USA > Iowa > Lee County > The history of Lee county, Iowa, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 86
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Mr. Swift has proved a valuable acquisition to the community. By his con- sistent Christian character, he has endeared himself to his Church, and, recog- nizing the inevitable advance in religious thought and action, he has acquired the esteem and admiration of the community generally.
672
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY.
DENMARK ACADEMY.
The schools left behind by the pioneers from "Yankee-land " were sadly missed, and at the earliest possible moment it was determined to found an insti- tution which would afford the growing children better advantages than the com- mon schools, then hardly worthy the name, could supply. - It was not until 1842, however, that the establishment of this school became feasible. Messrs. Curtis Shedd, Timothy Fox and Lewis Epps, the proprietors of the town, had donated one-half the lots to the proposed institution, and by special act of the Iowa Territorial Legislature, approved February 3, 1843, Denmark Academy was incorporated. Isaac Field, Reuben Brackett, Oliver Brooks, Hartwell J. Taylorand Asa Turner, Jr., were named in the act as the first Trustees, who were to hold their offices for one year from the first Monday in March following. The object of the act was to establish a "literary institution for the purpose of instructing the youth of both sexes in science and literature."
The town lots donated were designated as part of the stock, and the pro- ceeds arising from their sale was to constitute a permanent fund, the interest only to be used. Other stock was issued in shares of $25 each, which were to be considered as personal property and transferable on the books of the corporation, and the annual income of the institution (not including tuition) was limited to $3,000.
The original Trustees continued to hold office for many years, being re-elected at each annual meeting.
Albert A. Sturgis, of Washington, Iowa, was employed to take charge, and the first session of the Academy was opened in September, 1845, in the Con- gregational Church, which, prior to that time, had been used as a district school- room. The patronage of the school was derived principally from the resi- dents of Denmark and vicinity, and while the number of students was small as compared with its present attendance, the founders were thoroughly sat- isfied with their beginning. Mr. Sturgis continued in charge until the fall of 1848, when he went East, studied theology, entered the ministry, and, soon after, went as a missionary to the Mycronecian Islands, where he still remains.
Mr. Sturgis was succeeded by George W. Drake, and continued at the head of the Academy until July, 1852. In September of the same year, H. K. Edson was placed in charge. Mr. Edson proved a most valuable acquisition, as his continuation to the present time indicates. He has given his entire time to the Academy until the present year, when, at his own request, he was granted leave of absence for one year, and is now traveling and studying in Europe. His wife, who, for many years, presided over the female department, accompanied him.
In 1848, the Trustees decided to erect a building of their own, and a stone edifice was erected, at a cost of some $2,500. Mr. Isaac Field, as the Build- ing Committee, superintended the erection of the building, assorting the stones with his own hands. This building was occupied until the year 1865, when larger facilities were demanded, and the erection of a main building, to which the old one now forms an addition. The new edifice was completed in 1877, costing about $17,000. Messrs. Isaac Field and Curtis Shedd constituted the Building Committee ; but, as in the former case, the larger part of the super- vision devolved upon Mr. Field. The contract for the stone-work was let to Mr. Fry and partner (name forgotten); but the latter backing out, Mr. Fry completed the work, in a most satisfactory manner to the Trustees, although at.
.
673
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY.
a large pecuniary loss to himself. Be it said, however, that having faithfully performed his work, the Trustees did not allow him to suffer, but paid him an excess over the contract price.
After the completion of the new building, the old charter and the stock were surrendered to a Board of fourteen Trustees provided for by the new articles of incorporation filed January 21, 1868, under the general laws of the State. Thirteen of the fourteen Trustees were elected March 2, 1868, as follows : Isaac Field, Oliver Brooks, Lewis Epps, A. M. Fisher, T. S. Taylor, Asa Turner, John Houston, H. K. Edson,' George Shedd, Curtis Shedd, William Brown, Kellogg Day and H. Mills. The Trustees, by the new articles of incorporation, are made sole managers of the Academy, and have power to fill vacancies in their own body.
