The pioneer history of Pocahontas County, Iowa, from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time, Part 66

Author: Flickinger, Robert Elliott, b. 1846
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Fonda, Iowa, G. Sanborn
Number of Pages: 1058

USA > Iowa > Pocahontas County > The pioneer history of Pocahontas County, Iowa, from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 66

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PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, ROLFE. BUILT 1890,

'95 97; W. P. Wheeler, '96-1900; A. B. Emery, '90-93; J. M. Humphrey, '94 Symes, '98-1900. In 1889, the board T. J. Loar, '95; A. T. Rutledge, 96- was increased from three to six mem- 1900. bers, and in 1900 it consisted of W. W. The assistant teachers have been, Beam, M. D., Pres .; M. C. Brown, J. Roy Wilkinson, '84; Jennie Charlton, B. Kent, A. B. Symes and Michael '85; Ida Charlton, '85-87; Jennie Bod-

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PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

enham, '87-90; Mabel Lucas, '89; Mrs. four grades of one year each-the 9th, J. H. Campbell, '90; May Palmer, '90- 10th, 11th and 12th. The school year '91; Anna Grove, Francis Beam, '90- is thirty-six weeks and the present 91; Lillie Gordon, '92; Grace McMar- enrollment of pupils is 316, who are tin, '92-93; Mrs. Lucy Messenger, '93; cared for by a faculty of eight in- Mary Woodward, '94; Hortense Rat- structors. The rules provide for the cliffe, '94-98, 1900; Nellie Connor, '94; suspension of any pupil who is absent Mrs. B. Montgomery, Bertha James, more than six half-days in any four Mrs. M. Barnes, '95-96; Mamie Baxter, consecutive weeks, unless detained by '95-96; Alice Sherman, '95-97; C. G. sickness or some urgent cause; also for Wilcox, '96; F. L. Cassidy, '97-98; Em- using tobacco in any form or profane ma Sirene, '97; Mrs. May Rich, '97- or improper language on the school- 1900; Mrs. Rose Crow, '98-1900; Mrs. grounds. Prof. A. T. Rutledge is now Gelia Rutlidge, '95-98; Lucetta Arm- serving his fifth year as principal and strong, '98; Lillian Porterfield, '99- the efficient work done in their public 1900; Julia Sinnett, '99-1900; Jennie schools is a source of pride to the peo- Beam, '99; Viola Quint, Sybil Spencer ple of Rolfe.

and Mrs. G. A. Bickell.

GRADUATES.

In November, 1900, Mr. G. W. Schee, of Primghar, a liberal friend of edu-

In 1897, Grace Grove, Nellie Grant, cation, offered the people of Rolfe Alfred Ireland, Benjamin Sherman, $100.00 if they would raise $250.00 William Ratcliff, Lyle Burgess-6.

In 1898, Lottie Fisher, Jennie Rob- erts, Sue Hayward, Celia Hanlon, Ver- With the approval of the board of ed- die Fouch, Pearl Smith, Arthur Par- ucation, Prof. A. T. Rutledge began vin, Fred Sherman-8.

In 1899, Bertha Williams, Wm. Wil- responded liberally and in a few days cox, Hugh Beam, Oscar Everson-4.

In 1900, Mary Strong, Mabel Rogers, library, costing $350.00 and obtained Litta Ireland, Lulu Perigal, Lizzie before Christmas, 1900, forms a valu- Nelson, Anna Tilley, Harris Thom- able literary equipment for the Rolfe as-7. Total, 25.

schools. These books were bought for

Two teachers were employed at the use and pupils may take them to their time the independent district was or- homes, but if they are not returned ganized. The third school was added in good condition they will be charged in 1889. On March 31, 1890, by a vote to the head of the family. They are of 54 to 2, it was decided to erect a under the care of the school board new and brick building for which the and it is its duty to check them up site was purchased of A. O. Garlock, once a year.

