History of Richardson County, Nebraska : its people, industries and institutions, Part 37

Author: Edwards, Lewis C
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1742

USA > Nebraska > Richardson County > History of Richardson County, Nebraska : its people, industries and institutions > Part 37

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

A sanctuary addition to the north side of the church was made in 1896, and during the following year the organ gallery was built. The name of the church appears for the first time in the official church di- rectory of the year 1889, as St. Ann's church in New Barada.

Since the establishment of this Catholic society, it has been served by several pastors. Father Lee, the builder of the church, was also pastor of . the Falls City church. From that city he attended to the needs of Barada. and was in charge of the new congregation of St. Ann's church for many years. From 1889 to 1914 the priests of Dawson were the pastors of this congregation and lived near Shubert. Besides Father Lee, the following pastors have served the needs of this church: Rev. William McDonald. 1889 to August 31, 1894; Rev. James H. Conly, 1894 to February 7, 1895: Rev. P. L. McShane, February 15, 1895, to November 23, 1898; Rev. Thomas Corcoran, 1898 to May 15, 1907; Rev. Bernard Ulbrich. 1907 to January I, 1908; Rev. John J. Loughran, 1908 to September 28. IQII, and Rev. F. A. O'Brien, 1911 to December 6, 1914.

During Father O'Brien's pastorate, the congregation was attached to the mission at Salem with Rev. John Kornbrust as pastor, which arrange- ment, however, never went into effect. In December, 1914, the two mis- sions received a common pastor, Rev. Paul Hasler, who for half a year had been in charge of Salem missions alone. He, with the approbation of the

(25)

386

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Tilien, changed his residence to Shubert, and with the generous help of the congregation, put up the priest's house, west of the church, in the following year of 1915.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH.

The beginning of Evangelical church societies in this county dates back to 1866, when the first adherents of that creed settled in this county. Among the first who moved here were William Meier, Christian Kaiser, Carl Daeschner and Henry Rieger, and a little later C. Yoesel, John Yoesel and others; all coming from, or near, the same place, Barrington, Illinois. They all bought land near where Zion church now stands, six miles east of Falls City. Soon after these people settled in this county, they felt the need of their religious society for they did not intend to rear their children away from the influence of their church. Soon they effected an organization and made inquiries as to the nearest point where they could obtain the services of a minister. Soon the little band was increased by the coming of F. and L. Hilgenfield, John Mohring and wife, L. Rippe and wife and Samuel Arnold and wife, who were among the first converts to this church.

The Zion Evangelical church, the first of that denomination to erect a place of worship in the county, was built in 1871; but the first preaching point *was at old Arago, soon after the Civil War. Our fellow-citizen, John Mosiman, who moved here from Indiana, was early identified with the work of this church, and he was doubtless the oldest member of this denon- ination in the county.

The German Evangelical churches have largely to date used the German language, but the demand for English is growing out of a very natural condition, since the public schools are English and the demand of the young people for this language is a vital question for these churches. There are, at least, four English Evangelical churches in the county, the nearest one to Falls City being Maple Grove church, north of Straussville. Another is the church society at Barada, which is yet comparatively new but flourishing. A third such church of this denomination is located at Dawson, which society owns a good building, has a strong and efficient membership and are able to be instrumental for much good. A fourth English Evangelical church is at Verdon.

It was not until 1888 that the ministers of the Evangelical Association began to preach in Falls City, serving the appointment in connection with

387

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

the organized church at Preston, under the charge of Rev. F. Harder, as- sisted by Rev. J. Rohrig. In . the following year Rev. J. R. Nanninga became the assistant, and in 1890 the appointment was organized into a mission and supplied with Rev. A. Rodewald as the first regular pastor. The first church building, belonging to this society, was erected in 1892 on a lot at the corner of Harlan and Nineteenth streets, but this building was en- larged to its present capacity during the pastorate of Rev. M. Manshardt in 1907. The following pastors have served the congregation : F. Harder, J. Rohrig, J. R. Nanninga, A. Rodewald, A. Mattill, W. F. Wolthausen, C. Brandt. J. Schmidli. M. Manshardt, P. Schumann, J. R. Nanninga and M. C. Platz.

CHURCHES AT HUMBOLDT.

