USA > Missouri > Grundy County > The History of Grundy County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 59
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GRAND RIVER COLLEGE, EDINBURG.
Grand River College was first organized in August, 1850, and its first teacher was John O. Martin. Mr. I. B. Allen was the founder and first gave it life. The following contract shows that Mr. Allen took the respon- sibility of starting a school which has since become famous for its great suc- cess in imparting education, and for its thoroughness in every department. Its list of graduates tells of this wonderful success. The contract reads as follows:
"The undersigned agrees and promises to have taught in the Grand River Academy any of the following branches of study for five months, at the following prices per scholar; to-wit, orthography, reading, writing, arith- metic commenced, at six dollars; English grammar, modern and ancient geography and arithmetic completed, at eight dollars; logic, rhetoric, natural, ancient and modern history, natural, mental and modern philosophy, at ten dollars; chemistry, botany, astronomy, geometry, algebra, surveying, book- keeping, Latin and Greek languages, at twelve dollars. For fuel per winter session, fifty cents per scholar.
[Signed]
I. B. ALLEN."
GRAND RIVER COLLEGE, EDINBURG, MISSOURI,
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HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
" We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, promise to pay I. B. Allen, at the close of the first session of the Grand River Academy, the foregoing rates of tuition for each scholar affixed to our respective names.
August 1, 1850."
The first board of trustees was composed of the following named gentle- men: W. H. Lyda, Benj. Fulkerson and Evans Peery.
A Mrs. Bryan was associated with Professor Jolin O. Martin as a teacher.
In the fall of 1851 Professor John Ordway, of Massachusetts, became the principal of the school, and held the position until the destruction of the school by fire in December, 1853. Mrs. Bryan continued as associate teacher. Mr. M. McKean and Miss Flora Belle Chamberlin were added as assistants.
At this time Grand River Academy was the only school, public or private, in north Missouri, and there was no other place within many miles where even the rudiments of an education were tanght.
There was a boarding department in the old building and pupils were boarded at one dollar and a half per week, and the citizens also furnished board to the pupils at nominal prices. The people were determined to foster the school, which in the short time it had been under way had been such a great success. They felt proud of it, and all seemed to work together and do all they could to promote its welfare.
CHAPTER TWO.
Grand River College stands at the head of all institutions of learning, as being the first in the State to open its doors to women giving them equal privileges with men. It proved to be a successful advance, which has with justice been adopted since in many other institutes, and Grand River claims the credit and honor of inaugurating this just and desirable movement. Many ladies have graduated from its halls.
Mrs. Bryan continued as teacher until Angust, 1852.
The college continued to prosper until December 25, 1853, when it was destroyed by fire, caused by a defective flne. The fire was first discovered by Thomas Carnes, who gave the alarm in time for the inmates to escape, but too late to save much from the burning building. The building was in- sured, and the money received for the insurance was divided among the stockholders. This closed the career of the old Grand River College. The site of the old college was about one quarter of a mile north of the present buildings, and was built by a Mr. Edgar.
THE NEW COLLEGE.
Matters remained very quiet for two or three years, when the subject was again broached for the rebuilding and the reorganization of the college. It took shape and form in the year 1858, when a new building was erected by
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HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
John T. Witten and William Peery. These gentlemen, with the assistance of Dr. John Cullers, then a representative in the legislature from Grundy county, secured a charter from that body the last of February. The char- ter was as follows:
"AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE GRAND RIVER COLLEGE.
" Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows:
" SECTION 1. That William Peery and John T. Witten, and such others as they may associate with them, and their successors and assigns, are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate, to be known by the name of Grand River College, who may have perpetual succession, and use a common seal and alter it at will, and may, in their corporate capacity, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, defend and be defended, in any court whatsoever.
"SEC. 2. That said corporation shall have power to receive by gift, grant, devise, or otherwise, and shall hold to them and their successors for the use of said college free from all taxation, any lands, tenements, money, goods, or chattels, which may be purchased, devised or given to them, or in any way belonging to said school, and may sell, put out at interest, lend or other- wise dispose of the same on such terms as may be agreed on, and in such manner as, to them, may seem most conducive to the advantages of the school.
"SEC. 3. That said corporation shall have power to demand, sue for and recover any money or property already subscribed, or which may hereafter be subscribed to said school.
