USA > Iowa > Jones County > The history of Jones County, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., biographical sketches of citizens history of the Northwest, history of Iowa > Part 51
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The first Board of Trustees were John McKean, Joseph Wood, Albert Higby, B. F. Smith and B. G. Yule, of whom Judge MeKean was elected President and Albert Higby, Secretary, with Joseph Wood, Treasurer. Col. Will- iam T. Shaw had most generously donated to the Church, for its use for building purposes, one-half of a block of lots. The Church at once prepared to erect a building. The contract was let to Messrs. Parsons & Foley, of Anamosa, on July 1, 1878, and the corner-stone laid shortly afterward by the Rev. Daniel Russell. The building was dedicated, free of debt. Nov. 17, 1878, just four months afterward, complete and finished, which speaks well for the contractors, the Church and the generous-hearted citizens who "so liberally aided by their funds and sympathy.
The building is of brick, 28x48 feet, with ornate tower 10x10 feet. on the northeast corner, about sixty feet high. The stone work is of the finest Ana- mosa limestone, with which the building is elegantly trimmed. The style of the architecture is Gothic. The grounds are fenced and ornamented with walks and trees, tastefully arranged under the supervision of Joseph Wood. The bricks were selected by B. F. Smith from his kilns on Strawberry Hill. Col. Shaw aided much by his judgment in building matters.
The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. A. S. Marshall, of Marion, and was an able discourse.
The funds necessary to meet all indebtedness were raised at that time. The Church now seems to be in a fair way to prosper, for which the members and friends of the congregation are grateful, under the able pastoral care of Rev. Daniel Russell.
The Church is the youngest of the sister Churches of Anamosa, and has received much encouragement and sympathy from them in the passing years.
The Sabbath school has been under the superintendency of the following persons : Capt. Francis C. McKean, Dr. Alex. McKean and John McKean, assisted by B. G. Yule. Calvin Hazlett and M. Wood.
Mrs. D. C. Tice, Miss Martha Allen and Miss Gertie Reece have presi led at the organ in church and Sunday school.
No member of this Church, during its existence, has ever been suspended or expelled by the Session.
All who have died, so far as known, have departed in the glorious hope of life and immortality through Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.
Baptist Church .- The Anamosa Baptist Church society was organized June 26, 1858, with seven members, as follows: E. B. Alderman, Lydia .A.
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY.
Alderman, Eliphiet Kimball, Mary E. Kimball, Jane Trester, Mary Baker and Anganet Swazee.
July 31 of the same year, Lavina Burlingham and Anna Saxby were admitted to membership. Rev. N. B. Iloman was the first Pastor.
The whole number received up to September 1, 1879, is 196; number of members at that time, $8.
In 1868. the society erected a good and substantial church edifice, situated on Garnavillo street. north of Main. The dedicatory services were on Sunday. the 1st of March of the year 1868. The cost of the building together with the lot, was $5,725, and remaining unpaid at the time of dedication, 82,155.15.
The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. N. F. Ravlin, of Chicago, services being held morning and evening. The total amount subscribed during the two services was 82,547. the whole amount of the debt, leaving a balance to the credit of the society.
The Rev. L. T. Bush is now supplying the pulpit with a view to locate as Pastor of the church.
Present officers : H. M. Remley, Clerk ; I. H. Brasted, Treasurer ; Trustees : H. W. Sigworth, John Rhodes and W. D. Litzenberg; Deacons, C. W. Coe and John Stewart.
In May, 1867. this society organized a Sabbath school, and E. B. Alder- man was elected Superintendent, and served in that capacity for three years. II. M. Remley was next elected, and served three years. C. W. Coe was next elected, and served three years. H. M. Remley was next elected, and served three years. John Stewart was elected in 1879, and is the present incumbent of the office. There are fourteen officers and teachers, and an enrollment of seventy-six scholars. Contributions for the last year, 858.80. The school is in a flourishing condition.
FIRST BURIAL IN THE ANAMOSA CEMETERY.
