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HISTORY

OF

PAGE COUNTY

IOWA

Also Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County

By W. L. KERSHAW

ASSISTED BY THE FOLLOWING NAMED AS AN ADVISORY BOARD: EDWIN C. LANE. C. A. LISLE,

Editor The Clarinda Journal Elditor The Clarinda Herald

W. P. FERGUSON. G. B. JENNINGS.

Shenandoah, Judge of the Supeiioi Court Attorney-at-Law, Shenandoah

VOL. I.

ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO:

THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.

1909

THE NEW YORK Pl^BLIC LIBRARY

^STOR. LENOX AND

TILDL.; l-QL'NtiA.TiUNS

^ 1«U L

HISTORICAL

IOWA

INTRODUCTION.

Sixty years ago all that part of the great and beautiful state of Iowa of which the county of Page is a part was practically terra incognita, a vast wilderness, given over by the Almighty to wild beasts, birds of the air and their masters, the Indians, who roamed the plains and forests at will, claim- ing and securing an existence from the bounteous hand of nature. Here the deer, bufTalo and other fur bearing animals found a habitat, and the many streams gave generously of the palatable fish. The red man had no care for the morrow. No thought came to him that his possessions would ever be disturbed by the pale face. So he continued his dreams. The hunt w'as his daily avocation, broken in upon at intervals by a set-to with a hostile tribe of aborigines, that was always cruel and bloody in its results and added spoils to the victor and captives for torture. He knew not of the future and cared less. But the time was coming, was upon him. wb.en he was called upon to make way for a stronger and a progressive race of men ; when the fair land, that was their birthright, and their hunting grounds, resplendent with the gorgeous flower and emerald sod, must yield to the husbandman. The time had come for the buffalo, deer and elk to seek pastures new, that the alluvial soil might be turned to the sun and fed with grain, to vield in their seasons the richest of harvests.

It is hard for the present generation to realize the rapid pace of civiliz- ation on the western continent in the past one hundred years ; and when one confines his attention to the advancement of the state of Iowa in the past sixty years, his amazement is all the more intense. Evidences of progress are on every hand as one wends one's way across the beautiful state. Manu- facturing plants are springing u]) hither and yon ; magnificent edifices for religious worship point their spires heavenward ; schoolhouses, colleges and other places of learning and instruction make the state stand out promin- entlv among her sisters of this great republic. \'illages are growing into

6 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

towns, and towns are taking on the dignity of a city government, until to- day Iowa is noted throughout the Union for the number, beauty and thrift of her towns and cities. The commonwealth is cobwebbed with her tele- graph, telephone and railroad lines, and all these things above mentioned have been made jiossible by the thrift, determination and high character of the people who claim citizenship within her borders.

THE INDIAN AND HIS FATE.

It is conceded by historians who have given the subject deep thought and careful research that this country was inhabited by a race of human beings distinct from the red man. But that is beyond the province of this work. The men and women who opened up the state of Iowa and the county of Page to civilization had only the red man to dispute their coming and obstruct their progress ; and in that regard something should be re- corded in these pages.

So far as the writer can ascertain the Indians w^ere the first inhabitants of Iowa. For more than one hundred years after Marquette and JoHet had trod the virgin soil of Iowa and admired its fertile plains, not a single settle- ment had been made or attempted ; nor even a trading post established. The whole country remained in the undisputed possession of the native tribes. These tribes fought among themselves and against each other for supremacy and the choicest hunting grounds became the reward for the strongest and most valiant of them.

When Marquette visited this country in 1673, the Illini were a pow- erful people and occupied a large portion of the state, but when the coun- try was'again visited by the whites, not a remnant of that once powerful tribe remained on the west side of the Mississippi, and Iowa was principally in the possession of the Sacs and Foxes, a warlike tribe which, originally two distinct nations, residing in New York and on the waters of the St. Law- rence, had gradually fought their way westward and united, probably, after the Foxes had been driven out of the Fox river country in 1846 and crossed the Mississippi. The death of Pontiac, a famous Sac chieftain, was made the pretext for war against the Illini, and a fierce and bloody struggle ensued, which continued until the Illini were nearly destroyed, and their possessions went into the hands of their victorious foes. The Towas also occupied a portion of the state for a time, in common with the Sacs, but they, too, were nearly destroyed by the Sacs and Foxes and in the "Beau- tiful Land," these natives met their equally war-like and blood-thirsty ene- mies, the Northern Sioux, with whom they maintained a constant w^arfare for the possession of the country for a great many years.

In 1803 when, under the administration of Thomas Jefferson, then president of the United States, Louisiana was purchased from Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France, the Sacs, Foxes and lowas possessed the entire state of Iowa and the two former tribes also occupied most of Illinois. The Sacs had four principal villages, where most of them resided. Their largest and most important town, from which emanated most of the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 7

obstacles encountered by the government in the extinguishment of Indian titles to land in this region, was on the Rock river, near Rock Island ; an- other was on the east bank of the Mississippi, near the mouth of Henderson river ; the third was at the head of the Des Moines rapids, near the present site of Montrose; and the fourth was near the mouth of the Upper Iowa. The Foxes had three principal villages. One was on the west side of the Mississippi, six miles above the rapids of Rock river; another was about twelve miles from the river, in the rear of the Dubuque lead mines; and the third was on Turkey river.

The lowas, at one time identified with the Sacs of Rock river, had withdrawn from them and become a separate tribe. Their principal village was on the Des Moines river, in Van Buren county, on the site where lowa- ville now stands. Here the last great battle between the Sacs and Foxes and lowas was fought, in which Black Hawk, then a young man, com- manded one division of the attacking forces. The following account of the battle has been given :

"Contrary to long established custom of Indian attack, this battle was commenced in the daytime, the attending circumstances justifying this de- parture from the well-settled usages of Indian warfare. The battlefield was a level river bottom, about four miles in length and two miles wide near the middle, narrowing to a point at either end. The main area of this bot- tom rises perhaps twenty feet above the river, leaving a narrow strip of low bottom along the shore covered with trees that belted the prairie on the river side with a thick forest, and the immediate bank of the river was fringed with a dense growth of willows. Near the lower end of this prairie, near the river bank, was situated the Iowa village. About two miles above it and near the middle of the prairie is a mound, covered at the time with a small clump of trees and underbrush growing on its summit. In the rear of this little elevation, or mound, lay a belt of wet prairie, cov- ered at that time with a dense growth of rank, coarse grass. Bordering this wet prairie on the north, the country rises abruptly into elevated broken river bluffs, covered with a heavy forest for miles in extent, and in places thickly clustered with undergrowth, affording convenient shelter for the stealthy approach of an enemy.

"Through this forest the Sac and Fox war party made their way in the night and secreted themselves in the tall grass spoken of above, intending to remain in ambush during the day and make such observations as this near proximity to their intended victims might afford, to aid them in their con- templated attack on the town during the following night. From this situation their spies could take a full survey of the village and watch every move- ment of the inhabitants, by which means they were soon convinced that the lowas had no suspicion of their presence.

"At the foot of the mound above mentioned the lowas had their race course, where they diverted themselves with the excitement of horse racing and schooled their voung warriors in cavalrv evolutions. In these exercises mock battles were fought and the Indian tactics of attack and defense care- fully inculcated, by which means a skill in horsemanship was acquired that

8 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY

is rarely excelled- Unfortunately for them, this day was selected for their equestrian sports and, wholly unconscious of the proximity- of their foes, the wamors repaired to the race ground. lea\"ing most of their arms in the village, and their old men, women and children unprotected.

"Pash-a-popo. who was chief in command of the Sacs and Foxes, per- ceived at once this state of things afforded for a complete surprise of his now doomed victims, and ordered Black Hawk to file off \s4th his young warriors through the tall grass and gain the cover of the timber along the river bank, and with the utmost speed reach the village and commence the battle, while he remained w-ith his division in the ambush to make a simul- taneous attack on the unarmed men whose attention was engrossed with the excitement of the races. The plan was skillfully laid and dexterously ex- ecuted- Black Hawk with his forces reached the village undiscovered, and made a furious onslaught upon the defenseless inhabitants bv firing one general volley into their midst and completing the slaughter with the toma- hawk and scalping knife, aided by the devouring flames with which they enveloped the village as soon as the fire-brand could be spread from lodge to lodge.

"On the instant of the report of firearms at the village, the forces under Pash-a-popo leaped from their couchant position in the grass and sprang, tiger-like, upon the unarmed lowas in the midst of their racing sports. The first impulse of the latter naturally led them to make the utmost speed towards their arms in the \-iIIage, and protect, if possible, their wives and children from the attack of their merciless assailants. The distance from the place of attack on the prairie was two miles, and a great number fell in their flight by the bullets and tomahawks of their enemies, who pressed them closely with a rmming fire the whole wav and the survivors onlv reached their town in time to witness the horrors of its destruction. Their whole village was in flames and the dearest objects of their lives lay in slaughtered heaps amidst the de- vouring element, and the agonizing groans of the dying, mingled with the hideously exulting shouts of the enemy, filled their hearts with maddening despair. Their wives and children who had been spared the general massacre were prisoners, and their weapons in the hands of the victorious savages ; all that could be done was to draw off their shattered and defenseless forces. and save as many lives as possible by a retreat across the Des Moines river, which they effected in the best possible manner, and took a position among the Soap creek hflls."

The Sioux located their hunting grotmds north of the Sacs and Foxes. They were a fierce and warlike nation and often disputed possession in sav- age and fiendish warfare. The possessions of these tribes were mostly ki- cated in Minnesota but extended over a portion of northern and western Iowa to the Missouri river. Their descent from the north upon the hunting grounds of Iowa frequently brought them into collision with the Sacs and Foxes and after many a sanguine conflict, a boimdan.- line was established be- tween them by the government of the United States, in a treaty held at Prairie du Chien in 1825. Instead of settling the difficulties, this caused them to quarrel all the more, in consequence of alleged trespasse; upon each other's

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 9

side of the line. So bitter and unrelenting became these contests that in I830 the government purchased of their respective tribes of the Sacs and Foxes and the Sioux, a strip of land twent}- miles wide on both sides of the line, thus throwing them forty miles apart by creating a "neutral grotmd," and commanded them to cease their hostilities. They were, however, allowed to fish on the ground immolested. provided they did not interfere with each other on United States territor>-.

Soon after the acqtiisition of Louisiana the United States govemmenL adopted measures for the exploration of the new territorj-, having in view the conciliation of the nmnerous tribes of Indians by whom it was possessed, and also the selection of proper sites for the establishment of military posts and trading stations. The Army of the West, General Wilkinson command- ing, had its headquarters at St. Louis. From this post Captains Lewis and Qarke. with a sufficient force, were detailed to explore the unknown sources of the Missouri, and Lieutenant Zebulon M. Pike to ascend to the headwaters of the Mississippi. Lieutenant Pike, with one sergeant, two corporals and seventeen privates, left the military- camp near St. Louis, in a kiel boat, with four months rations, August 9, 1805. On the 20th of the same month the ex- pedition arrived within the present limits of the state of Iowa, at the foot of the Des Moines rapids, where Pike met William Ewing. who had just been appointed Indian agent at this point : a French interpreter, four chiefs, fifteen Sac and Fox warriors. At the head of the rapids, where ^Montrose is now situated. Pike held a cotmcil with the Indians, in which he addressed them substantially as follows :

"Your great father, the president of the L'nited States, wishes to be more acquainted with the situation and wants of the different nations of red people in our new acquired territory of Lpuisiana and has ordered the general to send a number of his warriors in different directions to take them by the hand and make such inquiries as might afford the satisfaction required."

At the close of the cotmcil he presented the red men with s^Dme knives, tobacco and whiskey. On the 23d of August he arrived at what is st^posed frcwn his description, to be the site of the present city of Burlington, which he selected as the location for a military post. He describes the place as "being on a hill, fort}- miles above the River de Mo}-ne rapids, on the west side of the -river, in latitude about forty degrees twent]i--OQe minutes north. The channel of the river runs on that shore. The hill in front is abotit sixt\- feet perpendicular, and nearly level at the top. About four hundred yards in the rear is a small prairie, fit for gardening, and immediately under the hill is a limestone spring, sufficient for the consumption of a whole regiment." In addition to this description, which corresponds to Burling- ton, the spot is laid down on his map at a bend in the river a short distance below the mouth of the Henderson, which poiu^s its waters into the Mis- sissippi from Illinois. The fort was built at Fort Madison but from the distance, latitude, description and map furnished by Pike, it could not have been the place selected by him. while all the circumstances corroborate the opinion that the spot he selected was the place where Burlington is now located, called by the early vo>-agers on the Mississippi "Flint Hills," In

10 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY

company with one of his men Pike went on shore on a hunting expedition, and following a stream which they supposed to be a part of the Mississippi thev were led away from their course. Owing to the intense heat and tall grass, his two favorite dogs, which he had taken with him, became exhausted, and he left them on the prairie, supposing they would follow him as soon as they should get rested, and went on to overtake his boat. After reaching- the river he waited for some time for his canine friends but they did not come, and as he deemed it inexpedient to detain the boat longer, two of his men volunteered to go in pursuit of them. He then continued on his way up the river, expecting the men would soon overtake him. They lost their way, however, and for six days were without food, except a few morsels gathered from the stream and might have perished had they not accidently met a trader from St. Louis, who induced two Indians to take them up the river, overtaking the boat at Dubuque. At the latter place Pike was cordially received by Julien Dubuque, a Frenchman, who held a mining claim under a grant from Spain. He had an old field piece and fired a salute in honor of the advent of the first American who had visited that part of the territory. He was not, however, disposed to publish the wealth of his mines and the young and evidently inquisitive officer obtained but little information in that regard.

Upon leaving this place Pike pursued his way up the river but as he passed beyond the limits of the present state of Iowa, a detailed history of his explorations does not properly belong to this volume. It is sufficient to say that on the site of Fort Snelling, Minnesota, he held a council with the Sioux, September 23d, and obtained from them a grant of one hundred thousand acres of land.

Before the territory of Iowa could be opened to settlement by the whites it was first necessar\- that the Indian title should be extinguished and the aborigines removed. The territory had been purchased by the United States but was still occupied by the Indians, who claimed title to the soil bv right of possession. In order to accomplish this purpose, large sums of money were expended, warring tribes had to be appeased by treaty stipulations and oppression by the whites discouraged.

BLACK HAWK. VV (Xpi

■ When the United States assumed control of the country, by reason of its purchase from France, nearly the whole state was in possession of the Sacs and Foxes, a powerful and warlike nation, who were not disposed to sub- mit without a struggle to what they regarded the encroachment on their rights of the pale faces. Among the most noted chiefs and one whose rest- lessness and hatred of the whites occasioned more trouble to the govern- ment than any other of his tribe, was Black Hawk, who was born at the Sac village, on Rock river, in 1767. He was simply the chief of his own band of Sac warriors; but by his energy and ambition he became the leading spirit of the united nation of the Sacs and Foxes, and one of the prominent figures in the history of the country from 1804 until his death. In earlv

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 11

manhood he attained distinction as a fighting chief, having led campaigns against the Osages and other neighboring tribes. About the beginning of the nineteenth century he began to appear prominent in affairs on the Mis- sissippi. His hfe was a marvel. He is said by some to have been the victim of a narrow prejudice and bitter ill will against the Americans.

November 3, 1804, a treaty was concluded between William Henry Har- rison, then governor of the Indian Territory, on behalf of the United States, and five chiefs of the Sac and Fox nation, by which the latter, in considera- tion of two thousand two hundred thirty-four dollars' worth of goods then de- livered, and a yearly annuity of one thousand dollars to be paid in goods at just cost, ceded to the United States all that land on the east side of the A'lis- sissippi extending from a point opposite the Jefferson, in Missouri, to the Wisconsin river, embracing an area of fifty-one million acres. To this treaty Black Flawk always objected and always refused to consider it binding upon his people. He asserted that the chiefs and braves who made it had no au- thority to relinquish the title of the nation to any of the lands they held or oc- cupied and, moreover, that they had been sent to St. Louis on quite a different errand, namely, to get one of their people released, who had been imprisoned at St. Louis for killing a white man.

In 1805 Lieutenant Pike came up the river for the purpose of holding friendly council with the Indians and selecting sites for forts within the ter- ritory recently acquired from France by the United States. Lieutenant Pike seems to have been the first American whom Black Hawk had met or had a personal interview with and was very much impressed in his favor. Pike gave a very interesting account of his visit to the noted chief.

. Fort Edwards was erected soon after Pike's expedition, at what is now Warsaw, Illinois, also Fort Madison, on the site of the present town of that name, the latter being the first fort erected in Iowa. These movements oc- casioned great uneasiness among the Indians. When work was commenced on Fort Edwards, a delegation from the nation, headed by their chiefs, went down to see what the Americans were doing and had an interview with the commander, after which they returned home and were apparently satisfied. In like manner, when Fort Madison was being erected, they sent down an- other delegation from a council of the nation held at Rock river. Accord- ing to Black Hawk's account, the American chief told them he was building a house for a trader, who was coming to sell them goods cheap, and that the soldiers were coming to keep him company — a statement which Black Hawk says they distrusted at the time, believing that the fort was an en- croachment upon their rights, and designed to aid in getting their lands away from them. It is claimed, by good authority, that the building of Fort Madison was a violation of the treaty of 1804. By the eleventh article of that treaty, the United States had the right to build a fort near the mouth of the Wisconsin river, and by article six they bound themselves "that if any citizen of the United States or any other white person should form a set- tlement upon their lands such intruder should forthwith be removed." Prob- ably the authorities of the L^nited States did not regard the establishment of military posts as coming properly within the meaning of the term "settle-

12 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

ment," as used in the treaty. At all events, they erected Fort Madison with- in the territory reserved to the Indians, who became very indignant. Very soon after the fort was built, a party led by Black Hawk attempted its de- siruction. They sent spies to watch the movements of the garrison, who ascertained that the soldiers were in the habit of marching out of the fort every morning and evening for parade, and the plan of the party was to conceal themselves near the fort and attack and surprise them when they were outside. On the morning of the proposed day of the attack five soldiers came out and were fired upon by the Indians, two of them being killed. The fndians were too hasty in their movements, for the parade had riot com- menced. However, they kept up the siege several days, attempting the old Fox strategy of setting fire to the fort with blazing arrows, but finding their efforts unavailing, they desisted and returned to their wigwams on Rock river. In 1812, when war was declared between this country and Great Britain, Black Hawk and his band allied themselves with the British, partly because he was dazzled by their specious promises, but more probablv be- cause they were deceived by the Americans. Black Hawk himself declared they were forced into the war by having been deceived. He narrates the cir- cumstance as follows : "Several of the head men and chiefs of the Sacs and Foxes were called upon to go to Washington to see their great father. On their return they related what had been said and done. They said the great father wished them, in the event of w^ar taking place with England, not to interfere on either side but to remain neutral. He did not want our help but wished us to hunt and support our families and live in peace. He said that British traders would not be permitted to come on the Mississippi to furnish us with goods but that we should be supplied by an American trader. Our chiefs then told him that the British traders always gave them credit in the fall for guns, powder and goods, to enable us to hunt and clothe our families. He repeated that the traders at Fort Madison would have plenty of goods ; that we should go there in the fall and he would supply us on credit, as the British traders had done." Black Hawk seems to have accepted the proposi- tion and he and his people were very much pleased. Acting in good faith, they fitted out for their winter's hunt and went to Fort Madison in high spirits to receive from the trader their outfit of 'supplies; but after waiting some time they were told by the trader that he would not trust them. In vain they pleaded the promise of their great father at Washington ; the trader was inexorable. Disappointed and crestfallen, the Indians turned sadly to their own village. Says Black Hawk : "Few of us slept that night. All was gloom and discontent. In the morning a canoe was seen ascending the river ; it soon arrived bearing an express, who brought intelligence that a British trader had landed at Rock Island with two boats filled with goods, and requested us to come up immediately, because he had good news for us and a variety of presents. The express presented us with pipes, tobacco and wampum. The news ran through our camp like fire on the prairie. Our lodges were soon taken down and all started for Rock Island. Here ended all our hopes of remaining at peace, having been forced into the war by being deceived." He joined the British, who flattered him and styled him "General Black

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTV ]3

Hawk," decked him with medals, excited his jealousy against the Americans and armed his band but he inet with defeat and disappointment and soon abandoned the service and returned home.

There was a portion of the Sacs and Foxes whom Fjlack Hawk, with all his skill and cunning, could not lead into hostilities against the United States. With Keokuk, "the Watchful Fox," at their head, they were dis- posed to abide by the treaty of 1804 and to cultivate friendly relations with the American people. So when Black Hawk and his band joined the fortunes of Great Britain, the rest of the nation remained neutral and for protection organized with Keokuk for their chief. Thus the nation was divided into the "war party" and "peace party." Keokuk became one of the nation's great chiefs. In person he was tall and of portly bearing. He has been described as an orator, entitled to rank with the most gifted of his race, and through the eloquence of his tongue he prevailed upon a large body of his people to remain friendly to the Americans. As has been said, the treaty of 1804, between the United States and the Sac and Fox nations was never acknowledged by Black Hawk and in 183 1 he established himself with a chosen band of warriors upon the disputed territory, ordering the whites to leave the country at once. The settlers complaining. Governor Reynolds, of Illinois, despatched General Gaines, with a company of reg- ulars and one thousand five hundred volunteers, to the scene of action. Taking the Indians by surprise, the troops burnt their village and forced them to conclude a treaty, by which they ceded all their lands east of the Mississippi and agreed to remain on the west side of the river.

Necessity forced the proud spirit of Black Hawk into submission, which made him more than ever determined to be avenged upon his enemies. Having rallied around him the warlike braves of the Sac and Fox nations, he recrossed the Mississippi in the spring of 1832. Upon hearing of the invasion. Governor Reynolds hastily gathered a body of one thousand eight hundred volunteers, placing them under Brigadier-General Samuel White- side. The army marched to the Mississippi and, having reduced to ashes the village known as "Prophet's Town," proceeded several miles up Rock River to Dixon to join the regular forces under General Atkinson. They formed at Dixon two companies of volunteers, who. sighing for glory, were dispatched to reconnoiter the enemy. They advanced under command of General Stillman to a creek, afterwards called "Stillman's Run," and while encamping there saw a party of mounted Indians at a distance of a mile. Several of Stillman's men mounted their horses and charged the Indians, killing three of them, but attacked by the main Iwdy under Black Hawk, they were routed and by their precipitate flight spread such a panic through the camp that the whole company ran off to Dixon as fast as their legs could carry them. On their arrival it was found eleven had been killed. For a long time afterward Major Stillman and his men were subjects of ridicule and merriment, which was as undeserving as their expedition was disastrous. Stillman's defeat spread consternation throughout the state and nation. The number of Indians was greatly exaggerated and the name of Black Hawk carried with it associations of great military talent, cunning

14 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

and cruelty. He was very active and restless and was continually causing trouble.

After Black Hawk and his warriors had committed several depreda- tions and added more scalp locks to their belts, that restless chief and his savage partisans were located on Rock river, where he was in camp. On July 19th, General Henry being in command, ordered his troops to march. After having gone fifty miles, they were overtaken by a terrible thunder- storm which lasted all night. Nothing cooled in their ardor and zeal, they marched fifty miles the next day, encamping near the place where the Indians encamped the night before. Hurrying along as fast as they could, the infantry keeping up an equal pace with the mounted men, the troops on the morning of the 21st crossed the river connecting two of the four lakes, by which the Indians had been endeavoring to escape. They found on their way the ground strewn with kettles and articles of baggage, which in the haste of retreat the Indians were obliged to abandon. The troops, imbued with new ardor, advanced sO' rapidly that at noon they fell in with the rear guards of the enemy. Those who closely pursued them were saluted by a sudden fire of musketry from a body of Indians who had con- cealed themselves in the high grass of the prairie. A most desperate charge was made on the four who, unable to resist, retreated obliquely in order to outflank the volunteers on the right but the latter charged the Indians in their ambush and expelled them from the thickets at the point of the bay- onet and dispersed them. Night set in and the battle ended, having cost the Indians sixty-eight of their bravest men, while the loss of the Illinoisans was but one killed and eight wounded. Soon after this battle Generals Atkinson and Henry joined forces and pursued the Indians. General Henry struck the main trail, left his horses behind, formed an advance guard of eight men and marched forward upon the trail. When these eight men came in sight of the river they were suddenly fired upon and five of them killed, the remaining three maintaining their ground until General Henry came up. Then the Indians, charged upon with the bayonet, fell back upon their main force. The battle now became general. The Indians fought with desperate valor but were furiously assailed by the volunteers with their bayonets, cutting many of the Indians to pieces and driving the rest of them into the river. Those who escaped from being drowned found refuge on an island. On hearing the frequent discharge of musketry. General At- kinson abandoned the pursuit of the twenty Indians under Black Hawk himself and hurried to the scene of action, where he arrived too late to take part in the battle. He immediately forded the river with his troops, the water reaching up to their necks, and landed on the island where the Indians had secreted themselves. The soldiers rushed upon the Indians, killed several of them, took the others prisoners and chased the rest into the river, where they were either drowned or shot before reaching the opposite shore. Thus ended the battle, the Indians losing three hundred, besides fifty prison- ers ; the whites but seventeen killed and twelve wounded.

Black Hawk with his twenty braves retreated up the Wisconsin river. The Winnebagoes, desirous of securing the friendship of the whites, went

SHERIDAN AVENUE EAST FROM ELM STREET. SHENANDOAH

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HISTORY OF PAGE COL'XTY 17

m pursuit and captured and delivered them to General Street, the United States Indian agent. Among the prisoners were the son of Black Hawk and the prophet of the tribe. These, with Black Hawk, were taken to Washington, D. C., and soon consigned as prisoners to Fortress Monroe. At the interview Black Hawk had with the president he closed his speech delivered on the occasion in the following words : "We did not expect to conquer the whites. They have too many houses, too many men. I took up the hatchet, for my part, to revenge injuries which my people would no longer endure. Had I borne them longer without striking my people would have said : 'Black Hawk is a woman ; he is too old to be a chief ; he is no Sac' These reflections caused me to raise the war whoop. I say no more. It is known to you. Keokuk once was here ; you took him by the hand, and when he wished to return to his home you were willing. Black Hawk expects like Keokuk, he shall be permitted to return, too."

By order of the president. Black Hawk and his companions who were in confinement at Fortress Monroe, were set free on the 4th day of June, 1833. After their release from prison they were conducted in charge of Major Garland through some of the principal cities that they might witness the power of the United States and learn their own inability to cope with them in war. Great multitudes flocked to see them wherever they were taken and the attention paid them rendered their progress through the country a tri- umphal procession instead of prisoners transported by an officer. At Rock Island the prisoners were given their liberty amid great and impressive cere- mony. In 1838 Black Hawk built him a dwelling near Des Moines, this state, and furnished it after the manner of the whites and engaged in agricul- tural pursuits, together with hunting and fishing. Here, with his wife, to whom he was greatly attached, he passed the few remaining days of his life. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk remained true to his wife and served her with a devotion uncommon among Indians, living with her up- wards of forty years.

At all times when Black Hawk visited the whites he was received with marked attention. He was an honored guest of the Old Settlers' reunion in Lee county, Illinois, and received marked tokens of esteem. In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his annuity from the gov- ernment, he contracted a severe cold, which resulted in an intense attack of bilious fever, and terminated his life October 3. After his death he was dressed in the uniform presented him by the president while in Washing- ton. He was buried in a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. The body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting position upon a seat constructed for the occasion. On his left side the cane given him by Henry Clay was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it. His remains were afterward stolen and carried away but they were recovered by the governor of Iowa and placed in the museum at Burlington, of the Historical Society, where they were finally destroyed by fire.

18 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

INDIAN TREATIES.

The territory known as the "Black Hawk Purchase," although not the first portion of Iowa ceded to the United States by the Sacs and Foxes, was the first opened to actual settlement by the tide of emigration which flowed across the Mississippi as soon as the Indian tide was extinguished. The treaty which provided for this cession was made at a council held on the west bank of the Mississippi where now stands the city of Davenport, on ground now occupied by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Com- pany, September 21, 1832. This was just after the Black Hawk war and the defeated savages had retired from east of the Mississippi. At the coun- cil the government was represented by General Winfield Scott and Governor Reynolds, of Illinois. Keokuk, Pash-a-popo and some thirty other chiefs and warriors were there. By this treaty the Sacs and Foxes ceded to the United States a strip of land on the eastern border of Iowa, fifty miles wide, from the northern boundary of Missouri to the mouth of the Upper Iowa river, containing about six million acres. The western line of the purchase was parallel with the Mississippi. In consideration for this cession the United States agreed to pay annually to the confederated tribes, for thirty consecu- tive years, twenty thousand dollars in specie, and to pay the debts of the Indians at Rock Island, which had been accumulating for seventeen years and amounted to fifty thousand dollars, due to Davenport & Farnham, In- dian traders. The government also donated to the Sac and Fox women and children, whose husbands and fathers had fallen in the Black Hawk war, thirty-five beef cattle, twelve bushels of salt, thirty barrels of pork, fifty bar- rels of flour and six thousand bushels of corn.

The treaty was ratified February 13, 1833, and took effect on the first of June following, when the Indians quietly removed from the ceded territory and this fertile and beautiful region was opened by white settlers.

By the terms of the treaty, out of the "Black Hawk Purchase" was re- served for the Sacs and Foxes four hundred square miles of land, situated on the Iowa river, and including within its limits Keokuk village, on the right bank of that river. This tract was known as Keokuk's reserve and was occupied by the Indians until 1836, where by a treaty made in September be- tween them and Governor Dodge, of Wisconsin territory, it was ceded to the United States. The council was held on the banks of the Mississippi above Davenport, and was the largest assemblage of the kind ever held by the Sacs and Foxes to treat for the sale of land. About one thousand of their chiefs and braves were present, Keokuk being the leading spirit of the occasion and their principal speaker.

FIRST LAND TITLE IN IOWA.

By the terms of this treaty the Sacs and Foxes were removed to another reservation on the Des Moines river, where an agency was established at what is now the town of Agency, in Wapello county. The government also gave out of the "Black Hawk Purchase," to Antoine LeClaire, interpreter, in fee

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 19

simple, one section of land opposite Rock Island and another at the head of the first rapids above the island, on the Iowa side. This was the first land title granted by the United States to an individual in Iowa.

General Joseph M. Street established an agency among the Sacs and Foxes very soon after the removal of the latter to their new reservation. He was transferred from the agency of the Winnebagoes for this purpose. A farm was selected, upon which the necessary buildings were erected, in- cluding a comfortable farm house for the agent and his family, at the expense of the Indian fund. A salaried agent was employed to superintend the farm and dispose of the crops. Two mills were erected — one on Soap creek and the other on Sugar creek. The latter was soon swept away by a flood but the former did good service for many years.

Connected with the agency were Joseph Smart and John Goodell, inter- preters. The latter was interpreter for Hard Fishes' band. Three of the In- dian chiefs — Keokuk, Wapello and Appanoose — had each a large field im- proved, the two former on the right bank of the Des Moines and back from the river, in what was "Keokuk's Prairie," and the latter on the present site of Ottumwa. Among the traders connected with their agency was J. P. Eddy, who established his post at what is now the site of Eddyville. The Indians at this agency became idle and listless in the absence of their natural excite- ments and many of them plunged into dissipation. Keokuk himself became dissipated in the latter years of his life and it has been reported that he died of delirium tremens after his removal with his tribe to Kansas. In May, 1843, niost of the Indians were removed up the Des Moines river, above the temporary line of Red Rock, having ceded the remnants of their land in Iowa to the United States, September 21, 1837, and October 11, 1842. By the terms of the latter treaty, they held possession of the "New Purchase" un- til the autumn of I845, when most of them were removed to their reservation in Kansas, the balance being removed in 1846.

Before any permanent settlement was made in the territory of Iowa, white adventurers, trappers and traders, many of whom were scattered along the Mississippi and its tributaries, as agents and employes of the American Fur Company, intermarried with the females of the Sac and Fox Indians, pro- ducing a race of half-breeds, whose number was never definitely ascertained. There were some respectable and excellent people among them, children of some refinement and education.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first permanent settlement made by the whites within the limits of Iowa was by Julien Dubuque in 1788 when, with a small party of miners, he settled on the site of the city that now bears his name, where he lived until his death in 1810. What was known as the Girard settlement in Clayton county, was made by some parties prior to the commencement of the nine- teenth century. It consisted of three cabins in 1805. Louis Honori settled on the site of the present town of Montrose, probably in 1799, and resided there probably until 1805, when his property passed into other hands. Indian

20 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

traders had established themselves at other points at an early date. Mr. Johnson, an agent of the American Fur Company, had a trading post below Burlington, where he carried on traffic with the Indians some time before the United States came into possession of Louisiana. In 1820, Le Moliese, a French trader, had a station at what is now Sandusky, six miles above Keo- kuk, in Lee county. The same year a cabin was built where the city of Keokuk now stands, by Dr. Samuel C. Muir, a surgeon in the United States army. His marriage and subsequent life were very romantic. Vv^hile sta- tioned at a military post on the Upper Mississippi, the post was visited by a beautiful Indian maiden — whose native name unfortunately has not been preserved- — who in her dreams had seen a white brave unmoor his canoe, paddle it across the river and come directly to her lodge. She felt assured, according to the superstitious belief of her race, that in her dreams she had seen her future husband and had come to the fort to find him. Meeting Dr. Muir, she instantly recognized him as the hero of her dream which, with child-like innocence and simplicity, she related to him. Charmed with the dusky maiden's beauty, innocence and devotion, the Doctor took her to his home in honorable wedlock; but after a while the sneers and jibes of his brother officers — less honorable than he — made him feel ashamed of his dark skinned wife, and when his regiment was ordered down the river to Belle- fontaine, it is said, he embraced the opportunity to rid himself of her. never expecting to see her again and little dreaming that she would have the cou- rage to follow him. But with her infant, this intrepid wife and mother started alone in her canoe and after many days of weary labor and a lonely journey of nine hundred miles, she at last reached him. She afterwards re- marked, when speaking of this toilsome journey down the river in search of her husband : "When I got there I was all perished away — so thin." The Doctor, touched by such unexampled devotion, took her to his heart and ever after, until his death, treated her with marked respect. She always pre- sided at his table with grace and dignity but never abandoned her native style of dress. In 1819-20 he was stationed at Fort Edwards, now Warsaw, but the senseless ridicule of some of his brother officers on account of his Indian wife induced him to resign his commission. He then built a cabin, as above stated, where Keokuk is now situated, and made a claim to some land. This land he leased to parties in the neighborhood and then moved to what is now Galena, where he practiced his profession for ten years, when he returned to Keokuk. His Indian wife bore him four children: Louise. James, Mary and Sophia. Doctor Muir died suddenly, of cholera, in 1832, but left his property in such condition that it was wasted in vexatious litigation and his brave and faithful wife, left friendless and penniless, became discouraged, so with her two yoimger children she disappeared. It is said she returned to her people on the Tapper Missouri.

CIVIL GOVERNMENT FOR TERRITORY AND STATE.

After the "I'lack Hawk l\nxhase" immigration to Iowa was rapid and steady, and provisions for civil government became a necessity. Accord-

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ingly, in 1834, all the territory comprising the present states of Iowa, Wis- consin and Minnesota, was made subject to the jurisdiction of Michigan territory. Up to this time there had been no county or other organization in what is now the state of Iowa, although one or two justices of the peace had been appointed and a postoffice was established at Dubuque in 1833. In September of 1834, therefore, the territorial legislature of Michigan created two counties on the west side of the Mississippi river — Dubuque and Des Moines — separated by a line drawn westward from the foot of Rock Island. These counties were partially organized. John King was appointed chief justice of Dubuque county and Isaac Leffler, of Des Moines county, were appointed by the governor.

In October, 1835, General George W. Jones, in recent years a citizen of Dubuque, was elected a delegate to congress. April 20, 1836, through the efforts of General Jones, congress passed a bill creating the territory of Wisconsin, which went into operation July 4th, of the same year. Iowa was then included in the territory of Wisconsin, of which General Henry Dodge was appointed governor ; John S. Horner, secretary ; Charles Dunn, chief justice; David Irwin and William C. Frazer, associate justices. Sep- tember 9, 1836, a census of the new territory was taken. Des Moines county showed a population of six thousand two hundred and fifty-seven and Dubuque county four thousand two hundred and seventy-four.

ORGANIZATION OF THE TERRITORY OF IOWA.

The question of the organization of the territory of Iowa now began to be agitated and the desires of the people found expression in a convention held November ist, which memorialized congress to organize a territory west of the Mississippi river and to settle the boundary line between Wis- consin territory and Missouri. The territorial legislature of Wisconsin, then in session in Burlington, joined in the petition. The act was passed dividing the territory of Wisconsin and providing for the territorial govern- ment of Iowa. This was approved June 12, 1838, to take effect and be in force on and after July 3, 1838.

The new territory embraced "all that part of the present territory of Wisconsin west of the Mississippi river and west of a line drawn due north from the headwaters or sources of the Mississippi river to the territorial line." The organic act provided for a governor, whose term of office should be three years; a secretary, chief justice, two associate justices, an attorney general and marshal, to be appointed by the president. The act also pro- vided for the election, by the white citizens over twenty-one years of age, of a house of representatives, consisting of twenty-six members and a council to consist of thirteen members. It also appropriated five thousand dollars for a public library and twenty thousand dollars for the erection of public buildings. In accordance with this act. President Van Buren appointed ex- Governor Robert Lucas of Ohio, to be the first governor of the new ter- ritory; William B. Conway, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, secretary; Charles Mason of Burlington, chief justice ; Thomas S. Wilson, of Dubuque, and

22 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Joseph Williams, of Pennsylvania, associate justices; Mr. Van Allen, of New York, attorney ; Francis Gehon, of Dubuque, marshal ; Augustus C. Dodge, register of the land office at Burlington ; and Thomas C. Knight, receiver of the land office at Dubuque.

On the loth of September, 1838, an election was held for members of the legislature and on the 12th of the following November the first session of that body was held at Burlington. Both branches of this general as- sembly had a large democratic majority but notwithstanding that fact, General Jesse B. Brown, a whig, of Lee county, Des Moines and Dubuque counties having been previously divided into other counties, was elected president of the council, and Hon. William H. Wallace, of Henry county, also a whig, speaker of the house. The first session of the Iowa territorial legislature was a stormy and exciting one. By the organic law the governor was clothed with almost unlimited veto power. Governor Lucas was dis- posed to make free use of this prerogative and the independent Hawkeyes could not quietly submit to arbitrary and absolute rule. The result was an unpleasant controversy between the executive and legislative departments. Congress, however, by act approved March 3, 1839, amended the organic law by restricting the veto power of the governor to the two-thirds rule and took from him the power to appoint sheriffs and magistrates. Among the first important matters demanding attention was the location of the seat of government and provision for the erection of public buildings, for which congress had appropriated twenty thousand dollars. Governor Lucas in his message had recommended the appointment of commissioners with a view to selecting a central location. The extent of the future state of Iowa was not known or thought of. Only a strip of land fifty miles wide, bordering on the Mississippi river, was alienated by the Indians to the general govern- ment and a central location meant some central point within the confines of what was known as the "Black Hawk Purchase."

The friends of a central location favored the governor's suggestion. The southern members were divided between Burlington and Mount Pleasant but finally united on the latter as the proper location for the seat of govern- ment. The central and southern parties were very nearly equal and in consequence much excitement prevailed. The central party at last was tri- umphant and on January 21, 1839, ^" ^ct was passed appointing commis- sioners to select a site for a permanent seat of government within the limits of Johnson county. All things considered, the location of the capital in Johnson county was a wise act. Johnson county was from north to south in the geographical center of the purchase and as near the east and west geographical center of the future state of Iowa as could then be made. The site having been determined, six hundred and forty acres were laid out by the commissioners into a town and called Iowa City. On a tract of ten acres the capitol was built, the corner stone of which was laid, with ap- propriate ceremonies, July 4, 1840. Monday, December 6, 1841, the fourth legislature of Iowa met at the new capital, Iowa City, but the capitol build- ing not being ready for occupancy, a temporary frame house erected for the purpose, was used.

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In 1841 John Chambers succeeded Robert Lucas as governor and in 1845 he gave place to James Clarke. The territorial legislature held its eighth and last session at Iowa City in 1845. James Clarke was the same year appointed the successor of Governor Chambers and was the third and last territorial governor.

THE TF.RRITORY BECOMES THE .STATE OF IOWA.

The territory of Iowa was growing rapidly in its population and soon began to look for greater things. Her ambition was to take on the dignity and importance of statehood. To the furtherance of this laudable ambition the territorial legislature passed an act, which was approved February 12, 1844, providing for the submission to the people the question of the forma- tion of a state constitution and providing for the election of delegates to a convention to be convened for that purpose. The people voted on this at their township elections the following April. The measure was carried by a large majority and the members elected assembled in convention at Iowa City, October 7, 1844. On the ist day of November following, the convention completed its work and adopted the first state constitution. By reason of the boundary lines of the proposed state being unsatisfactorily prescribed by con- gress, the constitution was rejected at an election held August 4, 1845, by a vote of seven thousand six hundred and fifty-six to seven thousand two hun- dred and thirty-five. May 4, 1846, a second convention met at Iowa City and on the i8th of the same month another constitution, prescribing the boun- daries as they now are, was adopted. This was accepted by the people August 3d, by a vote of nine thousand four hundred and ninety-two to nine thou- sand and thirty-six. The new constitution was approved by congress and Iowa was admitted as a sovereign state in the Union, December 28, 1846, and the people of the territory, anticipating favorable action by congress, held an election for state officers, October 26, I846, which resulted in the choice of Ansel Briggs for governor ; Elisha Cutler, Jr., secretary ; James T. Fales, auditor: Morgan Reno, treasurer; and members of both branches of the legislature.

The act of congress which admitted Iowa into the Union as a state gave her the sixteenth section of every township of land in the state, or its equiva- lent, for the support of schools. Also seventy-two sections of land for the purposes of a university ; five sections of land for the completion of her public buildings ; the salt springs within her limits, not exceeding twelve in num- ber, with sections of land adjoining each ; also in consideration that her public lands should be exempt from taxation by the state. The state was given five per cent of the net proceeds of the sale of public lands within the state.

The constitutional convention of 1846 was made up largely of democrats and the instrument contains some of the peculiar tenets of the party of that day. All banks of issue were prohibited within the state. The state was prohibited from becoming a stockholder in any corporation for pecuniary profit and the general assembly could only provide for private corporations by general statutes. The constitution also limited the state's indebtedness to

24 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

one hundred thousand dollars. It required the general assembly to provide for schools throughout the state for at least three months during the year. Six months' previous residence of any white male citizen of the United States constituted him an elector.

At the time of the organization of the state Iowa had a population of one hundred sixteen thousand six hundred and fifty-one, as appears by the cen- sus of 1847. There were twenty-seven organized counties and the settlements were being rapidly pushed toward the Missouri river.

The western boundary of the state, as now determined, left Iowa City too far toward the eastern and southern boundary of the state. This was conceded. Congress had appropriated five sections of land for the erec- tion of public buildings and toward the close of the first session of the general assembly a bill was introduced providing for the relocation of the seat of government, involving to some extent the location of the state university, which had already been discussed. This bill gave rise to much discussion, and parliamentary maneuvering almost purely sectional in its character. February 2^, 1847, an act was passed to locate and establish a state univer- sity, and the unfinished public buildings at Iowa City, together with the ten acres of land on which they were situated, were granted for the use of the university, reserving their use, however, for the general assembly and state officers until other provisions were made by law.

Four sections and two half sections of land were selected in Jasper county by the commissioners for the new capital. Here a town was platted and called Monroe City. The commissioners placed town lots on sale in the new location but reported to the assembly small sales at a cost exceeding the re- ceipts. The town of Monroe was condemned and failed of becoming the capital. An act was passed repealing the law for the location at Monroe and those who had bought lots there were refunded their money.

By reason of jealousies and bickerings the first general assembly failed to elect United States senators but the second did better and sent to the upper house of congress Augustus Caesar Dodge and George Jones. The first rep- resentatives were S. Clinton Hastings, of Muscatine, and Shepard Leffler, of Des Moines county.

The question of the permanent seat of government was not settled, and in 185 1 bills were introduced for its removal to Fort Des Moines. The lat- ter locality seemed to have the support of the majority but was finally lost in the house on the question of ordering it to a third reading. At the next session, in 1853, a bill was again introduced in the senate for the removal of the capital and the effort was more successful. On January 15, 1855, a bill, relocating the capital of the state of Iowa within two miles of the Raccoon fork of the Des Moines river, and for the appointment of commissioners, was approved by Governor Grimes. The site was selected in 1856, in accordance with the provisions of this act, the land being donated to the state by citizens and property holders of Des Moines. An association of citizens erected a temporary building for the capitol and leased it to the state at a nominal rent.

HISTORY OF PAGE COL'XTY 25

THE STATE BECOMES REPUBLICAN.

The passage by congress of the act organizing the territories of Kansas and Nebraska, and the provision it contained abrogating that portion of the Missouri bill that proliibited slavery and involuntary servitude north of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes was the beginning of a political revolu- tion in the northern states, and in none was it more marked than in the state of Iowa. Iowa was the "first free child born of the Missouri Compro- mise." In 1856 the republican party of the state was duly organized, in full sympathy with that of the other free states, and at the ensuing presidential election the electoral vote of the state was cast for John C. Fremont.

Another constitutional convention assembled in Iowa City in January, 1857. One of the most pressing demands for this convention grew out of the prohibition of banks under the old constitution. The practical result of this prohibition was to flood the state with every species of "wildcat" currency. The circulating medium was made up in part of the free-bank paper of Illi- nois and Indiana. In addition to this there was paper issued by Iowa brokers, who had obtained bank charters from the territorial legislature of Nebraska and had had their pretended headquarters at Omaha and Florence. The currency was also variegated with the bills of other states, generally such as had the best reputation where they were least known. This paper was all at two, and some of it from ten to fifteen per cent discount. Every man who was not an expert at detecting counterfeit bills and who was not posted in the methods of banking institutions, did business at his peril. The new constitution adopted at this convention made ample provisions for house banks under the supervision of laws of the state and other changes in the old constitution were made that more nearly met the views of the people.

The permanent seat of government was fixed at Des Moines and the university at Iowa City. The qualifications of electors remained the same as under the old constitution but the schedule provided for a vote of the people upon a separate proposition to strike out the word "white" from the suffrage clause. Since the early organization of Iowa there had been upon the statute books a law providing th.at no negro, mulatto or Indian should be a compe- tent witness in any suit at law or proceeding to which a white man was a party. The general assembly of 1856-7 repealed this law and the new con- stitution contained a clause forbidding such disqualification in the future. It also provided for the education of "all youth of the state" through a sys- tem of common schools.

TTTE CAPITAL REMOVED TO DES MOINES.

October 19, 1857, Governor Grimes issued a proclamation declaring the city of Des Moines to be the capital of the state of Iowa. The removal of the archives and offices was commenced at once and continued through the fall. It was an undertaking of no small magnitude. There was not a mile of railroad to facilitate the work and the season was unusually disagreeable. Rain, snow and other accompaniments increased the difficulties and it was

26 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

not until December that the last of the effects — the safe of the state treasurer, loaded on two large "bob-sleds" drawn by ten yoke of oxen — was deposited in the new capitol. This Iowa City ceased to be the capital of the state after four territorial legislatures, six state legislatures and three constitutional con- ventions had held their regular sessions there.

In 1870 the general assembly made an appropriation and provided for a board of commissioners to commence the work of building a new capitol. The corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies November 23, 1871. The estimated cost of the building was two million, five hundred thousand dollars, and the structure was finished and occupied in 1874, the dedicatory exercises being held in January of that year. Hon. John A. Kasson delivered the principal address. The state capitol is classic in style, with a superstruc- ture of buff limestone. It is three hundred and sixty-three feet in length, two hundred and forty-seven feet in width, with a central dome rising to the height of two hundred and seventy-five feet. At the time of completion it was only surpassed by the capitol building of the state of New York, at Al- bany.

CLIMATE.

In former years considerable objection was made to the prevalence of high winds in Iowa, which is somewhat greater than in the states south and east. But climatic changes have lessened that grievance. The air, in fact, is pure and generally bracing ; so during the winter. Thunderstorms are also more violent in this state than in those of the east and south but not near so much as toward the mountains. As elsewhere in the northwest- ern states,, westerly winds bring rain and snow, while easterly ones clear the sky. While the highest temperature occurs in August, the month of July averages the hottest, and January the coldest. The mean temperature of April and October nearly corresponds to the mean temperature of the year, as well as to the seasons of spring and fall, while that of summer and winter is best represented by August and December. "Indian Summer" is delight- ful and well prolonged.

TOPOGRAPHY.

The state lies wholly within and comprises a part of a vast plain. There are no mountains and scarcely any hilly country within its borders, for the highest point is but one thousand two hundred feet above the lowest point. These two points are nearly three hundred miles apart and the whole state is traversed by gently flowing rivers. We thus find there is a good degree of propriety in regarding the whole state as belonging to a great plain, the lowest point of which within its borders, the southeastern corner of the state, is only four hundred and forty-four feet above the level of the sea. The average height of the whole state above the level of the sea is not far from eight hundred feet, although it is over a thousand miles from the nearest ocean. These remarks of course are to be understood as only applying to the state at large, or as a whole. On examining its surface in detail we find

EAST sum: of I'T'BLIC SQUARE. CLARINDX

WEST SIDE OF PUBLIC SQUARE, CLARINDA

TL

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 29

a great diversity of surface for the formation of valleys out of the general level, which have been evolved by tlie actions of streams during the unnum- bered years of the terrace epoch. These river valleys are deepest in the north- western part of the state and consequently it is there that the country has the greatest diversity of surface and its physical features are most strongly marked.

It is said that ninety-five per cent of the surface of Iowa is capable of a high state of cultivation. The soil is justly famous for its fertility and there is probably no equal area of the earth's surface that contains so little untillable land, or whose soil has so high an average of fertility.

LAKES AND STREAMS.

The largest of Iowa's lakes are Spirit and Okoboji, in Dickinson county, Clear Lake, in Cerre Gordo county, and Storm Lake, in Buena Vista county. Its rivers consist of the Mississippi and Missouri, the Chariton, Grand, Platte, one Hundred and Two, Nodaway, Nishnabotna, Boyer, Soldier, Lit- tle Sioux, Floyd, Rock, Big Sioux, Des Moines, Skunk, Iowa, Cedar, Wap- sipiunicon, Turkey and Upper Iowa.

IOWA AND THE CIVIL WAR.

Iowa was born a free state. Her people abhorred the "peculiar institu- tion" of slavery, and by her record in the war between the states proved herself truly loyal to her institutions and the maintenance of the Union. By joint resolution in the general assembly of the state in 1857, it was declared that the state of Iowa was "bound to maintain the union of these states by all the means in her power." The same year the state furnished a block of marble for the Washington monument at the national capital and by order of the legislature there was inscribed on its enduring surface the following: "Iowa — Her affections, like the river of her borders, flow to an inseparable Union." The time was now come when these declarations of fidelity and attachment to the nation were to be put to a practical test. There was no state in the Union more vitally interested in the question of national unity than Iowa. The older states, both north and south, had representa- tives in her citizenship. lowans were practically immigrants bound to those older communities by the most sacred ties of blood and most enduring recollections of early days. The position of Iowa as a state — geographically — made the dismemberment of the Union a matter of serious concern. Within her borders were two of the great navigable rivers of the country, and the Mississippi had been for years its highway to the markets of the world. The people could not entertain the thought that its navigation should pass to the control of a foreig'n nation. But more than this was to be feared — the consequence of introducing and recognizing in our national system the principle of secession and of disintegration of the states from the LTnion. "That the nation possessed no constitutional power to coerce a se- ceding state" as uttered by James Buchanan in his last annual message, was

30 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY

received by the people of Iowa with humiliation and distrust. And in the presidential campaign of i860, when Abraham Lincoln combated with all the force of hi? matchless logic and rhetoric this monstrous political heresy, the issue was clearly drawn between the north and the south and it became manifest to many that in the event of the election of Lincoln to the presi- dency war would follow between the states. The people of Iowa nursed no hatred toward any section of the country but were determined to hold such opinions upon questions of public interest and vote for such men as to them seemed for the general good, uninfluenced by any threat of violence or Civil war. So it was that they anxiously awaited the expiring hours of the Buchanan administration and looked to the incoming president as to an ex- pected deliverer that should rescue the nation from the hands of the traitors and the control of those whose resistance invited her destruction. The fir- ing upon the flag at Fort Sumter aroused the burning indignation throughout the loyal states of the republic and nowhere was it more intense than in Iowa. And when the proclamation of the president was published April 15, 1 861, c'llling for seventy-five thousand citizen soldiers to "maintain the honor, the integrity, and the existence of our national union, and the per- petuity of popular government," they were more than willing to respond to the call. Party line gave way and for a while, at least, party spirit was hushed and the cause of our common country was supreme in the aflfections of the people. Fortunate indeed was the state at this crisis in having a truly representative man as executive of the state. Thoroughly honest and as equally earnest, wholly imbued with the enthusiasm of the hour, and fully aroused to the importance of the crisis and the magnitude of the struggle upon which the people were entering, with an indomitable will under the control of a strong common sense, Samuel J. Kirkwood was indeed a worthy chief to organize and direct the energies of the people in what was before them. Within thirty days after the date of the president's call for troops, the first Iowa regiment was mustered into the service of the L'nited States, a second regiment was in camp ready for service and the general assembly of the state was convened in special session and had by joint resolution solemnly pledged ever}' resource of men and money to the national cause. So urgent were the offers of companies that the governor conditionally ac- cepted enough additional companies to compose two regiments more. These were soon accepted by the secretary of war. Near the close of May, the adjutant-general of the state reported that one hundred and seventy com- panies had been tendered the governor to serve against the enemies of the Union. The question was eagerly asked : ''Which of us will be allowed to go?" It seemed as if Iowa was monopolizing the honors of the period and would send the largest part of the seventy-five thousand wanted from the whole north. There was much difficulty and considerable delay experienced in fitting the first three regiments for the field. For the first regiment a complete outfit of clothing was extemporized, partly by the volunteer labor of loyal women in the dififerent towns, from material of various colors and qualities, obtained within the limits of the state. The same was done in part for the second infantry. Meantime, an extra session of the general

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 31

assembly had been called by the governor to convene on the 15th of May. With but little delay that body authorized a loan of eight hundred thousand dollars to meet the extraordinary expenses incurred, and to be incurred, by the executive department in consequence of the emergency. A wealthy mer- chant of the state, ex-Governor Merrill, immediately took from the governor a contract to supply a complete outfit of clothing for three regiments organ- ized, agreeing to receive, should the governor so elect, his pay therefor in the state bonds at par. This contract he executed to the letter and a por- tion of the clothing was delivered at Keokuk, the place at which the troops had rendezvoused, in exactly one month from the day in which the contract had been entered into. The remainder arrived only a few days later. This clothing was delivered to the soldiers but was subsequently condemned by the government for the reason that its color was gray, and blue had been adopted as the color to be worn by the national troops. Other states had also clothed their troops, sent forward under the first call of President Lincoln, with gray uniforms but it was soon found that the Confederate forces were also clothed in gray and that color was at once abandoned for the Union soldier.

At the beginning of the war the population of Iowa included about one hundred and fifty thousand men, presumably liable to render military service. The state raised for general service thirty-nine regiments of infantry, nine regiments of cavalry and four companies of artillery, composed of three years' men, one regiment composed of three months' men, and four regi- ments and one battalion of infantry composed of one hundred days' men. The original enlistments in these various organizations, including one thou- sand seven hundred and twenty-seven men raised by draft, numbered about sixty-nine thousand. The reenlistments, including upwards of seven thou- sand veterans, numbered nearly eight thousand. The enlistments in the regular army and navy and organizations of other states will, if added, raise the total to upwards of eighty thousand. The number of men who under special enHstments and as militia took part at different times in the oper- ations on the exposed borders, was probably five thousand.

Every loyal state of the Union had many women who devoted much time and great labor toward relieving the wants of our sick and wounded soldiery but for Iowa can be claimed the honor of inaugurating the great charitable movement, which was so successfully supported by the noble women of the north. Mrs. Harlan, wife of Hon. James Harlan, United States senator, was the first woman of the country among those moving in high circles of so- ciety, who personally visited the army and ministered to the wants of the de- fenders of her country. In many of her visits to the army Mrs. Harlan was accompanied by Mrs. Joseph T. Fales, wife of the first state auditor of Iowa. No words can describe the good done, the lives saved and the deaths made easy by the host of noble women of Iowa, whose names it would take a volume to print. Every county, every town, every neighborhood had these true heroines, whose praise can never be known till the final rendering of all accounts of deeds done in the body. The contributions throughout the state to "sanitary fairs" during the war were enormous, amounting into the

32 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

hundreds of thousands of dollars. Highly successful fairs were held in the principal cities and towns of the state, which all added to the work and praise of the "Florence Nightingales" of Iowa, whose heroic sacrifices have won for them the undying gratitude of the nation. It is said, to the honor and credit of Iowa, that while many of the loyal states, older and larger in population and wealth, incurred heavy state debts for the purpose of fulfilling their obligations to the general government, Iowa, while she was foremost in duty, while she promptly discharged all her obligations to her sister states and the Union, found herself at the close of the war without any material additions to her pecuniary liabilities incurred before the war commenced. Upon final settlement after restoration of peace, her claims upon the federal govern- ment were found to be fully equal to the amount of her bonds issued and sold during the war, to provide the means for raising and equipping her troops sent into the field and to meet the inevitable demands upon her treas- ury in consequence of the war. It was in view of these facts that Iowa had done more than her duty during the war, and that without incurring any con- siderable indebtedness, and that her troops had fought most gallantly on nearly every battlefield of the war, that the Newark (New Jersey) Adver- tiser, and other prominent eastern journals, called Iowa the "Model State of the Republic."

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

School teachers were among the first immigrants to Iowa. This gives point to the fact that the people of Iowa have ever taken a deep interest in education and in this direction no state in the Union has a better record. The system of free public schools was planted by the early settlers and it has expanded and improved until now it is one of the most complete, com- prehensive and liberal in the country. The lead mining regions of the state were the first to be settled by the whites and the hardy pioneers provided the means for the education of their children even before they had comfortable dwellings for themselves. Wherever a little settlement was made, the school- house was the first thing undertaken by the settlers in a body, and the rude, primitive structures of the early times only disappeared when the communi- ties increased in population and wealth and were able to replace them with more commodious and comfortable buildings. Perhaps in no single instance has the magnificent progress of the state of Iowa been more marked and rapid than in her common-school system and in her schoolhouses. Today the schoolhouses which everywhere dot the broad and fertile prairies of Iowa are unsurpassed by those of any other state in this great Union. More especially is this true in all her cities and villages, where liberal and lavish appropriations have been voted by a generous people for the erection of large, commodious and elegant buildings, furnished with all the modern improvements, and costing from ten thousand dollars to sixty thousand dol- lars each. The people of the state have expended more than twenty-five mil- lion dollars for the erection of public school buildings, which stand as monu- ments of magnificence.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 33

THE FIRST SCHOOL BUILDING AT DUBUQUE.

Dubuque saw within its limits the first school building erected in the state of Iowa, which was built by J. L. Langworthy, and a few other miners in the fall of 1833. When it was completed, George Cabbage was employed as teacher during the winter of 1833-4 and thirty-five pupils answered to his roll call. Barrett Whittemore taught the school term and had twenty-five pupils in attendance. Mrs. Caroline Dexter commenced teaching in Dubuque in March, 1836. She was the first female teacher there, and probably the first in Iowa. In 1839 Thomas H. Benton, Jr., afterwards for ten years su- perintendent of public instruction, opened an English and classical school in Dubuque. The first tax for the support of schools at Dubuque was levied in 1840. A commodious log schoolhouse was built at Burlington in 1834, and was one of the first buildings erected in that settlement. A Mr. John- son taught the first school in the winter of 1834-5. I^'' Scott county in the winter of 1835-6, Simon Crazen taught a fourteen months' term of school in the house of J. B. Chamberlin. In Muscatine county, the first term of school was taught by George Baumgardner in the spring of 1837. ^^ '^839 a log schoolhouse was erected in Muscatine, which served for a long time as school- house, meeting house and public hall. The first school in Davenport was taught in 1838. In Fairfield Miss Clarissa Sawyer, James F. Chambers and Mrs. Reed taught school in 1839.

Johnson county was an entire wilderness when Iowa City was located as the capital of the territory of Iowa in May, 1839. The first sale of lots took place August 18, 1839, and before January i, 1840, about twenty families had settled in the town. During the same year Jesse Berry opened a school in a small frame building he had erected on what is now known as College street.

In Monroe county the first settlement was made in 1843 by John R. Gray, about two miles from the present site of Eddyville, and in the summer of 1844 a log schoolhouse was built by Gray and others, and the first school was opened by Miss Urania Adams. About a year after the first cabin was built in Oskaloosa, a log schoolhouse was built, in which school was opened by Samuel W. Caldwell, in 1844.

At Fort Des Moines, now the capital of the state, the first school was taught by Lewis Whitten, clerk of the district court, in the winter of I846-7, in one of the rooms on "Coon Row," built for barracks.

The first school in Pottawattamie county was opened by George Green, a Mormon, at Council Point, prior to 1849, and until about 1854 nearly all the teachers in that vicinity were Alormons.

The first school in Decorah was taught in 1855 by Cyrus C. Carpenter, since governor of the state. During the first twenty years of the history of Iowa the log schoolhouse prevailed, and in 1861 there were eight hun- dred and ninety-three of these primitive structures in use for school purposes in the state. Since that time they have been gradually disappearing. In 1865 there were seven hundred and ninety-six; in 1870, three hundred and thirty-six; in 1875. one hundred and twenty-one, and today there is probably not a vestige of one remaining.

34 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

In 1846, the year of Iowa's admission as a state, there were twenty thou- sand pupils of schools, out of one hundred thousand inhabitants. About four hundred school districts had been organized. In 1850 there were twelve hundred and in 1857 the number had increased to three thousand, two hun- dred and sixty-five. The system of graded schools was inaugurated in 1849 and now schools in which more than one teacher is employed, are universally graded. Teachers' institutes were organized early in the history of the. state. The first official mention of them occurs in the annual report of Hon. Thomas H. Benton, Jr., made December 2, 1850, who said: "An institution of this character was organized a few years ago, composed of the teachers of the mineral regions of Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. An association of teachers has also been formed in the county of Henry, and an efifort was made October last to organize a regular institute in the county of Jones."

Funds for the support of public schools are derived in various ways. The sixteenth section of every congressional township was set apart by the general government for school purposes, being one-thirty-sixth part of all the lands in the state. The minimum price of all these lands was fixed at one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. Congress also made an addi- tional donation to the state of five hundred thousand acres and an appro- priation of five per cent on all the sales of public lands to the school fund. The state gives to this fund the proceeds of the sales of all lands which escheat to it, the proceeds of all fines for the violation of liquor and criminal laws. The money derived from these sources constitutes the permanent school fund of the state, which cannot be diverted to any other purpose. The penalties collected by the courts in fines and for forfeitures go to the school fund in the counties according to their request, and the counties loan the money to individuals for long terms at eight per cent interest, on secur- ity of lands valued at three times the value of the loan, exclusive of all buildings and improvements thereon. The interest on these loans is paid into the state treasury and becomes the available school fund of the state The counties are responsible to the state for all money so loaned and the state is likewise responsible to the school fund for all money transferred to the counties. The interest on these loans is apportioned by the state auditor semi-annually to the several counties of the state, in proportion to the num- ber of persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years of age. The counties also levy a tax for school purposes, which is apportioned to the several district townships in the same way. A district tax is also levied for the same purpose. The money arising from these several sources con- stitutes the support of the public schools and is sufficient to enable every sub-district in the state to afford from six to nine months school each year. The burden of district taxation is thus lightened and the efficiency of the schools is increased. The taxes levied for the support of the schools are self imposed. Under the admirable school laws of the state no taxes can be legally assessed or collected for the erection of schoolhouses until they have been ordered by the election of a school district at a school meeting legally called. The teachers' and contingent funds are determined by the board of directors under certain legal instructions. These boards are elected annually.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 3b

The only exception to this method of levying taxes for school purposes is the county tax, which is determined by the county board of supervisors. In each county a teachers' institute is held annually under the direction of the county superintendent, the state distributing annually a sum of money to each of these institutes.

STATE UNIVERSITY.

By act of congress, approved July 20, 1840, the secretary of the treasury was authorized to "set apart and reserve from sale, out of any public lands within the territory of Iowa not otherwise claimed or appropriated, a quan- tity of land not exceeding two entire townships, for the use and support of a university within said territory when it becomes a state." The first general assembly,' therefore, by act approved February 25, 1847, established the "State University of Iowa" at Iowa City, then the capital of the state. The public buildings and other property at Iowa City were appropriated to the university but the legislative sessions and state offices were to be held in them until a permanent location for a capital was made. The control and management of the university were committed to a board of fifteen trustees and five were to be chosen every two years. The superintendent of public in- struction was made president of this board. The organic act provided that the university should never be under the control of any religious organization whatever, and that as soon as the revenue from the grant and donations should amount to two thousand dollars a year, the university should com- mence and continue the instruction free of charge, of fifty students annually. Of course the organization of the university was impracticable so long as the seat of government was retained at Iowa City.

In January. 1849, two branches of the university and three normal schools were established. The branches were located at Fairfield and Dubuque and were placed upon an equal footing, in respect to funds and all other matters, with the university at Iowa City. At Fairfield the board of directors organized and erected a building at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars. This was nearly destroyed by a hurricane the following year but was rebuilt more substantially by the citizens of Fairfield. This branch never received any aid from the .state and, January 24. 1853, at the request of the board, the general assembly terminated its relations to the state. The branch at Dubuque had only a nominal existence. The normal schools were located at Andrew, Oskaloosa and Mt. Pleasant. Each was to be governed by a board of seven trustees to be appointed by the trustees of the university. Each was to receive five hundred dollars annually from the income of the university fund, upon condition that they should educate eight common school teachers, free of charge for tuition, and that the citizens should contribute an equal sum for the erection of the requisite buildings The school at .Andrew was organized November 21. 1849, '^^''th Samuel Ray as principal. A building was commenced and over one thousand dollars expended on it but it was never completed. The school at Oskaloosa was started in the courthouse, September 13, 1852, under charge of Professor

36 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

G. M. Drake and wife. A two story brick building was erected in 1853, costing two thousand, four hundred and seventy-three dollars. The school at Mt. Pleasant was never organized. Neither of these schools received any aid from the university fund but in 1857 the legislature appropriated one thousand dollars for each of the two schools and repealed the laws authorizing the payment to them of money from the university fund. From that time they made no further effort to continue in operation.

From 1847 to 1855 the board of trustees of the university was kept full by regxilar elections by the legislature and the trustees held frequent meet- ings but there was no actual organization of the university. In March. 1855, it was partially opened for a term of sixteen weeks. July 16, 1855, Amos Dean of Albany, Xew York, was elected president but he never fully entered into its duties. The university was again opened in September, 1855. and continued in operation until June. 1856. under Professors Johnson. Van \'al- kenburg and Griffin. The faculty was then reorganized with some changes and the university was again opened on the third Wednesday of September, 1856. There were one hundred and twenty- four students (eighty-three males and forty-one females) in attendance during the years 1856-57, and the first regular catalogue was published. At a special meeting of the board, September 22. 1857. the honorary degree of Bachelor of Arts was con- ferred on D. Franklin Wells. This was the first degree conferred by the university-.

By the constitution of 1857 it was provided that there be no branches of the state university. In December of that year the old capitol building was turned over to the trustees of the university. In 1858 ten thousand dolr lars were appropriated for the erection of a students' boarding hall. The board closed the university April 27. 1858, on account of insufficient funds, and dismissed all the faculty with the exception of Chancellor Dean. At the same time a resolution was passed excluding females. This was soon after reversed by the general assembly. The university was reopened September 19, 1S60. and from this time the real existence of the university dates. Chancellor Dean had resigned before this, and Silas Totten. D. D., LL. D., was elected president, at a salary of two thousand dollars. August 19. 1862, he resigned and was succeeded by Oliver M. Spencer. President Spencer was granted leave of absence for fifteen months to visit Europe. Professor Nathan R. Leonard was elected president pro tern. President Spencer re- signing, James Black. D. D.. vice president of Washington and Jefferson College, of Pennsylvania, was elected president. He entered upon his duties in September. 1868.

The law department was established in June, 1868, and soon after the Iowa Law School at Des Moines, which had been in successful operation for three years, was transferred to Iowa City and merged in the department. The medical department was established in 1869, and since April 11. 1870, the government of the university has been in the hands of a board of regents. The university has gained a reputation as one of the leading educational in- stitutions of the west and this position it is determined to maintain.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY M

STATE NORMAL COLLEGE.

Cedar Falls, the chief city of Ijlack Hawk county, holds the stale nor- mal school, which is an institution for the training of teachers and is doing most excelle»t work.

STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.

By act of the legislature, approved March 23, 1858, the State Agricul- tural College and Farm was established at Ames, in Story county. In 1862 congress granted to Iowa two hundred and forty thousand acres of land for the endowment of schools of agriculture and the mechanical arts. In 1864 the general assembly voted twenty thousand dollars for the erection of the college buildings. In 1866 ninety-one thousand dollars more w-as appro- priated for the same purpose. The building was completed in 1868 and the institution was opened the following year. The institution is modeled to some extent after the Michigan Agricultural College. In this school of learning admission is free to all students of the state over sixteen years of age. Students are required to work on the farm two and a half hours each day. The faculty is of a very high character and the college one of the best of its kind. The sale of spirits, wine or beer is prohibited within three miles of the farm. The current expenses of this institution are paid by the income from the permanent endowment. Besides the institution here men- tioned are many others throughout the state. Amity College is located at College Springs in Page county, Burlington University at Burlington, Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa College at Grinnell, etc.

STATE INSTITUTIONS.

SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF.

The legislature established the institution for the deaf and dumb, Jan- uary 24, 1855, and located it at Iowa City. A great effort was made for its removal to Des ]\Ioines but it was finally located at Council Bluff's. In 1868 an appropriation was made by the legislature of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars for the erection of new buildings, and ninety acres of land were selected south of the city. October, 1870. the main build- ing and one wing were completed and occupied. In February, 1877. fire de- stroyed the main building and east wing. About one hundred and fifty stu- dents were in attendance at the time. There is a regular appropriation for this institution of twenty-two dollars per capita per month for nine months of each year, for the payment of ofificers and teachers' salaries and for a support fund. The institution is free to all of school age. too deaf to be educated in the common schools, sound in mind and free from immoral habits and from contagious and offensive diseases. No charge is made for board or tuition. The session of the school begins the first day of October and ends the last day of June of each year.

38 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

COLLEGE FOR THE BLIND.

In 1852 Professor Samuel Bacon, himself blind, established a school for the instruction of the blind at Keokuk. He was the first person in the state to agitate a public institution for the blind, and in 1853 the institute was adopted by the legislature, by statute, approved January 18, 1853, and re- moved to Iowa City. During his first term twenty-three pupils were ad- mitted. Professor Bacon was a fine scholar, an economical manager and in every way adapted to his position. During his administration the institu- tion was in a great measure self-supporting by the sale of articles of manu- facture by the blind pupils. There was also a charge of twenty-five dollars as an admission fee for each pupil. In 1858 the citizens of Vinton, Benton county, donated a quarter section of land and five thousand dollars for the establishment of the asylum at that place. May 8th of the same year the trustees met at Vinton and made arrangements for securing the donation and adopted a plan for the erection of a suitable building. In i860 the con- tract for the building was let for ten thousand, four hundred and twenty dollars, and in August. 1862, the goods and furniture were removed from Iowa City to ^^inton, and in the fall of the same year the school was opened with twenty-four pupils. There is a regular appropriation of twenty-two dollars per capita per month for nine months of each year to cover sup- port and maintenance. The school term begins on the first Wednesday in September and usually ends about the first of June. They may be admitted at any time and are at liberty to go home at any time their parents may send for them. The department of music is supplied with a large number of pianos, one pipe organ, several cabinet organs, and a sufficient number of violins, guitars, bass viols and brass instruments. Every pupil capable of receiving it is given a complete course in this department. In the industrial department the girls arc required to learn knitting, chocheting, fancy work, hand and machine sewing ; the boys, netting, broom making, mattress mak- ing and cane seating. Those of either sex who desire may learn carpet weaving.

HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE.

The hospital for the insane was established by an act of the legislature, January 24, 1855. The location for the institution was selected at Mt. Pleasant, Henry county, and five hundred thousand dollars appropriated for the buildings, which were commenced in October of that year. One hun- dred patients were admitted within three months after it was opened. The legislature of 1867-68 provided measures for an additional hospital for the insane, and an appropriation of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dol- lars was made for the purpose. Independence was selected by the com- missioners as the most desirable location and three hundred and twenty acres were secured one mile from the town on the west side of the Wapsipinecon river and about a mile from its banks. The hospital was opened May i, 1873. The amount allowed for the support of these institutions is twelve

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. SHENAXnoAH

^PUBLIC L

ASTOR, TlLDliN 1 B

HISTORY CJi< I'AGE COUNTY 41

dollars per month for each patient. All expenses of the hospital except for special purposes are paid from the sum so named, and the amount is charged to the counties from which the patients are sent.

soldiers' orphans' home.

The Soldiers" Orphans' Home is located at Davenport and was originated by Mrs. Anne Whittenmeyer, during the late rebellion of the states. This noble-hearted woman called a convention at Muscatine, September 7, 1863, for the purpose of devising means for the education and support of the orphan children of Iowa, whoiie fathers lost their lives in the defense of their coun- try's honor. The public interest in the movement was so great that all parts of the state were largely represented and an association was organized called the Iowa State Orphan Asylum. The first meeting of the trustees was held February 14, 1864, at Des Moines, when Governor Kirkwood suggested that a home for disabled soldiers should be connected with the asylum, and arrange- ments were made for collecting funds. At the next meeting in Davenport the following month, a committee was appointed to lease a suitable building, solicit donations and procure suitable furniture. This committee obtained a large brick building in Lawrence, Van Buren county, and engaged Mr. Fuller of Mt. Pleasant as steward. The work of preparation was conducted so vig- orously that July 13th following, the executive committee announced it was ready to receive children. Within three weeks twenty-one were admitted and in a little more than six months seventy were in the home. The home was sustained by voluntary contributions until 1866, when it was taken charge of by the state. The legislature appropriated ten dollars per month for each orphan actually supported and provided for the establishment of three homes. The one in Cedar Falls was organized in 1865. An old hotel building was fitted up for it and by the following January there were ninety- six inmates. In October, 1869, the home was removed to a large brick build- ing about two miles west of Cedar Falls and was very prosperous for several years but in 1876 the legislature devoted this building to the State Normal School. The same year the legislature also devoted the buildings and grounds of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, at Glenwood, Mills county, to an institution for the support of feeble-minded children. It also provided for the removal of the soldiers' orphans at Glenwood and Cedar Falls homes to the one lo- cated at Davenport. There is in connection with this institution a school building, pleasant, commodious and well lighted, and it is the policy of the board to have the course of instruction of a high standard. A kindergarten is operated for the very young pupils. The age limit to which children are kept in the home in sixteen years. Fewer than twenty per cent remain to the age limit. A library of well selected juvenile literature is a source of pleasure and profitable entertainment to the children, as from necessity their pleasures and pastimes are somewhat limited. It is the aim to provide the children with plenty of good, comfortable clothing, and to teach them to take good care of the same. Their clothing is 'all manufactured at the home, the large girls assisting in the work. The table is well supplied with

42 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

a good variety of plain, wholesome food and a reasonable amount of lux- uries. The home is now supported by a regular appropriation of twelve dollars per month for each inmate, and the actual transportation charges of the inmates to and from the institution. Each county is liable to the state for the support of its children to the extent of six dollars per month, except soldiers' orphans, who are cared for at the expense of the state.

