sanford Haines, 1858-59 ; Joshua B. Hardy, 1859-60; John Burgess, 1860-61; Elias S. Briggs, 1861 (two years) ; David Worthington, 1863-64 ; S. Hestwood, 1864 (two years) ; John Haynes, 1866-67; W. C. Shippen, 1867 (two years), resigned in April of his second year, and vacancy supplied by John Hayden ; O. C. Shelton, 1869-70 ; E. H. Coddington, 1870 (three years) ; J. H. Miller, 1873-74; H. E. Uling, 1874 (three years) ; James Haynes, the present Pas- tor, 1877, and now entering on his second year.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Presbyterian Church was organized October 2, 1841, at a meeting held for that purpose composed of the following-named persons : Solomon Mont- gomery and Elizabeth, his wife; John Montgomery, Sulavan Ross and wife, John Hopkirk, Jonathan Young and wife, and James Young, nine in all. Of this nine, the first six had previously been connected with the Church in the States ; the last three were received on examination.
Solomon Montgomery was elected the first Ruling Elder November 13, 1841. In May, 1842, John Snook and wife and Walker Finley were added to the Church. Rev. L. G. Bell, familiarly called " Father Bell," was the first Pastor formally called to assume charge of the Church in October, 1842. He remained with the Church until 1849, on a salary of $150 per year. There is no record of his installment. The first church edifice was a frame, 24x34 feet, built in 1842, by Father Bell, in whom the title remained, and there is no record of its dedication. This building, with a half-story added and otherwise altered, still stands on the corner of Second East and Second North streets, and is occupied by Thomas Cole as a dwelling.
In the fall of 1849, Rev. Robert McGuigan was employed as Pastor half his time.
The first brick church built by this organization was completed, and the first sermon preached by Rev. McGuigan, on the last Sabbath in December, 1849. Rev. S. C. McCune was Pastor from June, 1851, to January 1, 1865. Rev. W. Maynard began his ministrations May 1, 1865, and continued three years. The last Pastor, Rev. Carson Reed, was in charge from the first Sab- bath in December, 1868, until the second Sabbath in October, 1878, when he severed his connection. During Father Bell's pastorate, the accessions to the Church were 34 on examination, and 111 on certificate ; McGuigan, 1 on exam- ination, 5 on certificate ; McCune, 105 on examination, and 182 on certificate ; Maynard, 22 on examination, 58 by certificate ; Reed, 86 on examination, and 132 by certificate.
During the thirty-seven years of its existence, 248 members have been added to the Church on examination, of which number one (Bernard Slagle, now preaching in Indiana) has entered the ministry.
The churches of Libertyville and North Fairfield are offshoots of this Church.
The present beautiful edifice of brick, 50x70 feet, erected at a cost, to date, of $14,000, is not completed in its interior arrangements, but has been occupied since the first Sabbath in November, 1877. The Church debt, amounting to $8,500, remained a cause of anxiety to the congregation, and it was determined to make a united effort to remove it. The Church being without a regular Pastor, the services of Dr. W. G. Craig, of Westminster Church, Keokuk, were secured for Sunday, November 17, 1878. So well was the work con-
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HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
ducted, that the whole amount of indebtedness, and over $500 in excess, was pledged on that day and the Monday following, to the infinite satisfaction of the members of the congregation and the community generally.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
Fairfield, was visited in 1839 by Rev. Reuben Gaylord, a Congregational minis- ter, from Des Moines County, who is entitled to the honor of preaching the first sermon in the new town. In December, of that year, under his direction, a church was organized at the Court House, with twelve members : E. S. Gage, James and Harriet Cole, C. S. and Deborah Waugh, W. P. Charles, R. James, B. Sarah, Louisa, Caroline and David Hitchcock. E. S. Gage was chosen clerk and Treasurer of the Church. Through the influence of Rev. Asa Turner, of Denmark, Lee County, the father of Congregationalism in the West, the new Church secured the services of Rev. Julius A. Reed, who com -. menced his labors November 28, 1840, under the patronage of the Home Mis- sionary Society, the Church, in aid of his support, raising $100 per annum. Mr. J. S. Waugh having presented the Church with a half-lot in Block 16, at a meeting held February 5, 1842, it was decided to erect a temporary house of worship, which was completed the same year at a cost some $300, subscribed by members of the Church and citizens generally. Rev. Mr. Reed continued his labors until August, 1845, when, having been appointed Missionary of the Society in Iowa, he resigned his charge. During the ministry of Rev. Mr. Reed, the Church was presented with a library by Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. Rev. Mr. Reed was succeeded, November 1, 1845, by Rev. W. A. Thompson, of Massachusetts. In December, 1849, the Church purchased Lots 5 and 6, Block 15, for $120, but a new church-building was not erected until 1852.