1 The first person buried in what is now the Anamosa Cemetery, was a child of Jolin Leonard. . Leonard's home was at Fairview, but he was working for some person in Anamosa (then Lexington), and his family was with him. His child died, and as there was no regular burying-ground, those who had pre- viously died were buried on the hillside back of what is now the dwelling of Matthews & Son, and back of the Midland Railroad track. The child was buried on the hill, and among the few scattered trees overlooking the Wapsie. All who died here in the years that followed were buried on the same hill, and. finally, in the year 1854 or 1855, the ground. which was the property of Mr. G. H. Ford, was laid out into burial lots. The ground, as stated elsewhere, was purchased by the Anamosa Cemetery Association.
ANAMOSA CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
Pursuant to adjournment, the citizens of Anamosa convened at the Metho- dist Church on the evening of the 11th of May. 1863, for the purpose of com- pleting the above organization, G. W. Field, Esq., in the chair. C. R. Scott was made Secretary of the meeting.
The Committee appointed at a previous meeting to draft Articles of Incorpo- ration, made a report through W. G. Hammond. Esq., Chairman of the Com- mittee, which report was received and the Committee discharged. The Articles of Incorporation were, on motion, adopted seriatim, and signed by E. B.
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY.
Alderman, J. E. Friend. A. Spalding, D. Kinert, S. G. Matson, J. J. Dickin- son, George W. Field. W. G. Hammond, HI. L. Palmer, S. A. Pope, Jacob Gerber and C. R. Scott as corporators.
The Committee appointed on Cemetery Grounds, through J. J. Dickinson, Esq., reported progress, and the Committee continued under former instructions.
On motion. the Association proceeded to elect nine Trustees for the ensu- ing year. E. B. Alderman, W. G. Hammond. Alonzo Spalding, J. J. Dick- inson, Israel Fisher, G. P. Dietz, J. E. Friend, C. R. Scott and G. W. Field were duly elected Trustees of the corporation.
G. W. Field, W. G. Hammond and C. R. Scott were appointed to draft by-laws for the government of the corporation.
The Secretary and Treasurer were instructed to open books for sub- scriptions.
The Association adjourned to meet again in one week.
On the 12th of May, 1863, Articles of Incorporation were filed for record with the Recorder of Jones County, Iowa, at 12 o'clock, M., and recorded in Book 22 of Deeds, Page 123.
Various propositions were received at different times for the sale of land to the Association, but no purchase was made until the 11th of May, 1864, when the grounds known as the " old cemetery " were purchased from G. H. Ford, together with adjacent grounds, embracing in all about fifteen acres, situated west of the city, on an elevated portion of ground at the junction of Buffalo Creek with the Wapsipinicon River. The situation is decidedly beautiful and romantic. The purchase was made on three, six and nine years' time, at 8 per cent, and the Association was made ready to make sales of the laid-ont lots, and soon entered upon the work of laying out and improving the cemetery.
In 1869, under the personal supervision of Mr. J. H. Fisher, the whole ground was inclosed with a strong, pine board fence, and a roadway thirty feet wide cut around, inside the fence. On the east side, a strip of ground some thirty feet wide and two hundred long, leading to the cemetery grounds proper, was inclosed in the same substantial fence, and at the entrance-way was made a handsome double gate, twelve feet wide. These gates are hinged to massive pillars, and are kept locked. The pillars are octagons, some thirty inches in diameter, eighteen feet high, and are connected at the top with a broad and tasty arch, supported on neat brackets. and faced with the inscription, " Ana- mosa Cemetery," in raised block letters. The whole is neatly painted. and presents a pleasing appearance. At the right of the gate as we approach, there are flights of steps on either side of the fence, for the convenience of pedes- trians. The whole expense, up to that time. for fencing, grading, etc., was 8517. Of this amount, the Association paid $43.50 : collected by subscrip- tions, $373.50; appropriated by the Town Council, 8100; total, 8517.
Since that time, the Association has, from time to time. made various improvements, and the city of Anamosa thereby has a most delightful spot for a burying-ground.