"SEC. 4. That section seven of article seven of 'an act to provide for the organization, support and government of public schools in the State of Missouri,' approved December 12, 1855, shall apply to the funds of this school.
"SEC. 5. That said corporation shall have full power and authority to confer such honors and degrees as are usually granted and conferred in seminaries and colleges in the United States, and to prescribe and fix the form and manner of attesting said honors and degrees.
"SEC. 6. That so much of an act entitled 'an act concerning corpora- tions,' approved November 23, 1855, as may be construed to limit the ex- istence of this corporation to a period of twenty years, and so much thereof as may be construed to authorize the suspension, alteration or repeal of this charter without the consent of the trustees, and all other acts which con- flict with this act shall not affect the charter hereby granted. And this act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
"Approved, February 28, 1859."
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IIISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
CHAPTER THREE-WHY SUCCESSFUL.
The successful inauguration of the New Grand River College was due to a proposition made by Messrs. Peery and Witten to the citizens, which was to the effect that if they would secure fifty scholarships at twenty dollars each for six months, they would build a $3,000 school building, or if they would increase the scholarships to 100 they would put up a college building to cost $6,000, and continue the school six years. The liberality of the people and their hearty cooperation was evinced by accepting the latter proposition, and a $6,000 college building was erected, and Edinburg be- came the seat of one of the most successful and prosperous collegiate insti- tutes in the State, if not in the country. The first few years after the com- pletion of the new building and its inauguration, were dark and gloomy ones. The civil war coming on caused much trouble and distress in all kinds of business. The term of 1859-60 was opened by the employment of Prof. John S. Tucker, his first assistant being Miss Annie Chamberlain. During this session a difficulty arose in the management, and the friends of the college divided, one party sustaining the directory, and the other Prof. Tucker. The latter was not sustained, and he retired from the col- lege. The board of trustees who had been appointed for the new college were all personally anxious for its success, and gave much time and means gratuitously to keep it in order. The board was composed of the following gentlemen: Wm. N. Peery, A. Harvey, Waddy L. Curran, Thos. Brown, Elkano Payne, Minor Wynn, John F. Witten and Wm. Peery. Mr. Wm. C. Harvey being one of the most active of its friends from its new start.
DR. JAMES F. BRUNER
was the next principal employed, taking the place of Prof. Tucker, and Miss Dolly May was chosen as his first assistant. The school continued until the spring of 1861, when Dr. Bruner resigned and joined the federal forces in the civil war, then just commencing. Prof. Bruner's resignation was followed by the selection of Prof. Bassett as principal, who had as strong rebel proclivities as his predecessor had for the Union. The school con- tinued to the end of the school terin, in June, when it closed. This ended the college course until the close of the war. During the civil strife the State militia used the college building for their headquarters, the State troops having an encampment near. This suspension was a serious blow to the college, and proved quite a loss to a large number of its patrons, es- pecially those who had by money and labor been instrumental in inaugura- ting the new departure. It is said that the use of the building by the State troops while encamped here was never paid for.
The closing of the war, in the spring of 1865, caused the people to take new life, and the four years of carnage was in part obliterated by the re-
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HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
newal of those enterprises, which at the beginning of the strife were under way, at the place of leaving off-making a blank line for the intervening time. This is what took place with the college. In September, 1865, through the instrumentality of the citizens of Edinburg and the trustees, the col- lege was again opened, with encouraging prospects. Profs. Shaw and Lewis undertook its management. They were educated gentlemen and good teachers, and the start was one of excellent promise, but a promise not just then destined to be fulfilled. They taught one year, when they gave it up. During the time that the college existed it had received the public school fund toward its support, and those persons who wanted to get the benefit of that fund had to send their children to the Grand River College. The close of the term in June left the college again without a faculty, and the future which had looked so promising the year before, had now become one of gloom and despondency. Still, as it is always darkest just before day, the gloom of June and July gave way to a bright and glorious September.
THE DAWN OF LIFE.