May 17, 1890. The new two-story brick building containing four rooms

PUBLIC SPIRIT.

The public spirit of the citizens of was erected by T. H. Connor, con- Rolfe has been manifested in various tractor, for $7,973.00. In 1898 a two- ways and on every occasion that has story addition containing four more called for its expression. One of the rooms, was added. This is now the most liberal and commendable in- largest and one of the finest school stances of its expression was in the buildings in the county.

spring of 1891, when Messrs. W. D.

The course of instruction embraces McEwen, A. O. Garlock and C. A. five departments-first and second Grant, proprietors of the Savings primary, intermediate, grammar and Bank, took the lead in making to the high school. The high school includes Presbytery of Fort Dodge, in behalf

more, for the purpose of putting a good library in the Rolfe high school,

the work of solicitation, the people the required amount was raised. This

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CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

of the citizens of Rolfe, an offer of a all the improvements they had made. beautiful site of nine acres of land, They then deeded this entire tract of upon an elevation north and west of land to the town of Rolfe for a public the junction of the two railroads, and park. $12,000 additional, making a gift of

That which Warrick Price did for $15,000, in the event the Collegiate Pocahontas when he platted that vil- Institute, then located in inadequate lage in 1870, making it the first and buildings and grounds at Fort Dodge, for twentyeight years the only one in should be moved to Rolfe. This lib- Pocahontas county having a beautiful, eral offer was a genuine surprise to shady park, has now been done for the citizens of Fort Dodge, was great- Rolfe by those who platted the town ly appreciated by the Presbytery and in 1881. The greater size and value of proved an effective stimulus to the the gift is suggestive of the real and larger town of Storm Lake, that se- personal interest of the donors in the cured it, to offer still greater induce- present and future happiness and wel- ments for that institution now known fare of the people of Rolfe. This as Buena Vista College.

ROLFE'S PUBLIC PARK.

park, in a few years, when it has been laid out, improved and planted with

Soon after the town of Rolfe was trees, will become a very beautiful founded, some thoughtful and ob- place; and the interest of the people serving citizens expressed regret that in it will increase with the progress a public square or park had not been of the years.

left in the center of it for the pleas- urable and healthful enjoyment of the

GOOD ROAD'S MOVEMENT.

In the fall of 1898, when opportuni- people. In February, 1898, this ex- ties for employment were scarce and pression of desire for a park was more workmen plenty, under the leadership munificently met by Wm D. Mc- of Col. John B. Kent, $650.00 were Ewen, Esq., and Hon. A. O. Garlock pledged by the citizens and business than others had previously anticipa- firms of Rolfe for the purpose of grad- ted; they tendered and the city council ing and hauling gravel on the streets accepted from them the valuable tract and highways within the incorpora- of land containing forty acres, lo- tion. On Nov. 10th the matter was cated within the corporate limits and laid before the town council and it known during the previous ten years further encouraged this movement as the Rolfe Driving Park.

by providing that an amount from

About the year 1888, this land was the general fund, not exceeding $650, sold to the Rolfe Driving Park Asso- should be added to the amount volun- ciation for a fair ground and race tarily contributed by the citizens. course. No money, however, except As a result, over $1200 were expended the annual interest, was ever paid on for the permanent improvement of the contract, for although yearly the streets and highways in Rolfe meetings were held for races they al- and vicinity. The committee having most invariably proved a source of the matter in charge purchased two financial loss to the stockholders. gravel pits in the neighborhood for a After ten years of unsatisfactory ex- small sum so that almost the whole perience and greatly to the relief of amount contributed was expended the stockholders, the original owners merely for labor. A number of farm- volunteered to take back the land, re- ers contributed liberally to the fund turning to the stockholders all the in- and during that winter the four prin- terest they had paid on their con- cipal roads leading into Rolfe, as well tract and remunerating them also for as its streets, were thoroughly worked.