So far as we have been able to learn, the first church organization iu the vicinity of Humboldt was formed by the Christian denomination. There had been religious meetings held before any regular organizations were formed, but the early historian has failed to record where and by whom the first of these were conducted. The Christian church was organized, April 15, 1860, with sixteen members. O. J. Tinker was its first ordained elder, and Silas Morphew and A. M. Gentry were chosen deacons. R. C. Barrows and Thomas Edwards held services for the new organization in 1860 and 1861, and Reverend Mullis then supplied the church for years. The first regular pastor was Rev. William Smith, who began his labors in July, 1870. At first the services were held in private homes, the room being . sufficient to accommodate the faithful few but devout members. When the first school house was completed in Humboldt, services were held there by this mission until 1876, when the society purchased the privilege of wor- shipping in the Methodist church, which had been erected in the meantime.

The church building was completed in 1878 at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. . The building was thirty by sixty-four feet, with an alcove twelve by two and one-half feet, and had a seating capacity of about three hundred. The first regular board of trustees as elected, May 5, 1884. were: J. G. Cox, E. P. Tinker, Cyrus Jones, J. K. Cornelius and Charleton Hall. The first ministers appear in the following order: William Smith, Roach Parkinson, W. H. Tucker, A. D. Finch, C. W. Elder, James Shields, E. L. Poston. Robert Jones, O. H. Derry, W. M. Adams and L. L. Combs. .

In very recent years the Christian congregation razed the first church and, in its. stead, erected a fine large modern church which ranks as one of the best in the county.

388

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIURCII.

Shortly after the organization of the Christian church came that of the German Methodist Episcopal church. During the first twenty-five years of its life, it was a mission, served by preachers, who were forced to divide their time between five congregations. The first date in the record of this society is 1860 when its membership was stated as fourteen. . The first preacher to supply the Humboldt circuit was Rev. J. Lange. He was followed by Reverends Meke, Meyer, Dreyer, Muelhenbrook, Schatz. C. Bauer, H. H. Menger, C. Bruegger. E. Schumacher, Fred Unland, J. H. Mertens, H. C. Schee, G. Bermenter, G. G. Gracsmueck, J. Kracker, F. H. Wipperman and H. A. Sickman. The present pastor of this con- gregation is Rev. John Kracker. The first church building was completed in 1879 and was, at that time, one of the finest churches in the city. Like the Christian congregation, they, too, have in recent years built an entirely new church which far out-ranks the early church in size and cost.

ENGLISH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

This church was organized in 1871 and on March 29 of the same year, the general conference recognizing its needs, appointed Martin Prichard to preach God's word and build up the society. In 1873 the society built the first church building in Humboldt, completing the same at a cost of one thousand four hundred dollars. Since that time, extensive repairs and ex- tensions have increased its cost to more than three thousand dollars. The. society built a parsonage on Nemaha street in 1879, which building was later sold and another bought and remodeled. This church, which is one of the strongest religious organizations in Humboldt, a few years ago razed the earlier church and built new a fine large brick structure which ranks as ne of the most expensive church edifices in the county.

The church at Pleasant View, north of Humboldt. is connected with the Humboldt church in it's religious work and is one of the strongest country churches in the county. The pastors of the Pleasant View church in its earlier years were as follow: Martin Prichard, R. C. Johnson. L. W. Smith, C. W. Comstock, John Gallaher. J. R. Reed, G. H. Wehn. A. Brig- ham. J. C. H. Hobb, R. Pearson, J. S. Hall. F. M. Esterbrook, J. A. Chapin, G. W. Hawley. H. C. Harmon, J. W. Swan and J. K. Maxsfield.

389

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASK.I.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The First Presbyterian church was organized, June 23, 1871, eiglit members constituting the entire roll of communicants. The organization was the direct result of a call issued by A. H. Bratt, C. E. Rice and wife, P. A. Nims, John R. Clark and wife, and Mrs. Phoebe McConkey. The first sermon was preached on that date by Rev. George R. Carnoll, at that time the district missionary of the American Board of Home Missions and having charge of western Iowa, Nebraska and Dakota.

The meetings of this church, after it was founded, were held in the school house until December, 1878, when a church edifice was completed at a cost of two thousand one hundred dollars. Changes and additions were made to this building, bringing the total cost up to nearly three thousand five hundred dollars. The building was occupied by the society until Jan- uary, 1892, when it was sold to James Hnizda and torn down to give place for his residence. It was located on Fourth street between Central avenue and Edwards street. In 1884, during the pastorate of Rev. Joel S. Kelsey, the church divided, part of the congregation following Mr. Kelsey to the People's church. This branch had erected an edifice, or rather Mrs. Lydia Brunn Woods and the congregation erected one, she contributing the sum of five thousand dollars for the same, stipulating that the congregation should keep it in repair and provide it with a pastor without further cost to her and that its services should be non-sectarian. Services were held here for a short time by Mr. Kelsey. Upon his departure from the city, the church had no regu- lar pastor, most of the members returning to their former church home.