The present officers of the Association are: Directors, Messrs. Needhain, Foxall, Schoonover, Heitchen. Shaw, Harvey, Peet and Newman ; W. T. Shaw, President ; A. Heitchen. Secretary ; L. Schoonover, Treasurer, and George Bemrose, Sexton.
ST. PATRICK'S LITERARY AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
The above organization was chartered under the corporation laws of the State, on the 2d of March, 1861. A meeting for the purpose of organizing the
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. HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY.
Society was held some time previous, and Timothy Flaherty and Thomas Foarde- were appointed a Committee to provide a Constitution and By-Laws for the gov- ernment of the Society. The report of the Committee was made and adopted. in due course of time.
The following is the preamble of the Constitution, and it gives expression to the objects of the association :
"Deeply impressed with the necessity of making provisions against the mis- fortunes and calamities to which the mutability of everything earthly renders us liable, we conceive it a duty measurably incumbent upon us, to form our- selves into an association for the purpose of ameliorating-so far as it is in the power of benevolence-the calamities by which we may be overtaken. Implor- ing the aid of Divine Providence to direct and guide us in our undertaking. we do hereby unite and associate. for the purpose of affording each other mutual assistance in the hour of adversity, of disease and of death. To accomplish the above design with order and regularity, we submit the following Constitu- tion and By-Laws for our regulation and government."
The Constitution provides that the society shall be known as the " St. Patrick's Literary and Benevolent Society," and that the members shall be prac- tical Catholics only. The officers of the Society are a President, Vice President. Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, two Stewards and a Door- keeper, who are annually elected by ballot, at the stated meeting in March.
The present officers of the Society are: Richard Welsh, President : M. McKeone, Secretary ; John McManns, Treasurer ; Timothy Flaherty, Corres- ponding Secretary and Librarian.
The Society bas a circulating library of about eight hundred volumes, many of them good standard works.
The best of harmony prevails among the members, and the Society is in a prosperous condition.
WESTERN SICK BENEFIT ASSOCIATION.
This Association was incorporated July 7, 1879, by B. F. Shaw, J. C. Dietz. T. W. Shapley and G. D. Mckay. Its place of business is Anamosa, Iowa. Its purpose is to afford insurance upon the mutual plan, against disability by sickness or accident. No sickness or disability of less than one week receives any indemnity. No policy-holder receives pay for more than twelve consecu- tive weeks of sickness during one year. All policy-holders are divided into three classes, A, B, and C. The first class carry an insurance of 820 per week. the second of $10, the third of 85. The cost of insurance for the first year in each of these classes is 820.50, 810.50 and 86.50, respectively. After the first year, assessments are made in case of each loss.
The plan of organization of the Association is to establish a division in all places where sufficient members reside to form a division. Each division shall choose five of their number as an Executive Committee, whose business it shall be to examine applications for insurance, decide upon cases of loss where doubt exists, and look after the division in their charge. Any male person between the ages of fifteen and fifty-five. who can present from a regular physician a certificate of perfect health may become a member. The Association has been organized but six weeks at this writing. It has met with one small loss. Divi- sions are about to be established at Davenport, Quincy. Keokuk and Burlington. The officers are : B. F. Shaw, President ; J. C. Dietz, Vice President ; T. W. Shapley, Treasurer ; G. D. Mckay, Secretary ; M. L. Ross, Medical Director.
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY.
ANAMOSA SCIENTIFIC ASSOCIATION.
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A society denominated the " Anamosa Scientific Association." was organ- ized in the fall of 1878, and conducted with success during the winter and spring months of 1878-79, and bids fair to become a permanent organization. It was organized by the election of Dr. J. R. McLean, President, and Dr. A. V. Eaton, Vice President and Secretary. These two gentlemen, with the addi- tion of Dr. E. W. Gawley, constitute an Executive Committee to supervise the conduct of the Association.