FEEBLE-MINDED CHILDREN.

An act of the general assembly, approved Marclj 17, 1878, provided for the establishment of an asylum for feeble-minded children at Glenwood, Mills county, and the buildings and grounds of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home were taken for that purpose. The asylum was placed under the man- agement of three trustees, one of whom should be a resident of Mills county. The institution was opened September i, 1876. By November, 1877, the number of pupils were eigthy-seven. The purpose of this institution is to provide special methods of training for that class of children deficient in mind or marked with such peculiarities to deprive them of the benefits and privileges provided for children with normal faculties. The object is to make the child as nearly self supporting as practicable and to approach as nearly as possible the movements and actions of normal people. It further aims to provide a home for those who are not susceptible of mental culture, relying wholly on others to supply their simple wants.

INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS.

The industrial school for boys is established at Eldora. By act, approved March 31, 1868, the general assembly established a reform school at Salem, Henry county, and provided for a board of trustees from each congressional district. The trustees immediately leased the property of the Iowa Manual Labor Institute, and October 7th following, the school received its first in- mate. The law at first provided for the admission of both sexes under eight- een years of age. The trustees were directed to organize a separate school for girls. In 1872 the school for boys was permanently located at Eldora, Hardin county, and some time later the one for girls was established at Mitchellville. There is appropriated for these schools and their support the sum of thirteen dollars monthly for each boy and sixteen dollars monthly for each girl inmate. The object of the institution is the reformation of juvenile delinquents. It is not a prison. It is a compulsory educational in- stitution. It is a school where wayward and criminal boys and girls are brought under the influence of Christian instructors and taught by example as well as precept the better ways of life. It is a training school, where the moral, intellectual and industrial education of the child is carried on at one and the same time.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 43

PENAL INSTITUTIONS.

The governor, by an act approved January 25, 1839, was authorized to draw the sum of twenty thousand dollars, appropriated by an act of congress in 1838, for public buildings in the territory of Iowa and estab- lish a state penal institution. The act provided for a board of directors, consisting of three persons, to be elected by the legislature, who should superintend the building of a penitentiary to be located within a mile of the public square in the town of Fort Madison, Lee county, provided that the latter deeded a suitable tract of land for the purpose, also a spring or stream of water for the use of the penitentiary. The citizens of Fgrt Madison executed a deed of ten acres of land for the building. The work was soon entered upon and the main building and the warden's house were completed in the fall of 1841. It continued to meet with additions and improvements until the arrangements were all completed according to the designs of the directors. The labor of the convicts is let out to contractors, who pay the state a stipulated sum for services rendered, the state fur- nishing shops and necessary supervision in preserving order. The Iowa Farming Tool Company and the Fort Madison Chair Company are the present contractors.

PENITENTIARY AT ANAMOSA.

The first steps toward the erection of a penitentiary at Anamosa, Jones county, were taken in 1872, and by an act of the general assembly, ap- proved April 23, 1884, three commissioners were selected to construct and control prison buildings. They met on the 4th of June, following, and chose a site donated by the citizens of Anamosa. Work on the building was commenced September 28, 1872. In 1873 a number of prisoners were transferred from the Fort Madison prison to Anamosa. The labor of the convicts at this penitentiary is employed in the erection and completion of the buildings. The labor of a small number is let to the American Cooper- age Company. This institution has a well appointed and equipped depart- ment for female prisoners, also a department for the care of the criminal insane.

STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

A state historical society in connection with the university was provided for by act of the general assembly January 25, 1857. At the commence- ment an appropriation of two hundred and fifty dollars was made, to be expended in collecting and preserving a library of books, pamphlets, papers, paintings and other materials illustrative of the history of Iowa. There was appropriated five hundred dollars per annum to maintain this society. Since its organization the society has published three different quarterly magazines. From 1863 to 1874 it published the Annals of Iowa, twelve volumes, now called the first series. From 1885 to 1902, it published the

44 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Iowa Historical Record, eighteen volumes. From 1903 to 1907, the so- ciety has published the Iowa Journal of History and Politics, now in its fifth volume. Numerous special publications have been issued by the so- ciety, the most important of which are the Messages and Proclamations of the Governors of Iowa, in seven volumes, the Executive Journal of Iowa, 1838-1843. and the Lucas Journal of the War of 1812.

TOWA soldiers' HOME.

The Iowa Soldiers' Home was built and occupied in 1888, at Marshall- town. The first year it had one hundred and forty inmates. In 1907 there were seven hundred and ninety-four inmates, including one hundred and twelve women. The United States government pays to the state of Iowa the sum of one hundred dollars per year for each inmate of the soldiers' home who served in any war in which the United States was engaged, which amount is used as part of the support fund of the institution. Per- sons who have property or means for their support, or who draw a pen- sion sufficient therefor, will not be admitted to the home, and if after ad- mission an inmate of the home shall receive a pension or other means sufficient for his support, or shall recover his health so as to enable him to support himself, he will be discharged from the home. Regular appro- priation by the state is fourteen dollars per month for each member and ten dollars per month for each employe not a member of the home.

OTHER ST.A.TE INSTITUTIONS.

There are at Clarinda and Cherokee state hospitals for the insane and one at Knoxville for the inebriate.

It is strange but true, that in the great state of Iowa, with more than sixty per cent of her population engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock raising, it was not until the year 1900 that a department of the state government was created in the interests of, and for the promotion of agriculture, animal industry, horticulture, manufactures, etc. The Iowa department of agriculture was created by an act of the twenty-eighth gen- eral assembly. In 1892 the low^a Geological Survey was established and the law which provided therefor outlined its work to be that of making "a complete survey of the natural resources of the state in the natural and scientific aspects, including the determination of the characteristics of the various formations and the investigation of the different ores, coal, clays, building stones and other useful materials." It is intended to co- operate with the United States Geological Survey in the making of topo- graphical maps and those parts of the state whose coal resources make such maps particuliarly desirable and useful. The State Agricultural So- ciety is one of the great promoters of the welfare of the people. The so- ciety holds an annual fair which has occurred at Des Moines since 1878. At its meetings subjects are discussed of the highest interest and value and these proceedings are published at the expense of the state.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTV 45

THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONSTITUTION OF IOWA.

BY JOHN C. PARISH.

In the year 1907 the state of Iowa closed the first half century of exis- tence under the constitution of 1857. In April, 1906, the general assem- bly, looking forward to the suitable celebration of so important an anni- versary, passed an act appropriating seven hundred and fifty dollars to be used by the State Historical Society of Iowa, in a commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the constitution of 1857. It was eminently desirable that the celebration should occur at Iowa City, for it was at that place, then the capital of the state, that the constitutional convention of 1857 was held. And it was particularly fitting that the exercises should be placed under the auspices of the State Historical Society of Iowa, for the same year. 1857. marks the birth of the society. While the convention was draft- ing the fundamental law of the state in a room on the lower floor of the Old Stone Capitol, the sixth general assembly in the legislative halls up- stairs in the same building passed an act providing for the organization of a State Historical Society. Thus the event of 1907 became a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the State Historical Society as well as a com- memoration of the semi-centennial of the constitution of 1857.

In due time plans were matured for a program covering four days, beginning on Tuesday, March 19, and closing on Friday, March 22, 1907. It consisted of addresses by men of prominent reputation in constitutional and historical lines, together with conferences on state historical subjects. On Tuesday evening Professor Andrew C. McLaughlin, of Chicago Uni- versity, delivered an address upon "A Written Constitution in Some of Its Historical Aspects." He dwelt in a scholarly way upon the growth of written constitution, showing the lines along which their historical develop- ment has progressed.

The speaker of Wednesday was Professor Eugene Wambaugh, of the Harvard Law School, one of the leading authorities in the country upon questions of constitutional law and formerly a member of the faculty of the college of law of the University of Iowa. Professor Wambaugh, tak- ing for his subject "The Relation between General History and the History of Law," outlined the history of the long rivalry between the civil law of Rome and the common law in their struggle for supremacy, both in the old world and the new. In closing, he referred to the constitution of Iowa as typical of the efforts of the American people to embody in fixed form the principles of right and justice.

Thursday morning was given over to a conference on the teaching of history. Professor Isaac A. Loos, of the State University of Iowa presided, and members of the faculties of a number of the colleges and high schools of the state were present and participated in the program. In the after- noon the conference of historical societies convened, Dr. F. E. Horack, of the State Historical Society of Iowa, presiding. Reports were read from

46 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

the historical department at Des Moines and from nearly all of the local historical societies in the state. Methods and policies were discussed and much enthusiasm was aroused looking toward the better preservation of the valuable materials of local history.

The history of the Mississippi valley is replete with events of romantic interest. From the time of the early French voyagers and explorers, who paddled down the waters of the tributaries from the north, down to the days of the sturdy pioneers of Anglo Saxon blood, who squatted upon the fertile soil and staked out their claims on the prairies, there attaches an interest that is scarcely equaled in the annals of America. On Thursday evening. Dr. Reuben Goldthwaites, superintendent of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, delivered an address upon "The Romance of Mis- sissippi Valley History." He traced the lines of exploration and immigra- tion from the northeast and east and drew interesting pictures of the activities in the great river valley when the land was young and the ways full of wonder to the pioneer adventurer.

Friday's program closed the session. On this day Governor Albert B. Cummins attended and participated in the celebration. At the university armory before a large gathering, he spoke briefly on the constitution of the Cnited States, paying it high tribute and at the same time showing the need of amendment to fit present day needs. He then introduced Judge Emlin McClain, of the supreme court of Iowa, who delivered the principal address of the day. Judge McClain took for his subject "The Constitu- tional Convention and the Issues Before It." He told of that memor- able gathering at the Old Stone Capitol in Iowa City fifty years ago when thirty-six men met in the supreme court room to draft the fundamental law for the commonwealth.

The members of the convention of 1857 were from various occupa- tions. The representatives of the legal profession led in numbers with fourteen members, among whom were many men of prominence. William Penn Clarke, Edward Johnstone and J. C. Hall were there. James F. VVilson, afterwards so prominent in national politics, was a member, then only twenty-eight years of age. J. C. Hall was the only delegate who had served in either of the preceding constitutional conventions of the state, having represented Henry county in the convention of 1844. There were twelve farmers in the convention of 1857 — rugged types of those men who settled upon land and built into the early history of the state its elements of enduring strength. Among the remaining members were merchants, bankers and various other tradesmen. They were a representative group of men and they attacked the problems before them with characteristic pioneer vigor.

The convention of 1857 chose for its presiding officer. Francis Springer, an able farmer and lawyer from Louisa county. Many were the discus- sions that stirred the convention. One of the first was over the proposition to move the convention bodily to Dubuque or to Davenport. The towoi of Iowa City it seems had not provided satisfactory accommodations for the delegates, and for hours the members gave vent to their displeasure and

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 47

argued the question of a removal. But inertia won and the convention finally decided to remain in Iowa City and settled down to the discussion of more serious matters.

The constitution of 1846 had prohibited banking corporations in the state. But there was strong agitation for a change in this respect, and so the convention of 1857 provided for both a state bank and for a system of free banks. The matter of corporations was a prominent one before the convention. So also was the question of the status of the negro. The issues were taken up with fairness and argued upon their merits. The convention was republican in the proportion of twenty-one to fifteen. The delegates had been elected upon a party basis. Yet they did not allow partisanship to control their actions as members of a constituent assembly. On the 19th of January they had come together and for a month and a half thev remained in session. They adjourned on March 5th and dis- persed to their homes.

That the members of the convention did their work well is evidenced by the fact that in the fifty years that have followed only four times had the constitution of 1857 been amended. Nor did these amendments embody changes, the need of which the men of 1857 could have well foreseen. The first two changes in the fundamental law were due to the changed status of the negro as a result of the Civil war. In 1882 the prohibitory amend- ment was passed but it was soon declared null by the supreme court of Iowa because of technicalities in its submission to the people and so did not become a part of the constitution. The amendments of 1884 were concerned largely with judicial matters, and those of 1904 provided for biennial election and increased the number of members of the house of representatives.

With these changes the work of the constitutional convention of 1857 has come down to us. Fifty years have passed and twice has the con- vention been the subject of a celebration. In 1882, after a quarter of a century, the surviving members met in Des Moines. Francis Springer, then an old man, was present and presided at the meeting. Out of the original thirty-six members, only twenty responded to the roll call. Eight other members were alive but were unable to attend. The remainder had given way to the inevitable reaper. This was in 1882. In 1907 occurred the second celebration. This time it was not a reunion of the members of the convention, for only one survivor appeared on the scene. It was rather a commemoration of the fiftieth birthday of the constitution of the state. Only one member of the convention, John H. Peters, of Manchester. Iowa, is reported to be now living.

The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of our fun- damental law was marked by a unique feature. There were present and participated in tli^ program three aged pioneers of the state, a survivor of each of the three constitutional conventions. These three conventions met in 1857, in 1846 and 1844, respectively fifty, sixty-one and sixty-three years ago. On the opening day of the celebration, J. Scott Richman ap- peared upon the scene. Sixty-one years ago he had come to Iowa City

48 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

as a delegate to the convention of 1846. Eighty-eight years old, with pa- triarchal beard and slow step, he came as the only living member of the convention that framed the constitution under which Iowa entered the Union. On Thursday there came from Marion, Samuel Durham, a tall pioneer of ninety years of age, the sole survivor of Iowa's first constitu- tional convention, that of 1844. His memory ran back to the days of Iowa's first governor, Robert Lucas, for he had reached Iowa from Indiana in the year 1840. On the last day of the program these two old constitu- tion makers of 1844 and 1846 were joined by a third, John H. Peters, vi^ho had come from Delaware county as a member of the last constitutional convention of fifty years ago. They sat down together at the luncheon on Friday noon and responded to toasts with words that took the hearers back to the days when Iowa was the last stopping place of the immigrant. Thus the celebration was brought to an end. From every point of view it was a success. Probably never again will the state see the reunion of representatives of all three constitutional conventions. Time must soon take away these lingering pioneers of two' generations ago, but the state will not soon forget their services, for they have left their monument in the fundamental law of the commonwealth.

PAGE COUNTY.

The history of a people of a community is the history of that community. When one sneaks of the characteristics of the men and women of this county and in detail relates the salient incidents connected with their lives, he has given to the world the things that are of the most value in relation to this people and preserved for future generations the record of those who have contributed to and made the history of the county what it is. Before the intrepid voyager and hunter left his eastern home, or the husbandman first cast his eyes upon the boundless prairies, beautiful streams and virgin for- ests of Page county. Nature had completed her task. Everything was in readiness for the man of courage, strength and endurance, and his coming to this land of plenty was the beginning of another epoch in its history. The task of the historian is to make known to the present generations how this history became possible and to acquaint them with the men and women who were the chief contributors thereto.

Some, but a very few of the pioneers, the "first-comers" of Page county are still here to tell the story of those early days, when they first "stuck their stakes" in this their land of promise and beauty. The many and almost incredible changes that have taken place are uppermost in their thoughts, when their memory reverts to the early '50s and a comparison is made be- t\ een the then and now. In those bygone days the road hither was far and tedious, the bridle path being the only passageway for their lumbering wagons and the only means of crossing the many waters that confronted them on their journey was by fording or swinmiing. The "prairie schooner," with canvas-covered top was the only means in those pioneer day? of transporting the family and a few articles of household goods they

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTV 49

possessed. With little to begin the new life, except stout hearts and willing and capable hands, these builders of a new country set up their habitations on the virgin prairie and soon the smoke might be seen curling heavenward from a log cabin, hastily built by the father and husband of the family, within which the patient, courageous wife and wondering children would gather and give thanks to the Giver of every good and perfect gift for the blessings of a home. In those days "necessity was the mother of invention" in all that the words imply. No labor-saving machinery was extant or thought of. Only with the crudest of tools and labor of the hands were results made possible. There were no stores, mill, or black- smith shop to supply the inmiediate needs of the adventurers in the wilder- ness, and when the crops failed. Nature in her fields and streams was called upon by the hunter and fisherman to supply the deficiency. The present generation has no adequate realization of the trials and hardships of the fathers and mothers who came to this country when it was the home of naught but the Indian and wild beasts and made it blossom as the rose and give up its bounties at the touch of their magic wand. In place of the weary journey through mud, or dust, or drifted snow, thirty or forty miles to mill or village for the necessaries of life, in many cases the only beast of burden the slow paced oxen, or scarcely faster plodding farm horse, now the iron steed of commerce, with rush and roar, dashes up almost to the door of the farmer, and towns and villages, with stores and mills of the best in the land, dot these verdant hills and plains. He is now enabled to live like a prince and by the use of the telephone, one of the marvels of the twentieth century, he can make his wants known in a trice. His mail is brought to his door daily and now he keeps abreast of the times as readily and conveniently as the dweller in the towns, for before the sun sets each day he sits down to read and digest his daily paper. His home has the modern conveniences of the "town folks." He has the telephone, the house is heated by furnace or steam, with his windpump he distributes water throughout his dwelling and he enjoys the luxury of a bath in a modern tub. No longer does his family take the weekly trip "to town" in a lumber wagon. Today the farmer has his buggy and surrey, and many of them are seen in automobiles. Com- pare all this to the rude appliances of the early settler, both in the farm im- plements and the domestic helps to the labor of both man and wife ; contrast the flail with the steam thresher and stacker ; the scythe and cradle with the self-binding harvesting machine : the sewing machine and the great factory looms with the needle and the spinning-wheel ; and besides these, consider the many makeshifts of the hardv pioneer and his loyal wife to help things along in their efforts to get ahead in the new world.

These men and women whom the present writer has in mind were real heroes and heroines. They braved untold hardships and horrors to trans- form a wilderness into a garden spot, to make an abiding place for them- selves and their children, so that they might develop into worthy citizens of this great republic. These people have earned a place in history and to give them that place is the object of the writer and this volume. The annals of the lives of these "Pilgrim Fathers" of Page countv surelv read like a

50 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

romance, and have within them all the elements of tragedy and comedy, and the story of their conflict with nature and the vicissitudes of pioneer life shall be the principal theme of this history. In this connection the individual life histories of the early pioneers and their representatives, and those who have come to the county in later years and have taken up the work where others have left off, are deemed worthy of preservation and many of them, of the living and those passed to "the beyond," will here be given, that the narratives of their life work may be read, to the end that emulation of their worthy deeds may be quickened in the hearts of the young reader and induce him to strive to do as well, if not better than the one whose history is before him. These men and women are, or have been, factors in the settlement and development of Page county, and by inserting these sketches, together with other matter, is preserved not only the recital of historic facts but a subcurrent of individual deeds that runs through it like some minor chord in the grand melody, giving a realism to the narrative which could be imparted in no other way.

LOCATION.

Page county takes its name from a distinguished young officer. Captain Page, who was killed in the Mexican war. The county is situated in the southwest corner of the state, Fremont county alone separating it from the Nebraska line. On the north of Page is Montgomery county, on the east Taylor, and on its southern boundaries are the counties of Nodaway and Atchison, in the state of Missouri. The two first townships of Page county were surveyed under the direction of the surveyor-general of Missouri, and the work of surveying was accomplished prior to the settlement of the boundary line diffculty, which was caused by making a mistake in the sur- veys. The constitution in defining the boundaries of that state had defined her northern boundary to be the parallel of latitude which passes through the rapids of the Des Moines river. In the Mississippi river, a little above the mouth of the Des Moines river, are the rapids which had been known as the Des Moines rapids, or the rapids of the Des Moines river. Just below the town of Keosauqua, in \'an Buren county, there are rapids, though very slight and inconsiderable, also in the Des Moines river. The Missouri authorities claimed that the latter rapids were referred to in the definition of her boundary, and insisted on exercising jurisdiction over a strip of terri- tory some eight miles in width which Iowa claimed as being a part of her territory. At the first court held in Farmington. Van Buren county, in April, 1837, by David Irwin, judge of the second judicial district of Wisconsin, an indictment was found against one, David Doose, for exercising the office of constable in Van Buren county, under authority of the state of Mis- souri. This and other official acts by Missouri officials were the origin of the dispute which resulted in demonstrations of hostilities and very nearly precipitated a border war. Governor Boggs of Missouri called out the mil- itia of that state to enforce its claims, and Governor Lucas of Iowa called out the militia of the territory to maintain its rights. About twelve hundred

1 iH 1 1

BRADDYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

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men were enlisted and armed. There was no difficulty in raising volunteers, for the war spirit ran high. At this stage, however, it was considered best to send peace commissioners to Missouri, with a view of adjusting the diffi- culties. General A. C. Dodge, of Burlington, General Churchman, of Du- buque, and Dr. Clark, of Fort Madison, were appointed and proceeded to discharge the duties of their mission. When they arrived they found that the county commissioners of Clarke county, Missouri, had rescinded their order for the collection of taxes in Iowa, and the governor of Missouri had sent messengers to Governor Lucas, with a proposition to submit an agreed case to the supreme court of the United States. This proposition was declined but afterward both Iowa and Missouri petitioned congress to authorize a suit to settle the question. This was done and the decision was adverse to the claims of Missouri. Under an order of the supreme court of the United States. William G. Miner of Missouri, and Henry 13. Hender- shott of Iowa, acted as commissioners to survey and establish the boundary line. They discharged the duties assigned them and peace was restored.

Before the dispute in regard to the boundary line had been settled, the greater portion of the southern half of the county paid tribute to the state of Missouri and the citizens of the territory above described, what few there were, considered themselves under the jurisdiction of that state, a portion of the time being attached to Andrews county, and afterwards to Nodaway, the sheriff of Missouri calling on them yearly for their taxes, it being the duty of that officer then to look after such matters.

As near as we can learn the citizens of this portion of the disputed terri- tory always submitted gracefully to Missouri during the "border" difficulty, a great number of them really believing that they belonged to that state, but after the boundary line had been permanently and amicably settled, a more permanent and substantial era immediately pervaded the whole of what had been the much disputed territory. The line was established by the com- missioners appointed by act of congress for that purpose in 185 1.

DESCRIPTIVE AND PHYSICAL.

The county is a well watered and fertile tract of land, being well adapted for agricultural purposes. The county, east and west, is twenty-four and three-fourths miles long, including the "offset." which appears as though the northern half had been slipped three-fourths of a mile west. North and south it is about twenty-two and one-half miles, including an area of five hundred and fifty-five square miles, or three hundred and fifty-five thousand two hundred acres.

The surface is uneven, gently undulating with hills and valleys. The county is drained by Buchanan creek, a stream about twenty feet wide, the East Nodaway river being about fifty feet wide, the West Nodaway River about one hundred feet wide, and East, Middle, and West Tarkios, each about twenty feet wide, by the East Nishnabotna about seventy- five feet wide, and by their various tributaries. These principal streams flow in a direction a little west of south. Each of these streams has fine

54 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

valleys, corresponding in width with the size of the stream. Especially is this the case with the valleys of the Nodaways and Nishnabotna. In fact they are unsurpassed, both in beauty and the fertility of their soil. It will be readily observed that Page county is well supplied with living streams of water and is therefore well adapted for stock raising. No better inducement could be offered stock raisers than to have it generally known that a plen- tiful supply of living water abounds at all times within the borders of the county. It is an advertisement to be proud of and many stock raisers are taking advantage of the facilities and inducements offered here, for both handling and raising stock.

Good well water is obtained in most localities throughout the county in great abundance and at a moderate depth below the surface, ranging from ten to forty feet, of a good quality, clear, cool and unfailing. Frequently it becomes necessary to dig thirty and forty feet and occasionally deeper, before meeting with the same results, accordingly as the well digger is fortunate in starting in the right place to strike a good vein. Here, as in other localities of course, these water veins underground vary greatly in depth and sometimes only a few rods from a good well fifteen or twenty feet deep, it may become necessary to dig twice or three times the distance in order to find plenty of water again, and vice versa, so that it is difficult to give an average of depth. But in this county, as a general thing, plenty of good well water is more easily obtained than in most places throughout the state and though sometimes it is necessary to go down to quite a depth, the excellent quality of water secured — clear as crystal — well repays the digging.

The county very fortunately has comparatively few of those unapproach- able sloughs and tracts of swamp lands so often found on extensive prairies. The sloughs throughout the county are generally a good distance apart, leaving a broad strip of well drained farming land on either side. They are mostly broad and level, with sufficient fall to carry off the drainage and prevent water standing in them very long, while their channels do not wash deep, narrow drains in the center as is the case in many other places. The greater portion of the slough lands in the county could be easily drained and made tillable. They would then become some of the most productive lands in the county and would still answer the same purpose of drainage for which they are now prized, at the same time producing abundant yields of hay and other products. In some places they spread out in the shape of broad, level bottom lands, gradually widening and sloping down toward the valleys of the neighboring rivers and other running streams. The soil of these slough lands is fertile and easily tilled when once drained and broken.

The belts of local timber will supply all local needs for many years to come. The tendency is now and has been for some years to limit rather than enlarge the area of timber land. The timber is more abundant in the eastern part of the county and the area in timber and prairie is perhaps about equally interspersed. In the central and western part of the county the timber is generally to be found along the streams. On the whole, the timber of the countv is well distributed and convenientlv located to the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 55

prairie and farming lands, so as to be easily accessible from any locality within its boundaries.

Beautiful groves are dotted here and there, some of them occupying quite elevated positions and others bordering on the lowlands, which tend to relieve the monotony and dreary aspect so prevalent on our broad, bleak western prairies.

There are a great many varieties of timber found, such as oak, hickory, sycamore, walnut, hackberry, lind, elm, sugar maple, soft maple, cotton- wood, swamp ash, and in some localities, white ash, etc. Along the river bottoms and lowlands it chiefly abounds in the soft woods, with a moderate per cent of hard wood trees occurring among them more or less frequently in different localities, while along the higher banks and bluff lands are found the more valuable hard woods, suitable for fencing and building purposes.

In many places the best of the hard woods of the older growth have been culled out, and in others pretty thoroughly cleared off to supply the needs of settlers, thus leaving only the less valuable soft woods, but the second growth is rapidly increasing and is furnishing as an average, a better quality of timber than that which preceded, and it is estimated that the increase in growth will exceed the annual waste and consumption for all purposes, so that there need be no fear of the citizens suffering from want of fuel and fencing and shelter, especially since coal and lumber, becoming so plentiful and cheap, are found almost at their very doors.

. Even those who were born and reared in a timber country and who have spent their prime of life in the woods, can find here a timber home quite congenial to their nature, and also joining this they can secure for as large a family as they choose to raise, a fertile tract of farming land, all grubbed and cleared and ready for the plow which, with a moderate amount of labor and judicious management, will furnish a comfortable home and liberal income as the reward of faithful industry and prudence.

In these days, however, timber land is not in such high estimation as formerly, since railroad facilities have rendered fuel, fencing and building material so cheap. Consequently the opportunities to purchase are increased and the price decreased somewhat, as a general thing.

Prairie is the prevailing characteristic of the county. It is abundant in quantity and mostly all excellent in quality.

In so large a tract there must always be some that is of an inferior quality. However, there is comparatively small per cent of poor prairie land in this county and among so much that is good it is a difficult task to designate that which is best. On nearly all the divides between the rivers and running streams are found large tracts of beautiful, rolling prairie lands, well drained, easily cultivated, highly productive and conveniently located to water, timber, mills and markets.

The character of the soil heretofore spoken of is such that a failure of crops from dry weather is unknown. The soil is light and porous, so that ten hours of bright sunshine will dry the roads after a heavy rain.

56 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The climate is healthful, invigorating and pleasant for this latitude, both winter and summer. The winters are generally long, with rather an even temperature, sometimes ciianging quite suddenly from cold to warm and back again to extremely cold weather within a few days. But these sudden changes are the exception rather than the general rule, so the citizens soon become accustomed to them and consider it not half a winter without them. This region is subject to an average and occasionally a heavy fall of snow during the winter season, which is usually accompanied by sharp, healthful frosts, but as a general thing the mercury remains above zero, seldom reach- ing more than twelve or fifteen degrees below and very rarely falling to twenty and twenty-five degrees below zero.

During the winter the roads generally remain dry, there being usually but little rain. Snow seldom falls of late years to a greater depth than six inches. It is much drifted, however, by the winds. The climate is generally esteemed no more rigorous than in the eastern states of the same latitude.

Strong, sharp, chilling winds sw^eep over the broad prairies and down the valleys during the winter and early spring months but these become modified to gentle, bracing, welcome breezes during the later spring, summer, autumn, and early fall months, and within the past few years the winters have become greatly modified from the reputed coldness of earlier days to the milder temperature of a more southern clime, so that many of the older settlers having become accustomed to exposure in driving storms and blustery weather during the hardships of frontier life, rather incline to look upon these open, mild winters as intruders, coming out of season and out of place, and they begin to "long for the good old days of yore," when neigh- bors must become congenial and accommodating in order to keep from freezing or starving to death and when storm-staid strangers will be made welcome guests at the fireside. The later spring, summer anfl autumn months are generally delightful and salubrious.

The prairie winds which become mild and almost constant, are fresh and bracing, regulating the temperature and purifying the atmosphere.

During the months of July and August they sometimes seem rather mild and motionless, allowing the sun's rays to beam down unhindered for a while and to occupy the field with almost undisputed swav. thus producing a fe.w days of hot, sweltering harvest weather, which cause the citizens to place something of a proper estimate on the value and usefulness of the county's beautiful shade trees and excellent water. Then these few sultry days are soon followed by a glorious "Indian summer" of balmy autumn days, which are aptly fitted to brighten the pathway and "cheer the heart of man." The county has rain and wet weather enough to water the crops and produce a healthy growth of vegetation.

The health of Page county people is usually very good, although they die here as elsewhere. Ague is practically unknown in these later davs and there are no climatic diseases peculiar to the county, so that the repeal of the quinine duty had little practical efifect in this county and will not be made the one issue in anv canvass of this countv. The earlv settlers on the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 57

river bottoms would have welcomed it but for practical results it is now useless.

Although the early settlers found considerable wild fruit in the timbered regions of the county, they accepted without question the belief that the count}- was not well adapted to fruit raising. Experience has proven this to be a great error. Tame or grafted fruits of equal hardihood have been found to flourish as well as the wild fruits. Among the wild fruits found in the timber belts were several varieties of plums of excellent flavor. The large yellow plum was often from three to three and a half inches in cir- cumference, and it was as luscious to the taste as any of the tame plums. Grapes, crab apple, wild cherry, currants, gooseberries, blackberries, straw- berries, raspberries, black and red haws, and other fruits of the same char- acter were also found. The butternut, walnut and hickory tree bear well and hazlcnuts are abundant. It is along the river bottoms that the fruit flourishes best.

Tame plums, peaches, apples, cherries, etc., produce abundantly when cultivated with care and when the proper varieties are selected. As we have stated, the early settlers as a general thing, thought it useless to attempt fruit raising here and thus the county now lacks many a noble orchard it might otherwise have had. At present, hovv'ever, nearly every farmer, who has not already an orchard, is engaged in cultivating one, and thriving young orchards are to be seen all over the country and no better apples are raised anyw here than those grown in Page county. The raising of peaches did not prove a success at an early day but of late years it has been demonstrated that the peach can be raised here, almost as well and proves generally as sure a crop as anywhere.

The strawberry succeeds well, as it does throughout almost all por- tions in this latitude. They are not cultivated extensively for the markets because of the remoteness of the county from a large town to create a de- mand, but with improved railway connections a large and profitable business in this production will doubtless spring up to add employment and wealth to its people.

Raspberries and blackberries succeed well and are cultivated quite gen- erally over the surface of the county for home use.

Cherries have Ijecome a very important crop and will eventually add much to the wealth of the county.

The great, the standard productions of the county are the cereals, corn, wheat, oats, barley and rye. For these the soil is peculiarly fitted and they almost grow spontaneously. Especially is this the case with the corn crop as no other county in Iowa can excel Page in regard to yield and in fact, but few equal it. This portion of the state appears to be particularly adapted for corn, averaging from forty to eighty and sometimes as high as one huiidred bushels per acre.

Rye and barley, while quite extensively cultivated, have not attained great importance because there are no local markets. The temperance pro- clivities of the people also operate as a bar to the establishment of breweries and distilleries.

58 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Oats will probably average about thirty to forty bushels to the acre, one year with another.

Sorghum thrives well but is not now cultivated to that extent as formerly.

Potatoes grow almost without effort, although the bug has been a pest which has exercised the patience and devoured the crop of many a farmer. The average yield is probably about one hundred and fifty bushels per acre, although many instances are known of a production at the rate of four hundred bushels to the acre.

The importance of the tame grasses was not appreciated at an early day, so long as the virgin soil of much of the county remained unbroken, because the supply of pasturage was free and plentiful and the quality of the prairie hay was all that the early settlers desired or needed, but when the time came, the soil of the county gave evidence that it was thoroughly adapted to tame grasses. Timothy and red-top and clover, for both pas- turage and hay, and Kentucky blue grass for the former, succeed well in almost every portion of the county. As the county becomes more per- fectly developed, the importance of the tame grasses to the entire produc- tion of the other growths from the soil will be greatly increased.

Successful stock raising here as in every other portion of the western country has kept even pace with the adoption and increase of the tame grasses and will in the future be the absorbing industry of its people.

HYDROGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY.

The geological history of Page county is one of peculiar interest and affords some very suggestive facts relative to its past vicissitudes. It extends in point of time over many thousands of years and embraces pe- riods of repose and periods of remarkable change. Its history, climatologi- cally, has been one of deep interest and embraces changes so radical and so directly at variance with one another as to be almost incredible. There have been long ages when it basked under a torrid sun, and then these ages gave place to others equally as remarkable for polar frosts. Life in all the variety and luxuriance of a tropical climate gave place to the desert wastes of an arctic zone. Nor were these changes sudden. They are there, stamped in the very rocks at your door, and limned upon the landscape of your valleys, not as great and far-reaching catastrophes but as gradual transitions, marked as such by the fossil forms that roll out from the rock you crush or see traced with a delicacy no draughtsman can imitate. There have been times when Old Ocean, heedless of his doings, dashed against the rocky barrier that dared dispute his way, or rolled in solemn conscious might above its highest point, times when a beautiful and varied flora thrived on its surface, and times when there was naught, save a waste of desert water. We strike our pick in the shales on the hillside, and behold ! there in the coal that gives us warmth and drives our engines, are the fairy forms that made the fern paradise of the coal period. To trace briefly these changes and to note their probable causes is the object of this sketch.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 59

It is, however, of the utmost importance to first obtain a correct view of the drainage of the county — or its hydrography.

The general dip of the county, averaging two feet to the mile, as in- deed of the remaining portions of southwestern Iowa, is a little west of south, its surface waters finding their way to the Missouri — the "Big Muddy." The entire eastern portion of the county is drained by the Nodaways, and along their valleys the most beautiful scenery of the county is to be found. The most heavily wooded sections also are here, the stream, throughout its entire course through the county, partaking less of the nature of a true prairie stream than any other water course within its limits. To the west and running throughout the county in courses, mainly par- allel to the Nodaway, are found the Tarkio and West Tarkio rivers, while through Pierce and Grant townships in the northwest flows the Nishnabotna. These streams, with their numerous smaller tributaries, entering at right angles to the courses of the main streams, afford a complete and perfect drainage. The three last named streams, with the exception of the lower half of the Tarkio. are truly prairie streams, sparsely wooded, and of sluggish movement. The surface of the county in the main, is the usual undulating, treeless prairie. Whatever may be the origin of these prairie lands, their real cause is the prevalence of annual fires. The valleys them- selves present the usual appearance of the "drift" — a term which will be explained farther on — and in the western portion of the county they are occupied by the "blufif deposit." The material of this deposit is of a slightly yellowish ash color, except where darkened by decaying vegeta- tion, very fine and silicious, but not sandy, not very cohesive and not at all plastic. The origin of the "blufif" is referred to the accumulation of sedi- ment in an ancient lake, which was afterwards drained and the sediment became dry land. That so enormous deposit of this age as is found in Page county — nearly two hundred feet on its western side — should be made, we must conceive the present level of the land to be lowered, the water of the Gulf of Mexico backing up on the land, the whole country adja- cent to the lower Missouri far below the surface of the ancient lake thus formed, while the upper Missouri is plowing its way through the land, wearing away its boundaries and hurrying with them to the compara- tively quiet water below. Here and there they were deposited and remained as sediment until those giant throes lifted again the partially submerged continents and hurled the encroaching waves back to their former dominion. Such a change occurred in Page county and the proofs are on every hand. The "bluflF" deposit is known to occupy a region through which the Missouri runs almost centrally and measures more than two hundred miles in length and one hundred miles in width. This deposit occurs immedi- ately on the "drift" and with it forms almost the entire surface of this county. The term "drift" as is commonly employed in geology, includes the gravel, sand, clay, and boulders occurring over some parts of the con- tinents, which are without stratification or order of arrangement and have been transported from places in high latitudes by some agency which, first, could carry masses of rock, hundreds of tons in weight, and which.

60 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

second, was not always dependent tor motion on the slopes of the sur- face. This agency was ice, either in the form of an extensive glacier or detached masses, called icebergs. The whole surface of North America, even to the thirty-ninth parallel, bears evidence of the denuding and trans- forming power of ice. This was the agency which rounded these hills, partially filled old valleys or dug out new ones, and which left at our very doors these masses of rock — small and large — to excite our wonder and cause us to seek their origin. The drift appears in numerous localities along the major and some of the minor water courses, and at railroad cut- tings. This deposit also covers all the high lands in the county and varies in thickness from a few to one hundred and eighty feet. It is mostly composed of clay and gravel, with occasional beds of sand, and is de- posited without much regularity of stratification and contains many worn and rounded masses of granite, gneiss, porphyry, hornblende and other primary rocks, together with limestone, sandstone, bits of coal and slate, all of which have been transplanted from points more or less remote from their present locality.

The only material of economical value to be obtained from the drift deposits are sands and clays. Sand of an excellent quality, suitable for molder's use and cement may be obtained along the rivers in considerable abundance, though no potter's clay has yet been observed in this forma- tion in this county.

The best wells of water are to be obtained by sinking in the subter- ranean stream that percolates through the sandy strata of this deposit. Usually on the prairies good water may be reached from twenty to forty feet below • the surface. The only fossils yet obtained from the drift in this county are a few shark teeth and an occasional fragment of silicified wood, which probably belong to a period somewhat older than the drift and have been transported from some cretaceous deposit over which the drift has passed. In the valley of the Nodaway, near Clarinda, some teeth of the huge and extinct mastodon have been found.

Of the coal-measures only the "Upper coal-measure strata have been exposed in this county but it is probable that some outline of these Nish- nabotna sandstones exist beneath the surface in the northwestern part" (White). The following account of the coal-measures of the county is taken from Dr. White's Geology of Iowa, 1870, Vol. I, page 349, et seq. : "The strata thus far discovered are all referred to the horizon of the lower half of the series of limestone and shales of the Winterset section (upper carboniferous, C). At Hawleyville, just upon the east border of the county, there is an exposure of about five feet in thickness, of bluish argillaceous limestone, with partings of blue, clayey shale. These are no doubt the equivalents of a part of the strata associated with the coal bed at Foster's, in the Northwestern part of Taylor county, but no coal has yet been discovered in connection with the strata at Hawleyville. Cross- ing over to the valley of the West Nodaway, the next exposure of strata found was upon the left bank of the stream, a little below Clarinda, the county seat. Here the same bed of coal is found again which is worked at

HISTORY OF PAGE a)L■^■T^■ 61

various points in Taylor and Adams counties, tog-ether with their asso- ciated strata. The coal here is of about the same thickness, from fifteen to twenty inches, as in the last named counties, and its associated strata has the same general characters. It has been mined just below the mill near Clarinda and also at several points within a mile below the mill, on the east side of the river. The following section was measured there, commencing with the surface of the river as the base of No. i.

SECTION NEAR CLARINDA.

No. 5. Hard, bluish, impure limestone 2 feet

No. 4. Bluish, clayey shale 11/2 feet

No. 3. Coal ly^ feet

No. 2. Light bluish, clayey shale, containing fossil plants and

shells 2 feet

No. 1. Unexposed to the water's edge 10 feet

Total 16^ feet

THE PIONEERS OF PAGE COUNTY.

In the early settlement of Page county can be traced those who left their homes in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri and New York, for the purpose of making homes for themselves and their posterity here on the boundless prairies of southwestern Iowa. Here we may follow the course of the hardy woodman of the "Buckeye" or the "Hoosier" state on his way west to "grow up with the country," trusting only to his strong arm and his willing heart to work out his ambition of a home for himself and wife and a competence for his children. Yet again we may see the path worn by the Missourian in his new experience in a land which to him was a land of progress, far in ad- vance of that southern soil upon which he had made his temporary home, in his effort to adapt himself to new conditions. We may see here the growth which came with knowledge and the progress which grew upon him with progress around him and how his better side developed. The pride of Kentucky blood, or the vainglorying of the X'irginian F. F. V.'s, was here seen in an early day, only to be modified in its advent from the crucible of democracy when servitude was eliminated from the solution. Yet others have been animated with the impulse to "move on." after making themselves a part of the community and have sought the newer parts of the extreme west, where civilization had not penetrated, or have returned to their na- tive soil. We shall find little of that distinctive New England character, which has contributed so many men and women to other portions of our state and the west but we shall find many an industrious native of Germany or the British Isles.

Prior to the year 1843 the soil of Page county was owned by the red man who sang his song and danced and hunted over its surface and caught

62 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

the fish of its streams unmolested by the firm advance of the omnipresent white man, who was then rapidly pushing the noble savage toward the setting sun. An occasional trapper perhaps found his way into the region only to be repelled by its wildness and driven back to his home on the frontier, though it may have been scarcely less rude than the wigwam of the Indian. The hour had come, however, when a new civilization was to advance its flag here and to make these lands, then wild and uncultivated, blossom as the rose. The county was inhabited by the "pale faces," however, as early as 1840, some years before the state of Iowa had been admitted into the Union, and prior to any surveys having been made in the county. The first white man to settle in the county was George W. Farrens, who came from Jackson county, Missouri, in the spring of 1840. He was shortly after joined by two of his brothers, Henry and David. They erected a log cabin and made improvements on what afterward proved to be section 27, town- ship 67, range 36, in what is now Buchanan township. At the time they located, all three were unmarried and here alone, comparatively with no means at their command other than hopeful hearts and willing hands. They commenced the settlement of what is now one of the grandest agricultural counties of Iowa. They located near G. W. Farrens' residence, their set- tlement going under the name of the Three Forks Settlement, being near the junction of the East and West Nodaway s and Buchanan creek. Here they resided alone for one year, having only the red man, with his neces- sary adjuncts, the wolf, panther and elk, for neighbors. The next year, however, others began to locate near them, as that spring, George and David Brock settled in the same neighborhood and the year following, Thomas Johnson, William Campbell and Robert Wilson, all being men of families, located near them, the last named locating somewhat to the west of the main settlement on the Nodaway, near where Braddyville now is. The same year his brother, Pleasant Wilson, settled near him, where he died in 1844, his being the first death of a white man in the county, except that of Lieutenant Buchanan, who was not a resident of the county at the time of his death.

Thus it will be observed that shortly after the Farrens' came to the county quite a settlement sprang up in their immediate neighborhood.

It would be interesting could we go back, even in fancy, to the condition of affairs when G. W. Farrens first came to Page county in 1840. Could we have but seen the sublimity of this great and fertile region where but few, even of the red men, were then living, could we but imagine what were the thoughts, hopes, ambitions, purposes of this pioneer as he recalled the home he had left in his native state, and compared it with these prairies, waving with naught but the luxuriant growth of wild grasses, the noble forests on these water courses, all fulfilling the natural conditions of comfort and wealth for man, and only waiting his advent to blossom as the rose with the pro- ductions of a civilized race, we might have seen, as he saw, that here, "wild in woods, the noble savage ran," with all that there could be of nobility in his untaught, or rather ill-taught and treacherous nature, and that suddenly as the face of the white man was seen in the forest, surveying its unimproved wealth and preparing for a mightier and greater people, the taciturn, grunt-

GEORGE W. FARRENS First Settler in Page County

PULLIC

"n

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 65

ing savage heard the unwonted sound of laughter in regions where that melody might not have been heard since the long forgotten days of the mound builders, and he prepared to move farther afield, away from his aggressive and more powerful brother. The sound of the axe and the crash of falling timber spoke of new life and animation. For the newcomer in all this wild region there was in every bubbling spring a music sweet as the voices of children.

The first mill built and operated in the county was erected by a Mr. Stonebraker in 1847, and is now more generally known as Shambaugh's mill. It was built for both a grist and sawmill and here was cracked all the corn and sawed all the lumber used in a radius of probably forty miles. The mill was also prepared for grinding wheat, although the flour had to be bolted by hand. At that time there were probably not over thirty families in the entire county and besides doing the work for them, Missouri also relied on the mill for their cornmeal and flour. Mr. Stonebraker died in 1849 and the mill the following year passed into the hands of Captain Connor.

William and G. W. Hardee came and settled near the Farrens, in the spring of 1842, and in August following there was born to William Hardee a son, Perry, being the first white child born within the boundaries of what is now Page county. The first election held in the county was at his house in 185 1. At this time there were but two townships in the county, Buchanan, running up the divide between East river and Buchanan creek, and Nod- away, including the balance of the county.

In 1846 S. F. Snider settled on Snake creek, just above where that stream empties into the East Tarkio. After remaining a while he re- moved to Montgomery county, remaining a short time, when he returned to Page county and in 1854 was elected county judge. He resided in the county until i860, at which time he removed to W^ashington county, Kansas, there to once more take unto himself the hardships incident to a pioneer life, having lived in the county from almost the time it was first inhabited by the whites until it had begun to rank among the first counties in the state in point of agriculture, wealth and enterprise.

In 1843, Joseph Thompson, Moses Thompson and Larkin Thompson, now all deceased, and Jesse Majors settled a few miles southeast of Clar- inda. Larkin Thompson settled near where Alexander Davis now lives, while Jesse Alajors and Moses and Joseph Thompson located near where Mr. Campbell now resides, all being in East River township.

Early in 1850 Captain R. F. Connor removed into the county from Maryville, Missouri. That year he purchased of the Stonebraker estate the mill commonly known as the Boulware mill. Shortly after purchasing it, he sold a half interest to a man by the name of Rhinehart, who subse- quently sold to Philip Boulware, he afterwards purchasing Captain Connor's interest and running the mill until Gordon & Shambaugh. its present owners, purchased it. Mr. Connor was elected county judge in 1851, being the first man elected to that office in the county. Although not one of its first settlers. Captain Connor has seen much of the growth of Page county, and since he first settled in the county has been prominently identified with

66 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

its interests and now with the old settlers, those who have known him at all times and under^ all circumstances, there is no more popular or thor- oughly esteemed man in tlie county.

The particulars of the death of Lieutenant Buchanan, heretofore alluded to as the first within the limits of Page county, are about as follows : In 1833 with a small detachment of troops, he was passing across the country to the Missouri river and while crossing the East Nodaway on horseback, about one mile northeast of where Hawleyville now stands, was drowned. The stream was considerably swollen from recent rains and there being at that time no roads, not even so much as a trail to guide the troops on their way to the westward, the unfortunate officer with his horse, became entangled in the brush and driftwood and before aid reached them, the Lieutenant being at some distance down the stream from the balance of the troops, both horse and rider were drowned. His comrades recovered his body and buried it on the east bank of the river near the mouth of a small stream. A monument was erected to his memory but it was after- ward destroyed by the Indians, although fragments of the tombstone are yet in existence. He was a young Virginian, his home being at Win- chester. Buchanan creek was afterwards named in his honor by the gov- ernment surveyors, they mistaking the stream for East river, where the sad occurrence took place. Buchanan township was also named after the young Lieutenant and not, as is generally supposed, in honor of President Buchanan.

In 1845 Joseph Buckingham and his two sons, John and Joshua, John Daily and Aaron Vise, settled in what is now Nebraska township. Joseph Buckingham died in 1872. John Buckingham was one among the first county clerks.

Elisha Thomas removed from Ohio in 1846 and located where Hawley- ville now stands. About 1851 he erected a mill near where the flouring mill is now located at that place. Erastus Thomas, a son of Elisha, was the first treasurer and recorder of the county. He removed to Oregon about 1852. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elisha Thomas are now deceased.

John Ross settled in Nebraska township in 1847, where he remained until 1 85 1, when he sold out and removed to Montgomery county. At the time he removed to that county it had but comparatively few settlers and his shanty was probably twenty miles from any settlement. He used to bring his grain to the Boulware mill to have it ground, bringing as much as twenty-five bushels of corn at a time. One day Captain Connor, who was then running the mill, asked him why he brought such a large quantity and he replied by saying that he did not care much about work and was fearful that some time he might run out of meal just as one of his working spells overtook him, in which event he would not be able to raise anything to live on, it being so far to mill. At the time he removed from Page county there was probably not more than a half dozen families in his neighborhood, yet it was too thickly settled to suit him, as he afterwards told a friend he could not stand it to be bothered by hearing his neighbors call their cattle and hogs. By 1858 civilization began to encroach upon him in Mont-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 67

gomery county and he was thus forced to sell out once more. This time he sought a home in the wilds of Kansas, where he was unmolested by the advance of civilization but there he encountered more troublesome neighbors, as a few years after removing there and while out on a hunting expedition with some other parties, he was murdered by the Indians.

John Rose came from Missouri in 1848 and settled in the same neigh- borhood. He died about 1868.

George Baker settled on the farm now owned by John McDowell, in 1850. He came from Indiana. He removed to Missouri some years since.

W. L. Birge, the first elected prosecuting attorney, came in 1851, from Bloomfield, this state. He remained for a short time, when he pushed on farther west.

William Lavering was one of the first settlers in what is now Lincoln township, locating there in 1846, where he remained until 1868, when he removed to Kansas.

In 1850 John L. King removed into the township, and was followed the next year by H. II. Litzenburg, now deceased, William Loy, deceased, Joshua Akin, deceased, Samuel Phifer, Joshua Skinner and Samuel Peters They all located in the township before it was surveyed by the govern- ment.

In 1850 Alexander Montgomery settled in what is now Colfax town- ship, he being the first settler. He removed into the county from Kentucky and is still residing on the farm where he first settled.

Pike Davidson settled in 1845 where he now lives, east of Braddyville, and was followed by Wayne Davidson, William Shearer, Sr., William Shearer, Jr., Jacob Botenfelt, John and Robert Snodgrass, Daniel and John Duncan, John Griffey and Thomas Nixon, who settled in the same neighborhood. >»>..,'/'( in. ^^.

When the first settler eame the Indians had not abandoned all title to this territory but by the time the great body of settlers came in 1846, 1847 and 1848, they were nearly all gone, although they were to be seen oc- casionally even for a few years afterward when returning to visit for a short time their former happy hunting grounds. Quite a number of them would come back on hunting expeditions, even as late as 1852, during which time they would camp near the mill in great numbers and remain weeks at a time.

The agricultural implements of the early settlers were much in contrast with those of the present time. The only plows they had at first were what they styled "bull plows." The mold-boards were generally of wood but in some cases they were half wood and half iron. The man who had one of the latter description was looked upon as something of an aristocrat. These old "bull plows" did good service and they must be awarded the honor of first stirring the soil of Page county.

It was quite a time after the first settlement before there was a single stove in the county. Rude fireplaces were built in the cabin chimneys and the}^ served for warmth, cooking and ventilation.

68 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY

The first buiklings in the county were not just Uke the log cabins that immediately succeeded them. These latter required some help and a good deal of labor to build. The very first buildings constructed were a cross between "hopp cabins"" and Indian bark huts. As soon as enough men could be got together for a ''cabin raising" then log cabins came in style. Many a pioneer can remember the happiest time in his life as that when he lived in one of these homely but comfortable and profitable old cabins.

A window with sash and glass was a rarity and an evidence of wealth and aristocracy, which but few could support. They were often made with greased paper put over the window, which admitted a little light but more often there was nothing whatever over it and the cracks between the logs without either chinking or daubing was the dependence for light and air. The doors were fastened with old fashioned wooden latches and for a friend, or neighbor or traveler the string always hung out, for the pioneers of the west were hospitable and entertained visitors to the best of their ability.

It is noticeable with what affection the pioneers speak of their old log cabins. It may be doubted whether places ever sheltered happier hearts than these lonely cabins. The following is a good description of these old landmarks, but few of which now remain : "There were round logs notched together at the corners, ribbed with poles and covered with boards split from a tree. A puncheon floor was then laid down, hole cut out in the end and a stick chimney run up. A clapboard door is made, a window is opened by cutting out a hole in the side or end about two feet square, and it is finished without glass or transparency. The house was then 'chinked" and 'daubed' with mud made of the top soil.

"The cabin is now ready to go into. The household and kitchen furni- ture is adjusted and life on the frontier is begun in earnest.

"The one legged bedstead, now a piece of furniture of the past, was made by cutting a stick the proper length, boring holes at one end one and one-half inches in diameter at right angles, and the same sized holes cor- responding with these in the logs of the cabin the length and breadth desired for the bed. in which are inserted poles.

"Upon these poles clapboards are laid, or lind bark is interwoven con- secutively from pole to pole. Upon this primitive structure the bed is laid. The convenience of a cook stove was not thought of then but instead the cooking was done by the faithful housewife, in pots, kettles and skillets on and about the big fireplace, and very frequently over and around, too, the distended pedal extremities of the legal sovereigns of the household, while the latter were indulging in the luxury of a cob pipe and discussing the probable resvilts of a contemplated elk hunt.

"We have seen a good deal of solid comfort about them, which we presume to say in many cases money could not purchase for the millionaire. Still, as 'contentment is happiness,' where one is the other must follow as a matter of course, whatever may be the condition or location in life."

The women, equally with the men, came to endorse the trials and ad- minister their consolation to earliest settlers. Much indeed is due to the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 69

women who came with the earliest settlement and took their part in its upbuilding. "The winds and the wolves might howl without the lonely cabin but within there burned the pure bright flame of a woman's love."

The woods abounded in wild fruit and grapes in the early days and much of it was of a delicious quality and it was many years before tame fruits were generally planted, because they were not needed. These fruits have now almost entirely disappeared. Occasionally the crab apple, the wild cherry, wild strawberry and the blackberry are seen but civilization has apparently ruined their quality and they are no longer the rich, toothsome fruits which the earlier settlers knew.

Wild bees also abounded in those times and furnished a delicacy to many a pioneer household beside the sport of finding and securing it.

On account of the high price of corn during the first years, and the great inconvenience of procuring it at distant markets, they were compelled to be economical and judicious in the use of it and used every means and effort within their power in making preparations the first year, so as to be sure of the crop the following year, and for this labor and care they were almost invariably rewarded with an abundant harvest. The labor, care and anxiety of one year was generally repaid with prosperity, peace and plenty during the next and the majority of the pioneers found more pleasure in thus having a plentiful supply of the necessities of life and being able to give of their sub- stance when the occasion required, to those in straightened circumstances around them, than in being dependent and needy themselves and thus being on the receiving list. Oftentimes, indeed, such persons had the privilege of realizing the truth and beauty of our Saviour's sweet words of comfort, 'Tt is more blessed to give than to receive."

While the early settlers were generally industrious, honest, generous and sympathetic, moving along peacefully in the even tenor of their ways about their daily duties and usually temperate in their habits, still their cus- toms and habits were not altogether of the same character as those of the present day.

Customs and habits that are now looked upon as quite improper and degrading by society generally, though practiced yet by a large per cent of the inhabitants, were considered by many of the early settlers as not so very much out of place, while others of their number, perhaps no smaller per cent in proportion to the population than at present, were faithful to shun and frown down all such improper conduct. Still a good many of them seemed to deem it eminently proper and quite essential in starting off on a journey to take with them a handy flask in their pockets and sometimes the "wee brown jug" in their wagons, well filled with something to keep them warm and in buoyant "spirits," and also have something along with which to accommodate their particular friends of like tastes and longings whom they might accompany or meet on the way, and thus be able to sustain their title of "hail fellows well met."

Postal arrangements in the days of which we are speaking were not of the best, in fact quite a change has taken place in this respect also during the past forty years. When the first settlers located here the nearest postoffice

70 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

was Savannah, Missouri, a distance of sixty miles, and as a natural conse- quence, letters "from home" were somewhat tardy in reaching their destina- tion here in the "far west," although the anxiety with which they were looked for can better be imagined than described. After a number of years an office was established in Maryville, a distance of thirty-five miles from the settlements in this county. This made it more convenient and letters from loved ones at home were more frequent, though none the less cherished than formerly. In 1850 there was an office established at the mill on Nodaway, Captain Connor being the postmaster. The government furnished the mail sacks but the settlers had to furnish the carrier and by this means they were enabled to' get their mail as often as once a week at least. This arrange- ment lasted but one year, when the postoffice department established a route between Maryville and Captain Connor's residence, the name of the office being called Nodaway. Ira Cunning, now deceased, had the contract, the route extending only from Maryville to Nodaway, over which he made one trip a week. Then postage on all letters to be carried one hundred miles or more was twenty-five cents, payable at either the office from which they were sent or at the receiving office. In this connection a good story is related on one of the early pioneers of the county, whose name it is not necessary here to relate. In the early '40s he left home and friends in one of the eastern states and came west for the purpose of making a home for him- self and one he had left behind in his native state, whom he hoped in the no distant future to be able to bring from her pleasant home and loving friends and set down in his cabin here on the boundless, though then undeveloped prairies of Page county. Before coming west the young man and his sweet- heart pledged one to the other that come weal, come woe, nothing but death could their affections sever. After he had been here quite a while he received word through some of the settlers who had been to Savannah, Missouri, the nearest postoffice, that a letter there awaited him, on which the usual postage, twenty-five cents, was due. How to get that letter out of the office was the uppermost question in his mind from that day on, as he had ex- hausted what little money he brought to the county with him, and the pre- vailing currency at that time was wolf scalps and coon skins, either of which he could trade for almost any of the necessary commodities but it took cash to pay postage. What to raise to turn into cash was now the question. At last the idea struck him that he could possibly put watermelons on the market quicker than anything else, so early in the season he planted his melon seed ; they came up and grew well, maturing early in the season. About the middle of July he pulled a load and started early one morning for Savannah, the nearest market. After arriving there he found the merchants, what few there were, pretty much in the condition of himself, without money. They offered him trade for his melons but cash they had not. At last, sorely perplexed as to what to do, as on arriving at Savannah he found two letters from his affianced awaiting him, he went to the court house thinking that if anybody had ready cash it would be the county officers. There he met with his first cash offer, coming from the treasurer and sheriff, who offered him fifty cents for the entire load, and as he could do no better

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 71

he was compelled to accept it, as he prized the letters awaiting him a great deal higher than he did a whole load of melons. A few years thereafter the fondest hopes of both were realized and he was enabled to replant his fair eastern flower in the pioneer home he had prepared for her and now after many years of arduous toil, and as they are both rapidly traveling down the shady pathway of life, they are enabled to sit in their home of plenty and laughingly recount the hardships of their early days.

This is only one of the many incidents that might be narrated, showing the financial straits to which the early settlers of this county were at times reduced. To one looking back over the situation at that time from the present standpoint of progress and comfort, it certainly does not seem very cheering, and yet from the testimony of some of these same old settlers themselves, it was the most independent and happy period of their lives. At that time it certainly would have been much more difficult for those old settlers to understand how it could possibly be that thirty-five years hence the citizens at the present stage of the county's progress would be com- plaining of hard times and destitution and that they themselves perhaps would be among that number, than it is now for us to appreciate how they could feel so cheerful and contented with their meager means and humble lot of hardships and privation during those early pioneer days. The secret doubtless was that they lived within their means, however limited, not covet- ing more of luxury and comfort than their income would afford and the natural result was prosperity and contentment, with always room for one more stranger at the fireside and a cordial welcome to a place at their table for even the most hungry guest.

In the early settlement of the county a great many of the cabins were used as stopping places for travelers and when this was the case the house could well be said "to be crowded to its utmost capacity." On such an occa- sion when bedtime came, the first family would take the back part of the cabin and so continue filling up by families until the limit was reached. The young men slept in the wagons outside. In the morning those nearest the door arose first and went outside to dress. Meals were served in the hind end of the wagon and consisted of cornbread, buttermilk and fat pork and occa- sionally coffee to take away the morning chill. On Sundays, for a change, they had bread made of wheat "tread out" by horses on the ground, cleaned with a sheet and pounded by hand. This was the best the most fastidious could obtain and this only one day in seven. Not a moment of time was lost. It was necessary that they should raise enough sod corn to take them through the coming winter and also get as much breaking done as possible. They brought with them enough corn to give the horses an occasional feed in order to keep them able for hard work, but in the main they had to live on prairie grass. In giving the bill of fare above we should have added meat, for of this they had plenty. Deer would be seen daily trooping over the prairies in droves of from twelve to twenty and sometimes as many as fifty would be seen grazing together. Elk were also found and wild turkeys and prairie chickens without number. Bears were not unknown. Music of the natural order was not wanting and every night the pioneers were

72 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

lulled to rest by the screeching" of panthers and the howling of wolves. When the dogs ventured too far out from the cabin at night, they would be driven back by the wolves, chasing them up to the very cabin doors. Trapping wolves became quite a profitable business after iche state began to pay a bounty for wolf scalps. One of the peculiar circumstances that sur- rounded the early life of the pioneers was a strange holiness. The solitude seemed almost to oppress them. Months would pass during which they would see scarcely a human face outside their own families. The isolation of these early years worked upon some of the settlers an effect that has never passed away. Some of them say that they lived in such a lonely way when they first came here that afterward, when the county began to fill up, they always found themselves bashful and constrained in the presence of strangers. But when the people were once started in this way the long pent up feelings of joviality and sociability fairly boiled over and their meet- ings frequently became enthusiastic and jovial in the highest degree. It seems singular to note bashfulness as one of the characteristics of the strong, stalwart settlers, but we are assured by the old settlers themselves that this was a prominent characteristic of the pioneers. And some of them declare that this feeling was so strong during the early years of isolation and lone- liness that they have never since been able to shake it off. But there were certainly some occasions when the settlers were not in the least degree affected by anything in the nature of bashfulness. When their rights were threatened or invaded, they had "muscles of iron and hearts of flint." It was only when brought together for merely social purposes that they seemed ill at ease. If any emergency arose or any business was to be attended to, they were always equal to the occasion.

There was a peculiar sort of free masonry among the pioneers. New- comers were made welcome and ready hands assisted them in building their homes. Neighbors did not even wait for an invitation or request to help one another. Was a settler's cabin burned or blown down, no sooner was the fact known throughout the neighborhood than the settlers assembled to assist the unfortunate one to rebuild his home. They came with as little hesitation and with as much alacrity as though they were all members of the same family and bound together by ties of blood. One man's interest was every other man's interest also. Now this general state of feeling among the pioneers was by no means peculiar to this county, although it was strongly illustrated here. It prevailed generally throughout the west during the time of the early settlement. The very nature of things taught the settlers the necessity of dwelling together in this spirit. It was their only protection. They had come far away from the well established reign of law and entered a new country where the civil authorities were still feeble and totally unable to afford protection and redress grievances. Here in Page county the settlers lived for quite a time before there was a single officer of the law in the county. Each man's protection was in the good will and friendship of those about him and the thing any man might well dread was the ill will of the community. It was more terrible than the law. It was no uncommon thing

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 78

in the early times for hardened men who had no fears of jails or peniten- tiaries to stand in great fear oi the indignation of a pioneer community.

The first nine years after Page county was settled it was in the earliest stages of pioneer life. All that can be known of this period is drawn solely from tradition. The county was yet unorganized and there is not a page of record of any kind to be found of the history of the county during this time. Most of the men who lived here during that time have departed and the few that remain have their memories obscured by the mist ol thirty-five years. People in those days took very little, indeed we might truthfully say, no pains to preserve history. They were too busily engaged in making it. Historically speaking, those were the most important years of the county, for it was then the foundation and corner stone of all the county's history and prosperity were laid. Yet this period was not remark- able for stirring events. It was, however, a time of self-reliance and brave, persevering toil, of privations cheerfully endured through faith in a good time coming. The experience of one settler was just about the same as that of others. They were almost invariably poor, they faced the same hardships and stood generally on an equal footing.

In Page county the people were fortunate in having a mill built at a very early day, more fortunate in this respect that the early settlers of most other counties, in that the first mill built anywhere in the country was in their own borders and a distance of not more than thirty miles from the farthest point in the new settlement. They have, therefore, had few of those experiences of going seventy-five miles to mill. For a long time all the meal, flour and lumber used, not only in Page county but in all the adjoining counties as well, were manufactured here, and being the only mill in all these parts as a consequence it was crowded night and day with anxious customers, each desiring to get his grist done first so as to return home. Going to mill in those days when there were no roads, no bridges, no ferry boats and scarcely any conveniences for traveling, was no small task where so many rivers and treacherous streams were to be crossed and such a trip was often attended with great danger to the traveler when these streams were swollen beyond their banks. But even under these circumstances some of the more adventurous and ingenious ones in cases of emergency, found the way and means by which to cross the swollen streams and succeed in making the trip. At other times again all attempts failed them and they were compelled to remain at home until the waters subsided and depend on the generosity of their fortunate neighbors.

The year 1848 was generally a fruitful, prosperous one for the county. Careful preparation and faithful efforts had been made during this and the previous year by almost every one present for securing a crop for the har- vest of this year, which vx^ould be at least sufficient to supply all the settlers and their now increasing stock with all the essentials of living and if pos- sible, have some to spare for those coming in, so that the community w^ould be supplied with breadstuffs and common home products, without going so far from the settlements to secure these necessaries at high prices and with great difficulty of transporting. For this faithful labor and careful prep-

74 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

aration the settlers were bountifully and almost universally rewarded with a fruitful harvest and with. an excellent quality of grain and other products raised. This was of course a great source of encouragement as well as com- fort to those in this new country and gave them sufficient assurance that they could very readily be able not only to comfortably support themselves, but could raise quite a surplus to sell to the newcomers for cash, with which to purchase the groceries, clothing and other essential articles for family use and farm improvements. By this means also emigration was encouraged and greatly increased, which brought in more or less money, created a demand for more and more supplies such as could be raised abundantly by any and every settler, increased the number of settlements and made quite an ex- tensive and encouraging home market for the surplus of all that was raised. During this year, 1848, the population of the county was more than doubled and the amount of civilization and improvement was more than trebled, greatly increasing the convenience and comfort of the settlers. Small stocks of goods, consisting of the essential commodities, were being brought in and pioneer stores or common supply posts were beginning to be estab- lished right at home. Schools and church privileges were being talked of and the necessary steps taken to secure them in due time, and, taking it all together, the year 1848 was one of the eventful years in the early settlement and history of Page county. And it was fortunate indeed that the harvest of 1848 was so bountiful and the general advancement in improvement so great, for the winter which followed was a fearful one and brought one of the heaviest snow storms that had ever been known here. Without the preparation and plentiful product of the past year, that winter would have been the sad occasion of a great deal of suffering in these parts and all along the frontier.

The snow commenced early in November, before the ground had be- come frozen, covering the earth with a heavy coat of white and continued at a depth of nearly three feet on the ground until toward the last of the following February. It came in heavy, driving storms, after intervals of a few days' cessation off and on all winter, often coming with such drift- ing, driving force as to render it impossible for the settlers to venture out or to get from place to place without danger of being lost or frozen to death. There being yet comparatively few settlers in the county and not a great deal of marketing to be done, or foreign trading to be transacted, travel was not sufficient to keep the ways open or form a beaten track in any direc- tion. And if anyone found it necessary to venture out any distance from home, the driving winds on those great unobstructed prairies only filled up his tracks with the drifting snow almost as fast as he made them, so he was unable to follow the same track in return. The inhabitants of the pioneer cabins were completely snowbound all winter, never venturing out only in cases of absolute necessity and then it was at the peril of their lives, or at least frosted ears and toes, especially if they had any great distance to go. It afforded splendid opportunities for enjoying the in- estimable blessings of home life to those who were fortunately favored

MAIN STREET. LOOKING WEST, SHENANDOAH. IN 1873

SHENANDOAH IN 1885

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 77

with any such earthly hixuries but to those who were not thus favored it was certainly a terrible winter.

It was no unusual thing to make several unsuccessful attempts through desperate blockades of snow drifts in order to reach a mill with a few bushels of corn as a load. Many still relate with delight, and yet with an air of triumph and astonishment at having endured such trials, how they had made three or four such vain attempts successively to carry oft' a grist or haul a load of corn from another neighborhood but each time became so overwhelmed in the snow drifts that they found it impossible to go farther on their errand and were compelled to dig their way out of the drifts and retrace their track as best they could to their humble cabins, which were nearly covered in the drifts and scarcely visible to the wandering traveler at any great distance from home. The settlers generally aimed to take ad- vantage of the milder weather to go to mill and get their extra provisions and mail matter and other necessary errands, always clubbing together as much as possible on such occasions, and allowing the stronger, hardier ones, who were the best fitted and perhaps the most delighted to undertake such an excursion, to go on these distant errands for the neighborhood, while the more feeble and dependent ones remained to take care of matters at home. This all worked very well, with comparative comfort and satis- faction to those who had been fortunate in raising a crop during the past summer and exercised forethought and precaution enough to lay in a supply ahead during the better days to serve them through the stormy, blustering weather. And though the heavy snow banks did block them in from getting to mill for several weeks, they could live at home in comparative happinesss and contentment on their abundance of boiled corn and hominy, or exercise their genius and skill in trying to invent some new plan of grinding or grating their corn and preparing their home products for a palatable diet. But for those newcomers who had arrived late in the fall and especially for those who had come in just before the heavy fall of snow came so that they had no time nor opportunity for making prep- aration for the approaching storm and cold weather, this winter was a most terrible and gloomy one. They could not get away any distance to supply themselves with corn or any of the necessaries of comfortable liv- ing, on account of the heavy snow and driving winds, and as a general thing they had no great supply of these things on hand. Their only hope and relief in this extremity was to depend on their generous and more fortunate neighbors who had been there long enough to have raised and harvested a crop, both for supplies for their families and their stock. And in all such appeals in cases of emergency, those seeking aid and relief seldom, if ever, failed to have their requests granted abundantly, with cheerfulness on the part of their more favored neighbors and most gen- erally without remuneration. One of the greatest difficulties and severest trials these newcomers had to undergo during that hard winter was that of procuring the necessary food and shelter for their stock which they had brought along with them to make a comfortable commencement on im- provement during the coming year. This stock necessarily suffered a

78 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

great deal during the cold and stormy weather from want of sufficient food and shelter, and much of it died from hunger and constant exposure, causing serious loss and inconvenience to the owners. In the absence of hay, corn, stalkfields and straw piles, in this extremity the settlers were obliged to cut down lind and elm trees in the most convenient and sheltered places from the tops and branches of which the hungry stock could browse, as a substitute for the more nutritious food, and behind whose bushy tops the poor animals could find a partial shelter from the chilling winter winds. In this way many of the settlers who came in late succeeded in bringing the most of their stock through the hard winter but could not have endured the siege much longer, as they found in the spring that there was not much more vitality and locomotive power than was absolutely necessary on the part of these dumb brutes to enable them to get around and graze upon the new grass sufficiently to recruit their diminished strength and wasted bodies.

Even many of those who had been here for a longer time, having pre- pared in the summer and fall what they supposed would be sufficient fodder for their stock through an average winter, and not looking for such a fearful siege of snow and storm, were glad to resort to the browsing system also and cut down trees plentifully near their stock yards in order that the animals might fill up on the twigs and branches and thus get along on a smaller quantity of the prepared fodder, lest the supply should fail before spring set in. Many such ingenious plans were resorted to in these cases of necessity in order to "winter through." From all accounts of those who were compelled to endure it on the frontier, it was certainly a desperate winter, thoroughly fitted to try the hearts and test the powers of endur- ance of those who were obliged to battle with the trials of pioneer life in the west. Such a winter, coming even now, when people are thoroughly fixed for it, with fine houses and barns, and food and shelter for man and beast, and with all the conveniences and comforts and provisions that could reasonably be desired, would be considered a "stormer," which must cause destitution and suffering on the part of very many. No wonder then that the early settlers still living, who endured it here with meager prepara- tions, ever remember and refer to it as the "hard winter of 1848-49."

The fearful winter referred to gradually began to loosen its hold in the following February and before the month of March was gone the snow had all disappeared, except occasional remnants of massive drifts that had existed on the north side of high banks and hills, where the sun had not been permitted to shine so powerfully, and the spring of 1849 was ushered in quite early, with a kindly welcome, bringing encouragement and hope to many anxious hearts, as well as comfort and warmth to many needy, suffering homes. The heavy snow lying so constantly on the ground during the previous winter had not allowed the ground to become frozen very solid or deep, so that the stock could take care of themselves quite comfortably during the latter part of March and until grass began to start in the sloughs and bottom lands in sufficient quantity to furnish feed in abundance. Everything seemed most favorable also for producing an

HIST(3RY OF PAGE COUNTY 79

early growth of vegetables, as if to recompense for the want and suffering of the past winter. By the time the snow was mehed the frost was nearly all out of the ground, so that the constant rays of the sun soon produced warmth enough in the earth to start the growth of grass and hurry the much wished for pasture along and furnish food for the famishing herds. This was indeed an inestimable blessing to all those who had settled here late in the previous fall and had not been enabled to procure either food for their stock or sufficient food and comforts for themselves and families.

The felling of trees for the browsing and shelter of stock had proven a good thing in time of need but all were heartily glad that the time had at last come when this custom need no longer be pursued and when stock could take care of themselves, leaving the owners to go about spring work and improvements.

Great preparations were made on all hands during the spring for securing as good and large a crop during the coming harvest as possible. Every available acre and square foot of ground that was at all arable and fitted for receiving the seed with any chance of producing a reasonable growth of grain or garden stuffs was seeded or planted with the utmost care and diligence. During that spring quite a large crop was planted, con- sidering the age of the settlements and the great disadvantages under which the citizens labored for making improvements, and again their faith- ful labors were rewarded with a fruitful harvest. Quite a large increase of emigration also came into the county during the spring and summer, almost doubling the population of the county before the end of the year. As one who was present and witnessed the scene of progress says of it : "The year of grace, 1849, was crowned with an abundant harvest and witnessed the incoming of many emigrants within our borders, who were greeted with a hearty welcome by all."

No doubt those coming in during the year did receive a hearty welcome from all those who had preceded them and found the way opened with far more encouraging prospects than those did who first made permanent set- tlements in Page county. It was in general a summer of peaceful prosperity, many of the newcomers bringing in more or less money to be distributed to some extent among those already living here, who had been fortu- nate enough to have something left from last year's crop to sell for the supply of others. During the early years of the county there were two heavy floods that have never been equaled since. When the immense banks of snow that covered the earth in the winter of 1848-49 began to melt, it caused a heavy flood to sweep down the bottoms and ravines into the rivers. The melting of the snow began about the first of March and continued under the increasing power of the sun's rays, to swell the rivers until far beyond their banks and well up on the bluff's of either side, thus rendering it impossible to cross them and shutting the settlers in from communication with those living on the other side, for weeks and months. A great many heavy rains also came during that spring and kept the flood raging from [March until July of that year. There was very little getting to mill, or any place else, while that continued, if the desired trip

80 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

was to be made across a stream or two of any considerable size and under such circumstances the settlers must still remain contented with their allotted apportionment of "hog and hominy" until the "floods of water" subsided so that crossing could again be accomplished.