In September, 1866, Mr. John E. Vertrees, of Illinois, a graduate of Shurtleff College, a talented and educated young man, who seemed to have about him the air and manner of a successful teacher and manager, hearing of the vacancy came to Edinburg and rented the Grand River .College for one year for the sum of $250. Matters did not assume at once a very flat- tering look, and the energy and perseverance of the new professor were pretty severely tried. The failure of Messrs. Shaw and Lewis when hope had been so high, had caused so much despondency as well as distrust, that the new teacher and proprietor did not meet with that encouragement so much needed in the opening session. Promises of great reduction in the terms for the course resulted in bringing just fourteen pupils at the opening. But Prof. Vertrees came to stay. His assistant was Miss A. A. Ayer, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, a lady of rare accomplishment and grace of bearing. The motto of both was "success," and they did their utmost. The few pu- pils who had entered began to show improvement surpassingly great for so short a time, and then, somehow, they began to talk about their teachers, and all this talk was of constant praise. The school began to look up. The interest of the people, which had flagged and had been so dampening in the start, took a new turn and by the time the school term closed in June, 1867, Grand River College had awakened into renewed life, and success was as- sured.
A NEW ASSOCIATION.
At the close of the above term it was decided by a meeting of public spirited gentlemen to form a joint stock company to be called the "Grand River College Association." The company was formed, the college grounds
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HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
and buildings purchased and put in repair, and the property in its new shape and ownership was offered to Prof. Vertrees free of rent for five years upon the sole condition that he would keep up and maintain the school. The proposition was accepted. In the meantime Miss A. A. Ayer became Mrs. Vertrees, and when the fall term opened Mrs. Vertrees took the posi- tion of first assistant to her husband. The organization of the college and the trust imposed was placed in the hands of a Board of Trustees, the following names constituting the board: Wm. N. Peery, Stephen Peery, Win. C. Harvey, R. T. Short and John E. Vertrees. The board organized by electing John E. Vertrees, president; Stephen Peery, vice-president; Dr. R. T. Short, secretary, and Wm. N. Peery, treasurer. Opposition to the new order of things was made, but not of a serious nature, and the school continued with a general and steady progress. It was made a particular feature to train young men and young women for the profession of teachers and in that specialty the college was very successful. The five years of lease was drawing successfully to its close, and among the teachers who rendered efficient service in the good work were, Miss Helen Bernard and H. S. Burgin; Mrs. L. M. Abbott and Miss Ella Johnson, music teachers; Mrs. Wilburn, Miss Rosanna Markey, Wm. N. Hendrickson, D. W. Mon- roe, Chas. Duff, Miss Ollie Johnson and Miss Ella Peery.
When the lease expired, in July, 1872, no arrangements were made for its continuance, but Prof. Vertrees continued another short school year and in 1873 took possession again under a four year's lease. Grand River Col- lege had, up to the year 1876, been a private school. That year, Prof. Ver- trees consenting, his lease having yet another year to run, the property was turned over to the Baptists of North Missouri. Being more particularly placed in the care of the North Grand River, West Fork, Gentry and Mt. Moriah Baptist associations.
THE BAPTISTS TAKE CHARGE.
The Baptists came into possession of the property upon the following conditions: that the property with all its rights and privileges should be theirs upon their adoption of it, and expending upon the property as a sort of guarantee of their good faith, the sum of $3,500; the agreement was complied with and the Baptists took control. Prof. Vertrees had thus con- tinued in charge of the college as principal for ten years. To say that it had acquired a name high in the role of successful educational institutions would be but doing justice to the fair name of the principal and his talented associates. Prof. Vertrees assumed charge of the school the first year under the Baptist's organization.
THE BAPTIST BOARD
It would be well to add here that Livingston and Linn Baptist associa- tions were added to the four first mentioned who accepted the property and
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HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
trust, and the six associations mentioned each elected two members, and the twelve members were to elect a thirteenth who was to be a resident of Edin- burg. The board then, in the year 1878, was composed of the following members: West Fork Association, Rev. J. H. Burrows and Rev. D. C, Brown; North Grand River, H. H. Burkeholder and Rev. H. H. Turner; Mt. Moriah Association, Rev. T. S. McKenney and A. Adkisson; Gentry Association, Rev. S. R. Dillon and J. T. Dauiel; Linn Association, Rev. E. J. Scott and Rev. J. Gains; Livingston Association, Rev. W. W. Wal- den and W. T. Harper. At the time the charge was assumed the Baptist associations proposed to raise $5,000 to add to the efficiency of the college in its educational department as well as make substantial repairs. In 1878 nearly $1,800 had been expended. Rev. John Woodward and Rev. P. McCollum were financial agents of the college in the order named. The fall term of the institution opened again with Prof. Vertrees as principal, although strenuous efforts had been made to supersede him. In Feb- ruary, 1879, however, Prof. Vertrees resigned his position as principal after thirteen years of constant and successful work. We give his letter as a part of the history of the college:
RESIGNATION OF PROF. VERTREES.