The following are some of the subjects treated upon during the winter : Two evenings were devoted to Geology, under the leadership of Dr. A. V. Eaton ; two evenings to Fish Culture and its History, by Hon. B. F. Shaw ; one evening each to the Eye and Ear, by Dr. J. R. McLean : one to Chemistry, by Dr. E. W. Gawley ; one evening to the subject of Diphtheria, by Dr. E. Blakslee and others ; one evening on the subject of Hygiene, by Dr. S. G. Matson ; two evenings on Heat and Ventilation, by Judge J. S. Stacy ; Pho- tography was treated of by Mr. Miller, and other topics were treated upon, proving both entertaining and profitable.
Organizations of this character certainly ought to receive encouragement, as they furnish a means of disseminating useful knowledge. The " Inductive Philosophy" of Bacon is as true in the nineteenth century as it was in the sixteenth, and thought and investigation is the spirit of the age, and the man who does neither is not a proper factor in the nineteenth century.
ANAMOSA ART ASSOCIATION.
An Art Association was organized on the Sth of January, 1877, with the following officers and members: C. E. Littlefield, President; Mrs. J. S. Stacy, Vice President ; Miss Zcolia Harmon, Secretary ; Mrs. D. McCarn, Treasurer. Members-Nellie Fowler, Nellie Clancy, Belle Prouse, Mrs. C. A. Lee, Burritt Needham.
The object of the Association, as stated in the Constitution, is mutual aid in the study of art and aesthetic culture, the collection of art literature and such works of art or studies as might be deemed necessary for the progress of the society. The society has held its organization, but not in an active con- dition, the members pursuing their studies individually.
The first collection of pictures was made the last of August, 1879. con- sisting of over 200 paintings and drawings. Mrs. D. McCarn, 23; Mrs. C. A. Lee, 21; Mrs. J. S. Staey, 14: Mrs. Nellie Gawley, 5; Burritt Needham, 6: Miss Belle Prouse, 2; C. E. Littlefield, 8; Miss Tirza Holt, 13; Miss M. Blakeslee, 2: Miss Lou Shaw, 15; Miss Nellie Clancy, 5: Miss Olive Shaw. 8.
A number of paintings and drawings were not catalogued.
At the request of the officers of the county fair at Monticello. and several of the citizens of Anamosa, a collection of 130 of the pictures was exhibited at the fair in September, 1879.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Anamosa Lodge, No. 46, A .. F. S. A. M .- This Lodge was instituted under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the State of Iowa. in the month of June, 1854. and, with the exception of Anamosa Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O.
H
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY.
F., is the oldest secret society at the county seat. The dispensation was granted to E. H. Warren, Calvin Snow, A. J. Lewellen and others, and they were appointed to the offices W. M., S. W. and J. W. respectively, until a charter should be obtained and officers eleeted in dne form.
The charter was obtained, and on the 28th of July in the same year, the following officers were duly elected : E. H. Warren, W. M .; A. J. Lewellen, S. W .; J. H. Fisher, J. W. ; N. W. Stockhouse, Treasurer ; W. W. Wilson, Secretary.
The following were the appointed officers: Calvin Snow, S. D. ; G. W. Fisher, J. D. ; R. F. Ringer, Tiler; W. Burley and O. Cronkhite, Stewards. There are at present ninety members.
There have been ten deaths: 1. B. Cummings, S. S. McDaniel, F. C. McKean, E. D. Rosa, Chauncey French, E. II. Warren, George B. Gavitt, David Stewart, N. H. Wood and J. H. Strode.
The following are the present officers : Robert Dott, W. M. ; E. J. Wood. S. W .; J. B. McQueen, J. W. ; L. Schoonover, Treasurer ; T. R. Ercan- brack, Secretary ; J. Ileacock, S. D .; James Lister, J. D. ; Mark Pell. Tiler; Mark Wetherell and H. Hollenbeck, Stewards.