Denmark Academy has acquired a reputation for thorough training and capable management second to none in the State. The business depression in the country has decreased the attendance, to some extent during the last two years ; but its general advancement in attendance and efficiency has been con- tinuous since its organization. The Academy possesses a good apparatus, cabinet and library.
The teachers in charge, during the present session of 1878-79, are: George W. Brigham, Principal ; Mrs. George W. Brigham, Preceptress ; Rev. D. D. Tibbetts and Miss Anna D. Smith, Assistants, and Miss Helen B. Smith. Teacher of Music.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist Church, of Denmark, was organized November 15, 1848, by a council of ministers, as follows: B. F. Braybrook, Agent of the American Home Mission Society ; H. Burnett, of Mount Pleasant ; Leonard Ilsley, of Farmington ; G. J. Johnson, of Burlington ; W. B. Knapp, of Charleston ; Mr. Weddell, late of Covington ; J. H. Hope, of Keokuk, and Mr. Claypole, of Chillicothe, Ohio.
The principal members uniting with the Church at that time, were David. Terril, Jonathan Swan, William Simmons, Noble Blackington, James A. Shedd, Eliza Stigler, Charlotte Swan and Mary Simmons. Of this number, Mrs. Charlotte Swan and Noble Blackington alone remain.
After the organization of the Church, a site for a building was sought for, but all lots in the village, eligible for such a purpose, being owned by persons having no sympathy with the Church, and who refused to sell, a lot was donated by one of its members, and a small house of worship was erected. A spirit of persecution followed the Church, and for many years the struggle went on, the membership increasing all the time, until the little church became too small, when all went to work with willing hearts and hands to build a more suitable one ; and the spirit of that determination is seen to-day in a church-building as attractive as any in this part of the country.
There have been baptized into the Church, 107 persons: 59 have been received by letter, 29 by experience, being a total of 195; 33 have been excluded, 81 dismissed by letter, 1 dropped, 21 have died, total, 136. The present mem- bership, is 59.
The following have presided over the Church, as Pastors, in the order named : James M. Hope, William A. Wells, - Ormsby, Isaac Leonard, W. A. Eggleston, John Warren, J. M. Coggeshall, J. Lewellyn, W. C. Pratt, E. Anderson, J. Lewellyn, J. W. Hough and Arthur Stott, the present. Pastor.
674
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY.
Between the pastorates of Isaac Leonard and W. A. Eggleston, Rev. Mor- gan Edwards, a descendant of the celebrated Dr. Jonathan Edwards, resided at Denmark for a time, and was a powerful advocate of the Baptist faith. He did much to break down the barrier of opposition, and was instrumental in organizing several other Baptist Churches in the country.
This Church was largely noted for its liberality in raising money for church and benevolent objects, and has sent into the field several faithful workers, who are making good records for themselves.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
The business interests of the village of Denmark may be enumerated as follows :
Three general stores, owned and managed, respectively, by George L. Epps, Blackington & Holland and Day & Ingalls ; two wagon-factories, con- ducted by J. J. Krehbiel & Co. and Hart & Heiser, each with a blacksmith- shop attached ; the Wright Spring Company, manufacturers of wagon springs and seats ; one harness-shop ; one meat market; one shoe-shop ; one livery : one hotel, and a cheese-factory. The last named is an enterprise of such importance that it deserves special notice.
At a very early day, the farmers in the vicinity of Denmark turned their attention to the dairy, and it has proved to be the most profitable branch of their business. Prior to 1875, each farmer manufactured cheese in his own private dairy, but in that year the
DENMARK DAIRY ASSOCIATION
was organized. This is a stock company, with a capital of $3,500. A suitable building was erected, 30x50 feet, two stories in height, the first story being of stone, with the curing department warmed by steam.