Sometimes very risky and generally fruitless attempts were made at crossing during the high waters by the more adventurous and daring ones. A temporary raft was made of logs or homemade canoes and dugouts fastened together, on which the grist and wagons were taken across piece by piece and then the oxen caused to swim to the other shore, when all things were again put together in running order and the mill goers moved onward on their journey. But not very many of the settlers chose to risk such a hazardous undertaking and sometimes those who did under- take it found more on their hands than they were able to manage and were glad to get back safely to shore with all their eiifects and wait until a more convenient season. As a general thing the citizens were content to remain near their homes, attending to the work to be done during high waters and make the best of the circumstances, living on just such as they had and could get near home. Again in 1851 there came another flood. This time it was not caused by melting snow but by an unprecedented rainfall. The rain continued to fall without cessation for weeks and even months, apparently. All the streams were swollen immensely and great damage was done. In some places the prairies seemed like lakes or other large sheets of water. All the pioneers remember the great floods of 1849 ^^d 185 1. Of the old settlers some are still living in the county, in the enjoyment of the fortunes they founded in the early times, "having reaped a hundredfold." Others have passed away and many of them will not long survive. Some of them have gone to the far west and are still playing the part of pioneers. But wherever they may be and whatever fate may betide them, it is but truth to say that they were excellent men as a class and have left a deep and enduring impression upon Page county and the state. "They builded better than they knew." They w^ere of course men of activity and energy or they would never have decided to face the trials of pioneer life. They were almost invariably poor but the lessons taught them in the early days were of such a character that few of them remained so. They made their mistakes in business pursuits hke other men. Scarcely one of them but allowed golden opportunities for pecuniary profit at least, to pass unheeded. What are now some of the choicest farms in Page county were not taken up by pioneers, wdio preferred land of very much less value. They have seen many of their prophecies fulfilled and other come to naught. Whether they have attained the suc- cess they desired, their own hearts can tell.

During the year 1846, and perhaps not until some time afterward, there was not a public highway established and worked, on which they could not travel. And as the settlers were generally far apart, and mills and trading points were at great distances, going from place to place was not only very tedious, but attended sometimes with great danger. Not a rail- road had yet entered Chicago and there was scarcely a thought in the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 81

minds of the people here of such a thing ever reaching the wild west, and if thought of, people had no conception of what a revolution a railroad or telegraph through here would cause in the progress of the country. Then there were less than five thousand miles of railroad in the United States and not a mile of track laid this side the Ohio, while now there are over one hundred thousand miles of railroad extending their trunks and branches in every direction over our land. Supplies in those days came to this western country entirely by river and wagon transportation. Mail was carried to and fro in the .same way and telegraph dispatches were trans- mitted by the memory and lips of the immigrants coming in, or strangers passing through. By 1850 the country was in a flourishing condition. Des- j)ite the [jrivations of the early settlement and pioneer life generally the people had prospered. The great California travel had brought a market to their very doors and their products commanded a high price. Then, too, the fame of the country had spread abroad and newcomers came thronging in rapidly.

The crop was again good this year and everything went on prosperously in view of the coming bountiful harvest. Mills went up rapidly in various localities, rendering milling privileges comparatively convenient to all set- tlements in the county. Roads were being laid out and worked and tempor- ary bridges constructed in different localities for the convenience of travel. Schools and schoolhouses were rapidly increasing and conveniences of pub- lic worship multiplied. Manufactories of various kinds began to be talked of by the more enterprising men of some capital and the general work of improvement and civilization progressed most encouragingly.

TRADING POINTS IN EARLY DAYS.

One of the chief trading points in the beginning of things for Page county was Savannah, Missouri. At times some were compelled to go as far as St. Joe to do their trading, although such a trip was not of frequent occurrence, most of the settlers going to the former named place. After a few years Maryville was started and this lessened the distance very ma- terially. The journey at best was a long and wearisome one, many being compelled to make the trip with an ox team, occupying something near a week, when a trip to Savannah was to be made, and during these trips the wife and children were of necessity compelled to stay alone at home with their nearest neighbor, in many instances, from three to five miles away. The anxiety on the part of the father for his wife and children during one of these voyages must indeed have been great, but nothing in comparison to that of the wife and mother who, at the approach of nightfall, as she heard the cry of the panther or the howl of the wolf around the lonely and isolated cabin, gathered her cherished loved ones about her and fervently prayed that the Giver of all would watch over and guard herself and family from all harm, and in due time return to her him who. in years agone. had plighted his word to cherish and protect her.

82 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

In early days it was no uncommon thing for several families to club together, make out a list of what each was in want of, and send off to the trading posts as many men and teams as was necessary, or as could be ob- tained, to buy and bring home supplies for all, and thus to a great degree they worked together and to one another's interest as one family. It was in this manner that they also took turns in going to mill, to the stores, for their mail, and when a neighbor needed assistance in any way or a cabin was to be raised, all within hearing or reach turned out with one accord, each one willing to lend a helping hand and enjoy in common the feast and frolic that always accompanied these gatherings. Pioneer life here, as it was elsewhere, was one of stern realities and serious trials, especially for the aged and sick ones, while so far removed from points of supply and almost entirely cut ofif from communication with the outside world. Not- withstanding all their trials and difficulties, if a stranger from any distance came into the settlement, he was treated with unusual cordiality and was sure to be questioned with unabating zeal with regard to the great world matters without, and did he see fit to accept the urgent invitation of the settlers to share their humble hospitality in welcome for many days, he might rest assured that he would pass through a long siege of innocent questioning by the inquisitive settlers, from which he would often derive as much pleasure and profit as they.

From the first settlement of the county, in 1840, up to the year 1850, the growth of the county was very slow. Having no statistics to rely on for information relative to its early growth, we are compelled to rely wholly upon the recollection of the first settlers, and from them we learn that up to 1848 there were not more than fifty families in the county, probably aggre- gating one hundred and fifty inhabitants. From 1850 until i860 the growth, while not rapid, was a steady one and in those years to a very great extent was formed the foundation of the future greatness of the county. Few men of means came to Page county in the early days. But although they came almost without exception poor of pocket, they brought with them industry, economy and intelligence, so that in the course of years wealth has been the result. From i860 the growth of the county never slackened or came to standstill but continued steadily year by year. The brunt of the pioneer battle was borne by the very early settlers, for within a few years the great hardships of pioneer life had disappeared and the people began to live in comfort, at least more so than it was possible for the early settlers to do when they came to the county. The early settlers were nearly all native born Americans, the greater proportion of them having been born in Ohio and Indiana, although quite a number were born in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri, yet the larger proportion came from the two first named states. They were good states to have been born in and still better to emigrate from, especially when the emigrant had in view the beautiful territory of which Page county is now composed. Indiana and Ohio have doubtless furnished Iowa more of her population than any of the other four states combined, and it was these states, or rather the citizens they furnished us, that first made our boundless prairies to blossom as the rose.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 83

COUNTY ORGANIZATION.

The third general assembly appointed William Hudson as organizing sheriff for Page county, and in 185 1 that bailiwick became one of the or- ganized counties of the state of Iowa. With regard to the origin of dividing individual states into county and township organizations, which in an important measure should have the power and opportunity of trans- acting their own business and governing themselves under the approval of and subject to the state and general government of which they each formed a part, we quote from Elijah M. Haines, who is considered good authority on the subject.

In his "Laws of Illinois, Relative to Township Organizations," he says the county system "originated with Virginia, whose early settlers soon became large landed proprietors, aristocratic in feeling, living apart in almost baronial magnificence on their own estates, and owning the laboring part of the population. Thus the materials for a town were not at hand, the voters being thinly distributed over a great area.

"The county organization, where a few influential men managed the whole business of the community, retaining their places almost at their pleasure, scarcely responsible at all except in name, and permitted to conduct the county concerns as their ideas or wishes might direct, was, moreover, consonant with their recollections or traditions of the judicial and social dignities of the landed aristocracy of England, in descent from whom the Mrginia gentleman felt so much pride. In 1834 eight counties were organized in V^irginia and the system extending throughout the state spread into all the southern states and some of the northern states, unless we except the nearly similar division into 'districts' in South Carolina and that into 'parishes' in Louisiana, from the French laws.

"Illinois, which with its vast additional territory, became a county of Virginia, on its conquest by General George Rogers Clark, retained the county organization, which was formally extended over the state by the constitution of 1818, and continued in exclusive use until the constitution of 1848.

"Under this system, as in other states adopting it. most local business was transacted by those commissioners in each county, who constituted a county court, with quarterly sessions.

"During the period ending with the constitution of 1847, ^ large por- tion of the state had become filled with a population of New England birth or character, daily growing more and more compact and dissatisfied with the comparatively arbitrary and inefficient county system. It was maintained by the people that the heavily populated districts would always control the election of the commissioners to the disadvantage of the more thinly populated sections — in short that under that system 'equal and exact jus- tice' to all parts of the county could not be secured.

"The township system had its origin in Massachusetts and dates back to 1635.

84 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

"The first legal enactment concerning this system provided that, 'whereas particular towns have many things which concern only themselves, and the ordering of their own affairs and disposing of business in their own town,' therefore, 'the freemen of every town, or the majority part of them, shall only have power to dispose of their own lands and woods with all the appurtenances of said town, to grant lots, and to make such orders as may concern the well ordering of their own towns, not repugnant to the laws and orders established by the general court.'

"They might also, says Mr. Haines, impose fines of not more than twenty shillings, and 'choose their own particular officers, as constables, surveyors for the highways, and the like.'

"Evidently this enactment relieved the general court of a mass of municipal details, without any danger to the power of that body in con- trolling general measures of public policy.

"Probably also a demand from the freemen of the towns was felt for the control of their own home concerns.

"The New England colonies were first governed by a "general court,' or legislature, composed of a governor and a small council, which court con- sisted of the most influential inhabitants and possessed and exercised both legislative and judicial powers, which were limited only bv the wisdom of the holders.

"They made laws, ordered their execution by officers, tried and decided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of municipal regulations and in fact did all the public business of the colony.

"Similar provisions for the incorporation of towns were made in the first constitution of Connecticut, adopted in 1639, and the plan of town- ship organization as experience proved its remarkable economy, efficiency and adaptation to the requirements of a free and intelligent people, be- came universal throughout New England and went westward with the emigrants from New England into New York, Ohio and other western states."

Thus we find that the valuable system of county, township and town organizations had been thoroughly tried and proven long before there was need of adopting it in Iowa, or any of the broad region west of the Missis- sippi river. But as the new country soon began to be opened and as eastern people continued to move westward across the mighty river and form thick settlements along its western shore, the territory and state and county and township and town organizations soon followed in quick suc- cession and those different systems became more or less modified and im- proved, accordingly as deemed necessary by the experience and judgment and demands of the people until they have arrived at the present stage of advancement and efficiency.

In the settlement of the territory of Iowa the legislature began by organizing counties on the Mississippi. As each new county was formed it was made to include under legal jurisdiction, all the country bordering west of it and required to grant to the occidental settlers election privileges and an equal share in the county government with those who properly

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 85

lived in the geographical limit of the county. The counties first organized along the eastern border of this state were given for a short time juris- diction over the lands and settlements adjoining each on the west, until these different localities became sufficiently settled to support organiza- tions of their own, and finally, at the first session of the legislature, after the Indians sold out, the newly acquired territory, including all north- western Iowa, was laid off into counties, provisions were made for their respective organizations when the proper time should arrive and these were severally named.

At the time of the organization there were but two townships in the county — Buchanan, running up the divide between East river and Buchanan creek, and Nodaway, which included all the balance of the county. The organization was completed by the election of the following officers : com- missioners, S. F. Snider, John Duncan and William Shearer; district clerk, John Buckingham ; sheriff, Robert Stafford.

The election, it is hardly necessary to say, had nothing of the nature of a political contest. The object was simply to organize the county and po- litical dift'erences had not yet appeared. But very soon there came a change. The citizens were then generally quiet, industrious and peaceable with one another. Occasional differences and disputes arose, which in the main were soon overlooked or forgotten on account of their necessary and natural de- pendence for aid and convenience, as well as for common defense in their pioneer homes. lr^_^^W

Dissensions and enmities, however, became to creep in gradually as the settlement progressed and continued to increase in working mischief very much in proportion as the settlement became more independently situated and more exclusive in their devotion to self interest and advancement. The unwelcome spirit of dissension began to manifest itself to the public most clearly perhaps about the time of the proclamation of the organizing sheriff announced the organization of the county, which would create numerous offices to be filled from the ranks of the first voters.

These offices during the first term of course, presented no great induce- ment for being very eagerly sought after, so far as the salary was con- cerned, but then they avoided positions of influence and preference, and they might in the near future prove very convenient stepping stones to more lucrative and influential positions. Beside, it was no mean thing to be elected to fill the first offices created in the new county. In this regard they afforded considerable inducement for being sought after by those who were at all inclined toward official distinction and they called forth numerous aspirants.

At that time as well as now. doubtless, there was a good per cent of worthy, influential citizens who, so far as their own desires for official po- sition were concerned, were entirely disinterested in the political canvass. These persons sought no such positions for themselves and would not ac- cept one if oft'ered. Public applause and criticism was not at all coveted by them. Nevertheless they were as deeply interested in the welfare of the county as any other citizens and had a decided preference for those who should

86 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

receive their votes. They desired to entrust the county government to effi- cient, trustworthy men, who were willing to assume the responsibility, and capable of conducting it in an efficient and acceptable manner, while they themselves were content to engage in some other department of the county's progress, more congenial to their tastes and dispositions. On the other hand, there were always enough of those who would accept these official positions, more or less reluctantly or cheerfully, if duly elected or urged a little to fill them, so that it was soon found the various offices were not sufficient to give each of the aspirants a position. Evidently some of these must gain the honored distinction, while others must be left out, part of whom doubtless would be disappointed not a little over their defeat.

Who then of these various aspirants were the best qualified to fill these several positions? Who had the most deserved claim on the public support? Who were the shrewdest political tricksters and wire pullers? Who of all the number could wield the most extended and effective influence, either by honorable, or it may be, by unfair means in securing the majority vote? These and many other questions of similar character would quite naturally arise, even in the minds of early settlers, as the memorable first election day drew near, when they must each receive a decisive answer at the ballot box.

EARLY COURTS.

The first district court in Page county convened at the house of Philip Boulware, September 22, 1851, James Sloan presiding as judge. A. H. Farrens was clerk and R. W'. Staft'ord, sheriff', and the court appointed Jacob Dawson prosecuting attorney. The other attorneys present were George P. Stiles and A. C. Ford. About the only business which seems to have been transacted was the admission of one, Eberhard Frederick Gam- mel, of the kingdom of Wurtemburg, as a citizen of the United States upon the testimony of G. W. Farrens and William Roach.

The second term should have been held in April, 1852, but Judge Sloan had in the meantime resigned, leaving the sixth judicial district without a head. The records show that the clerk and sheriff were present and that the clerk adjourned court until such time as might thereafter be fixed by the proper authority. On the 12th day of July, 1852, Hon. Allen A. Brad- ford, having been appointed district judge by Governor Hempstead, ap- peared and held the second term of the district court in Page county. Jon- athan Shepherd was appointed prosecuting attorney for the term. The attornevs enrolled were C. P. Brown, L. Lingenfelter, Tames M. Dews and B. Rector. Several cases were disposed of, mostly indictments for assault and battery. The grand jurors were P. B. Johnson, Joshua Brown, James Murray, William Robbins, Thomas Nixon, Peter Baker, Hiram Beach, James Huggins, A. B. Quimby, Joel Davidson, Jesse Majors, Ira Cunning, John Brock and Henry D. Farrens. William Robbins was appointed fore- man.

At the September term, 1853, John Wilson and M. K. Skidmore. upon examination were admitted to the bar. A large proportion of the business

PERRY HARDEE

First white child born in Page Connty

PUBI

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 89

of the term seems to have been prosecution for the unlawful sale of intoxi- cating liquors.

All the courts up to the April term, 1854, were held at Boul ware's mill. The attorneys who practiced in the district courts of this county from its organization up to 1858 were as follows: L. Lingenfelter, Benjamin Rec- tor, S. E. McCracken, J. M. Dews, John Wilson, J. L. Sharp, H. P. Bennett, I). H. Solomon, William Kelsey, E. H. Sears, C. E. Stone, Joseph Murphy, II. 11. Harding, R. E. Dodge, J. M. Russell, J. Burwick, A. H. East, J. A. Hughes, W. S. Graff, William Herron and John H. Ware.

LAND ENTRIES.

The first land entries of Page county took place in the year 1853, the land office then being located at Council Bluffs. Prior to that date the lands were held by the settlers under the claim and preemption laws. By the year 1853 the first settlers had as a general thing accumulated enough to enable them to enter forty and eighty acres, while some of them were enabled to enter as much as one hundred and sixty acres of land. The greater portion of the lands of the county were entered in 1854. Below we present the names of a majority of the residents of the county who entered their land in 1853:

Akin, Joshua, September 10, 1853; southwest quarter of northeast quar- ter of section 10, township 68, range 38 ; forty acres.

Baker, George, June i, 1853; north half of northwest quarter of section 3, township 69, range 36 ; eighty acres.

Buckingham, John, December i, 1853; northeast quarter of southwest quarter of section 12, township 69, range 36; forty acres.

Beaver, Henry, December 9, 1853; west half northwest quarter of section 21, township 70, range 36; eighty acres.

Bussy, John A.. June 29, 1853; west half of southwest quarter of sec- tion 21, township 70, range 36; eighty acres.

Burge, William, December i, 1853; southwest quarter of southwest quarter of section 36, township 69, range 37 ; forty acres.

Collier, Abraham, September 15, 1853; southwest quarter of south- west quarter of section 14, township 69. range 36; forty acres.

Casady, Jefferson, September 15, 1853; southwest quarter of south- west quarter, section 30, township 69, range 36 ; forty-two acres.

Campbell, James, June 21, 1853; east half of northeast quarter, sec- tion 35, township 69, range 36 ; eighty acres.

Davidson, Goolman. October 4, 1853; north half of northeast quarter, section ^2, township 68, range 36 ; eighty acres.

Dodson, John, May 23, 1853 ; south half of southwest quarter, sec- tion 35, township 69, range 37 ; eighty acres.

Davidson, Samuel, July 16, 1853; south half of northeast quarter, sec- tion 26, township 67, range 36 ; eighty acres.

Davidson, Wayne, July 16, 1853 ; southwest quarter of northeast quar- ter, section 24, township 67, range 36 ; forty acres.

90 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Fruits, Sebastian, June 21, 1853; north half of southeast quarter, sec- tion 2^, township 68, range 36; eighty acres.

Farrens, H. D., July 16, 1853; south half of southeast quarter, sec- tion 29, township 69, range 36; eighty acres.

Fleming, Thomas, December 24, 1853 ; southeast quarter of southeast quarter, section 26, township 67, range 36 ; forty acres.

Goldsmith, John G. H., March 22, 1853 ; northeast quarter of southeast quarter, section 18, township 68, range 36; forty acres.

Graves, William, December 29, 1853; southeast quarter of southeast quarter, section 13, township 69, range 36; forty acres.

Hamilton, Charles B., May 27, 1853; south half of northeast quarter and north half of southeast quarter, section i, township 67, range 36; one hundred and sixty acres.

Houston, Thomas M., December 29, 1853 ; east half of southeast quarter and northwest quarter of southeast quarter, section 25, township 67, range 36; one hundred and twenty acres.

Hull, Erastus W., March 27, 1853 ; southwest quarter of northeast quarter, section 31, township 69, range 36; forty acres.

Hampton, Abijah, June 4, 1853 ; northwest quarter of northeast quar- ter, section 10, township 69, range 36 ; forty acres.

Johnson, Eli B., May 25, 1853 ; southwest quarter, section 25, township 69, range 36 ; one hundred and sixty acres.

Jones, Edmund W., July 2, 1853 5 southwest quarter of southeast quar- ter and southeast quarter of southwest quarter, section 30, township 69, range 36; eighty acres.

Kenyon, B., July 4, 1853 ; east half of southeast quarter, section 3. township 70, range 39 ; eighty acres.

Lee, Hendrix, December 6, 1853 ; northeast quarter of southwest quarter, section 11, township 68, range 37; forty acres.

Layering, William, September 5, 1853; southeast quarter of north- west quarter, section 29, township 69, range 36 ; forty acres.

Martin, George, December i, 1853; southwest quarter of northwest quarter, section 12. township 70, range 39; forty acres.

Nixon, Thomas, July 16, 1853 ; northwest quarter of southeast quarter and southeast quarter of southeast quarter, section 6. township 67, range 36; eighty acres.

Nixon, Mary, July 16, 1853; southwest quarter, section 17, township 67, range 36; one hundred and sixty acres.

Nixon, Samuel, July 16, 1853; northwest quarter, section 31, town- ship 68, range 36 ; one hundred and eighty-two acres.

Parker, William, June 28, 1853 ; northwest quarter of southwest quarter, section 10, township 68, range ^7 ; forty acres.

Reed, Ann, June 21, 1853; west half of northeast quarter, section 35, township 69, range 36; eighty acres.

Roach, Thomas, May 25, 1853 ; northwest quarter, section 35, town- ship 69, range 36; one hundred and sixty acres.

HISTORY OF 1?AGP: COUXT^• 91

Snodgrass, Robert, July i6, 1853 ; west half of northeast quarter, sec- tion 3, township 67, range 36; eighty-one acres.

Short, Cornelius R., December 29, 1853; lot No. i, section 36, township

67, range 36; forty-seven acres.

Scarlett, William W., September 9, 1853; southeast quarter of north- east quarter, section 13, township 68, range 36 ; forty acres.

Sparks, William, July 23, 1853; north half of north half of northeast quarter, section 15, township 68, range 37; forty acres.

Stafiford, Robert W., December 17, 1853; east half of northwest quarter and northwest quarter of northwest quarter, section 27, township 69, range 36; one hundred and twenty acres.

THE FIRST TOWNSHIPS.

As we have before stated, only two townships, Buchanan and Nodaway, were organized at first. This was long before the organization of the county. As the county grew older and the population began to increase, it became necessary in a short time to organize new townships. As near as we can ascertain, there being no records in existence prior to 1858, Tarkio and Nebraska townships were next organized. January 20, 1858, the townships were again reorganized, as follows :

"Be it known that on this, the 20th day of January, 1858, it is ordered by the judge of Page county, Iowa, that so much of said county as may be in- cluded in congressional township number 70, north of range 36 west, be, and the same is hereby declared to constitute one municipal township, to be known and designated 'Dyke township,' in which the elections required by law shall be holden at such place in said township as the trustees thereof may direct.

"Be it known that on this the 20th day of January, 1858, it is ordered by the judge of the county of Page, in the state of Iowa, that so much of said county as may be included in congressional township number 70, north of range 37, and 38 west, be and the same are declared to constitute one mu- nicipal township, which shall be known and designated 'Douglas township,' in which the elections required by law shall be holden at such place in said township, as the trustees thereof may direct.

"Be it known that on this the 20th day of January, 1858, it is ordered by the judge of the county of Page, in the state of Iowa, that so much of said county of Page as may be included in congressional township number 70. north of range number 39 west, be and the same is hereby declared to constitute one municipal township, which shall be known and designated as 'Pierce township,' in which the elections required by law shall be holden at such place in said township as the trustees thereof may direct.

"Be it known that on this the 20th day of January, A. D.. 1858, it is or- dered by the judge of the county of Page, in the state of Iowa, that as much of said county as may be included in congressional township number

68, and 69, north of range 38 and 39, be and the same are hereby declared to constitute one municipal township, which shall be known and designated

92 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

'Tarkio township,' in which the elections required by law shall be holden at such place in said township as the trustees thereof may direct.

"Be it known that on this the 20th day of January, A. D.. 1858, it was ordered by the judge of the county of Page in the state of Iowa, that so much of the county of Page as may be included in congressional townships Nos. 68 and 69, north of range No. 37 west, and also so much of said county as mav be included in congressional townships Nos. 68 and 69, north of range 36 west, and west of a line running north through said town- ships last mentioned, from the southeast corner of section 32 in said township 68, north of range 36, on the eastern boundary of said townships and range last aforesaid, then east on the southern boundary of said sec- tion 16, eighty rods; thence north parallel with the western boundary of said section 16, until an extension of said line shall intersect the base line ; then west on said base Hue to the southeast corner of section 33, in township 69, north of range 36 west ; then north on the eastern boundary of said section last aforesaid to the northeast corner of section 4, in town- ship and range last aforesaid, be, and the same is hereby declared to con- stitute one municipal township, which shall be known and designated as Nodaway township, in which the elections required by law shall be holden in said township at such place as the trustees thereof may direct.

"Be it known that on this the 20th day of January, A. D., 1858, it is ordered by the judge of the covmty of Page, in the state of Iowa, that so much of said county as may be included in the congressional township, No. 69, north of range 36, west, east of a line running north from the southeast corner of section 33, to the northeast corner of section 4 in said township and range be, and the same is hereby declared to constitute one municipal township to be known and designated as Nebraska township, in which the elections required by law shall be holden at such place in said township as the trustees thereof shall direct.

"Be it known that on this the 2d day of March, A. D., 1858, it was ordered by the judge of the county of Page in the state of Iowa, that so much of the township of Dyke as may be west of the congressional sec- tion line running north through congressional township number 70, north of range 36 west and commencing at the southeast corner of section 32 in said congressional township be, and is hereby stricken from said Dyke township, and attached to and made a part of the township of Douglas.

"Be it known that on this the 20th day of January, 1858. it is ordered by the judge of the county of Page, in the state of Iowa, that so much of said county as may be included in congressional townships, number 67, north of range, 37, 38 and 39 west, together with one-half mile in width ofif of the full length of the west side of township 67, north of range 36 west, be and the same is hereby declared to constitute one municipal town- ship, which shall be known and designated 'Amity township,' in which the elections required by law shall be holden at such place in said municipal township as the trustees thereof shall direct.

"Be it known that on this the ist day of November, A. D., 1858, in open court, is ordered by the county judge of said county that a new municipal

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY \):i

township be created to be known as Washington township, to be bounded as follows : beginning at the northeast corner of section 25 in township 68, north of range number 38 west, thence west with the section line to the county line between Page and Fremont counties, thence south to the county line, thence east along the county Une until a prolongation of said line inter- sect the range line between townships t,"/ and 38, thence north to the place of the beginning."

On the county judge's minute book under date of June 7, 1858, appears the following :

"And now a petition is presented, signed by Lewis Hunt and a majority of the citizens of Pierce township, Page county, asking the court that so much of Douglas township as may be west of section line dividing sections 32 and ^^, and extending north may be stricken from said Douglas town- ship and attached to Pierce township, whereupon the court ordered such change and decreed that so much of Douglas township, as now constituted, as lies west of said section line dividing sections 32 and 2^, be and the same hereby is constituted a part of Pierce township."

August 3, 1858, there was filed in the county judge's office a petition, asking that the name of Dyke township be changed to that of Valley, and consequently on the 6th day of September, 1858, a petition was granted and the township has since been known and designated as Valley township.

October i, i860, by order of J. Simonton, county judge, the boundaries of the various townships were again changed, his order reading as follows :

"Congressional township 67, range 38 and range 39, shall constitute the municipal township of Washington.

"Congressional township 67, range 37, shall constitute the municipal township of Amity.

"Congressional township 67, range 36, shall constitute the municipal township of Buchanan.

"Congressional township 68, range 36, shall constitute a new municipal township, to be known and hailed as East River township, in which the first election shall be held at the house of John Fisher, and afterwards at such place as the trustees thereof may designate.

"Congressional township 68, range 37, except sections i and 2 and the north half of sections 11 and 12, shall constitute a new municipal township, to be known and hailed as Harlan township, in which the first election shall be held at the house of Eli McNutt and afterward at such place as the trus- tees thereof may designate.

"Congressional township 68, range 38 and range 39. shall constitute a new municipal township, to be known and hailed as Lincoln township, in which the first election shall be held at Skinner's schoolhouse, and afterwards at such place as the trustees thereof may designate.

"Congressional township 69. range 38 and range 39, shall constitute the municipal township of Tarkio.

"Congressional township 69, range 37, also the west half of township 69, range 36, and section 27, and the north half of section 34, and southwest quarter of section 34, in township 69, range 36, also sections i and 2 and

94 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

north half of sections ii and 12, in township 68, range 37, shall constitute the municipal township of Nodaway.

"The east half of congressional township 69, range 36, except section 27 and the north half of section 34, and southwest quarter of section 34, shall constitute the municipal township of Nebraska.

"Congressional township 70, range 36, shall constitute the municipal township of Valley.

"Congressional township 70, range 37, shall constitute the municipal township of Douglas.

"Congressional township 70, range 38, shall constitute the municipal township of Fremont.

"Congressional township 70, range 39, shall constitute the municipal township of Pierce."

EARLY COUNTY COURT.

Prior to 1861 Iowa had a county judge system and this judge was a sort of supreme ruler of the county realm. Major Connor was the first judge, his term being carried out, however, by William L. Burge. S. F. Snider served from 1853-55 ; John Wilson 1855-57; and S. F. Snider, 1857-58. A. H. East, prosecuting attorney, filled out Snider's last term and I. H. Walker was elected in 1858 and Jacob Simonton in 1859. From 1861 on each township had one supervisor and that board made the laws for the county and the county judge simply did probate business until 1869, when the office was entirely abolished. The first record of a county court appears as follows. in the minute book: State of Iowa,

Page County.

Be it known that on the night of the 12th of January, 1858, all the books and papers belonging to the office of County Judge of Page county, to- gether with the building in which they were kept, were destroyed by fire. It is therefore ordered by this court that there be furnished new books in which to keep the record of said court.

In testimony hereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of Page county. Done at Clarinda in said county this the fifteenth day of January, 1858.

A. H. East, Prosecuting Attorney and ex officio County Judge.

It will be understood that no earlier county records are obtainable on account of the above fire. At the January term of 1858, what was styled Dyke township, was set ofl:. It comprised congressional township number 70, of range 36 west. It was named valley township the next September, by a petition presented to the county court.

At this same January term the following subdivisions of Page county were set apart as civil townships :

Douglas, comprising congressional township number 70 north, of ranges 37 and 38 west.

HISTORY UF PAGE COUNTY 95

Pierce, comprising congressional township number 70 north, of range

39-

Tarkio, comprising congressional townships number 68 and 69 north, of

ranges 38 and 39.

Nodaway, comprising congressional townships number 68 and 69 north, of range 37 west ; also that in 68 and 69 north, of range 36 west.

Nebraska, comprising congressional township number 69 north, of range 36 west, east from a line running north from the southeast corner of section 33 to the northeast corner of section 34 in said township and range.

Amity township was formed of congressional township number 67 north, of ranges 37, 38 and 39, with a fractional strip a half mile wide on the east.

At the November term Washington township was created, beginning at the. northeast corner of section 25, in township 68 north, of range 38 west, thence west with the section line, between Page county and Fremont county, thence south to the county line, thence east along said 4ine, until it intersects the range line between townships 37 and 38, thence north to place of be- ginning.

At this time the board of equalization consisted of Hon. S. F. Snider, county judge; Jacob Loy, sheriff; L. H. Wilder, district clerk; and John Buckingham, assessor. They agreed on the following assessment on Page county lands :

Township	Range	Improved	Unimproved
67	36	$6.00	$3.00
68	36	6.00	3.00
69	36	7.00	4.00
70	V7	6.00	3.00
67	37	6.00	3.00
68	37	5.00	3.00
69	37	6.00	4.00
7o	37	4.00	3.00
67	38	4.00	3.00
68	38	4.00	3.00
69	38	4.00	3.00
70	38	4.00	3.00
67	39	5.00	2.00
68	39	5.00	2.00
69	39	5.00	2.00
70	39	5.00	3.00

The total assessed valuation of all property in Page county in x-\ugust, 1859, was one million, one hundred and eighty-one thousand, six hundred and twenty-eight dollars.

PROCEEDINGS 01' THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

There was but little of importance took place in the county court through- out the years 1859 and i860. January i, 1861, found a new era ushering it- self in on the management of county government all over Iowa. The pre-

96 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

vious legislature had enacted a new law by which a board of county supervi- sion took many of the former duties and responsibilities of the county judge, who had been sole ruler of his people. Under this law each township in the county was entitled to a representation by a member of the board.

The board for 1861 consisted of the following: P. West, Valley township; J. L. Black, Doug-las township ; Wilson Bellis, Fremont township ; M. A. Jones, Pierce township ; George Miller. Tarkio township ; George Ribble, Nodaway township ; Elisha Thomas, Nebraska township ; Moses Thompson, East River township ; William Butler, Harlan township ; John Monzingo, Lincoln township ; James Hamill, Washington township ; J. A. Reed, Amity township ; Robert Maxwell, Buchanan township.

Charles Linderman was clerk of the board. The oath each member was required to take was as follows :

"We do solemnly swear that we will support the Constitution of the United States and of Iowa, and will faithfully and to the best of our ability discharge the duties of a county supervisor. So help me. God."

It should be remembered that this oath had much significance before the next four years of the Civil war had passed.

George Ribble was chosen as chairman of the first board of supervisors.

Board of 1862 : William Orme, of Valley ; J. L. Black, of Douglas ; Wilson Bellis, of Fremont ; C. W. Foster, of Tarkio ; William Graves, of Nebraska; Moses Thompson, of East River; William Butler, of Harlan; D. C. McCord, of Washington ; George Ribble (chairman), of Nodaway.

At the September session of 1862, D. C. McCord, of Washington town- ship, ofifered the following preamble and resolutions :

Whereas, Many of our citizens have left their homes and families and are now engaged in battling for the maintenance of the laws of our country and to suppress the present rebellion ; and whereas, we deem it our absolute duty to provide for the wants of the families of our soldiers who are in need, and therefore be it resolved, that we hereby assure our friends absent in the field, that their families shall not sufifer for the want of sympathy, or for the necessaries of life to make them comfortable while they are absent or in case of their death.

Second: That we do hereby appoint and constitute the members of the board from each township a special agent to enroll the names of the families of soldiers in their several townships, and report the same to the board. That they shall inquire after the condition of and make provision for the wants of such families and report at the next meeting of the board of super- visors.

Third: That if necessary for the procurement of any article deemed necessarv for the family of any soldier from Page county, the clerk of the board be and is hereby authorized to draw a warrant on the treasurer for the amount designated by the agent of the township where the destitute person or family reside, and the same to be expended for such purpose.

Fourth : That an appropriation of the sum of one thousand dollars, or so much of it as may be needed to carry out the provisions of this act, be and hereby is made.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY ' 97

L'pon the vote for this measure, the board stood with a unanimous voice.

L)oard of 1863: George Ribble (chairman), Nodaway; William Orme, of Valley; J. L. Black, of Douglas; W. Bellis, of Fremont; D. S. Hunt, of Pierce; C. W. Foster, of Tarkio; William Graves, of Nebraska; Moses Thompson, of East River; William Butler, of Harlan; John Monzingo, of Lincoln ; James Hamill, of Washington; Joseph A. Reed, of Amity; Robert Maxwell, of Buchanan.

At the September session the board sold the swamp land interest of Page county to the American Emigration Company, for the sum of two thou- sand, five hundred dollars.

At their December (1863) session, William Butler of Harlan township, offered the subjoined resolution:

That the board of supervisors of Page county do hereby appropriate the sum of fifty dollars to each person who will volunteer in the Union army, to fill the quota of this county at the present call, or to fill any call that may hereafter be made, said sum to be payable one-half July i, 1864, and one- half July I, 1865, with six per cent interest from date of warrant.

Resolved : That a special tax of four mills be levied on the assessed valuation of the property in Page county as a means of raising funds for the relief of soldiers' families and to pay volunteers.

The above was enacted without a dissenting vote.

Board of 1864: D. T. Hunt, of Pierce; John Monzingo, of Lincoln; James Hamill, of Washington ; J. A. Reed, of Amity ; Robert Maxwell, of Buchanan ; Ed. Hollis, of \^alley ; George Otte, of Douglas ; Wesley Hall, of Fremont; George Miller, of Tarkio; J. H. Buckingham, of Nebraska; Moses Thompson, of East River; and William Butler, of Harlan.

At their January session the board resolved as follows :

Whereas, Our country is engaged in a great struggle for the very ex- istence of our government and laboring to suppress the most infamous of all rebellions; and whereas, our county has been called on to furnish, in ad- dition to the troops already furnished, sixty- four men :

And whereas. We believe it our duty to sustain the administration in putting down this rebellion by aiding those who shall volunteer from Page county, and those who shall be drafted, who are the heads of families, to fill the present call for three hundred thousand men :

Therefore be it resolved. That the board of supervisors of Page county, Iowa, levy a special tax of four mills on the dollar, using the assessment of 1863 as a base and at a rate sufficient to raise the amount of one hundred dollars to each man required from this county, the same being in addition to the sum of fifty dollars heretofore appropriated by the board.

Board of 1S65: Ed. Hollis. George Otte, George Miller, J. H. Bucking- ham, Moses Thompson, George Ribble, Wilson Bellis, D. T. Hunt, D. M. Farrens, G. R. Davidson.

George Ribble of Nodaway township was elected as chairman.

Among the official acts of 1865, the board looked after the various bridges and newly laid highways. They also agreed on the following tax levy:

98 ' HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

State tax, two mills on a dollar ; county tax, three mills ; school purposes, one mill ; relief fund, two mills ; bridge fund, one mill.

Board of 1866: George Ribble, of Nodaway; G. R. Davidson, of Lin- coln (chairman); W. BelHs, of Fremont; D. M. Farrens, of Buchanan: James Sheppard, of Valley ; G. W. Newsome, of Douglas ; Daniel Chesshire, of Tarkio; J. H. Buckingham, of Nebraska; Moses Thompson, of East River ; J. W. Pruyn. of Harlan ; W. W. Russell of Washington ; George Mc- CuUough, of Amity.

Aside from routine bridge and road work but little was accomplished by the board, but such duties were hard and to the good judgment of these men we owe much for the excellent public thoroughfares we enjoy in Page county today. The bridge and road ways located by them are used by the thousands of people of today, who seldom think of or give credit to this early board who performed their every known duty so well.

Board of 1867: J. Sheppard, of Valley; G. W. Newsome, of Douglas; J. H. Buckingham, of Nebraska; A. J. Chantry, of Fremont; J. R. Hinch- man, of Nodaway ; M. Thompson, of East River ; J. W. Pruyn, of Harlan ; G. R. Davidson, of Lincoln; S. G. Wright, of Amity; Robert Maxwell, of Bu- chanan ; W. W. Russell, of Washington. The last named was chosen chair- man.

At their September session the board voted to submit the question of vot- ing a tax to aid in the construction of the then proposed railway, extending from Afton, in Union county, to Nebraska City, Nebraska. Also to aid in one projected and knov/n as the St. Louis, Chillicothe & Omaha Railroad.

Board of 1868: T. A. Prest, A. J. Beavers, A. J. Chantry, Levi Reeves, L J. Jones-, E. Miller, J. R. Hinchman, T. A. McAlpin, J. C. Harris, L. Conner, G. R. Davidson, W. W. Russell (chairman) and Robert Maxwell.

At the first session of this board the question of voting aid toward rail- road building came up. The matter was finally submitted to the voters of the county, March 4. The same was carried by a majority of two hundred and nine votes.

Board of 1869: William Butler, A. J. Beavers, Wilson Bellis, L J. Jones, John Aiken, L A. McAlpin, J. P. Harris, ]. W. Turner, J. B. Short. T. A. Prest, L N. Tomlinson, L. Conner.

Board of 1870: Daniel McCoy, Levi Reeves, Wilson Bellis, T. A. Mc- Donald, T. J. Garnett, A. Loranz (chairman), J. P. Harris, William Mc- LaAe, J. W. Turner, J. B. Short. T. A. Prest and N. C. Martin.

At their June session of 1870 the board had the following proceedings :

Be it resolved that there shall be submitted to the qualified electors of Page county, at an election in 1870, the question "Shall Page county erect a court house, which building shall be built at the county seat, and cost not to exceed fifty thousand dollars?" That to provide for the building of the same, the county to issue bonds bearing ten per cent interest, payable semiannually, on or before ten years from date, at the option of the county. That a tax of three mills be levied on the taxable property of said county annually, to pay the interest on said indebtedness, and to pay up said bonds.

NORTH SIDE OF PUBLIC SQUARP], CLARINDA. ABOUT 1SG6

WEST SIDE OF PUBLIC SQUARE, CLARINDA, ABOUT 1S67

guTevn

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 1<>1

The above proposition was voted upon l)y the people. The measure re- ceived five hundred and nine votes as against eight hundred and nineteen against it.

The tax levy for 1870 was as follows: State, two mills on the dollar; county, four mills ; school, two mills ; bridge, three mills ; insane, one mill.

In 1870-71 the county supervisor system was changed from a represen- tation by each township to three members, who were to draw lots for the long and short term of office. The old system was more expensive and at the same time fraught with many difficulties it being harder for twelve or sixteen men to arrive at conclusions than for three.

Board of 1871 : F. J. Bracken, William McLean (chairman), Isaac Dame wood and A. Loranz.

When the new board met in Jnne, 1871, they contracted with the United Presbyterian church for the use of their church as a place for holding court. The county paid the society one hundred dollars a year for it.

Board of 1872: William McLean (chairman), F. J. Bracken and J. W. Turner. At the June session they allowed over fifty ex-Union soldiers the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars each, under the act of the board of su- pervisors of January, 1863, regarding bounties, the total amount paid being six thousand, nine hundred and fifty dollars. It seems that for some reason these amounts had not been claimed by those entitled to them. It was a ques- tion claiming legal attention but was finally decided in favor of the soldiers.

Board of 1873 : William McLean, J.. W. Turner and John Griffith.

Nothing of great importance came up before the board during the early part of the year. In June they advertised for bids for rooms to hold court in, the court house question again coming up for consideration. The board finally submitted the matter to a vote of the people at the general election of 1873. The proposition was for the erection of a court house to cost not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars. The vote stood five hundred and eighty-three for, one thousand, one hundred and fifty-eight against the measure. After three or four times submitting the question to the people and each time being defeated, the county "Dads" got tired and took the mat- ter into their own hands, doing about all they could and keep within the law controlling them.

At their October meeting in 1873, Mr. Griffith offered the following res- olution, which was passed.

Resolved, That a county building be ordered erected on the ]>ublic square in the town of Clarinda, forty-four by sixty feet, with six offices be- low and a court room above, with vaults for the county records, according to plans and specifications on file in the auditor's office; and that J. W. Tur- ner be appointed a special commissioner to superintend the same. The audi- tor is hereby authorized to issue warrants for labor and material to complete the structure.

The entire cost of this court house was seven thousand, four hundred and fifty-six dollars.

At the above session bids were received for a room in which to hold court, as follows : The T'niversalist church, three hundred dollars : the Lov & Van

102 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Sandt building, three hundred dollars and the United Presbyterian church, two hundred and fifty dollars. The last named was accepted under contract of one year.

Board of 1874: George McCuUough, J. W. Turner (chairman) John G. Griffith.

At the first session that year, it was shown that three thousand, nine hundred and thirty dollars had been expended on the court house structure and one thousand, eight hundred and three dollars for new vaults.

Board of 1875: John G. Griffith (chairman), George McCullough and Samuel Gorman.

Board of 1876: John G. Griffith (chairman), Samuel Gorman and George McCullough.

Board of 1877: John G. Griffith (chairman), Samuel Gorman and O. Wetmore.

At the June session the board had the poor farm matter under advise- ment and concluded to submit the same to the people. The proposition was to levy a two mill tax, by which to raise ten thousand dollars and with it to purchase and improve a farm upon which to provide for the county's un- fortunate poor. At the election determining the matter the vote stood five hundred and seventy-eight to nine hundred and forty-seven, in favor of the measure.

Board of 1878: J. H. Buckingham, John G. Griffith (chairman) and O. Wetmore.

Board of 1879: O. Wetmore (chairman), J. H. Buckingham, C. A. Johnson.

At the June session that year G. L. Shane, the steward of the poor fami, rendered the following report to the board, which was for fifteen months, ending June i, 1879.

Amount produced :

Corn, eight acres, two thousand bushels ; potatoes, three acres, two hun- dred and seventy-five bushels ; sweet potatoes, five bushels ; turnips, fifteen bushels ; beans, five bushels ; grass seed, twenty-five bushels ; hay, twenty-five tons. Butter and eggs, sufficient for supply of poor farm purposes.

Amount expended, $1,533.40.

Amount of stock on farm $824

Farm Implements 369

Furniture and Bedding 323

Improvements made 230

Board of 1880: J. H. Buckingham, C. A. Johnson, J. W. Turner (chair- man).

Board of 1881 : J. W. Turner (chairman), C. A. Johnson, Peter Swisher.

The first business attended to by the board of that year was to appoint a committee to go to the poor farm and make an itemized inventory of all that belonged to the premises. The report was as follows:

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 103

Farm $10,500

Horses 540

Cattle 890

Hogs 519

Poultry 44

Hay and grain 840

Farm implements 444

Household goods 200

Sundries 245

Total value $14,342

Board of 1882: J. W. Turner (chairman), P. Swisher, C. A. Johnson.

The records show that at their September session, the board was pre- sented with a petition presented and signed by over four hundred persons, praying that the people have an opportunity to vote again on the long and oft repeated court house question. This time the proposition called for a goodly sum, one sufficient to erect a befitting temple of justice for Page county, the proposition to vote a two mill tax, each year for five years, to build a court house not to exceed in cost seventy-five thousand dollars. The board heard the prayer and the people voted on the measure at the general election that fall.

Board of 1883: P. Swisher (chairman), C. A. Johnson, W. M. Alexander.

The only matter worthy of record in this connection for that year is the report made by P. B. Cain, steward for the poor farm, which gives the num- ber of paupers received each month and number in the house :

Month Received In the house

January 2 13

February 2 14

March 6 19

April I 13

May 4 12

June 2 10

July 2 9

August 9

September 2 11

October 11

November 2 9

December 9 17

One child born and one person died during the time included in the above report.

Board of 1884: J. D. Laughlin, Peter Swisher, W. M. Alexander.

It was during this year and in the November session, that the board engaged Foster & Libbie, architects, from Des Moines, Iowa, to make plans and specifications for the court house which the people of Page county after so many years had concluded to build. The price paid for the plan and drawings was seven hundred and seventy-five dollars.

104 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Board of 1885: W. Al. Alexander (chairman), P. Swisher, J. D. Laugh- Hn.

On the i8th of February of that year, bids were opened for proposals to build the court house.

William Butler was awarded the contract at seventy-one thousand dol- lars, exclusive of heating apparatus. The contractor gave bonds to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars, signed by C. Linderman, J. P. Burrows, J. H. Dunlap, J. X. Miller and Jacob Butler.

Board of 1886: P. Swisher (chairman), J. D. Laughlin, R. H. Fulton.

The board made the following tax levy for 1886; county, four mills on the dollarr ; school, one mill ; bridge, three mills, court house, two mills ; m- sane, one mill.

Board of 1887: J. D. Laughlin (chairman), R. H. Fulton, L C. Preston.

At the April session a contract was made with AI. E. Herbert for putting in steam heating works into the new court house, the price being fixed at three thousand, eight hundred and forty-five dollars, including all necessary changes needed to use the city waterworks.

At their July meeting the board looked at samples of fresco work, de- signs for vaults, safes, etc. After due deliberation and consultation with various experts the board finally contracted with Messrs. Hine, Kelly & Com- pany, of Chicago, Illinois, in the sum of two thousand, six hundred dollars, to provide the latest patented and greatly improved metallic vault shelving, file boxes and omnibus cases.

They also at that time awarded the contract to the Union School Fur- niture Company, of Battle Creek, ]\Iichigan, for all the desks, cases, tables, etc., needed in the new court house. They received for such work four thou- sand, four hundred and nineteen dollars.

Board of 1888: R. H. Fulton, I. C. Preston. J. D. Laughlin (chairman).

Board of 1889 : J. D. Laughhn, I. C. Preston, R. H. Fulton.

At the June session the board awarded a contract to Dunlap & Beckwith for building a "Hartman" steel picket fence around the court house square. The price was fifty cents per foot.

The tax levy for 1889 was as follows:

Poll, fifty cents ; dog, fifty cents ; county, four mills ; school, one mill ; bridge, four and a half mills : insane, one and two-tenths mills ; ex-soldier relief, three-tenths mill.

COURT HOUSE HISTORY.

The first county business of Page county was transacted two miles south- east of where Clarinda now stands, at the house of Philip Boulware, or at what is now known as Shambaugh's Mills. The first term of court was held there September 22, 1851, Judge Sloan presiding. Clarinda being selected as the seat of justice early in 1853, Judge S. F. Snider, county judge, moved to the new county seat and soon erected a building on the north side of the public square, in which he had his office and from which he sold goods. Thi?i

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 105

was destroyed by fire, together with its contents, inchiding his county court records, on the nig-ht of January 12, 1858.

The first term of district court held at Clarinda was in a small board shanty which stood on the west side of the public square. It had been built to the southwest of the town for school purposes and in it Mrs Samuel Farlow taught the first school in the vicinity of Clarinda. A log school house was soon built on the square, now used by the south public school building. Here a few terms of district court were held. It is said that whiskey used to be kept near the log court room in cask and that "all hands and everybody" used to help themselves, notwithstanding the first case tried here was for a violation of the Iowa liquor law.

In 1856 the county erected a frame court house^, which stood on the southeast corner of the public square. It still stands and is used as a paint shop. It was moved just to the north of the square and across the street. It was about thirty by forty feet, two stories high, with court room on the second floor and county offices beneath. For years it was the bee hive of Clarinda. In it the postofiice was located for years. The court room got too small and churches and schoolhouses had to be used for holding court in. In 1867 a proposition was left to the people as to whether the county should build a court house. The measure was defeated by a vote of one hundred and twenty-eight to eight hundred and fifteen. In June, 1870, the question again came up before the board, who submitted a proposition for the voters at the fall election as to whether a fifty thousand dollar court house should be erected by issuing bonds. That measure was defeated by a vote of four hundred and twenty-five to seven hundred and ninety-five. By the year 1873 it became apparent to the supervisors that a more suitable building in which to keep the public records was imperatively demanded, and again a proposi- tion went before the people asking for funds to build a twenty-five thousand dollar court house. The vote stood four hundred and eighty-three to one thousand, one hundred and fifty-eight agamst the measure. This was more than the supervisors could stand and they took the matter into their own hands and at their October meeting, 1873, Supervisor Griffith oft'ered the following resolution, which was passed :

Resolved, that a county building be ordered on the public square in the town of Clarinda, forty-four by sixty feet, with six offices below and a court room above, with vaults for county records, according to plans now on file with the auditor, and that J. \\\ Turner be appointed a special commis- sioner to superintend the same.

Thus, after a long and protracted efifort. Page county succeeded in se- curing a court house, partly worthy the name. It was not a palatial affair and not such as the wealth of the county should have erected but it was the best the board had power to build. Its cost was seven thousand, four hundred and fifty-six dollars.

The matter was allowed to rest for about ten years but in the summer of 1882 the subject was again revived, for the time had come when more vault room was badly needed for the safe keeping of records. Petitions were cir- culated and signed by over four hundred voters, asking the board to submit

106 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

the question of building to the people. The board then consisted of J. W. Turner (chairman), P. Swisher, C. A. Johnson. They were all farmers and only sought to serve the county's best interest. At the September meet- ing they decided to submit it to a vote. The proposition called for a court house, the cost of which should not exceed the sum of seventy-five thou- sand dollars, to be paid by an annual tax of two mills per dollar until paid for. After the vote had been cast and counted it was found that one thousand, nine hundred and seventy-two favored, while one thousand, two hundred and eighty-six were opposed to it.

In the fall of 1882 Mr. Turner declined to be renominated and he was succeeded by W. M. Alexander. In the fall of 1884 C. A. Johnson was suc- ceeded by J. D. Laughlin.

William Foster, of Foster & Libbie, was chosen the architect, and he presented plans to the board at their January (1885) meeting. The board accepted the plans and at once called for bids, to be opened February 18, 1885. There were thirty bids in. After a careful examination the board awarded the contract to one of Clarinda's old pioneers, William Butler, whose bid was seventy-one thousand dollars. His bond was fixed at one hundred thousand dollars, and at once signed by some of Page county's best men. The contract called for the completion of the job by January i, 1888. During 1885 the foundation was laid and during 1887 the walls and roof were com- pleted, and December 19, 1887, the complete structure was accepted by the board.

It is proper to state that during the whole time while the building was in progress, contractor Hon. William Butler was in hearty accojd with the board arid he spared neither pains nor expense to fully carry out his part of the contract. The cost of the structure and furnishing the same, including steam heat, was as follows :

Contract price of building, seventy-one thousand dollars ; steam heat, three thousand, eight hundred and forty-five dollars ; fresco painting, two thousand, five hundred dollars ; gas machine and fixtures, one thousand, two hundred and twenty dollars ; furniture and vaults, seven thousand and nineteen dollars ; safe in the treasurer's office, seven hundred dollars ; sun- dries, two hundred and sixteen dollars; total, eighty-six thousand, five hun- dred dollars.

THE COUNTY INFIRMARY.

The thing of all others that distinguishes Christian from pagan lands is their charitable and humane institutions. In the old ancient kingdoms the poor as well as those unfortunate creatures who were born blind or dumb, or in any way maimed or impaired in a physical sense, were cast out from so- ciety, or in some ages of the world put to death soon after birth. But today Christian civilization has builded homes and hospitals for unfortunates of all classes and the same are kept at public expense. We have our deaf and dumb institutes ; our colleges for the blind ; our reform schools ; our orphans' homes ; our asylums for the feeble minded ; our soldiers' homes ; our insane

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 107

hospitals ; and our homes for the erring and friendless, and last, though not least, we have established in Iowa a system for caring for our unfortunate poor. They are not even like the almshouses of the east but homes indeed for those on whom financial prosperity has not seemed to smile. We term them poor farms, usually situated near the county seats. Prior to the inaugu- ration of this system the county provided as best they could for their poor people by hiring some one to board them but finding this too complicated and expensive, they petitioned for the present poor farm system.

It was in 1878 that Page county deemed it prudent to purchase land for such a home for her poor people. By an act of the board of supervisors (after first lawfully submitting the question to the voters) one hundred and seventy acres of land was purchased on section — , township 69, range t^^, in the civil township of Nodaway, and is only a mile and a half west of Clar- inda, the county seat. The county has erected suitable buildings, made proper improvements and managed to make the place self sustaining.

OFFICIALS OF PAGE COUNTY.

In this chapter is given as complete and authentic a list of those who have been honored by the people of Page county by their votes, and those who have held ofiice by reason thereof, as the records will permit. The spell- ing of names may not be correct in some instances. Errors of this kind are to be ascribed to the records, it being impossible to verify details of this de- scription. From 185 1 to 1908 a complete list is herein given of the county officials, the judges of the district to which Page county has been assigned and those who have represented the county in both houses of the General Assembly of the state.

It will be noticed that no one is mentioned as county judge after the year 1868. This is owing to the fact that the office was abolished in 1868 and the duties thereof were transferred to the district court. The office of drainage commissioner was also discontinued and in 1886 the district at- torney ceased to exist and in his stead there came the county attorney.

CLERK OF THE COURTS.

In 185 1 Dr. A; H. Farrens was elected the first clerk of the courts of Page county and held the office until 1853. when he was succeeded by Job Loy. His successor. Young Farris, was elected in 1855 ^"^ ^^^^ ^he office until 1857, when L. H. Wilder was elected. Since 1858 the vote of the county for the various years has been as follows :

JUDGE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

J. M. Dews 266

E. H. Sears 309

DISTRICT ATTORNEY.

R. B. Parrott 279

Samuel Forrey 2PZ

108 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

MEMBER BOARD OF EDUCATION.

G. P. Kimball 291

Z. Knapp 171

C. B. Bridges 76

J. W. Warren 33

COUNTY JUDGE.

J. H. Walker 257

William Orm 245

A. PI. East 65

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

L. H. Wilder 264

F. L. Cramer 99

G. P. Kimball 218

1859-

SENATOR SEVENTH DISTRICT.

J . A. Harvey 405

H. W. English 303

REPRESENTATIVE EIGHTH DISTRICT.

N. L. Van Sandt 398

R. F. Connor 297

COUNTY JUDGE.

Jacob Simonton 267

i. H. Walker 238

A. H. East 90

W^illiam Orm 98

TREASURER AND RECORDER.

Thomas Wallace 330

Solomon West 329

W. J. Woods 44

SHERIFF.

Jacob Butler 337

\\"illiam Robbins 274

E. W. Butler 95

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

J. L. Anderson 329

A. E. Serrell 292

J. M. Young 83

Andrew Petty 307

Andrew Miller i

DRAIN.\GE COMMISSIONER.

John Buckingham 332

Thomas H. East 325

CORONER.

A. Scott 350

William Cunning 269

Nathan Haskins 74

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 109

i860.

CLERK OF DISTRICT COURT.

Charles Linderman 602

William Burkey 15

F. L. Cramer 10

J. Jackson 2

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

R. F. Connor 341

J. W. McKinley 433

1861.

REPRESENTATIVE, SIXTY-THIRD DISTRICT.

George A. Gordon 405

David Findley 236

COUNTY JUDGE.

N. B. Moore 347

Jacob Simonton 318

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

Elijah Miller 392

TREASURER AND RECORDER.

I. H. Walker 239

Solomon West 427

SHERIFF.

B. B. Hutton 302

John Perkins 252

William Robbins 100

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

J. G. Maughling 374

A. Z. Armour 13

William R. Laughlin i

Wilson Bellis i

A. McGee i

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

John Cross 396

Lewis Wilder 53

R. F. Connor 29

A. Z. Armour i

DRAINAGE COMMISSIONER.

John Buckingham 407

CORONER.

J. C. McCandliss 392

Thomas Beach 48

R. F. Connor i

1862.

JUDGE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

James G. Day 363

Samuel Clinton 241

110 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

DISTRICT ATTORNEY THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

James E. Millard 367

R. B. Parrott 238

CLERK DISTRICT COURT.

Charles Linderman 414

W. Phillips 3

J. Simonton I

DRAINAGE COMMISSIONER.

Albert Heald 364

J. Simonton 234

For the proposition to transfer the swamp lands of the

county to the American Emigrant Company 411

Against the proposition 120

1863.

REPRESENTATIVE FOURTEENTH DISTRICT.

N. L. A'an Sandt 372

Henry Hiatt 262

CLERK DISTRICT COURT.

Jacob Butler 522

J. W. AIcKinley 20

J. Cornforth i

TREASURER AND RECORDER.

John R. Hinchman 618

COUNTY JUDGE.

p. R. Stockton 405

Jacob Simonton 265

SHERIFF.

B. B. Hutton 405

John Perkins 269

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

J. A. Wood 395

J. H. Wilson 232

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

John Cross 383

A. H. East 246

CORONER.

J. C. McCandliss 387

Thomas Beach 257

1864.

CLERK DISTRICT COURT.

Jacob Butler 478

Scattering 2

1865.

REPRESENTATIVE FOURTEENTH DISTRICT.

Charles Linderman 424

W. H. Ruble 266

:METH0DIST episcopal CTHTRCH, college SPKIXGS

PFn"

I

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 113

TREASURER.

Henry Dorsey 42 1

I. H. Walker 261

SHERIFF.

George W. Burns 419

N. C. Riclenour 266

COUNTY JUDGE.

John R. Alorledge 394

William !\1. Turkey 261

CORONER.

John Kinkade 420

H. Davison 263

1866.

JUDGE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

J . G. Day 623

T. J. Goss 331

DISTRICT ATTORNEY.

C E. Millard 613

J. E. V'arner 341

REPRESENTATIVE FOURTEENTH DISTRICT.

N. L. Van Sandt 544

G. W. Holmes 382

CLERK DISTRICT COURT.

J. Butler 596

William M. Burkey 341

W. McKinley i

COUNTY RECORDER.

A. R. Cramer 592

John Perkins 350

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

T. J. Garnett 558

E. Miller 364

1867.

REPRESENTATIVE FOURTEENTH DISTRICT.

Joseph Cramer 650

Henry Houston 410

COUNTY JUDGE.

J. R. Morledge 651

Jacob Simonton 399

J. Laughlin i

COUNTY TREASURER.

Henry Dorsey 654

N. C. Ridenour 4^4

William Alexander i

114 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

SHERIFF.

G. W. Burns 590

N. J. Calhoun 442

William Burkey i

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

J. Woods 668

L. Connor 2

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

T. J. Garnett 665

R. M. Benbow i

R. F. Connor i

CORONER.

J. W. Scott 661

William Cumings 334

William W. Cunning 40

1868.

JUDGE FIRST CIRCUIT THIRD DISTRICT.

R. L. Douglas 857

W. W. Horseman 546

COUNTY JUDGE TO FILL VACANCY.

W. M. Alexander 913

A. M. Collier 474

W. W. Horseman i

COUNTY RECORDER.

T. J. DeLong .926

E. M. Clark 473

CLERK DISTRICT COURT.

W. W. Russell 891

E. E. T. Hazen 454

E. F. T. Hazen 43

1869.

REPRESENTATIVE SIXTEENTH DISTRICT.

William Butler 572

A. J. Benvers 389

COUNTY AUDITOR.

W. M. Alexander 730

COUNTY TREASURER.

Henry Dorsey 726

A. M. Collier i

SHERIFF.

Joshua J- Kound 722

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Elijah Hiller 734

J. Woods r

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 115

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

William R. Callicotte 721

R. F. Connor i

T. J. Garnett i

R. Stewart i

CORONER.

Frank E. Norton 711

R. Stewart i

1870.

JUDGE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

J. W. McDill 906

CLERK DISTRICT COURT.

W. W. Russell 985

E. T. Hazen 9

COUNTY RECORDER.

Daniel J. DeLong- 979

Henry Lown 431

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

T. J. Bracken 661

William McLean 850

Isaac Damewood 974

M. G. McFarland i

Levi Reeves 394

J. M. Loudon 590

Samuel Nixon 451

1871.

SENATOR EIGHTH DISTRICT.

J. S. Mclntire 746

John Barnett 578

REPRESENTATIVE SIXTEENTH DISTRICT.

William Butler jt^j

Henry Hiatt 562

COUNTY AUDITOR.

William AI. Alexander 980

Robert Jones i

James Stewart i

COUNTY TREASURER.

Henry Loranz 944

J- Baity 37

H. Dorsey 6

William Alexander i

Georg-e Ash ford I

T. E. Noble I

116 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

SHERIFF.

Isaac Damewood 967

John Miller 2

L. M. Glasgow i

Richard Powell i

COUNTY SUPERVISOR.

J. W. Turner 873

A. J. Welty : no

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Elijah Miller 897

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

W. R. Callicotte 956

T. J. Garnett i

CORONER.

A. J. Adams 951

J. C. Holmes i

B. W. Webster 3

1872.

REPRESENTATIVE EIGHTH DISTRICT.

James W. McDill 1423

W. W. Merritt 717

JUDGE THIRD DISTRICT.

Samuel Forrey ^4^4

John W. Warren 727

CLERK DISTRICT COLTRT.

W. W. Russell 1386.

A. C. Holmes 766

J. S. Holmes i

COUNTY RECORDER.

Thonias Wallace 1390

A. M. Cooper 753

J. C. Holmes i

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

John X. Griffith 1 366

A. J. Welty 769

G. R. Jones 2

B. W. Jones 2

1873-

REPRESENTATIVE.

A. J. Chantry 1090

L. P. Crouch 908

COUNTY AUDITOR.

William M. Alexander 1167

J. S. Woodmansee 856

COUNTY TREASURER.

Henry Loranz 1 142

J. m' Higgins 880

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 117

SHERIFF.

Isaac Damewood 1 165

R. W. McClenahan 861

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

J. A. Woods 992

H. Morton 1014

E. Miller 9

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

J. McKinley 1088

W. R. Callicotte 19

T. J. Garnett 19

H. Hatten i

E. Miller i

William Cunning i

L. C. Comforth i

CORONER.

P. W. Lewellen 1 188

Scattering 10

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

George McCulloiigh 1027

William Cunning 986

1874.

JUDGE THIRD DISTRICT.

Samuel Forrey 1044

J. S. Warner 795

CLERK DISTRICT COURT.

Joseph E. Hill 1092

W. A. Bereman 802

COUNTY RECORDER.

James L. Brown 1 106

D. N. Holmes 800

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

Samuel GK3nTian 1069

William Cunning 825

1875-

REPRESENTATIVE SIXTEENTH DISTRICT.

Edwin B. Hoag 1356

Scattering 7

COUNTY AUDITOR.

William M. Alexander 1490

Nate Martin i

TREASURER.

Henry Loranz 1475

Scattering 3

118 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

SHERIFF.

Isaac Damewood 1468

N. J. Calhoun 31

Scattering 12

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Elijah Miller 1337

Hugh Molton 486

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

John X. Griffith 1300

Colonel Baker 12

Scattering 7

CORONER.

Thomas Evans ^399

Scattering 9

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

L. A. Russell 1356

Scattering 7

REPRESENTATIVE EIGHTH DISTRICT.

William F. Sapp 2216

Lemuel R. Bolter 1083

JUDGE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

James W. Hewitt 2242

CLERK DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT COURTS.

Joseph E. Hill 2232

John Mentzer I037

COUNTY RECORDER.

James L. Brown 2188

Carl M. Stafford 1105

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

O. Wetmore 2227

David Abbott 1067

1877.

REPRESENTATIVE NINETEENTH DISTRICT.

Edwin B. Hoag 1295

O. A. Rogers 665

C. F. Klise 334

N. Morrison 28

Scattering 5

COUNTY AUDITOR.

William M. Alexander 1470

J. B. Bartley 843

G. Wenstrand 29

TREASURER.

Henry Loranz 1469

J. M. Higgins 812

T. Woodmansee 29

Scattering 2

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 119

SHERIFF.

Isaac Damewood 1477

J. H. Gillihan 553

Phillip Hamaker 287

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Elijah Miller 1439

E. W. Chase 556

T. J . Garnett 326

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

J. H. Buckingham 1497

J. Hull 493

G. W. Robinson 323

J. R. Knox 33

CORONER.

J. I. Bagnall 1465

J. C. Holmes 557

J. B. Laug-hlin 38

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

Julius Carlson 1491

R. F. Connor 580

1878.

JUDGE DISTRICT COURT, THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

R. C. Henry 1472

E. F. Sullivan 1032

DISTRICT ATTORNEY, THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

Smith McPherson 1456

J. L. Brown 1035

JUDGE CIRCUIT COURT, THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

D. D. Gregory 1478

M. A. Miller 1030

CLERK DISTRICT AND CIRCUIT COURTS.

J. E. Hill 1454

N. B. Easton 596

William Kamp 441

COUNTY RECORDER.

James L. Brown 1388

C. M. Stafford 686

T. D. Ricely 821

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

C. A. Johnson 13 15

W. H. Widney 583

John M. Loudon 608

1879.

REPRESENTATIVE, NINETEENTH DISTRICT.

W. E. Webster 1824

J. H. GiUihan 559

William Cunning 297

120 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

COUNTY AUDITOR.

William M. Alexander 191 1

R. J. Biggenstaff 548

S. L. Clabaugh 244

COUNTY TREASURER.

Henry Loranz 1852

Solomon West 597

Samuel B. Porter 252

Scattering 4

SHERIFF.

M. C. Johnson 1423

H. G. Alexander 960

J. H. Abbott 302

Scattering 8

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

J. A. Carlson 1861

R. F. Connor 598

Scattering 7

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

S. E. Wilson 1621

Mrs. N. C. Harper 1058

CORONER.

Thomas Evans 1846

Dr. E. Eckerson 606

COUNTY SUPERVISORS.

J. W. Turner 1874

R. N. Moffitt 576

J. J. Norris 270

FIRST BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

In the year 1861 the system of county board of supervisors was organized in the various counties of the state by act of the legislature, entitling each organized township to one member. The following persons composed the board : John P. West, Valley township ; J. L. Black, Douglas township ; Wilson Bellis, Fremont township; M. A. Jones, Pierce township; George Miller, Tarkio township; George Ribble, Nodaway township ; Moses Thomp- son, East River township ; William Butler, Harlan township ; John Mon- zingo, Lincoln township ; James Hamill, Washington township ; J. A. Reed, Amity township ; Robert Maxwell, Buchanan township ; Elisha Thomas, Nebraska township.

LAST BOARD UNDER THE LAW OF 1861.

Daniel McCoy, Levi Reeves, Wilson Bellis, I. J. Jones, F. A. McDonald, T. J. Garnett, A. Loranz, J. H. Buckingham, J. P. Harris, William McLean, J. W. Turner, J. B. Short, T. A. Prest, N. C. Martin.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 121

In 1870 the supervisor system was changed and the number reduced to three, who should be elected by the county at the general election and the length of their terms to be decided by lot. Since that time the board of supervisors has consisted of the following for each year:

1871 — Isaac Damewood, T. J. Bracken and William McLean.

1872 — T. J. Bracken, William McLean and J. W. Turner.

1873 — William McLean, J. W. Turner and John X. (Griffith.

1874 — J. W. Turner, John X. Griffith and George McCullough.

1875 — John X. Griffith, George McCullough and Samuel Gorman.

1876 — George McCullough, Samuel Gorman and John X. Griffith.

1877 — Sam.uel Gorman, John X. Griffith and O. Wetmore.

1878 — John X. Griffith, O. Wetmore and J. H. Buckingham.

1879 — O. Wetmore. J. H. Buckingham and C. A. Johnson.

1880 — J. H. Buckingham, C. A. Johnson and J. W. Turner.

1 881 — C. A. Johnson.

1882 — William M. Alexander.

1883 — Peter Swisher.

1884— J. D. Laughlin.

1885— R. H. Fulton.

1886— I. C. Preston.

1887— J. D. Laughlin.

1888— Robert H. Fulton.

1889— I. C. Preston.

From the years 1881 to 1889 the names of those elected to fill the board of supervisors for the years mentioned are simply given.

1880.

CLERK OF THE COURT.

Joseph E. Hill 2696

George Sams 957

Arthur Rozell 345

COUNTY RECORDER.

James L. Brown 2723

Walrod ■ 926

Lew. Norton 370

1881.

COUNTY AUDITOR.

R. H. Lymer 1282

C. Nichols 313

TREASURER.

Henry Loranz 1275

J. Hull 300

SHERIFF.

M. C. Johnson 1236

J. C. Brown 369

W. D. Hardy 86

122 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

S. E. Wilson 1214

E. Miller 58

SURVEYOR.

J. A. Carlson 1861

George Blanchard 327

1882.

CLERK OF THE COURT.

Joseph E. Hill 2016

N. J. Russell 1563

RECORDER.

Thomas C. Beard 2624

Scattering 9

1883.

COUNTY AUDITOR.

R. H. Lymer 313

• George Blanchard 2299

TREASURER.

Thomas M. Monzingo 2235

H. H. Crooks 1357

SHERIFF.

M. C. Johnson 2308

W. L. Malony 1272

CORONER.

Thomas Evans 2196

N. C. Ridenour 1 268

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

S. E. Wilson 2001

Mary A. Welty 1540

SURVEYOR.

Julius Carlson 2310

Scattering 4

1884.

CLERK OF THE COURT.

John R. Leslie 2824

A. B. West 1651

RECORDER.

Thomas C. Beard 2847

C. M. StaflFord 1651

1885.

COUNTY AUDITOR.

R. H. Lymer 2075

O. P. Peterson 1430

TREASURER.

Thomas M. Monzingo 2550

T. E. D. Ricely 1423

HISTORY OF PAGE CUUXTY Vl:i

SHERIFF.

D. H. Skinner 2062

Robert M. Rawling^s 1898

CORONER.

Thomas Evans 2521

A. M. Collier 1322

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Lottie E. Granger 2407

William M. Croan 1488

SURVEYOR.

C. W. Spraegur 2564

R. F. Connor 1 305

1886.

CLERK OF THE COURT.

John R. Leslie 2415

J. C. Thompson 1470

RECORDER,

Thomas C. Beard 2457

W. D. Hakes 1427

1887.

COUNTY AUDITOR.

R. H. Lymer 2075

T. J. Morrow 1446

TREASURER.

Thomas M. Monzingo 2092

T. S. Jackson 1408

SHERIFF.

D. H. Skinner 2106

Robert M. Rawlings 1405

CORONER.

S. R. Millen 2097

H. L. Stillwell 124

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Lottie Granger 2082

Martin Wilfley 1361

SURVEYOR.

J. R. Carlson 2101

Scattering 3

1888.

CLERK OF THE COURT.

G. L. Shaul 2298

J. R. Leslie 2052

RECORDER.

J. R. Eckroth 2364

A. T. Irwin 1982

124 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

1889.

SENATORS.

George W. Perkins 1987

Joseph R. Ratekin 1396

REPRESENTATIVE.

S. E. Field 2012

A. P. Falk 1294

Dr. David Dodds 134

O. P. Frink i

COUNTY AUDITOR.

R. U. McClenahan i973

William E. Coon 1068

W. H. Widney 204

J. W. McKinley 182

A. P. Falk I

W. H. Harris i

COUNTY TREASURER.

O. H. Frink 2088

A. M. Collier 11 27

F. A. Cook 131

S. P. White 105

T. M. Monzingo i

SHERIFF.

D. H. Skinner 2187

William H. Harris 1004

Georg-e Driftmeier 226

John Dukeshire i

W. E. Coon I

Lewis Akin i

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Lottie E. Granger 1888

H. Woten 1442

Woods 2

EdBellis i

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

L C. Preston 1990

John Lingo 1212

Scattering 247

CORONER.

S. R. Millen 2077

W. H. Pittman 1257

Ben Boyd i

SURVEYOR.

L N. J. Hartford 2178

COUNTY ATTORNEY.

In the general assembly of 1885-86 an act was passed abolishing the ofifice of district attorney and creating the office of county attorney, thus confining

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 127

the duties of the prosecutor to his own county. This officer, under the act, holds his office by the votes of the people of his own county, the same as other officers. The first election for county attorney held in Page county was in 1886 and resulted as follows:

1890.

JUDGE DISTRICT COURT FIFTEENTH JUDICI.VL DISTRICT.

A. B. Thornell 2673

H. E. Deemer 2854

W. I. Smith 2659

W. H. Ware 1640

G. W. Cullison ; 1686

H. U. Funk 1653

L. M. Wilson I

COUNTY ATTORNEY.

W. P. Ferguson 2561

William Orr 321

Scattering 12

REPRESENTATIVE NINTH DISTRICT.

Charles Linderman 2427

Jesse B. Bartley 2121

Scattering 6

TREASURER.

O. H. Frink 2646

J. C. Wilson 1800

J. William Davison 141

James Abbott : . i

SHERIFF.

Lewis Akin 2374

Roy Chamberlain 2056

W. J. Crooks 122

J. H. Farmer i

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

C. C. Hodges 2674

Miss Eleanor K. Meacham 1894

MEM HER HOARD SUPERVISORS.

R. H. Fulton 2515

John E. Fabler 2038

CORONER.

S. R. Millen , 2623

David Dodds 247

1892.

DISTRICT JUDGE FIFTEENTH DISTRICT.

U. W. Macy 2684

Fremont Benjamin 15^

J. W. Brown 267

128 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

COUNTY ATTORNEY.

W. P. Ferguson 2663

J. L. Batchelor 439

AUDITOR.

R. U. McClenahan 2630

J. N. Bellamy 1496

D. E. Ridenour 268

A. F. Beal 324

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

T. W. Camp 2631

C. E. Moore 1758

W. P. Morrison 325

RECORDER.

J. A. Ekeroth 2605

Del Van Buskirk 1532

Horace Pratt 261

J. A. Briggs 316

MEMBER BOARD SUPERVISORS.

Nathan Orme 2504

0. P. Peterson 1903

R. M. Duncan 316

SURVEYOR.

1. N. J. Hartford 2643

C. M. Stitt 1514

Scattering: 2

*i~,

1893.

STATE SENATOR, SEVENTH DISTRICT.

William Eaton 2541

Charles Aldrich 1542

Scattering 19

REPRESENTATIVE NINTH DISTRICT.

C. Linderman 2501

Jesse' Hughes 1268

William A. Guthrie 455

TREASURER.