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PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

graded and graveled. When spring hitherto has been directed chiefly to came and the roads leading into neigh- grading the low places while the knolls boring towns were impassable because have been left comparatively undis- of the mud, the four main roads lead- turbed. The time has now come when ing into Rolfe were dry and hard. The the knolls should be removed as far as permanent value of this public spirited possible and the grades graveled. In improvement is perceived when it is many instances the removal of the known that the gravel was put eigh- knolls will furnish considerable gravel teen inches deep on the grades.

for the grades. Those supervisors will be remembered as public benefactors

Every feature of this movement was one of real and substantial benefit to who shall now expend the greater the people of Rolfe and vicinity. The part of one year's tax in removing the laboring men who performed the work, knolls on the highways, in their re- in less than sixty days, by the pay- spective districts, that lead to town. ment of their bills for groceries, etc., FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ROLFE. brought back to the donors the money In 1882 John Lee established the Bank of Rolfe, the first one of the town, and maintained it alone seven trade, the farmers coming to town in years. On Jan. 1, 1889 Samuel S. Reed they had contributed. The merchants of the city realized an increase of the family carriage, or with wagons bought a one third interest in it and became its cashier. On March 3, 1893, it was sold to Farmer, Thompson & Helsell, of Sioux Rapids, who con- heavily laden with the products of the soil, experienced a grateful relief from the former bad roads, and the town received commendatory congratula- tinued it as a private bank until May tions from the public press of the 14, 1894, when, with a paid up capital State that were greatly enjoyed by all. of $50,000 it was organized as the First

In 1899 crude oil was used on some National Bank of Rolfe, J. P. Farmer, roads at Keokuk and some of the sub- President; J. H. Charlton, V. P .; J. urban streets of Des Moines as a W. Warren, cashier and S. S. Reed, sprinkler for settling the dust and assistant. When J. W. Warren died, making the surface of the unpaved Jan. 27, 1896, S. S. Reed became cash- dirt roads less liable to washing. Crude oil settles the dust and makes such a coating that the rain does not 1900 were J. P. Farmer and F. H. wash away even the finest dust.

ier, J. K. Lemon, assistant and Clark Brower, clerk. The directors in Helsell, of Sioux Rapids, J. H. Charl- ton W. W. Beam, M. D., Thomas Ro-

mail delivery means better roads in gers and S. S. Reed, Rolfe.

The new departure of free rural the rural districts. The successful pends on having long routes, over

The citizens of Rolfe who are now delivery of mail in the country de- identified with this bank are well known as among the most enterpris- which the carriers can pass at all sea- ing, successful and substantial in that sons of the year, delivering and col- community.

lecting enough mail to obtain sufficient

J. P. Farmer, O. P. Thompson and revenue to cover the cost of the serv- F. H. Helsell in 1882 established the ice. Other States in the Union are Bank of Sioux Rapids. During the moving not only for good roads but for next eighteen years they extended the rural free delivery. The farmers of field of their operations from time to Iowa, the State having the greatest time and from town to town until and most varied natural resources, they have become one of the strong- should endeavor to have the best foads est and most widely known banking possible: In this county the attention firms in northwestern Iowa. They

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CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

own all the stock in the bank of Siouxs for several years previous to June 1, Rapids, where their general office is 1900.

located, in the Bank of Havelock and Greenville; and a controlling interest in the First National Banks of Rolfe and Laurens, and of other banks loca- ted at Marathon, Peterson and Spen- cer. The rapid expansion and growth of their business suggests that they are men of sound financial standing and have a talent for business. In each of the communities where they are doing business their banks are managed by courteous and popular officials and the banking interests of the people are well served.

STATE SAVINGS BANK OF ROLFE.