C. M. Turner, who formerly managed a factory at Danville, in Des Moines County, was secured as manufacturer, he putting in the machinery, which is of the most improved pattern. The average run, extending from April to December, is three and one-half tons of milk daily, producing about one hun- dred thousand pounds of cheese in the season, which is of a more uniform quality, and brings a better price than that manufactured in private dairies. Farmers within a radius of three or four miles, who have had many years' experience, have, almost to a man, abandoned cheese-making at home, and bring their milk to the factory.
Mr. Turner exhibited cheese from his factory, at the St. Louis Fair, in 1875, 1876 and 1877, taking the first premium of $100 each year.
I. O. O. F.
A Lodge of this Order, known as Rescue Lodge, No. 193, was organized in Denmark, February 22, 1869, with Hiram Andrews, Theodore Pyle, Edwin Conrad, George F. Case, C. E. Mead, R. J. Smith and George L. Epps charter members. C. E. Mead was first N. G., and Theodore Pyle, first Scribe. The Lodge now numbers about thirty-five members, and has a handsomely-furnished room, with a well-appointed library. Dr. A. A. Holland is present N. G., and F. J. Murphy, Scribe.
675
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY.
MONTROSE.
The first settlement at Montrose, after the days of Louis Tesson Honori, was made by Capt. James White, in 1832. He inclosed some six or seven acres, and, from material procured on the island near by, erected a double log cabin near the creek, about thirty rods from the river. When the Gov- ernment selected this point for a military post, in 1834, Capt. White's improvements were purchased and made the nucleus of the barracks erected that year.
After the removal of the troops and the abandonment of the post, in 1837, David W. Kilbourne laid out a town and named it Montrose. Prior to 1834, the place was known as " Cut Nose " village.
Sometime after Kilbourne had laid out his town, the heirs of Thomas F. Riddick brought suit to establish their title to the mile square derived through Tesson Honori, and after it was decided in their favor, the town site was again surveyed and partition made between the heirs.
D. W. & Edward Kilbourne opened the first store in 1839. The build- ing was afterward occupied by Chittenden & McGavic, and still stands, the oldest house in the town. The weather-boarding was of clapboards smoothed with a drawing-knife.
Montrose was incorporated in 1857. At the first election, held June 1, of that year, J. M. Anderson was chosen Mayor; Washington Galland, Recorder, and E. J. Hamlet, Gowen Hamilton, B. F. Anderson and George Purcell were elected Councilmen.
Those who have since filled the Mayor's chair are as follows : 1858, Cyrus Peck; 1859, E. J. Aldrich ; 1860 and 1861. J. Comly; 1862 and 1863, Oliver Dresser; 1864, J. S. Lakin ; 1865, Frederick Hahn; 1866, L. M. Sloanaker : 1867, J. S. Lakin ; 1868 and 1869, S. P. Carter. Carter resigned in August, and D. C. Riddick was elected to the vacancy; 1870, H. A. Winther, who was killed in September, by falling from the roof of the school-building ; D. C. Riddick was elected to fill the unexpired term ; 1871, D. C. Riddick ; 1872, George Purcell ; 1873, J. B. Kiel; 1874, William H. Morrison ; 1875, Robert Allen ; 1876, George Purcell; 1877 and 1878, J. S. Lakin ; 1879, W. T. Wilkinson, the present incumbent.
Prior to the opening of the canal in 1877, Montrose was an important river town, in its being situated at the head of the Rapids, where, except in high water, cargoes were discharged and carried over the rapids by lighters. The. loss from this industry, however, has been more than balanced by the greater attention paid to manufacturing. There is located here a very large saw-mill, owned by Guy Wells, G. B. Felt and D. J. Spaulding, having a cutting capac- ity of over fifty thousand feet of lumber per day. Machinery is attached for cutting shingles, lath, pickets, etc., and connected with the saw-mill is a planing-mill for dressing lumber. This firm employs from fifty to seventy-five hands.