O. H. Frink 2508

Berton Gross 1258

James S. Walker 210

Milton Duncan 247

SHERIFF.

Lewis Akin 2452

George G. Driftmeier I777

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

O. C. Hodges 2403

Miss Blanch Reed 1470

Scatterinsf 2

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 129

MEMBER BOARD SUPERVISORS.

James Gamble 2455

W. I. McCullough 1294

Alex McClure 204

J. H. Reed 245

CORONER.

N. L. Van Sandt 2496

Dr. George A. Pruitt 1263

Marshall Enfield 239

Scattering 2

1894.

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

P. P. Kelley 1471

A. B. Thornell 2862

A. H. Ware 1467

Walter I. Smith 2856

G. W. Cullison 1551

W. R. Green 2788

DISTRICT JUDGE TO FILL VACANCY.

W. R. Green 2826

AUDITOR.

James Franklin Reed 82

Jesse B. Bartley I954

R. U. McClenahan 2455

COUNTY CLERK.

T. W. Camp 2785

H. H. Murphy 1143

W. D. Hakes 3"

G. M. Trimble 242

RECORDER.

E. G. McCutchan 2567

Leander Falk 1689

W. B. Andrews 225

COUNTY ATTORNEY.

J. R. Good 2772

T. M. Dougherty 1 1 19

William Orr 586

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

George Moore 2702

John F. Annan 1236

David Wingert 308

John Loviatt 239

MEMBER BOARD SUPERVISORS TO FILL VACANCY.

F. M. Dirrim 2770

A. M. Collier 1 176

Thomas Shearer 298

I. T. Pendergraft 29

130 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

SURVEYOR.

Henry Field 2816

W. L. Wilson 369

1895-

REPRESENTATIXE NINTH DISTRICT.

O. H. Frink -2444

George Sams 789

T. J. Ferguson 243

A. 15. Alilner 2,22

TREASURER.

George B. \'an Arsdol 2391

James Steele 928

\\'. D. Hakes 238

Scattering 6

SHERIFF.

Lewis Akin 2303

John Schwartz 832

J. F. Falk 278

Charles Hart ^yi

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

H. E. Deater 2366

C. E. Moore 844

W. R. Andrews 362

Guy Clinton I

MEMBER BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

F. Al. Dirrim 2392

J. C. Thompson 806

D. A. Abbott 247

Andrew Sederburg 314

CORONER.

X. L. \'an Sandt 2TfZ.y

S. L. Clabaugh 841

Oscar Forss ^;i,T,

Thomas Bagby i

SURVEYOR (vacancy).

W. L. Andrews 2360

W. L. Annan 831

J. W. McKinley 342

W. R. Andrews i

.UJDGE OF DISTRICT COURT, FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

N. W. Macy 3221

Theodore W. Ivory 2376

COUNTY ATTORNEY.

John R. Good 3207

William Orr 2429

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 131

AUDITOR.

Frank V. Hensleigh 3258

Charles Tunnicliffe 2375

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

Alfred Wenstrand 3224

W. C. Briggs 2387

RECORDER.

E. G. McCutchan 3218

C. E. Quist 2404

MEMBER BOARD SUPERVISORS.

John H. Wheeler 3240

"C. F. Clise 2386

SURVEYOR.

W. L. Andrews 3228

Henry Field 2588

1897.

SENATOR SEVENTH DISTRICT.

William Eaton 2732

Robert H. Sutton 1855

REPRESENTATIVE NINTH DISTRICT.

O. H. Frink 2720

Randolph R. Glasgow 1773

William P. Morrison 183

TREASURER.

G. B. Van Arsdol 2755

Horace Pratt 1753

James Davison 171

John Wooden i

SHERIFF.

C. S. Foster 2744

S. P. White 1785

W' . J. Spooner . ' 144

Scattering 3

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

H. E. Deater 2549

Fannie V. Wooley 2015

Scattering 3

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

George W. Moore 2608

Alex McClure 1884

R. :\r. Duncan I73

CORONER.

S. R. Millen 2701

A. J. Baker 1781

David Dodds I75

132 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

SURVEYOR.

L N. J. Hartford 2748

J. W. McKinley 293

Scattering 5

1898.

JUDGE OF THE DISTRICT COURT, FIFTEENTH DISTRICT.

A. B. Thornell 2902

Walter L Smith 2880

W. R. Green 2880

Fremont Benjamin 1603

T. R. Mockler 1597

C. E. Richards 1602

Scattering 3

1899.

REPRESENTATIVE NINTH DISTRICT.

V. Graff 2477

Frederick Fischer 1285

Samuel Farquhar 5

TREASURER.

G. B. Van Arsdol 2525

John Enfield 1279

H. Woten 181

SHERIFF.

C. S. Foster 2556

T- ^^^ Dougherty 1237

James Davison 194

CORONER.

S. R. Millen 2547

Dr. W. C. Fischer 1263

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

H. E. Deater 2438

L. McMichael 420

Scattering 3

SURVEYOR.

I. N. J. Hartford 2558

Henry Field 2444

J. King I

MEMBER BOARD SUPERVISORS.

J. H. Wheeler 2550

J. C. Thompson 1215

W. A. Guthrie 216

C. Hanley i

1900.

JUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT, FIFTEENTH DISTRICT.

N. W. Macy 3455

Frank Tamissiea 1892

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 133

JUDGE OF DISTRICT COURT, TO FILL VACANCY. FIFTKEXTii DISTRICT.

Orville D. Wheeler 3447

Fremont Benjamin 1897

CONVENTION TO REVISE THE CONSTITUTION.

For the Convention 1930

Against the Convention 1651

PROPOSED AMENDMENT.

F"or the Amendment 2048

Against the Amendment 1389

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

A. Wenstrand 3446

W. T. Goodman 1887

C. W. Bisbee 269

AUDITOR.

F. \\ Hensleigh 3445

Ed Gauss 1891

Archie Anderson 266

RECORDER.

Walter W. Hill 3453

C. E. Aloore 1879

J. K. Herron 267

COUNTY ATTORNEY.

D. G. Sutherland 3414

T. M. Dougherty 1963

John McCuUey i

MEMBER HOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

John Taft 3412

S. A. Gillihan 1899

J. C. Farquhar 278

MEMBER BOARD Ol-' Sl'PICKXISORS^ TO FILL N'ACANCY.

J. H. Abbott 3445

H. H. Murphy 1872

F. :\1. Manifold 270

1 901.

SEN.ATOR SI-:\ i:XTH DISTRICT.

Lester W. Lewis 2298

D. L Cavender 920

O. H. Barnhill 222

REPRF.SF.XTATIVK XTXTH DISTRICT.

\'. Graff 2269

G. R. James 917

S. E. Martin 243

TRE.\SURER.

W. L. Lundy 2260

David Tharp 937

William A. Guthrie 230

134 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

SHERIFF.

C. S. Foster 2348

Thomas Winger 901

Alfred Finley 203

CORONER.

C. C. Parriott 2319

\\\ W. West 889

David Dodds 213

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

George H. Colbert 2359

Eva Plank 918

D. C. Mcintosh 2

SURVEYOR.

I. X. J. Hartford 2348

Ervin Behm 915

W. N. Dow I

MEMBER BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

J. H. Abbott 2350

J. W. Hewitt 889

Charles Flart 197

1902.

DISTRICT JUDGE.

A. B. Thornell 2443

S. B. Wadsworth 825

H. F. Johns 182

W. R. Green 243 1

Samuel Holmes 188

O. D. Wheeler 2426

William Orr 201

COUNTY ATTORNEY.

D. G. Sutherland 2381

Frederick Fischer 903

William Orr 180

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

A. B. Loranz 2394

F. E. Fox 857

W. J. Reeve 190

AUDITOR.

F. \'. Hensleigh 2428

C. E. Ouist 840

Arch Anderson 181

RECORDER.

Walter W. Smith 2414

Perry Byerly 847

George H. Lymer 190

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 135

MEMBER BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

I. H. Tagg-art 2417

J. M. Darby 854

William A. Guthrie 184

1903.

REPRESENTATIVE NINTH DISTRICT.

C. F. Grose 2231

W. T. Goodman 827

W. T. Fisher 207

T. F. Willis I

TREASURER.

W. L. Lundy 2259

Perry Byerly 784

J. K. Herron 207

SHERIFF.

S. J. McCord 2285

John W. Gibson 802

James Davison 195

CORONER.

C. C. Parriott 2288

Dr. M. Enfield 776

Dr. Alary Finley 197

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

George H. Colbert 2337

Frank Fox 766

SURVEYOR.

A. S. Van Sandt 2269

T. W. Keenan 789

W. N. Dow 195

MEMBER BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

John Taf t 2208

Knox Alexander 837

Samuel Farquhar 208

1904.

J UDc;E DISTRICT COURT, FIFTEENTH DISTRICT.

Nathan W. Macy 343 1

W. P). Creedson 307

For amendment biennial election 1582

Against amendment biennial election 1916

For legislative amendment ^35^

Against legislative amendment 1816

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

A. B. Loranz 3413

Walter B. Smith 1021

C. W. Bisbee .268

136 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

AUDITOR.

W. S. Jordan 3415

W. T. Goodman 1025

J. W. Gibson 266

RECORDER.

John Lagerquist 3420

J. L. Peterson 1004

James Young- 266

COUNTY ATTORNEY.

Walter P. Grose 3400

T. W. Keenan 1035

George Nixon 272

MEMBER BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

J. H. Abbott 3391

A. W. Murphy 1046

D. C. Mcintosh 264

1906.

In 1904 the proposition of holding biennial elections was voted upon throughout the state in the form of an amendment to the constitution and was carried. In 1906 the first election was held under the new system.

DISTRICT JUDGE OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT.

W. R. Green 2364

O. D. Wheeler 2^2

A. B. Thornell 2415

T. W. Miller 1194

Scattering 5

SENATOR SEVENTH DISTRICT.

William S. Farquhar 1977

William D. Jamison 1819

A. W. Armstrong i

REPRESENT.\TIVE NINTH DISTRICT.

Jesse D. Elliott 2194

Norman W. Cline 1367

George Thurber i

AUDITOR.

W. S. Jordan 2330

A. W. Murphy 1366

TREASURER.

W. L. Lundy 2365

William Goodman 1278

CLKRK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

A. B. Loranz 2405

Frank Fox 1 207

SHERIFF.

S. J. McCord 2150

Lewis Annan 1649

HISTORY or I'ACiK CUUXTV 137

RECORDER.

John Lagerquist 2584

J. Fisher i

Emil Hag-lund i

COUNTY ATTOKXEY.

George I. Aliller 2457

Frederick Fischer 1232

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Jesse Field 2729

Scattering 7

SURVEYOR.

A. S. Van Sandt 2594

Scattering 3

CORONER.

C. C. Parriott 2480

S. W. Scales 1097

1908.

JUDGE OK THE DISTRICT COURT.

Eugene B. Woodruff 3033

Ralph Pringle i

REPRESENTATIVE NINTH DISTRICT.

Jesse D. Elliott 2798

P. C. Darby 1660

J. H. Miller 92

UNITED STAT]':S SlINATOR.

Albert B. Cummins 1485

John F. Lacey 1 144

PROPOSED AMENDMENT.

For amendment 2325 -

Against amendment 989

COUNTY AUDITOR.

Clifford W. Duke 3143

O. B. Holton 1 530

COUNTY TREASURER.

D. M. Creel 2836

J. H. Driftmeier 1813

CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT.

William R. Ryerson 3073

C. L. Herron 1514

SHERIFF.

S. J. McCord . 2560

W. L. Annan 2261

RECORDER.

John Lagerquist 30^^

Frank Fox 1507

138 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

COUNTY ATTORN EV.

Frederick Fischer 2583

George I. Miller 2204

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.

Jessie Field 3315

P. M. Brooks i

SURVEYOR.

A. S. A an Sandt 3098

Harmon Fosbrink 1509

CORONER.

C. C. Parriott 3072

A. H. King- 1 52 1

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

Term commencing January i, 1909. I. H. Taggart 2999

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

Term commencing January i, 1909. A. W. Murphy 1647

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

Term commencing January i. 1910. O. W. Fried 2990

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.

Term commencing January i. 1910. Frank McCurdy 1526

BENCH AND BAR.

The bar of 1855-60 in Page county is not a type of the present bar by any means. Every new country has more of the unlettered, uncultivated class. These feel their inability in older settled communities, hence push forward to new fields "to grow up" with the country and finally attain to a good degree of prominence among their fellows. There were at- torneys in Page county, county officers as well, wdio could scarcely read and write, yet they managed to administer all the laws the people then seemed to care to have executed.

The first resident member of the Page county bar was William L. Burge, who lived in a log cabin on an eighty acre tract just west of the present town site. It was before Clarinda had been platted. He was prosecuting attorney and ex officio county judge, and as such superintended the survey of the original plat. In August, 1853, he sold his "eighty" to Claiborne McBee for one hundred and fifty dollars. No one in the county now knows from whence he came or where he went from here. His prac- tice must indeed have been limited, as his name only appears in connec- tion with but one case.

At the September term of the district court for 1853, John Wilson was admitted to the bar on examination. Law practice was very meager in those early days and Wilson's was only incidental to his other occupa-

CLARIXDA AVENUE WE'^T FRO^I ELM, SHENANDOAH

VIEW ON ELM STREET, SHENANDOAH

PU

li

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 141

tion as trader, farmer and merchandiser. He was prosecuting^ attorney for one or two terms and served as county judge for one term. In 1861 he left Pag-e county and went to St. Joe, Missouri, where he was a mer- chant.

At the March term of court, 1855, ^- I- Dodge, a member of the Wis- consin bar, was admitted upon his certificate. He located at Clarinda. He was a cultured gentleman and a good lawyer but did not remain long. He was deputy postmaster for a few months during the summer of 1855. The records fail to show that lie had an active practice in Page county courts.

In the summer of 1855 J. J. Barwick, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, settled at Clarinda, entering upon his chosen profession. He had a good English education, supplemented by considerable good reading and had a good understanding of law but never loved his calling. His choice when young was to become a physician but he was thwarted by the judgment of his parents, who wanted him to study law. He had a fair share of the legal business of the county up to the breaking out of the war. He was never popular as a man or an attorney and did not have the influence that his knowledge of law should have given him. He was a sharp trader and made more money outside than he did in his profession. His wife was a noble woman, cultured, refined and good and it was through her that he enjoyed the friends he did have.

During the winter of 1856-7, Dr. A. H. East, a well read and success- ful physician, who came to the county three or four years before, was admitted to the bar in Mills county and at once opened an office in Clar- inda. He was appointed prosecuting attorney and held that position until the abolishment of that office. He was a man of good judgment, possessing good logic and naturally of a judicial mind and had he commenced early in life would have been an eminent lawyer. He forgot, if he ever knew, that "Law is a jealous mistress and will not be content with a divided affection." His clients had more faith in him as a physician than as a legal adviser. Upon the coming on of the rebellion. Mr. East was ap- pointed a surgeon in the Federal army and upon his return home he re- entered the medical profession, having a good practice until his death, September 19, 1872.

J. R. Morledge, who was admitted to the bar in 1843, was of English birth, but grew to manhood in Ohio, and there received his education. He commenced reading law in 1840. Fie came to Clarinda in 1857 and opened an office. In 1858 he formed a partnership with J. T. Chittenden at Clarinda, and George W. Friedly at P.edford, Iowa, under the firm name of Morledge & Chittenden at Clarinda. and Morledge, Friedly & Company at Bedford. They did a large business until the Civil war broke out in 1861, when he was chosen colonel of the State Militia. In 1863 he served by appointment under Lincoln, as commissarv- of subsistence. He resigned and again entered the legal profession. He had a good knowledge of the la\v and was successful and always counted upright and professional in his dealings. He died April 19, 1882.

142 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

James T. Chittenden, a native of Indiana, was educated at the United Brethren College of that state. He studied law with J. R. Morledge and was admitted to the bar at Clarinda in open court, in September, 1858. He formed a partnership with Mr. Morledge. He was a well read attorney and a constant student. He was a thorough gentleman. He became lieutenant of a company in the Fourth Iowa Infantry in 1861. He at once went to the front and was on the march from Rolla to Pea Ridge. At the last named place he was wounded March 7, 1862, and died April 29, the same year. He was a noble and truly brave ofificer and had his life been spared would have been an ornament to the legal profession.

W. W. Morseman came to Clarinda in 1867 from Iowa City and prac- ticed his profession with great success until 1890. Mr. Morseman was a man of fine legal attainments and was considered even while in Clarinda to be one of the greatest lawyers in southern Iowa. In 1890 he removed to Omaha, where he is now practicing his profession and is one of the leaders of the bar of that city.

N. B. Moore, a native of Ohio, was educated at the Wesleyan Univer- sity of that state. He entered into commercial life early, coming to Iowa in 1855. He read law at Eddyville with Holmes & Ives and was admitted to the bar in June, 1857, at Albia, Iowa. He then located at Bedford, this state. He located in Clarinda in 1859. He was a fine lawyer and very successful. In his younger days, Mr. Moore was probably as well known as any lawyer in southern Iowa. He held several official positions, wdth credit to himself and honor to his constituencies. He was county judge and also senator from this district. He was also in the banking business many years. In- fact, the banking concern of Moore & Mclntire was the first financial institution in the county. He was largely interested in real estate and, it is said, handled more Page county land than any other individual ever a resident of the county. He removed to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1888, where he is engaged in the practice of his profession.

W. P. Hepburn came to Clarinda in 1867. He was actively engaged in the practice of the law there for fifteen years and was looked upon as one of the noted lawyers of the state. He had a brilliant war record and as a statesman his reputation has become national. For a detailed record of his career see another page of this history.

S. C. McPherrin lived in Clarinda several years, was a good lawyer and successful in his practice. He left Clarinda about 1890 and is now practicing his profession in Kansas City, Missouri.

Don G. Sutherland was raised and educated in Page county and prac- ticed law in Clarinda for a number of years. He was county attorney for one or two terms and was considered one of the able lawyers of the Page county bar. In 1905 he removed to Seattle, Washington, where he is now engaged in the practice of the law.

Martin Hoge, now practicing in the west, was mayor of Clarinda. He was admitted to the practice here. He removed from Clarinda some time ago.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 143

John R. Good read law and was admitted to the l)ar at Clarinda. He was mayor of Clarinda and county attorney. Mr. (Jood enjoyed a large practice. He is now living- at Boise City, Idaho.

J. L. Batchelor came from Illinois about 1874 and settled in Clarinda. He practiced there a number of years, then removed to Oregon, where he died about 1904. Mr. Bachelor was held in high esteem for his talents as a lawyer, and for his integrity.

Lew B. Cake grew to manhood in Clarinda and was there admitted to the bar, where he practiced his profession several years. He was a man of literary tastes and in the later years of his practice devoted much of his time to pursuits congenial to his temperament. Finally he retired from his chosen profession and moved to New York City and he is now before the public as a lecturer.

John B. Johnson began the practice of law in Clarinda and shortly after- ward removed to Des Moines.

W. F. Thummel was admitted to the bar in Clarinda. He became a member of the firm of Hepburn & Thummel and was connected with much important litigation during his stay here. Something like twenty years ago he became connected with insurance companies as an attorney and is now residing in New York City, where he is to be found in the law department of one of the great life insurance companies of this country.

Judge Thomas R. Stockton was among the early settlers. His father, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, was a pioneer of Taylor and Page counties, and Thomas R. was about eighteen years of age when his people moved to this section of Iowa. He helped to open up a frontier farm and taught school in winter until 1850, when he commenced reading law. In i860 he came to Clarinda, entering the law office of J. J. Barwick as a stu- dent. He was admitted to the bar in May, 1861, under Judge Sears. In January, 1862, he opened his otiice at Clarinda and commenced practice. In 1862 he took editorial charge of the Clarinda Herald and continued until November, 1863. -^t the fall election of 1863 he was elected to the office of county judge, serving for two years, practicing law at the same time. In May, 1866, he removed to Sidney, Iowa. In the fall of 1872 he was elected circuit judge of the thirteenth district. In 1879 he was elected as representative from. Fremont county. In 1883 he removed to Shenandoah and practiced law until 1886, when he was elected as the first county attor- ney under the new law creating such an office. He then removed to Clar- inda. He was reelected in 1888. He was a man who made friends wherever he went. He was educated and refined, yet plain and unassuming. His legal opinions were seldom reversed and among the members of the bar he was a favorite. He was a natural lawyer, loving the profession. He took pride in keeping pace with all that belongs to it and sought in his official capacity to mete out justice according to "law and evidence." regardless of fear or favor. While visiting in Chicago he died there and his remains were brought back to Clarinda for interment.

T. E. Clark was one of the leading lights of the fraternity, at Clarinda. He was a self-made lawyer. He studied with Hepburn & Morseman, com-

144 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

mencing in the fall of 1867, reading two years. He was admitted to the bar under Judge James G. Day and commenced practice as a partner of Captain Morseman. In the fall of 1881 he was elected senator from the seventh dis- trict and was the father of the noted "Clark Liquor Law." Notwithstanding his early career was cast in other lines, foreign to the legal calling, yet by hard study and close application he distinguished himself as a most excel- lent attorney, as well as a far-seeing political engineer, with his efforts aimed morally high. Mr. Clark died about 1901.

J. E. Hill, of Clark & Hill, who had previously been a soldier, farmed in Page county and had been clerk of the courts for several years, finally studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1884 under Judge D. D. Gregory. He opened an office in 1885 and has been a successful attorney ever since. He formed a partnership with Hon. T. E. Clark in 1887, which existed up to the time of Mr. Clark's death.

John R. Good, attorney and ex-mayor of Clarinda, was admitted to the bar in March, 1881, under Judge R. C. Henry, and moved to Lyons, Kansas, where he began practice. After six months he returned to Clarinda, associating himself with Judge N. B. Moore for six months, then opened up an office alone. He was also county attorney. Mr. Good left Clarinda some years since and is now a resident of Boise City, Idaho.

H. E. Parslow, a native of Ontario, Canada, came to Clarinda in 1875 and clerked for several years. In the fall of 1878 he entered the law depart- ment of the State University at Iowa City, Iowa, finishing his course in June, 1879. He then entered the law office of T. E. Clark, at Clarinda, and soon became a partner. This continued for two years and in October, 1881, he opened an office of his own and continued alone until January, 1884, when a new partnershij) was formed with his former partner, T. E. Clark. This existed until 1887, since which time he has practiced alone. He was city attorney in 1882-83.

Raymond Loranz was one of the leading members of the bar in Clar- inda. He was reared in Page county. When eighteen years of age he com- menced the study of law with T. E. Clark and was admitted to the bar in September, 1873. In 1875 he formed a partnership with T. E. Clark, the same lasting one year. He practiced alone until 1884, when he formed a partnership with his brother, Henry. They carried on an extensive busi- ness in law, loan and real estate. He occupied a good position at the bar and was mayor of Clarinda. LTnder his administration the waterworks was built. Later he was in the interior department at Washington, D. C. and now occupies a responsible position with the Inter State Commerce Commission.

PAGE COUNTY BAR OF TODAY.

CLARINDA.

H. H. Scott, H. E. Parslow, William Orr, T. F. Willis, Earl Peters, J. E. Hill, George I. Miller. C. W. Stewart, W. F. Stipe, A. B. Clark, W. A. Turner, Orville C. Greene and Will Anderson, Harlan township.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 145

iHENANDOAH.

W. P. Ferguson, jiulge superior court, Earl R. Ferguson, George H. Gastle, G. B. Jennings, J. L. Foster, Denver L. Wilson, Thomas W. Keenan, L. H. Mattox.

THE MEDICAL FRATERNITY.

During the past sixty years Page county has had a great number of Esculapius" followers, some imworthy the title of physician, and many others have been quite celebrated for their honesty and skilfulness in the healing art.

Dr. Alexander H. Farrens, one of Page county's very earliest settlers, first located in Buchanan township, then moved farther north along the ridge between the two Nodaway rivers and in 1856 came to Clarinda, where he died in March, 1858. The chances for a doctor were not then what they are now. Money was scarce and appliances hard to obtain, yet, though young, Dr. Farrens was naturally a physician and surgeon and was a suc- cessful practitioner of his day. Many of the early pioneer men and women here recall his visits and the relief and good cheer his coming brought to their sick ones.

Dr. James L. Barrett, the first thoroughly schooled medical practitioner in Page county, came to Clarinda in 1855 and was the first physician and surgeon at this place. He was born in Kentucky and reared in Indiana. He commenced the study of medicine in 1838. He was a man whom to meet was to respect and become attached to for his noble, generous im- pulses, as well as for his wonderful fund of general and classical knowledge of the great world in which he labored, not in vain, for over three score years. No better physician every practiced in Page county, and no more polite and genial companion ever graced the good society of Clarinda than Dr. Barrett, who was known far and near. He died several years ago.

James H. Conine was born in New Jersey on the 17th of August, 1827, and died at Dallas, Texas, September 3, 1874. At about twenty years of age he left his native state and made his home in Ohio. In that state he read medicine and attended medical lectures at Columbus. After the com- pletion of his studies he took up the practice of his profession in Mercer county, that state, and continued it with success for a period of about three years when, his health failing, he determined to remove farther west. He started with a team and buggy and arrived in Clarinda in April. 1856. There he began to recover his strength and entered upon the practice of his profession and continued with success until 1858. In that year he built a small business room on the lot now the site of Orth & Beckner's shoe store. In this room he put in a light stock of drugs, but fully sufficient for the wants of the community at that time, and gradually went out of the practice of medicine and confined himself exclusively to the drug busine'ss.

In 1857 there was a post or pole in front of what is now known as the Scott property on the north side of the square. This post supported a sign, shaped and made like the pictures we see of sign posts in front of

146 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

inns and taverns in old prints. The sign just mentioned was embellished with gold leaf letters. This was the first sign of the kind in the county. It bore the words, "Gait House," in imitation I presume of the famous hotel of that name in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1858 Dr. Conine put up a sign, "Drug Store," that was the first business sign that bore gold leaf let- ters in the county, and while it is an insignificant event in the life of that gentleman, it is somewhat indicative of the man. In all his building and improvements he had an eye to the beautiful and his buildings and im- provements were fully up to the standard of the time and country. In 1862 he built what was then the best dwelling house in the county and in 1868, just ten years after he began his business, he built and equipped the finest drug store in southwestern low'a, the building being the one now owned by Mrs. Parish, located on the northwest corner of the square.

At the time of Dr. Conine's arrival in Clarinda he was unquestionably the best educated and probably the best read man and furthest advanced in the studies of his profession of any physician in the county. In the earlv "60s he was a magnificent specimen of manhood, approximatelv six feet in height and weighing possibly two hundred pounds. He was of a dignified and pleasing appearance, kindly in disposition, affable in his man- ner, and would impress any one with the thought that he was a superior man. Notwithstanding his realization of the earnestness of life, he was fun-loving, enjoying sport and anecdote and in his way a mighty Nimrod. In the '60s many are the deer he brought home in his sleigh after a day's hunting, to share with his friends. He was an accumulator of property and in his day was considered a wealthy man. No one ever impugned his integrity or doubted his honesty. He never indulged in palavering or courting any one man. On the contrary, if he said anything, he was plain and outspoken, and in serious matters not disposed to mince words or shun the expression of his views. In 1873 Dr. Conine and his wife traveled extensively, to the end that his health might be improved, but finally reach- ing Dallas, Texas, he succumbed to his ailments on the morning of Sep- tember 3, 1874, being in the forty-seventh year of his age. His remains were deposited in the Clarinda cemetery, with Masonic honors.

Dr. H. C. Brandt came to Clarinda in the summer of 1855 to look after some land he was improving. He was enticed by the rolling and splendid land and finally concluded to remain here, and he was soon known as a most thorough gentleman and well schooled physician, who possessed the valuable knowledge gained from the best medical schools of Europe. His knowledge was not alone in medicine but he had gleaned much from the literary world. His time was divided between his old home in In- diana and Clarinda. He finally, having gained a competency, removed to Kansas City, [Missouri, where he enjoyed the fruits of an industrious and useful life.

Dr. Albert Heald came to Page county in 1858 and located in \'alley township. He came to Clarinda in 1859, ^"^ notwithstanding he was al- ready a victim of consumption himself, he practiced on. He was an able man and made many friends and few, if any, enemies. He died in 1863.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY U7

Tie was a brother of Mrs. X. L. \ an Sandt, and when his death occurred tlic entire community were numljered as mourners.

Dr. A. H. East came to Hawleyville in 1851, before that village had yet been platted. He had been reared in Indiana, learned the carpenter's trade and finally studied medicine. His schooling- in boyhood was in- cluded in two weeks, but by nature he was a physician. He was a remark- able man in that respect and he had much success both as a physician and expert surgeon. He was also somewhat of a lawyer as well as a physi- cian. He was at one time a member of the law firm of John R. ]*^Iorledge & Company, at Clarinda. In the latter days of Dr. East's life he was asso- ciated with Dr. Lewellen, which copartnership continued until the former's death about 1873.

Dr. Samuel H. Kridelbaugh, a native of Ohio but reared in Indiana, came to Iowa in April, 1855. locating at Clarinda in September of that year. He first learned the printer's trade, next entered the legal profes- sion and graduated from the Ohio Medical College in March, 1855. Until 1874 he practiced at Clarinda with marked success, but at that date his health gave way and he was incapacitated for further professional duty until lulv. 1880. when he again resumed the practice of medicine. The Doctor in early life was a writer of considerable note, having edited the Indiana Globe, the Hoosier, and Columbus (Ohio) Weekly Ledger. In Page county he was conspicuous in organizing the Southwestern Iowa Medical Association and in the establishment of the Page County Fair Association. In the last years of his life misfortune overtook him. He removed to Dakota and died there in 1883. Through the generous and noble impulses of Dr. X. L. \'an Sandt, his remains were brought to Clar- inda and buried midst the friends of other days.

Dr. E. T. Farrens, son of Dr. A. H. Farrens. another practicing physi- cian, whose birthplace was in Page county, is worthy of attention in this connection. He played under the trees of Clarinda in his childhood, at- tended tlie public schools and grew to manhood under the influences which now surround him. He read medicine with Dr. Enfield and graduated at the Missouri ^Medical College in St. Louis, after which he took up the practice of medicine in his home town.

Dr. J. K. Rickey came to Clarinda in the '80s, from Keokuk, Iowa. He had been in medical practice over fifty years and by reason of his wide range of observation and careful study, he was looked up to b}- many of his brethren in the profession. He was the inventor of an operating table which made him a blessing to thousands of physicians and surgeons in the land. He is now deceased.

Dr. H. L. Cokenower removed from Pleasant Plains, Illinois, to Clar- inda, in 1880. and he at once commenced to have a large practice and had one of the best paying ones in his county. All his life he had been a student and was till the latest hour of his life. He had a just pride in his profes- sion and si^ared neither pains nor expense in providing himself with the best appliances known in his art. He now rests in the Clarinda ceme- ter}'.

148 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Dr. A. G. Wall was one of the physicians who came to Clarinda sub- sequent to the war. He was a learned and scientific physician. When he began the study of medicine he possessed a thorough classical education, an advantage that will always place one in advance of one not thus schooled. All who knew him admired his elegant manners and high cul- ture. He was a great favorite with other physicians in Page county. The last known of him he was practicing in his native state, Pennsylvania.

Dr. P. W. Lewellen came to Page county in May, 1865. He did not come for the purpose of entering the fraternity of medical men but was impressed with the "goodly land" and finally commenced his practice at Clarinda. He was known far and near as a physician far above the average, indeed quite eminent and very reliable. He was a close student and philo- sophical reasoner in medical science, never satisfied with surface knowl- edge but to him the depths must be probed and seen in the clearly de- fined light of scientific reason. Not alone was he prominent in medicine but in politics as well. In 1878 the people of Page and Fremont counties elected him to the state senate, serving four years with unusual value and credit to his constituents. For several years he had been a member of the state board of health and a trustee of the Mount Pleasant Insane Hos- pital. When the Hospital for the Insane was established at Clarinda, partly through his executive ability, he was chosen as its superintendent, which position he held for a long time. He died several years ago.

Dr. N. L. Van Sandt first made his home in Clarinda in May, 1858. He came from Ohio and soon established a practice which continually in- creased. He came to be looked upon along with Dr. Barrett as a pioneer doctor, and both were respected by the great mass of the people in Page county. Countless thousands are the miles he had driven over this county, attending to those languishing on sick beds. He had been an active man in all enterprises and also a man of political history. He served as a representative in the Iowa legislature. He is now deceased.

Dr. W. C. Stillians came to Clarinda at quite an early date and at- tended the common schools. He was a modest, unassuming man. He was a graduate from one of the colleges of Chicago. He did not live to prac- tice long. Had Providence been more kind he would today have been foremost among the ]:)hysicians of this county.

Dr. W. H. Vance practiced at Clarinda a number of years. He was a graduate of the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis.

Dr. W. H. Pittman came to Clarinda in February, 1886. He attended the Cincinnati Medical College in 1872 and the medical department of the University of Tennessee in 1879, and also the Medical College of New York in 1882. He succeeded well here, having the reputation of being a careful, painstaking physician. He left Clarinda several years ago for other fields of usefulness.

Dr. M. Enfield came to Clarinda in 1873. He graduated in that year from Rush Medical College of Chicago. He was numbered among the best physicians of this section and had traveled many thousands of miles over the hills and dales of Page county during all sorts of weather and

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 149

roads. His mind was richly stored with useful information concerning his chosen profession and he was always possessed with courage to speak and do his true convictions. He lies buried in the Clarinda cemetery.

Dr. T. E. Powers, another of Clarinda's physicians, was born in Page county, educated in her public schools and attended the Missouri Medical College at St. Louis, graduating from the same about 1881. He then commenced the practice of medicine at the home of his boyhood and now enjoys a successful and lucrative practice. (See sketch.)

A. M. Stearns, M. D., a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College of the class of 1877, commenced the practice of medicine in Kansas and came to Essex, Page county, Iowa, in 1878.

Dr. W. T. West, a graduate of Keokuk Medical College, February 24, 1884, practiced at Clayton, Illinois, until July, 1887, when he removed to Shenandoah, Page county, Iowa, where he became pastor of the Christian church. In January, 1890, he removed to Essex, Iowa, and resumed the practice of medicine.

W. H. C. Moore, M. D., after a five years' literary course at Mon- mouth College, Illinois, and Union College, New York, took a medical course at the Michigan University, also at Rush Medical College, Chicago, graduating at the latter January 25, 1867. He at once engaged in prac- tice at Savanna and Canton, Illinois, where he continued four years and then removed to Essex and vicinity, where he has lived and practiced ever since. He is a man of much intelligence and a skilled physician.

"Dr." G. W. Wright was known in and around Essex as a physician of considerable note. He was not a thorough graduate but had some native ability and had a hankering for relieving sufifering humanity.

Dr. O. M. Burhans began practice in Essex in 1871. He was a graduate of Rush Medical College in 1878. He continued practice at Essex until 1883, when he removed to Hazelhurst, Nebraska.

Dr. J. N. Page practiced at Essex from 1873 until 1877.

Dr. Dunlap practiced from 1875 until 1877.

Dr. Goodrich, homeopathic, practiced at Essex in 1876-77.

Dr. E. Eckerson came to Essex in 1878, following the regular practice until 1889, and then removed to Denver, Colorado. He was a graduate of Buffalo (New York) Medical College.

The pioneer physician to locate at Shenandoah was Dr. B. M. Webster, who removed to Manti, Fremont county, Iowa, in 1870. He was a graduate of Rush Medical College, at Chicago. He remained at Shenandoah until 1875, when he saw a better field at the new village of Essex and there en- gaged in the banking business in a small way. He was a great money maker and soon made a fortune. In 1888 he moved to Council Bluffs.

The next man to establish himself in the practice of medicine at Shen- andoah was Dr. H. P. Duffield, a Rush Medical College graduate of much ability.

Dr. G. J. Ross, now of Sioux City, came next. He was from a Cincin- nati eclectic school and soon became a partner of Dr. ^M^iting. at Shen- andoah.

150 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Dr. Whiting was one of Shenandoah's physicians of a Cincinnati electric school and was a successful practitioner.

Dr. J. W. Humphrey came to Shenandoah next. He was of the new school and quite successful.

Dr. E. K. Bailey enjoyed a lucrative practice at Shenandoah. He gradu- ated from the Chicago Medical College in 1877 and first commenced to practice at Hepburn, Page county, Iowa, but soon removed to Shenandoah, where he built up a good practice by virtue of his ability and general man- liness. Both he and his wife were greatly respected in Page county. Mrs. Bailey was a well known worker in the temperance cause in Iowa, both as a lecturer and writer.

Dr. D. L. Allen, a good physician and surgeon, came to Shenandoah in 1881. He was a graduate of Long Island, New York. He was very skill- ful and admired by all. He died of consumption when thirty-six years of age, January 24, 1884, at Princeton, Kansas, leaving an estimable wife and one child.

Dr. F. E. Stevens, homeopathic, was the next to enter the role of phy- sician at this point. He graduated at low^a City, Iowa.

Dr. Hester located at Shenandoah in 1884. He was from a St. Louis medical school and was counted a good doctor. He later removed to Glen- wood, Iowa.

Dr. Bolton, homeopathic, who came from Canton, Illinois, practiced a short time at Shenandoah and then went west.

Dr. Wright came from Canton, Illinois, in 1880. He was a well read student in medicine and was a very successful practitioner. He had been in the army during the rebellion and had become a wreck through army life and finally ended his career by suiciding with a revolver.

The next to locate at Shenandoah was one of the present physicians, Dr. Sutton, who came from La Harpe, Illinois, in 1888, and formed a co- partnership with Dr. Whiting.

Another "doctor" (?), who should not be forgotten in history, is Wil- liam Crawford, an "Indian doctor," who died at Shenandoah in 1889, aged eighty years. He came to Page county in 1880 and claimed to have prac- ticed sixty years. He had attended medical lectures at Cincinnati, Ohio, and Iowa City, Iowa, also traveled among the North American Indian tribes. He was fairly successful, but perhaps a more careless, uncouth man never lived in Page county.

The physicians who have been from time to time located at the village of Coin are as follows :

Dr. A. H. King, Dr. A. T. Rice, Dr. J. C. Burton, Dr. J. W. Cox, Dr. J. A. Gillispie (eclectic), Dr. S. L. Claybaugh and Dr. F. L. Brackett.

Dr. A. H. King graduated at Keokuk Medical College from the class of [879 and at once located at Snow Hill, Page county, a mile from where Coin now^ stands. In the fall of 1879 he moved to Coin, where he still practices.

Dr. J. A. Gillispie was at one time Coin's principal physician. He grad- uated from Des Moines College April 17. 1888.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 151

Among those who have floated in and out of the village of Northboro, may be named Dr. William L. Freeman, who remained two years ; C. V. Beaver, M. D., who remained two years and went to Hepburn; Dr. J. Whit- tier, homeopathic, who was here only a few months ; and Dr. S. L. Clay- baugh, who remained a year and removed to Yorktown.

At Blanchard were Dr. J. W. Holliday and Dr. G. A. Pruitt. The former came in 1882 and the latter in 1884. Dr. Allan also practiced at Blanchard.

Others having practiced at Blanchard are Dr. Rogers, who came in 1880. Dr. J. \'. Ilightol came the same year. In 1882 came Dr. J. M. Livingstone, Dr. J. W. Chambers, Dr. J. W. Holliday and Dr. M. Carter. The above were all allopathic physicians ; also Dr. A. W. Davies, now at College Springs.

At the village of Hepburn have practiced Drs. Case, Bailey, Williams, Jackson, Beaver, Oliver, McColm, Sams, Dodds and Mrs. E. J. Carlson.

The present administrator of medicine at Braddyville is A. F. Large.

DECEASED PHYSICIANS OF PAGE COUNTY.

The physician's life is one of the most strenuous and, in most instances, he lays down his life in the service of his fellow-man. As a rule he has little control over his own time but must go to the bedside of a patient at a moment's notice. Especially is it true of the country practitioner that he endures the stress of weather and the toil of travel over roads many times almost impassable. He leads the "strenuous life" and goes the way of all flesh, practically worn out and many times prematurely by reason of his inordinate activity. Through the courtesy of Herbert H. Scott, of Clarinda, the following list of physicians whose remains lie peacefully and at rest in the Clarinda cemetery is here given :

George Kridelbaugh, Alex Farrens, John Kridelbaugh, Albert Heald, A. H. East, J. H. Cameron, J. H. Conine, J. C. Holmes, J. I. Stillians, S. H.

Kridelbaugh, J. L. Barrett, Jeffrey, J. K. Rickey, H. L. Cokenower,

N. L. \'an Sandt, M. Enfield, S. H. Millen, P. W. Lewellen, Shaw and

P. Herren.

MEDIC.A.L SOCIETIES IN PAGE COUNTY.

Dr. Samuel H. Kridelbaugh is given the honor of having started the first medical society in Page county. This took place at Clarinda, February 10, 1866, when the Southwestern Iowa Medcal Society was organized. A full description of the society cannot be given from the fact that the records were destroyed by fire in 1869. This society was very popular with its members and its jurisdiction extended over Page, Montgomery, Adams and Taylor counties. The society met for mutual improvement, read papers and discussed medical topics in general. Delegates were also sent annually to the State Medical Society, where much valuable information was obtained for discussion in the local society. Among those who acted as presidents of this organization may be mentioned : Drs. Samuel H. Kridelbaugh, N. L. \'an Sandt, B. M. Webster, P. W. Lewellen, James W. Martin, H. A.

152 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

McFatrick, J. B. McCartney, M. Enfield, J. L. Barrett, J. C. Holmes, W. C. Stillians.

For some reason not known to the writer the association went into "innocuous desuetude" in 1880.

THE PAGE COUNTY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

June 19, 1903, the Page County Medical Association was org"anized, with fifteen members as follows : C. E. Kellogg, R. J. C. Dodds, G. A. Pruitt, A. H. King, J. A. Gillispie, G. L. Smith, F. J. Driver, R. H. Sutton, C. F. Perkins, S. E. McClymounds, Albert F. Caldwell, R. J. Matthews, T. E. Powers, R. George and C. C. Parriott.

Dr. J. A. Gillispie was selected as the first president ; Dr. R. J. C. Dodds, vice president ; and Dr. C. F. Perkins as secretary and treasurer. The present officers are : President, Dr. R. H. Sutton ; vice president, Dr. G. L. Smith ; secretary, Edward Luke. The following is a list of physicians now practicing in the cities and towns of Page county, all of whom are mem- bers of this society:

J. F. Aldrich, Shenandoah ; Dr. Benning, Shambaugh ; F. H. Clarke, Clarinda ; A. W. Davies, Blanchard ; R. J. C. Dodds, removed to California; F. J. Driver, Shenandoah; J. D. Elliott, Hawleyville; M. L. English, re- moved to Colorado; E. T. Farrens, Clarinda; C. E. Fish, Clarinda; Clara M. Hayden, Clarinda ; C. L. Jones, Shenandoah ; C. E. Kellogg, Shenandoah ; D. H. Killingsworth, Clarinda ; A. H. King, Coin ; Frank L. King, Clarinda ;

A. F. Large, Braddyville ; Pauline M. Leader, Clarinda ; Edward Luke, Coin; S. E.. McClymounds, College Springs; M. C. Mackin, Clarinda; R. J. Matthews, Clarinda; Roy Moon, Clarinda; W. H. C. Moore, Essex; E. R. Monzingo, removed ; O. W. Okerlin, Essex ; A. W. Parker, Essex ; C. C. Parriott, Essex; W. C. Phillips, Clarinda; T. E. Powers, Clarinda; G. A. Pruitt, Blanchard; T. L. Putman, Shenandoah; R. W. Robb, Blanchard;

B. B. Sandy, Shenandoah; H. W. Scales, Yorktown; J. W. Sellards, Clar- inda; A. M. Sherman, Braddyville; G. L. Smith, Shenandoah; W. F. Stot- ler, Shenandoah ; R. H. Sutton, Shenandoah ; J. E. Swanson, Essex ; J. R. Thompson, Northboro ; Richard Wallace, Norwich ; W. W. West, Hep- burn ; J. W. Wherry, removed ; M. E. Witte, Clarinda.

THE PRESS OF PAGE COUNTY.

There are but few deeds of either crime or benevolence which man can enact in America today that through the medium of the electric wire and printing press may not be known and read of all men before the going down of another sun. H one wishes to succeed in business enterprises he must consult the daily and weekly press. If one hopes to be well posted in regard to any given line of thought or action he must be the subscriber of a journal (their name is legion) edited especially for his own calling. Every trade, profession, school, science, art and calling, now has its own organ talking and arguing its specialty to the multitude through the medium of the press.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 153

To the average citizen none of these publications is sought after more, or in reality of so intrinsic value, as the county paper, wherein the local events together with the general news of the entire globe is found in clear, concise printed form each week. Iowa has ever been noted for her excellent newspapers and indeed the press is an index of the population of any community.

Page county is not wanting in this direction. Indeed she has been well supplied with excellent journals, some of which have attained a state wide reputation for their sparkling brilliancy and are quoted from not unfre- quently. The newspapers have done more toward building up commerce, settlement and general business and social prosperity than any other ten causes. What were the soil with all its richness and the business advantages of this locality without the local press to tell the glad tidings abroad? Would the county have been spanned by a network of wires and girded by a network of steel rails had it not been for the good work of the press, molding public opinion? Would the magnificent court house and churches have been in existence had the local press been silent?

THE CLARINDA HERALD.

The first attempt at journalism in Page county was the founding of the Page County Plerald, the first issue of which bore date of May 24, 1859. C. B. Shoemaker & Company were proprietors of this pioneer news sheet, whose forthcoming heralded a new era in the growth of the county. The founders had been running a paper over at Sidney, in Fremont county in 1858, and removed to Clarinda, the field seeming more favorable. The Herald was a six column folio, all home print, for that was before patent ready print or "plates" were even dreamed of. Its politics was republican. Considering the newness of all things in Page county at that date, this paper was a very newsy and well managed local paper, ever alive to the interests of Clarinda and the entire county. When first established it enjoyed but four columns of advertisements and as the whole population was less than four thousand, the subscription list was very small and profit- less to the publishers. April 5, 1861, C. B. Shoemaker purchased his brother's interest and thus became sole proprietor. He continued to publish the Plerald until he entered the Union army in defense of the country he so dearly loved, in September, 1862, as major of the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry. At the close of volume three Mr. Shoemaker congratulated himself as follows regarding the Herald:

"It has been three years since we commenced the publication of the Herald at Clarinda, and those three years have been through the most wretched times, financially, that this generation has ever known. And no class of business men has sufifered more than the publishers of newspapers. Fully one-half of the local papers of Iowa have failed to make their regular issues, while at least one-fourth have failed entirely. During this time this judicial district has had fifteen papers but today only seven are found 'alive.' It afifords us no little pleasure to reflect that we have been able to keep afloat

154 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

amidst such general work. It has cost us an effort — a great one too, and if the good public will stand by us in the future as in the past, we expect to keep the Herald afloat. We have lived to see our county furnish more men in the present war than any other county in Iowa, considering its popula- tion. We have lived to see her one of the most prosperous and highly re- spected counties of the state and we have also lived to see her entitled to an independent member in the state legislature. We think we have aided in all these accomplishments and other objects of equal value we expect to use the influence of the press for, if enabled to continue the publication of the Herald."

Three months after writing the above he entered the army, leaving T. R. Stockton in charge of his paper, who conducted it until 1864, when Mr. Shoemaker sold the oftice to W. T. Smith, who changed the name to the Southwestern Observer, and published it as such for one year, when it be- came the property of Messrs. Horndobler & Aldrich. They had charge one year, when it passed into the hands of Irad Richardson, who changed it back to the Page County Herald.

November 7, 1866, George H. Powers bought a half interest in the plant and the following January he purchased Richardson's half and con- ducted the paper alone until July 3, 1867, when he sold a half interest to Colonel W. P. Hepburn. In March, 1868, Colonel Hepburn leased his interest to W. E. Loy for the term of one year. In June, 1869, Mr. Powers purchased Hepburn's interest in the paper, remaining in charge and con- ducting it ably until April, 1871, when he leased it to Lowry & Mclntire, who consolidated the paper with the Republican. The latter part of January, 1 871, Lowry & Mclntire established a journal known as the Republican, sev- eral of the partv leaders -having became dissatisfied with the management of the Herald. The new paper was named from both and called the Republican and Herald, with James Lowry as its editor. He was more than an average newspaper man and very soon his organ became the liveliest sheet in south- western Iowa. He remained in charge until February, 1872, when George H. Powers again resumed control and dropped the word Republican from the title of the paper. May 12, 1874. the entire plant was destroyed by fire. The loss was great, but still full of pluck Mr. Powers was soon reestablished and doing business on a better basis than ever. In February, 1875, Powers sold to Ralph Robinson, who conducted the paper until October, 1876, when C. B. Shoemaker, its founder, returned and bought the office. He con- tinued to conduct it until his death, October 23, 1877. From that date to March, 1878, it was edited by T. E. Clark, who was an efficient manager and a forcible writer. In March, 1878, J. W. Chaffin bought the plant and assumed control. He enlarged it to a nine column folio and changed the name to The Clarinda Herald. It underwent various changes, during which time J. E. Hill managed and owned a part of it. June 24, 1885, C. A. Lisle bought Mr. Hill's half interest, after which the firm was Barker & Lisle. This continued until May i, 1886, when the paper plant and job department were divided. Lisle retaining the paper, and Barker the job busi-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 155

ness. The following winter and on January 29, 1886, the combined oftice was totally destroyed by fire.

The plant had just removed to new quarters when the fire fiend claimed the whole block in which the Herald was published, including the hotel, which stood where the Linderman now stands. The Herald was soon "on its feet" and doing a better business than ever. New material, a power cylinder press, with a Dexter folder, was put in, together with an engine and other machinery to make a No. i printing house. The plant is now one of Iowa's best and enjoys a larger circulation than any other county paper in Iowa. In size and form it is now a six column quarto, all home print. Its publica- tion day is Thursday. It is. and always has been, the leading official paper for Page county and he has always been a radical republican.

THE PAGE COUNTY DEMOCRAT.

The Page County Democrat was the second newspaper established in this county. Its first issue came from the press full of fresh news items and stanch democratic doctrines, during the month of August, 1868. It was established by James Arrick, who conducted it until December, when Newton C. Ridenour purchased the office and at once assumed the editorship of the paper. At first it was a seven column folio. From that form it took that of a five column quarto and then was enlarged to an eight column paper.

It is the only real democratic paper ever published in Page county and as such has been a stanch advocate. Running a successful democratic paper in the midst of a county whose usual republican majorities range from six to eight hundred and sometimes a thousand, is no light task. Especially is this true where its editor is outspoken and fearless in the defense of his party principles, as this journal editor ever has been.

Aside from politics, a glance at the Democrat files leads one to believe that Mr. Ridenour was a natural born chronicler of local events and one who ever worked for Page county's best interests. No factor began to have the power and influence in inducing the various railroads to locate their lines through this country that did the editorial suggestions found in this paper. The beautiful temple of justice, the court house, the magnificent school buildings and church edifices have all been aided and made certain by the potent voice of the newspapers of Clarinda, none of which cut a more conspicuous part than did the Democrat. It never gave quarter to "moss- backs" but always encouraged those who sought to build up enterprises.

In its earlier days the Democrat had hard pulling and but few would ever have survived. The county officials, who were republicans, gave the most of the county printing to their own organ, which gave them much financial aid. Mr. Ridenour worked early and late for success and was quoted from throughout the entire state. Not until the national democratic party was successful in the election of President Cleveland did the editor of the Democrat ever gain a farthing for the advocacy of democratic princi- ples. Upon the change of administration he was made postmaster at Clar-

156 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

inda. It was operated by Cooper & Ridenour a short time, then Ridenour sold his share to a Mr. Howard, who in turn sold to Robinson. In the spring of 1889 it was changed to a six column quarto and run on a Potter power press. Its subscription price is a dollar and a half a year. Its publica- tion day is Thursday.

THE CLARINDA JOURNAL.

The Clarinda Journal was established in 1893 by J. P. Kenea and Edwin C. Lane, who moved to Clarinda from La Cygne, Kansas, where they had been the publishers of the La Cygne Journal. Messrs. Kenea and Lane have both made the printing and publishing business their life work. The first few years' experience of Mr. Kenea as a printer was had in The Wis- consin State Journal office at Madison, where he became familiar with the mechanical part of daily newspaper work and with typographical details in state printing contracts. Mr. Lane gained his early experience in printing in one of the best of printers' schools, a country newspaper office, that of The Kendall County Record, at Yorkville, Illinois. In 1870 Mr. Kenea became one of the founders of The Journal at La Cygne, Kansas, and in 1875 Mr. Lane joined him as one of the editors and pubHshers of that paper. The partnership formed in 1875 by these gentlemen under the firm name of Kenea & Lane has continued uninterrupted to the present time (1909) and promises to exist indefinitely, subject only to the limitations of human life.

The founding of The Clarinda Journal by these gentlemen was due to their conclusion after a long consideration of the subject of a, change of location, from a purely business standpoint. Although strangers to Clar- inda and Page county this city and county appealed to them as the most inviting in comparison with every other location under their consideration. At the same time they received the slightest possible encouragement from Clarinda people in regard to the starting of a new newspaper here ; in fact, the advice against so doing was general. Messrs. Kenea & Lane, however, were not discouraged. They discussed with each other over and over again all the obstacles likely to be encountered in their project, planned to meet them, and, self reliant, determined that ultimately they were bound to suc- ceed. They could not estimate with exactness the length of the cam- paign but were convinced that it would have but one outcome, and that a victory confirmatory of their expectations. Thus it has proven to be.

Messrs. Kenea & Lane sold the subscription list and advertising con- tracts of their Kansas newspaper and moved their printing office equipment in a carload lot to Clarinda. This printing equipment was installed in a portion of the second floor of the Orth building at the southeast comer of the square, which they had rented and for which they paid rent for two months before they moved into it.

The first issue of The Clarinda Journal was dated Saturday, September 23, 1893. It had little advertising but much Clarinda local news. In policy it entered heartily into the spirit of Clarinda movements, from a Clarinda standpoint, and politically it upheld straight republicanism, es-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 157

pousing the cause of the straight repubhcan ticket, arguing for the elec- tion of Frank D. Jackson, repubhcan, to succeed Horace Boies, democrat, as the governor of Iowa, and also advocating the election of every repubh- can nominee before the voters of Page county. Straight republicans from principle, Messrs. Kenea & Lane in every campaign have invariably ad- vocated in The Clarinda Journal the election of the straight republican ticket. At the same time thev have endeavored to avoid makin"- The Clarinda Journal personally offensive to voters of other political beliefs than their own.

The first issue of The Clarinda Journal was received with popular favor and the publication immediately began doing a good business. Its job printing department earliest became the most profitable, but scK^n adver- tising and subscriptions returned a steadily increasing financial volume. With the passing of the years the business of The Clarinda Journal has annually become better. Starting with an edition of one thousand copies, most of which were given away as samples, the circulation of the paper soon went to subscribers instead of being given away. For over twelve years past a regular weekly edition of more than two thousand copies has been necessary, all but a very small percentage of each edition being used for paid subscriptions, the small balance being disposed of in the manner usual with established publications.

The advertising matter carried by The Clarinda Journal has been and is so great in quantity as to cause universal comment among people inter- ested in such a matter. It is one of the best patronized advertising medi- ums of any country county seat towns — from thirty to thirty-five columns of advertising in an edition is a common thing, while forty or fifty columes a week would be no surprise to the publishers at certain times in the year — or even sixty columns.

The Clarinda Journal is fortunate in being in favor with the farming as well as the town population of Page county, and derives the greater pro- portion of its support in consequence of the friendliness toward it enter- tained by the farmers and farmers' families. The Clarinda Journal is ex- ceedingly popular as an advertising medium for farmers, and during the public sale season carries more auction advertising than any other news- paper in this portion of Iowa.

The Clarinda Journal became an official newspaper of Page county soon after it was founded and has steadily remained such.

The entire upper floor of the building in which The Clarinda Journal was started, — a structure one hundred feet in length, — is now exclusively occupied by the publication ; its equipment has been frequently added to and improved ; old material discarded for new, and opportunity often im- proved to make use of modern appliances. The Clarinda Journal was the first newspaper in southwestern Iowa, outside of Creston, to purchase a typesetting machine. The Clarinda Journal equipment of 1893, counted ample in those days, was like a sample of part of what it is today.

The Clarinda Journal was started as an eight-column folio newspaper. Soon it was changed to a nine-column folio, and not very long afterward to

158 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

a regulation size six-column quarto. Extra pages have been issued as occasion has required them. During the earlier period of the Spanish- American war the paper issued a daily edition, with telegraphic news serv- ice. It has also been in the habit of issuing a daily edition while the Clarinda Chautauqua Assembly has been in session. Twice the day of issue of the The Clarinda Journal has been changed: first from Saturday to Friday, and in December, 1908, from Friday to Thursday. Both changes were made for suitable reasons — the last of them for the better accommo- dation of Clarinda advertising merchants.

Messrs. Kenea & Lane as the publishers of The Clarinda Journal have given their newspaper and job printing business the closest of personal attention, have made their home field — -that of city and county — ^their first consideration, have applied strict business principles to the conduct of their business and have steadily maintained its financial credit as rigidly as if it were a banking" institution. From the first, and continuously. The Clarinda Journal the exclusive property of Kenea & Lane, has received from them in its conduct and management, the most faithful, intelligent and judicious attention, and so they have been rewarded by success phenomenal in coun- try newspaper making.

THE SENTINEI.-POST, SliENAXDOAH.

The Sentinel-Post, located at Shenandoah, is the largest newspaper published in Page county, printing two eight-page papers each week, and has the largest printing plant in the county. As the name indicates, it is the result of the consolidation of two newspaper plants, The Sentinel and The Post.

The Post was established in 1882, by C. S. Hanley, who made it an influential organ of the republican party in the early eighties, and one of the official papers of the county. In 1887 Mr. Hanley turned his energies to religious work and the paper passed into the hands of Blake & West, who conducted it for a few years and then Ijenjamin Clare became proprietor and editor and published it until 1902. During that year a corporation, known as The Post Publishing Company, was organized and purchased the plant and good will of the old Post and its passed under an entire clianc;e of management, H. E. Deater becoming the editor-in-chief and manager. The Post continued under this management until April, 1905, when it was consolidated with the Sentinel.

The Sentinel was started in the fall of 1887, by C. N. Marvin, who con- tinued as sole owner until about 1900, when The Sentinel Publishing Com- pany was organized, with Marvin as the principal stockholder, and this company continued until April i, 1905, when the consolidation above re- ferred to was efifected.

The Sentinel had been one of the official papers of the county since 1880 and (luring its entire career had enjoyed a large circulation and in- fluence. The Post had also built up a large circulation, and the rivalry letween the two papers and their adherents tended to promote a factional

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 161

division of the republican party in Shenandoah and Page county, as well as financial loss to both. The consolidation of the two papers was brought about by the advice of influential republicans and the good sense of the chief stockholders of the two companies.

The Sentinel-Post Company, as organized in the spring of 1905, in- cluded the stockholders of both the old companies, who surrendered their old stock and took stock in the new company pro rata. The capital stock authorized was $25,ocx), of which $22,500 was issued, and thus it remains today. C. N. Marvin was elected president and manager, J. M. Hussey, vice-president ; and H. E. Deater, secretary and assistant manager. The other two members of the board of directors were U. G. Reininger and Class Nordstrom. The same officers and board of directors have been chosen from year to year, except that George Bogart took the place of Mr. Reininger on the board, the latter having sold his stock. The present stock- holders are : C. N. Marvin, H. E. Deater, George Bogart, J. M. Hussey, Class Nordstrom, C. F. Crose, W. P. Crose, E. S. Welch, J. J. Dunnegan, John Toft, John T. Toft, George R. Morse, O. H. Frink, E. J. Andrews, Miss Merze Marvin, the J. W. Alden estate and the C. L. LeBarron estate.

The Sentinel-Post does a business of $16,000 to $20,000 per year and pays a small dividend to its stockholders. In the winter of 1905-6 the plants of the old Sentinel and the old Post were both moved into a com- modious new building, 45 by 100 feet, with basement and gallery, con- structed especially for the Sentinel-Post by the owner, C. N. Marvin. The building is splendidly lighted and provided with all the modern conveni- ences— electric power and lights, steam-heat, water, gas and sewers, and a large double-deck vault. The type is set by a standard Mergenthaler lino- type machine. Three cylinder presses, three platen presses, folder, power- cutter and power-stitcher are kept in use.

The paper is issued twice a week, Tuesdays and Fridays, eight pages, all home-print, republican in politics, price $1.50 per year.

THE SHENANDOAH WORLD.

This was the third newspaper to be established in Shenandoah, the first issue appearing September 24, 1891. The founders were C. H. Benford and Fred Harrison, both of them young men of Shenandoah, who under- took this work in response to requests of the democrats of this vicinity, that party having no representative paper in the city. About six months after the establishment of the paper, Harrison sold his interests to another young Shenandoah man, H. M. West, who assumed editorial charge, the firm name being West & Benford. At this time, the office was located under the old La Fayette hotel building, corner of Sheridan avenue and Blossom street. For some time they had no press of their own but used that of the Sentinel. At this time, the paper was a four-page folio. More pages have been added as occasion required, until the regular issue now is of eight pages.

162 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

A little later the office was moved across the street into a small frame building, just west of the Hedges block, and then another move was made later to a frame building standing just a few doors west of the present lo- cation. At this time, the proprietors purchased a press of their own, an old-fashioned Mann hand-cylinder, which served them until they again moved across the street, into a building just east of the First National bank, when they got a Prouty, later exchanging this on a Potter, which is still in use. In 1898, Benford sold his interest to West, who then had full ownership and who continued as active editor until he sold the plant to two brothers, F. A. and F. J. Brown, early in the year of 1899. They were proprietors and editors until January. 1900, when they sold out to J. I. Brorby. The latter soon re-sold to G. A. Browm and Brown was the owner until September, 1901, when the present proprietor and editor, W. D. Jamieson, formerly of Columbus Junction, Iowa, purchased the plant.

Mr. Jamieson's interest in politics presently made him prominent among the democrats of this district and, in 1906, he was elected a member of the state senate, though the district is ordinarily overwhelmingly republican. Two years later, in 1908, he was elected as congressman from this, the eighth district, and took his seat in the lower house of the national con- gress on the 4th of March, 1909, resigning his office of senator in order to go to Washington. This district is also usually strongly republican in politics and Mr. Jamieson was the first democrat ever elected to this office, and he has the further honor of being the only democratic member from Iowa in the present congress. His political duties have caused him to be absent from Shenandoah a good part of the time, but he has always directed the policy of the newspaper, having assistants in the office to take care of that part of the work he has been unable to do himself.

The World has always been stanchly democratic in politics — in fact, the original name was "The Democratic World." The word, "Democratic," was later dropped from the title and the name for a while was "The World ;" then it was again changed to "The Twice-a-Week World" and later this was changed to the present title. For a number of years after being started, the paper was issued as a weekly but about fifteen years ago it was changed to a semi-weekly and so continues, being published on each Tuesday and Friday.

The policy of the present editor is clearly set out in his expression of the desire to have a good, local newspaper, "democratic, decent and de- pendable" and it is generally regarded to be fairly well fulfilling this part.

THE ESSEX INDEPENDENT.

Fred L. Ellis founded the Essex Independent, February 9, 1894, and conducted the paper with indififerent success alone until May 18. 1894, when G. G. Rathbone was taken in by him as partner and they conducted the paper until September 7th of that year, when the plant was sold to Robert I. Dugdale and Nate G. Miller. Dugdale & Miller continued the pubUcation of The Independent until June 12, 1897, when Mr. Dugdale

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 163

retired and Miller was the editor until January 4, 1909. At this time he sold the paper to l*>ank P. Rotton, who is now its present editor and proprietor. The Independent is a six-column quarto, published on Friday, and has a splendid advertising- and subscription ])atrc)nage. It is one of the important newspapers of Page county.

rriSTORY OF PAGE COUNTY NEWSPAPERS.

The tirst paper published in Page county was a small sheet issued by the students of Amity College in 1858. Not much is known about it. The first real paper and the oldest in the county is the Clarinda Herald, which celebrated its fiftieth anniversary May 24, 1909. Its history has been check- ered and eventful ; it has changed hands often and twice was burned out, rising each time vigorously from its own ashes. It has improved with age as all good things do, and is more ably conducted now tlian ever before, although in the past it has had lawyers, preachers and a member of congress on its editorial staiT. The first proprietors of the Herald were C. B. Shoemaker & Company, who moved a plant from Sidney. Mr. Shoemaker enlisted in the Union army and was succeeded by T. R. Stockton. Following him in the order named came W. T. Smith, Horndobler & Aldrich, Irad Richardson, George H. Powers, W. P. Hepburn (1867), W. E. Loy, Lowery and Mc- Intire, Ralph Robinson, C. B. Shoemaker, T. E. Clark, J. W. Chaffin, J. E. Hill and C. A. Lisle.

The Clarinda Democrat was started in August, 1868, and is therefore the second oldest paper in the county. Its founder was James Arrack, who conducted it until December, when he sold it to N. C. Ridenour. Mr. Riden- our continued to be its guiding genius till he sold it in 1889 to its present owner, A. E. Robinson. For a year or two just previous to this transfer, Hugh L. Cooper bought a half interest of Mr. Ridenour but had little or no editorial control, managing the mechanical department only. Practically, therefore, two men have controlled the Democrat during all the forty-one years of its existence. It has always been a very good local paper but never aggressive.

In 1879 J- J- Moulton started a greenback paper in Clarinda. called the Nodaway Chief. At the end of two years he sold the press and material to J. W. Hill and L. S. Hanna, who founded the Journal, a republican paper that for a time was a formidable rival of the Herald. Hill sold out and went to Beatrice. Nebraska, and afterwards to Texas, where he died thir- teen years ago. Mr. Hanna was taken with consumption and died in the south, his paper being leased by Bailey & Skeed. The Journal went through several changes and finally died.

The Coin Mint was established January i. 1881 — the first paper in Coin. Arthur Rosellc was editor but not owner and it died the following July. In November, 1881, Mr. Roselle founded the Coin Eagle, a green- back paper. It afterwards became the Gazette and is now edited by Evert Stewart. It is a seven-column quarto. Coin also had another paper called the Courier, republican in politics. It was owned by Dr. Cokenower, of

164 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Clarinda, and edited by A. A. Thompson, who quit journahsm to become a Methodist minister. The Courier passed into other hands and died after a run of about two years.

Clarinda also had another paper — the Daily Evening Star — by A, S. Bailey. It ran quite successfully for two years and a half, beginning about Christmas, 1881. The material of the office was bought by F. C. Barker and became part of the Herald job office. The thirty-six-point rim shaded type used in Herald display ads was a part of the Daily Star outfit.

Shenandoah has quite a newspaper history to relate. Before the Sentinel came on the scene, three others had been founded and gone under the sod.

The first paper in Shenandoah was the Reporter, started in August, 1871, by M. Nicholson and D. R. Gaft. James McCabe bought Nicholson's inter- est and it was then McCabe & Gaff, proprietors. George W. Gunnison bought it December i. 1874. He enlarged and improved it. The next year it passed to the ownership of Mentzer Brothers and was leased to one Patterson, who changed it from a republican to a democratic paper. Mr. Gunnison ag'ain got control of it and moved the material to Sidney.

The Republican was started in September, 1877, by W. H. Copson and D. R. Gaff. It prospered, grew from an eight-column sheet to a nine- column. In 1887 it suspended and the press and material were sold to the Clarinda Herald, after the latter was destroyed by the Linderman block fire.

Both the Reporter and Republican were excellent papers, nicely printed and well edited and seemingly they might have lived to this day. But news- paper life, like human life, is uncertain and all the explanation that can be given is — destiny. Yet one other explanation may be suggested. In August, 1882, C. S. Hanley started the Post. It was by far the brightest, newsiest, ablest paper Shenandoah had then seen. Its success was phe- nomenal. It aspired to be a county paper and really gained a circulation all over the county, won the county printing and seemed destined to be THE paper for Shenandoah for all time. When in June, 1887, Mr. Hanley sud- denly abandoned secular journalism to enter upon a religious life, his fellow journalists of the county thought he had gone plum crazy. Now, after twenty-two years, it may be that after all he was the saner man.

Blanchard has had her ups and downs in the newspaper btisiness. The first venture of the kind in the state line town was the Blanchard Record, which was started soon after the town was platted. It thrived for a time and the inviting field caused another, the State Line Leader, to locate. Sharp competition killed both papers. They were succeeded by the Sentinel, pub- lished for a time by E. H. Winney and later by Deater & Winney. It, too, went the way of the good. Then came the Blade, published by E. J. Orr, which continued for several years and was succeeded by the Photo, by U. G. Reininger. The Photo was sold and two weeks later burned. Soon after the State Line Llerald was founded by Rev. Burr, who within a year sold it to its present proprietor, H. S. Dewell.

In College Springs the newspapers have had a checkered career. Many attempts have been made to conduct papers in that town but until the present one was founded, without success. The newspaper graveyard over

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 165

there contains the names of various ventures, the ones recurring to mind at present being the Vigilante, a monthly ; the Index, a weekly ; the Western Crank, a radical prohibition paper that at one time had a very big subscrip- tion list ; the Bugle, a very good little paper, published weekly ; and last the Current-Press, which was started by U. G. Reininger in 1891. Four years later it was sold to Rev. Burr, who in turn sold it to R. H. Miller, who dis- posed of it to Editor McCormick of the Albia Republican, who was suc- ceeded by his brother, J. G. McCormick. It is now edited by J. Chester Dorr. Braddyville has on several occasions boasted of a newspaper of a few months' existence. One of these, the Post, was absorbed by The Shenandoah Sentinel about fifteen years ago, into whose capacious bosom no less than four Page county newspapers have found rest. Following it came the Tidings, the death and birth of which were separated by a few short months only. The Braddyville Enterprise has been in existence for some years past and is edited by Alex McClure. It is a six-column quarto and has a fair pat- ronage.

THE DEFUNCT.

Among all the men engaged in newspaper work in Page county since the Herald started forty years ago, four have died, namely: L. S. Hanna and J. W. Hill, of the old Clarinda Journal; Rev. J. W. Chaffin, of the Herald; and N. C. Ridenour, of the Democrat. But the way is strewn with dead journals. Below is a list of them and upon their tombs we lay a flower as a tribute to their memory; Essex Index, 1876-87; Nodaway Chief, 1879- 80; Clarinda Journal, 1881-89; Daily Star. 1881-83; Shenandoah Reporter, 1871-86; Shenandoah Republican, 1877-86; Blanchard Record, 1879-86; Blanchard Sentinel, 1887-92; Coin Mint, 1881-82; Coin Courier, 1883-89; Blanchard Photo, 1894-95; Blanchard Leader, 1886-87; Blanchard Blade, 1892-94; College Springs Vigilante; College Springs Index; College Springs Western Crank ; College Springs Bugle ; Braddyville Post ; Braddyville Tidings.

TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES IN PAGE COUNTY.

THE FIRST RAILWAY.

In 1859 a move was made on the part of the citizens to secure what was to be known as the State Line Railroad, the eastern terminus of which was Farmington, A'an Buren county. If constructed, this line would have to run through the southern tier of townships of Page county but it never was built.

March 23, i860, a meeting was held at Clarinda and committeemen ap- pointed to confer with railroad companies at St. Joseph, Missouri, and make known to them the many advantages ofifered by the resources of Page county for a line up the Nodaway valley. The project, as the one before mentioned, did not culminate in anything and the good people of Page had to get along as best they could without a railroad line until about 1871, during which year

166 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

the Chicago, BurHngton & Quincy Company constructed its Nebraska City branch from Red Oak to the former named point on the Missouri river. It enters Page county on the township Hne between Pierce and Fremont town- ships, running through sections i and 12, and diagonally across sections 13, 23, 24, 26, 27 and 34, entering Grant at the northeast corner of section 4, running angling over sections 4, 9, 8, 17, 18 and 19. There are but two sta- tions on this line in Page county, — ^Essex, in Pierce township, and Shenan- doah, in Grant township. This road was constructed without aid from citi- zens of the townships through which it passes. This is the only road in Page county that has not received aid from the citizens.

BROWNSX'ILLE & NODAWAY VALLEY ROAD.

In 1872 several of the more thoughtful and enterprising business men of Clarinda decided that the town had been groping in darkness long enough. They had been running after various projects for years, all to no avail, and now that lines of railway were being built in all directions around the town, it behooved the citizens to be awake if they did riot desire to be forever shut out from the world by good railroad facilities being extended to neighboring towns. In February, 1872, a company was formed at home for the purpose of constructing a road from Villisca to Brownsville, Nebraska, via Clarinda. The road was to be known as the Brownsville & Nodaway Valley Railroad. The first set of directors were : H. C. Lett, John Barnett, D. Reinick, J. S. Cameron, John Fitzgerald, N. C. Ridenour and Dr. N. L. VanSandt. These gentlemen were also the incorporators of the company. Notwithstanding the fact that Clarinda had long wanted a railway, some of the citizens strongly opposed this project when they learned that encouragement to it was to be taxed a few cents per dollar.

On June i, 1872, the voters of Nodaway township voted on the question of transferring the five per cent tax already voted to what was styled the Chil- licothe Railroad, over to the Brownsville & Nodaway Valley line. In con- nection with this it was also necessary to raise thirty thousand dollars, which after a great struggle they succeeded in accomplishing. N. C. Ridenour, one of the incorporators, was the editor of the Page County Democrat, and in the lulv 4. 1872, issue he remarked editorially as follows:

"For the past few months our citizens have been working for a railroad, almost day and night, and we are glad to announce that they have at last achieved the long talked of project, and on the ist day of October, 1872, Clarinda will have railway connection with the outside world. In this work our citizens have done nobly. They have acquitted themselves with credit and we, with most of our citizens, rejoice that such liberality and en- terprise was manifested in securing this road. It is true we have had many drawbacks, some of our would-be leading citizens making a display of what they called independence, which in our opinion will not be of any advantage to them in the future. On Thursday last the contract for building the Brownsville & Nodaway Valley Railway was let to Messrs. Fitzgerald & Reinick."

CHICAGO, BURLINGTON & QUINCY DEPOT, SHENANDOAH

WABASH DEPOT, SHENANDOAH

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 169

We must be permitted to say that too much praise cannot be bestowed upon George Gribble, WilHam Butler, Moses Thompson, Allen Collins, J. S. Mclntire and others, for their liberal donations, as well as many hard days' work in securing this railroad.

Work commenced the last days of July, 1872, and the last rail was spiked down at Clarinda, September 24, 1872 — about two months' time.

Upon the completion of the line, the editor of the Democrat rejoiced in the following strain: "Ever since 1856 our people have been year after year agitating some railroad scheme and when the present was inaugu- rated many of our most prominent citizens were disposed not only to rough-lock the enterprise but attempted to laugh it out of existence. But many of our people looked upon it as the only salvation of our town and hence placed their shoulders to the wheel, and after a long pull accomp- lished what they had so long been waiting for and we are today permitted to see a railroad in Clarinda. Now that we have what we all have been laboring for, we hope our business men will turn over a new leaf and go to work and regain what we have lost by being so long deprived of this blessing."

Soon after its completion this road passed into the hands of the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy road, then the Burlington & Missouri Com- pany, although it has always been known as the Brownsville & Nodaway Valley Railroad.

In 1873 the "Granger Railroad Law" was enacted, which act had a tendency to cripple for the time the further extension of railroads. Even for the next four years but little railroad building was carried on in Iowa. So it will be seen that Clarinda was not united by rail with the outside world any too soon.

Bv the vear 1878 the building of railroads was again revived, the ob- noxious embargo having been raised, or rather legislated out of existence and with prosperity in that respect came a general -desire on the part of the citizens of Page county and Clarinda in particular for more and better rail- way facilities.