On March 1, 1886, the Exchange Bank of Rolfe was established by Wm. D. McEwen, Pres ; A. O. Gar- lock, V. P., and C. A. Grant, cashier. In 1892 it was reorganized as the State Savings Bank of Rolfe, with a paid up capital of $30,000 under the same of- ficers. The officers since June 1, 1900 are Wm. D. McEwen, President; A. O. Garlock, V. P .; S. H. Kerr, Cashier and Charles E. Fraser, assistant cash- ier; and the directors are W. D. Mc- Ewen, A. O. Garlock, C. A. Grant, A. V. Grant, J. M. McEwen and M. E. Kerr.

C. A. Grant, who had the special dered long periods of efficient and im- charge of this bank during the first portant public service. They have achieved an eminent degree of suc- cess in their business enterprises and three years of its history, continued as its cashier until June 1, 1900, a period of fourteen years. He began its busi- have become equally prominent for ness with a deposit of $2,300. On the the liberality of their responses to the first day no drafts were sold and the calls of charity, benevolence, patriot- business transacted consisted in tak- ism and philanthropy.

ing a note for a small loan and receiv-

The establishment of this bank was one of the natural outgrowths of a bond of mutual co-operation that has existed between Wm. D. McEwen and A. O. Garlock during the last twenty-four years. In 1876, when the county seat was moved and they were filling the offices of county treasurer and auditor, respectively, they bought three lots at Pocahontas, erected a large house and occupied it together thirteen years, or until 1889 when the latter moved to Rolfe. In 1881 they became leading partners in the North- western Town Lot Co. that platted the town of Rolfe. In 1883 they erected a stone building and establish- ed the Pocahontas Savings Bank, the pioneer bank at Pocahontas. Mr Garlock, as cashier, managed its af- fairs while Mr. McEwen continued to perform the duties of county treasur- er. In 1886 they established the Ex- change Bank of Rolfe under the man- agement of C. A. Grant, cashier, and in 1891 the Savings Bank of Plover, the latter under the management of W. S. McEwen, cashier. Both of these men were among the sturdy pioneers who settled in this county during the sixties and they have ren-

The stock of these three banks es- ing $303 from three depositors. On tablished by them is all owned by the the last day he rendered service the directors that have been named, and deposits amounted to $112,000 and the they need no introduction or words of general footings were the highest in commendation to the citizens of Po- its history. He still retains his inter- cahontas county, who, among other things, have learned the propriety of patronizing their own home insti- tutions. In 1892 all of these banks were reorganized, and among the changes made at that time was the est in the bank, but gives his special attention to another important busi- ness enterprise. C. H. Tollefsrude was the assistant cashier of this bank

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PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

enlargement of the one at Rolfe to church and are now served by Rev. O. the State Savings Bank, the spacious Halgrims, of Thor, have arranged offices of which have become the of- for the erection of a church building ficial headquarters for the general in 1901, on lots donated for that pur- management of all.

pose on Elm street by Niels Johnson. METHODIST EPISCOPAL.

By an invariable adherence to honor- able business principles, on the part

The Methodist Episcopal church of of its proprietors, the State Savings Rolfe is the oldest organization of that Bank has constantly grown in public denomination in Pocahontas c county. favor. Its name is suggestive of ster- Services were established in the court ling integrity, economical administra- house at Old Rolfe during the sixties tion and abundant resources. "Its pol- by the Des Moines conference, a par- icy has always been to keep its busi- sonage was erected there during the ness entirely within its own control year 1874, and the charge embraced and its resources available for any the inhabited portions of the north- emergency. Its excellent management ern part of this county. Owing to has evinced a knowledge of finance the lack of local records, the facts that reflects credit upon its proprie- relating to the early history of this tors and also upon the community in organization elude the search of the which it is located."

historian.