J. A. Smith is proprietor of a mill for the manufacture of heading, staves, boxes, etc., which employs a large number of hands. There is also a flouring- mill for custom work.
The population of Montrose at this time is about one thousand, and being surrounded by a magnificent farming country, and having shipping facilities, both by rail and river, there is no reason why it should not maintain its present important position.
Y
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HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY.
RELIGIOUS INTERESTS-THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
was organized in 1846, by Rev. G. C. Beaman. The original members were Solomon Beckley, wife and two daughters. Mrs. F. Bishop, Mrs. M. La Fevre and Mrs. John Carpenter, all of Montrose ; two men named Boler and Mr. Singly, with their wives living near Charleston, united with the Church at its organization. Mr. Beaman preached until 1854, services being held in the private houses of the members, and the schoolhouse. Rev. E. Holt succeeded him and erected the present church edifice in 1852. The ministerial succession is as follows : Rev. A. Vanstavoren, whose pastorate was ended by his death in 1860; Revs. William Kendrick, Aaron Thompson, Burgess, French, Belville, and G. C. Beaman, who was a second time the Pastor and remained until his death. Rev. J. T. Bliss, the present Pastor, was called three years ago. Rev. Walden- meyer, of Nauvoo, Ill., partially supplied the Church at various times. when the pulpit was vacant. The present eldership is Thos. Sawyer, C. B. Leavenworth and George Curtice. A Sabbath school has been maintained since the organ- ization of the Church, and has now an average attendance of sixty scholars. The Church also supports a mission Sabbath school, which is now in its third year, with an average attendance of seventy scholars, who are taught in the afternoon.
METHODIST CHURCH.
In the year of 1847, Rev. J. T. Coleman preached a few times in Montrose, but it was not until 1850 that a class was formed and Montrose constituted a mission with Rev. D. Crawford in charge. The first official board consisted of G. S. Pendergast, H. Woodruff, R. B. Scott, John Schooley. A. Rucker and E. R. Mahin. In 1851, Montrose circuit included the classes at Charleston. Boston, Ambrosia. Sandusky, Nashville and a class in Jefferson Township. Rev. John Jay was the minister. In 1852, came Rev. John Gilee. The first Quarterly Meeting was held November 1 of this year. In 1858, Rev. F. Evans : 1854, I. P. Teter: 1855, F. Evans; 1856 and 1857, F. Goolman :
1858, - Mulholland. In 1859, the circuit was divided, and Rev. G. St. Clair Hussey was the Montrose Pastor for two years: 1861, M. See; 1862, William Bishop; 1863, William Brown; 1864, P. C. Smith : 1865 and 1866, L. F. C. Garrison : 1867, John Orr : 1868, J. T. Coleman. 1869, Montrose and Farmington circuits were united and Revs. B. A. Wright and J. W. Cheney were assigned to the work ; 1870, B. A. Wright and T. C. Miller; 1871, John Burgess ; 1872 and 1873, William Patterson ; 1874, supplied ; 1875, James Hunter ; 1876, supplied : 1877, Fletcher Robinson ; 1878, supplied.
The present church-building was erected in 1855. Present membership, eighty-five. A Sabbath school is connected with the Church, which is attended by about fifty scholars.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This Church was organized in 1861, by Rev. R. Jope, of Keokuk, with fifteen members. Mr. Jope ministered to the new congregation for about six months, when he was succeeded by Rev. Robert Page, who remained some four years. Rev. James Rambo came next, for two years, and and he, in turn, was succeeded by Rev. James Woodward. Rev. M. W. Darby, the last Rector, a much-loved minister, died in 1878, since which time the pulpit has been vacant. In 1869, the congregation erected a neat church at a cost of $2,000, which is free from debt. The members of the Church number some forty persons, with an average attendance of eighty children at the Sab- bath school.
677
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY.