In 1879 the Brownsville & Nodaway line was extended to Burlington junction. Missouri, thus giving the citizens of Clarinda a southern outlet.

ST. LOUIS & COU.N'CIL BLUFFS (WAIiASll) LINE.

During the latter part of 1878 the business men of Clarinda began to look hopefully toward the south with a view of securing the St. Louis & Council Bluffs road. In October of 1878 the citizens of Nodaway town- ship voted on the proposition of levying a five per cent tax in aid of said road, at which election there were cast five hundred and forty-three votes, three hundred and seventy-two of which favored the project and one hundred and seventy-one opposed it. Ikit notwithstanding all the hard work done by Clarinda men, the route was established to the southwest and made Shenandoah the point, instead of Clarinda. However, Page county was greatly benefited by the road. The following five townships

170 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

voted aid toward the road : Colfax, Washington, Morton, Lincohi and Grant.

The main hne of this road which subsequently became a part of the great Wabash system, enters Page county at Blanchard on section 29 of Colfax tOAvnship, runs across said township, enters Lincoln township at the southwest corner, thence across the northeast corner of Morton and enters Grant township at the southeast corner, traversing the same in a northwesterly direction. On this line, in Page county there are four sta- tions : Blanchard, Coin, Bingham and Shenandoah.

After losing the main line of this road the business men at Clarinda concluded a half loaf better than none and set about inducing a branch to be constructed. After consulting with the officers they learned that it could be secured by voting a five per cent tax in Nodaway, East River, Harlan and Buchanan townships, with subscriptions to bring the whole amount up to one hundred thousand dollars, the right of way and depot grounds complete at Clarinda. It was rather a large undertaking but the case in point was a desperate one, so far as the capital of Page county was concerned. If it ever proposed to amount to anything in the future it was essential that the town should secure the road and more especially now was the case as since the main line had gone to Shenandoah the citizens and newspapers of that live town had sprung the county seat question. The proposition to vote a five per cent tax in Nodaway township was car- ried by a vote of five hundred and seven to eighty-five. Buchanan town- ship had always persistently refused to vote a tax but now came to the front with a vote of one hundred and twelve to forty-two in favor of the road. The vote in East River township was one hundred and twenty-five to sixty-six, for the road, hence the line was built. It leaves the main line at Roseberry, Missouri, eleven miles from the Iowa line. It enters this county on or near the section line between sections 29 and 30, Buch- anan township, running up the east side of the Nodaway river, and touches parts of East River and Harlan townships, and on north to Clarinda. The stations in Page county on this line are Clarinda, Morseman and Crooks. This line continued to do business and prosper quite well for some years but it seemed to go down and finally did not pay its running expenses. It went into the hands of a receiver and after a hearing before the rail- road commissioners that body did not see fit to compel them to operate trains any longer. So, December, 1889, the last train was run and the road was taken up at once.

HUMESTON & .SHENANUO.VH RAILROAD.

In 1880-81 the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy and the Wabash Railway companies formed a joint company and Ijuilt what is known as the Hume- ston & Shenandoah Railway. It enters this county in Nebraska township and runs west to Clarinda and from there takes a westerly line to Shen- andoah, where it intersects the Wabash system. This line is about ninety miles long, Humeston being in Wayne county, Iowa. This road asked no

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 171

aid from the jjeople of Page county. It lias twenty-seven miles of track in the county. The stations on this road in Page county are: Clarinda, Yorktown, Norwich and Shenandoah.

TIIF. "DENVER SHORT ETNE."

The above is applied to a line owned by the Chicago, iiurlington & Quincy company under the corporation name of Clarinda, College Springs & Southwestern Railway, running from Clarinda southwest to Northbarro, the southwest township of the county, where another section styled the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Uluffs line commences and runs on out of the state. This was built in 1881-82 and gives a fine southwestern out- let and connects at Clarinda with the Brownsville & Nodaway Valley road, giving an outlet to the main line of the "O" at Villisca. On the "Denver Short Line" there are the stations of Page City, Coin and Northbarro.

As these lines are being written the Commercial Club of Clarinda is beginning to congratulate its composite self on the flattering prospects now before the community of a road, which is proposed and the preliminary surveys already completed, for Clarinda taking in College Springs on its way. The line will be seventeen miles in length and has been incorporated as the Iowa & Southwestern Railroad Company.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES OF PAGE COUNTY.

THE CLARINDA METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

(As Written by Rev. C. W. Blodgett on the Occasion of its Twenty-tifth

Anniversary.)

What Methodism is in the capital of the state, it will be to a certain ex- tent in Iowa ; what it is and has been and is yet to be in Clarinda, it will be in Page county. I have found it extremely difficult to trace back the history of this church. From far and near has come what little I shall be able to tell vou of our church in the quarter of a century of its existence. I find from the records of the court that the board of trustees was organized on the i8th day of March, 1857, though the society had an existence prior to this. I reproduce here a copy of the articles of incorporation : Know All Men by These 1 Vesents :

That Isaac Van Arsdol, Edward Long, H. H. Litzenberg, George Miller, Elijah Miller, Edward Keeler, David C. Ribble, Thomas Owen and j. S. Allen, the trustees regularly appointed and chosen by the Clarinda and Mont- gomery County Mission Trustees of the M. E. church, Iowa Conference, and according to the rules and provisions of said church, resolve ourselves into a body corporate for the transaction of such business and duties as devolve Upon trustees of said church by the rules of the same.

Therefore, resolved, that we adopt the rules and regulations of the ^I. E. church for our own government and the government of our successors in

172 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

office, and that the same be made a part and parcel of the articles of incor- poration as will fully appear, reference being made thereto.

Witness our hands and seal this i8th day of March, A. D., 1857.

IssAc Van Arsdol, Elijah Miller,

Edward Long, Thomas Owen,

H. H. Litzenberg, John S. Allen,

George Miller, Edward Keeler,

D. C. RiBBLE.

Of the original incorporators but three are now living; Isaac Van Arsdol and wife and David C. Ribble, all of Clarinda.

From Samuel Farlow, the pioneer preacher and the man who blazed the way for others and who for nearly thirty years had done valiant service, I learn that he entered on the work called the Page and Taylor Mission, No- vember 2, 1852. No town of Clarinda was then in existence. The nearest preaching was at A. Davis', five miles south and east in the forks of the Nodaway. This was the first Methodist Episcopal church society organized in the county of Page and this was organized by Uncle Billy Rector, as he was familiarly known, a local preacher of Fremont county, who supplied the work. Father Rector died in the winter of 1872, after having lived to the advanced age of eighty years. His was a good life and his works do follow him. At that time, 1852, Rev. Farlow had a preaching place at William Loy's, three miles southwest of what is now Clarinda. In the spring of 1853 Clarinda, as the county seat of Page, was located and Rev. Farlow moved to the place where the town was to be. Mrs. Farlow taught the first school ever held in Clarinda and this school was taught in the preacher's house, which was also used as a church. In fact, there is nothing lawful and right but what a Methodist preacher's house can be used for.

The first sermon preached in Clarinda was by Rev. Farlow in the month of June, 1853. In the fall of 1853 Rev. Farlow, wife and child w^ere taken very sick, and Benjamin Rector, a local minister and lawyer of Fremont county, coming to Clarinda to attend the first court, would watch by his bedside at night, attend court through the day and preach on Sunday. The early lawyers of southwestern Iowa, as well as preachers and laymen, were devout men and men who dared fight a wrong and not abet it.

In the fall of 1853 Rev. Farlow moved to Fremont county and at the close of his second year in that mission his godly wife, who for five years had traveled and labored as an itinerant minister's wife, teaching school and thus supplying at least one-half the wants of the home, fell asleep in Jesus, exclaiming as her last words, ''Happy, happy, happy."

John Anderson followed Rev. Farlow in 1853 and organized the first class in 1854. This class was composed of four women. Yes, it was Mary first at the sepulchre of our Lord. It was Mary who stood on Golgotha and it was Barbara Heck who, laying her hand on Philip Embery in 1766 said, "Philip, you must preach for us or we will all go to hell." The first member of the great Methodism of this continent was a woman and it seems befitting that this church should be consecrated and her first altar sanc- tified by a woman's voice and prayers. I have learned the names of but two

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY ' 173

of these members. Mrs. Margaret Van Arsdol, who with her husband, joined during the year, is still with us. Through all these years their allegiance to the church, fealty to God and loyalty to truth and the right has never been questioned. Mrs. Amanda Polsley was another member. She I learn has gone to her reward. The church was organized in a log schoolhouse, and was the property of Dr. Lewellen. Rev. John Anderson and Rev. Samuel Farlow were boys together in eastern Iowa, both entered the conference to- gether, and as Rev. Farlow puts it, both graduated at the same college — Brush College or Grass Seminary, whichever is most appropriate. John An- derson was a conscientious Christian. He was plain and unostentatious. Rev. Farlow was an Aaron to talk, Rev. Anderson like Moses, slow of speech. The class at the close of this year in Clarinda was composed of the following members : Isaac Van Arsdol and wife, Amanda Polsley, Samuel Johnson and wife and Elijah Miller and wife. Elijah Miller was the first classleader. From 1854 to 1855 Richard Mulhollen was the pastor. The church was blest with a good revival and some of the best members the church has ever had were received.

In 1855 William Howbert was appointed pastor, William Goode being the presiding elder. During Rev. Mulhollen's time, in the spring of 1885, the first Methodist Sunday school was organized. It made some confusion, as there were some who preferred a Union school. There has since then been a perennial Methodist Sunday school in Clarinda. In 1856 Rev. How- bert was reappointed, with Rev. Farlow as his colleague. During their pas- torate the first Methodist Episcopal church was erected, the same still stand- ing and now the property of the United Brethren congregation. It was hard work then and yet the congregation rejoiced over it and shouted in it, and if there had been phonographs hid in the walls good Brethren friends might occasionally hear shouting. Those were the days of shouting. These are the days of probably not less work and prayer and might be the days of more work and prayer if the shouts had not all been shouted. The first parsonage was also built during their pastorate. The cost of the church was one thou- sand dollars. The work embraced Taylor, Adams and Page counties — quite a circuit — but those were the days of magnificent distances and pentecostal quarterly meetings. Services previous to this were held in the court house and many a good jury passed judgment on Jesus Christ and his preachers and, like Pilate, found no fault, but unlike Pilate, were willing to become his followers. In this court house a young man, John H. Merritt, a school- teacher by occupation, was converted. From this point he was sent out as a minister, and since then achieved an enviable reputation both in the North- ern New York and Colorado conferences.

In 1857 Thomas Wallace was appointed pastor. The work then em- braced Page county, a part of Taylor, and one appointment in Montgomery county. Rev. Wallace's ministry was greatly blessed by God. He says "I do not remember many incidents of the ministr>- of that year," but m Page county it is not an exaggeration to say that he followed to the grave one-half of all who died. Rev. W^allace was the champion in the mar- riage field. For about five hundred couples he said the word that made

174 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

them one in the eyes of the law. Universally beloved and respected, the people of Page county felt that he made but one mistake and that was in packing up his goods, tying his chickens and moving to Mills county. As near as I can ascertain Rev. Guylee was presiding elder.

Following Rev. Wallace, in 1858 came Rev. Cole, who remained but a short time. Rev. Peterson taking up the work as he left it and finishing the circuit of a year.

C. Woolsey was the next pastor, remaining until the fall of 1861. Con- tinuous revivals followed and during these years many of the strongest classes of Methodism were organized in Page and adjoining counties. Rev. Woolsey died in Brooklyn, August 19, 1869, at the age of sixty-five.

In the fall of 1861 J. T. Hughes was appointed to the work. The circuit this year was cut down. The hive had swarmed. Rev. Huglies had three appointments — Clarinda, Tarkio and the Davis schoolhouse. There were good revivals at all these points. Rev. Hughes says among his standbys (preachers know what that word means) were Brothers Van Arsdol, Hinchman, N. B. Moore, Wallace and others. The large maple trees in front of the old parsonage were planted by Rev. Hughes. They were young and tender, he strong and valiant. They are now large and strong. During this year Bennett Mitchell (the Bishop Asbury of west- ern Iowa) was appointed presiding elder. The wide and commanding in- fluence of Methodism today is due to a great extent to the vigorous work, fervent and eloquent sermons and godly life of this man. Few are the preachers that could measure up to Rev. Mitchell.

Benjamin Shinn succeeded J. T. Hughes, coming to the work in 1862 and remaining two years. The society in Clarinda at this time worshiped in the first church built, now the site of the United Presbyterian church, but in the fall of 1863 it was determined to build a new and more com- modious house for the accommodation of the fifth session of the con- ference. This conference held its session in the Presbyterian church (the new Methodist church not being completed). Bishop E. S. Janes presiding. J. F. Goolman was secretary. The conference then numbered but fifty- six preachers with a lay membership of but seven thousand, two hundred and ninety-three. Now there are one hundred and fifty preachers in less than one-half the territory, and twenty-three thousand, six hundred and twenty-six lay members. Of this new enterprise now ready to be replaced by a still larger building. Rev. Shinn says: ''Brother N. B. Moore headed the subscription with three hundred dollars and was seconded by Brothers Weidner, Yan Arsdol, Hinchman and others. Brother Moore carried the hod and mixed the mortar for the foundation of the new building. Dur- ing this year there were so many obstacles in the way that the building was but little more than commenced. The lumber for the building was hauled by teams from Ottumwa. The conference session and the only ses- sion ever held in Clarinda was held in Father Ribble's grove."

William McKendrie Cain succeeded Benjamin Shinn, and from Clar- inda went to the Sioux City district, and is now deceased.

Dugal Thompson was appointed pastor in 1864, remaining but one

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 175

year. At the close of that year he was appointed to the Winterset district as presiding elder but in that one year he succeeded in completing the church building and having it dedicated free of debt. Rev. Thompson says the cost of the building was six thousand dollars and at the time of the dedication the society was two thousand dollars in debt. "How to raise this was a puzzling question but we got Frank Evans, to come and dedicate it, and when the debt was to be lifted Brothers Hinchman, Moore, Van Arsdol, Weidncr and others of the saints and the outside saints and sinners that would make good saints, put their shoulders to the load and off went the debt. We were a happy people that day." Rev. Thompson says : "The Clarinda charge was then, as it always has been and is now, one of the most progressive charges in the conference, especially noted for its Sunday school work and its promptness in supporting all benevolences. My salary that year was paid in full." E. M. H. Fleming was presiding elder at this time.

I believe it was during this year that the good Lord found a sweet singer over in old Yorkshire, England, and sent him to Clarinda. This singer was a genuine Englishman and Methodist Christian. He is here yet, singing away and working away. It is the prayer of this church that if the Lord has any more such singers and workers who are not especially needed in England, to send them to America. I need hardly mention this brother's name for it is as long as his heart is big and a more thoroughly galvanized Yankee is not to be found.

At the close of Rev. Thompson's pastorate the work was left to be sup- plied. In due time Rev. Bartells came to the work.

In the fall of 1867 A. H. Shafer was appointed pastor and was reappointed in the fall of 1868. It was during his pastorate that the present parsonage was built, or at least a portion of it. The church continued to grow, souls were converted and the society generally built up. Rev. Shafer was well liked and to this day the influence of his efficient labors is felt. During his pastorate W. P. and M. A. Hepburn and others who have been and are yet prominent and working members of the church, became identified with the society.

At the conference session of 1869, C. C. Mabee was appointed pastor, and was reappointed in 1870. Rev. Mabee says a faithful attendance upon all the means of grace and a careful attention to the financial interests of the charge, indicated a spiritual and loyal membership. The Sunday school was well officered and there was a large per cent of adult scholars in attend- ance, a number of whom became deeply interested in their personal salva- tion and were led to Christ the following winter. \J. P. Golliday, D. D., was presiding elder ; a man in every way fitted for the position. His visits were anxiously looked for and his presence an abiding benediction. Rev. Mabee says : 'T shall not deem it out of place to state that the great temperance movement of the Missouri slope was inaugurated here in the Methodist Episcopal church during the first year of my pastorate. An article from the pen of one of the sisters published in the paper and followed the succeed-

176 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

ing Sabbath by a discourse in the morning and platform addresses in the afternoon and evening, continued for a number of evenings in succession, so brought the subject before the people and awakened such an interest that we called to our assistance some of the best temperance lecturers in the country — Airs. Beavers, Mrs. Fletcher, and Dr. Ross, of Illinois — who gave us a course on the subject. The good work was carried forward, so that in a short time no license was granted to sell distilled liquors in Clarinda." It was supposed that the subscription taken at the time of the dedication of the church was sufficient to pay the entire indebtedness of the buUding and lot and the matter rested here for some time. During Rev. Mabee's two years on the charge, after examination it was found that a debt yet remained, also some was still owing on the parsonage, — nearly eighteen hundred dollars all together. Again the saints and sinners who would make good saints, lifted and away it went. The bell was purchased during this year. The acces- sion to the church was about fifty in the two years. A generous salary was paid Rev. Mabee and the same supplemented by some handsome donations. This good brother further says : 'T cherish the recollection of the two years spent in Clarinda, and keep in my heart a warm place for those dear friends and fellow workers in the gospel."

Following Rev. Alabee came Artemus Brown, the j oiliest and most hu- morous man that this church has ever had. He with his family landed here in 1 871 — Chicago was burning at the time — and his friends say he was ter- ribly frightened but he soon got over the fright and went right manfully to work. Rev. Brown stayed two years and he says his pastorate was free from spiritual chills or fevers of marked virulence. Some were converted, some died, some went to heaven and some apostatized. It can be truthfully said that Rev. Brown preached to large audiences. He pays a very high com- pliment to the church, its fidelity to God and fealty to the right. Judge Moore sent his carriage to Villisca for himself and family. Colonel Hep- burn handed him the first cash but he is inclined to doubt a certain black- berrying announcement that Colonel Hepburn declares he made. During this pastorate William McPherrin and others who are today the active work- ers became identified with the church in an official capacity. In the outer court stood the brothers-in-law and cousins of the church who received much good from this pastorate — Dunlap. Newton Ridenour, Chamberlain boys, Foster, Cramer, Harry Crooks, the last never missing but one sermon this brother preached. During this pastorate the kitchen was built on the parsonage. The railroad also reached Clarinda just as Rev. Brown started for conference at the close of his first year. Whether this pastor preached it here he does not say. A larger circle of friends no minister has ever had than this brother.

Following Rev. Brown, in 1873, came J. M. Holmes, who for two years walked in and out among this people as a man of God. Rev. Holmes reached a class in Clarinda that had never been reached and for the solidifying and spiritualizing of the congregation, his pastorate will ever stand prominent. Thousrh dead, his works do follow him. Enshrined in the afifections of the people, he still walks in and out among this people.

REV. SAMUEL FARLOW

L

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 17!)

In 1875 J. A. Wilson succeeded Rev. Holmes. During his pastorate year a gracious revival occurred and the church enlarged its borders. Rev. Wil- son was especially gifted as a pastor and his pulpit efforts attracted large con- gregations. At the close of his pastorate the church and congregation ex- pressed their appreciation and love in the largest donation ever given to any pastor in the charge. G. P. Bennett was this time presiding elder and for four years judiciously managed this and the other charges of Corning dis- trict.

Following J. A. W'ilson came P. F. Bresee, in 1876, and he is the only pastor that remained the full term of three years. The sledge hammer blows, saints and sinners and sin received, the telling talks in favor of temperance, the rich and racy delineations of character will in all time to come linger in this city. The largest revival this church ever was blessed with occurred during the first year of Rev. Bresee's pastorate. The salary which had hith- erto been one thousand dollars was advanced to fifteen hundred dollars. The largest missionary collection ever taken was during his term, namely, five hundred dollars. The parsonage was enlarged for Rev. Bresee, as he en- joyed the felicity of having the largest family of any minister ever ap- pointed to the charge. He bequeathed to his successor a large congrega- tion, a well organized working membership and a Methodism whose fame was in all the conference.

W\ S. Hooker was appointed to the charge in the fall of 1879 and re- moved at the next session of the conference to the great disappointment of the people, the Bishop deeming him the man to occupy the high position of presiding elder of the Council Bluffs district. Rev. Hooker sustained his enviable reputation as pastor and preacher and kept the church in the com- plete working order he found it. For several years there had been a mis- sion school near the depot, superintended by William McPherrin, organized during Rev. Bresee's pastorate. During Rev. Hooker's pastorate a neat and comfortable chapel, the outgrowth of this Sunday school, was built and paid for at a cost of about five himdred dollars. Large collections were reported at conference and some increase of membership.

In 1906 the fiftieth anniversary of this church was celebrated. The article below tells 01 that occasion and the present condition of the church, also liriiiging its history down from where Rev. Blodgett left oft' in 1881 :

Rev. Hooker was followed by C. W. Blodgett, who is now pastor of the Methodist church in Alleghany, Pennsylvania, one of the great churches of Methodism. It was during Rev. Blodgett's ministry that the church cele- i)rated the twenty-fifth anniversary. The church at this time had three hun- dred full members. In i88t came Rev. B. F. \\\ Crozier. who had been presiding elder of the Corning district, and it was under his ])astorate that tlie present church Imilding was erected.

The foreaoino- sentences have bricfiv chronicled the salient events of the first twenty-five years of the church's history. Justice could not in so brief a space be done the record of the faithful pastors and their no less faithful followers. They wrought well the results of their labors but they need not fear to meet at the iudgment. On Tuesday, December 20. t88t, the board of

180 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

trustees met at the ofifice of McPherrin Brothers and organized for the con- ference year. Present, W. E. Webster, W. F. Burke, J. R. Hinchman, Isaac VanArsdol and M. R. iVnsbach. A committee composed of W. E. Webster, M. R. Ansbach and W. F. Burke was appointed to ascertain on what terms the old church property could be disposed of and to estimate the cost of a new church building, procure plans and make an estimate of the amount of subscription that could be counted upon. The trustees sold the church prop- erty, lot 7, block 1 6, and lots i and 2 in block 20, to Elijah Beal and others for six thousand dollars, and purchased lots numbered 4 and 5 in block 20, the location known as the Malin Jones property, for the sum of two thousand dollars. The contract for the new building was let to N. A. Olson, who agreed to complete the building to the satisfaction of the building commit- tee, for the sum of nine thousand, six hundred and eighty-five dollars, this being the lowest bid, he to furnish everything except two hundred and sixty thousand brick which the board of trustees had already purchased, at seven dollars and a half per thousand.

' The subscription to the building was supplemented by the sum of five hundred and sixty dollars cash, placed at the disposal of the board of trustees, by the Young People's Aid Society, for the purpose of purchasing the gas fixtures.

The church was dedicated January 6, 1889, under the pastorate of M.

D. Collins, the dedication of the church having been delayed for a few vears because of embarrassing indebtedness. The Des Moines annual con- ference held its twenty-fourth session at Clarinda, September 12. 1883. At this session of the conference J. B. Harris, E. E. IlgenFritz. W. G. Hohenshelt and L. B. Wickersham were among the nunuber who were ad- mitted to the conference on probation. One of these has acceptably served this charge as pastor and another of this number is the present district su- perintendent.

It was during the pastorate of H. H. O'Neil that the present parsonage was built and with the present equipment of the church and modern facil- ities of the parsonage, the Clarinda charge is one of the best equipped in the Des Moines conference.

The following pastors have served the charge since the twenty-fifth anniversary : B. F. W. Crozier, two years : T. McK. Stuart, two years ; H. H. O'Neil, two years ; W. F. Burke, one year ; M. D. Collins, two years ;

E. W. McDade, five years ; J. F. St. Clair, two years ; P. V. D. Vedder. two years ; E. E. IlgenFritz, five years ; F. Homan, one year ; and the present pastor, J. W. Abel, since the conference of 1905.

In all these years Clarinda has been one of the leading charges of the Des Moines conference and the men who have served the charges have been men with marked ability and piety, who have won their way into the hearts of the community and have left behind many a monument of their efficiency.

The charge has had a continuous growth from the day of its organ- ization— more than fifty years ago. In the last twenty-five years up to the conference of 1905. about eight hundred and seventy have united with the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 181

church on probation. Of this number, the record, shows that seven hundred and ten have come into ful! connection — strong evidence that many who turned their backs upon Egypt, had still a taste for her garlic and flesh pots. Seven hundred and fourteen have been received by letter, six hundred and sixty-three have been removed by letter and about one hun- dred have died — a total membership of four and sixty, representing the work of the last twenty-five years, who remain.

During the present pastorate two hundred and fifty have come into full membership with the church, bringing the total membership up to about seven hundred.

EXTIL'\CTS FROM REV. SAMUEL FARLOW's LETTERS.

When the first Methodist ministers came into this county it was an entire wilderness, relates the Rev. Samuel Farlow in a letter to C. A. Lisle, in 1906. "Scarcely anything was raised for a living. But when Rev. Richard Alulhollen entered the Clarinda circuit in 1854, things had opened up nicely. Nothing like the heavy toiling or endurance the ministers had to undergo the first three years in starting Methodism in Page and Taylor counties. 'Father' William Rector was all of sixty years of age when he came into Page county. He rode over from Fremont county, where he lived, and organized some of the first societies in Page and Taylor counties. He traveled the new circuit without any salary and subsisted on corn bread and a slice of ham from the 'razor backs." He did not even get biscuits for Sunday mornings but he was of a buoyant disposition and never com- plained. In following him, I fared somewhat better. On Sunday morn- ings I would be served with hot biscuits occasionally, as a team would go down to St. Joseph and bring up a few sacks of flour and one Samuel Farlow would get some of that flour." Rev. Farlow also speaks of Rev. John Anderson as a "noble brother and as true a man as ever preached in Page or Taylor counties. John and I were boys together on the New London circuit until 1846 and were both licensed to preach about the same time. Rev. Anderson organized the first class in Clarinda. There were only two or three members near Clarinda when I left for Fremont county in the fall of 1853. And here I desire to make a correction, not to be boastful, but to make a true histor\' : I was in charge of the work in Page and Montgomer}^ county Mission and preached the first sermon heard in Red Oak, when it was first laid out as a county seat."

"The first desolate cabin I moved into was about one mile from Alex- ander Davis' home, on a hillside facing the East Nodaway. It was sur- rounded with w^eeds, weeds, weeds. O. my! how wild it looked there! Some few of the good folks agreed to come and repair the house the next dav. That first night a severe snow storm fell and we were fullv snowed under, as the clapboards on the roof were all apart, no good to keep out the snow. The chinking between the logs was mostly gone and the chim- ney down to the ground, making a large opening where it once stood. Surely, we were in a bad fix. To add to our discomfiture, the promised

182 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

assistance was not on hand the next morning. So we left the cabin and went up to Alexander Davis", about one mile away. There Philip Bank, the son of Mr. Davis' wife, said to me, he had a cabin about one-half mile from there, in a partial state of completion. The walls were up ready for the rafters but no floor, no chimney, no door. He told me I could have the cabin free if I would finish it. I accepted the offer and went to work on the cabin witli vigor, Peter Baker assisting me. We made it quite comfortable and this cabin became the first parsonage in Page county.

"Aly wife this winter, 1852-3, taught school in this cabin, being the first school taught in Page county. In the spring of 1853 I was compelled to give up my cabin and Mr. Hulbert offered me a box house and agreed to move it to an eight dollar lot of mine on the town plat of Clarinda, if my wife would teach school. To this proposition my wife gave her consent and Mr. Hulbert hitched his five yoke of oxen to the structure and started for town two miles away, and got within about three rods of the crossing at the south line of the town plot, when the oven became so exhausted they refused to go any farther. There the house was permitted to stand about ten days and Mrs. Farlow taught school while there. The oxen being rested, they were again hitched to the house and easily pulled it to its rest- ing place, on my lot which was a little ways north of James Hawley's store. We did not, however, live in the house while it was being trans- ported. In this house I preached my first sermon in Clarinda — in the summer of 1853. From that time until August of the same year Clarinda was under my jurisdiction. In August myself and family were all laid low in our box house by malarial fever and were for some time absolutely helpless. There wasn't a person came to see us, had no one to cook for us or bring us a drop of water. Finally Peter Bowler discovered our con- dition and conveyed us, sick as we were, to his home at Shambaugh's Mills, where he had three cabins. He placed us in one of them, while in the adjoining one was Josh Brown, deahng out whiskey. We could hear him yell out : 'Come up boys, come up, and take some "black-strap." ' IMany a one did and O ! O ! ! O ! ! ! how they would howl in there and use bad talk !

"At that time, thank the Good Saviour, Benjamin Rector, a lawyer and a local preacher, came to attend the first court in the county. He was a good man and a good preacher. He would attend court in the daytime and wait on me at night, like the good Samaritan that he was. He was a son of Rev. William Rector. On leaving for his home in Fremont, he said he would send a carriage for me and take me to his home. This he did at once. I was not able to attend conference but the bishop appointed me to the Sidney circuit, where I remained two years, but O ! at the close of my second year, mv dear wife lingered with a fatal illness seven weeks and died, leaving me with two children."

Samuel Farlow was the son of Nathan and Martha Farlow and was born in Union county, Indiana. November 3, 1825. He died November 25, 1906, at the home of his son-in-law, John F. Schee, a prominent banker and capi- talist of Indianola, Iowa. Mr. Farlow was converted at a Methodist camp-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 183

meeting- in his sixteenth year and became a member of the Methodist church. In 1842 his family moved to Iowa territory and settled near New London in Henry county. From his conversion he was active in all church work and was appointed a classleader when but seventeen years of age. He was licensed as an exhorter July 14, 1844, and in 1847 was licensed to preach and was assigned work by the Iowa conference of that year. He delivered the first sermon in 1848 ever preached in Independence, Iowa. His work for about five years was in the eastern part of the state largely along the Mis- sissippi river. In 1850 he was married to Miss Isabelle Mason, a school teacher of lUirlington. They had formerly been schoolmates. Mention is made in this article of her death which occurred in 1855. In September of 1856 Rev. Farlow married Arbelia Ribble, daughter of George and Sarah Ribblc, pioneer settlers of Clarinda. They lived together more than fifty years. His widow and five sons and two daughters survive him.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CLARINDA.

It was Launcelot Graham Bell, the pioneer Presbyterian missionary, who organized the First Presbyterian church of this city. He preached along the line of what is now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, from Bur- lington to Council Bluffs, and in the counties in the state south of that line. He was the first Presbyterian minister to preach the gospel in this place. He found two Presbyterian families not far from Clarinda, that of B. B. Hut- ton, two miles southwest, and that of John McLean, who then lived in Haw- leyville. The new church was organized August 25, 1855, with five members, as follows : B. B. and F. A. Hutton, and Mary S. Hutton, their daughter ; and John and Melissa McLean. The next day the church membership was increased by William H. and Mahala Robinson.

The church has been a member of the following presbyteries : Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Omaha, Missouri River, Council Bluffs and Corning.

Rev. D. A. Murdock, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, united with the presbytery of Des Moines, at the same meeting at which the church became a member and returning from the presbytery he was engaged to preach for the infant church and continued to do so for nearly a year. He lived at Hawleyville, then the metropolis of Page county, and sometimes made the trip to Clarinda with Elder McLean, in an ox cart. He received an ap- pointment as missionary to the Otoe Indians and removed to discharge his new duties. For three years the church had only occasional preaching. This was by Father Bell, Rev. Hughes of Pacific City, Rev. Giltner of Nebraska City, and Rev. Swan of Missouri.

Rev. W. M. Stryker, having a commission from the Board of Domestic Missions, preached first in Clarinda, Thursday, October 20, 1859. His pas- torate here ceased September 13, 1863. Dr. Smith said: "Mr. Stryker was an earnest, impulsive man^ his nature and his name intimately agreeing, as one who knew him well testifies, and he did much to set the church forward." He died in Fort Wayne, Indiana, January 24, 1885.

184 HISTORY OF PAGl£ COUN'l'Y

In 1864, H. H. White, then a Ucentiate, was chosen to supply the pulpit. April 9, 1865, he was ordained an evangelist. He became the stated supply of the Sidney church, and its pastor in 1867. The speaker referred to him as an excellent preacher. Mr. White died in 1870.

James W. Clark came here a minister in 1866. He continued his pas- toral work of the church for two or more years, until failing health com- pelled him to resign. After spending ten years in other fields, he returned lo Clarinda in 1879, and died m February, 1880. "The church prospered much untler his ministry," said Dr. Smith.

The foregoing brings the record of the pastoral workers of the church down to the living.

Robert R. Westcott of this city served the church as its pastor for ten years, from 1869 until 1879. J. E. Williamson preached for six months. James H. Malcolm, then a licentiate of the Des Moines presbytery, was elected March 31, 1880, ordained and installed in April, 1880, and resigned to accept a call of the Scotch Presbyterian church, Chicago, March 20, 1887. The pastorate of T. C. Smith began in April of the same year.

The following shows the growth of the church : Number in organiza- tion August 25, 1855, five; added on confession of faith, August 26, 1855, two; total, seven; added from August 26 to October, 1859, sixteen; added by Rev. Stryker, forty-five ; added by Rev. White, twenty ; added from June I, 1865, to January i, 1866, six; added by Rev. Clark, sixty; added during part of 1869, seven: added by Rev. Westcott, one hundred and fifty- four; added from August i, 1879, to April i, 1880. six; added by Rev. Malcolm, two hundred and thirty-five ; added during present pastorate, three hundred and five ; total num.ber received into the church from the beginning, eight hundred and sixty-one. During the pastorate of Rev. Westcott the church became self sustaining.

In 1862 a church was organized at Hawleyville which drew a number of members from the still weak church. These were returned on the disband- ing of the church in 1866. In 1864 a colony of thirty-three was dismissed to form the Presbyterian church at Yorktown. In the session of the church, fourteen have filled the office of ruling elder, three of whom are dead. These three are B. B. Flutton, thirty years an elder; James E. McCandliss, seven years ; and Samuel C. Johnson, twenty-eight years.

The following is the roster of elders: B. B. Hutton, 1855, to 1885 ; John McLean, 1855 to 1862: 1867 to 1875: James E. McCandHss, i860 to 1867; Henry Loranz, 1867 to the present time; James W. Pruyn, 1867 to 1869; Samuel C. Johnson, 1870 to 1888: William D. Stitt, 1875 to 1884; Jo^i" T. Porter, 1879 to 1884; V. Grafif, 1879 to the present time; T. E. Clark, 1879 to 1889: T. S. Morris. 1885 to 1888; 1890 to the present time; J. A. Woods, 1885 to 1895; T. R. Stockton, 1890 to 1891 : G. William Richardson, 1890 to the present time.

Two deacons were elected at the first communion held by Rev. Stryker : Anthony Loranz and Hugh W. Gilchrist. Mr. Gilchrist was soon trans- ferred to Hawleyville but Mr. Loranz continued in office until his death. Said Dr. Smith : "Mr. Loranz had much to do with the church in this early day.

HISTURY UF PAGE COUNTY 185

He was one of the active promoters in building the first house of worship, and he it was who obtained the bell as a gift to this church, by the church in Lewiston, Illinois, and hauled it in his wagon across the intervening prairies."

February 13, 1861, Thomas Evans was elected a deacon and installed the 17th of the same month. August 3, 1867, William M. Alexander and J. A. Woods were elected. November 30, 1885, J. H. Wolf, Cooper Maxwell, R. H. Fulton and Wilson Woods were elected. Mr. Woods is dead. Said he: "You tell me I am dying. I cannot realize that it is so. I am not afraid." June 13, 1887, F. W. Parish and J. H. Dunlap were elected, or- dained and installed.

The pastor said that the Sabbath school was older than the church, hav- ing been organized in the spring of 1855 as a union school, B. B. Hutton being its first superintendent, and continuing as such until the spring of 1859, when Anthony Loranz was chosen. He was followed in 1863 by Pro- fessor J. A. Woods and he in turn by W. M. Alexander in 1871. Then came T. E. Clark for about ten years and then Professor Woods again. In 1888 Henry Loranz was appointed superintendent by the session.

The prosperity of the school was commented upon. It paid one-half the expense of educating Paul Page, an Alaskan Indian boy. The church was organized in the cottonwood schoolhouse which had been put up by the residents of the neighborhood and this stood on the southwest corner of the south school grounds. This schoolhouse stood alone and from its door scarcely any habitations could be seen. Services were afterwards held in the court house. In i860 the church was incorporated and Anthony Loranz and B. B. Hutton, the trustees, were authorized to select a site for the church building and to take measures to erect it. February 13, 1861, they presented to the church a house that served its purpose for twenty years. It was a white frame building, standing on the site of the present church. There were two doors in front, three windows on each side and a neat square belfry roofed in tin, wherein swung the bell that Mr. Loranz hauled from Illinois.

February 21, 1881, a congregational meeting of the church unanimously resolved to build a new house of worship. The only instruction given was that it should not cost less than seven thousand dollars. The building com- mittee were \\ Graff, Dr. N. L. Van Sandt, O. A. Kimball and J. H. Dun- lap. January i, 1882, the meetings were transferred from Hawley's Opera House to the still unfinished basement. June 11, following, the upper part having been finished and furnished, the building was dedicated, Dr. Ewing, president of Parson's College, preaching the sermon from the text, "I will make the place of my feet glorious." The basement was then finished. The entire cost of the church was eleven thousand dollars, all of which was pro- vided without a collection on the day of the dedication. "Since then" said Dr. Smith, " the church has undergone extensive changes and repairs. The seats were modified, much to the comfort of the sitter, the walls and ceilings have been frescoed twice, the old lamps have given place to electric lights and pulpit and chair have been enlarged and changed, new furniture has been put on the rostrum, and a new carpet on the floor. The basement has been altered,

186 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

especially by better ventilation under the floors and about the walls ; paper and paint and shutters have made the rooms below not only more attractive, but also more healthful. A piano has displaced the Sabbath school organ and the exterior has been much improved by taking away the old fence and removing the hitching racks and putting them all in the rear of the church. The praise of all this is largely due to the elect ladies."

After a long and successful ministration of the church in Clarinda, Thomas C. Smith gave way to John M. MacLean, who remained until 1909, leaving in the month of February. He was succeeded by a young man just out of McCormick Theological Seminary, Robert A. Cameron.

October 28, 1901, the church parsonage was purchased, at a cost of two thousand and fifty dollars.

The membership of the church is two hundred and seventy-five ; Sunday school, two hundred.

The church is in a flourishing condition. Not a dollar of debt stands against it. The church edifice, however, stands very much in need of repair and possibly by the time this work goes to the printer, several thousand dol- lars will have been expended in remodeling the structure and in placing a pipe organ within its walls.

BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLARINDA.

In the spring of 1857 this church was organized by Rev. James Smith of Bedford, Iowa, and had eleven charter members. They soon purchased a frame chapel built by the Methodist people, which stood on the site of the present United Presbyterian church. This served them imtil 1868, when the present church structure standing on East Promenade street was erected. It is an imposing brick building, costing about eleven thousand dollars, has a basement and the auditorium will seat five hundred people. The church at one time was in quite a flourishing condition bvit the membership has so dwindled that regular services cannot be held. Rev. J. E. Petty of Tarkio, Missouri, is the present pastor.

THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF CLARINDA.

The Universalist church is one of the defunct societies of Clarinda. It was organized January 28. 1859, with twelve members : Job Loy, A. Loy, Sal- lie Pfander. Charles Pfander, Sarah Pfander, Catharine Loy, Sr., Albert Heald, Jacob Loy, William Loy, Rachael Loy, and Catharine Loy, Jr. The society in its early days was quite flourishing and in 1864 erected a church edifice costing about six thousand dollars. The society in Clarinda went out of existence some time ago.

UNITED PKESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CLARINDA.

This church was organized February 22, 1864. The above date is given in the records of the church although previous histories of the county make

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CLARINDA

FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, CLARINDA

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 189

the date 1863. The charter members of the church were : WiUiam Alex- ander, Ehzabeth Alexander, John R. Knox, Jane Y. Knox, Mary A. Duncan, Jane Lawrence, Samuel Murphy, Eliza A. Murphy, Sarah Gray, Samuel Alexander and Sarah E. Alexander.

Inside of a year the following new members were added : Robert Mc- Lain, Amanda McLain, Patrick Farquhar, Ann Farquhar, Samuel Johnston, Eliza J. Johnston, Sarah Al. Johnston, Henrietta Johnston, Sarah J. Wood- worth, Edwin W. Chiney, Margaret Gray, Rebecca Gray, Amanda J. Smiley, Mary A. Murphy, Elizabeth McMichael, John Morton, R. C. Murphy and Sarah Murphy.

The first minister of the church was Rev. D. C. Wilson, who acted as supply until July, 1865, when he removed to Wisconsin and Rev. John S. Hadden was the pastor until January, 1866. In 1866, Rev. D. C. Wilson ac- cepted a call and was installed as pastor in October of that year. He re- mained with the church until March, 1887, and was succeeded by Rev. J. V. Pringle, who came first as a supply in June, 1887, but was formally in- stalled pastor in the following November. He was a man of much ability and energy and through his efforts the congregation increased rapidly. In 1864 the old Methodist church building was purchased and used as a place of worship until 1886. when the present church edifice was erected at a cost of seven thousand dollars. It is a handsome modern brick building, heated by steam and lighted by electricity. Its seating capacity is four hundred, ex- clusive of the gallery. It was dedicated October 3, 1886. The church is free of debt and numbers one hundred and eighty-eight communicants.

The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition and has an average at- tendance of one hundred and twenty-five. The church has in connection wo- men's auxiliaries and children's societies. In 1892 the church was struck by lightning which burned the entire roof and steeple. The building was re- paired at that time and in the fall of 1908 was completely remodeled, rewired for electric lights and practically refurnished.

In 1891 I. C. Rankin came to this charge and remained until 1897. He was succeeded by J. M. McArthur, who remained until 1899. His successor was T- W. S. Lowry, who came in 1900 and filled the pulpit acceptably to his parishioners until 1903, when he gave way to W. M. Jackson. Mr. Jack- son made his first appearance in Clarinda in 1904 and was the pastor of this church until December, 1909. At the present time the pulpit is vacant.

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The above church was organized at Clarinda in 1875 by Rev. James L. Marley, with a membership of twenty persons. The church building was erected in 1879 at a cost of four hundred and fifty dollars. Th auditorium has a seating capacity of nearly two hundred. The membership of the so- ciety is about forty.

Rev. James L. Marley, Rev. Clarke, Rev. William R. Alexander, Rev. J. W. Malone, Rev. T. Reeves, Rev. William Coles, Rev. T. J. Marshall,

190 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Rev. Brown, Rev. J. T. Nease, Rev. I. N. Daniels and others have filled the

pulpit of this church.

COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLARINDA.

This is the outgrowth of what was a Union (colored) church, which so- ciety erected a frame chapel in the east part of this city about 1880. The church was not paid for and a mechanic's lien was placed upon the prop- erty. The building was used in common until the members of the church de- sired to divide by denominational lines. Neither party wanted to take the church and finally James Shambaugh took up the lien and sold the building to the Baptist portion of the society. They removed the building to where it now stands on Main street, paid ofT the debt and organized a colored Bap- tist church. They have regular Sunday services.

UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH, CLARINDA.

In April, 1883, three couples, A. B. Brown and wife, Father Mead and wife and William Weaver and wife, came together and organized the society of the United Brethren in Christ. The first services of this organization were held in the Methodist chapel. In 1885 the society bought of the United Presbyterians the frame church erected by the Methodist Episcopal society, which stood on the site of the present United Presbyterian building. The building was removed to East Main street and later to Fourteenth street.

Rev. Thomas Lincomb, Rev. William Clausen, Rev. D. B. Long, Rev. W. D. Fie, Rev. D. B. Clark and others have served as pastors of the church. At the present time the church membership is not very strong and meetings are held but intermittently.

FREE METHODIST CHURCH OF CLARINDA.

This society was organized April 10, 1887, with the following charter members: C. F. Hanley and wife; A. P. Sanborn and wife; G. B. Casey and wife; Frank Woods, Charles Huey and Rose Gibson. A church was bought in 1888 and dedicated in January, 1889. It is frame and cost twelve hundred dollars. A parsonage was built at a cost of eight hundred dollars and in 1902 improvements were made on the parsonage and church to the amount of five hundred dollars. The first pastor was J. M. Reilly, who oc- cupied the pulpit about six months and was succeeded by J. G. Stannard. His successor was Rev. C. S. Hanley, who was not only the minister but the editor of a newspaper, called the Fire-Brand. Below is given a list of the pastors of this church since 1889 up to the present time:

i890-()i, W. W. Vinson; 1891-92, W. B. Nixon; 1892-93, J. S. Phillips; 1893-94. M. T. Casey, supply; 1894-95, O. H. xA.ntone ; 1895-97, E. N. Mil- ler; 1897-98, J. S. Phillips; 1898-1900, W. B. Nixon; 1900-03, Anna Taylor, supply ; 1903-04, J. H. Wilson ; 1904-07, D. C. Lamson, Nora Lamson ; 1907-08, W. H. Austin ; 1908-09, F. I. Waters.

lliSTuRV Ul' PAGE COUNTY 191

CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF CLy\RIXDA.

On the fifth Sunday of November, 1879, Caleb liipsley, Samuel West- apher and wife, J. G. liipsley and wife, T. T. Pendergraft, Joseph Hud- son, C. E. Mayes and E. \'. Mayes, met in the old Universalist church build- ing", now the property of the Second United Presbyterian church, and con- summated a temporary organization of the Christian church. These peo- ple held services once a month until June, 1880. From that time until No- vember 10, 1880, services were discontinued. Then came J. V. V'orter, state secretary of the Iowa Christian Convention and an Evangelist, who held protracted meetings until the 26th of the month, when a permanent organi- zation of the church was completed, with all those mentioned above, except Caleb Hipsley, as charter members, together with the following: C. W. Bis- bee, E. W. Bisbee, Bertha Haver, W. W. Chambers^ Louisa G. Chambers, Eva Chambers, Samuel Chambers, Asa Hipsley, Homer Baughman, Clara Baughman, Menzo Terry, A. J. Chambers, Libia Chambers, Mrs. Joseph Hudson, Mollie Stillians, G. A. McNeil, David Stivers and wife, John Ho- zier and William Orr. C. W. Bisbee was elected elder, Samuel Westapher and A. J. Chambers deacons, C. E. Mayes, clerk. From that time on ser- vices were held every Lord's day, regardless of the presence of a minister. There was no regular pastor until 1882 but the pulpit was supplied at in- tervals. On January 15, 1882, J. H. Hughes came from Missouri and held a meeting of three weeks' duration, which resulted in awakening a great in- terest. On December 17, 1882, J. C. White, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, oc- cupied the pulpit as the first regular pastor of this church and remained one year. He was succeeded by E. C. Russell, who left at the expiration of a year.

In November, 1885, the Universalist congregation concluded to occupy the church themselves and this move made it necessary for the new organi- zation to move into the court house, where they held services until January I, 1887. In 1885 a lot had been purchased in block 17, the original plot of the city, for five hundred dollars. In November of that year steps were taken to build a church and plans which called for the expenditure of two thou- sand, five hundred dollars were adopted and the money was partially sub- scribed but when the church was dedicated the whole amount was paid.

The building committee was composed of Daniel Pugh, Samuel West- apher. John Kryselmier. F. A. Cook and \\'illiam Orr. During this year Allen Wilson became pastor and occupied the pulpit one year. It was under his ministration that the church was dedicated, January i, 1887. The build- ing is a frame structure, pleasing to the eye. has modern conveniences, heated by furnace. and lighted by electricity. Its seating capacity is five hundred.

In 1887. J. H. Ragan received a call, which he accepted, and remained here until January 26, 1890. l->om this time until March. 1891, there was no regular pastor. From September 10 to October 5. Morgan ^Morgan held meetings in the church, which resulted in forty-four additions, and on March 29, 1891, Judson Brown was called and remained one year. He was fol- lowed in September by C. C. Morrison, who resigned after the expiration of

192 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

one year to continue his studies in college. During his pastorate an addition to the church was built, costing one thousand, eight hundred and eighty dol- lars. Through the efforts of Rev. White one hundred and thirty-one mem- bers were added to the church membership, — the greatest up to this time in the history of the church. R. C. Sargent came May 17, 1893, and remained until October. 1896. He added one hundred and seventy-five members to the roll. The church was then without a pastor until April 25, 1897, when a call was extended to and accepted by C. H. White, of Joplin, Missouri. He remained until April 3, 1899. \W. D. Clemmer followed Mr. White and stayed one year, when, February 3, 1901, W. T. Fisher answered the call of the church and has been its pastor from that time to the present.

A Sunday school was organized December 5, 1880, with Wilham Orr superintendent. It now has enrolled three hundred members and is desig- nated as the Christian Bible Society. The members of the church number four hundred and thirty-eight. In connection wnth the main body of the church may be mentioned the Ladies Aid Society, the Christian Woman's Board of Missions, the Christian Endeavor and the Junior Christian En- deavor Societies. The organization is in a very flourishing condition. No more devout people are found in Clarinda than are found in this church, which includes some of the most intelligent, highly respected citizens of the place. Since the permanent organization eleven hundred and eighty-eight names have been placed on their membership roll.

ST. John's church (catholic)^ clarinda.

This church was organized in 1874, with Edward Ryan, James Sloane, Michael Mahanney, Patrick Sims, John Gilmore, and John Gleason as its first members. The society erected a church building at a cost of one thou- sand dollars, which was dedicated by Rev. Father F. W. Pape. At one time the church had quite a large congregation but has since gone out of ex- istence.

the first PRKSRYTERIAN church of SHENANDOAH.

The First Presbyterian church of Shenandoah was organized Sunday, June 4, 1 871, in Mentzer's Hall, by Rev. George R. Carroll, with the follow- ing members, namely: M. H. Gault and wife, Mrs. A. Spillman, Mrs. E. F. Tiffany, Hiram Redfield and two daughters, Helen A. and Mary E. Redfield, Joseph Stokes and wife and W. P. Ferguson, followed by the election and ordination of M. H. Gault as ruling elder.

The services, though simple, were impressive in presence of a congrega- tion of about forty persons. The town at this time was but eight months old from the virgin prairie and contained a population of about two hundred, while the surrounding country was equally new and vmimproved.

At this time the Presbyterian church at Hamburg was being supplied by Rev. G. G. Ferguson, and temporary arrangements were eflfected, uniting the two churches under one pastor, giving to Shenandoah one-fourth time.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. SHENANDOAH

r

B

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 195

which continued until September or October of that year. For the next year the church was without any regular pastor, or stated supply, but was occa- sionally supplied by Rev. Lewis McCane, from Hamburg", Rev. McAflfee, from Red Oak, and others, during which the church made little or no progress.

In the meantime, however, the town was making rapid progress, and other churches organizing, and it was deemed advisable to move forward and have a resident pastor in connection with some other point. In pur- suance of this plan Rev. A. B. Struthers came as stated supply for one year, from October i, 1872, until October i, 1873, during which time services were held in Mentzer's Hall, which was also supplied on alternate Sundays by the Baptists. In this way each church contributed assistance to the other in main- taining good congregations, a union choir, Sunday school and prayer meet- ing. Under these conditions the church made some progress, until inter- rupted by the resignation of Rev. Struthers and the removal from town of a number of families, who had identified themselves with its interests, which again left it in a depressed condition.

After an interval of seven months, during which time the church had no regular services, it renewed its relations with the Hamburg church for one- fourth the time of its pastor, Rev. J. W. Clark, which was continued for one year, from May i, 1874, to May i, 1875. During this period the services were held in the Methodist church, then recently erected, through a fraternal arrangement with that church, which culminated in the mutual benefit of both organizations.

For the next two years, from May i, 1875, to May 15, 1877, the church remained without any minister or regular services, except occasional sup- plies from the presbytery or neighboring churches, during which its condi- tion was critical, and it maintained a merely nominal existence through the Union Sunday school with the Baptist church, which was then in a very simi- lar condition.

The church was now in a very critical condition which, after six years of efifort, had made no progress, and seemingly had accomplished nothing. Its earlier organization had been largely reduced by the removal of a number of good families and the withdrawal of its only ruling elder, M. H. Gault, and family, to join in the organization of the Congregational church at Far- ragut, reducing the church to but three resident members and a few Pres- byterian families w'ho, as yet, had failed to join or identify themselves with it. Under these circumstances it was thought best to maintain a nominal or- ganization in anticipation of some future opportunity for a renewed eflFort. But it is an old saying that "It is always darkest before the dawn." and such it proved to be in this case, as the desired opportunity came sooner than was expected and came about in a most unexpected way.

In March, 1877, Rev. J. M. Morrison came to visit the field but found lit- tle, encouragement, and on viewing the situation the conclusion was reached that the opportunity had not yet occurred and that it would be premature and inexpedient to inaugurate such a movement at that time.

196 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

This conference occurred in the office of W. P. Ferguson, attorney, but just at its conclusion J, C. Wilson, a farmer, who had recently moved here from Prairie City, Illinois, where he had been identified with the Presby- terian church, happened to pass by and was called in and informed as to what had occurred. Pie then stated that his neighbor, W. I. McCulloch, had just returned from Pennsylvania with a Presbyterian wife, who was deeply in- terested in having such a church here. While this conversation was in prog- ress, Mr. McCulloch was seen to pass by and was called in to the conference and confirmed what Wilson had said and then further stated that a Pres- byterian Scotchman, Alexander Wallace, had just recently moved into his neighborhood and had been inquiring about the church here. This had scarcely been said when Air. Wallace was seen to pass the office door and called in and confirmed what McCulloch had stated and expressed an earnest desire to unite with such a church here. He then continued by informing those present that his father and three brothers, with their families, all Scotch Presbyterians, had located in the neighborhood of Shenandoah and would gladly unite and aid in the support of the church. Thus within an hour and, wholly unexpected, the church's desired opportunity seemed to have providently been realized and its responsibilities at once accepted. This re- sulted in calling a further meeting to be held that evening in Ferguson's office.

At the called meeting there were present W. I. McCulloch, J. C. Wilson, Alexander Wallace, A. B. Chapman and W. P. Ferguson, which resulted in reaching the following conclusions :

First, in view of its past experience it was deemed inexpedient to under- take to revive or reorganize the church except in contemplation of a church or chapel building of its own.

Second, that in view of the limited means in sight for that purpose it was decided to build a chapel twenty-five by fifty feet, to be located on a business lot near the business part of town, so as to be salable at best advantage at some future time if a new church should be needed.

Third, it was further determined to make an immediate canvass and proceed with the chapel building as soon as six hundred dollars was sub- scribed for that purpose.

As soon as this action was known a new and wholly unforeseen problem arose, by at once bringing to light a well matured plan for the organization of a Congregational church, with promised accessions of a number of promi- nent families from the other different churches, and contemplated the sup- planting and absorption of the Presbyterian church. Had the ])lan been divulged at any time prior to the above action of the church, it would prob- ably have been successful, but after that it was too late. Both parties re- alized that it would be a mistake to attempt to maintain two similar churches in so small a town, and each wanted the other to withdraw.

On the part of the Congregationalists, it was urged that their plans were fully matured at a time when they had supposed that the Presbyterians had practically abandoned the field, that arrangements had been made and ample

HISTORY UF IWGE COUNTY 1!)7

means in sight for a new church buikhng and promised accessions from the other churches to insure its success.

On the other hand it was contended by the Presbyterians, that they had the advantage of an existing organization that had involved labor and ex- pense, and though still comparatively weak and few in numbers, had now a working nucleus with a resident minister, that gave promise of success with- .out weakening the other churches.

The result was that neither would yield, so that on the day following the conference before referred to, active steps were taken by both churches to secure subscriptions for their respective new church buildings. That both have finally succeeded has been due to the rapid growth of the city of church- going people. This rivalry between the two churches had a very depressing efifect on the Presbyterians, who soon found themselves at a disadvantage and overshadowed by the Congregationalists, with their more pretentious church Ijuilding. But notwithstanding their discouragements a lot was secured and the work of erecting the contemplated chapel begun and pushed to completion, at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. In the meantime, on April 2, 1877, the church was legally incorporated, in which A. B. Chap- man, E. W. Bechtol, W. I. McCulloch, J. C. Wilson and W. P. Ferguson were selected as trustees.

This was followed by a congregational meeting. May 15, 1877, when a call was extended to Rev. J. M. Morrison as stated supply for half time for one year. The new church was dedicated July 8, 1877, by a committee of presbytery composed of Rev. S. L. McAffee, Rev. J. L. Jones, Elder E. H. Sears and pastor, J. M. Morrison.

Prior to the dedication, however, the reorganization of the church was completed with a present membership of twenty-four, by the election of Alexander Wallace and A. B. Chapman, elders, J. B. Bearce and John yi. Burton, deacons. Thus at last, after a hard struggle and precarious ex- istence for the past six years, the church was fully organized and established, and, notwithstanding that there were seven other churches in a town of one thousand population, has ever since continued to grow and prosper, until it is now the leading church in the Corning Presbytery. Rev. Morrison re- mained as pastor for three years, until about May 15, 1880, when he re- signed and removed to College Springs, and was succeeded November 14, 1880, by Rev. F. X. Myron, as stated supply in connection with the church at Tarkio. The church remained vacant until January 15, 1882, when a call was given to Rev. W. H. McKee, as supply for one year, during which forty- five new members were received, while eleven old members were dismissed to organize a new church at Norwich.

About this time. February 10. 1883, a parsonage was purchased at a cost, including repairs, of thirteen hundred dollars, and soon thereafter, July 8, 1883, a formal call was extended to Rev. T. C. Smith, at a salary of one thou- sand dollars. He accepted the call and was installed as its first regular pastor, October 10, 1883. By this time it was felt that the old church build- ing was inadequate for the growing demands of the church, so at a church meeting June i. 1884, it was determined to build a new church, to cost about

198 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

five thousand dollars. A new location, its present one, was selected and purchased at a cost of seven hundred and fifty dollars, and plans adopted for the proposed new church

\\ ork was commenced October loth and the corner stone was laid on the day that Grover Cleveland was elected president, November 4, 1884, with impressing ceremonies, at which addresses were made by Rev. A. P. Hull, of the Methodist church, Rev. J. O. Stevenson, of the Congregational church, J. B. Carter, mayor, W. P. Ferguson, on the part of the trustees, E. K. Bailey for the Sunday school, and response by the pastor, T. C. Smith.

The dedication of the new church occurred on the 25th day of October, 1855, for which special services of a high order were prepared. The sermon was delivered by Rev. J. H. Malcom, followed by a financial statement of the trustees, showing entire cost of lot, building and furnishings to be six thousand three hundred and ninety-seven dollars and fifty-six cents, with a deficiency of one thousand seven hundred and one dollars, which was promptly subscribed and the church dedicated free of debt.

Thus after fourteen years of eventful history, the church had now at- tained a solid financial basis and standing as one of the prominent churches of the city, with a total membership at that time of about one hundred. As this event marks a distinct epoch in the history of the founding of the church, it is worthy of note that of the original charter members but four, Stokes and wife, Nellie Redfield and W. P. Ferguson, were all that remained, and of the twenty-five members at the reorganization and dedication of the old church, seven years later, only six remained, namely : McCulloch and wife, Ferguson and wife, Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Patterson.

Time forbids special mention of individual efforts of many men and wo- men to whom the church owes a debt of gratitude but special mention should be made of A. T. Irwin, who became leader of the choir when he first came to the city in 1882, and which position he continued to hold thereafter for nearly a quarter of a century to the great satisfaction and benefit of the church.

From this time forward to the present the history of the church has been the record of a growing and prosperous church, of which its members have a right to be proud. Rev. Smith proved himself a worthy and able pastor and it was a great disappointment to the church, when, after a pastorate of four years, he resigned May i, 1887, to accept a call to the church at Clar- inda. For the following eighteen months the church was without a regular pastor except an interval of about four months, supplied by Rev. J. T. Kil- len, until October i, 1888, when Rev. A. M. Barrett accepted a call as pastor.

In the meantime the church undertook the erection of a new parsonage and to that end secured a location on lots adjoining the church. The work was commenced May 24, 1890, and was completed and occupied March i, 1891, at a total cost, including lots, of two thousand one hundred and fifty dollars.

Since the resignation of Rev. Barrett, July i, 1894, the regular pastors of the church to the present time have been as follows : J. T. Wyllie, March 25, 1895 — Ji-^ne 21, 1896; J. B. Little, December 11, 1896 — November 26,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 199

1901 ; J. M. Ross, January 17, 1902 — November 24, 1907. Rev. F. H. Shedd became pastor of the church February 16, 1908, and is the present incumbent.

The present membership of the church is three hundred and twenty-six, with an average morning- congregation of about three hundred.

Of the original charter members, W. P. Ferguson alone remains in con- nection with the church, but another, W. H. Gault, its first elder, lives near by and is now connected with the Congregational church of this city. The present officers of the church are as follows: Elders — A. W. Murphy, J. L. Murphy, H. L. Jackson, Edgar Faust, J. W. Holmes and A. T. Irwin, who is also clerk of the session. The trustees are: W. I. McCulloch, George B. Biddle, Frank Anshutz, W. P. Hines, Earl R. Ferguson and J. J. Cardwell, who is also clerk.

This narrative of the church would be incomplete without a brief sketch of the Sunday school, which has been its chief auxiliary from the beginning.

The Presbyterian Sunday school is the outgrowth of a Union Sunday school of all the churches of the city, organized in Mentzer's Hall, in the early spring of 1871, with W. P. Ferguson superintendent, and Mrs. Frank Alden, secretary. At the time of the organization, or soon thereafter, the Methodists withdrew to organize a separate school of their own. From the organization of the Presbyterian church, June 6, 1871, and of the Baptist church, soon thereafter, the Union Sunday school was regularly maintained by these two organizations in connection with their church services in Ment- zer's Hall until the completion of the Presbyterian church in the summer of 1875. This union of the two schools continued in entire harmony and good will for ten years, until the completion of the Baptist church in 1881, when the Baptists withdrew, leaving the Presbyterians alone.

In its independent character as a Presbyterian Sunday school it started with an attendance of thirty scholars in six classes^ and A. T. Irwin, as superintendent, during which time it continued to grow so that it had an average attendance of fifty for the first year.

From 1883 until 1886, Dr. E. K. Bailey was superintendent, during which time the average attendance increased to eighty. From 1886 unti/ 1894, Mrs. Will Irwin was the efficient superintendent, during which time the school grew and prospered until the attendance rose to one hundred and thirty-five. The vacancy caused by the resignation of Mrs. Irwin was filled by Professor j. M. Hussey, until January, 1894, when A. W. Murphy, the present devoted and able superintendent, was elected. The school has con- tinued to grow and prosper until now it has an enrollment of four hundred and eleven, with an average attendance of two hundred and three. The offering the present year was four hundred dollars. Of the original mem- bers of the Union Sunday school there still remain Mr. and Mrs. Frank Alden and W. W. Ferguson.

Other auxiliary societies of the church are in a prosperous condition and are as follows : Ladies Aid Society, Mrs. J. M. Hussey. president ; Ladies Missionary Society, forty members, Mrs. F. M. Shedd, president ; Young Peoples Society Christian Endeavor, thirty-five members, Ernest Fogelberg, president ; Men's Brotherhood, fifty members.

200 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The church has every reason to feel proud of its past history and record, and owes a debt of gratitude to the succession of faithful ministers and de- voted members, through whose instrumentality this beautiful temple has been consecrated, fit for the Master's service.

ST. Mary's catholic church^ shenandoah.

In the fall of 1870 Father B. P. McMenemy, of Council Blufit's, came to Shenandoah in the interests of his church. There being no church building here, he said mass in private houses for about three years. Also Father Lyons, of Creston, came and held services in the residence of Ed Ryan. The organization of the body was consvumnated in the spring of 1894. It was composed of Ed Ryan, James Sloan, Patrick Gilmore, John Gleason and others. The Burlington Railroad donated two lots, just west of Van Bus- kirk's mill, for church purposes. A subscription was taken throughout the town and country, to raise money to erect a church building, wdiich was erected on the lots donated. In the fall of 1874 Rev. Father Pape was as- signed to this mission, with headquarters at Hamburg, and services were held here once a month. In 1876 the members held a fair in William's hall, on Elm street, at which enough money was cleared to put the church out of debt. During the progress of this fair Father Pape was transferred to Car- roll, Iowa, and Father Tierney was sent here. He remained six months, when Father Stack became the pastor. During the ministry of Father Stack, the Imogene mission was established, which reduced the membership here from one hundred and fifty to about thirty. Sometime in 1880 Father Ryan was assigned to this charge. He was a good man. To his moral in- fluence, high integrity, his energy and indomitable will, is due the successful establishment of the church at this time from a period of chaos to a firm and sure foundation, and a position among the religious orders of the city which it has ever since held. Being a man of wealth, he consulted with his mem- bers and purchased the lots upon which the present church and parsonage now stand and moved the little church on to the same. He painted and papered the church and fenced the lots, paying for the same himself, trust- ing to his congregation to repay him, which they did as far as they could. In 1881 he held a fair, at which something over six hundred dollars was made, out of which he was reimbursed, with something left over for the church. A man of sterling worth, to which many of our non-Catholic friends can testify, he was much revered by all. He was taken sick in Jan- uary, 1882, and after an illness of about three weeks, died at his home here February 13, 1882, the coldest, worst day of the winter, and was interred in the cemetery at Imogene.

The next pastor was Father Clark, who remained but a short time, when Father Williams was assigned, wdiose stay was also short. Next came Father Cook who by his energy and perseverance and enterprise, erected the hand- some church edifice which now adorns the site and freed the same from all debt. He remained here nearly eleven years, when Rev. Father Bulger was called from Mallov, Iowa, to administer to the wants of the mission. To him

ST. :\IARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. SHENANDOAH

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 203

is due the erection of tlie handsome parsonage, about 1898, and the purchase of an additional lot. A truer Christian, a nobler man than Father Bulger, it would be hard to find. A man of culture and education, of broad views, liberal and generous, he won the esteem and regard of all to whom he became known.

In 1906 G. J. Toher succeeded to the pastorate of tliis church and is the present incumbent. The church now numbers fifty families on its member- ship rolls and thirty-five children in the Sunday school. The organization is growing and prosperous and by the time this work reaches the eyes of its readers, St. Mary's contemplated handsome new church edifice will have been completed. In October, 1899, the present rectory was built at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars.

April 3, 1909, plans were accepted for a new church edifice. The plans and specifications of C. J. Bowell were adopted. The old church building was moved to the rear of the lots and services will be held there until the new edifice is completed.

The new church will somewhat resemble the old one in the general out- side appearance and plan. It is to be built of pressed brick and will cost from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars. The building will be forty-six by ninety-two feet, not including the tower, which will be sixteen feet square. There will be two main entrances to the church, one in the north and the other from the east, and there will be two outside entrances to the sacristies on either side of the pulpit. The auditorium of the church will seat three hundred and sixty and in the rear of the room w^ill he a large gallery for the choir, the entrance of which will be by stairs from the tower room. In front of the pulpit will be room for three large altars and the two rooms on either side, called sacristies, will be good-sized rooms. The windows will be of Gothic and cathedral glass. The buildings will stand five feet above the street grade and there will be two outside entrances to the basement. The outside wall will be sixteen feet high and from the ground to the top of the cross on the tower the height will be eighty-seven feet.

The new church will be constructed of the very best material and will afiford the Catholics a much better building in which to worship. The inter- ior will be renewed also and will when finished be one of tlie nicest churches they have in this part of the state. The new building will be a credit to the town and community also, and with the new Methodist church next door will make that corner a very attractive one.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.

The first sermon preached in Shenandoah was by a Methodist minister, Rev. Samuel Farlow, in the Chicago, Buriington & Ouincy depot on the even- ing of December 25, 1870. The text was Luke 2 : 16,17. At the close of their service a Methodist class of twelve was organized, with Stephen Spurlock as leader and Albert Blake, steward. Services were held in the depot until the summer of 1871, then they were held in Mentzer's Hall. The first quar- terly conference was held by Elder Knox, of Council Bluffs, in August, 1871.

204 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The first Thanksgiving services in the town were held in Alentzer's Hall in November, 1871. The sermon on this occasion was preached by James Mc- Cabe. The ministers who have filled the pulpit are : Samuel Farlow till Sep- tember, 1871 ; G. C. VVanick, 1871-72; Rev. Evans, 1872-73; Fred Harris, 1873-75; W. S. Hooker, 1875-76; J. A. Conrad, 1876-77; W. J. Beck, 1877- 78; J. Woodworth, 1878-80; G. W. Bennett, 1880-81 ; J. C. Eckles, 1881-83; A. P. Hull, 1883-85; U. O. Allen, 1885-86; L. B. Wickersham, 1886-91; A. E. Griffith, 1891-94; G. W. Roderick, 1894-96; M. C. Waddell, 1896-98; F. L. Hayward, 1898-99; William Stevenson, 1899-1902; William Dudley, 1902-05 ; C. J. English, 1905-07 ; and B. F. Crissman, the present pastor.

Early in the summer of 1871 the Sunday school was organized with twenty-five members and Stephen Spurlock as superintendent. The Sun- day school has kept pace in its growth with the church and is in good con- dition.

In 1889 Shenandoah Chapter, No. 1656, of the Epworth League was or- ganized with fifty-six charter members and Miss Lulu Kittle elected pres- ident.

The Junior League, w^iich provides for the young people between the ages of eleven and seventeen, was organized in December, 1889.

March 28, 1891, the Epworth Guards was organized to make a place for the little folks under eleven years of age.

In 1873, the people tired of meeting in "an upper room" decided that they must have a home of their own. Steps were accordingly taken to see what could be done toward building a new church. The result was favorable. Lots were purchased and during the pastorate of Rev. Evans the spire of the first church in Shenandoah pointed heavenward. It was a neat frame build- ing capable of seating" two hundred and fifty people, and was built by Cov- ertson & Dillingham, at a cost of two thousand six hundred and fifty dol- lars. By 1882 it was seen that this Ixiilding had outlived its usefulness and had grown too small, people often being unable to gain admission.

Plans were discussed but nothing definite accomplished. The matter w^as not entirely dropped, however, but the leaven kept working. In 1885-6 it was almost accomplished but failed. The church had two years previously been sold to the Swedish Lutheran but they were unable to pay for it and it was thrown back on the hands of this church. On the strength of the sale lots had been purchased on Clarinda avenue, so the church had both prop- erties on its hands. This was discouraging. In the fall of 1886 under Rev. Wickersham a final efi^ort was made. Soliciting committees were appointed to secure subscriptions. After some hard work it was seen that the object could be accomplished. It was decided to build on the old site and as far as possible use the material of the old church in rebuilding. The lots on Clarinda avenue were sold and the proceeds put in the new building. Isaac Monk, J. S. Elliott and George Bogart were appointed a building committee and the contract let to George Cotrill. The work was begun at once and ac- tively pushed to completion and finished June i, 1887, at a cost of about eight thousand dollars. The result was the present church which was dedi- cated June 5, 1887, by Bishop Bowman. The church grew and prospered

PROPOSED M. E. CHURCH, SHENANDOAH

PRESENT M. E. CHURCH, SHENANDOAH

T.

prp

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 207

from the first. Soon after its organization plans were made to provide a parsonage. The lots joining the Laws property on the east were purchased and a small house was built and occupied as a parsonage by Rev. Wanick. This location proved, as was thought, too far away from the place of holding service, and when the church was decided on it was also decided to erect a parsonage in a more convenient location. The property on the hill was sold to William Laws and the lots on the corner of Sixth avenue and Church street, the present location, was bought. A house costing about twelve hundred dollars was built and remained in use until May, 1892. For some years it was thought this ought to be replaced by another building, as it had become much out of repair through age and long use. In 1891 it was de- cided to build a new one. The old one was sold and moved away and the proceeds used toward rebuilding. Isaac Monk, John Myers, Edward Roe and Joe Needham were appointed a building committee. Plans were se- cured and bids taken for its erection. On the nth of June the official board met and canvassed the bids and directed the committee to contract with George Cotrill at twenty-three hundred dollars. This was done and the parsonage is now equal to any in the Des Moines conference.

The membership of this church now numbers seven hundred and fifty. The Sunday school is something over three hundred. The official heads of the auxiliary societies of the church are as follows : President of the La- dies Aid Society, Mrs. J. H. Snook; president of the Home Mission Society, Mrs. J. S. Stevenson ; president of the Epworth League, Miss Lena San- man.

In the spring of 1909 plans were drawn and accepted for a new church edifice to be erected on the site of the old building, which lot is on the corner of Church street and Thomas avenue, and is one hundred and three by one hundred and thirty-four feet in dimensions. The proposed cost of the build- ing is fifty thousand dollars. From the fact that the membership of this church has increased rapidly in the past few years, the house of worship erected several years ago, which at that time was more than adequate, now fails to meet the demand of the members and visitors of the church. Its seat- ing capacity is five hundred and fifty, while the membership of the church alone is seven hundred and fifty, therefore, the building of a new structure became imperative.

The stvle of architecture of the new building will be colonial, with strong Doric features. The seating capacity in the main auditorium will be six hundred and in the part devoted to the Sabbath school, seats for five hun- dred will be provided, making in all seating room for eleven hundred people. As a matter of course a pipe organ will be installed in the new church.

BAPTIST CHURCH. SHENANDOAH.

The first Baptist church of Shenandoah, Iowa, was organized June 18. 1871, with the following constituent members: Frank H. Alden, Mrs. Mary B. Alden, James W. Alden, M. G. Bash, J. Henry Binney, Mrs. S. E. Field, O. H. Frink, Stephen Gangbin. Rebecca Gangbin, George Green, Amanda

208 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Green, George W. Gunnison, Mrs. H. L. Gunnison, D. C. Herrell, William North, Mrs. E. J. North, Miss Sarah North, Miss Hattie North, Clark Reed and Mrs. Hannah Reed.

The organization took place in Mentzer's hall and they continued to hold meetings in Mentzer & Williams hall for some years, until by a kind invita- tion from the Presbyterians, they occupied their house.

December 12, 1880, a church edifice was dedicated at a cost of about thirty-five hundred dollars. The building of the parsonage and additions to the church building increased the value of the property to about seven thou- sand five hundred dollars. The church had a seating capacity of between three and four hundred. W^ithin a year important improvements were made on the church building. It was now heated by furnace and lighted by electricity.

The following persons have served the church as pastors: S. J. Mc- Cormick, D. C. Ellis, J. W. Roe, Amos Pratt, H. B. Foskett, F. N. Eldridge, O. T. Conger, A. B. White, L. J. Shoemaker, D. W. Griffith. John Y. Atchi- son, Walter J. Sparks and George P. Mitchell.

The comer stone was laid and the new magnificent church edifice was built in 1905. The structure with the furnishings, cost in round numbers twenty-five thousand dollars, and the lot is valued at five thousand dollars. This church also has a beautiful pipe organ, which was installed at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, one thousand dollars of which was contributed by the "Laird of Skibo Castle," Andrew Carnegie.

The membership of the Baptist church now numbers five hundred.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH. SHEXAXDOAH.

The Christian church was organized June 7, 1874, by J. R. Gaff, with twenty-five charter members, as follows : D. Adams, Silas Call, Jr., Silas Call, Sr., Laurina Call, Amanda Goodrich, F. Goodrich, John M. Gudgel, Charles Hope, Thane Hope, C. Jones, J. Long, Agnes Long, T. P. Latimer, J. A. Latimer, L. B. Latimer, Sarah Lomax, Emily McCloy, Rachel Pen- nington, Laura Turner, T. J. Williams, Mary Williams, Mrs. Wilson and Phoebe Young. During the first year they built a parsonage but the or- ganization was not so strong, so on February 17, 1875, ^ more permanent organization was effected and Silas Call, Jr., F. G. Goodrich, and Rodney A. Rice were chosen deacons and on March 17, 1879, Jeff Williams, Silas Call, Jr., and William Button were elected trustees and John M. Gudg'el and Ben Boyd, deacons. Lentil 1882 the church held their meetings in Williams' hall, ^when it was decided that they needed a house of worship. A subscription was circulated, to which the members subscribed very liberally and in August, 1882, a comfortable house of worship was dedicated by Rev. Carpenter.