THE CHURCHES OF ROLFE. The succession of pastors at Old The people of Rolfe and vicinity be- Rolfe, so far as we have been able to lieve in the public worship of Al- ascertain them, was as follows: Rev. mighty God, in having good churches D. M. Beams, 1869; John E. Rowen, for that purpose and in making agood Rufus Fancher, William McCready, use of them. Everybody at Rolfe goes Oct. 1875, 2yrs .; R. W. Thornberg, '77; to church. As a result their churches C. W. Clifton, '78,2yrs; T. J. Cuthbert, '80,2 yrs. The county records show that are filled with devout and reverent worshipers during the hours of pub- the board of county supervisors on lic worship. During the hour of Sun- June 7, 1869, extended to this organi- day school they are again filled with zation the courtesy of holding a quar- an assemblage of parents, young peo- terly meeting in the court house after ple and children for the purpose of that date.

studying "the holy Scriptures which

In 1883 the services were transfer- are able to make thee wise unto sal- red to the new town of Rolfe. On vation."* As a natural result all the Oct. 29, 1883, Elijah D. Seely, James people, old and young, have an intel- J. Bruce and James S. Hatton, trus- ligent knowledge of the law ofGod and tees, were appointed a building com- the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; mittee to superintend the erection of and herein is found the secret of that a church building. The frame of this high moral sentiment for which the building was erected that fall and it people of Rolfe and vicinity have al- was dedicated with appropriate cere- ways been noted.

monies by presiding elder, Rev. W. F.

The Methodists, Presbyterians, Cath- Gleason, June 20, 1884. This building olics, Baptists and Danish Lutherans has since been enlarged by the addi- have secured the erection of commo- tion of a pulpit recess and class-room. dious church buildings, and they are These additions in connection with a now served by resident pastors. re-arrangement of the main audience

The Norwegian Lutherans who have room have nearly doubled its seating been worshiping in the Preshyterian capacity. A large and comfortable parsonage has also been built on lot-

*11 Tim, 8, 10.

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CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

adjoining the church, the old one hav- the work of this church is well organ- ing been sold soon after its removal to ized under the leadership of capable Rolfe.

persons and it is accomplishing its

The sucession of pastors at Rolfe mission in a manner highly credit- bas been: A. W. Richards, Oct. 1, '82, able to its pastors and membership. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

3 yrs .; W. Rice, '85, 2 yrs .; F. W. Ginn, '87; Charles Artman, '88, 3 yrs .; T. S. The Presbyterian church at Rolfe was organized at the old town of Rolfe, Cole, '91, 2 yrs .; Joel A. Smith, '93; T. S. Carter, '94, 2 yrs .; F. J. McCaffree, Oct. 31, 1880, during the ministry of '96, 2 yrs .; R. C. Glass, '98; O. S. Bryan, Rev. L. C. Gray, of Fort Dodge, with a membership of fourteen persons,

'99, 2d year.

METHODIST CHURCH AND PARSONAGE, ROLFE.

The roll of this church contains the namely: Robert Struthers, Susan (Mc- names of a number of the first settlers Ewen) Struthers, Robert Lothian, Sr., in the north part of this county of John B. Lothian, George Anderson, whom Mr. and Mrs. John Fraser, Mr. Robert Anderson, James J. Bruce, and Mrs. Augustus H. Malcolm and a Mary J. Bruce, Joseph Clason, Ellen few others are still living. They have Mather, Alexander McEwen, Delilah been loyal to the interests of the McEwen, Emiline Broadwell and church and it has exerted a potent in- Peter Williams. fluence in the development of the Robert Struthers, James J. Bruce moral and spiritual forces of that and Robert Lothian, Sr., were elected community. Every department of plants: James J. Bruce perved au

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PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

elder and clerk of the session until Second Presbyterian church of Rolfe. Oct. 1, 1883. Alexander McEwen, The succession of Pastors in it has George Henderson and Robert Ander- been Rev. Lyman C. Gray, Fort Dodge, son were elected trustees.

1880-83; Simeon B. Head, Pomeroy, '84-86; George H. Duty, '87-90; Augus-

This was a reorganization of the Unity* Presbyterian church that had tus C. Keeler, '91-93; George Ainslie,

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, ROLFE.

been maintained in the northeast part '94-97; W. Rollin McCaslin, '98-99; of the county from 1859 until the year Newman H. Burdick, the present pas- 1879, when it was allowed to lapse. tor, since August 1, 1900.