In January, 1890, Mrs. Woods presented her interests to the Preshy- terian church, merely requiring the lifting of a small debt then against it. This was for long, the finest church edifice in the city, costing originally nearly nine thousand dollars and having a seating capacity of four hundred. It remains to this day one of the most active and efficient religious organiza- tions in the county. The pastors of its earlier years were: A. F. Hale, C. S. Marvin, J. B. Linskea. F. M. Hickok, Joel S. Kelsey, L. D. Wells, G. G. Barnes, Lewis Jessup. R. Cooper Bailey, S. H. McClanaghan and Charles C. Meek.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

The First Baptist church of Humboldt came into existence, March 10, 1883. It was organized by Rev. Peter Bolinger. B. F. Lawlor. B. Bedell and J. C. Jordan. B. F. Lawlor was its first pastor and the church profited

390

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASK.1.

much by his good work. During his pastorate the church building was erected. It was completed in 1884 at a cost of three thou- sand three hundred dollars. The first board of trustees was composed of S. C. Bewick, S. Sansom, J. H. Smith, A. H. Coffield, Frank Coons and William Patton. The ministers who have followed the first pastor were : Revs. J. W. Scott, A. F. Newcomb, J. T. Wood and J. S. Hadden.

CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST.

The teaching of Christian Science was first introduced at Humboldt in 1888, but made but very little progress until June, 1896, when steps were taken towards perfecting an organization. The society was formally organ- ized January 1, 1897, in the old school room of the Bohemian Hall, for- merly the high school. The church, as yet, does not own a building. It has no pastors and its service, which is conducted by readers, consists of reading from the scriptures and the text-book of Christian Science. Cyrus Milam was the first reader and Mrs. Hattie Fraker, the second. The board of directors is composed of Cyrus Milam, C. S. Bulless and John C. Hoag- land.

CHURCHES ELSEWHERE IN THE COUNTY.

In the early sixties the German Lutherans built a stone church edifice in the country, due north of the present site of Humboldt. For more than fifty years this has stood with its spire pointing heavenward, indicating to the weary of heart a haven of rest, and to the traveler the direction for his journey. It was one of the oldest landmarks of this vicinity, and for more than half a century its walls echoed the teachings of Jesus Christ, as interpreted by his devoted disciples. Its first pastor was the Reverend Bick- man.

The bell, which called its band of worshipers together on Sabbath day, was cast from the brass of an old cannon captured during the Franco- Prussian war. in 1870, and was presented to the church in 1874 by Emperor Wilhelm. Before its reception, the congregation had to build a new belfry for it. Henry .Alspatch constructed the belfry and placed the bell in posi- tion. For more than a quarter of a century Rev. John Dirks acted as pastor of this church. To many Richardson and Nemaha county people this old landmark was a mecca to which they journeyed for spiritual comfort.

391

RICIIARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

PRESBYTERIANISM IN RICHARDSON COUNTY.

By H. H. Griffiths, of Salem, 1892.

The first case of organized Presbyterianism in Richardson county, that is of record, made its appearance at Salem, April 9, 1865, as a result of the following action of Highland Presbytery: "At a meeting of the pres- bytery of Highland, held at Highland, Kansas, September, .A. D., 1864, Revs. J. R. Ramsay and John Lilly were appointed a committee to organize a church at Salem, Nebraska, if the way be clear."

In accordance with the above action a meeting was called at Salem on Sabbath, April 9, 1865, when a sermon suited to the occasion was preached by Rev. J. R. Ramsay. The way being clear in the judgment of the com- mittee, they proceeded to constitute a 'church with the title of the "Pres- byterian Church of Salem," when the following persons were admitted to membership on certificate: Mary A. Lilly, Margaret A. Washburn, Cor- nelia S. Lilly, R. R. McCollough, Elizabeth, his wife, and Elizabeth, their daughter. Those admitted on examination were: G. W. Baker, Elizabeth P. Baker, his wife, Isabelle Holt, Pelina R. Robertson, and Douglass O. Lilly. R. B. McCollough was elected ruling elder and, having been pre- viously ordained, was duly installed. Said organization was duly enrolled on the books of the presbytery. April 1, 1865.