The Catholic citizens of Montrose and vicinity erected a tasty stone church in 1860, but have no regular priest.
The Re-organized Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints, or, as com- monly known, " Mormons," have also a handsome frame chapel, called "St. Mark's Church."
SCHOOLS.
The public school of Montrose is an institution of which the inhabitants are justly proud. The building, a three-story brick, was erected in 1870, at a cost of $15,000. The school is of a high order, and graded in some four or five departments, with a competent Principal and able assistants. Prof. J. K. Mccullough, of Burlington, has been in charge during the year just closing. About three hundred scholars are in daily attendance.
MASONIC.
Joppa Lodge, No. 136, was organized April 5, 1858, under dispensation granted by Grand Master J. F. Sanford. The first officers were as follows : H. B. Munson, W. M .; Charles Staley, S. W .; W. H. Hasket, J. W .; C. P. O'Neil, Treas .; J. M. Anderson, Sec .; J. M. Hawkins, S. D .; G. W. Tolman, J. D., and Ezra Bishop, Tiler.
The charter of the Lodge, issued by Grand Master J. R. Hartsock, is dated June 9, 1859. Present membership, forty-nine.
Present officers : Thomas Ellis, W. M .; S. A. Carter, S. W .; A. E. Kiel, J. W .; C. M. Horne, Treas .; P. W. Bowen, Sec .; H. Gerboth, S. D .; L. B. Harrison, J. D .; W. Kennedy, S. S .; G. W. Kiel, J. S., and R. Goodnough, Tiler.
Masonic Hall is a neatly-furnished room in a two-story brick building, owned by the Lodge, and situated on the corner of First and Chestnut streets. The Lodge is in good working order, well officered and increasing in num- bers.
Martha Chapter, No. 5, of the Order of the Eastern Star, was organized in 1870, and has some forty members. The officers are: Thomas Ellis, W. P .; Miss Josephine Anderson, Worthy Matron ; Mrs. J. B. Kiel, Associate Matron; Mrs. R. S. Owens, Treas .; Miss I. D. Ellis, Sec .; Mrs. Susan Ellis, Conductress; Mrs. A. Ballou, Associate Conductress.
Meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each month, in Masonic Hall.
The Red-Ribbon Club and a literary society, or debating club, are insti- tutions permanently established in Montrose, well managed, and doing much good to the community.
FRANKLIN CENTRE.
This town was laid out on the 21st of March, 1840, by J. L. Scott and S. C. Reid, appointed by act of the Legislature to locate a county seat of Lee County. The land upon which the town is situated was donated by Johnson Chapman, John Brown and Thomas Douglas. The Court was never removed to Franklin Centre. Other towns had greater influence, and in the war over the question Fort Madison secured the permanent location of the county seat.
The first house in Franklin Centre, was built by Thomas Douglas, in 1859.
The first store was kept by William Tillman, and, after him F. Welge, Arnold, Brown, Walker and Ehinger were the principal merchants. Frank Sala established the first drug store in 1868. Conrad Stein opened the first
678
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY.
stove store. The town had for a time two flouring-mills, the present one. built and operated by Jacob and Adam Weigner, the other in the factory-building run by Trump & Bullinger. The first saw-mill was built by John MeMillan and Jacob Weigner. The first start toward the woolen-factory was made by Henry Wedige and Frederick Lang, who put in operation a carding machine prior to 1865. In that year. Jacob Weigner. George Mehl. Valentine Schwan, F. Welge. Mr. Holdefer and F. Lang formed a stock company under the name of the Franklin Manufacturing Company. This Company manufactured woolen goods until 1872. when it failed, and the mills have since been operated by F. Kreikenbaum. J. Berger and others.
The Baptists began the erection of the first church in 1842. on the north side of the public square. Before it was completed, it was sold to the Moth- odist organization, who finished the house but were unable to maintain it, and it was sold to William Tillman, who occupied it with a stock of goods.