Royal Arch Masons, Mount Sinai Chapter, No. 66 .- The idea of estab- lishing a Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons at Anamosa was first broached in the early part of the year 1872, and soon a petition was sent to the Grand High Priest for a dispensation, which was granted, and, on June 4 of that year, the Chapter was instituted. The charter members, numbering thirty-six, were as follows : T. R. Ercanbrack, J. D. Walworth, J. S. Belknap, Oscar Sherman, E. B. Alderman, R. McDaniel, L. Schoonover, Robert Dott, T. W. Shapley, William Lease, J. C. Dietz, John Wilson, Noah Hutchins, D. Stew- art, W. C. Hodgins, C. French, E. Blakeslee, J. M. Canfield, G. B. Gavitt, S. C. Hall, W. W. Hollenbeck, F. E. Keyser, D. A. Peet, Charles Lewis, C. H. Lull, J. B. MeQueen, F. C. McKean, John MeKean, Alex. McKean, L. B. Parsons, J. A. Palmer, D. J. Stewart, F. H. Thompson, Wolfe Vehon, E. J. Wood and J. H. Williams.
The first officers of the Chapter were as follows : T. R. Ercanbrack, High Priest ; E. B. Aldermaa. King ; R. MeDaniel, Scribe ; L. Schoonover, C. Il .; Robert Dott, P. S .; T. W. Shapley, R. A. C .; William Lease, G. M. Third V .; J. C. Dietz, G. M. Second V .; D. Stewart, G. M. First V., and Noah Hutchins, Sentinel.
The present officers are : T. R. Ercanbrack, High Priest ; E. J. Wood, King ; C. H. Lull, Seribe ; D. A. Peet, Treasurer ; J. H. Chapman, Secre- tary ; L. Schoonover, C. II .; Robert Dott, P. S .; T. W. Shapley, R. A. C .; J. B. MeQueen, G. M. Third V .; A. A. M. Frost, G. M. Second V .; James Lister, G. M. First V .; Mark Pell, Sentinel.
The representatives to the Grand Chapter have been T. R. Ercanbrack, E. B. Alderman, C. H. Lull and E. J. Wood.
Death has visited the Chapter bnt three times in the eight years of its existence. Those who have gone to take their degrees in a higher Lodge are David Stewart, C. French and G. B. Gavitt, and the loss has been felt quite severely, as they were among the best workers of the Chapter.
The total membership at this time ( August, 1879,) is forty-three. Since its institution, but eighteen have been admitted. Eight have been dimitted, and have joined some other Chapter.'s
Mount Olive Commandery, Knights Templar (U. D) .- Several of the members of Mount Sinai Chapter, No. 66, feeling that they wished to be
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY.
further advanced in the mysteries of masonry, resolved to establish a Command- ery, and accordingly made application to the Grand Commander of the Grand Coinmandery, State of Iowa, for a dispensation. which was granted them on May 31, 1879. and the following members were initiated and occupy the vari- ous offices of the Commandery in the order named : T. R. Ercanbrack, A. E. Martin, C. H. Lull. D. A. Peet, Lew Kinsey. L. Schoonover, T. W. Shap- ley, J. C. Dietz, E. J. Wood, John MeKean, H. W. Sigworth, E. B. Alder- man, E. Blakeslee.
The Commandery is now getting into working order, and has everything in readiness for its work, and the indications are for one of the most prosperous commanderies in the State.
Anamosa Lodge, No. 40, I. O. O. F .- This Lodge is one of the oldest in this part of the State, and was instituted July 6, 1852. The charter members were : B. Beach, Pratt R. Skinner, S. J. Dunham, J. S. Dimmitt, J. W. Singer, Joseph Mann and H. C. Metcalf. The charter members now living are Joseph Mann, Pratt R. Skinner and II. C. Metcalf. The latter is still a member of Anamosa Lodge. There are seventy-one members at the present time, and the Lodge has initiated 237 persons since it was organized.
The first officers were: John S. Dimmitt, N. G. ; Benj. Beach, V. G .; Pratt R. Skinner, Secretary ; J. W. Singer, Treasurer.