"GRAND RIVER COLLEGE, EDINBURG, Mo., } "February 14th, 1879. 5 "HON. A. H. BURKEHOLDER. Prest. Bd. of Trustees, G. R. C.
"Dear Sir-I hereby present to you, and through you to the Board of Trustees my resignation as principal of Grand River College, to take effeet at the close of the scholastic year, or sooner if you find it convenient to supply the place. I wish to assure you that my interest in the Grand River College has not in the least abated nor is my faith in her success weakened. There can be no doubt that the prospects of the school are brighter than ever before. Already is the success of the school secured beyond a doubt. I wish to express to you my sincere thanks for the uniform courtesy that I have received from you and your predecessors, and also for the confidence placed in me during the thirteen years it has been my privilege to officiate as principal of Grand River College. Very Respectfully, JNO. E. VERTREES." "[Signed]
The scholastic year ending June, 1878, was one of great success to the col- lege. The faculty was increased, and the corps of teachers who had given it such a prosperous year are deserving of mention. The following is the list: Prof J. E. Vertrees, principal; Prof. H. C. Adams, first assistant; Mrs. N. E. Connor, second assistant; Prof. R. L. Deeds, principal of the primay de- partment. The executive committee issued an address to the Baptist
1
CARTHAGE SHOP
J.M.WANNAMAKER. CARRIAGE SHOP.
OFFICE
J.M.W.
CARRIAGE MANUFACTORY OF J. M. WANNAMAKER, TRENTON. MO.
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HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
churches of North Missouri, and after giving the financial condition of the college, spoke in high terms of the ability and carnest work of its corps of teachers from its able head, Prof. Vertrees, down.
1879 AND 1880.
The fall term opened auspiciously. The position of principal of the school was offered to Prof. R. S. Duncan, who declined, and the executive com- mittee then selected Prof. Thomas H. Storts, of Kentucky, to fill the position. He accepted, and entered upon his duties in August, 1879. R. B. Mc Veigh, A. B., a graduate of Dennison University, Ohio, was chosen first assistant, and Miss Ella Peery, of the class of '79 was selected as teacher for the fe- male department, and Miss Flora Storts as music teacher.
The friends of the college worked with zeal and energy, and the new ad- ministration started out with every prospect of success. Rev. P. McCollum was continued as financial agent.
During the last two years a paper known as the Educational Monthly had been conducted in the interest of the school. Prof. Storts took charge of the paper and changed its name to Grand River College Courant.
During this year 131 pupils were enrolled, and the income was ample to meet all the expenses of the school.
A house was erected on the eastern part of the college campus as a resi- dence for the president. It was intended also for a home for the young ladies who should come there to board. This is a large, well-built, commodious house.
At the board meeting June, 1880, the same teachers were continued in office, and L. H. Shafer was elected treasurer of the board.
During the year 1880-81 the school was not quite so prosperous as the year before, but arrangements were made to largely increase its field of usefulness.
At the annual meeting in June, 1881, the office of president of the faculty was created, and John E. Vertrees was chosen to fill the place. Prof. R. B. Mc Veigh was continned as instructor of languages, and Mrs. Cornelia Hall was selected as teacher of the primary department. The board also decided to begin the work of endowment, and ordered that the president be relieved from active duty of teaching and devote himself as far as practicable to raising fund for endowment. A system of scholarships was agreed upon, and they are now offered for sale.
FACULTY.
President-John E. Vertrees, A. M.
Vice-President and Professor of Mathematics and Sciences-John E. Brown, A. B.
Professor of Languages-Reuben B. Mcveigh, A. M. '
35
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HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
Teacher of Primary Department-Mrs. Cornelia Hall.
Teacher of Vocal Music, Piano and Organ-Professor Gustavus Dolfuss.