During the ministry of Rev. G. H.

To distingnish the new organization from the old one it was called the Duty, the first one to reside on the *See page 218.

field, the work developed very rapidly!

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CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

On July 19, 1888, the corner stone for At the request of the people to serve them one-half time he located at Rolfe, May 1, 1887. He was in the prime of the church building was laid with ap- propriate ceremonies and an address by Rev. R. E. Flickinger, of Fonda, life and enjoyed robust health. He and on Dec. 9th, following it was ded- also enjoyed the cooperation of a tal- icated, the address being delivered by ented and noble-hearted wife, who Rev. T. S. Bailey, D. D. In 1889 a shared with him his trials and the joy large and spacious parsonage was of his successive achievements. He threw himself without reserve into the work of developing the new fields erected in the vicinity of the church, as a home for the pastor's family.

This church has in its membership in the vicinity of Rolfe as they called those who have become well known for his cooperation, and the perma- all over this county as recognized lead- nent results of his self-sacrificing mis- ers in Sunday-school work. It was the sionary labors in laying foundations first in the county to organize and suc- in them have not been exceeded by cessfully maintain a home department any christian worker in this county of the Sunday-school, for the benefit during the same short period.

of those parents and others who could

On his arrival he found no founda- not attend its sessions, and it has tions laid except that at Rolfe and hitherto been in charge of William C. West Bend churches had been organ- Kennedy who, for many years previous, ized that had a membership of twenty- was the efficient superintendent of the five and thirteen respectively, but school. It has been served by a suc- they had no church buildings. He be- cession of able and earnest pastors, gan his ministry by dividing his time under whose ministrations, it has in- between Rolfe and West Bend. After creased rapidly in numbers and re- a few Sabbaths Plover, Pocahontas sources so that it is now one of the and Gilmore City claimed a part of his strongest and most influential in the time. By preaching three times and county.

riding twenty-five miles each Sabbath

The elders in 1900 were George F. he was able to give one service to Spence, clerk and Sunday school su- Rolfe every Sabbath and to the other perintendent; William C. Kennedy, places named one service every other superintendent of the home class Sabbath, making the trips in his own department, D. Fouch and John T. one-horse buggy.

Grant.

The services were held in the Meth-

Trustees: W. C. Kennedy, Geo. odist church at Rolfe, in the court F. Spence, .E. Buxbom, R. S. Mathers house at Pocahontas and in school and Mrs. C. A. Grant. houses at the other places. They were well attended by both men and women except during the severe portions of

The rapid development of the work during the three and one-half years' ministry of Rev. George H. Duty, the winter of 1887 and 1888. The forms not only the most interesting terrible blizzard of Jan. 12, 1888 that chapter in the history of this church but the most notable one in some re- spects, in the annals of the church in

caused the loss of many lives, block- aded the railroads and filled the high- ways with impassable drifts, and some Pocahontas county. His field of labor succeeding stormy days prevented included the north half of this county him from leaving home on a few Sab- and those portions of Palo Alto, Kos- baths, but many long and cold jour- suth and Humboldt counties of which neys over the frozen or snow-covered West Bend and Gilmore City were prairies did he make in meeting his then the natural trade centers;

widely separated appointments,

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PIONEER HISTORY OF POCAHONTAS COUNTY, IOWA.

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The pioneer history of Pocahontas County, Iowa, from the time of its earliest settlement to the present time, Part 66

Author: Flickinger, Robert Elliott, b. 1846 Publication date: 1904 Publisher: Fonda, Iowa, G. Sanborn Number of Pages: 1058

Author: Flickinger, Robert Elliott, b. 1846
Publication date: 1904
Publisher: Fonda, Iowa, G. Sanborn
Number of Pages: 1058