The pastors who have served the church from 1882 to the present time are : George A. Hendrickson, H. C. Littleton, J. H. Wright, Edgar G. Price, J. P. Davis, Albert Schwartz, Fred E. Hagen, and T. J. Golightly, the present pastor.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, SHENANDOAH

^2l'^

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, SHENANDOAH

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 211

LATTKR DAY SAINTS CHURCH, SHEX AXIXJAII.

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Shenandoah was or- ganized August 22, 1875, with nineteen members, presiding elder, S. S. Wilcox, officiating. The charter members were as follows : S. S. Wilcox and wife, N. A. Austin and wife, E. S. Wilcox and wife, M. K. l^ace, Ben- jamin Austin and wife, E. J. Moore and wife, Zella Moore, Mark Moore, William Redfield, Sr. and wife, J. R. Badham and wife, I'annie E. White and Ida Steele. Services were held regularly in private residences until 1880, when their present church building was erected. The building is frame, twenty-six by forty feet, and together with the lots cost upwards of thirteen hundred dollars. Since the organization of this church it has grown rapidly and prospered abundantly, the present membership being one hundred and twenty-five. Sunday school convenes every Sunday at 10 A. M., preaching services at 11 A. M. and 7:30 P. M., and prayer meet- ing is held on Thursday evening at 8 P. M. Mrs. Mary E. Pace has been the Sunday school superintendent for over twenty years.

Elder S. S. Wilcox was president of the branch in 1892, from January to his death October 20th of that year, and had been for several years be- fore. Elder W. D. Ledingham succeeded him for about three years until his death, then Elder J. V. Roberts was elected president and remained so for six years; next, Elder E. S. Wilcox was elected president in 1901 and has so remained ever since, excepting six months, when Elder J. B. Cline filled the position.

Presidents of branches, or pastors, receive no salary. J. F. Redfield is clerk of the branch and has been for the past several years. The branch elects of^cers every six months.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.

The Congregational church of Shenandoah was organized April 8, 1877, with a membership of twenty-two persons, as follows : T. H. Read and wife, Mrs. H. B. Smith, Mrs. J. B. Armstrong, Mrs. Matthew Norton, Mrs. Samuel Spree, Mrs. N. B. West, O. H. Kelsey, A. S. Lake and wife. Willard Button and wife. Miss Anna M. Button, J. N. Lincoln and wife. ]\Irs. G. A. Ouimby, Mrs. W. A. Smith, Mrs. A. J. West, Mrs. Mary A. BulTye, John Spencer and wife, and Miss Lucy Flint. Professor J. E. Todd, of Tabor College, preached an able sermon on that occasion. The trustees first serv- ing this organization were: A. S. Lake, J. S. Johnson, W. C. Martin and G. A. Ouimby. These gentlemen also constituted a building committee and soon set themselves to work to contrive means whereby a church edifice might be constructed. Hence under their supervision in 1878 the present church building was erected. On Sunday. June i6th of that year, this building was dedicated free from debt, Rev. Brooks of Tabor College preaching the dedicatory sermon. The building was contracted for and built by Cotrill & Beard, under contract of two thousand five hundred and thirty dollars. The audience room is thirty-five by forty-eight feet and

212 HISTORV OF PAGE COUNTY

eighteen feet high. The lecture room at the rear end is twenty-five by thirty feet. The former has a seating capacity of two hundred and twenty, the latter one hundred and the gallery sixty, the three combined seating four hundred persons. The building is provided with a clear-toned bell, weighing over eight hundred pounds, which hangs in a substantial belfry. The build- ing, seating, fixtures and improvments cost in excess of four thousand dol- lars. A pipe organ was installed in 1902 at a cost of twelve hundred dollars.

The parsonage stands upon the same street with the church and is just a few paces south of it. This building was completed October 19, 1880, by H. M. Bartlett, who was the contractor, at a cost of eighteen hundred hundred dollars. It is a two-story frame building and presents a plain, substantial appearance.

Rev. William Plested was the first regularly installed minister of this church and began his pastorate here Sunday, June 11, 1878. There being no parsonage, he and his family occupied the residence later owned by Captain McGogy. September i, 1879, Rev. Plested resigned as minister and was succeeded by J. O. Stevenson, a much-learned minister from Con- necticut, who began January 4, 1880, and resigned October 24, 1886. To him the success of the Congregational church is largely due. The next divine of this church was Rev. J. H. Boggess, who began his career as minister here in January, 1887, ^^^ resigned in July following. The next minister was E. C. Moulton, who came here from Ames, January i, 1888, and closed his labors January i, 1890. Rev. J. T. Robert was next and came June i, 1890, and resigned in May, 1892. He was succeeded by Rev. George Peebles, of Roseville, Illinois, who began his work in that year. Since that time the pastors have been C. R. Shatto, who came in 1899; ^^ S. Henderson, in 1903; W. A. Schwimley, in 1906; and W. J. Turner, who began his work February 16, 1908 and is the present pastor. The church now has a membership of two hundred and fifty and a Sunday school num- bering one hundred and fifty. There is also a Ladies' Aid Society and the church maintains a weekly prayer meeting, which convenes Thursday night of each week. The church is lighted by electricity and all in all the con- gregational organization is in a thriving condition.

THE EMANUEL SWEDISH LUTHERAN CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.

This church was organized with forty-four charter members, January 22, 1883. Rev. C. G. Widen of Essex was the first pastor and continued to serve until his removal to Council Bluffs, about eighteen years ago.

In the summer of 1883 they contracted for the old Methodist Episcopal church for fifteen hundred dollars and paid down four hundred and fifty dollars but being unable to meet the terms of the contract, the church re- verted to the Methodists. In 1889 they again undertook to secure a church, purchased a lot on Thomas avenue for three hundred and twenty-five dollars and erected thereon a neat chapel, twenty-eight by thirty-six feet, for twelve hundred and twenty-five dollars, including lots. It was dedicated January

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 213

22, 1890, by Rev, C. A. Hemborg, president of the conference, assisted by Revs. Widen of Essex and Rvden of Red Oak.

SWEDISH MISSION CHURCH, SHEXAXDOAH.

The Swedish Mission church was organized here about 1887. The original seven members were Oscar Forss and wife, C. Strom and wife, S. Turnquist, John Ring and Ed Leyden. The first pastor was C. A. Bar- gron, of Coin, who spoke here once a month. The meetings were held at the homes of the members, but gradually the little society grew in numbers and G. P. Peters, of Red Oak, was secured as the next pastor, who came here and held services once in three weeks. On the 24th of July, 1891, a committee went to Red Oak and conferred with a committee there and the result was the employment of a regular pastor to divide his services equally between the two places, one week at Shenandoah and the other at Red Oak. Rev. K. Forsman was regularly called for one year, beginning January I, 1892.

The growth of the society made necessary the erection of a church building, which was done during the spring of 1891. It is a neat little church, twenty-eight by thirty-two feet, the total cost of the lots, building and furnishings being about eleven hundred and fifty dollars. The first meeting held in it was June 26, 1891.

♦

FREE METHODIST CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.

The first meeting in connection with the present Free Methodist work in this city was held in a vacant building two doors east of the Delmonico Hotel, March 20, 1887. Rev. E. N. Miller and W. H. Holmes were in charge of the meeting. Services continued every day until May i, when the revival closed with a meeting at the Opera House. Charter members of the class were: J. D. Carey and wife, A. P. Seabloom and wife, C. S. Hanley and wife, Rosa Gibson, Frank Woods and Charles Haley. At the close of the meeting May ist, the class was increased to twenty-two. Rev. J. M. Reilly of the Red Oak and Bingham circuit had charge of the church as the first pastor. Meetings were then held every Sunday at the residence of C. S. Hanley and by September the class had increased to thirty-two, with a Sunday school of about fifty members. The need of a church building then became so pressing that on the 25th of September the class instructed C. S. Hanley to purchase the old Presbyterian church for three hundred dollars, which was done and the building moved from west of town to its present site and repaired and renovated. The first trustees were elected October 6, 1887, consisting of J. D. Carey, William Griffith and C. S. Hanley. No regular pastor was secured until August, 1887, Rev. J. M. Reilly having supplied the pulpit previously. At that time Rev. J. G. Stanard was appointed and held the position one year, being followed by C. S. Hanley for two years, when Rev. J. M. Reilly was again appointed.

214 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The first Sunday school was organized April 17, 1877, with J. D. Carey as superintendent.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, SHENANDOAH.

The Hayden Universalist church was organized by Rev. O. H. Shinn, July I, 189T, with thirteen members. They owned a fine lot and on May 24, 1892, Rev. Shinn broke ground and held religious services on the grounds, also appointed a building committee.

CHURCH OF CHRIST, SHENANDOAH.

This society was organized July 7, 1892, consisting of J. D. Carey and wife and George Hafer and wife. Meetings were held at the residence of J. D. Carey, who was chosen pastor in charge. An addition was built to his house for the accommodation of the church.

HISTORY OF ST. JOHN's EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SHENANDOAH, IOWA.

For a few years previous to 1896 it was known that a very few members of the Protestant Episcopal church resided in Shenandoah, who had not identified themselves with the numerous churches of the town, yet wor- shipped with them, yet with an earnest longing for the service of the old church. An increase of interest was gradually manifested as "discoveries" of communicants were made in and about the city. An appeal was sent to Bishop William Stevens Perry to send a missioner to look over the field. Rev. L. R. J. Hoyt, D. D., came and arranged for a service on the 5th day of July, 1896. The use of the Congregational church was cordially prof- fered and the fine choir of the church kindly volunteered to render the choral service. Archdeacon Hoyt conducted the service, preaching an able and eloquent sermon. The service, novel to most of the congregation, was very impressive. This was the first Episcopal service held in Shenandoah. After the service a few of those interested repaired to the residence of Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Wilson where the rite of baptism was administered to five persons by Archdeacon Hoyt. This was the beginning of the unorgan- ized mission. Subsequent services were occasionally held by this faithful archdeacon (who entered into rest in May, 1909), the places being mostly at residences. In the same year Rev. L. P. McDonald, the rector of St. Paul's, Council Blufifs. whose able historical discourses were productive of much good in increasing the interest among churchmen and imparting in- formation of the church and her ways to others, departed this life.

On September 27. 1896, Rev. Arthur Chard, rector of the church at Creston, held morning and evening services at the Universalist church. There were no other services except one by Dr. Hoyt, until the evening of May 14, 1897, when Bishop Perry and Archdeacon Hoyt held a confirmation service at the Congregational church, confirming eight persons. During the autumn monthly services were held by Rev. Mr. Welles, rector of Grace

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 215

church, Council Bhiffs, at Odd Fellows Hall. Then for several months the little flock was without a shepherd, as Mr. Welles had left the diocese and it was not convenient for other clergymen in the vicinity to continue the work. In 1898 Archdeacon Allen Judd, to whom much of the success of the mission and especially the securing of the beautiful church edifice is due, began his monthly visits in the Universalist church edifice which was secured, and monthly services continued for about two years under the faithful labors of Mr. Judd, alternating with the mission at Garden Grove. During this period (1898) the mission was called to mourn the loss of one of its most highly esteemed members, Jonas Tyner, who, although living twelve miles distant, was a most devoted and faithful attendant and one of the most earnest promoters of the mission, both by his means and influence. He did not live to see the consummation so devoutly wished, of seeing the church established here, yet the beautiful memorial window in the front of St. John's, placed there by the loving hands of his family, is a touching reminder of his work and earnest zeal for the Master. At his request Rev. L. P. McDonald officiated at his burial, a large concourse attending.

At a meeting held September 17, 1899, pursuant to permission given by Bishop Theodore N. Morrison, in response to petition, a mission was organ- ized. The petition was signed by Wm. Bird, Mary Bird, G. B. Jennings, W. J. Staples, A. J. Gash, Benjamin Clare, Mrs. Benjamin Clare, W. E. Gaston, L. N. Wilson. Mrs. L. N. Wilson, Geo. B. Chatfield, L. M. Tutt, Mable Oliver, Cora Rounds, Mary Tyner, Richard Tyner, Emily G. Rawe, W. li. Taylor. Archdeacon Judd was chairman and L. N. Wilson secre- tary. The name selected by vote was St. John's (after the "beloved dis- ciple"). The following Bishop's Committee were elected: G. B. Jennings, warden ; L. N. Wilson, clerk ; O. T. Rankin, treasurer ; Wm. Bird, A. J. Gash and W. E. Gaston. The certificate of the organization as a mission was signed by Bishop Morrison Oct. 9, 1899. In July, 1900, the Swedish Lutheran church was rented for one year. After which time the Universalist church Vv'as occupied until their own beautiful church home was completed. While occupying the Universalist church Mr. S. R. V. Story, a student in Tabor College, kept up the services as lay reader, Mr. Judd officiating oc- casionally.

In 1900 a very desirable lot on Church street was secured at a reasonable price and paid for by voluntary contributions by members and friends.

During the year 1903 voluntary subscriptions to the amount of $3,000.00 were secured among the members and friends of all denominations and people generally, who evinced a most cordial and liberal spirit of Christian fellowship, and arrangements were made for the erection of a church edifice upon the lot secured a few years previous. It was decided to build it of brick and a local architect, Mr. J. W. Todd, employed to make the plans and superintend the construction. The building committee consisted of O. T. Rankin, Wm. J. Staples and L. N. Wilson. The result was entirely satisfactory and during the year 1904 a beautiful, churchly edifice was ready for consecration and entirely paid for, as Bishop Morrison refused to con- secrate until every cent of its cost was paid. As before stated, it was largely

216 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

through the indefatigable labors of Archdeacon Judd that this was ac- complished.

CONSECRATION.

The first minister in charge was Rev. A. F. Ernest Boss, a deacon re- cently graduated from the New York Seminary. He received his priestly orders while here and was made formally priest-in-charge, although his service began July i, 1904. He resigned January i, 1907, being assigned to the important parish of Muscatine, Iowa, where he is at present doing acceptable service.

An interval to Feb. i, 1908, occurred during which time the Sunday school was kept up regularly, under the efficient superintendency of Mr. G. B. Jennings, and the chancel and pulpit frequently and very acceptably filled by the clergy from St. Paul's, Council Blufifs.

On February i, 1908, Rev. H. Harris, D. D., was transferred from the diocese of Quincy. Illinois, to this mission and resigning upon call of the Bishop of Nebraska August ist. Another interval of three months occurred, evening services being held occasionally by Rev. ]Mr. Jones of Council Blufifs.

On October i, 1908, Rev. Richard Ellerby was transferred from Esther- ville, Iowa, and is at present the efficient priest-in-charge.

Many items of minor interest to the public are omitted in this brief his- tory, yet it should be mentioned that much of material as well as of the spiritual growth of the mission is largely due to the untiring efit'orts of the zealous band of ladies comprising Epiphany Guild. They, by funds secured from sales, dinners and suppers, at which they have been generously pat- ronized, furnished considerable means for sustaining the good work.

The beautiful circular memorial window over the chancel, being a copy of the famous painting by Hoffman of Christ in Gethsemane, was donated by ^Irs. Brockett, in memory of her husband. The carved oaken altar was donated by the Sisters of St. Mary, St. Katherine Hall. Davenport. The present Bishop's Committee (corresponding to the vestry of organized parishes) is composed of G. B. Jennings, warden; L. N. Wilson, secretary; O. T. Rankin, treasurer ; Wm. Bird, Percy W. Miner, W. J. Staples and D. B. Miller.

The following is the summary of property in the last report to the annual convention. "Title to property vested in trustees of funds and dona- tion? : Church sittings. 125 ; building, brick and stone, insurance $2,000.00, value $3,500.00; furniture, $500.00: land, estimated value, $2,000.00: total value of property, $6,000.00 ; condition of property good ; free sittings in church."

ST. John's episcopal church, shenandoah.

This church was organized October 9, 1899, by Rt. Rev. Theodore N. Morrison, Rev. Allen Judd, minister in charge. The following signed the petition to the bishop for the formation of St. John's mission : W. J. Staples, William Bird, Mary Bird, his wife, O. T. Rankin, A. J. Gash, Mr. and Mrs.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 217

Benjamin Clare, W. E. Gaston and wife, L. N. Wilson and wife, G. B. Jennings, George B. Chatfield, L. M. Tutt, Mabel Oliver, Cora Rounds, Mary Tyner, Richard Tyner, Emily R. Rawe and W. H. Taylor.

Under this organization the officers were : G. B. Jennings, warden ; L. N. Wilson, clerk; O. T. Rankin, treasurer; William W. Bird, A. J. Gash and W. E. Gaston, committee.

For several years Rev. Allen Judd was in charge of this mission. The first located pastor was A. I. E. Moss. He remained here two years and was succeeded by Rev. Harry Harris, who remained about six months. He was followed by Rev. Richard Ellerby, who came in August, 1908, and is the present resident pastor in charge of the mission. This mission re- ceives partial support from the diocese. The first baptismal service was performed by the archbishop.

The present official board is as follows : L. N. Wilson, secretary ; O. T. Rankin, treasurer ; bishop's committee, G. B. Jennings, warden ; William Bird, W. B. Miller, Percy W. Miner, O. T. Rankin, William J. Staples and L. N. Wilson.

On Sunday, April 10, 1903, the beautiful little St. John's chapel was dedicated by Bishop Morrison, Rev. Allen Judd being the minister in charge. The building is of dark brick and stands on a commanding eminence on the corner of Church street and Mentzer court, and has the distinction of be- ing the first brick church edifice erected in Shenandoah. Its cost was about three thousand dollars. The building committee was O. T. Rankin, W. J. Staples and L. N. Wilson ; architect, John Todd.

COLLEGE SPRINGS UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Mary C. Taggart.

The United Presbyterian church of College Springs, Iowa, was born away back in Scott county, Indiana. There, at Lexington, the Monzingo families and others, together with their pastor. Rev. J. S. Maughlin, planned to come west and establish an Associate church. In pursuance of this plan, Edward Monzingo came to Iowa as advance agent, arriving in Page county, so the record runs, on April 9, 1857. Rev. Maughlin and family about the same time went back to Ohio and Pennsylvania for a visit. Leaving Mrs. Maughlin and the baby daughter with relatives in Ohio, Rev. Maugh- lin westward took his way, reaching Clarinda April 20, 1857, where he was met by his friend, Edward Monzingo.

During the ten days previous to April 20th, ^NI. Monzingo had already explored the country in the vicinity of Amity. Now together they start out to look for new homes — to decide on that hoped for location where a colony of church members might dwell near each other and for a congregation of the associate faith in the wide, wide west. In and about what we now call College Springs, was to their vision, the fairest place of all, or possibly it only seemed to their judgment the vicinity of great promise, for there was then almost naught but landscape to view, little but great expectations and

218 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

large hopes to recominend the vast stretches of unbroken and unimproved prairie. Doubtless the httle school which had been established here two years before (1855) influenced these two pioneers in their decision — • which decision subsequent history has proven a wise and happy choice. Contemporaneous and companionable, these friends, Amity College and the United Presbyterian church of College Springs, have watched together the passing of fifty years.

Rev. Maughlin preached the first Sabbath after his arrival at the home of Mr. McKissick, located not far from the present home of Mrs. Mary K. Anderson. The organization proper of the congregation took place, so most memories agree, in the month of June, 1857. No- place do we find the day of the month recorded. Edward Monzingo thinks it was June II, 1857. This meeting for organization was held in an old house that stood for many years on the McKinley farm. An "old house" shall we call it? No. It was then, in the '50s. new, a genteel, up-to-date frame structure, consisting of two rooms below and a space above, commonly called the loft but more gra.cefully known as the upstairs, as commodious as the average house, then, was this — the home of !\Tr. and Mrs. Robert McLean.

At the meeting in June, presided over by Rev. J. S. Maughlin, the following whose names we treasure as our charter members, signed the first formal papers of organization: Thomas Maughlin, ]\Ir. and Mrs. John McKissick, Mr. and Mrs. John Latta, Air. and Mrs. Edward Monzingo, Mr. and Airs. Robert A'IcLean and P. N. Hoge. Of these, only two ac- cording to our knowledge, are living today — ^Robert AlcLean, of Rock Valley, Iowa, and Edward Alonzingo, of Coin, Iowa. Thomas Maughlin was a cousin of Rev. Alaughlin and a brother of Airs. James A. Blair. The McKissicks were elderly people, their family consisting of two or three sons. The McKissicks and Lattas remained here only a short time. Trace of them has been lost. William AlcAIichael, Sr., of Philadelphia, and James Hamil, of Xenia, Ohio, were within bounds at the time of the organiza- tion but they belonged to the Associate Reformed church, and held back for a time, wisely concluding then to unite with the new Associate church, which they did at the first communion in the autumn of 1857. On this occasion Air. AlcAIichael was appointed and acted as ruling elder, having served in that capacity in the Fifth Associate Reformed church of Phila- delphia. About twenty-five persons partook of the sacrament at that first observance of the Lord's Supper by this congregation.

In the meantime, August, 1857, Rev. Maughlin had gone to Ohio, re- turning with his family to Iowa. The next spring, April, 1858. came the McCulloughs, more Monzingos followed and later William AlcKees, all from Scott county, Indiana. Joseph A. Reid and family were here as early as 1857. William McLeans arrived in Alay, 1858, from Philadelphia. J. W. McKinley's came from Ohio in July, 1858. In May of that same memorable year, 1858, back in Pittsburg occurred the celebrated and to-be- celebrated union of the Associate and Associate Reformed churches of

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 219

America, henceforth our congregation of Amity, Iowa, shall bear its new name — United Presbyterian.

Its people worshipped from time to time in the homes of its members, one regular place of meeting for some time being in the home of James Hamil on what is now the J. R. S. Hawthorne property. In an old church record under date of October lo, 1859, we read: "Resolved, that the con- gregation lath and put one coat of plaster on the house belonging to Mr. Hamil, which we now occupy for the present winter." J. L. Anderson, James Simpson and J. W. McKinley were appointed to fit up said house for the use of the congregation. Evidently the good people wanted to pay their way. There were no partitions in the house at that time. That very historic house is said to be incorporated in the present comfortable resi- dence of Mr. Hawthorne. Rev. Laughlin lived just east of the United Pres- byterian parsonage. Their house of antebellum date still stands in Col- lege Springs. At that business meeting just referred to, October 10, 1859, we note that the sum of twelve dollars was subscribed for the purchase of a Sunday school library. John K. McCaskey was appointed librarian.

The financial question propounded itself quite early in our history. The preacher must be paid. In i860 J. W. McKinley was appointed to write a new subscription for Rev. Maughlin's salary for one year with two columns on the paper, one for cash and one for produce. We smile at this these later days when all farm products are easily convertible into coin. 'Twas not so here fifty years ago. Markets were distant, home demand small. There were few elevators, stock buyers and great poultry houses then. It is stated that even up to the times of Revs. Anderson and Morrison, grain and produce were sometimes accepted in lieu of cash. Money was scarce in the '60s and early '70s too, when a period of financial stress was experienced. The sexton's salary was fixed in 1862 at twelve dollars per annum. T. P. Espy was appointed to serve one year. Evi- dently this was underbid later on, for at a congregational meeting- January 14, 1865, please bear in mind the month — January, J. B. Harbison pro- posed to act as sexton as long as it would be necessary to have fire that season for the sum of one dollar. Furthemiore, it is recorded that his proposal was accepted and the money raised by collection to pay the same.

The first leader of song recorded is A. W. Bratton. Perchance his labors as such ware too arduous, for he oft'ers his resignation as chorister June 17, 1861. His resignation was accepted. But further on in this very meeting he is reinstated, willingly, no doubt, with the comfort of rein- forcements for it was decreed that four choristers should be elected. Ac- cordingly Albert Van Eaton, N. P. Hoge, A. W. Bratton and George Mc- cuUough were chosen. The "sense" of this congregational meeting seems to have been musical. A resolution was offered thereat "to instruct the choristers to use no tunes which they knew the congregation is not ac- quainted with." After some deliberation this was voted down. At this juncture of proceedings it was moved, by a more practical, far-seeing member, we can easily imagine, that the congregation organized a "singing societv" amonsf themselves.

220 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

As to the record of eldership, Thomas Maughlin and John McKissick were chosen as ruling elders at the organization, June, 1857. William Mc- Michael was added at the first communion in the fall. The year follpwing, 1858, James Hamil and J. L. Anderson were elected. In i860 George Mc- Cullough and Albert Van Eaton were elected. John Monzingo and James Simpson were appointed unto the office in 1861, having served in that capacity in other places. All these were worthy officers under the minis- try of Rev. Maughlin. No other changes are recorded in the eldership now for a period of thirteen years, or until 1874.

It should be remembered that up to this time, the early '60s, there was yet no house of worship, not that they had made no movement toward such, for we read in the very first minutes on record. Amity, Iowa, June 6, 1859 (t^is cl^y ^"d month coincident with this date) "On motion resolved that the building committee proceed to building a church immediately."

As a matter of fact it was seven long years after these "immediate" measures were enacted before that church building was realized. Two years after this resolve the darkness of the Civil war was upon them. During that time of lengthened trouble, the little village of Amity was often wrought up over threatened violence or attack. One day came the unwelcome report that a band of rebel marauders from Missouri were on their way to burn Amity, the little anti-slave town, that very night. Natur- ally enough, the people were in a state of excitement. The women, quick witted and provident, proceeded at once to bury their valuables. A num- ber of the men gathered at the Maughlin home that evening, resting all night upon the floor with guns at their sides, ready for defense at the slightest alarm from the outposted sentinels. Needless is it to state that peace was declared long before Amity was burned.

There was no church building for nine years, yet they did not get dis- couraged and disband. Instead they waited and worshipped until the opportunity to build came. Rev. Joseph S. Maughlin who had the honor of being the organizer and first stated supply of this congregation, was born in Lower Chanceford, York county, Pennsylvania, June 2, 1823. He was educated at Franklin College and Canonsburg Seminary. He married Miss Mary McCaskey, a lady of culture and ability, whose home was near the classic village of New Athens, Ohio. After his work at Amity, they removed early in 1863 to Onawa, Iowa, their home for a long time. About ten years ago. to be near their sons. Will and Albert, and also in search of health, they went to Snohomish, Washington, where Rev. Maughlin's last days were spent. He died August 24, 1902.

Revs. Thomas McCartney and J. G. McKee supplied the pulpit in the spring of 1863. A call was made out at one time for Rev. McKee, but he declined. In May, 1863, Rev. D. C. Wilson was appointed by the general assembly as home missionary to southwestern Iowa, with head- quarters at Amity. His own account as a pioneer missionary in this region as written for "Our Country and Church" is a most interesting one. "The appointment," Dr. Wilson states, "was not sought by me, much less de-

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. COLLECE SPRl-\(iS

HISTORY OF PAGE COL'XTY 223

sired. My name, however, had gone to the Committee of Missions without reservation and Hcentiates in that day were in honor bound to go where- ever appointed."

Rev. Wilson preached his first sermon in ^\mity, Sunday morning, July 12, 1863. The attendance was over a hundred. The young minister from the east was astonished at the number. The village was small and a great open prairie surrounded it. Where had all the people come from? The membership then numbered about forty but some of the men were away as soldiers at that time. Where was the new preacher to board? House room among the parishioners was at a premium. Robert Murphy had a house of three rooms but the third and spare room was furnished with, not golden oak, Imt with yellow wheat, to such an extent that no space remained for a clergyman of even moderate size. The young man was just out of the seminary. He owned four sermons. The people expected two sermons every Sunday. The need of a quiet retreat for study and meditation was immediate and urgent. The garret in Mr. Murphy's house seemed to be the only available place for his study that first summer and winter. The question of board and a private study for the preacher was comfortably settled the next spring, 1864, when William ]\Ic]\Iichael built an eight room house on their farm. This was the palace of the prairies. That farm is now the home of John Rice and family.

Up to this time, the coming of Dr. Wilson, there was still no church building. Services were held in private residences or schoolhouses, some- times even in groves. The United Presbyterians had the use of Amity College, the old brick building, a part of the time. It was enclosed for use but not finished. Under date of December 30, 1865, we find this entry on record: "Resolved that we propose using the brick building at fifty cents per day. Amity College furnishing the fuel except what is now on hands belonging to the congregation."

It is indeed interesting to trace their efforts in securing that first frame structure, fifty-two by thirty-six feet in dimensions. Early in 1863 Robert McLean, P. P. Tuttle. George IMcCullough and D. R. Pollock were ap- pointed a committee to complete the draft and estimate the probable cost of a house. To Mr. McCullough was delegated the special mission of finding out on what terms we could buy lumber at Hagey's mill on the Nodaway. The above committee after reporting two months later were discharged. A building committee was then appointed, consisting of Messrs. Pollock, McKinley, Murphy, McCullough and Hamil, invested with author- ity to do all things necessary in and for the prosecution and completion of the building. That fall, 1863, lots i. 2 and 3 of block 44 were purchased from Amity College, consideration fifty dollars, for the site of the United Presbyterian church building. At a business meeting that winter. February, 1864, the object of the meeting was slated to be to adopt measures to for- ward the ''meeting house to speedy consummation." Their hopes so long deferred, no wonder they moved to push matters. That same day Mr. Tuttle and Mr. McCullough were appointed to go and see timber on the Nodaway,

224 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

said to be for sale. Now the outlook brightens. The very next month it was moved that all hands meet on the Nodaway river, Tuesday, March 22d, for the purpose of getting out timber for the church building. It was done as commanded. Strong native timbers were hewn from that five acre tract by the riverside. Stout hearts and strong hands were required these times, nor were they found wanting. And unto that courageous band of forty, our brethren of the '60s, we would ascribe more credit and praise for the construction of that first simple frame structure than we would do ourselves, a prosperous people, almost four hundred strong, in the erec- tion thirty years later, of our present magnificent church edifice.

At that time St. Joseph, Missouri, eighty miles away, was the nearest railroad point. Frequent were the trips by wagon to St. Joe in those good, but as it seems to us now. somewhat inconvenient old days. For the farmers must needs go all that distance then for many of their common supplies. Thus far and no farther then did the railroad run^ so many an easterner realized as he stepped off at St. Joe in search of Amity, Page county, Iowa. And still, though the railroads through these increasing years have crept nearer and tantalizingly nearer, all around and about the patient old town, in fact, to the north, to the south, to the east, and to the west, still the denizens of greater College Springs await the coming of those coveted steel rails, their ears still strained to hear the shrill music of the "kyars."

A part of the siding for the first building was hauled by ox teams all the way from Ottumwa, Iowa, a distance of one hundred and seventy-five miles. It took the driver, a Mr. McCord, just three weeks to make the trip there and back. Some of the finishing lumber used to cost ten dollars a thousand. Robert McLean was the architect and Mr. Tuttle the head carpenter. Unto Patrick Farquhar was entrusted the finishing work. He had served a strict apprenticeship back in Scotland and was a fine workman. Mr. Farquhar made the seats out of native lumber. The little pulpit stand, now in use at the college, was fashioned by his hand out of Nodaway walnut.

Rev. D. C. W^ilson went back to Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1864 to solicit funds as agent of the congregation for the new building. He thus secured eight hundred dollars — a very great help. Mrs. Mary K. Anderson relates : "Back in Indiana county we contributed toward the new church at Amity, Iowa, never thinking then that we ourselves would be settled there in a little more than two years." Below we append a bit from the account of money received by Rev. Wilson for this purpose : Blairsville, $38 ; Bethel, $27.50 ; Mahoning, $54 ; Cross Roads, $30.25 ; Pigeon Creek, $61 ; Matthew Wilson, $10 ; Sarah Wilson, $10.

We quote also from an itemized account of expenses incurred by Dr. Wilson while soliciting, the congregation of Amity having agreed to meet all such : Fare from Indiana to Pittsburg, $2.90 ; dinner at Pittsburg, .75 ; stage fare to Canonsburg, $1.50; dinner at Halfway House, .50; horse feed at Canonsburg, .40 ; horse feed at Hickory, .25 ; staging from Washington to Pittsburg, $2.00.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY .225

♦ This help through Dr. Wilson came at the close of 1864. The building was not completed until about two years afterward. Its cost is given by one authority at $2,500, by another at nearly $4,000.

Rev. Wilson preached regularly at Amity from 1863 to 1865, more than two years being included in his ministry here. Dr. D. C. Wilson says, "Our Country and Church" might be called the "Missionary Bishop of Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska." Surely the churches there owe much to his timely and wise ministry. Revs. McKee, McHatton, Adair and Barclay were among those who supplied the pulpit after Dr. Wilson.

Now at the close of the year 1866 our congregation has risen to the eminence of independence. They have a comfortable church building, which building as a matter of history, bore the distinction (very modestly to be sure) of being the first church edifice erected in Amity township and probably the first in southern Page county. The people will now offer a genteel salary and call a pastor. Rev. Samuel Anderson of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, is the man of their choice. A call was made out for him in December, 1866, signed by eighty people. Rev. Anderson entered upon his work here in April, 1867. He was the first minister to be installed as pastor of the congregation. His pastorate is known in the history of this people as the time of greatest increase of membership by certificate. A great flock of his former parishioners in the east came out to Amity, nearly forty in all — Alex Hendersons, the Elgins, Earharts, Samuel Trimbles, J. H. Miller, John Henderson and John Patterson making up the number. This great following of itself was sufficient testimonial that Rev. Anderson was a pastor beloved there as he was here. Observing this marked ingathering of Pennsylvania Presbyterians, a man, not Calvanistic in creed, said to his neighbor one day, "Looks to me like the U. P.'s and sand-burs are a goin' to take this country." The U. P.'s did — a fair share of it. As to the sand-burs and other burs they were conquered by Scotch-Irish persistency. Rich blue grass and tall timothy reign in their stead, while up and down and over the cultivated fields stretch the long rows of green corn — prince of products — in this, the richest argicultural region in all God's earthly realm.

At the first business meeting after Rev. Anderson came, dated July i, 1867, it was stated that a debt of four hundred dollars still remained on the church building. How could it be raised? Mr. Hamil moved that this indebtedness be laid on the pews, each pew to be separately appraised. This measure was voted down. Later on in the proceedings relative to pews, it was decided that they should be distributed according to choice, the oldest member to have first choice, next oldest second, and so on down the ages. But no price was set thereon, nor have there ever been paid pews in our congregation. They have been free to all. But again in that sam.e meeting the money question forges to the front. That debt of four hundred dollars is still unpaid. A subscription paper was passed. It failed to raise the amount. Mr. McCullough then moved that the money be raised by taxa- tion, on the advalorem system. This motion carried. In execution of the plan, Messrs. McKinley, McLarnon and Monzingo were instructed to procure a list of all the taxable property of the several members of said congregation

226 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

and levy a tax on the same sufficient to raise the amount of money required. It is not recorded how this legislation worked but we venture to say it worked hard.

Scarcely had the main church been completed when they began to agitate the question of more room, but like the main structure, this addition was contemplated a long time before it materialized. True, the congregation was expanding rapidly and needing more space. During Rev. Anderson's pastorate the membership was more than doubled, many by profession, as well as by certificate, one hundred and thirty in all being received into the church. Only two years and eight months had he ministered to his people at College Springs v.dien death called him from them, December 20, 1869. His wife, Mrs. Mary K. Anderson, has remained among us, loved and respected by all the people, she herself having ministered to many of them in their need. Children and grandchildren of theirs form an honored part of our present membership. A son and daughter are present officers of the congregation, Arch Anderson, trustee, and Bella Anderson, clerk.

The congregation was now supplied by a number of ministers for one year. Among the number were J. R. Black, J. F. Graham, W. P. McNary, S. M. Hood, A. T. McDill and J. P. Wright. A call was presented to Rev. W. P. McNary in May, 1870. This call was declined. In January, 1871, a call was moderated for Rev. Marion Morrison. He accepted and entered upon his work as pastor in the following March.

Dr. William Johnston's pastorate which followed was much the longest in the history of this people. From July 11, 1877, to April 23, 1890, he was pur faithful shepherd. Our name was formally changed in 1879 from that of Amity- to College Springs. The people have declared themselves as now ready to put an addition to their church structure. You will note that they have taken due time to consider this matter of an extension, having launched the legislation therefor at least nine years before. This proposed addition was to cost one thousand dollars. It was to be twenty feet long and to be placed at the east end of the church. M'oreover, it was voted that there should be an extension to the east end of the addition. That was all. Just here let fancy and memory roam. Picture the old church once again — a long, plain white structure, seventy-two feet in length by thirty-six feet in width, with little architectural beauty, yet for all that it was dear to us all.

Dr. Johnston was a giant in the pulpit, a thinker, reasoner and logician. Occasionally he waged warfare in argtmientation through the medium of the Press. Dr. Smith of the Presbyterian church and our own Dr. Carson will not have forgotten him. He bore trouble bravely but it struck deeply. His home in College Springs was saddened by the death of his wife, Mrs. C. M. Johnston, a noble woman. His daughter Lizzie remained in the home with him. He was called from earth while still our pastor. It is but fitting that this building should contain two memorial windows, the one inscribed to the memory of Rev. Samuel Anderson : the other to the memory of Dr. William Johnston.

William T. Moffet was installed as pastor, April 28. 1891. His family here consisted of Mrs. Moflfet and the two daughters, Helen and Jennie,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 227

all of whom were helpers in the work. The young- people's society grew strong under Dr. Moffet's pastorate, Miss Helen being its chosen and ca- pable president for some time. Miss Jennie went about everywhere doing good. Airs. A. T. Moore's present property was the long time home of Dr. Johnston and later of Dr. Moffet. Under this pastorate three young men, W. C. Long, H. V. Comin and P. C. Baird went out to study for the ministry.

In December, 1894, the full control of the finances was given to the trustees, their number a little later being increased from three to six. Those who served in this office during the earlier '90s were J. K. Herron, J. .\. McKinley, William Farquhar, Samuel Hart, J. H. Reid, William Mc- Michael and J. W. McCullough. The ruling elders chosen in 1892 were S. S. Finley, J. H. Miller, G. N. Trimble and Samuel Farquhar.

January, 1895, finds our fiock shepherdless once more. A few weeks later Dr. J. A. Thompson and W. P. Morrison fell together one day. "Where can we get a man for College Springs?" began Mr. Morrison, with his native directness. "Out in Nebraska there's a strong young minister," replied Dr. Thompson thoughtfully, "but I doubt that you would be able to get him." "If he's the right man, we'll try awful hard," said William the conqueror.

Resigning his work in Nebraska, S. E. Martin came to the church as pastor, July i, 1895. ^*y arrangement. Rev. S. S. Maxwell, his cousin, had supplied the pulpit for two months preceding. A year later a subscription for a new church was circulated among the people. William C. Taggart's last gift was to this new building, through his neighbor and church brother, George A. Farquhar. The men and boys of the congregation hauled the materials from Shambaugh, Braddyville, Coin and Clarinda. the minister himself often being on the grounds in the role of workman when the loads came in. The work of construction was begun and completed in nine months. Praise is yet due the building committee — an exceptionally strong one — ^^^illiam Farquhar, William McMichael and Randolph Glasgow. The outlay of money was fourteen thousand dollars. November 11, 1897, the new building was dedicated. Fourteen hundred people listened to the dedi- catory address by Dr. H. H. Bell.

New officers under Rev. Alartin's administration were : Robert Long, Robert McLean. John Duncan. L. M. Stevenson, G. A. McCullough and A. M. Finley, trustees; ruling elders chosen: J. W. McCullough. Dr. S. E. McClymonds and J. A. McKinley. Within a few years, from 1897 until 1903, four sons of the congregation passed out to enter the ministry of the United Presbyterian church : Frank M. Miller. Walter G. Comin, Harry D. Garrett and Charlie C. Farquhar. Two of these. Charlie Clyde Farquhar and Frank Melville Miller, have been promoted to the church triumphant. Rev. Alartin preached his farewell sermon in March, 1902.

For nine months we had supplies. At last Rev. R. W. Nairn of Kirk- wood, Illinois, ventured among us. in January, 1903. The next simimer and fall we built a house for him, our first parsonage, a comfortable, commodi- ous dwelling. The home is valued at four thousand dollars. Rev. Nairn moved in at Thanksgiving time in 1903.

228 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The committee of missions met at College Springs in May, 1903. That was to us a great and unprecedented gathering. Rev. Nairn was the general host. At this time one of his members, after looking over the imposing assembly of ministers, said decisively, "They're a fine looking set, to be sure, but there's none to my notion, any finer than our own."

For forty-eight years we sang the songs of David without any accom- panying instrument. Some were conscientiously opposed to such, others thought it a dispensable expense but at the wish and vote of the majority, an organ was purchased and placed in the church in October, 1905. The minority gracefully acquiesced and still the brethren dwell together in unity, as it becometh Christians to do. Professor Saddler, the Misses Smiley, Mc- Lean, George and Munford have been organists. The present membership numbers three hundred and sixty-nine. The Sunday school has nineteen classes and the average attendance is two hundred and fourteen, the daily of- fering being almost ten dollars. Rev. Nairn and President Campbell teach the largest classes in the school.

&"•

PAGE COUNTY'S CIVIL WAR RECORD.

On the 4th of March, 1861, Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, was inducted into the office of president of the United States, amidst the cheers and ac- claim of that majority of the people of the county which believed that the traffic in slaves and the institution of human bondage was wrong morally and should be made so legally. The joys of the multitude all over the country in the successful culmination of the inaugural exercises were in- termingled by the unsuppressed hisses and execrations of the southern element, whose "peculiar institution" was jeopardized by Lincoln's assump- tion of the reins of government. And their determination to resist him and his policies was made fully manifest to the people of the north when they were electrified and horrified by the intelligence that on April 15, 1861, the flag of this country ha^ been insulted and assaulted by the rebel cannon, planted at Charleston, South Carolina, by firing upon Fort Sum- ter, in the harbor close by, and her commandant. Major Anderson, asked to surrender. It was then President Lincoln determined that civil war was on and issued a general proclamation for seventy-five thousand troops.

In 1 861 Page county was still an infant in swaddling clothes. There was not a railroad or line of telegraph within her borders, consequently, news traveled slowly. But when the people of the county came to a full realization of the situation, they were not so slow to act. They were true sons and descendants of the heroes of "the times that tried men's souls." To every call of either men or money there was a willing and ready response and it was the boast of this people that had the supply of men run short, there were women brave enough, daring enough and patriotic enough, to have offered themselves as sacrifices on their country's altar.

It was at once the fear of many that a raid might be the first thing with which to contend from the near-by and neighboring state of Mis- souri. At once, on the first news from Fort Sumter and after the Presi-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 229

dent's call for troops, a meeting was held in Clarinda on the 4th of May, 1861. Dr. A. H. East was called to the chair and J. Butler chosen secre- tary. After transacting some preliminary business the meeting adjourned to meet the following Tuesday, when a company was formed and officers elected. J. Cramer was chosen captain; R. F. Connor, first heutenant; and George Baker, second lieutenant. The company consisted of twenty- seven persons and was organized merely for home protection.

On the 4th of May, a meeting was also held at Amity. George Mc- cullough was called to the chair and W. R. McLaughlin acted as secre- tary. On a call being made for persons to join the company, thirty-nine men gave their names. At this meeting the following preamble and resolu- tion was adopted :

Whereas, In view of the existing state of the country we believe it wise for all able bodied men to organize themselves into military com- panies ; therefore

Resolved, That we, citizens of Amity and vicinity, without distinction of party, recommend the organization of a military company, not for ag- gression but for the purpose of protecting ourselves and our country.

A meeting of the citizens of Harlan township was held at the Olive Branch schoolhouse on Saturday, April 11, 1861, and a company of fortv- one men was organized. John McCormick was chosen captain ; John Caskey, first lieutenant ; and Thomas Whitehill, second lieutenant.

The citizens of Amity and Buchanan townships held a war meeting at Braddyville on the 8th of May, 1861, at which time a company was or- ganized, officered as follows: Captain, Joseph Smith; first lieutenant, X. C. Martin ; second lieutenant, J. H. Bangs.

These companies were all organized for home protection, and none too soon, as the following, taken from the files of the Page County Herald, of May 24, 1861, will attest:

"Intelligence reached us yesterday of a contemplated attack upon iVmity, and in response to their call for assistance, Captain Bowen of the Clarinda Guards, marched his company to the threatened place. Captain AlcCormick, of the Harlan Blues, also marched down with his company, as did Captain Smith with his company. The news of an attack reached Amity through a Union man, resident in Missouri, and his information was such that there can be no doubt but the hell-hounds were congregating at Graves', six miles below Amity for the purpose of making an attack upon the town but the presence of three hundred armed and drilled men may have deterred them from their purpose for the present but there is no doubt but an attack is contemplated and will be made as soon as a suitable opportunity presents."

The first company mustered into the United States service from this county was Captain Bowen's. It departed from Clarinda on the morning of Tuesday, Jvme 19, 1861. It had been previously announced that they would start on that day and the announcement brought hundreds together to witness their departure and to bid them God speed. The ladies of Clarinda prepared a beautiful flag and presented it to the company just before their departure and so determined were they that nothing should enter into

230 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

its composition that had been produced by traitor hands, they made it wholly from woolen fabrics of the very best quality, furnished by Judge Wilson and sewed with linen thread. On behalf of the Page County Bible Society, ]\Ir. Loranz presented each member of the company with a pocket edition of the New Testament. Mrs. N. B. Moore in presenting the flag to the company made the following remarks :

"Gentlemen: We meet today as many, if not all of us, never met before, to bid adieu to wife, mother, father, sister, brother and friend, and to take up your line of march as soldiers for the field of action, having been stimu- lated to rush to the rescue of our country to crush treason and rebellion, which under its fit emblem, the serpent, seeks to entwine itself about the insti- tutions of our country and crush those principles which are peculiar to and endeared by every American. Stimulated by your love of freedom, your attachment to our country and a desire to perpetuate her institu- tions, to protect the homes of the free and to preserve inviolable the pre- cious boon of liberty purchased by our forefathers' blood, and bv them handed down to us. We come to witness that departure and to bid vou adieu. We come with emotions of pride and gratitude that in our midst are those who are ready and have at the call of those in authority taken the solemn oath to maintain this heaven favored government, to enter the service of the United States and are willing to sacrifice your lives for the defense and maintenance of liberty and the overthrow of tyranny. But with these emotions are mingled those of sympathy and solemnity. In your toilsome marches, your exposures, the sacrifices you make of the pleasures -and enjoyments of home, your sufferings upon the battlefield, wounded, sick, dying, cast your mind's eye back to Clarinda and remember you have our warmest sympthy, the affection of our hearts and our prayers. A number of you. Captain Bowen, Lieutenants Burns and Scott, leave wives beloved and children dear behind. You all have afifectionate friends. We may not, in all probability, ever all meet again. The exposures inci- dent to a soldier's life, the traitor's rifle, bayonet or sword, may cause the winding sheet to be thrown about you and your bodies be given back to mother earth.

'Tt is solemn to think that on this side of vast eternity we may never all meet again, and yet there is no death so honorable, so glorious, as his who falls battling for liberty. In the days of the revolution the wife said to the husband, the mother to the son, the sister to the brother, go purchase for us liberty, even if it costs you your heart's blood. The women of that day battled alongside of husbands and sons to drive back the oppressor's rod and to gain freedom from tyranny. They conquered. Our forefathers bought it but not until their blood had saturated the American soil and their bones were scattered through its villages and over its hilltops. We, their offspring, have been happy in the enjoyment of the land of the free and the home of the brave. But now ambitious, selfish traitors have raised up to destroy this glorious fabric, our government, to tear down the em- blem of our liberty, the star spangled banner, and to supplant it with the black flag of treason and rebellion. And we, as wives, mothers, sisters say

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 231

go, protect the flag that has so long waved over us, that we have compelled all nations on the globe to honor and respect. Our pride, the pride of our nation. Avenge its wrongs. Let our motto Ije, "death to him who in- sults it." And now, gentlemen, on behalf of the ladies of Clarinda, as a token of their respect, confidence and hope in you that you will not dis- grace yourselves, your friends or your countr}-, T present to you through your captain, this flag, prepared by our hands, with this injunction: that you never permit its insults to go unpunished ; that you never sufl'er it to be trailed in the dust or trampled under foot by a traitor or be borne by a coward."

Captain Bowen, on the part of the company, received the flag with the following remarks :

"Ladies : With pleasure we receive from you this beautiful banner as a token of your kindly feelings for us and your unfaltering interest in the welfare of the best and greatest government on earth. Ambitious traitors have raised their hands to destroy this sacred legacy of our forefathers, to blot from the record of nations the name of this fair fabric and in its stead place one which every sentiment of freedom abhors, the success of which would extinguish every spark of liberty throughout the world and blast the hopes of thousands everywhere where sighs for freedom are wafted to us on every breeze. This must not, shall not be. Already the kindled fires of patriotism are spreading far and wide and will rush on into one general conflagration until every traitor and every vestige of treason shall be laid low. Our country calls ; we go ; some of us may never return. Where- ever we go this emblem of liberty shall float over us and if it be our fate to die upon the sanguinary field, our latest sigh shall be that the fair hands that formed this banner for us could not have the opportunity of soothing our parting to the eternal world.

"The Bibles presented to us by our friend Loranz, on behalf of the Page County Bible Society, will be preserved as an evidence of his in- terest in our eternal as well as temporal welfare. From their pages may each of us endeavor to learn to pass safely through the dark shadows of the grave into the eternal regions of light beyond.

"For the many kindnesses shown us and the material aid given us by our friends, we can only give our earnest thanks. Farewell."

At the conclusion of his remarks three hearty cheers were given for volunteers, w^hen they formed in line and marched around the public square, halting opposite the Delevan House. At this place most of the crowd sought the opportunity of bidding a kind adieu, when those emotions which emanate from the bravest hearts began to manifest themselves. Most of the volunteers being young men, it was probably the severest trial of their lives to bid farewell to their friends and go forth to meet a traitor foe, but hard as it was no one seemed for a moment to hesitate between the pleasures of home and friends and their duty to their country. All hearts were moved, at their departure and scarcely one but was moved with feelings of both pleasure and pain; pleasure that among the thousands of gallant freemen who had tendered the governor of Iowa their services and sought anxiously

232 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

for position in the army of the nation, those from Page county were the most favored ; and pained to think so many genial spirits were compelled to depart, some never to return. Eight teams had been kindly offered to take them to Omaha, the company having decided to enter a Nebraska regi- ment, so at the start they were not put to as severe a trial as ordinarily falls to a soldier's lot.

The following are the names of the officers and men who composed the company : Captain, T. M. Bowen ; first lieutenant, G. W. Burns, second lieutenant, Alexander Scott ; orderly sergeant, John P. Murphy. Privates : W. M. Alexander, J. E. Arnold, D. Alexander, R. H. Blair, J. Blair, James Brown, Henry Bigel, C. A. Birum, W. L. Bayley, A. Brown, Samuel Buck, Henry Chandler, W. I. Cooper, D. Clevinger, J. W. Edwards, William B. Folsom, Dayton F. Fairchild, D. Goodman, Joseph Richey, B. S. Rawlings, J. S. Salsbury, W. P. Swiggett, J. W. Scholes, E. A. Swatman, Joseph Thomas, P. R. Wagner, A. Valuntine, T. Helmick, Joseph Hill, William Irving, W. L. Jaycox, M. C. Johnson, N. D. Kelley, George Middaugh, Jerry McCool, W. McClelland, Robert McKissick, G. W. McMillan, Ruel Miller, J. McCormick, Silas Owen, John W. Owen, Payton Parker, R. W. Polsley, Jacob Roth, F. Smith, A. Strong, M. L. Storrs, E. W. Squires, Thomas K. Tippin and Smith P. Tuttle.

One month after the first company left Page county, another had been recruited and was ready for the service. This, like the former company also entered the First Nebraska Infantry. This company was officered as follows : Captain, Jacob Butler ; first lieutenant, Henry Ribble ; second lieutenant, F. L. Cramer. Privates : John W. Bashford, W. J. Woods, Jas- per Die, T. J. Swingle, John Rhodes, Richard Boatman, Jacob Weaver, T. M. Wray, George W. Newell, Isaac N. Wray, John Gill, J. W. Glover, J. S. Ware, F. M. Cabbie, B. F. Shepherd, Samuel ]\Iardis, Frank Huffner, John Miles, Samuel Fountain, B. F. Bates, Samuel Will, William Stallard, T. A. Braddy, J. C. Ware, W. G. Moferty, John Cane, E. Tuthill, H. H. Lindall, John J. Wray, J. W. Pangburn, J. H. Bangs, J. Ewing, Robert Ewing, J. Selman, George Lyons, W. Brown, S. A. Musser, J. W. Skinner, Benson Thomspon, Eugene O. Storrs, W. C. Floyd, A. C. Martin, J. Gratz- buck, W. J. Jones, W. W. Larimer, Isaac Lewis, Thomas B. Hatch, J. How- ard, F. A. McDonald, E. A. Smith, Samuel Lutes, William King, Samuel Guthrie, David G. Gray, Robert McElroy, W. H. Morton, William Abbott, Joseph Goddard, James Stephenson, Edwin Royster, Harvey Wray and G. W. Adams.

The regiment to which these companions were attached, the First Ne- braska Infantry, was ordered south about the middle of August, 1861, and after participating in Fremont's Missouri campaign, were ordered farther south and took part in the battle of Fort Donelson, that being their first lively engagement. These companies also participated in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and in both engagements acquitted themselves in such a manner as to call forth plaudits, thus winning the admiration of all. In November, 1863, after the regiment veteranized, it was changed to the

HISTORY (jF PAGE COUNTY 233

First Nebraska Cavalry, in which position it served during the remainder of the war.

The next company, or at least a portion of it, recruited in this county, was for the Fourth Iowa Cavalry. The members of the company from Page county were recruited by Rev. J. M. Rush, who was second lieutenant of the company. At the time he entered the service he had charge of the Methodist church on the Hawleyville circuit. Both of the other officers, Captain Rector and Lieutenant Guyle, of Fremont county, were also Meth- odist ministers.

In the latter part of August, 1861, a company was recruited for the Fourth Iowa Infantry. Joseph Cramer was captain. On January 22, 1862, the Fourth joined the army of the southwest under General Curtis, and for thirty months thereafter was in continuous active service. It never fell to its lot to do post duty. It took an active part at Pea Ridge, where Gen- eral Curtis declared it "won immortal honors." At this battle Second Lieutenant James T. Chittenden, of Company K, the company recruited from Page county, was mortally wounded in the breast and died from the effects of the same in the hospital at Cassville, Missouri, about the first of May, 1863. The record of this regiment in its march against Price to Springfield and to Ozark Mountains, to Batesville and across Arkansas to Helena, thence to Chickasaw Bayou and up the Arkansas river to Arkansas Post, from Milliken's Bend around through Grand Gulf and Jackson to the rear of Vicksburg, to Memphis, thence across the country to Chattanooga and with Sherman against Atlanta, is one of the achievements unsurpassed for brilliancy and bravery. It was engaged on more than thirty battlefields, met the enemy in eight different rebel states and was never repulsed. It fought at Pea Ridge, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Jackson, Vicksburg, Cherokee Station, Caney Creek, Tuscumbia, Chattanooga, Lookout Moun- tain, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Columbus, Goldsboro, Atlanta, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain. It was present at the Grand Review at Washington, thence going to Louisville, where it did provost guard duty until July 25, 1865, when it came to Davenport and was mustered out September 3d.

About the time Captain Cramer was recruiting his company. Dr. Rum- baugh of Hawleyville was engaged in organizing a cavalry company for a Missouri regiment, and on Saturday, August 24, 1861, the company left Hawleyville for St. Joe, where they joined their regiment. After the battle of Lexington his company was disbanded and he immediately took steps toward organizing another company and after organizing the same his company was assigned to the Twenty-fifth Alissouri Infantry. Dr. Rum- baugh was a short time afterward promoted to major of his regiment, in which position he served until he was mustered out of the service

On the 2d of September, i86t. Captain John M. Young and Lieutenant C. A. B. Langdon left Page City with a company of cavalry for Omaha, intending to join a Nebraska regiment, there being no Iowa cavalry regiment recruiting for the service at the time and they either had to join a regiment outside of their own state, or disband. They remained in Omaha until the latter part of December, 1861, when, pursuant to special order, they

234 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

were attached to a regiment known as "Curtis' Horse." June 25, 1862, the regiment was assigned to the state of Iowa and called the Fifth Iowa Cav- alry. November i, 1862, Captain Young was appointed major and was afterward promoted to colonel. This regiment saw hard service and at one time it was reduced to thirty horses, so arduous had been their campaign around Atlanta. Concerning an expedition under Major Young, General Elliott, chief of cavalry, under date of November 17, 1863, wrote as fol- lows: "The success of the scout under command of Alajor Young, shows that he has been energetic and shows judgment in the management of his command." He also received the thanks of the major general for the brave, energetic and prudent manner in which the expedition was conducted. Thus it will be observed that it mattered not in what department of the service the Page county soldiers participated, they always acquitted themselves with honor.

The next company to leave the county enlisted in August, 1862, in the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry. This was probably the largest company to enlist from Page county during the war, there being no less than ninety- two enlistments from the county in Company F of that regiment. A com- plete history of this regiment will be found in connection with our history of Iowa regiments.

The latter part of August, 1863, Captain Burns resigned his position in the First Nebraska and came home and immediately commenced recruit- ing a company for the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, and on the 30th of September the regiment was mustered into service. On the morning of October 17th, the Eighth left Camp Roberts for Louisville, Kentucky, where they arrived on the 2 1 St and went into camp. On the 4th of November, the regiment commenced its march for Nashville, Tennessee, where it arrived on the morning of the 17th. The regiment participated in the battles in and around Atlanta, doing hard and valuable service. Of the two hundred and ninety-two enlisted men and twenty-four officers who started on the McCook raid, but twenty men and officers returned to the federal lines, the balance having either been killed, wounded or taken prisoners. In summing up the history of the regiment for 1864, its colonel, J. B. Dorr, took occasion to say: 'T may be permitted to say that it has been about as hard and con- tinuous service as has fallen to the lot of any command in the same time. It has, without including skirmishes, which were many, taken part in fifteen engagements, the casualties amounting to one hundred and sixty-eight, not including over two hundred men and officers taken prisoners."

Page county was also represented in the Twenty-ninth Iowa Infantry. Charles B. Shoemaker was mustered into the service as major, September 16, 1862, and remained with the regiment until January 7, 1865, when he resigned. There were only fourteen men from Page county in the Twenty-ninth.

The county was also represented in the following regiments : Fourth Missouri Cavalry, First Iowa Cavalry, Seventeenth Iowa Infantry and Eleventh Missouri Cavalry.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 235

The following is we believe a complete list of the officers and men who enlisted from Page county during the war of the rebellion, with the date of enlistment, promotion, etc., the first date given being the date of enlistment:

FIRST NEBRASKA INFANTRY^ COMPANY F.

Thomas Al. Bowen, captain, June 15, 1861 ; resigned February 4, 1862.

George W. BurnS;, first lieutenant, June 15, 1861 ; promoted to captain February 5, 1862.

Alexander Scott, first Ueutenant, June 15, 1861 ; from second Ueutenant; resigned Alarch 4, 1862.

John P. Murphy, first lieutenant, June 15, 1861 ; from second lieutenant.

Fred Smith, second lieutenant, Junt 15, 1861 ; from first sergeant.

William Alexander, fifth sergeant, June 15, 1861 ; first heutenant; wounded at Fort Doneison ; veteranized November 11, 1863.

William L. Jaycox, second sergeant, June 15, 1861 ; from third ser- geant.

William B. Folsom, third sergeant, June 15, 1861 ; from fourth ser- geant; term expired November 18, 1864.

Joseph Blair, third sergeant, June 15, i86i ; from fifth sergeant; veter- anized November 14, 1863.

William P. Swiggett, fourth sergeant, June 15, 1861 ; from fifth ser- geant ; died of wounds received at Shiloh.

Smith P. Tuttle, fourth sergeant, June 15, 1861 ; from fifth sergeant; wounded at Shiloh; veteranized November 11, 1864.

George McAIillan, fifth serg'eant, June 15, 1861 ; from private; reen- listed June i, 1864.

Joseph E. Richey, quartermaster sergeant, June 15, 1861; from first corporal.

Jabez Tickling, commissary sergeant, August 3, 1861 ; from eighth corporal; mustered out; tenii expired November 11, i8()4.

Joseph E. Hill, commissary sergeant, June 15, 1861 ; from fourth cor- poral; veteranized June i, 1864.

Newton D. Kelly, second corporal, June 15, 1861; from third corporal; mustered out; term expired November 10, 1864.

Samuel Burch, third corporal, June 15, 1861 ; from private; died at Evansville, Indiana, March 19, 1862.

G. W. Middaugh, second corporal, June 15, 1861 ; from third corporal; died at St. Louis, April 5, 1863.

David Clevinger, fourth corporal, June 15, 1861 ; from seventh cor- poral; killed by bushwhackers, March 28, 1864.

Payton N. Parker, fourth corporal, June 15, 1861 ; from sixth cor- poral; veteranized November 18, 1863.

Joseph E. Hill, first sergeant, June 15, 1861 ; from second sergeant.

Alva Strong, fifth corporal, June 15, 1861 ; reduced to ranks at own request July 24, 1861.

Robert G. Tippin. fifth corporal. October 2^, 1861 ; from seventh cor- poral; veteranized January i, 1864.

236 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

James G. Edwards, sixth corporal, June 15, 1861 ; discharged Sep- tember 16, 1 861.

James W. McCormick, seventh corporal, June 15, 1861.

Anthony F. Brown, eighth corporal, June 15, 1861 ; died at Warsaw, Missouri, October 31, 1861.

John Y. Hooper, musician, June 15, 1861 ; appointed chief bugler No- vember 5, 1863.

Mahlon C. Johnson, bugler, June 15, 1861 ; from private; reenlisted January i, 1864.

Thomas D. Bradfield, wagoner, June 15, 1861 ; mustered out by ex- piration of term of service November 10, 1864.

PRIVATES.

David Alexander, June 15, 1861 ; reenlisted January i, 1864.

Samuel Alexander, October 23, 1861 ; reenlisted August i, 1864.

James E. Arnold, June 15, 1861 ; died at Syracuse, Missouri, October 3, 1861.

James H. Bealze, June 15, 1861 ; reenUsted November 11, 1863.

Robert H. Blair, June 15, 1861 ; discharged April i, 1862.

Chauncey A. Birum, June 15, 1861 ; mustered out November 10, 1864.

Edwin R. Brown, June 15, 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864; wounded at Chalk Bluffs.

James -Brown, June 15, 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864.

W. L. Bagley, June 15, 1861 ; discharged February 11, 1862.

Henry Chandler, June 15, 1861 ; transferred to Company I, First Neb- raska, July 25, 1861.

Isaiah Cooper, October 27, 1861 ; reenlisted November 11, 1863.

D. F. Fairchild, June 15, 1861 ; reenhsted November 11, 1863.

F. J. Flannigan, June 15, 1861.

Daniel B. Goodman, June 15, 1861 ; veteranized November 18, 1863.

Thomas J. Helmick, June 15, 1861.

William Irvin, June 15, 1861 ; discharged June 18. 1862.

W. T. Jones, July 30, 1861 ; mustered out at expiration of term of service, November 10, 1864.

Homer P. Kellogg, June 15, 1861 ; reenlisted January i, 1864; wounded at Jacksonport, Arkansas.

Solomon Knight, June 15, 1861 ; mustered out at expiration of term of service, November 10, 1864.

Thomas Lorton, June 15, 1861.

Jeremiah McCool, June 15, 1861.

Willis McClelland, June 15, 1861 ; discharged September 16, 1861.

Reuel C. Miller, June 15, 1861 ; mustered out by expiration of term of

service.

Silas R. Owen, June 15, 1861 ; discharged June 27. 1863. John W. Owen, June 15, 1861 ; discharged April 22, 1862.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY ' 237

Robert W. Polsley, June 15, 1861 ; died April 27, 1862, at Paducah, Kentucky.

Jacob Roth, June 15, 1861.

Benjamin S. Rawlings, June 15, 1861; veteranized January i, 1864. John S. Salsbury, June 15, 1861 ; veteranized January I, 1864. WilHam B. Story, June 15, 1861 ; died at Helena, Arkansas, September 16, 1862.

John W. Scholes, June 15, 1861 ; wounded at Shiloh ; veteranized Jan- uary I, 1864.

Calvin D. Sheets, June 15, 1861 ; mustered out at expiration of term of service, November 10, 1864.

Miles L. Storrs, June 15, 1861 ; discharged February 16, 1863. Eugene O. Storrs, June 15, 1861 ; mustered out, expired term of service, November 10, 1864.

Edward A. Swartman, June 15, 1861.

Eugene W. Squires, June 15, 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864. Thomas R. Tippin, October 23, 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864: wounded at Jacksonport, Arkansas. Robert G. Tippin, October 23, 1861.

Isaac F. Tippin, October 22), 1861 ; died at St. Louis, April 4, 1862. J. M. C. Thomas, June 15, 1861 ; discharged December 6, 1861. Martin E. Thomas, June 15, 1861 ; died October 31, 1861. Alex Valentine, June 15, 1861 ; died at Helena, Arkansas, September 16. 1862.

Amariah B. Wagor, June 15, 1861 ; veteranized November 18, 1863. Philo R. Wagor, June 15, 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864. Joshua J. Wilson, June 15, 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864. Enoch Abby, drummer, March 12, 1863.

Josiah Burton, corporal, November 2^, 1863 ; transferred from Company D. Veteran Cavalry, December 7, 1864. Isaac Burns, August i, 1864. Charles G. Cook, May i, 1864.

Alexander Calahan,' May 15, 1864; prisoner of war, captured at Hay Station, August 24, 1864.

Francisco Caster. January i, 1864; transferred from Company D, First Veteran Cavalry, December 7, 1864. Isaac Davis, October 15^ 1863.

Thomas Ellem, January i, 1864; transferred from Company D. First Veteran Cavalry, December 7, 1864.

John Edon, January i, 1864; transferred from Company D, First \'et- eran Cavalry, December 7, 1864.

Theophilus East, October 15, 1864. James A. Farrens, October i, 1864. Samuel A. French, November 23. 1864. Pinkston Holmark, March 25, 1862. Robert Lother, October i, 1863. George W. Long, March i, 1864.

238 • HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Henry McComas, March i, 1864. J. L. McKittrick, March i, 1864.

W. A. Hall, November 17, 1862; transferred from Company D, Decem- ber 7, 1864.

Robert H. Shaw, musician, January 11, 1861. James R. Tippin, August i, 1864. Benjamin Wilson, November 28, 1864.

FIRST NEBRASKA INFANTRY, COMPANY I.

Jacob Butler, captain, July 17, 1861 ; resigned January 30, 1862.

Henry H. Ribble, first lieutenant, July 17, 1861 ; promoted to captain, January 30, 1862.

Francis L. Cramer, second lieutenant, July 17, 1861 ; first lieutenant, January 30, 1862; adjutant. May i, 1862; major Alabama Cavalry.

Emory Peck, first sergeant, July 16, 1861 ; promoted second lieutenant, January 30, 1862; first lieutenant, May i, 1862.

F. A. McDonald, first sergeant, July 17, 1861 ; promoted second lieuten- ant, May I, 1862; adjutant, January i, 1864.

James 11. Bangs, second sergeant, July 17, 1861 ; promoted first ser- geant. May I, 1863; veteranized, November 14. 1863.

William C. Floyd, third sergeant, July 17, 1861 ; discharged for disa- bility, March, 1862.

William J. Jones, commissary sergeant, September 23, 1861 ; veteran- ized, January i, 1864.

John B. Thompson, corporal, July 17, 1861 : killed in action at Shiloh, April 7, 1862.

Chatfield H. Butler, corporal, September 23, 1861 ; discharged by ex- pired term of service, November 10, 1864.

William D. Stollen, corporal, July 17, 1861 : veteranized, January i, 1864.

Gilbert C. Lyons, farrier, July 17, 1861 ; veteranized January, 1864; wounded at Plum Creek, Nebraska, October, 1864.

♦

PRIVATES.

G. W. Ames, July 17, 1 861.

Joseph A. Beaddy, July 17, 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864.

Robert C. Irvin, July 17, 1861 ; discharged for disability. February 22, 1862.

Levi W. Ferry, July 17, 1861 ; discharged for disability. May t6, 1862.

G. W. Fisher, August 17, 1864.

Robert A. Farrens, August 17, 1864.

Jacob Granbyback, July 17, 1861 ; died of disease at Syracuse, Missouri, October 12, 1861.

Martin Jackson, July 17, 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864.

Louis C. Jackson, August 17, 1864; killed near Plum Creek, Nebraska, October 13, 1864.

William King, July 17, 1861 ; discharged for disability. July 24, 1862.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 239

Francis B. Lytle, July 17, 1861 ; discharged for disability, February 25, 1862.

William Mayer, July 17. 1861 ; veteranized January i, 1864; enlisted in Marine Brigade.

Samuel A. Musser, July 27, 1861 ; enlisted in Marine Brigade, Jan- uary, 1863.

John W. Skinner, July 17, 1861 ; died at St. Louis, Missouri, May 16, 1862.

John Sillman, July 17, 1861 ; died at Georgetown, Missouri, January 15, 1862.

Erastus A. Smith, July 17, 1861.

FOURTH IOWA CAVALRY, COMPANY A.

J. Marshall Rush, captain, August 25, 1861 ; from quartermaster.

Samuel P. Kelly, first sergeant, August 27, 1861 ; from first sergeant; promoted second lieutenant, June 5, 1862.

John H. Damewood, commissary sergeant, August 27, 1861, from pri- vate; promoted November i, 1862.

J. Lee Marsh, second corporal. August 27, 1861 ; reduced to ranks at his own request.

James Mount, sixth corporal, August 27, 1861 ; from private; promoted to fifth corporal, November 7, 1862.

William E. Jackson, August 27, 1861 ; promoted to bugler March 12, 1862.

PRIVATES.

Francis M. Callicotte, August 27, 1861. F. A. Damewood, August 27, 1861. Charles A. Glasgow, August 27, 1861. Doran T. Hunt, August 27, 1861. David A. Patch, August 27, 1861.

TWENTY-FIFTH MISSOURI INFANTRY^ COMPANY K.

George H. Rumbaugh, captain, February i, 1862; resigned Septem- ber, 1862.

Benjamin R. Tanner, first sergeant, December i, 1861 : promoted first lieutenant, January 20, 1863.

Harvey C. Hall, first sergeant, August 26, 1861 : discharged for disa- bility at Corinth, July ii, 1862.

David Morgan, first sergeant, December i. 1861.

Daniel M. Stillians, corporal, December 15. 1861.

Marcus L. Brown, corporal, February i, 1862.

PRIVATES.

Isaac W. Blake, February i, 1862: discharged for disability, October ^o, 1862.

240 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

John Buckingham, November 19, 1861 ; transferred as sergeant to non- commissioned staff.

John F. Bucking-ham, February i, 1862.

Joseph A. Buckingham, November 29, 1861.

George Court, February i, 1862.

John T. Callicotte, September 23, 1862.

William R. Callicotte, September 22, 1862.

Partick Devlin, November 15, 1861.

Nathaniel L. Davis, December 15, 1861.

Thomas M. Goodman, October i, 1862; captured by guerrillas at Cen- tralia, Missouri, and escaped after ten days, September 27, 1864.

George Goodman, December 15, 1861 ; discharged for disability, June 8, 1862, at Pittsburg Landing.

Robert Holliday, January 11, 1862; discharged at Evansville, Indiana, from wounds received at Shiloh.

William C. Hurst, September 23, 1862.

David Harris, September 23, 1862.

Miles Holland, March i, 1862.

Lindon Holliday, September 23, 1862.

George Hill, September 23, 1862: promoted to sergeant.

Zadoc Lewellen, September 23, 1862.

James McGlinney, November 19, 1861.

Samuel Mosley, December 15, 186 1.

Alfred S. Moore, December 15, 1861.

John N. Moore, December 15, 1861.

John Morgan, February i, 1862.

Henry B. McAlpin, September 2^, 1862.

Robert Miller, December 26, 1862; promoted to sergeant.

James M. Penick, December 10, 1861.

Joseph Robbins, February i, 1862; promoted to first sergeant.

Frank G. Sayres, November 7, 1861 ; discharged at St. Louis, March 22, 1862, for disability.

John Sears, November 7, 1861 ; killed at battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862.

James B. Thomas, September 23, 1862.

Joseph M. C. Thomas, September 23, 1862.

George Hammond, July 29, 1862; member of Company D.

John Potter, August 2. 1861 ; member of Company D; discharged Jan- uary 23, 1862. for wounds received.

William Hankins, November 26, 1861 ; member of Company E.

Ed. M. Pace, February 22, 1862; member of Company E.

FOURTH IOWA INFANTRY, COMPANY K.

loseph Cramer, captain. August 31, 1861 ; promoted to major, March,

1863.

Albert R. Anderson, captain. May 12, 1862, from first lieutenant; pro- moted major, April 5, 1864.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 241

James T. Chittenden, second lieutenant, August 31, 1861 ; died April 29, 1862, of wounds received at Pea Ridge^ Arkansas.

Thomas H. Cramer, first sergeant, August 31, 1861 ; promoted second lieutenant; killed at Ringgold, ( Georgia, November 27, 1861.

Robert R. Morledge, fifth sergeant. May 12, 1862, from first corporal; discharged December 19. 186—, at Helena, Arkansas.

Thomas J. Jack, second corporal, May 12, 1862, from fourth corporal; wounded in leg at Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862.

Henry W. Trustle, fourth corporal, August 10, 1861. from sixth cor- poral ; discharged August 17, 1863.

John J. Pierce, eighth corporal, August 31, 1861 ; died of pneumonia at Lebanon, Missouri, February 13, 1862.

John A. Mills, eighth corporal, February 13, 1862, from private.

Isaac M. Beims, August 31, 1861 ; wounded severely at Pea Ridge, Ar- kansas; discharged October i, 1862.

George R. Black, August 18, 1861 ; died at Chickamauga, Georgia, No- vember 28. 1863.

Silas Chase, August t8. 1861 ; wounded in thigh at Chickasaw Bayou, Mississippi, December 29, 1862.

Amos Cunning, x-Xugust 18, 1861 ; wounded at same as above, severely in the hand.

William Cozad, August 18, 1861.

James H. Dunn, August 18, 1861.

William C. Dow, August 18, 1861.

Isaac Dinwiddle, August 18, 1861 ; died of typhoid fever at RoUa, Mis- souri. January 8, 1862.

John Ewing, August 18, 1861 ; wounded severely in shoulder at Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862.

John W. Friend, August 18, 1861 ; died of measles at Rolla. Missouri. February 21, 1863.

Jacob Daddis, August 18, 1861 : died at St. Louis. Missouri, February 21, 1863.

Benjamin (nbbs, August 18, t86i.

Samuel Hutton, August 18. 1861 ; wounded at Rolla. September 26, 1861 ; captured at Black River, Mississippi.

Edward S. Hunt. August 18, 1861 : died of measles at Rollo. Missouri, December 31. 1861.

Leven Johnson, August 31, 1861 ; discharged at St. Louis. June 8. 1862. Daniel Jacobs, August 31, 1861.

]>eattic E. Johnson, August 27, 1862; drowned at Greenville, Mississippi, April 17. 1863.

William A. Kinkade. August 31. 1861 ; discharged for protracted illness, May 15, 1862.

James B. Meek, August 31. 1861 ; discharged for protracted illness, May 15. 1862.

William Pierce, August 31, 1861.

242 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

John R. Runnells, August 31, 1861 ; died of typhoid fever at RoUa, Mis- souri, November 3, 1861.

Irad Richardson, August 31, 1861 ; wounded severely at Vicksburg, May 20, 1863.

Benjamin F. Swatman, August 31, 1861 ; died of dysentery at Helena, Arkansas, October 21, 1862.