In April, 1880, the title of the property known as the Grand River Col- lege was formally passed to the board of trustees, in trust, for the Baptists of north Missouri, for educational purposes.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
North Grand River Association-Rev. H. H. Turner, Alpha; Hon. A. H. Burkeholder, Trenton.
West Fork Association-Judge C. P. Brandom, Edinburg; T. G. Nevill, Bancroft.
Mount Moriah Association-Rev. Israel Christie, McFall; Maj. A. Adkisson, Gentryville.
Gentry Association-H. H. Hussey, Stanberry; Rev. S. W. Fuson, Albany.
Livingston Association-J. K. Stein, Chillicothe; W. T. Harper, Chil- licothe.
Linn Association-Rev. E. Scott, Brookfield; Rev. J. Goins, Brown- ing.
Edinburg-William C. Harvey, Edinburg.
Officers of Board-Hon. A. H. Burkeholder, president; Rev. Israel Chris- tie, vice-president; L. H. Shafer, treasurer; Prof. R. B. McVeigh, secretary.
Executive Committee-Rev. H. H. Turner, A. H. Burkeholder and William C. Harvey.
A IIOME INSTITUTION.
Perhaps the best claim this famous institution of learning has to confi- dence and esteem is the home support it has always received. Few of the citizens of Grundy or surrounding counties ever cared to send their children to any other school so long as Grand River College could open its doors to the pupils who sought admission within its famous portals, and the city of Trenton can show a large list of its most prominent merchants and business men -- in fact, in every department or avocation of life-who claim Grand River College as their alma mater.
BUSINESS.
The store of Isaac Harvey continued for several years; he had also a farm. It is not clear who followed Mr. Harvey. Peery & Carnes are supposed to have opened in 1851. In 1852 O. G. Newton started the first blacksmith shop, and he had a competitor in a man by the name of Mills. They did a good business for those days. That same year Forkner, Peery & Co. started a store, Fielding and James Peery composing the firm with Forkner, and
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HISTORY OF GRUNDY COUNTY.
Abner McFarland in1853; Mitchell Peery had a store in operation in 1854-55. Thos. Peery and Absalom Harvey opened a store in 1858. John Peery opened a travelers' home or hotel the same year, 1858. James A. Wood- ress came in 1856, and Dr. R. W. Witten in 1852. Next to go into the mercantile business were Archibald Thompson and Wm. Peery. George Harvey started a grocery in 1859, and Robert Hutton was in business in 1859 and continned until 1862. The credit of the first hotel is given to Hugh Mills, but he ran no omnibus line in connection. This was some- time previous to 1850. The first church organized was the Southern Meth- odist in 1854, a log building. The Methodist Church Northi was built in 1869, and its first pastor was the Rev. Holes.
The fact in regard to the business of Edinburg in old times is, that it was good. The west side of the river had been settled as long as any other, and not until the troubles of 1861 commenced did she lose much of her great- ness. But the growth of Trenton, especially since the railroads gave it ex- tra life, has not added to the building up of Edinburg. L. M. Abbott opened a store but concluded after a year to sell to Gannaway & Adkis- son. Then Woodress & Abbott joined forces and started in business in 1866, and among the names of those who did business for a short time are Chas. Witten, A. Calhoun, Dr. Johnson, Ward & Gannaway, Wynn & Mc- Dougal. In the meantime Woodress & Abbott dissolved partnership, and started as Woodress & Albin. Woodress then sold to Albin and after a while Wm. Albin thought he would sell back to Woodress and did so. After running awhile Mr. Woodress formed a new partnership in 1873, tak- ing in a young man, Mr. Shafer, and since then the firm has been Wood- ress & Shafer; the latter attends to the business and is a son-in-law of Mr. Woodress.
INCORPORATED.
It was not to be expected that Edinburg would long remain an isolated village so far as being incorporated was concerned. They had a good many merchants and other people, had the only college in the county, the crash of 1873 had come and gone and there was absolutely nothing on hand to do but to be incorporated with certain metes and bounds so that an Edin- burg town lot could be told from a Madison township farm. This was an im- portant consideration, so a meeting was called, the importance of being an incorporated town explained and it was unanimously decided that the dig- nity of the town could only be sustained by having it incorporated. A peti- tion was drawn up and the work for this important measure was com- menced. There was little or no opposition to the scheme and it was numerously signed by the men of Edinburg. The petition as drawn up and signed is as follows:
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