Rev. J. R. Ramsay was officiating clergyman until 1868, when the name of Rev. John Lilly appears, followed by A. F. Wood in 1871, under whose administration many members were added. In 1872, J. W. Margrave was elected an elder to assist R. B. McCollough, the lone officer of the church up to this time. Rev. D. F. Wood's successor was J. N. Young, in 1873. A considerable increase in number of membership appears during his labors, the writer among others joining his fortunes with the struggling church. In 1872, Rev. Charles S. Marvin took charge of the work in connection with Humboldt work. Our brick church building was started, enclosed be- fore January 1, 1876, and dedicated, April, 1876, cost of building being about one thousand eight hundred dollars. At this time, there being but five male members in the church, it needed a "pull and a pull all together" to accomplish the work of building. But the people had a mind to work. and, nothwithstanding the grasshopper destruction of that year, they com- pleted the work as above stated.

In the fall of 1876, Rev. J. B. Linskea took charge of this and the Humboldt church, doing faithful and efficient work for one year; followed

39-

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

early in 1878 by Rev. F. M. Hickok, the blind preacher, who is 'so well re- membered by all who ever met him, being instrumental in organizing Pros- pect, Bulah and Stella churches, in addition to his regular work at Hum- boldt and Salem.

In August, 1879, Rev. David Street, in connection with his work at Falls City, took charge of the Salem church. It was during this year that William Marshall and the late James Hearst were elected elders, also H. H. Griffiths was elected, ordained and, in company with the two above named were installed elders in the congregation. The prospects of this church were encouraging about this time. On the 8th of March, 1880, our senior ruling elder, R. B. McCollough, departed this life.

The first Sabbath in May, 1880, Rev. John Foy preached his first ser- mon in Salem church, having moved here from Martinsburg, Ohio. His ministrations continued about four years, the first two preaching to Bulah church, seven miles north of Salem and one and one-half miles north and two miles west of Verdon (Cornell school house), each Sabbath at three p. m., and at Salem at eleven a. m. and seven p. m. The last two years lis entire time was occupied at Salem. His work was faithful, conscientious and well done. Religious interest was far-reaching and members were added to the church continually.

During the year 1883, D. A. Tisdel and H. W. Kennon were elected, ordained and installed elders in this church.

About July 1, 1884, Rev. G. W. Borden, a graduate of Union Seminary, arrived on the ground and at once took up the work laid down by his honored predecessor, full of enthusiasm, courage and fidelity to the "head of the church." He at once won the hearts of the people, and was known as the living epistle of his profession. On April 23, 1885, a formal call was issued to Mr. Borden to become pastor of the church, which he accepted. The presbytery set September 23, 1885, at seven-twenty o'clock as the time and the church at Salem as the place where Mr. Borden should be ordained for the full work of the ministry. This work was performed by Reverends Wells, Thompson and Chestnut, as a committee of the presbytery, and Mr. Borden became first pastor of the Salem church, his predecessors being stated supplies. This pleasant relationship was abruptly terminated about January. 1886, by the failing health of Mrs. Borden, and on the advice of their physician this consecrated couple quitted this field. thereby creating a vacancy not yet filled.

In April. 1886. J. S. Boyd and J. A. Hanna were accepted as ellers by

393

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

the church. About this time many of the members moved to. other localities and states. This and a vacant pulpit soon lessened the influence of the church to such a degree that discouragement was plainly visible in every effort. Rev. W. S. Boyd preached in the church for about six months in 1887, followed in the fall of 1888 by Rev. H. M. Goodell, who ministered for us some eighteen months, faithful and diligent in every work. The church again revived and put forth aggressive efforts and pushed the work to favor- able results. But again about May, 1890, the church's pulpit was vacated by the removal of Mr. Goodell to Del Norte, Colorado.

About May 1, 1891, Rev. R. T. Bell began in connection with Falls City work to supply our pulpit, preaching each Sabbath afternoon for us and morning and evening at Falls City. His ministrations were very acceptable to all the people, but the increase of duties at Falls City compelled him to quit this work January 1, 1892, and devote all his time at home. So our pulpit is practically vacant again.

Having brought this narration down to 1892, allow me to supply sonie omissions, namely, Rev. A. F. Hale preached for the church for two or three months in 1874; J. W. McDowell, a student from Allegheny Seminary, who preached for the church for four months during vacation in 1886, and Charles B. Williams, from Princeton, during vacation in 1890.