Rev. Mr. Thompson having accepted a call from the Church at Port Byron, Ill., his connection with the Church was dissolved in the summer of 1850, and in October of that year, a call was extended to Rev. George G. Rice, of Ver- mont, who officiated as Pastor one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Charles H. Gates, of Massachusetts, who began his labors December 7, 1851. The Church regretfully accepted his resignation June 1, 1856.
Rev. R. Wilkinson presided over the Church from July, 1856, until June 1, 1863, when he resigned his charge, and Rev. J. M. Williams was employed, temporarily, as Pastor. At a meeting of the Trustees, March 29, 1864, a call was extended him to become permanent Pastor, and accepted December 2, 1864. Mr. Williams was installed on the 28th of the same month, the Council con- sisting of Rev. Asa Turner, of Denmark; Rev. Daniel Lane, of Eddyville; Rev. Simon Brown, of Ottumwa; Rev. James Kennedy, of Clay ; and Rev. J. W. Picket, of Mount Pleasant.
Rev. Mr. Williams continued as Pastor until the fall of 1866, when his connection with the Church was dissolved at his own request. In the fall of 1866, a call was extended to Rev. E. T. Merrill, of Newton, Jasper County, and accepted.
Mr. Merrill remained with the Church until May 20, 1872, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. C. Compton Burnett, who resigned May 21, 1877. The Church was without a Pastor until May 27, 1878, when Rev. R. M. Thompson assumed charge, but resigned November 6, 1878.
The present membership of the Church is 150, and the average attend- ance at Sabbath school, of which Mrs. Juliet H. Stever is Superintendent, is 104.
486
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Rev. W. A. Thompson, who removed to Port Byron, Ill., in 1850, was, some two years afterward, drowned while crossing a slough near the Mississippi River, and not far from his home. Some weeks afterward, a convention of Congregational ministers was in session at Fort Madison, during which time the body of Mr. Thompson, which could not be found at the time of his death, was discovered floating in the river, brought ashore and identified by his brother ministers, many of whom knew him intimately. The circumstance cast a gloom over the convention, which was perceptible during the remainder of the session.
ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Bishop Jackson Kemper, first missionary Bishop of the Northwest, having jurisdiction over what are now six States, visited Fairfield and held service as early as 1850.
The first regular missionary clergyman was Rev. William Adderly, of Bur- lington, who held monthly service in the third story of the brick building on the east side of the square, owned by Charles Negus.
The first Vestry was elected March 24, 1856, and consisted of the following- named persons : P. L. Huyett, William Dunwoody, Hiram Foster, Henry B. Mitchell and Charles Negus.
On the 26th of March, 1856, the Vestry passed a motion to erect a brick church according to the design of William Bassett.
Rev. P. A. Johnson acted as Rector from 1857 to 1858. Rev. J. Hochaly became Rector in August, 1858, and held that position until March, 1864. The church was just inclosed when he took charge, and had an indebtedness of $600. In the winter of 1858, he went East to solicit funds, and collected about $2,200, of which $2,000 went to pay off the indebtedness and finish the build- ing. The Church being out of debt, it was consecrated June 3, 1860, by the Right Rev. Bishop Henry W. Lee.
Rev. P. I. Labagh became Rector in July, 1865, and continued for two years. He was succeeded by Rev. M. Kemp, who remained until the next year (1868). Rev. W. Y. Johnson became Rector in 1870, and remained until his death. He was succeeded by Rev. F. B. Nash April 2, 1876, for one year. The present Rector in charge is Rev. C. C. Burnett, and the Vestry are George D. Temple, P. I. Labagh, P. H. Howlett, H. B. Mitchell and J. S. Lowell.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
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