The present officers are : Garrett Slingerland. N. G .: A. L. Eager, V. G .: John Moreland, R. S .; W. C. Monroe, P. S .; A. Heitehen, Treasurer ; Samuel Tueker, W .; John Foxall, C .; W. H. Symons, R. S. N. G .; D. M. Griffith, L. S. N. G .; L. B. Peck, O. G .: Frank Chapman, I. G .; J. P. Seroggs, R. S. S .; H. H. Monroe, L. S. S .; W. H. Ostrander, R. S. V. G .; R. J. Kelsey, L. S. V. G.
The Lodge owns its hall, which is well furnished, and there is a fund of 81,500 at interest. The opportunities for benevolent purposes have been fre- quent, and the Lodge has always responded liberally. Her donation for out- side public charities has averaged $50 per year, while the amount paid for the relief of those who were members has been much larger; in one instance, 859 were paid for the care of a brother in a single week. During the rebellion, much aid was extended to the families rendered indigent by the war. The members speak of the history of the Lodge with a degree of pride, and its long and continued prosperity is a just reason therefor.
McDaniel Encampment, I. O. O. F .- The Encampment was instituted March 6, 1866, with eleven charter members. The number of members at present is forty-five. The present officers are: Garrett Slingerland, C. P. ; John Foxall, S. W. : L. C. Aldrich, H. P. : C. S. Cooper, J. W .; W. C. Monroe, Seribe ; S. Needham. Treasurer ; William Dickerson. S. ; E. M. Har- vey, G. ; J. B. MeQueen, First W. ; Samuel Tucker, Second W. ; W. L. Storey, Third W. ; Le B. Peck, Fourth W.
Stella Lodge, No. 223, I. O. O. F .- In 1871, Anamosa Lodge, No. 40, had grown to considerable proportions, and some of the members regarded the- idea of another Lodge with favor, as such a large body could not get along as well as a smaller and more compact organization. With this feeling, they took their cards from the old Lodge, and applied for a dispensation, which was granted and charter issued. The Seeretary's book, under date of May 1, 1871, says : " At the first stated meeting of Stella Lodge, held at their lodge-room in Ana- Inosa, Iowa, the Lodge was called to order by D. D. G. M. George W. Condon. who duly installed said Stella Lodge, No. 223, I. O. O. F., pursuant to the laws and usages of the Order, with the following named brothers as charter members=
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HISTORY OF JONES COUNTY.
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. J. C. Dietz, R. McDaniel, J. B. McQueen, D. J. Bissell, HI. O. Brown, Charles Lewis. James D. Perfect, John MeKean. John T. Rigby, W. J. Sloan and A. S. Atkinson. After which, the following named officers were elected and installed : Noble Grand, J. C. Dietz ; Vice Grand, D. J. Bissell ; Secretary, R. MeDaniel: Treasurer, J. S. Perfect." The Lodge immediately began work, and soon a fine organization was the result. Regalia and lodge-room furniture were purchased. and a neat lodge-room fitted up. The organization was always in a flourish- ing condition financially and otherwise; and, at the time of the Chicago fire. while many older Lodges sent small contributions, or none at all, this Lodge forwarded 860.20 to the sufferers. Of all the deeds of charity done by this Lodge, we cannot speak, but the records show many. How money was loaned to members who were in need of help (in many instances without interest), is all spread upon the records, and much honor is due the members for their prompt responses to calls for help.
In 1877, the hall occupied by Stella Lodge, became too small for their needs. and, under date of November 20, 1877, we find upon the Secretary's book this motion : " Moved and carried that a committee of three be appointed to make some arrangements, or see what can be done in regard to renting or purchasing a lodge-room for the Lodge." From subsequent records, it appears that this committee did its work well, and it was acceptable to the society, as appears from the following, which is among the records of January 1, 1878: " Movel and carried, that the Trustees of this Lodge be requested to sign the notes and other papers necessary for the purchase of a hall (known as Eureka Hall) from W. T. Shaw." The hall was then unfinished, and considerable time elapsed before it was finished in a condition to be occupied ; but, finally, everything was in readiness, and on the 1st of May, 1878, Stella Lodge was the proud possessor of as fine a lodge-room as was to be found in this section of Iowa. The total cost of hall and furnishings was nearly $1,500.
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