Benjamin L. St. Clair, August 31, 1861 ; wounded in the head severely at Pea Ridge, March 7, 1862.

Nelson C. Storrs, August 31, 1861 ; discharged at Rolla, Missouri, Feb- ruary 8, 1862.

James L. Shoemaker, August 31, 1861.

William H. Sly, August 31, 1861 ; wounded slightly at Chickasaw Bayou ; discharged June 21, 1865.

D. A. Thayer, August 31, 1861 ; transferred to the marine brigade.

Joseph Van Gundy, August 31, 1861 ; wounded at Pea Ridge, Marcli 7, 1862; foot amputated.

William H. Willoughby, August 31, 1861.

Walter S. Bodwell, August 31, 1861 ; wounded severely in the leg at Pea Ridge.

R. W. Duncan, August 27, 1862; killed by a shell at Vicksburg, De- cember 28, 1862.

Andrew W. Bratton, August 27, 1862.

George Gibbs, September 27, 1862.

William A. Kempton, September 27, 1862.

William O. McCord, September 2"], 1862.

William A. Phifer, September 27, 1862.

Eli D. Robinson, September 27, 1862.

Clcirk T. Smith, September 27, 1862.

Leopold Sanders, September 27, 1862.

George A. Tuttle, September 27, 1862.

W. 1'. Wilkinson, January 22, 1863.

William A. Wright, September 27, 1862.

Samuel D. Wagor, September 2-j, 1862.

John Arbuckle, March 26, 1864.

Alexander Busey, March 28, 1864.

William Cunning, March 26, 1864.

Hezckiah Cozad, March 26, 1864.

John W. Davis, March 26, 1864.

Pleasant M. Harris, March 23, 1864.

Zachariah Johnson. April 16, 1864.

A. L. Larsh, March 30, 1864.

Alfred ^^'ilkinson, March 28. 1864.

TWKXTV-TIITRn IOWA INFANTRY, COMPANY F.

Washington Rawlings, captain, August 2, 1862. from first licnk'iiaiil ; woundefl at Black River, Mississippi, May 17, 1863.

HISTURV UF I'AGi-: CUlXTV 243

Isaiah II. Walker, second lieuieiiam, Septemlier 19, 1862; captain, No- vember 13, 1863.

I'lini])ton Ii. Greer, first sergeant, Se])tember i, 1862; promoted to quar- termaster, July 1, 1864.

Xcwton C. kidenour, second sergeant, August 29. 1862; ])romotcd to second lieutenant, June 30, 1863; to first lieutenant, July 7, 1864.

Albert \ an Raton, third sergeant, September 1, 1862; wounded at Black River, Ala} 17, 1863 ; second lieutenant, July 7, 1864.

David H. Scidmore, fifth sergeant, August 29, 1862; wounded at Port (jibson, Mississippi, May 1, 1863; discharged May 2, 1865.

William M. I'.urky, first corporal, August 29, 1862; quartermaster ser- geant. September i<j, 1862; discharged for disability, March 3, 1864.

John W. l\ot)t, second corporal, August 29, 1862 ; transferred November 6, i8r>--, for promoiion in colored troops.

Lyman 11. McAlpin, second corporal, October 6, 1862, from fourth cor]ioral.

William 1'. i'eterman, third corjjoral, August 29, 1862, from fifth cor- poral: wounded at lllack River, May 17, 1863.

James W'. Pruyn, fourth corporal, October 6, 1862, from sixth corporal; muster roll gives residence at Page City.

John .\. Jackson, fifth corporal, October 6, 1862.

John Stewart, sixth corporal, October 6, 1862: wounded at Rlack River, left leg amputated; died of wotmd Jnlv 21, 1863.

Daniel Polsley, seventh corporal, October 6. 1862 : from jirivate.

Benjamin T. Graham, musician, August 29, 1862.

Samuel TT. Baker, wagoner, August 29, 1862; captured at Port Gibson. Mississippi, May i, 1863.

PKIXATES.

John .\kin, August 29, 1862.

II. I'., r.aldw in, August 29, 1862.

David W. r.etchel. August 29, 1862.

Abner S. Boggs. Atigust 29. 1862.

William K. I'.urns, August 29, 1862: severely wounded at lUack iviver, May 17. 18O3.

.Xndrew ISryson, August 29. i8(')2.

Lhancy l{. Carpenter. August 29. 1862.

(George S. Cavenflcr, August 29, 1862; wounded severely at Port Gib- son. Mississippi, May 1, 1863.

Robert A. Cavender, August 29. 1862.

Amos Cunning, Xugvist 2c), 1862..

W. II. Cunning, \ugust 29, 1862: kilkd al Port (iibson, Alississippi, May I, 1863.

James Denton, September i. 1862.

John Drace, August 29. 1862; discharged June 15. 1863.

Silas C). Drewrv. August 29. 1862.

244 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Ellis Edmonds, August 29, 1862; wounded at Black River, May 17, 1853 ; died of disease, July 26, 1863.

Wilk, B. T. Edmonds, August 29, 1862.

Isaac Edmonds, August 29, 1862 ; wounded at Black River ; died at Milli- ken's Bend, August 16, 1863.

Fergus Warren, August 29, 1862.

Daniel S. Fleenor, August 29, 1862; discharged for disability, Jan- uary 4, 1863.

John W. \'. Guither, August 29, 1862 ; discharged for disability, April 4, 1864.

Samuel H. Glasgow, August 29, 1862.

David S. Gofif, August 29, 1862; died of disease at New Orleans, May 13. 1864.

Joseph S. Grow, August 29, 1862; died of disease at New Orleans, Oc- tober 14, 1863.

Lewis Harrill, August 29, 1862 ; discharged at Benton Barracks. Mis- souri, August 8, 1863.

William H. Irwin, August 29, 1862 ; died of phthisis at Natchez, Mis- sissippi, August 25, 186—.

William Irwin, August 29, 1862; died at Duvall's Bluffs, December 29, 1864; buried at Tarkio.

James Irwm, August 29, 1862.

Amasa Inscho. August 29, 1862: wounded at Black River, Mississippi, May 17, 1863.

Elias A. Jones, August 29, 1862; wounded at lUack River; died of disease at New Orleans, October 9.

Alexander Johnson. September i, 1862.

J. P. Kridelbaugh, August 29. 1862; discharged for disability at Carroll- ton. Louisiana, August 7. 1863.

Jasper Long, August 29. 1862.

Anson D. Long. August 29. 1862 ; wounded in right shoulder.

George T. Loy. August 29. 1862.

Franklin Lov. August 29. 1862; wounded at Black River; died on steamer. July 17, 1863.

Evan ]\Iattice. August 29. 1862; discharged for disability at fronton, Missouri, February 9. 1863.

I. R. Massa, August 29. 1862 ; wounded at Spanish Fort, Alabama, April 4, 1865.

Wolf Miller, August 29, 1862.

Isaac Miller. August 29. 1862.

G. W. Newsom. August 29. 1862.

Abner N. Newman, September i, 1862.

Wils. A. Pendergraft, August 29, 1862.

Thad. T. Pendergraft, August 29, 1862; died of measles at Patterson, November 9. 1862.

Thomas Pierce, August 29, 1862.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 245

Elisha J'reo, August 29, 1862; died at Carrollton, Louisiana, Octo- ber, 1863.

Isaac P. Prickett, September i, 1862; wounded at Black River; died at St. Louis, July 21, 1863.

Benjamin IL Reasoner, August 29, 1862.

Hamilton Roth, August 29, 1862; wounded slig'htly at Spanish Fort, Alabama, April 4. 1805.

Isaac X. Sliepherd, August 29, 1862; discharged for disal)ility, Feb- ruary 27, 1863.

Homer Shepherd, August 29, 1862.

Robert B. Smith, August 29, 1862.

John Snodderly, August 29, 1862.

W. G. R. Snodderly, August 29, 1862.

James S. Williams, August 29, 1862; died of disease at Ironton, Mis- souri, January 30, 1863.

George C. Cleaver, December 28. 1863; died at Memphis. Tennessee, February 20, 1864, of meningitis.

William R. Barnum, January i, 1864; killed by guerrillas at Centralia, Missouri, September 2'j, 1864.

Christian C. Berry, December 19, 1863.

Alexander Cunning, March 28, 1864: died at Duvall's Bluffs, Arkansas, December 22, 1864, of remittent fever.

Dorvill Chamberlain, December 19, 1863.

Samuel E. Edenfield, February 6, 1864.

Robert L. Edwards, January 5, 1864.

William C. Floyd, December 19, 1863.

Finley S. Gregg, December 19, 1863.

Cyrus W. Hendricks, January 10, 1864.

Owen Trvin, January 2, 1864; died at Morganza, Louisiana. August 29, 1864.

Frank Kridelbaugh, January 1, 1864; wounded at Spanish Fort. Ala- bama, .April, 1865.

David Leighton, January 1, 1864.

John Love, January 5, 1864; wounded at Spanish Fort, Alabama, March 27, 1865.

John D. Litzenburg, February 9, 1864; died at Duvall's Bluffs, Arkan- sas, December 18, 1864: l)uricd at Tarkio.

P'rederic Mayerhoof, i^'ebruary 27, 1864.

Samuel P. Macomber, January 4. 1864; died at Morganza, Louisiana, August 13, T864.

William Margerum. January 5, 1864.

Augustus H. Polsley, February 9, 1864: died at Duvall's I'luff's Ar- kansas, December 9, 1864.

Thomas J. Ray, December i, 1863: died at Natchez, Mississippi, July 20, 1864.

Chancy L. Wall, January 5. 1864; died at New Orleans, Louisiana, Sep- tember, 12, 1864.

Andrew J. \\'alker. January i, 1864.

246 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

EIGHTH IOWA CAVALRY, COMPANY A.

George W. iJurns, captain, September 30, 1863; captured at Atlanta. June 30, 1854; promoted major, August 22, 1865.

Charles Linderman, second lieutenant, August 25, 1863 ; mustered out as second; commissioned first lieutenant, August 25, 1865.

Robert AI. Rawlings. tirst sergeant, July 25, 1863; mustered out first ser- geant; commissioned second lieutenant. August 22, 1865.

John Kinkade, quartermaster sergeant, July 14, 1863; discharged for disability at \Vaverly, Tennessee, February 28, 1864.

William \V. Russell, commissary sergeant. July 14. 1863 ; captured at Newnan, Georgia, July 30. 1864.

Isaac T. Feltch, second sergeant, July 16, 1863 ; captured at Newnan, Georgia, July 30. 1864.

James B. Short, third sergeant, July 18, 1863.

Joseph I. Haskins, fifth sergeant, July 14, 1863 ; drowned at East Sipsey river, Alabama. April 15. 1865.

Charles C. McDonald, sixth ser^^eant, July 14, 1863.

Peter H. Seay, first corporal, August 24, 1863 ; wounded and captured at Newnan, Georgia. July 30, 1863.

Joseph B. Chamberlain, second corporal, July 6, 1863 : wounded and died at Andersonville prison.

Wilson H. Beighler, third corporal. July 14, 1863.

Augustus J. Martin, fifth corporal, July 14, 1863.

Lewis T. Smith, seventh corporal, July 26, 1863; discharged. August 18, 1864. ■

Francis M. Riggin, bugler, July 6, 1863.

Henry Dorsey, farrier, August 13, 1863 ; discharged for disability, March 17, 1865, at Chickasaw, Alabama.

James A. Hughes, saddler. July 26, 1863.

Henrv Clabaugh, wagoner. Julv 9, 1863.

PRIVATES.

Lewis Akin, July 14, 1863.

William L. Bagley. July 16, 1863.

Thomas H. Butler, July 29, 1863; discharged for disability at Daven- port, December 12, 1863.

John P. Benbow, July 14, 1863.

Robert Al. Benbow, July 14, 1863; discharged for disability, August 5, 1864.

Barclay L Benbow, July 24, 1863.

Charles Britt, July 15, 1863.

Wilson H. Brown. July 30, 1863 : captured at Tuscaloosa. Alabama. April 4, 1865.

James L. Berry, July 30. 1863.

Joseph R. Berry, August 22, 1863.

George W. Babcock, July 16. 1863.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 247

Francis Carlin, July 15, 1863; transferred to invalid corps, January 10, 1865.

John R. Delany, July 14, 1863; discharg-ed June 7, 1865.

John H. Drace, July 14, 1863.

Hiram Davison, August 3, 1863.

John Edmonson, July 24, 1863; died between Macon and Atlanta, Georgia, July 26.

William Y. Ewing, August 3, 1863.

David M. Fruits, July 14, 1863.

Henry B. M. Friar, July 14, 1863; died at Davenport, November 4, 1863.

William Fisher, July 14, 1863.

John S. Goudie, July 2y, 1863.

Isaac Gritifith, July 15, 1863; died of disease, April 5, 1865.

L. H. R. Hutton, July 17, 1863; discharged May 31, 1865.

Noah Hollingsworth, July 31, 1863; died at New Albany, Indiana, November 23, 1863.

Pleasant M. Hall, July 3, 1863.

Nathan Helmick. August i, 1863.

H. H. Handorf, August 25, 1863.

Asa Jackson, July 25, 1863.

Henry Loranz, July 14, 1863 ; captured July 30, 1864.

William M. McCleilan, July 9, 1863.

Joseph Mulkins, July 14, 1863.

John N. Miller, July 14, 1863 ; captured July 30, 1864.

Lewis H. Miller, July 30, 1863.

Julius F. Pendergraft, July 15, 1863.

Jackson Phmimer. August 7, 1863.

John O. A. Roberts, July 14, 1863 ; died of typhoid fever, at Nashville, Tennessee, March 30, 1864.

William A. Rector. July 14, 1863.

John P. Reynolds. July 17, 1863.

Oliver P. StaiTord. July 7, 1863.

Ambrose C. Stouder, July 9, 1863.

Henry H. Snodderly, July 14, 1863.

George W. Scoles, July 17. 1863.

Robert W. Soward. July 30. 1863; died at Nashville, Tennessee, April 9. 1864.

Harvey D. Taylor, August 19. 1863.

Robert L. Veach, July 27, 1863; captured at Newman. Georgia, Julv 30, 1864.

Evan AVilson, July 18, 1863.

FIFTH IOWA CAVALRY, COMPANY C.

John Morris Young, captain. October 3, 1861 ; promoted to major November i. 1862; afterward colonel.

248 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

C. A. B. Langdon, second lieutenant, October 3, 1863 ; commissioned major July 7, 1865.

John Casky, fifth sergeant, September 19, 1861 ; died on steamer be- tween F"ort Henry and Smithland, Kentucky.

Samuel S. Harry, third corporal, September 19, 1861.

John Toner, fourth corporal, September 19, 1861 ; captured near New- nan, Georgia, July 31, 1864.

Thomas J. Bull, seventh corporal, September 19, 1861.

PRIVATES.

Gilbert P. Britt, September 19, 1861 ; discharged for disability at St. Louis, October 4, 1862.

Christian Brenner. September 19. 1861 ; killed at Pulaski, Tennessee, December 25, 1864.

Sampson Casky, September 19, 1861 ; captured at Newnan, Georgia, July 13, 1864; died in prison.

Lewis Loun, September 19, 1861 ; died at Fort Heiman, Kentucky, March 31, 1862.

Stiles Malone, September 19, 1861 ; died at Montgomery, Alabama. May 3, 1865.

William M. Murphy, September 19, 1861 ; died of wounds received at Jonesboro, Georgia, September 21, 1864.

William McCrory, September 19, 1861.

John McLarnon, September 28, 1861 ; captured at Newnan, Georgia, July 31, 1864.

Allen McLarnon, September 28, 1861 ; captured at Newnan, Georgia, July 31, 1 86 1.

John McMichael, September 28, 1861 ; died at Benton Barracks, Mis- souri, January 11, 1862.

Marcellus Pruyn, September 26, 1861 ; promoted to batalHon commis- sary sergeant.

ELEVENTH MISSOURI CAVALRY, COMPANY C.

Charles W. Pace, captain, December i, 1862. John Bvickingham, first lieutenant, March 24, 1863. Charles S. Hinman, first sergeant, December i, 1862. Harland Scarlett, first sergeant, December 18, 1862; promoted second lieutenant Company B, August 22, 1863.

PRIVATES.

John Barnes, December i, 1862. John A. Busey, December i, 1862. George Goodman, December i, 1862. Harvev C. Hall, December i. 1862. John JefT Hill, December i. 1862. William Loughry, December i, 1862. Jonah Reed, December 10, 1862.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 249

John J. Thomas. November i, 1862: died at St. Joseph, Missouri, of inflammation of the brain, April 25. 1862. John Vanhouten. January i"], 1863.

TWENTY-NINTH IOWA INFANTRY, COMPANY F.

Charles B. Shoemaker, major, September 16. 1862: resigned January 7, 1865.

Isaac Damewood, second lieutenant, December 1, 1862; commissioned December 1, 1862; resigned Aug'ust 16, 1864.

PKIN'ATES.

John W. Duncan, November 12, 1862; discharged at Davenport for disability, May 16, 1865.

Alexander Duncan, November 12, 1862; captured at Jenkins" Ferry, Arkansas, April 30, 1864.

William Glasgow, November 16, 1862; discharged March 27, 1865.

Alva Inscho, November 12, 1862; died at Helena, Arkansas, February 13, 1863.

Alfred Madden ; died at Helena, Arkansas, August, 1863.

William Ridgely, December 18, 1862.

Allen M. Campbell, February 18, 1864.

James H. Davis, February 9, 1864.

Solomon McAlpin, Feliruary 13, 1864.

TWENTY-NINTH IOWA INFANTRY, COMPANY K.

Allen J. Chantry, second lieutenant, August 13. 1862 ; commissioned December i, 1862.

run'ATES.

D. A. Thompson. August 9, 1862 ; promoted to commissary sergeant, December 2, 1862.

Willi'im Anderson. August 9. 1862: discharged — over age.

I-()L'RTH MISSOURI CAVALRY, STATE MILITIA, COMPANY C.

James H. Brown, first lieutenant. March i, 1862.

Orren R. Strong, first sergeant, April 1, 1862.

Wilson H. Brown, first sergeant. March t8. 1862: discharged for dis- ability at Springfield. Missouri.

Isaac E. Woods, first sergeant, April i, 1862; reduced to ranks. June 25, 1862.

1>RI\'ATES.

Thomas Cunningham. ^larch 18. 1862; died at St. Joseph. Missouri, May 14, 1862.

Harlan P. Dow. April i, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant.

:^5U HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

FOURTH MISSOURI CAVALRY, STATE MILITIA, COMPANY G.

PRIVATES.

James M. Donnell, April 5, 1862: appointed captain July 30: resigned December, 1862.

Joseph Smith, March 24, 1862.

James Shoaf, April 10, 1862; discharged by post surgeon at St. Joseph, April 29, 1862.

FIRST IOWA CAVALRY, UN ASSIGNED. PRIVATES.

Benjamin F. Martin, December 9, 1863. Willis C. Smith, January 4, 1864. Ishmael S. Wilson, January i, 1864.

MISCELLANEOUS COMPANIES IN WHICH PAGE COUNTY CITIZENS SERVED

DURING THE REBELLION.

FIRST IOWA CAVALRY, COMPANY A.

Abraham Wilson, private, September 8, 1862.

FIRST IOWA CAVALRY, COMPANY M.

James B. Kempton, private. January 4, 1864.

SEVENTH IOWA INFANTRY, COMPANY G.

Stephen Reasoner, private, March 17, 1863.

George Woods, September 8, 1862; died at Davenport, January 27, 1863, of typhoid fever.

Jeremiah Young, January i, 1864; company not known.

FIRST IOWA BATTERY.

David Edwards, January 2, 1861. James C. Iker. January i, 1864.

FIFTEENTH ILLINOIS INFANTRY, COMPANY K.

H. A. Huston, private, November i, 1861.

TWENTY-FIFTH MISSOURI INFANTRY, COMPANY H.

Charles H. Page, November 27, 1861.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 251

A BORDER WAR EPISODE.

H. H. SCOTT.

In 1861 the dread alarm of war made considerable disturbance along the line between Iowa and Missouri. Trouble had been brewing for years before the Civil war began. In 1857 the question as to whether Kansas should be a free state or a slave, agitated the entire nation and among those who lived in as close proxiiuity as did the people of northwestern Missouri and southwestern Iowa, it was often a matter of serious dis- cussion. Uad blood, to some extent at least, had been engendered by the operation of an underground railroad, for the purpose of running slaves to the free soil of Canada. It was claimed by the people of northern Missouri, and possibly with some degree of truth, that College Springs (then known as Amity), in this county, was the first station on that line. If the true facts had been known at the time, the residence of Dr. Albert Heald, some four miles north of Clarinda, on the farm now owned by the McDowells, was the second station, and the old town of Quincy, in Adams county, another, with division headquarters at Grinnell, Iowa. After a slave had got as far north as Grinnell, he was, to say the least, comparatively safe. There was a number of men in and around College Springs at the time who, from their actions, had such an abiding faith in their innocence that they took but little, if any pains to deny the rumor.

In 1 861 and 1862 quite a number of negroes made their appearance in and about College Springs. It is within the recollection of men yet living that the black man of that day always spoke of the place as "Stop and Start." meaning that it w^as the first stopping place in his escape, and the place from which he started when he struck out for parts farther north, ending usually at Clarinda. So, in 1861, it was a question worthy of discus- sion w^hether the Missourian might not seek to make reprisals. In any event, the citizens of College Springs called a public meeting for the 4th day of May, 1861, and then and there organized a company with an en- rollment of thirty-nine men. There was no pretense that this company was organized for the suppression of the rebellion, for the resolutions showed quite the contrary and were as follows :

"Whereas, In view of the existing state ( f the country we believe it wise for all able-bodied men to organize themselves into companies. There- fore, Resolved, that we, citizens of Amity and vicinity, without distinction of party, recommend the organization of a military company, not for ag- gression, luit for the protection of ourselves and our county."

A meeting was held in Clarinda on the same day and twenty-seven men were organized into a company merely for home protection. Between the 4th and the nth of May, companies were organized in Harlan and Buchanan townships with the same purpose in view.

An editorial in the Page County Herald of May 24th, 1861, says: "Intelligence reached us yesterday of a contemplated attack upon Amity, and in response to their call for assistance. Captain Bowen of Clarinda Guards, marched his company to the threatened place. Captain McCor-

252 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

mick of the Harlan Blues, also marched down with his company, as did Cap- tain Smith with his company. The news of an attack reached Amity through a Union man residing in Missouri, and his information was such that there can be no doubt but the hell-hounds were congregating at Grave, six miles below Amity, for the purpose of making an attack upon the town, but the presence of three hundred armed and drilled men may have deterred them from their purpose for the present, but there is no doubt but that an at- tack is contemplated and will be made as soon as a suitable opportunity presents."

Now there is little doubt, if any, but that this editorial had its in- spiration in the general staff of the military command of the vicinity. The idea that there were three hundred drilled and armed men, in view of the fact that there were not to exceed one hundred and twenty men enrolled, and only a period of not to exceed two weeks in which to drill and equip, and a part of that time having been devoted to plowing corn, it seemed somewhat preposterous. It was evidently a strategic movement of the campaign to impress the enemy with the idea that they were outnumbered by a well disciplined, armed host of men. If this was the intention and there had been a particle of truth in the rumor, the article in the Herald may have gone a long way to defer the attack.

This was not the only time the people of College Springs felt they had cause for alarm. At a later period another call was made for aid and succor, and this time the marshaled host was under command of Cap- tain Whitcomb. However, no attack was made and in fact none occurred during the Civil war.

One day three men on good horses rode up in front of the Delevan House in Clarinda. One of the horsemen was large in stature, and wore a white hat. He was rather a superior looking man. The horsemen hitched their steeds to the sign-post of the hotel and loitered around about the town for a short time, making a few purchases of provisions and other things. Then mounting their horses, the}' rode on toward the west. At that time Nebraska was known in this part of the country as "Missouri Heaven," because it was the place where all civilly-disposed ]\Iissourians were aiming for, no matter what their views might be on questions in- volved in war, and the emigration to that state was made up of Unionists and Confederates, about in equal proportions, they all being desirous of escaping the strenuous time then existing in the border state. But to re- turn to the horsemen : It was not long after they departed before some enterprising person discovered that in all human probability, the largest man of the three was old "Pap" Price, better known in history as Gen- eral Sterhng Price, commanding the Confederate forces in Missouri, and that the other two were rebel spies : that their purpose was the locating of a route for the rebel army to make its march on to Des Moines. Only a few hours sufficed to have a detail of home guards at the several crossings of the Nodaway river and Buchanan creek. The three horseman con- tinued their journey and over in Fremont county they excited the sus- picion of the Home Guards and a running skirmish took place, in which,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTV 253

according- to tradition, a horse or two was shot and, it is presumed, the three men hnally escaped further part in the great conflict between the two sections of the countr)-. On another occasion a sorry-looking team hitched to an old wagon stopped on the north side of the square in Llar- inda. It was discovered that under some bedding in tlie back part of the wagon were two kegs. After the owner of the wagon had continued his way, it was condnded by the citizens of the town that the two keg> con- tained gun. pov.aer, which was being conveyed to the rebel sympathizers in Xebraiika. Captain VV. K. Harrel, who commanded the local com- pany, at once sent out a squad of men to investigate the suspicious con- ditions. They overhauled the mover where he was camping out on Snake creek, some four miles west of town, and discovered that the kegs con- tained soap grease. At about this time the general government of the state of Iowa sent some three hundred Springfield muskets into the county and for the first time the militia was really armed.

While matters looked exceedingly serious to the people of Page county during the early days of the war, the probable truth is that they had but little to fear from the people of Alissouri, as the people of Nodaway county, that state, were in sympathy with the L'nion by a large majority and, pos- sibly, the only real danger was from guerrilla bands, that infested the cen- tral portions of the state and sometimes straggling remnants of organized outlaws who made themselves felt near the border. Unquestionably, in the early days of the war, partisan rancor was worked up to an intense pitch and it is yet a matter of wonder that the dire results of the conflict was not felt along the border. There were uncjuestionably good men, ir- respective of their views, and undoubtedly bad men, without regard to party, who made their home in northeastern Kansas and the parts of Iowa and Missouri mentioned, and many of these bad men were what is com- monh known as gun fighters. Possibly the overland and freight business and the mines of the far west went a long way toward attracting that ele- ment out of the countr}-.

What was known as the Gentry county war ofifered the greatest amount of interest and excitement of any event in connection with border dis- turbances. This difiiculty should be considered separate and apart from the local excitement incident to Page county. It was more general in its nattire and embraced a number of comities.

There was a singular incident, or rather coincident, in connection with the organization of the First Regiment, Western Division, Iowa \'olunteer Militia. (3n the 24th of June, 1861, John R. Morledge, commanding the several companies, but yet unorganized as a regiment, issued an order to each captain in Page, Taylor, Adams and Montgomery counties to report with their companies at Clarinda, July 3d, at nine o'clock A. ^I.. for the purpose of forming a regiment to protect the border. In the same order he directed them to bring with them camp equipage sufficient for one night, and one tent for each mess of eight men, and two days' rations for each man, and that they should be discharged on the 4th, when the}- could re- turn to their respective homes.

254 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

In response to this order, fifteen companies, ten on foot and five mounted, assembled at Clarinda and effected a regimental organization. John R. Morledge of Clarinda was elected colonel, L. F. McCoun, of Bedford, lieutenant colonel, and David Ellison, major. On the evening of the 4th the regiment broke camp and the men started for their homes. At mid- night of the next day, July 5th. Colonel Morledge was called upon by the Union men of Nodaway county, A'lissouri. for assistance, as the rebels, according to their claim, were about to overpower them and drive them from their homes and the state. Morledge, from midnight until daylight, mustered some two hundred and fifty men and marched to Maryville, where on the third day Colonel Tuttle, with a part of the Second Iowa, arrived on the scene. On the i6th of the month the citizens of Marvville held a public meeting and gave an expression of thanks to "the brave boys of southern Iowa," and among the resolutions adopted, the following ap- pears :

"First, That by their timely aid the backbone of secession in Nodaway was broken and all the horrors of Civil war averted.

"Second, that the presence of Iowa soldiers is a sure antidote for seces- sion.

"Third. That if the ladies of southern Iowa are as pretty and modest as their soldiers are brave and generous, the charms of the one and the arms of the other are alike irresistible."

It is safe to say that if this occurrence had taken place a hundred miles south of Maryville. true southern chivalry would have left the word "if" out of the first line of the last resolution. It is a strange oversight on the part of the good people of our neighboring town but the ladies of Page county soon forgot the qualification as to the question of beauty.

Rumors of war were rife about this time on the border. On the loth of July, 1 861, the rebels collected in considerable numbers in Gentry and Worth counties, Missouri, and threatened the Iowa border south of Tay- lor county. Colonel Cranor, who commanded a regiment of Missouri militia, was watching them, and according to the reports of the Iowa commanders, undertook to put them tlown. but tl^at they were too strong for him and that the Confederates advanced to within eight miles of the state line, halting at a place known as Allenville. I'^rom what occurred afterwards it mav well be doubted if the maneuvers "to put them down" was seriously undertaken. There is nothing in any of the reports of the officers of any one being either wounded, killed or missing. However, it was reported that the rebels, some twelve hundred strong, were fortified on Grand river, with three pieces of artillery and that Cranor had about three hundred Union Missouri men insuffilciently armed and over one hundred loyal Iowa men under his command. On the i8th of the month Colonel Morled2:e with about five hundred men of his own regiment and two !nnv dred volunteers of Fremont county, marched to Cranor's relief. When this force was within a few miles of Allenville it was learned that the rebels had fled to Gentryville. some forty miles south, and that Cranor had been re- inforced from other parts of Missouri. Colonel Morledge. being without

NISHNABOTNA RIVER AT SHENANDOAH

^•^ ^!faa,.wra> ;■.'

SCENE IX FOREST I'ARK. SHEXAXDOAH

r

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 257

provisions and with but little ammunition, sent on to Colonel Cranor two companies of infantry and one of cavalry, in command of Lieutenant Col- onel McCoun, and marched the rest of his force back to Taylor county, Iowa, where the men were discharged. In the meantime, troops of all kinds, both militia and volunteers, were being pushed by Governor Kirk- wood, of Iowa, to the prospective battlefield. John Edwards, the governor's aid-de-camp, was concentrating militia at Chariton and AUenville and orders had been sent to Burlington and Keokuk for two pieces of artillery. Colonel Dodge, with two hundred and fifteen men, left Camp Kirkwood, near Council Bluffs, on the morning of the 23d, and three miles south of Glen- wood was reinforced by a company of twenty-four men, with two six- pound field pieces. Colonel Dodge arrived at Clarinda and went into camp about noon on the 26th, the distance marched being about seventy- five miles in less than three days. From the Colonel's rapid movement it is not a matter of surprise that he afterwards attained the rank of major general and commanded a corps in Grant's and Sherman's armies. Even before reaching Clarinda he began to receive news of the strangest kind from the seat of war, and at Clarinda the rumors were confirmed. An extract from the report of Colonel Edwards to Governor Kirkwood fully explains the strangest proceedings that occurred in the annals of the Civil war:

"On reaching Camp Drake I ascertained that messengers had just ar- rived from Colonel Cranor's command, conveying the information that the belligerents, then within four miles of each other, had made a treaty of peace. I have seen a copy of it and it is in substance as follows: 'Each party was to lay down its arms, return home and assist each other in en- forcing the laws of Missouri against all ofTenders.' This was a decided victory gained by the rebels, as the terms were general and embraced the obnoxious military bill of that state, and such laws as the rebel legislature, then in session in the southern part of the state of Missouri might there- after pass, under the auspices of Governor Jackson. Colonel Cranor re- sides in the neighborhood of a large body of secessionists and was no doubt influenced to enter into such a treaty in consequence of intimidation and threats against his hfe and property."

To the ordinary man, unacquainted with the intricacies of the art of war. war is presumed to endanger life and hazard property, as was evidenced in a political debate years later in one of the counties east of Page and in one of the border counties at that. The fight had become personal and one of the candidates asked the other what he proposed to do with the swamp land he had stolen from the county. The other replied that he got it for the purpose of pasturing the mules that his questioner had stolen during the border war.

The effect of this treaty was beyond the conception of the parties who condemned it. In place of turning the Union men of northern ^lissouri over to the tender mercies of a gang of bushw^hackers and keeping the border in a turmoil, the result was quite the contrary. Owing to the active and successful campaign the Federal army made in central Missouri, the rebel

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sympathizers along the border held their peace and never again while the war lasted was the border threatened by an invasion.

SERGEANT GOODMAN AND THE GUERRILLAS.

Thomas M. Goodman lived at Hawleyville at the outbreak of tlie Civil war, and on October i, 1862, enlisted in the Thirteenth Missouri Infantry, Company K, afterward the Twenty-fifth Missouri Infantry, Colonel Hard- ing commanding. This regiment afterwards consolidated with the First Missouri Engineer Regiment, in which he was serving at the time of his capture. After Sergeant Goodman's escape he returned to his home at Hawleyville, which is the oldest town in Page county, situated in Ne- braska township, and about seven miles northeast of Clarinda. Goodman's escape from slaughter, in the first instance, was simply providential, and the vicissitudes overtaking him during his ten days' experiences while a prisoner certainly make interesting reading. The tale is given practically in Goodman's own language and is here reproduced from a small volume published at his instance in 1868. He and the other three Page county men of his regiment who met a dreadful end, James Mobley, Cass Rose and • Barnum, were well known by people still living in the county.

Ten days following the capture of Atlanta, Georgia, and its occupation by the federal forces, myself and some twenty others were made glad by the reception of our long promised and eagerly expected furloughs. I have often wondered if the word furlough gave the faintest possible idea to the mind of. a civilian of all that it expressed to a soldier's heart and ear. Is it possible that our worldly wise, toiling patriots who stayed at home "smell- ing the battle from afar" and satisfying their natural pride of country by the praises bestowed upon her brave defenders, — I say I have often won- dered if such men knew what a furlough meant, or was it possible that they could? I honestly believe not. We left Atlanta on the 22d day of Sep- tember, 1864. At Big Shanty, thirty-five miles from Atlanta, we found the track torn up, thus necessitating the stoppage of our train. Wheeler's (rebel) cavalry had made a sudden dash, surprised the guard and destroyed some eighty rods or more of the line before they were driven off by a re- inforcement sent from the guard station above. Luckily many of us be- longed to the First Missouri Engineer Regiment and had experience in railroad construction. We all therefore worked with a will and zenl never to be obtained from a soldier only in emergencies like this, and in the course of some four or five hours, all was declared properly completed, and with loud cheers we bid adieu to the scene of Wheeler's exploit. We arrived at Chattanooga in safety, without meeting with any further accident or delay, or "sighting" so much as a "rag" of Wheeler's bobtailed rebs — although the busy tongued "half and halfs" edified us at every station with long yarns about the large force Wheeler had, and their solemn belief he de- signed to make a simultaneous attack on all their guard stations upon that particular day — or some other. Well, we guessed it was "some other," for the threatened raid never was made and we doubt very much if the general

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ever designed such a foolhardy experiment. Be that as it may, their pur- pose was to alarm our conductor and I verily believe they succeeded, as he certainly evinced more nervousness than the occasion seemed to justify. They certainly failed in producing any impression on the furlough squad, for we consumed the time between Chattanooga and Nashville in laughing, chatting, and that most pleasant of all accomplishments "chawing your friends' terbacker." 1 might as well add here, we were taught this accom- plishment by the ladies of Tennessee. There is no denying the fact — -Tenn- essee ladies are ''up to snufT."

In due course of time Nashville was reached. Demands were promptly made upon various institutions of the city and I am free to confess we found the most of them in liquidation and surrounded by a vast congregation of the patriotic defenders of the nation. They manifested considerable spirit in their interest to obtain an interview with the proprietors of the aforesaid institutions.

From Nashville to Louisville our progress was retarded by the trains from the north being all out of time and at many stations we were delayed for some hours awaiting the arrival of trains then due. It soon became monotonous and tiresome and as night approached, individual members of our squad wrapped themselves in the "mantle of their thoughts" (having no other, and the night was cool), and resigned themselves to the selfishness of silence. In the early morn all were aroused by the loud, cheery voice of our conductor: "Wake up, boys! Louisville — terminus!" The next mo- ment the squad of discontents were on their feet and all was life, clamor and confusion. "Hurrah !" shouted one, "Near God's country at last !" "Bully for God's country!" responded a cavalryman, with an adjunct so ex- pressive of his morality it left a doubt in my mind as to his ever reaching God's country.

From Louisville across the Ohio to New Albany, thence to Mitchell, thence via the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, the squad pursued their jour- ney. Nothing of interest occurred en route and at last we reached St. Louis, at which point we expected to have separated, each pursuing his separate and individual choice homeward. However, upon comparing routes we found that our squad was nearly all going some distance further in the same direction and we agreed upon the North Missouri Railroad as the nearest and speediest route for all. In our squad and residents of Iowa, be- side myself, were three other soldiers, all of Page county, namel}- : luirnum. Rose and Mobley. We were also joined in this city by Edward Pace, a discharged soldier, also a resident of Taylor county, Iowa. Some of the Missouri boys being very anxious to get home, left St. Louis on the evening train, September 26th, while the remainder of us concluded to rest over that night in the city and take the morning train for St. Joseph on the 27th. Accordingly a division ensued and quite a number left the evening of the day we arrived in St. Louis. That evening while at the depot of the North Missouri Railroad. I entered into conversation with a gentleman who had come down the road from Macon on that day. He. ascertaining that we were furloughed soldiers and designed to go upon the road, remarked that

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he did not consider the government was doing right in permitting the mail trains to pass over the road unguarded, stating at the same time, that the entire route would soon be infested and controlled by guerrillas, that large bodies of them had been observed for a few days past near Sturgeon, Cen- tralia and other points, and that he felt confident they contemplated an attack soon. He said, also, that the directors of the road had been informed of the fact but they apparently paid no attention to it. The intelligence thus received I am confident was imparted in good faith and with the intent upon the part of the gentleman giving it, to at least place us upon our guard. From occurrences that speedily followed, I am satisfied every word he said with reference to the apathy of the directors of the road was founded in truth — not to admit their apathy originated in no worse design or complicity with the rebels themselves. Even this latter view of the case has long been honestly believed by many cognizant of the aiTair, and to me seemingly justified, by the facts I learned from the guerrillas afterward. Be that as it may, the intelligence was anything but satisfactory or pleasant to me, and I was greatly concerned in my mind as to the welfare of the boys who had preceded us on the evening train, as I supposed naturally enough the guerrillas would attack at night rather than daylight. In this, however, subsequent events proved me mistaken.

At a very early hour on the morning of September 27, 1864, our boys took seats aboard the mail train for St. Joseph, Missouri, and leaving St. Louis in the gray mist of morn, the train ran rapidly up to St. Charles, where, crossing the Missouri river, you proceed to Macon, connecting with the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad. This was to have been the point where we would have overtaken the boys who passed up the evening before and you will judge our surprise when entering the car at St. Charles we found our boys had laid over at this point instead of proceeding on to Macon. A ques- tion or so soon satisfied us that they had heard the same intelligence at St. Charles which reached us at St. Louis and they felt a good deal better and braver at the sight of so many boys in blue. There is no use denying it, if not alarmed, they were considerably excited before leaving the city of St. Charles by the common chat of the employes in and about the depot. From their hints and half uttered warnings, given it is true, in badly uttered and rough language such as the following: "Ye are brave now ain't you? Begorra and you need to be, for the guerrillas will be after ye, sure." Such sallies were only received by our boys with some similar reply, reflecting upon the courage of the rebels, and yet one could easily see that too general a knowledge of the presence of guerrillas upon the road was present, to doubt or question the truth of the information. Having once had my suspicions aroused it was a difficult matter for me to allay them and I watched keenly every movement of our conductor prior to the start of the train. I did not like the man's countenance, and circumstances which have transpired since, have left the impression indelibly fixed upon my mind that in some way that man was a party to the Centralia massacre. As though conviction of his participation in that infamous act yet haunted his imagination, two years afterward, that same conductor refused to "go out on his own train." upon

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learning- that myself and a number of the comrades of the slain soldiers of Centralia were aboard the train. Why he acted thus I am unable to say, as I am not aware that any threats of danger to himself had been made by any of our party in his hearing, yet he positively refused to g-o, and another con- ductor took charge of his train. Perhaps it was as well he took the pre- caution to remain at home. Onward thundered the train, bearing uncon- sciously in its grim, fierce way its freight of human souls toward eternity! Hark ; the shrill scream of our iron horse gives us, again, warning of a station, and with this dying note, a clank and a clang, the train stops — Mexico is reached. Amidst much excitement the train moved forward and many an eye gazed for the last time in life upon each other. It seemed to me and others, that our train was soon moving at an unusual speed, so much so in- deed, it was made the subject of comment both among civilians and soldiers, and all were hoping it would continue until we passed the threatened danger.

Upon the approach of the train to Centralia. it soon became evident our fears of an attack were not entirely groundless. Quite a large body of mounted and dismounted men could be seen in and around the station build- ings, and as we drew nearer the excitement increased among the boys, as some of them recognized peculiarities in the crowd that stamped them guer- rillas, and our natural enemies. The train was moving rapidly and our hope was leased upon the conductor passing at full speed. Probably from obstruc- tions on the track, or from reasons of his own, he failed to make the at- tempt, and sounded the whistle to stop. I was seated beside a soldier of the First Iowa Cavalry, and when he heard the whistle he jumped up. looked out of the window, and turning back to us said : "There are guerrillas there, sure." In a moment more we were inside a line of blazing, murderous weapons, and volley after volley was poured into the train until we came to a dead stop. Our fears were active as to our fate, for we were totally un- armed. Scarcely had the motion of the train ceased, ere with yells and shouts the guerillas in a body rushed toward the cars. In a moment after the door of the car in which our squad, or a larger number of them sat. was burst open, and in crowded our grim, fierce captors, shouting "Surrender! Sur- render !" Our boys had collected around the center of the car and ap- parently looked as though they intended resistance to this demand. Some one of the guerrillas continued : "Surrender quietly and you shall be treated as prisoners of war." Some one of our boys answered. "We can only surrender, as we are totally unarmed."

In a moment, changed was the spirit of our conquerors. The olive branch of peace, the protestations of humane treatment were withdrawn, and learn- ing" our defenseless condition, these half cowed wretches of the moment before became the lawless freebooters, the inhuman monsters rumor had always designated them. For each guerrilla to single out his man. threaten- ingly present his weapon and demand the life or money of his powerless vic- tim, was but the work of a moment — an evidently prearranged matter, so quickly and quietly was it done. Not one man escaped, so systematic was their plan and so eager their greed for plunder.

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Had we escaped with this, how much of grief and sorrow would loved ones have been spared ! The worst, however, was yet to come. When we were ordered to "fall into line," our hearts were filled with vague appre- hension of their purpose, and when ordered to strip off our clothes, these suspicions became certainties and we began to contemplate the king of ter- rors— death — as perhaps our speediest deliverance from a worse fate. The line was formed and ready. Stripped of all save their underclothing, the men awaited calmly the fatal signal. Anderson, the chief of the guerrillas, approached the line. The squad of executioners awaited only his signal, and for a few seconds the eye of their chieftain wandered thoughtfully over the doomed men. He suddenly addressed them : "Boys, have you a sergeant in your ranks?" The silence remained unbroken. No one answered from the line. VV'e only wondered what his inquiry would lead to. Again the chief repeated his inquiry. Silence, solemn as the grave, pervaded the rank. Once more, in a louder tone, he asked the question, adding, "If there be one, let him step aside."

Almost involuntarily I moved beyond the rank, still wondering what could be his purpose, and fearing to continue longer silent, as I observed the man who had taken my coat approach his chief, and I knew that the stripes on my sleeve would designate the rank which I held.

Anderson then came forward himself and directed two of his men to take charge of me and remove me from the spot. They at once conducted me to the rear and I halted there, reserved for what fate I could not then foretell. There were other men in that doomed line holding the rank of sergeant, and to this day it has been a matter of wonder to me what impulse compelled me to advance. If they thought as I did, as to what the question of the guerrilla chief tended, I can now see and appreciate their object in preserving silence. His object in the selection of a sergeant from that rank, I then thought, was based on a desire to make some special example in his punishment. Hence my silence, until the moment I saw silence would perhaps prove only an ag- gravation of the punislmient designed to be inflicted. I had scarcely stopped at the position assigned me, when a volley from the revolvers of the guerrillas in front, a demoniac yell from those surrounding, mingled with cries and moans of pain and distress from my comrades smote upon my ear. I turned, and, God of Heaven, what a sight I beheld! The line had disappeared. Many of my late comrades lay dead upon the ground. Others were groan- ing in the agony of their wounds and yet others, wounded and suifering, were making a last struggle for existence in seeking to avoid further injury. One brave man, Sergeant Peters, made a desperate struggle for his life and succeeded in felling a number of his assailants and obtaining a tempo- rary respite beneath the station office. It was fired at once and finally by force of circumstances alone the fiends succeeded in killing their victim. Such a scene as I witnessed then it is impossible to describe. The work of death went on, and one by one my brave comrades met their fate — brutally, inhumanlv murdered. The flames roared and flashed about this scene of blood and the dense, black cloud of smoke hung around the spot, as though to hide it from the light of day. The guerrillas, with horrid oaths and

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wild, fierce looks, gloated over the bodies of the slain, or spurned them from their path with brutal violence. Civilians stood trembling by, eager perhaps to express their sympathy for the dead in words and tears, but fear of a like fate forbade. .\ party of guerrillas now set fire to the train, and amidst shouts and yells the whistle sounding its own funeral dirge, it was started up the track. The fiends had now reached a state of excitement bordering on insanity and then followed a scene of turjjuk-nce it is in vain to try to describe.

The position in which I stood, to the rear of a line of mounted guerrillas, only enabled me to become a witness of a part of their infernal orgies. The yells and horrid curses of the wretches commingled with the piteous moans of my sufifering, wounded comrades, and now and then I could hear the dull thud of the carbine stroke that ended forever the suffering of some prostrate form. At last it was over — the carnival of blood ended !

This scene so horrible in its details, thank God, was but one of short dura- tion, occupying from the arrival of the train to the death of their last vic- tim, scarcely one hour. So occupied had been my senses in the comtempla- tion of the awful death of my comrades, I had not given a thought to myself, and at last when I saw naught was left upon which they could further eke out their bloody desires, thought came back lo self, and I expected every moment to be called forth and to become, as it were, the last victim upon the hellish altar of hate, erected by these demons, and reeking with the blood of innocent, defenseless men. That I escaped, I — alone — thank God! Of my peril, you will hear anon.

Awaiting in breathless anxiety and suspense the ordeal, I fancied through which I was doomed to pass, I noted every movement made by the guer- rillas with the keenest interest, expecting every moment to hear the guard ordered to bring forth their man. Apparently something was soon to be done, as they had left their victims where they had fallen and a number had gathered about Anderson, while the majority went in quest of their horses. Every one who passed me in the preparations they were making, heaped abuse and curses upon my head, and not infrequently a carbine or revolver was placed in close proximity thereto, with the threat : "I would like to

kill the d — n Yankee." "Hell-fire is too good for you, you ■ !"

and hundreds of such expressions, too obscene and infamous to be printed. Twice my guard had all they could do to prevent a drunken squad of them from taking me from them, and it was only by a threat upon the part of the guard of calling for Anderson, they desisted in their purpose. Again and again I was compelled to endure such abuse from the lips or hands of every guerrilla who noticed me. I never once made reply or attempted to resent these insults, as I well knew, and my guard cautioned me "that they only sought some provocation from me as an excuse to Anderson, in case they killed me." This was the first act approaching anything to humanity I had witnessed from a guerrilla that day, and tended to leave me with a less distrustful feeling of my guard. The guerrillas as last began to mount their horses, and Anderson leading, by twos and twos, they fell into line and marched out from the station. I was placed upon a mule and a guard of

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two men rode on either side of me. The maimed bodies of the Union boys lay where they had fallen and here and there wandering listlessly among the slain you could observe some few civilians, while others stood idly at their doors or near the depot grounds, gazing, half amazed and wonderingly on the scene, as though they had not fully recovered from the shock of the revolting spectacle they had so recently witnessed.

The guerrillas proceeded in a northwesterly direction toward a temporary camp they had established, about two and a half miles from Centralia. When about a half mile from the latter place, the noise made by an ap- proaching train was heard and looking toward its direction, we beheld a freight train approaching Centralia from the south. Immediately twenty of thirty guerrillas detached themselves from the main column and dashed rapidly over the prairie, aiming it seemed, to intercept the train before it reached the station. We continued on to the camp. I was told by the guerrillas afterward that they captured the train and burned it on the track near Centralia.

We reached their camp. It was on the edge of the prairie where the brush and timber jutted up from the southwest and had simply been chosen as a temporary spot for stragglers, scouts and others to assemble during their operations on that day. Their horses were unsaddled and picketed, while the men threw themselves upon the ground, and in a little while the majority were soundly sleeping away the effects of their inebriation and exciting conquest. I tried to follow their example and courted sleep in the vain hope it would bring me some ease of mind and body. The very un- certainty that hung about my future I think brought with the thought far greater torture of spirit than even death inflicts. I could not obtain the coveted boon of even momentary forgetfulness in sleep, and I at last began wondering and speculating on the circumstances that could possibly have made the quiet, calm host who lay slumbering near, the incarnate fiends whose deeds of blood I had but lately witnessed. So wondering, I looked '.:pon their chief. I observed him closely, for I felt a singular interest in the man whose simple word had snatched me from the jaws of death. Aly interest was increased by overhearing the following from the lips of two of the guerrillas, who lay partly shaded in the brush, a few steps beyond me: 'T say, Bill, I wonder how in the h — 1 Anderson has permitted that d — n Yankee to live so long?" "Dun no," was the reply ; "Can't say lest like 'twas a Providence; for 'taint like old Bill, is 't?"

William T. Anderson, the leader of the most bloodthirsty and inhuman gang of wretches that ever infested Missouri, was a man of about five feet, ten inches in height, round and compact in form, slender in person, quick and lithe in action as a tiger — whose nature he at times possessed. His com- plexion naturally was soft and very fair but had taken a tinge of brown from his exposed manner of life. His face was in no sense attractive or win- ning, neither was it repulsive. It only left you wondering what manner of man it mirrored to vour view. His eve, said to be the index to character, portrayed not his. It was unfathomable, — a strange mixture of blue and gray, the opposing colors sustained by opposing forces, in the war he waged.

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They were cold, unsympathizing' and expressionless, never firing in anger or lighting with enthusiasm in battle. I have his word for it, they were never known to melt in pity, and I was the first man who wore the federal blue, who had fallen in his power, whose life he had ever spared. His hair was his greatest ornament and hung in thick, clustering masses about his head and neck ; in color, a rich dark brown. His style of dress and clothing were typical of his life and nature and seemed to blend something of taste, something of roughness, and much that was indicative of his inclinations and pursuits, in its ornament and the fabric of which it was composed. To be never called "unarmed" was his great pride and care, one would suppose, for, see him when and where you might, a brace or so of revolvers were stuck in his belt. Such was the personal appearance of this famous chieftain, and I really believe I have done him justice in the description. At least, I honestly aimed to do it.

Todd, Thrailkill, and others of their officers, sat near Anderson upon the ground, in silence, only broken now and then by some direct question, ad- dressed to some one of their number from their chief. I could not hear their remarks, but once, observing Todd tracing a plan or route on a piece of pa- per and handing it to Anderson, T judged they were holding a council about their future operations.

From all I could learn from the conversation of those about me, many of whom had now arisen and were standing idly around chatting in groups, the bulk of Anderson's command consisted of deserters from Price's old Army of the Border, renegades from the Paw Paw militia — many of the latter showing guns they had been furnished by the general government when they were enrolled as such. Others of the command were men who, through some act of violence committed by them, had been compelled to flee their homes and dared not return. Suddenly the attention of all was aroused and centered upon the figure of a single horseman, approaching at full speed from a northwesterly direction across the prairie. "Bill, our scout," said one of my guards quietly, as he noticed I too. observed the commotion his advent was creating. The words had scarcely died upon his lips ere another horseman came bounding through the low brush on our right and galloped straight to where Anderson stood.

His intelligence, whatever it was, seemed of importance and in a moment the guerrillas scattered in search of their horses and were seen in all direc- tions mounting and forming into s([uads of ten or twenty. By this time the first horseman observed before the arrival of the one causing such an ex- citement, had reached the side of Anderson. The chief addressed only two questions to him, when a mounted man left his side at his order, and rapidly riding to where my guards and I were standing-, said : "Have your prisoner saddle yon gray horse and mount him. quick, and mark me, if he attempts to escape in the battle, kill him instantly." In a few moments the horse designated was by my side and I was seated in the saddle. Strange, I did not think of or shudder at his threat of death to me ! There was then, to be a battle! T only thought of thjs — of the battle. T wondered if God had sent his Avenging Angel thus soon upon the track of the murderers of my

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comrades? I longed only to behold the line of federal blue dealing retribu- tion to the assassins. I dreaded not the conflict which, perhaps, would bring liberty to me. I learned subsequently that the scouts had brought intelligence of the approach of a federal force from Sturgeon, of about one hundred and sixty men, under the command of ]\Iajor Johnson. The regiment to which he belonged I never learned. He had been at Centralia shortly after the guerrillas who destroyed the last train had left, and leaving twenty-five of his command at this place, was now approaching to give the guerrillas bat- tle.

After riding a circuitous route, occupying nearly an hour, the guerrillas seemed to have reached the spot where they purposed awaiting the onset of the federal troops. A halt of ten or fifteen minutes took place here and men were sent out by Anderson to observe the advance of the federals. They soon reported back. They were nearer than the guerrillas thought and had halted about a half mile beyond and just over the crest of a hill that com- pletely hid them from our view. Detaching Todd and some hundred and twenty-five men, he divided this force, sending Todd with half their num- ber by the left, around the south side of an old field, skirted by brush and scattered timber. The remaining half, led by Thrailkill, marched by the right. Anderson led the center and was to do all the fighting, the other force simply acting as a decoy to attract Johnson's attention and were only to join in the affray, in case Anderson did not succeed in routing the federal line.

As yet we had not obtained a view of the federal forces and our disposi- tions for attack completed, the guerrillas moved slowly forward to the summit of the hill. My guard and I rode immediately in the rear of Anderson's com- pany. Hope had gradually been growing brighter and brighter. I trusted more to the circumstance of fortunate accident releasing me in the heat of battle, than in any individual efforts of my own. I was fully resolved, how- ever, to embrace at any risk any propitious moment that might offer, promis- ing liberty to me. As we cleared the top of the hill and passed through a narrow belt of scattered timber, the federal line burst upon our sight. The cry "Charge !" broke shrill and clear from the lips of their leader and with one, long, wild shout, the guerrillas dashed forward, at the full run upon the little line of dismounted federals in the field. At the same moment both Todd and Thrailkill, their men yelling like so many fiends, appeared on either flank. I saw at a glance the battle was already won by the guerrillas and I was not astonished to witness one volley fired, and too hastily fired, by the fed- erals, proving the force of their resistance made. I saw the defeat of my friends was inevitable and yet, I must confess, the courage of that mere handful of boys in blue was worthy of emulation. There was no flinching from the onset of the guerrillas, but they did all they had time to do before the enemy were upon them. They were surrounded before thy could have possibly found time to reload their emptied pieces and the guerrillas were rid- ing around and in their ranks, firing and shouting, "Surrender! Surrender!"

Yes, they surrendered. Surrendered as we did at Centralia, with as- surances of humane treatment. I felt the scene approaching would prove but

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a counterpart of what 1 had witnessed at the station and 1 shut my eyes to pre- vent the tears from welUng forth, in loken of my sympathizing fears, as i beheld tiie guerrillas proceed to disarm and render defenseless these "pris- oners of war."' No sooner was this accomplished than hell was suddenly transferred to earth and all the tiends of darkness summoned to join the car- nival of blood. Centralia, with all its horrors, was eclipsed here in the enor- mity and infamous conduct of the bloody demons ! No treatment too brutal, no trealiiKiit loo cruel to satisfy the greed of that hellish crew, and were it possible for human souls to grow drunk on blood, I trust the idea may offer some palliation for the scenes enacted there, for the bloody, dastardly, cow- ardly, wanton acts committed upon the living and dead persons of those brave Union boys! Men's heads were severed from their lifeless bodies, ex- changed as to bodies, labeled with rough and obscene epitaphs and inscrip- tions, stuck upon their carbine points, tied to their saddle bows, or sat grin- ning at each other from the tops of fence stakes and stumps around the scene. God knows the sight was too horrible for description.

At the beginning of the battle, or before the guerrillas had made their appearance on the left flank, a detachment of twenty-five of Johnson's men, mounted, sat holding the horses of the balance of their comrades, who formed the line of battle. No sooner had the yells of the flanking party of guerrillas revealed their proximity than this squad sought safety in flight. It was the work of a moment only for the guerrillas to enter in hot pursuit, from five to ten men chasing one federal soldier, and away over the prairie as far as eye could reach, this race for life continued. Such shouting, firing, running and cursing, I suppose was never witnessed before in a battle, and it is said that the race extended, in two cases, to the very limits of the town of Sturgeon. I was told by the guerrillas they did not think more than two of the twenty-five escaped their murderous weapons and that about one hundred and twenty-five men were slain, belonging to Johnson's command, on that memorable occasion. Fairly crazed with their success and the ex- citement of the battle and slaughter, the guerrillas started in a body for Centralia to finish, as they said, their glorious victory in the massacre of the escort left by Johnson at that station, with the few wagons belonging to his command. Fortunately some of the soldiers observed them coming and succeeded in mounting and getting away. Some few, however, were capt- ured and killed. One man having shut himself up in an outhouse and being also well armed, the guerillas used their usual duplicity in order to get him out. He was assured by everything sacred that he would not be harmed. He was told Major Johnson and his comrades were all prisoners and that if he came out and gave himself up he should be treated as they had been. In the whole parley they only uttered one truth, wliich the poor fellow found to his cost, for. accepting what they said in gtxjd faith, lie opened the door, and was shot dead on the spot ! They "treated him as they had his comrades." They did not promise falsely in this. They murdered him !

In a little while it was evident many of the guerrillas were again becom- ing brutally intoxicated and in one or two instances difficulties occurred be- tween them and some of the citizens of Centralia. which came near proving

268 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

fatal to the latter. In one instance a man's wife was defending her hus- band from the accusations of complicity with Johnson, made by a guerrilla, when some one offered her some personal indignity. She instantly resented it with a blow, when the inhuman wretches felled her to the ground like a beast of slaughter and otherwise maltreated her person. At last the order was given to return and the drunken cavalcade made night hideous as they straggled, without order of discipline back to their camp.

Repeatedly my life was placed in jeopardy by the careless handling of their arms and I sometimes supposed the act was not as careless as I im- agined, as, on several occasions it required the utmost care on the part of my guard to preserve my life, sometimes doing so only by knocking up the barrel of a revolver or carbine, as it was discharged full at my person. The camp was reached at last and three hours given for the rest allotted to man and beast ere, as their chief announced, we would be called upon to march. The night was cool. I had neither coat nor blanket and I could not sleep. I lay and watched the silent stars, and watching, and thinking of all that had passed that bloody day, I wept.

From the field of slumber, where lay calmly sleeping in all imaginable postures, the fierce, grim men who composed the guerrilla band, there arose on the still air of the night the given signal to mount and march and in a moment after the camp was all life and bustle in the hurry of preparations for our departure. My guard told me they designed moving in the direction of the Missouri river but that they would have to move slowly and cautiously and by night only, for, says he. "The land will be swarming with blue coats by tomorrow eve. Our late fight will only waken up a hornet's nest about our ears."' I thought so, too, but discreetly remained silent. Their march was conducted in a manner pecuh'ar to their discipline, yet with much more order and military empressment than I had anticipated. It was very dark, and being a stranger to the country, I was not certain as to the course we were moving and accepted the guard's statement, that it was in a westerly course. I was anxious to retain the points of the compass, as I yet had hopes of escape and I felt the importance of preserving my exact location at the time of escape in my memory. Hardly a word broke the stillness and the steady tramp, tramp of the horses, with now and then the jingle of a sabre or spur, were all the sounds to be heard. Our march continued in this man- ner for perhaps an hour, when the sudden stoppage of the rank in advance and the rapid closing up of the column indicated something suspicious or something wrong ahead.

"Halt !" was the command from their leader, and "halt" it became. The column, scarcely discernible over twenty paces of its length in advance, re- mained standing motionless and silent as a statue in the road. Now the dis- tant hoof tread of horses could be heard and the next moment a blue rocket shot far up in the sky and cast a lurid halo momentarily over the scene. Im- mediately the command was heard from Anderson's own lips, "Signal men, advance !" and three liorsemen, leaving the column at so many different points, rode forward to its head. Again a blue rocket ascended from the spot marked by us as the line of the opposing party. Were they enemies or

TTTSTORY OF PAGI-: COUXTY 269

friends? No one yet knew. Suddenly two large, brilliant balls of flame, one white, one red, shot far u]j in the air from the head of our column. Hardly had the liash burst over us ere the signal was answered. Away in the distance on our right it rose and came borne upon the still, quiet air with a weird, solemn effect. It was simply a perfect counterfeit of the wild, ominous cry of a species of owl infesting the wood and timbered bluffs along the Missouri valley. It is strangely unearthly and suggestive of everything dreadful and supernatural to the listening ear of one who hears it for the first time and is a total stranger to its origin. The signal thus answered seemed satisfactory and in a few minutes a squad of mounted men was heard advancing rapidly by a road on our right, which intersected our route a few rods in advance of our column. After a brief conference with Anderson, this squad passed to our rear b}- our right flank. As they were passing near where I sat, one of the guerrillas shouted to them, inquiring who they were and where they were going.

They replied: "We have got a prisoner, one of Johnson's men. We had to chase him a long way and only settled him after putting six balls into his body.""

"Ain't he dead yet?"

"Nary dead. The devil can't kill him ; an' seein' as how he's good stuff, we shall care for him. We were ordered to carry him to a house below, so you see we will save him yet."'

Further conversation was interrupted by the advance of the column and 1 parted from them, honestly believing they were taking him back to the scene of the slaughter of his brave comrades to finish their hellish work and add torture to his death, in the sight that would surround him. I learned later that the prisoner referred to above was saved and recovered from his wounds and became a resident of Jackson county, Missouri.

The march was continued and gradually divested of the monotonous silence that had marked its beginning. The men about me began to con- verse, the topic being scenes through which personal members of the band had passed during the past fortnight. The operations of the day before were discussed in full and I learned from their remarks that it had been rather an "extra occasion," both in point of "plunder and success." I am sorry to be compelled to add here that I also heard relations of other occa- sions, ecjually as bloody and inhuman in point of deed and act as any that were witnessed at Centralia. I tried in repeated conversations and by lead- ing questions to ascertain if they operated as a command, independent of orders from higher authority, or if they were enrolled in the service of the Confederate states. They were very chary of their replies, and, as if suspect- ing my motive, I never found the story of any two of them to agree on this point. Some admitted their officers to be in the pay of the Confederate states, and holding their commissions under the seal of the war ofifice at Richmond, while others denied this statement and asserted that not one of their number was responsible to, or in any way beholden to the authorities at Richmond. So far as men were concerned I am inclined to regard the latter statement as correct and that their "pay" consisted in the "stealings

270 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

and plunder" obtained upon their forays. I tliink, however, their officers held commissions under the Confederate states, were paid by them, and conse- quently were individually responsible for the acts and duties of all men operating- under their command, whether paid by the Confederate states or not.

The men came and went from the command at pleasure, on the march, and at all times, except when they were marching to or from an expected battle or the scene of active operations in the field. I was told at these times it was "death" to the man who absented himself, without permission of his chief. For a long time I was at a loss to determine how Anderson succeeded in governing so well such a collection of wild, turbulent spirits, as during the entire period I remained with them I never witnessed nor heard of one sing^le act of cruelty upon the part of the leader toward his men. On one occasion, to be narrated hereafter, I beheld a very wanton and foolish act committed by him toward his command, while he was excited by drink and with this one exception his intercourse with his men always appeared cordial and pleasant.

The march continued all night long and as day began to light up the east- ern sky, the halt was called. We were in a low piece of ground to the rear of a farm, near some stacks of oats and hay, and as a matter of course as nearly surrounded by brush as possible, for they nearly always confined their halts and temporary camps to such spots as these. We rested here for a few hours and the horses were fed from the stacks. The men obtained nothing save what little some few individuals had saved over from yester- day's supply. I got nothing to eat then, nor during that day. We marched a part of the day by the by-roads and through the brush, and about noon halted in the brush to await the friendly cover of darkness. At night we again mounted and pushed from the brush for more open country. We traveled pretty lively but in almost total silence, as a scout who had reached us in the afternoon imparted the intelligence that he learned federal troops had been seen the day before, moving east from Rocheport and they were perhaps in search of Anderson.

We returned to the broken and brushy land during the march and about midnight halted, with orders to rest until daylight. Springing from their jaded horses, which were soon fed from an old cornfield but a little way off and picketed out to graze, with their saddles for their pillows, these hardy wretches soon lay in picturesque postures and abandoned ease, courting the embrace of Morpheus. The night was very chilly, or else the absence of a coat or blanket gave that feeling to me. T had not tasted a mouthful of food since leaving St. Louis. T was not to say really hungry but I was weak as the result of the excitement I had lately undergone. I slept but little. My brain was occupied with thoughts of escape. I closely studied the faces of the men who lay around me. judging with whom to deal in. case I needed assistance in the attempt. I believed in the maxim of "every man filling a measure," and I thought gold was the measure most likely to fit the greed of those about me. Oh ! that I had the boasted secrets of alchemy in order to turn whatever I desired into gold. At last the mnrnin;:;; came and with

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the first dawn of light I was roused by my guard and conducted to where Anderson's horse was feeding. I was then directed to curry and saddle him.

I think I must have pleased Anderson with my job, for as he passed near me an hour or two later, he reined up his horse and said:

"Well, my old fellow, how do you get along?" I replied, "Very well, sir."

"Well," said he, looking directly into my eye, "You, my man, are the first being whose life I ever spared, who was caught in federal blue !"

"That's so, Colonel," shouted twenty or more of the guerrillas as Ander- son rode forward.

Presently a tall, line looking man overtook the rear of the column as it moved out of the brush and drawing up his horse he rode leisurely along beside my guard. I felt sure I had never observed him before among them, as he was dressed in the confederate gray and bore some insignia of rank upon his coat. I was wondering who he could be, when, observing me, he addressed my guard:

"Who is this man?" Saluting, they replied simultaneously, "A prisoner" — one of them adding, "Taken, sir, at Centralia."

"I thought you took no prisoners, my man?"

"This one. Colonel, by orders, you see."

"Whose orders?"

"Anderson's — no, only reserved by his orders."

"Aha, I understand. Anderson was right," and s]nirring forward, he left me to anything but pleasant reflections.

Reserved! — and for what purpose? I racked my brain vainly and to no purpose, to arrive at a solution. The officer said he "understood it." Perhaps he did, but it was far from affording me any consolation at the time. I did not understand it and it was a source of much anxiety and trouble to me. I learned some days afterward who this man was and how he had joined the band without my observing him. He had joined us with the scout the day before but being then dressed in the common garb of the guer- rillas, he had not attracted my attention. He was an officer of Price's army at home on "leave," and had joined Anderson to insure his greater safety in returning to the Missouri river — thence to his command in Texas.

Brief as had been Anderson's notice of me, it certainly produced a re- markable effect with his men and tempered somewhat their former harsh treatment of me. I became less the object of their rude threats and jests — less espionage followed my every motion and I must confess the conduct of my two guards (Richard Ellington and Him. Litton) became familiar and kind to a certain degree, and probably to as great an extent as circum- stances admitted. They had always favored me from the hour of my capture.

The march was continued for a distance of about ten or fifteen miles, when another halt was made for the purpose of the men procuring some- thing to eat and of feeding the horses. We were near a cultivated field, the brush and timber consisting of a grove of about five acres, lying along the side of this farm. For greater security from observation we had entered

272 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

this timber and encamped. The horses were all fed and a squad detailed to go and procure some provisions for the men.

Scarcely twenty minutes had elapsed before this detail came galloping back, helter skelter, through the brush, yelling aloud: "The Yankees are coming! The Yankees are coming!"

"Ride as though hell was after you !" shouted another. Without await- ing orders as was their custom, each guerrilla sprang to his horse and sad- dle and in less time than it takes to write it, formed by twos in column, and, led by Anderson, dashed out of the brush into the road by which we had en- tered it. Hope once more rose in my heart and the conviction of chances for speedy release grew strong, as the loud boom ! boom ! of a field piece was heard directly in our advance and a six pound shell came whizzing o\'er our heads and burst with a loud crash among the timber, one hundred yards on our right. The guerrillas halted for a moment when another shell, nearly in line with the former set them in rapid motion. The column moved hastily by the left to the rear and making a half circle of the line of the timber, emerged from the brush on the opposite side of the farm from that occupied by the federal troops. They had been for the moment, badly frightened, but upon emerging from the trap in which they were so nearly caught, and meeting a broad expanse of open prairie before them, with a loud shout of derision they galloped away toward an eminence in the distance. Lo ! the God of vengeance is surely on their path, for no sooner did we reach the spot commanding as it did a view for miles of the undulating landscape than they thought there were "twenty Richmonds in the field," for the entire country seemed dotted over with squads of federal cavalry. The artillery had unearthed the game and now the chase began.

At a glance their bold leader saw and at once comprehended his peril. With a shout of peculiar character and interpreted instantly by the guer- rillas, Anderson wheeled and dashed by the column at full speed to its rear, halting immediately by my side. This was a trying moment for me. Here then was to be the end. I had no possible hope of being carried a "pris- oner through their peril." I had been reserved thus far through all, only to meet my fate, when love of life grew strong in the hope of liberty and that liberty almost in my grasp !

Anderson sat upon his horse, gazing long and intently after the flying, retreating men, who had formed the strength of his command, while the few men who remained cast restless and impatient glances at their leader, anon, changing their direction toward myself. I thought they only awaited his word to consign me, a bleeding corse to the other world. T shut my heart to every emotion and awaited the signal. It came at last. But merci- ful Heaven ! how very different from what I anticipated. Anderson turn- ing quickly in his saddle and looking straight at me exclaimed :

"Prisoner, you must now ride for your life! Boys, we all must!"

And away, away, following the lead of their companions, over the prai- rie dashed the little squad, Anderson leading the advance by some ten or fif- teen paces, on, on, twice during the next hour, avoiding only by the eagle glances and acute perception of their leader, several detachments of federal

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 273

cavalry in our route. It was a most exciting ride and ever and anon the sharp rattle of distant musketry proclaimed that some of the guerrillas were not so fortunate as we in avoiding an encounter with the foe. b'or hours, without drawing rein or in any way checking the speed of our horses, we rode in retreat. Once about noon Anderson detached himself from the com- mand, with orders for us to pursue as far as practicable our direction in a given course, and wheeling his horse suddenly to the left rode toward a grove or thicket situated some two miles away. I noted a significant glance i)ass between the men as he rode away but it was not made a subject of re- mark and I was left in total ignorance as to his purpose. At last the guer- rilla who now acted as leader ordered us to draw rein and give our horses the benefit of a partial rest from their exertions of the past few hours. We had made a wide circuit and were not approaching the grove toward which Anderson had ridden about an hour before but were about to enter a similar piece of brush and timber, nearly one mile south of the former. Suddenly our leader halted and with a quick gesture called our attention to Anderson, who was approaching us at a rapid gait from the grove last mentioned. He was soon by our side and told us a federal vidette or outpost was estab- lished beyond this timber, and his sudden appearance was all that saved us from riding squarely into it. I noticed our leader and Anderson conversing in low tones together, shortly after, and changing our course we turned and rode in a northern direction. About half past four o'clock we entered a heavy piece of timber and after riding some twenty-five minutes, we came upon a camp in which we found some twenty of the guerrillas, who had parted from us that morning. They were some of Todd's men who had a brush with some of the federal cavalry, in which one or two of the men were badly wounded. One by one, squad after squad reached this point and I was somewhat surprised to observe many of them drunk. Todd was drunk as a lord and evidently in a bad humor. From the evidences to be noticed around, this spot had served them as a camp or general rendezvous for some time past and rough shelters had been constructed of poles, bark and boughs, presenting a rude but very fitting and perfect attribute of their ways of life. They seemed to possess some sort of a depository or commis- sary establishment here and both "grub and whisky" were dispensed with a very liberal hand. The consequence might easily be foreseen. Bv night nearly the whole command, Anderson and Todd included, were drunk even to madness. God help me. I never witnessed so much profanity in the same space of time before nor since and it is my earnest desire, I never may again. They whooped, ran. jumped and yelled like so many savages. Once Anderson, leaping on a horse, rode wildly through the crowd, firing his revolvers indiscriminately and yelling like one possessed. I trembled for my own safety. I felt that no man was safe when reason had succumbed to madness and all the brutal passions of fiends ran riot. My guards, how- ever, were true as steel to their trust and as far as possible preserved me from demonstrations of violence. At last, worn out with revelry, one by one the guerrillas sank upon the ground and were soon buried in the stupor of a drunken sleep. During the night it rained tremendously. I had lost my

274 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

hat during- the day, had neither coat, blanket nor vest, and with but an apology for shirt and breeches, I sat and endured it all. How very perverse is fortune ! Here, with nearly all my captors buried in a drunken sleep, from which it would require a blast of Gabriel's trumpet to awaken them, I needs must have two guards who "never drank" to stand between me and this golden opportunity of escape. Teetotalers were below par in my esti- mation just then.

Upon leaving the camp in the wood, those of the guerrillas who had been wounded in the skirmish of the federals and Todd's men, together with the arms captured at Johnson's defeat, were left at this point. I witnessed here a specimen of "guerrilla surgery" as practiced by them. One fellow had a very bad gunshot \\'Ound in the hand who, neglecting to properly care for the same, found to his sorrow that it would require some severer treatment than he had administered to effect a cure. In fact, his hand was in an awful condition, swollen dreadfully, while all the parts adjacent to the wound seemed a living mass of putrefaction, overrun with maggots. The only remedy I ever knew applied was pouring oil of turpentine upon the inflamed mass, and greatly to the surprise of the operator as well as myself, it cured the patient.

A council of war was held the morning following the night of the drunken revel and it was therein determined to divide the force into small squads, appointing at the same time a spot at which to reassemble for the purpose of crossing the Missouri river. They seemed to agree that the country was so thoroughly excited by their acts at Centralia and the subsequent fight that no efforts would be spared to procure their capture and it would prove very dangerous for so large a body to remain together. They had no artillery and could not expect to cope successfully with their pursuers in the field and they did not look for another opportunity to strike a blow until the federal troops were withdrawn. They therefore agreed to disband, with the previous understanding that on such a date all the living would reassemble to again commence their operations.

A few were ordered to remain in the immediate service of their chiefs, as guards, scouts, messengers and for such other purpose as he might require. Both Anderson and Todd now appeared and their detail also, appareled in federal uniform, taken probably from the dead bodies of the slaim soldiers at Centralia, and the field that witnessed the inhuman butchery of Johnson's men. The camp was left in no regular order as to time or numbers but as each squad got ready they struck out. Anderson, Todd, — with probably twenty men in all — including my guard, and I, left soon after the close of the council. We traveled hard all day until near sunset when a halt was made close beside an old church. My guards were ordered here to take me ahead, some distance ahead. I pondered upon this order for a long time and thought it boded no good to me but I am not aware at this moment that this halt and council related to me in any manner whatever. I am far more in- clined to the opinion that the old church marked some secret depository of the stealings of these free-booters and wholesale robbers. After a delay of probably half an hour Anderson and his men came up, and observing

t

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NORTH IDE OF PUBLIC SQUARE, CLARINDA

SOUTH SIDE OF PUBLIC SQUARE. CLARIXDA

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 277

shortly after this, some farm houses, we were directed to scatter and pro- cure something to eat. The house at which we stopped, fortunately for me, happened to contain a thorough Union advocate in the person of the hostess. Learning my position as a prisoner among the guerrillas and the only one left of all they had captured at Centralia, she opened her sympathetic heart and under one pretense and another, succeeded in detaining my guerrilla friends until she \\as satisfied 1 had eaten and drunk all that I prudently ought, considering I had been before nearly half starved.