The first church-building proper was erected by the Evangelical congregation in 1856. The first sermon was preached in the new church by Rev. Kroenlein. Mr. John Berger built the stone chapel now occupied by the German Presby- terians, 1862. In 1868. the Mennonites built their fine structure, in which is combined church, schoolhouse and residence of the Pastor.
The Independent school-building of Franklin Centre is a two-story stone with cupola and bell, erected in 1878. It has a seating capacity for 160 children. The school has always been condueted by the best teachers that. could be procured, and is not exceeded in efficiency by any in the county. A literary society has been an attachment for several years, holding reg- ular meetings during the winter months. In addition to the public school. the Evangelical congregation and the Mennonites support denominational schools. It should be here stated. that at the census of 1875, there was not a child in Franklin Township of the age of fourteen years but could read and write.
Franklin Centre was incorporated in 1874. Previous to this. Christian Hirsehler, had made an effort to incorporate the town, but had failed. In the spring of 1874. Louis Heisecke. H. C. Heiser and others called a meeting, and the project was placed properly before the people.
A petition signed by thirty of the most prominent citizens, was presented to the District Court, sitting in Fort Madison, and an election was ordered for the 25th of June following. At this election, thirty-one votes were cast for incorporation and eleven against.
At the first election for town officers. Arthur Graham was chosen Mayor ; John Evman, Recorder : and Louis Heisecke, Frank Wagner. George Vogt, Louis Halfner and Frank Weil. Aldermen.
Franklin Centre is situated on a rich rolling prairie, and is very nearly the geographieal center of the county. It has a large German population, who are industrious and frugal, mostly out of debt, and yearly adding to the surplus laid away for future needs.
CHARLESTON.
in Charleston Township, was laid out by Joseph Hupford, March 5, 1849. It was for many years the point at which county conventions were frequently held, and at one time had aspirations for the county seat, but failed, and is now a quiet country village that has probably seen its best days.
679
HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY.
NASHVILLE,
on the Mississippi River, below Montrose, was laid out by Elias Smith, July 29, 1841, and was incorporated by special act of the Territorial Legislature, but a charter was never adopted.
CROTON.
on the Des Moines River in Van Buren Township, and a station the C., R. I. & P. R. R., was laid out by Lewis Coon, July 3, 1849.
PILOT GROVE,
in Marion Township, was laid out by Wesley Harrison, Stephen Townsend and others, April 16, 1858.
ST. PAUL,
in the same township, was laid out April 30, 1866.
PRIMROSE,
in Harrison Township, was laid out by George W. Perkins, and James II. Washburn, February 28, 1848.
SOUTH FRANKLIN,
on the B. & S. W. R. R., was laid out by Hon. P. Henry Smyth, of Burling- ton, August 22, 1872.
VINCENNES
is a business little village in Des Moines Township, on the C., R. I. & P. R. R.
WEVER
is a station on the C., B. & Q. Railroad, in Green Bay Township. It is built but a short distance from the old town of Jollyville, which it has super- seded. The surrounding country is very fertile and gives Wever a good local trade. It has the usual places of business for a town of 300 inhabitants.
BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY.
ABBREVIATIONS.
agt. .. agent
boarding bdg
.carpenter
carp ..
.. clerk
Co ..
.company or county
mkr. ... maker
P. O Post Office
far ..
.farmer
.grocer
gro.
Iowa Volunteer Artillery I. V. A
st ....
I. V. C.
.Iowa Volunteer Cavalry
I. V. I. Iowa Volunteer Infantry
lab ..
.laborer
KEOKUK CITY.
(P. O. KEOKUK.)
A CKLEY, J. S., carpenter.
ACKERMAN, GEORGE, dealer
in groceries, wood and produce, corner of Tenth and Concert streets ; was born in Fort Madison. Married Miss Mar- garet Gable, of Franklin, this county, in 1875 ; have one child-George Law-
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