On June 30, 1889, Elder James Hearst died, which was a great loss to the church. During the ups and downs of nearly twenty-seven years this church has enrolled one hundred and fifty names, of which forty-four are now resident members. None of the original members are at present in the organization, G. W. Baker, to the best of our knowledge, died inore than two years since.

The Prospect church, east of Humboldt, was organized, March 26, 1882. by George S. Little, synodical missionary for the state. This church was organized with twenty-five members, and in 1883 erected a building which cost about one thousand four hundred dollars. Many of the original mem- bers, retiring from their farms, moved into Humboldt. J. W. Van Emmon was its first regular pastor, since which time I am unable to give any history.

The Stella church was organized about the saine time with the Pros- pect church. Having no building it finally disbanded and merged into other organizations. The same may be said of Bulah church which for several years held forth at the Cornell school house, its members going to other localities. Upon the removal of the Congregational church into Verdon, the remaining members of Bulah placed their membership with that organiza-

394

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

tion, which act. is in full accord with the comity policy of the two denomi- nations, entered into years ago, that neither one will enter territory occupied by the other, until fully justified by a plain demand that they should.

Not having access to any records but the Salem church, I am unable to give in detail progress of the work of each church year after year.

LONG BRANCH SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCHL. By Uri M. Babcock, January 8, 1892.

The Long Branch Seventh-Day Baptist church was organized on Long Branch, about five miles northwest from Humboldt, by Rev. Thomas E. Babcock, on July 9, 1863. The names of the constituent, or charter mem- bers were as follows: William S. Furrow, Jonathan Maxson, A. D. S. Ayers, Lydia Ayers, Mary Reeves, Susan R. Furrow, Cecilia V. Furrow, Rebecca Pierce, Joshua G. Babcock, Charlotte T. Babcock, Jolin Smally Babcock, Sarah Babcock, Silas Babcock, Emily Babcock, John W. Davis, Amy Davis, Anna Davis, Rhoda Davis, Andrew Henshaw and Wilomina Henshaw. The first services of the church were held from house to house.

The first and only church was built in 1866 and cost about one thou- sand dollars. It stood about four miles northwest from Humboldt, Ne- braska, but in the fall of 1888 the church was moved one-half mile south and, consequently, one-half mile nearer Humboldt. It was then repaired and looked like a new church. A parsonage had been built on the lot to which the church was moved a number of years ago.

The first pastor of the church was Rev. Benjamin Clement. . After his pastorate Uri Martin Babcock, a licentiate, served the church for about two years, supporting himself by teaching school, receiving no salary what- ever from the church. After this, Rev. Samuel R. Wheeler, who lived near Atchison, Kansas, served the church as missionary pastor for a term of years. Following this service, Rev. Henry B. Lewis served the church as a missionary pastor for six months. In the years 1882 and 1883, Rev. John T. Davis served the church as its pastor about ten months. The first Sabbath of July, 1883. Rev. Darius K. Davis became pastor and served the church for about three years. The church then called Rev. Uri Martin Babcock, the same person who had served the church about two years pre- vious to 1873. In the spring of 1887 he came from Dayton, Florida. and took the pastoral care of the church on the first Sabbath of July. 1887. and served the church as its pastor for three years at the nominal salary of one hundred and fifty dollars from the church and one hundred dollars

395

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NEBRASKA.

from the missionary society. Afterwards they called him for one year to serve the church for eighty dollars from the church and one hundred dollars from the missionary society, which service closed on the July 1, 1891. Since that time he has served the church without any salary and will con- tinue to do so until he removes to some other field of labor, which he is contemplating doing at an early day. There is but one Seventh-Day Baptist church in Richardson county and but one other in the state, it being located at North Loup, Nebraska. The present membership, all told. residents and non-residents, is seventy-two.

RICHARDSON COUNTY SUNDAY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION. Dr. E. R. Mathers

The knowledge of early Bible school work in Richardson county has been greatly obscured by a failure in the keeping of proper records. Be- cause of this fact it becomes almost impossible to offer exact data on the organization of individual schools. Early, however, in the seventies the county was fairly well covered by denominational schools or those under the supervision of the American Sunday School Union. Organizations were found in Humboldt, Salem, Falls City and several other places, nanies of which are not now familiar to our people.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Richardson County, Nebraska : its people, industries and institutions, Part 37

Author: Edwards, Lewis C Publication date: 1917 Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen Number of Pages: 1742

Author: Edwards, Lewis C
Publication date: 1917
Publisher: Indianapolis : B.F. Bowen
Number of Pages: 1742