We all encamped close by this neighborhood and obtained a good night's rest. I slept tolerably comfortable, as I had on Anderson's old coat which he gave me when he adopted the federal officer's uniform. In the morning, feeling very much refreshed, we once more mounted and pursued our jour- ney. On that morning we passed a short distance from Rocheport and stopped at a house near the town. Two ladies came out to greet us and Anderson held a long conversation with them. They evidently imparted some intelligence unexpected, for he called Todd forward and after a moment's consultation Todd returned and sent a man to procure a fine look- ing mare that was feeding in a pasture belonging to the premises. This animal was saddled and bridled in lieu of Anderson's horse and the guerrilla chief rode away from the premises as though "all right, title and interest thereunto belonging" were vested in himself. We proceeded more leisurely this day, traveling but a very few miles before noon, when we again halted at a large farm house. The woman of the house and an old looking man came out to greet us at the gate. There was much shaking of hands and all seemed highly pleased to see Anderson and his men. Their reception of me was not so cordial when told who I was. We here met with a recruit- ing officer belonging to Price's army. Observing the dress of the men, he had taken the guerillas for federals and hastily secreted himself in the house. The old man went back to the house and soon reappeared in company with this doughty knight of the Lone Star. He was a Texan and as we found afterward preferred the service of recruiting- to active service in the field. He and Anderson held a long private interview, which resulted in his becom- ing one of our party. Anderson presented the two young ladies of this family with a handsome shawl each, which he took from a roll of "plunder" in his saddle bags. That night we lay encamped in the brush and so close to Rocheport, we could witness the burning of a part of the town, which had been fired by a detachment of federal cavalry who had been temporarily stationed here and had just returned from participating in the hunt for Anderson. They had orders to abandon the post and were making prepar- ations to do so by the light of the conflagration. We could distinctly hear their bugles sound the "troop" or "assembly," and watched them eagerly as they formed their column and marched away. This then accounted for the slow and cautious movements, confined to the cover of by-roads and un- frequented paths made by the guerrilla chieftain on that day, and I have no doubt he was informed of all the proceedings he witnessed as taking place from the lips of the ladies (?) at whose house he was so warmly welcomed, hours before he saw them transpire.

278 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY'

Another day's weary traversing of timbered brakes and hollows, bypaths and old blind roads and totally devoid of incident worth recording, and again late in the dusky eve we reached a miserable log shanty, situated in the timber, whose sole inhabitant consisted of a most villainous looking, cad- averous specimen of the genus homo — a guerrilla, and the custodian and keeper of the surplus wealth of the band invested in horse flesh. There were a number of splendid horses said to be the personal property of their chieftain, wdiile many others and good ones too, were public property. We camped here during the night. From the nature of the surface of the country over which we had passed that day I began to think we were approaching the Missouri river and ere long I was assured of the fact by hearing the steam whistle sounding in the distance. I was told it proceeded from the ferry- boat at Boonville on the river. This was welcome news to me, as I had fully determined to risk attempting an escape as soon as they undertook the passage of that river. The whistle was repeated several times and I ob- served its direction and tried hard to retain it, but a few hours rambling amid the brush and cross roads of the country on the following day com- pletely obliterated all idea of the location of Boonville. Another short but painful march and the guerrillas reached their camp or rendezvous near Maxwell's Mill.

Again mounting we started for "Markers," the point before indicated as the spot of rendezvous for all who designed to cross the river and risk further service under the leadership of Anderson. When a short distance from the house, we suddenly met another party of guerrillas who mistaking us for "feds" fired a volley which fortunately harmed no one. We ar- rived at Barkers and remained there one day longer than was originally in- tended before attempting the passage of the Missouri, a very heavy and violent storm on the night of our arrival having interfered somewhat with the plans of their chief. At Harkers large numbers of the citizens of the country came into our camp and many and repeated were the congratulations extended between their friends and the guerrillas. Anderson ca,me in for a large share of these attentions and I, too, was somewhat worthy of "note" as I was frequently pointed out as the "sole survivor" of all the enemies they had captured. This operated very singularly upon different individuals and it is so powerfully affected the "'budding murder" in one youth's heart — a mere boy — he repeatedly begged and petitioned to be allowed to kill the "d— n Yankee."

On the evening of the tenth day of my imprisonment, or rather of my captivity, the guerrillas bade a final adieu to their old stamping ground and to their confederates at Harkers. Everything was hurry and confusion un- til the column was in motion, when by express orders, perfect silence was preserved. We rode some six or eight miles and struck the Missouri river at a point about one mile above Rocheport. For some reason the spot did not meet Anderson's approval and we turned back, passing through Roche- port and again came to the river some three miles below. The night was dark, with nothing but starlight to guide a search. I had made up my mind in the confusion likelv to attend their embarkation, to accept all risks and at-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 279

tempt my escape. I had everything to gain — only one thing to lose — my life! 1 thought of those I loved at home better than my life and I was will- ing to risk the sacrifice of that life^ to reach them once more. Yon can well imagine then, how closely and how eagerly I watched every preparation that was being made. What a jealous eye I kept upon my guard to observe if possible if any additional restraint was to be applied to me. I eagerly listened for every word that fell within my hearing to learn the exact dis- position made concerning the manner of their crossing the stream. I soon learned they had but thirteen skiffs, holding say from five to eight men, ac- cording to size. The men only were to occupy these boats — leading and swimming the horses By a rough estimate I calculated that three trips made by the skiffs would transfer them all and I was now concerned lest I should fall among the first installment. I was thinking of Fayette and the federal soldiers there and had no desire to cross the "Rubicon" that would crush my hopes and defeat my plans. At last, chance informed me that my guards and I would be among the last to pass over the stream and I con- cluded to seize the moment of confusion attending their first trip as the golden opportunity for the trial I was about to make. I was soon to take a step attended with eminent peril — a failure insuring certain death ! I was closely surrounded by many of the most heartless and desperate men the world ever knew. Yet, I had one, and only one chance in my favor. It was this : For a day or so back, since in fact, my conversation with the gentleman where the guerrillas had left me alone by the yard gate, I ob- served that I was granted more liberty of action and had frequently moved about among the men going from spot to spot, without my guards follow- ing me or exercising any apparent surveillance over me.

The moment for the trial I had resolved to make, came at last. The men of the command were busily engaged in removing saddles and bridles from their horses and preparing their lead halters. The first lot who were to cross were by the boats — the skiff being first occupied by the men and many of the horses in the water, or about to enter it. All immediately near the river bank were in a state of bustle and much excitement prevailed. Some of the horses proved restive and the attempt to force them into the water momentarily increased the confusion. At this juncture one of my guards said, "You watch the prisoner, I want to go and see the start," and as he spoke he moved away toward the boats. A moment after, some sud- den and increased excitement by the riverside attracted the attention of my remaining guard and he moved about a rod in that direction. I seized the opportunity and walked rapidly away from the spot and directly into the crowd of men and horses near me. I passed carelessly through the crowd and emerged near to a dense mass of bushes and brush wood on the river side. I hastily entered this thicket and walked as rapidly as I could some two hundred yards and stopped to listen if my absence had been noted. My breath came fast and my heart beat so rapidly it almost made me faint and sick. I was very much excited. I listened with every nerve of my being strung to its utmost tension, expecting every sound to hear the shout of the fiends in hot pursuit. Ten seconds seemed an hour — the time only, I prob-

280 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

ably paused to ascertain if I had been missed. Reassured, I hastened forward and was suddenly arrested in my course by distinctly hearing the tramp of horses' feet and evidently approaching in the direction of myself. I had but just reached an old road and 1 hastily drew back into the brush and secreted myself. Four mounted men passed by — guerrillas doubtless, on their way to join Anderson. Thank God, I thought! They were not in search of me! I now paused a few moments and sought out the North star as a guide on my course. I walked with all the speed and vigor I possessed and suddenly emerged from the brush in full view of a house, about the yard of which stood hitched, ready bridled and saddled, some six or seven horses. I was strongly tempted to turn guerrilla for the nonce and appropriate one to my especial use but 1 reflected that comfort and ease in this case might not be the best method of insuring safety, so I made a wide detour and passed this spot without meeting any one from whom I mig"ht have obtained some information as to my locality. My earnest desire was to reach Fayette but I was in absolute ignorance as to the proper direction for me to pursue. It was the only military post I had any knowledge of in the country and I knew that much depended on how near I was to it, in considering my chances of success in my escape from the guerrillas. Again, I had every rea- son to believe that Anderson meditated active operations soon and why not he direct his force against Fayette? I was then anxious to reach the post and at least place its commander on his guard. I felt very much exhausted. Physically, the excitement had proven too much for me and with slow and wearied step I wandered through the woods until about daybreak, when I entered a road whose beaten way indicated considerable travel upon it. Here was a sign post and clambering up to the board at the top I read by the un- certain light of the early morn the inscription thereon. I had only traveled, so it informed me, eight miles from the point where I left the river and yet, doubtless twenty more would not make up the distance traversed bv me on that night, so devious and uncertain had been my course. I was very weak and tired and feeling it would be very injudicious to travel by daylight, I sought me out a shelter wherein T might find rest. Looking about me I ob- served an old tobacco shed in a field and I made for it. I found it partly filled with hay and I crept into it, and making a snug nest I enjoyed this welcome retreat with all the unctions delight manifested by a grandee in his daily siesta.

At night I resumed my journey. I was compelled to travel but slowly because of physical exhaustion from want of food and frightful condition of my nervous system. Just about daylight I observed a negro passing near an old field. I hailed him and he awaited my approach. He told me I was but a mile from Fayette and not over three or four hundred yards from the federal pickets. He pointed out the location of the nearest sentinel to us and I, thanking him kindly, hastened forward again. This was good news for me — the goal was nearly won ! Liberty ! Friends ! Home ! No man but those who may have had such an experience as mine can form an ade- quate or just conception of the emotion then moving my soul. I cried — cried like a child. Strong man as I thought myself, I felt that in the hands

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 281

of I'rovidence that had so far preserved and guided me, I was but as the merest babe !

I paused for a few moments to calm my feeling's and collect my senses before I presented myself before the guard and when I again advanced such was my zeal to meet my friends and feel assured of safety I had almost for- gotten that my guerrilla dress would make me an object of suspicion even to them. I was soon assured of this, however, for at a sudden turn in the road, "Halt there !" greeted me and looking up I stood face to face about twenty paces removed from a cavalryman, dressed in the "bonnie blue" of my loved country's uniform. I instantly halted, awaiting his further chal- lenge. The formula of "the service" over, the sentinel was convinced I meant no harm and allowed me to approach sufficiently near him so as to hear my story, and when at last it was received by him, calling his corporal, the intelligence was instantly dispatched to post headquarters. In about half an hour I was conducted there in person and received very kindly by Captain Eaton of the Ninth Cavalry, commanding the post, who seemed to sympathize deeply with me in the relation of my sufferings and he at once dispatched intelligence of my escape to general headquarters at St. Louis. 1 also communicated what intelligence I possessed with regard to Ander- son's and Shelby's commands.

The command at the post belonged to the Ninth Missouri Cavalry. I feel greatly indebted to their generosity and kindness extended to me and I need no better assurance than their humane and Christian sympathy for the distress of a fellow-being to indite here they were honorable and brave boys in the field of action. I shall ever remember those boys with the kindliest of feelings and lasting gratitude. The little garrison was thrown into an unusual excitement the day following my arrival by the sudden advent of a scout with the information that Shelby and Anderson had united, crossed the river at Booneville and designed marching against Fayette. My account of the horrible aft'air at Centralia and of Johnson's unfortunate defeat tended perhaps to increase the excitement in anticipation of an attack from the perpetrators of such barbarities and for a while the report of the scout caused the command undue anxiety. There is one thing, however, that should be stated here perhaps, and that is, this mere handful of men, sixty all told, were to a man opposed to an evacuation of the post, as was proposed in case the scout's information should prove correct. It certainly would have been an inexcusable blunder or an event ending in horrible murder on the part of Captain Eaton to have abandoned his post on unreliable informa- tion or to have attempted its defense if assured beyond a doubt that it would be attacked by such an overwhelming force as would leave the "defenders defenseless," and but the victims to guerrilla hatred and outrage. He therefore dispatched a trusty Union man — -a citizen — in quest of the desired information.

He returned to us in a very brief time, stating we had barely time to save ourselves, much less any of the few military supplies accumulated at the post. Shelby was said to be within eight hours' march and we were ordered to abandon the place as speedily as possible and march for Macon

282 HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY

City on the St. Joe & Hannibal Railroad. \\'e accomplished this without much delay and at ]\lacon I bade adieu to all my kind friends of the Ninth. I took the cars here for St. Joseph, at which city I gave the editor of one of the papers, a very brief statement of such facts as I have recorded in detail here. I reached my home in safety. Of what transpired there, I shall not write. You have many of you felt perhaps that such meeting's as these are sacred to the participants and not to be held up for the scrutiny of the world.

To the Almighty Ruler of Heaven and Earth we owe our existence and the blessing of life today and though it is a seeming mystery to us why His beneficence should single me from the great number slain on that mem- orable occasion as a living example of the sacredness of His promise in the Word, yet in truth and honor of soul and spirit, to His name and His Prov- idence be all the honor and praise.

To our comrades of the gallant old Twenty-fifth Regiment and to the boys in blue of the corps to which the First Missouri Engineers were at- tached, one word more ere I bid you adieu. I have endeavored in this little volume to as faithfully perform as my abilities would admit, the oft-repeated promises made to you in years bygone. I have written for you the "story" so often told by the campfire, and on the picket. Thomas Goodman returned to Hawleyville and remained there for some time. He then removed to Clar- inda, where he plied his trade of blacksmithing for a number of years. He finally went to California and died there some seven or eight years ago.

PAGE COUNTY L\ THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

At the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Spain, on account of the atrocities practiced by the Spanish government in Cuba, a call for troops was inevitable. Iowa at that time had four regiments of the national guard awaiting an opportunity to take the field and of these the Third Regiment formed the nucleus of the Fiftj'-first Iowa \'olunteer In- fantry. On ]\Iarch 14, 1898, John C. Loper, then lieutenant colonel, was appointed colonel of the regiment and continued in command until the regi- ment was mustered out of the United States service. The other field and staff officers of the regiment were : ^^larcellus ^Miller, lieutenant colonel ; \V. J. Dugan, major; Sterling P. ^loon, major; William C. ]\Ientzer, captain and adjutant; David S. Fairchild, major and surgeon; Donald ^IcCrae, Jr., lieutenant and assistant surgeon; AMlbur S. Conklin, first lieutenant; J. D. Cady. first lieutenant and quartermaster : George A. Reed, first lieutenant and battalion adjutant; Frank !M. Compton, first lieutenant and battalion adjutant; H. C. Lann, first lieutenant and adjutant; and Herman P. Wil- liams, chaplain. This regiment concentrated in Des ]\Ioines and went into Camp ]\IcKinley on the 26th of April, 1898, in response to President \\'il- liam ]\IcKinley's call for one hundred and twenty-five thousand troops. Drills were at once established on the 27th, and the four regiments alluded to marched through the streets of Des Moines and were given a splendid wel- come. This march was followed by others for practice purposes and were

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 283

rather fatiguing to the unseasoned soldier boys but thcv soon got toughened to the work. Regular rations of "sowbelly" and hardtack were issued. Each company was brought up to its full strength, and health precautions were at once taken in the camp. A beautiful regiment flag was presented to the Fifty-first by the Des Moines Union of King's Daughters of the Revolution. The Elks gave them a brilliant entertainment. The railroads brought in heavily loaded trains of excursionists every Sunday and all was excitement and bustle m Cam.p William McKinley.

May 1st Dewey startled the world and sent a tlirill of satisfaction through- out the United States by his brilliant naval victory at Manila bay. This had the effect of soothing the disappointment of the Fift}-first hi not being sent to Tampa, Florida, where a camp had been organized. The boys now turned their eyes and thoughts toward the Philippine Islands. Late on Thursday, June 2d, Colonel Loper received orders to report without delay to the com- manding general at San Francisco. The news went through the camp at midnight with thrilling force. There was no more sleep that night. Groups of officers and men spent the rest of the night discussing the momentous order. Sunday, June 5th, the day of departure, came and the regiment was loaded on the cars of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, the Chicago. Bur- lington & Ouincy and the Northwestern railroads. In a pouring rain the troops marched to their respective depots and amid a great crowd of loyal and cheering people they started for the Pacific coast. June loth found the regiment in Camp Merritt. Throughout its stay on the coast the regiment received marked favor from the people of San Francisco. The Iowa troops became a part of the Second Brigade, commanded by General Charles King, the gifted author of military novels. With it were brigaded the famous Twentieth Kansas and the First Tennessee. Soon on account of the un- sanitary condition of Camp Merritt, the boys were removed to the Presidio, the government military reservation, at San Francisco. This was a vast im- provement over the former camp and the health of the troops became excel- lent.

August 1 1 til the troops were notified that the entire brigade was destined for the Philippines. Tlie effect of this announcement was electrifying. September 19 orders came transferring the Iowa, Kansas, Tennessee and Washington (state) troops to the Department of the Philippines At this time the Second Brigade was commanded by Colonel Funston, of the Twen- tieth Kansas.

Thursday morning, November 3d. the regiment, one thousand and fifty strong, was placed on board the transport Pennsylvania and sailed out into San Francisco bay and thence through the Golden Gate on its way to the far east.

The vovage to Manila was uneventful. There were few responses to the "sick call." December 7th Manila bay was entered and a journey of six thousand nine hundred and ninety miles was finished.

The regiment remained on board the Pennsylvania at Alanila in the har- bor until the 2r)th of the month. In the meantime the men were given shore leave parts of two days. On the evening of the 26th the vessel got up steam

284 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

and started on an expedition to Iloilo with other transports and convoys. They arrived at their destination on the 28th but did not land, remaining on the transport in front of Iloilo until January 26, when they were ordered tO' Cavite and steamed into the harbor at Manila on the morning of January 31st. The Pennsylvania came to anchor ofif Cavite in the midst of Admiral Dewey's warships. As the transport passed the flagship Olympia, all hands of that famous vessel were called to quarters and three rousing cheers were given for the Fifty-first Iowa. The cheers were returned in kind. February 2d the First Battalion went ashore and Companies C and L were the last to disembark on February 5th. This was one of the most remarkable ex- periences of the regiment, a confinement to their transport for ninety-three days. And the health of the regiment, most strange to relate, was of the best which was a marvel to the medical staff of the army at that time. Space will not permit a relation of all the interesting details concerning the Fifty- first while in the Philippines. L.et it be known, however, that the record of the Fifty-first is a glorious one. Their work was praised by the officers in command and upon leaving for the United States on their return home, General McArthur in a short speech to the regiment said, "God bless the Iowa boys, and may you have a safe voyage. We will endeavor to com- plete the work which you have so well begun." The thinned ranks of veterans who marched into IManila September 6th, attested more than words the hard and meritorious service of the Fifty-first Iowa in the Philippines. From this on its time was taken up in making preparations to return home, and on September 22, 1899, the depleted regiment sailed on the transport Senator for San Francisco and was the last regiment to leave Luzon of 'that mag- nificent volunteer army that, in 1898 and 1899, upheld the honor and integ- rity of this country in its new possessions in the antipodes.

The regiment returned to the United States by way of Nagasaki. Japan, where it stopped three days, and through the Inland sea to Yokohama, where it had twenty-four hours' shore leave to visit Yokohama and Tokio. The voyage home was a pleasant one and San Francisco was reached on Octo- ber 22d. The regiment then went into camp at the Presidio, where it was finallv mustered out and the boys took their various ways for home. Fol- lowing is a list of the members of the Fifty-first Iowa from this county:

SHENANDOAH.

Company E: — Captain, C. V. Mount, a veteran of the Civil war; first lieutenant, Laniont A. Williams; second lieutenant, Forrest E. Overholser. Louis L. Hunter, first sergeant; George Heffner, sergeant; Roy Davis, ser- geant; Carl Coloneus, sergeant; Lincoln A. Gary, corporal; Orlando R. Shafer, John B. Smith, Silas W. Coulter, Charles G. Haynes, Henry A. Sim- mons, Albin Tornquist, Oliver N. Woods, Nathan N. Golden, hospital corps; Charles Fulton, band : Fred A. Barchus, Frank L. Cole, Howard W. Ross, Guy Williams, George FI. Coleman. Charles L. Cline, Albert M. Smith, Lewis W. Nye, Clark Coulter, Alex W. Eskew, John L. McPeek. Buel O. Patterson, George Wilfong, George E. Mariner.

Company B : — Guy Clinton, Edward M. Duke.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNT\' 285

Company C: — A. H. McRobcrts, second lieutenant, resigned September 26, 1898.

CLARINDA.

Company K: — E. Whitney Martin, band; James T. Stuart, band; Charles Fulton, band ; Fred S. Pennington, Fred A. Barchus, Clark Wilson.

Company M: — Omar Duncan, Donald J. Enfield, John Behm. John B. Enfield, Lewis E. Nelson, Harry W. Stattler, Edward J. Stattler, Harry L. Chamberlain, Ward McPherrin, Lloyd Watson.

Company B : — Harry Elrick, (juartermaster sergeant ; Fred Middaugh.

COLLEGE SPRINGS.

Company B: — Hollis M. Johnson, Charles C. Bagnall, Porter M. Case, Charles I*. McDonald, William A. McLean, Frank Powers.

COIN.

Company E : — Pearl R. Hart, William R. Sloane, Marion R. McPher- rin, John J. Monzingo.

ESSEX.

Company E : — Sidney T. Biddle and Ross A. Gilmore.

YORKTOVVN.

Company E : — Orson R. Patterson.

COMPANY E.

Cnder the management of Captain Mount this company had been re- garded at all times as one of the best organizations of the kind in the coun- try. The company had won many prizes for the superiority of its drill and the marksmanship of its sharpshooters. Only twice was the company called out for actual service up to 1898, once the night of the Gallup tragedy in 1888, when one of its number, B. O. Rice, was slain by the bullet of a des- perado. The other time was when Coxy's army was making its famous tour and it was feared by the governor that there would be rioting at Council Bluffs.

In 1898 when war was declared w-ith Spain, Company E quickly re- sponded to the call for troops. The young men came in from the farms, they left the workshops and the stores and the schools and colleges, buckled on their uniforms, bade their mothers, sweethearts and friends good bye and one April day took up the journey for camp. All Shenandoah assembled around the waiting train and Mayor Conway, on behalf of the assembled mul- titude, wished them God-speed and bade them go and do their duty Then followed the silent hand-clasps, the kisses, the broken words of parting and the train bore the boys away. For weeks they camped in Des Moines and then for months more upon the cold sands of San Francisco, where many were taken ill and where many comrades of other companions died ; and then thev sailed away across the Pacific to the shores of Luzon and thence through the jungles and swamps, where death seemed to lurk on every hand. They sufifered from sickness and privations and wounds but their lives were wonderfully preserved and in November, 1899, the veterans returned to their homes, amid the plaudits and acclamations of their friends and a multitude of people from the surrounding country.

286 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

GROWTH OF THE COUNTY IN POPULATION.

The early gTOwth of the county was very slow. From 1840 up to 1848 there was scarcely thirty families in Page county. For the next ten years, while the growth was not rapid, it kept up a steady increase. The early set- tlers were nearly all native born Americans, coming from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and ^Missouri. They made a splendid class of settlers both in brawn, intelligence and character. The following table has been taken from the census of 1865, 1900 and 1905. At a glance the reader will readily compute the changes and increase in population from the first census taken of the county, and the last one.

1865. Total

• Townships Population

Nodaway I374

Buchanan 859

Fremont 107

Tarkio 366

Amity 5^3

Nebraska 422

A'alley 270

Douglas 106

Washington 200

Pierce 106

Clarinda 427

Hawleyville 160

Amity I93

Total 5.202

1900.

Total Townships Population

Valley 885

Douglas 700

Fremont 954

Pierce 629

Grant 7^3

Tarkio 928

Nodaway 2404

Nebraska 7°!

East River 9^

Harlan iii3

Lincoln 646

Morton 624

Washington 806

Colfax 671

Amity 7^4

Buchanan 829

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 287

Towns

Hepburn 1 18

Essex 710

Shenandoah

Ward I

Ward 2

Ward 3 3573

Yorktown 170

Clarinda

Ward I

Ward 2

Ward 3

Ward 4 3276

Shambaugh

Coin 574

Northboro

Blanchard 520

College Springs 693

Braddyville 236

Difference between assessors returns in townships and Census Bulletin

Total 24.187

1905.

Total Townships Population

Valley 7^5

Douglas 669

Fremont 850

Pierce 608

Grant 7},^

Tarkio 838

Nodaway 1242

Nebraska 626

East River 851

Harlan 850

Lincoln 600

Morton 533

Washington 575

Colfax 604

Amity 634

Buchanan 7oi

Towns

Hepburn '^'^7

Essex 779

288 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Shenandoah

Ward I, 1235

Ward 2, 1432

Ward 3, 1575 4242

Yorktown 184

Clarinda

Ward I, 1232

Ward 2, 963

Ward 3 1 1 12

Ward 4, 713 4020

Shambaugh 242

Coin 546

Northboro 205

Blanchard 453

College Springs 667

Braddyville 308

Difference between assessors returns in townships and Census Bulletin 95

Total 23,606

IMPORTANT TO TAXPAYERS.

Board of Supervisors meet second secular day in January, first Monday in April and June, second Monday in September and the Monday following the general election in November.

County Superintendent's office days, Mondays and Saturdays.

Examination of Teachers on the last Friday, Wednesday and Thursday preceding, in the months of January, Jime, July and October.

Taxes become due the first Monday in January and are payable in two installments.

First installment is delinquent March ist, and second installment is de- linquent September isi.

If first installment is not ])ai(l before April ist, a penalty of one per cent per month is added to the total tax.

First installment being paid before April ist, penalty does not attach to second installment until October ist.

Tax sale first Monday in December.

Prior to tax sale an advertising fee of 20 cents attaches, if sold 35 cents for each certificate is added.

For redemption under tax sale 8 ]:)er cent penalty is added to sum paid l)y tax purchaser at tax sale, and all subsequent taxes paid by him under the sale.

Also 8 per cent interest from time of payment tmtil redeemed, together with costs of redemption certificate.

Tax sale runs three years before purchasers will be entitled to tax deed.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 289

Recovery from the counLy cannot be had for aid furnished, before ap- phcation is made to the trustees and the furnishing of such aid is authorized by them.

All aid for the poor of the several townships must be obtained through the township trustees.

The Board of Supervisors shall levy a tax upon city, town or township, for all expenses incurred by the local Board of Health in establishing, main- taining or raising a quarantine, including fumigation and for the building and providing any pest house, detention or other hospital.

Also the Board of Supervisors shall levy a tax upon city, town or town- ship, for one-third of the expense paid by the county, for supplies, nurses and medical attendance for the care of any one sick or infected with con- tagious disease within said city, town or township.

GRATIFYING COMPARISONS.

In i860 there were only ten organized townships in Page county and a total population of seven thousand, eight hundred and forty-three. The real and personal property in the townships at that time was valued as follows : Nodaway township. $729,851; Buchanan, $256,828; Amity, $250,747; Ne- braska, $239,040; Tarkio, $113,070; Valley, $139,705; Douglas, $57,700; Pierce, $34,865; Fremont, $26,760; Washington $79,315, making a grand total of $1,926,680, and covering every description of property owned in the county and assessed for taxation at that time.

As an interesting study these figures are commended to the reader for comparison with the valuation of real and personal property in the county for the years 1880 and 1908. The statement of 1880 shows a remarkable in- crease in values and property in the twenty years intervening between that date and i860, but a more remarkable and almost incredible prosperity is shown in the years following 1880, and the real and personal values of Page county for 1908 show that county to be one of the wealthiest commonwealths in the state. Below is given the valuation of the taxable property in the count} for the years above mentioned :

\ALUATI0N OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN PAGE COUNTY FOR 1880.

Total Township Realty Personalty Actual Value

Valley $i9i-797 $61,215 $255,707

Douglas 208,561

Fremont 208,316

Pierce 162,040

Essex II .286

Grant 216,624

Shenandoah 11 .568

Tarkio 187,852

Nodawav 349.192

59.494	268,055
60,244	268,558
43.474	205,692
56,610	128,229
55.857	272,481
120,010	251.235
62.413	250,265
105.000	468.151

290 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Clarinda 7.719 164,814 446,769

Nebraska 89,599 39,850 138,745

East River 182,180 47,861 230,291

Harlan 187,991 49,419 237.791

Lincoln 180,006 57,940 237,399

Morton 183,670 45457 220,127

Washington 161,898 67,635 229,986

Colfax 159.888 73,131 233,019

Amity 183,219 55.94° 239,165

College Springs 420 .30,737 73,696

Buchanan 178,685 64,527 246,798

Grand Total $3,062,511 $1,318,385 $4,911,096

VALUATION OF REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY IN PAGE COUNTY IN I908.

Total

Township Realty Personalty Actual Value

Valley $1,128,176 $ 203,900 $1,332,076

Douglas 1,366,320 304,036 1,670,356

Fremont 1,378.504 270,724 1,649,228

Pierce 1,117,820 I77-504 1,295.324

Grant 1.553,152 207,960 1.761,112

Tarkio 1,315,640 307,100 1,622.740

Nodaway 2,049,988 414,280 2,464,268

Nebraska 543,748 117,1 16 660,864

East River 915,676 150,544 1,066,220

Harlan 1,144,928 240,664 1,385.592

Lincoln 1,120,608 198,116 1,318,724

Morton 1,239,960 228.796 1,468,756

Washington 1,298.544 237.472 1.536,016

Colfax 1,032.084 184.136 1,216.220

Amity 979-388 157.196 1,136.584

Buchanan 911.748 146,128 1.057.876

Hepburn 53.820 26.820 80.640

Essex 600.548 301,848 902,396

Shenandoah 2,558,072 1,018,216 3,576,288

Yorktown 155.080 151.732 306,812

Clarinda 2,417,724 1,069,349 3.487.073

Shambaugh 134.440 71,728 206.168

Coin 374.408 209.584 583.992

Northboro 140.272 93,956 234.228

Blanchard 272.012 1,161.200 1,433.212

College Springs 287.924 146.948 434.872

Braddyville 280,632 153.572 434,204

Grand Total $26,371,316 $7,950,085 $34,321,841

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 291

LIVE STOCK A GREAT INDUSTRY.

Page county is noted for its breeding and shipping of cattle, hogs, sheep, horses and mules. The Page county farmer readily appreciates the virtue of keeping the best strain of animals and sees in the raising of them for his own use and the market a large profit and a pleasure in the care of them. •Below is given the assessor's returns of live stock in the county for the year 1908:

Value

1750 colts $ 71,521

8884 horses, three years old and over '^95,574

III stallions 33, 108

1266 mules 97,53'^

4102 heifers one year old 52,014

2406 heifers two years old 40,487

12703 cows 272,149

8056 steers, one year old I73>599

3143 steers, two years old 90,061

55 steers, three years old 1,580

729 bulls 22,586

6485 cattle in feeding 240,753

8038 swine over six months old 393 ,030

7855 sheep and goats over six months old .... 29,229

Total $2,213,227

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS FOR 1908-9.

VALLEY TOWNSHIP. Office Name Term Expires Address

Justice of Peace G. L. Dunn January, 1909 . .Clarinda

Justice of Peace T. H. Beavers January, 1909 . .Hepburn

Constable J. W. Thomas January, 1909 . .Hepburn

Constable G. A. Dunn January, 1909 . .Hepburn

Clerk Alfred Falk January, 1909 . .Hepburn

Trustee W. A. Reed January, 1909 . .Hepburn

Trustee E. S. Bolen January, 1909 . .Clarinda

Trustee S. C. Day January, 1909 . A'illisca

Assessor C. H. Wise January, 1909 . .\'illisca

DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP. Office Name Term Expires Address

Justice of Peace James Pollock January, 1909 . .Mllisca

Justice of Peace John Gustafson .... January, 1909 . .Hepburn

Constable H. N. Renander .... January, 1909 . .Mllisca

Constable C. J. Schantz January, 1909 . .Villisca

Clerk E. O. Swanson January, 1909 . .Hepburn

Trustee Ed English January, 1909 . .A'illisca

Trustee Peter F. Westenburg January, 1909 . .Hepburn

Trustee Fred Sunderman . . . .January, 1909 . .Clarinda

Assessor Aug. J. Palmquist. . .Januar}% 1909 . .Hepburn

292

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

FREMONT TOWNSHIP. Office Name Term Expires Address

Justice of Peace Aug. Floberg January, 1909 . .Essex

Justice of Peace A. Wenstrand January, 1909 . .Essex

Constable Aaron Anderson . . . .January, 1909 . .Essex

Constable , H. Nadgwick January, 1909 . .Essex

Clerk A. Wenstrand January, 1909 . .Essex

Trustee John A. Danielson . .January, 1909 . Essex

Trustee S. A. Johnson January, 1909 . .Essex

Trustee C. G. Renander January, 1909 . .Essex

Assessor Aug. Floberg January, 1909 . .Essex

PIERCE TOWNSHIP.

Office: Name Term Expires Address

Justice of Peace B. S. Pendleton .... January, 1909 . Essex

Justice of Peace J. W. Hipsley January, 1909 . Essex

Constable E. H. Vawter ...... January, 1909 . Essex

Constable N. G. Miller January, 1909 . Essex

Clerk C. H. Liljedahl January, 1909 . Essex

Trustee J. Alf Johnson January, 1909 . Essex

Trustee F. E. Liljedahl .... January, 1909 . Essex

Trustee John Shoberg January, 1909 . Essex

Assessor Walter Klepinger . . . January, 1909 . Essex

GRANT TOWNSHIP.

Office Name Term Expires

Justice of Peace .... J. L. Foster January, 1909 .

Justice of Peace . . . . L. H. Mattox January, 1909 .

Constable J. W. Simmons January, 1909 .

Constable Homer Vincent January, 1909 .

Clerk O. H. Frink January, 1909 .

Trustee H. S. Nichols January, 1909 .

Trustee George Maxwell . . . .January, 1909 .

Trustee C. Nordstrom January, 1909 .

Assessor Peter Peck January, 1909 .

Address

.Shenandoah .Shenandoah

Shenandoah . Shenandoah

Shenandoah .Shenandoah .Shenandoah .Shenandoah . Shenandoah

TARKIO TOWNSHIP. Office Name Term Expires Address

Justice of Peace . . . . M. W. Baker January, 1909 . Norwich

Justice of Peace . . . . C. W. Mitchell January, 1909 . Yorktown

Constable Charles Snodderly . . January, 1909 . Yorktown

Constable S. G. Baird January, 1909 . Yorktown

Clerk W. B. Miller Januar}'-, 1909 . Norwich

Trustee David Beezley January, 1909 . Yorktown

Trustee Vacancy

Trustee Vacancy

Assessor A. D. Miller January, 1909 . Norwich

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

293

NODAWAY TOWNSHIP.

OfRce Name Term Expires

Justice of Peace A. B. Clark January, 1909.

Justice of Peace . . . . C. W. Stuart January, 1909.

Constable William M. Mosley . January, 1909.

Constable X'acancy

Clerk W. B. Craig January, 1909.

Trustee J. Yearous January, 1909.

Trustee John Middaugh .... January, 1909.

Trustee C F. Fisher January, 1909.

Assessor P. P. Castle January, 1909.

.Clarinda • Clarinda .Clarinda

■ Clarinda .Clarinda .Clarinda .Clarinda .Yorktown

NEBRASKA TOWNSHIP,

Office Name Term E-xpires

Justice of Peace A. H. Gay January, 1909

Justice of Peace. ... George H. Bell January, 1909

Constable I. D. Long January, 1909

Constable W. McAlpin January, 1909

Clerk F. W. Amnions .... January, 1909

Trustee Ed Hakes January, 1909

Trustee Robert Webb January, 1909

Trustee J. A. Lewis January, 1909

Assessor John A. Lewis .... January, 1909

Address

Hawleyville Clarinda .Clarinda . Hawleyville .Hawleyville .Hawleyville .Hawleyville .Hawleyville .Hawleyville

EAST RIVER TOWNSHIP.

Office Name Term Expires Address

Justice of Peace .... M. Wilfly January, 1909 Clarinda

Ju,sticc of Peace .... John Dougherty .... Januar}-, 1909 .Clarinda

Constable W. McFarland January, 1909 .Clarinda

Constable John Cooper January, 1909 .Clarinda

Clerk H. Annon January, 1909 .Clarinda

Trustee Knox Alexander . . . January, 1909 .Clarinda

Trustee K. G. Herren January, 1909 Clarinda

Trustee Joe Beery January, 1909 .Clarinda

Assessor Fred Foster January, 1909 .Clarinda

HARLAN TOWNSHIP.

Name

. C. W. Posten

Office

Justice of Peace

Justice of Peace . . . . E. E. Standage

Constable William Lisle

Constable George Vermule . . .

Clerk T. R. Taggart

Trustee Charles Fleming . . .

Trustee William G. Vermule

Trustee M. D. Eberly

Assessor Will Anderson . .

Term Expires

January, 1909 January, 1909 January, 1909 January, 1909 January, 1909 January, 1909 January. 1909 January, 1909 January. 1909

.\ddress

Shambaugh Page Center .Shambaugh .Clarinda .Clarinda Clarinda .Clarinda Clarinda .Clarinda

294

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Office

Justice of Peace Justice of Peace

Constable

Constable

Clerk

Trustee

Trustee

Trustee

Assessor

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.

Name Term Expires Address

Homer Corbit January, 1909 . .Coin

S. S. Lingo January, 1909 . Xorwich

Cal Loy January, 1909 . Coin

Bert Anderson January, 1909 . Coin

R. O. Gamble Januar}-, 1909 . Coin

C. Henderson January, 1909 . Coin

David Cutter January, 1909 . .Coin

Sam Hart January, 1909 . College Springs

G. F. Beach Januarys, 1909 . .Norwich

Office:

Justice of Peace Justice of Peace Constable Constable Clerk ... Trustee . Trustee . Trustee . Assessor

MORTON TOWNSHIP.

Name Term Expires

F. E. Whitmore .... January, 1909

Vacancy

L. B. Gamble January, 1909

Vacancy

D. E. Bute January, 1909

Maxie Jewett January, 1909

L. B. Latimer January, 1909

E. E. Hutcheson . . . January, 1909

F. E. Whitmore . . . January, 1909

Address

.Coin

.Coin

.Shenandoah ■Shenandoah . Shenandoah . Coin . Coin

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

Office Name Term Expires Address

Justice of Peace .... A. W. McKie January, 1909 . .Northboro

Justice of Peace .... W. W. Oliphant .... January, 1909 . .Northboro

Constable L. A. Simmons January', 1909 . .Northboro

Constable M. Morrow January, 1909 . .Northboro

Clerk W. W. Creal January, 1909 . .Northboro

Trustee L S. Millen January, 1909 . .Northboro

Trustee W. G. IMerkle Januarys 1909 . .Northboro

Trustee James Anderson . . . January, 1909 . Northboro

Assessor Ralph E. Pratt January, 1909 . Northboro

COLFAX TOWNSHIP. Office Name Term Expires

Justice of Peace .... Peter Price January, 1909

Justice of Peace .... G. H. Whitmore . . . January, 1909

Constable J. A. Talbot January, 1909

Constable John Duncan January, 1909

Clerk W. N. Dewhurst . . . January, 1909

Trustee Edwin Irvin January, 1909

Trustee E. F. Henderson . . . January, 1909

Trustee John Farquhar January, 1909

Assessor G. H. Whipp January, 1909

Address

Coin . Blanchard

Coin

Blanchard .Blanchard .College Springs . Blanchard

Blanchard

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

295

AMITY TOWNSHIP.

Office Name Term Expires

Justice of Peace .... J. R. Prcst January, 1909

Justice of Peace .... R. A. Duncan January, 1909

Constable Alort Culver January, 1909

Constable Emmet Reed January, 1909

Clerk W. S. Smiley January, 1909

Trustee James Dunbar January, 1909

Trustee Frank Ouigg January, 1909

Trustee Alex Pinkerton January, 1909

Assessor William McAfee . . . January, 1909

Address

. College .Springs

. Shambaugh

. .Shambaugh

. .College Springs

. .Braddyville

. .Coin

. ,L5raddyville

. .Clarinda

. .Braddyville

BUCHANAN TOWNSHIP.

Office:

Justice of Peace Justice of Peace Constable Constable Clerk ... Trustee . Trustee . Trustee . Assessor

Name Term Expires

William Yockey .... January, 1909

\V. W. Thomas January, 1909

S. P. Wolf January, 1909

John Taylor January, 1909

L. R. McClarnon . . . January, 1909

J. D. Maxwell January, 1909

Roy Hill January, 1909

Charles Cumberlin . . January, 1909

W. L. Baldwin January, 1909

Address

.Braddyville .Braddyville .Braddyville .Braddyville .Braddyville .Braddyville .Braddyville .Braddyville .Braddyville

ASSESSORS OF INCORPORATED TOWNS.

Alfred Falk Hepburn

W. O. Kenagy Yorktown

John Groeling Clarinda

E. J. Hersey Shambaugh

John H. Miller College Springs

John Hart Braddyville

Emil Hagglund Essex

D. W. Flickinger Shenandoah

A. W. Dunmire Coin

Robert E. Peck Xorthboro

W. F. Hannah Blanchard

FIRST THINGS TO HAPPEN.

The first to effect a settlement in what is now Page county, were three brothers who came from Jackson county, Missouri — George W„ Henry D. and David Farrens, who made settlement in 1841 and 1842. It is claimed by others this settlement should date from 1842 and 1843. The first child born in the county was Perry Hardee, in August, 1842. He was a son of William Hardee.

296 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The first death of a white person in this county was Lieutenant Bu- chanan, who was drowned within the hmits of Page county as earlv as 1833. A detachment of troops were going across the state to the l\Iis- souri river and when crossing the East Nodaway this young officer was drowned. It was at a point a mile northeast of where Hawleyville now stands. The stream was swollen from recent rains and the Lieutenant in advance of the troops, became tangled in the brush and before help reached them both he and his horse were lost. A monument was erected to his memory, which was finally destroyed by the Indians, although fragments of the tombstone are yet in existence. Buchanan creek, and likewise the township of the same name, were more lasting memorials for him than any amount of marble slabs.

The next to die in the county was Pleasant Wilson, who passed from earth in 1844.

The first marriage license issued to Page county parties was that granted to Henry Davidson and Rebecca Sebastian, November 13, 1852. There had doubtless been marriages prior to that date but the licenses were ob- tained, or at least the ceremony performed, in jMissouri.

The first mill was erected in 1847 t>y Air. Stonebraker and is now generally known as Shambaugh's mill. It was built as a combined saw and grist mill and here was "cracked" all the corn and sawed all the lumber used in a radius of probably forty miles. This mill also ground wheat but the flour had to be sifted or bolted by hand. Stonebraker, the proprietor of this mill, died in 1849 and the property passed to Captain R. F. Con- nor's hands.

The first postoffice established in Page county was located at the mill now known as Shambaugh's mill. Captain R. F. Connor was the pioneer postmaster. The office was established in 1850. The government fur- nished the mail sacks but the settlers had to furnish their own carriers and by this means settlers could get their mail once a week. This arrange- ment lasted a year, when the government established a mail route between Maryville, Missouri, and Captain Connor's residence, the name of the office being Nodaway. Ira Cunning, now deceased, had the contract, the route extending from Maryville to Nodaway. At that time postage on letters carried one hundred miles or more was twenty-five cents, payable at either end of the route. Prior to the establishment of this office the pioneers of Page county had to depend upon Savannah, ^Missouri, for all mail matter. The distance was sixty miles. A little later, however, an office was established at Marvville, Missouri, which was but twentv-five miles from the settlement on the Nodaway.

The first conveyance of the deed character in Page county was that of a mortgage deed granted to John Krout by Philip Boulware, March 22. 1852. It was given to secure the payment of four hundred and sixty dol- lars of borrowed money. This instrument is recorded in Book A of deeds and was acknowledged before County Judge R. F. Connor. It was not exactly a land deed but it was described in the records as "The improve- ments made by the late John Stonebraker on the Nodaway river, three-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 297

fourths of a mile below the 'Brown's Correctionville Une ;" the same is described in the ori_yinal entry book."

The records of the county show that on March 22, 1853, the first lands were entered by Page county citizens. Isaiah Houstin claimed the north- west quarter of section 12, township 08, range 2)7, while the same day the southwest quarter of section ^i^i, township 69, range 36, was entered by Erastus W. Hall.

The first schoolhouse was built of logs on section 26, Buchanan town- ship, in 1844.

The first goods were sold at Hawleyville in 1853, jjy James AI. Hawley. This was the first regular stock and was valued at about five hundred dollars. There had been a barrel of whiskey, some plug tobacco and a few- yards of blue calico kept, it is claimed, at Boulware's >place previous to this.

The first lime burned in the county was made by James AI. Hawley, after a novel manner. He needed some lime to plaster his house and store with, so he quarried out some lime rock on his place at Hawleyville and stacked up thirty cords of wood, over which he piled the stone, the mass resembling a miniature mountain. In less than forty-eight hours from the time the fire was applied, he had a fine lot of excellent lime. This was in the fall of 1853.

The first trial jury in Page county assembled September 7, 1853. Judge A. A. Bradford was the district judge. The case set for their trial was one entitled, "State of Iowa vs. Johnson and Clark Brown, for the illegal sale of liquor." The state won the case and the court imposed a fine of ten dollars and costs. This first jury were as follows: Robert Stafford, J. Buckingham, Henry Farrens, Isaac Miller, John Brock, Ezra Heady, H. Langly, D. Rose, N. S. Pigg, A. B. Quimby, Henry Price and David Stonebraker.

The first term of district court held at Clarinda after this point was made the county seat, was held commencing September 5, 1853. It was held in the "shanty," near South Prominde. tlis Honor, A. A. Bradford, presided.

The first brick burned in Page county were manufactured by Thomas Goodman near the village of Hawleyville, early in the '50s.

The first sermon preached from the gospel was by the voice of Rev. Samuel Farlow, a Methodist Episcopal minister, who set up the emblematic cross in Page county in 1852.

The first brick house was erected in 18O0 in Pierce township, by A. J. Gilmore, at Franklin Grove.

The first l^ridge built in Page county was constructed by John [Mc- Lean and A. P. Richardson, in the winter of 1857-58. It spanned the East Xodaway river at Hawleyville. The contract price was seven hun- dred dollars. It was to be built by subscription but finally the county ■authorities assumed it and it was paid for in swamp land money. It was hewn from native timber, except the plank, which were sawed by a port- able steam mill. The workmanship was good and the bridge stood ten

298 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

years or longer. The same contractors built numerous bridges at an early day.

The first windmill erected in Page county was that placed on its tower in October, 1872, by Hon. William Butler, on his farm just north from the city of Clarinda. It was an Enterprise mill, made at Sandwich, Ill- inois. It stands forty feet from the ground and is but the forerunner of thousands of these useful engines yet to pump water from Page county soil.

DRAINAGE DISTRICTS.

There has been but little waste land in Page county and a systematic method of drainage, adopted under a law passed by the Thirtieth General Assembly, has lessened that little very materially. In 1908 a petition was filed with the board of supervisors, asking for a drainage district in Nodaway township, the purpose of the petitioners being the straightening of the Nodaway river. When the work of straightening the river shall have been completed, probably one hundred thousand dollars will total the cost of the improvement. Below is given the drainage districts established in the county, since the petition for the first one was filed in April, 1905 ;

The first drainage ditch constructed in Page county was on a petition signed by S. C. Russell, A. J. Leighton and John Boyer, and presented to the board of supervisors of Page county in April, 1905. The petition asked for proper drainage, including a canal about ten feet wide at the top, three feet wide at the bottom and from six to eight feet deep. The ditch was located in Colfax township and the district was named the S C. Rus- sel Drainage District No. i.

The next petition for a drainage ditch was by Frank R. McKee and Hill Brothers on land situated in Amity and Buchanan townships. This became Drainage District No. 2. The petition was filed in June, 1905.

The next petition was that of E. S. Welch, Ed R. Woodford and Frank C. Woodford, for the establishment of a drainage district, comprising land in Grant township and was filed in July, 1905. This became Drainage Dis- trict No. 3.

July 24, 1905, the petition of C. W. Fishbaugh, E. C. Fishbaugh, G. A. Pulley and ^Martin Fender was filed for the establishment of a drainage district through sections 17 and 18, Grant township. This became Drainage District No. 4.

September 9, 1907. a petition was filed by C. N. Grain, J. A. and J. N. Strickland, John McMichael, Swan Swanson and Reuben Trout for the establishment of a drainage district in Nebraska township. This is known as Drainage District No. 5.

The main purpose of this ditch was the straightening of the Noda- way river.

Drainage district No. 7 was created on the petition of Michael Beck of Pierce township. The petition was filed in June, 1908.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 299

BANKS AND BANKERS OF PAGE COUNTY.

PAGE COUNTY STATE BANK, CLARINDA.

In gathering the material for a history of this financial institution, it is necessary to go back into the very twilight of the early history of bank- ing in southwestern Iowa.

In 1866 N. B. ]\Ioore and J. S. Alclntyre, under the firm name of Moore & Mclntyre, established in Clarinda one of the first, if not the first bank in this section of the state outside of Council Bluffs. The build- ing occupied by this firm was located on the second lot from the south on the west side of the public square, in the illustration showing the west side of the square in this history. The building may be identified as the one having the name "N. B. Moore Real Estate" on the front.

The capital of the bank was limited, but its business was coextensive with Page and adjoining counties, and was prosperous even beyond the expectations of its founders, so much so that in 1872, six years after its establishment, it was determined by Messrs. Moore and Alclntyre, and gentlemen who became associated with them, to organize under the Federal Banking Laws, and they established the First National Bank of Clarinda, with a capital of $50,000, which took over the assets and business of the old bank, with N. B. Moore as its first president, who a year or two later, by reason of extensive private interests, which demanded his attention, retired from the position and was succeeded by W. E. Webster.

In 1876 it constructed the building now occupied by the Page County State Bank.

In 1874 Allen Collins and Solomon West, under the firm name of Collins & West, started a bank which was located in a frame building on a lot immediately west of the alley on the south side of the square. Later, through business changes, this bank did business under the name of West, Morsman & Company. Eventually it was absorbed by the First National. Mr. West becoming cashier, and both Mr. West and Air. Alorsman be- coming directors. At a later period. Air. West disposed of his holdings. On the first day of March, 1879, ^^''^ directors of the First National Bank instructed its president, \\'. E. Webster, to convey their real estate to ^^'eb- ster, Linderman & Company, and about that time this firm became the owner of the assets of the National, and succeeded to its business, and con- tinued the same under the name of Page County Bank. John N. Miller soon after becoming a partner in the firm. On the 26th day of January, 1882, W. E. Webster died, and soon after his estate sold the interest to Solomon West, who again entered the bank, becoming its president, with Charles Linderman as vice president, and John N. Miller as cashier. These parties constituted the sole owners, and the Page County Bank in the next few years showed a rapid development, a surplus of fifty thousand dollars was accumulated, making the capital of the bank one hundred thousand dollars. In May, 1893, Mr. West died, and that fall his executors dis- posed of the interest the estate held, L. W. Lewis and Geo. E. Alartin be-

300 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

coming members of the firm that owned the bank. In the readjustment of the officers, Mr. Linderman became president, L. W. Lewis vice president, and Mr. Miller continued as cashier.

On the 8th of December, 1905, the Page County Bank as a copartner- ship, transferred its assets and business to the Page County State Bank, which was organized a few days previous under the banking laws of the state. The new organization contained all the members of the old part- nership with a few additional stockholders. The new bank started with a paid-up capital of one hundred thousand dollars and a surplus of twenty- five thousand, which has since been increased to thirty thousand dollars. The last business transaction, and the last check signed by George E. Martin was in payment for his stock in the Page County State Bank ; he departed this life on the evening of the 12th day of December. His estate still retains an interest in the bank. Some two years ago, Mr. Lewis sold his stock to other stockholders in the institution, and located in Seattle, where he became manager of a bank in that city. On the 15th day of April, 1907, Mr. Linderman died. He was connected wath the Page County State Bank and its predecessors for a period of over thirty-three years. Mrs. Linderman, and his daughter, Mrs. Blair, continue as stockholders. On the death of Mr. Linderman, John N. Miller was chosen as his succes- sor, and became president. Early in January. 1909, A. N. Odenheimer purchased a block of stock, he and Noros H. Martin being vice presidents of the bank, with Hugh Miller as cashier, Frank V. Hensleigh as assistant cashier, and the following directors, viz., John N. Miller, Mrs. S. E. Linder- man, Noros H. Martin, Hugh Miller, Frank V. Hensleigh, G. William Rich- ardson and A. N. Odenheimer.

In a public statement, under date of February 5, 1909, this bank had in loans and discounts $469,455.24: in deposits $613,397.38, and in liabil- ities and resources, respectively, $743,397.81.

Outside of the city of Council Blufifs, there is no bank in southwestern Iowa that has been in business so long as the Page County State Bank and its immediate predecessors, which covers a period of forty-three years. During that time, the panic of 1873, the depression incident to the re- sumption of specie payments, the hard times, and financial difficulties of 1893, ^"^1 the business vicissitudes of all those years, were successfully met, and the strong showing that it makes, is convincing proof, that despite the financial flurries of the past, it has had a steady and successful growth.

The Clarinda National Bank, one of Page county's most substantial financial institutions, was organized December 26, 1883, that being the date of its first charter from the U. S. Government, and commenced business at once in its present location at the northwest corner of the public square. It was a successor to the A'alley Bank, a private banking institution, which was organized in 1881 by I. J. Foley, Joseph Jackson and John Terhune. Frank W. Parish was made president (a position he held until his death in 1905) ; \^ Graff and A. Nienstedt, vice presidents; I. J. Foley, cashier and J. L. Brown fnow deputy postmaster), assistant cashier. Its first board of directors was: Frank W. Parish, V. Graff, A. Nienstedt. Dr. N. L.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 301

\''an Sandt, 1. J. l^oley. John Dowdell, Henry Steeve, J. L. Brown, Fred Sunderman, Elijah IJeal and W. W. Newlon. Other charter members were: W. C. Tagg-art, W'm. McLean, John R. Good, A. F. IJeal, David McLarnon and Wm. McLarnon.

The following- have been its ofificers, in the order named, up to and in- cluding the present incumbents: Presidents — Frank W. Parish, H. E. Parsiow and Ed F. Rose. \'icc presidents — A. Nienstedt, V. Graff John Dowdell, Dr. N. L. Van Sandt, W. D. Merriman, W. W. Morsman, Fred Fisher. Dr. H. L. Cokenower, Jacob Butler and H. E. Parsiow. Cashiers — L J. Foley, W. ^^^ Newlon, H. R. Spry, C. D. Brown and E. G. Day. As- sistant Cashiers — J. L. Brown and C. F. Butler.

Present board of directors — Ed. F. Rose, H. E. Parsiow, A. Nienstedt, E. G. Day, I. W. Shambaug-h, W. \V. Richardson and Fred Sunderman. Other stockholders are: Mrs. Frank W. Parish. W. T. S. White, C. F. Butler, Mrs. C. M. Cokenower, Mrs. A. J. Taggart and E. B. Westcott.

The history of this bank is that of continuous success. From a capital of fifty thousand dollars, in the beginning, it has gradually developed and established a surplus fund of another fifty thousand dollars, so that at this time (1909) it has a combined capital, surplus and undivided profit account of over one hundred thousand dollars ; and this, notwithstanding it has all along declared and paid liberal dividends to its stockholders.

The original building, a substantial brick, was thoroughly overhauled and remodeled in the year A. D. 1903, so that it is now not only of sub- stantial and handsome appearance externally, but internally has modern equipment and appointment for the safety of depositors and convenience of officer and employees. A massive manganese steel safe, fitted with triple time locks, burglar and fire-proof; fire-proof vault in which safety deposit boxes are installed ; steel ceiling, and Mosaic tile floor are a part of its splen- did equipment. Upstairs and basement rooms are well fitted and furnished and leased for lodge room and office purposes.

Commenting on some of the things that has made for the success of this institution it is only fair to say that to the strong personality and excellent business judgment of Frank W. Parish, its president and manager, for many years, much is due.

H. E. Parsiow, president for a time following the death of "Sir. Parish, and for many years a director and vice-president, has ever been in close touch with existing conditions, and his wise and conservative counsel has been no small factor in establishing and maintaining stable and prosperous conditions.

The present executive, Ed. F. Rose, has for many years been regarded as one of Page county's most successful financiers, and is making an ex- cellent head for this institution. With natural good judgment and shrewd common sense he combines a ripe business experience and strong social qualities that n.iake him an ideal bank president.

Elmer G. Day entered the bank as cashier in the summer of 1906. and with wide acquaintance, numerous friends, sound business judgment, oblig-

302 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

ing disposition, and tireless energy, is making an admirable officer and proving a strong factor in the bank's success and growth.

Charles F. Butler, son of Jacob Butler, one of the pioneers and highly respected citizens of Page county, has for many years held the position of assistant cashier. ]\Ir. Butler is a rapid and accurate accountant, which, taken together with an affable and obliging disposition, makes him an ex- cellent officer and helper in the bank's aft'airs.

In 1 90S this bank was by order of the Department at Washington, D. C, established as a government depositary. This may be regarded as a tril)ute from "Cncle Sam" to its past record and excellent present condition.

The motto of this bank has always been "Absolute safety to Depositors," and so well has this been lived up to that in the quarter of a century, and over, of its existence it has never halted or wavered ; although many clouds, and some storms, have passed over the financial horizon. Notably, in the panic of A. D. 1907, it made a decidedly creditable showing and retained the absolute confidence of depositors. At the time of this writing conditions are most satisfactory and promising. With deposits of over four hundred thousand dollars, and a cash and sight reserve of more than twice the U. S. Government's legal requirement, its continued success and prosperity seem assured.

THE CLARINDA TRUST AXD SAVINGS BANK.

Clarinda being an important business center and the capital city of one of the wealthiest and most prosperous commonwealths of Iowa, made it appear to certain citizens of the county and W. C. Brown, now presi- dent of the New York Central Railroad Company, that another bank should be established at that point. There were two banks in Clarinda in 1903, long established and securely entrenched in the confidence of the people of this community. To organize another financial institution at that time seemed to man)-, therefore, to smack of the hazardous. But the promoters of the proposed banking concern were men of means, well versed in the business of banking and of good judgment. Their foresight cannot in the light of subsequent events, be questioned. These men placed their plans before a number of Page county's capitalists and on May 23, 1903, the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank was organized, with such men as William Orr, G. W. Standage, J. H. Driftmeier, C. E. McDowell, James Hughes. Henry Annan, C. A. Lisle, M. P. Ansbach, A. F. Galloway, H. R. Spry, W. C. Brown and about thirty other charter members. This body of men chose for the first board of directors William Orr, H. R. Spry, A. F. Galloway, G. ^^^ Standage, J. Ren Lee. Henry Annan, James Hughes, C. A. Lisle and ]M. R. Ansbach, and this board elected William Orr. presi- dent, H. R. Spry, vice president, and A. F. Galloway, cashier. The same men are the officials of the bank today. The capital stock was $75,000.

In the summer of 1903 the bank, with W. C. Brown, erected what is known as the Brown block, on the corner of Main and Fifteenth streets. The building is of gray pressed Omaha brick, with sand-stone trimmings,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 303

and two stories in height. It has a frontage on Main street of one hun- dred and forty feet and on the Fifteenth street seventy feet. A fine com- modious basement runs under the entire building and is used for business purposes. The second story is devoted to office rooms. The twenty-five feet on the corner of this magnificent business block facing Fifteenth street and eighty feet on Main street belongs to the bank and the a]i])ointments of the bank interior are equal to any institution of the kind in this section of Iowa, in point of richness, elegance and modernity. The latest im- proved Mosler-Corliss safe, weighing thirty thousand pounds, with time lock and absolutely burglar-proof, is the piece de resistance of the estab- lishment, and the safety deposit vaults are an innovation that are most generously sought by the many who have valuables they desire kept in safety from fire and other casualties.

This fiduciary institution is a new one in Clarinda and its success and growth within the short span of six years seem almost incredible to the laymen and is intensely gratifying to its builders and the people of the community generally. The capital stock of the Clarinda Trust & Savings Bank, as has been stated, is $75,000, and in its last report it showed de- posits aggregating $300,000, although at various times since then deposits to the amount of $350,000 have been shown by the bank's books. Being organized as a trust company, the bank can, under the authority of the law, act as guardian^ administrator, assignee and receiver, and trustee of es- tates, and perform other acts not within the province of other banks.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF SHENANDOAH.

The first bank in Shenandoah was organized by N. B. Moore and W. E. Webster in the fall of 1872, under the firm name of Moore & Webster, in the building and location later occupied by Roberts & Harrington. In 1875 they sold to the Farmers & Merchants Bank, the stockholders being T. H. Read, W. T. Farnum and T. J. Williams. This bank continued until July, 1877, when it was merged into the First National Bank, under its present management. The First National Bank was organized with thirty- two stockholders. The first officers were : Thomas H. Read, president ; and A. J. Crose, cashier. In ^March, 1881, ]\Ir. Crose resigned and was succeeded by R. W. Carey, who served as assistant cashier and then was promoted to cashier in 1882. He held the position until ]\Iarch, 1887, when he was succeeded by Frank Hooker.

In 1900 the bank building was completely remodeled at a cost of seven thousand dollars. The front is of gray pressed brick, with terra cotta trim- mings. The architecture is pleasing to the eye. There is a large plate glass window in the front of the desposit and banking room, the latter of which has a large and spacious vault, in which is a modern Manganese steel safe, time lock and burglar proof.

This is one of the old and firmly estabhshed banking institutions of southwestern Iowa and does the largest business of any bank in Page county. Its statement for February 5, 1900, shows the following:

30-4 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Loans and discounts $642,712.58

United States Bonds 55,000.00

Other Bonds 54,045.00

Bank Buildings and Fixtures 8,000.00

Cash, and due from banks and U. S. Treasurer 131,197.22

$890,954.80

LLVBILITIES.

Capital Paid in $ 50,000.00

Surplus Fund ( net) 102,097.78

Currency in Circulation 50,000.00

Deposits 688,857.02

$890,954.80 The present officers are : Thomas H. Read, president ; Elbert A. Read, cashier ; Henry Read, and D. B. Miller, assistant cashiers. Directors : J. L. Gwynn, Levi Baker, A. Nordstrom. Elbert A. Read, John T. Stuart, Thomas H. Read.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL BANK.

The Shenandoah National Bank was organized May 4, 1882, and began business with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. It had the following officers : George Bogart, president ; H. F. Wilson, cashier ; E. S. Farris, assistant cashier. The directors were: A. B. Woodford, D. S. Priest, John Norton, Z. D. Mathuss and George Bogart. They began business in the building that had been used by the Page County National Bank, putting in at that time a new Debolt safe and fire proof vault. In 1882 they pur- chased the building and in 1888 extensive repairs were made. In 1892 further improvements were made to the building and in 1906 the bank moved into its present new and magnificent building. This structure has a sand- stone front and is the handsomest business building in Shenandoah. It has a frontage of twenty-five feet on Sheridan avenue and extends to the alley, which is a depth of one hundred and ten feet. The interior is up-to-date in every particular and would be an ornament in the banking business in cities of much more pretension than Shenandoah. The banking room has a tile floor, with Italian marble wainscoting, and black Vermont marble baseboards. The grill work is of solid cast iron in dead black. The vault is detached from the building and is fourteen by twenty-four feet. It is faced with Italian marble and constructed of vitrified paving brick. It is divided into two compartments and has two doors. In the rear is one hundred deposit boxes. The furniture is all of mahogany, as is also the wood trimmings. There is a customers' waiting room, a room for safety deposits, a smaller room for consultations, and the rear room is devoted to bank parlors and for the directors. There are two fine toilet rooms and the building is heated throughout by the central steam heating plant. It is also electric lighted. This bank has a capital and

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 305

surplus of one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. It is a United States depositary and its deposits in February, 1909 amounted to four hundred thousand dollars.

The present officers of this bank are: president, George Bogart; vice president, E. H. Mitchell ; cashier, R. M. Gwynn ; assistant cashier, F. M. Schneider. Directors: W. I. McCulloch, E. S. Welch, Maxie Jewett, G. F. Cotrill, George Bogart, E. H. Mitchell, J. J. Dunnegan, Class Nordstrom, Edward l')irkhimer and J. W. Lovitt.

THE SECURITY TRUST & SAVINGS BANK, SHENANDOAH.

This concern was organized January 6, 1909;, with C. W. Fishbaugh as president, and E. C. Fishbaugh, cashier. It was capitalized at thirty thousand dollars. The first statement of the bank published February 20, 1909, shows the bank in excellent condition, the deposits amounting to twenty-six thousand dollars. It has safety deposit vaults, and Manganese steel safe, time lock. The directors of the bank are James Morhain, W. H. Brammer. D. E. Butte, William Hovenden, J. H. Bright, John B. King, E. C. Fishbaugh, C. W. Fishbaugh, and Martin Fender.

THE COMMERCIAL NATIONAL BANK OF ESSEX.

This bank started as a private concern, which eventually was merged into the Commercial State Bank, of which A. Brodeen was the president; R. A. Sanderson, vice president; T. K. Elliott, cashier; and J. A. Ekeroth, assistant cashier. In 1901 the bank was reorganized and received its char- ter as the Commercial National Bank, with the following officers : R. A. Sanderson, president; A. Halberg, vice president: T. K. Elliott, cashier; J. A. Ekeroth, assistant cashier. It is capitalized at fifty thousand dollars, and is a national depositary. Its last statement shows its deposits to have been three hundred thousand dollars. It now has a capital and surplus of sixty-eight thousand dollars. This is one of the oldest and most substantial banking institutions in Page county. Its present officers are : Levi Baker, president ; C. J. Johnson, vice president ; Arthur Lindberg, cashier ; C. W. Frederickson, assistant cashier. Directors. Alex Caldwell, W. J. Knox, Abe Lindberg. C. A. Linquist, C. J. Johnson, Levi Baker and George Lindberg.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ESSEX.

This bank was organized in 1901 by A. Brodeen, H. I. Foskett. N. C. Nelson, J. P. Nye, C. P. Nelson, G. J. Liljedahl and others, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. The first officers were : A. Brodeen, presi- dent ; H. I. Fishbaugh, vice president ; N. C. Nelson, cashier.

This bank has been very successful from the start and in its last state- ment shows deposits to the amount of one hundred and forty thousand dol- lars. It has pleasant and commodious quarters and the depositors' money is amply secured in a Hibbard, Rodman & Ely, Manganese steel safe. This

306 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

bank also has safety deposit boxes. Its present officers are: A. Brodeen, president; N. C. Nelson, vice president; G. J. Liljedahl, cashier; John G. E. Carlson, assistant cashier. The board of directors are: A. Brodeen, N. C. Nelson, G. Liljedahl, J. P. Nye, C. J. Sar, F. O. Peterson and Oliver Bussard.

THE farmers' savings BANK OF ESSEX.

This bank was organized in the fall of 1906, by J. A. Ekeroth, R. A San- derson, H. A. Chandler, J. M. Hilgerson, Frank G. Miller, J. F. Falk, A. D. Collins, J. E. North and others, with a capital stock of twenty-five thou- sand dollars. The bank opened for busijiess January 5, 1907, with the following officers : R. A. Sanderson, president ; J. A. Ekeroth, cashier ; H. A. Chandler, vice president. This bank met with great success from the very start, even though it had two strong competitors with which to con- tend. The year of the organization of the bank J. E. North erected a mod- ern pressed brick building at a cost of sixteen thousand dollars, of which the bank purchased the corner with frontage on Main street of twenty-two feet and fifty feet on Central street. The bank has a Mosler vault with safety deposit boxes and a Corliss safe, weighing thirteen thousand five hundred pounds. The furnishings are in mahogany.

The present officers of the bank are: R. A. Sanderson, president; O. W. Freed, vice president ; J. A. Ekeroth, cashier ; Victor Freed, assistant cashier. Directors : R. A. Sanderson, O. W. Freed, J. F. Falk, A. D. Collins, J. M. Kiljerson, Frank G. Miller and O. P. Peterson.

The deposits of this bank increased over twenty thousand dollars dur- ing the last year. The bank pays four per cent interest on savings ac- counts or certificates of deposits, semi-annually if desired.

OTHER BANKS OF THE COUNTY.

Hepburn — The Farmers Savings Bank was organized in 1903, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. The officers are : J. Pollock, presi- dent; C. N. Grain, vice president; J. N. Swanson, cashier. The deposits amount to ninety thousand dollars.

Northboro — The First National Bank was organized in 1908 with FI. J. Scott as president ; A. Harris, vice president ; J. R. Harris, cashier ; H. H. Harris, assista.nt cashier. The bank is capitalized at twenty-five thousand dollars with deposits of one hundred and eight thousand dollars.

Yorktown — -The Yorktown Savings Bank was established in 1900 with J. N. Miller, president ; N. H. Harris, vice president ; and M. List, cashier. The bank is capitalized for ten thousand dollars and the deposits ainount to one hundred and twenty thousand dollars.

Braddyville — ^The Farmers Savings Bank was organized in 1899 with a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. The present officers are : L. C Lawrence, president ; J. T. Wolfe, vice president ; L. G. Martin, cashier. The deposits amount to one hundred and thirty-one thousand dollars.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 307

Coin — The Farmers & Merchants Bank was organized in 1904. The present officers are: Charles Hart, president; J. F. Whitmore, vice presi- dent; G. F. Mitchell, cashier; F. E. Ruby, assistant cashier. The capital stock is twenty-five thousand dollars, with deposits amounting to eighty- five thousand dollars.

College Springs — The Farquhar Savings Bank was organized in 1902. W. S. Farquhar is president ; J. Dee Loudon, cashier. The bank is capital- ized for twenty-five thousand dollars and the deposits amount to one hun- dred and ten thousand dollars.

PAGE COUNTY BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.

This financial institution was organized June 15, 1897, by H. R. Spry, L. W. Lewis, J. E. Phillips, Charles Linderman, G. William Richardson, O. V. Hurdle, E. B. Westcott, W. B. Shoemaker, David Tharp and others. The directory was composed of H. R. Spry, L. W. Lewis, G. William Richardson, O. V. Hurdle, E. B. Westcott, W. P. Shoemaker and David Tharp, and the first officers were: President, H. R. Spry; vice president, L. W. Lewis; secretary, J. E. Phillips; and treasurer, Charles Linderman. The attributes of the association are purely mutual and the loans are made for building and like purposes. It is upon a sound financial basis and has been in favor with the people of Clarinda and vicinity ever since its incep- tion. The loans are limited to Page county. The company has from the start been very successful and its business is conducted on lines that seek to assist those needing such assistance in securing comfortable homes.

The following is the directory board for 1909: William Orr, H. R. Spry, G. William Richardson, Hugh Miller and Gerald D. Graff. Officers : president, E. B. Westcott ; vice president, Norris H. Martin ; secretary, C. E. Blair ; treasurer, W. L. Pedersen.

FRATERNAL ORDERS AND SOCIETIES OF PAGE COUNTY.

NODAWAY LODGE, NO. I40, A. F. & A. M., CLARINDA.

H. H. Scott.

On the 22d day of December, 1852, just two hundred and thirty years to the day after the landing of the Pilgrims, an act of the legislature of this state was approved by the governor, providing for the locating of the county seat of Page county, and fixing its name as Clarinda. In May, 1853, Clarinda was located, surveyed and plat filed. On the 14th day of April, 1854, lot 4, block 25, of the original plat, comprising- a frontage of seventy feet, was sold by Page county to one Llalsey, for eight dollars a quarter. The north forty-six feet of that lot is now occupied by the build- ing in which this lodge room is now contained.

Under date of July 15, 1858, a certificate was sent by Glenwood Lodge, No. 58, A. F. & A. M., of Glenwood, Iowa, to the grand lodge of this state, stating that on July 14, 1858, a special meeting of that lodge had

308 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

been held for the purpose of examining the application for a dispensation to open a lodge at Clarinda, Page county, Iowa, and that one Jacob Simon- ton, selected by the petitioners for the proposed lodge, as its first worship- ful master, had appeared before them and that upon a full investigation they had resolved and did report favorably on the application for the dispensation.

This application on the part of Master Masons residing at Clarinda was signed by Jacob Simonton, Alvin H. East, Corydon Winkler, J. H. Conine, D. C. Ribble, Joseph Martin, J. H. Powers, John Pirkins, Cyrus Creal, C. W. Hendricks, Albert Heald and Joseph La Master, and dated July 15, 1858. On the loth of August of the same year a dispensation was issued by the grand lodge of this state.

It is a mooted question where the first meeting of a Masonic lodge was held in Clarinda. In September, 1858, the firm of Kridelbaugh & Ribble was engaged in a somewhat limited way in the drug business in this town. The firm occupied a small, one and one-half story frame building and the ground covered by the south fraction of that building is now occupied by the north wall of the building in which the room we are now occupying tonight is contained. D. C. Ribble, of the firm, had signed the application for the dispensation. Dr. Kridelbaugh was an entered apprentice, having received that degree a year or two before at Glen wood. Jacob Simonton, Alvin H. East and Jacob Powers, as well as Kridelbaugh & Ribble, had immigrated from Indiana to Clarinda, and there can be no question but what the office and store of Dr. Kridelbaugh was the meeting place of the parties contemplating the institution of a lodge at this place. . It is more than probable and according to tradition that the meetings preceding and possibly the first meeting under the dispensation were held in the upper room of tlie building mentioned. However, the lodge-room that was first recognized as the place of Masonic meetings, was in the second story of a frame building, erected and owned by James B. Chambers, that stood approximately on the ground now occupied by Boyer's barber shop and Dunham's harness shop, and owned by Herman Fessenmire. immediately north and adjoining the W. C. Brown block. The first story of the build- ing was occupied by Chambers as a carpenter shop and in the fall and winter of 1858-59, the upper room was occupied in the day time by the village school, taught by Miss Ann Alden — now the widow of C. W. Fos- ter— and at nights by this lodge.

In 1859 or i860 the lower floor room was occupied by the Haskins as a store, and years later the building was moved to the west side of the square and was devoted to the business of dispensing that beverage which is presumed to be brewed from barley and hops.

On the evening of the loth of September, 1858, under dispensation, the first lodge meeting was held with Jacob Simonton, W. M., Alvin H. East, S. W., Corydon Winkler, J. W., and on that evening the following officers were appointed : Jacob H. Powers, treasurer ; C. W. Hendricks, secretary; Cyrus Creal, senior deacon; David C. Ribble. junior deacon; John Pirkins, tyler ; J- H. Conine, steward.

HIGH SCHOOL, SHENANDOAH

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 311

At this meeting ten dollars was fixed as the institution fee and five dollars each for the degree of Fellow Craft and Master Mason. There were no members present but the officers.

The next meeing was held on the 17th of September, 1858, with two visiting brothers, W. D. McDonald and W. G. Higley, both hailing from Oregon Lodge, No. 139, in Alissouri, they being the first visitors. At this meeting Claiborne McBee made application to become a member of the lodge and at a meeting on the 226. of October, received the entered apprentice degree, being the first initiate of this lodge.

The next applicant for initiation was Lewis H. Wilder, who received his first degree on the evening of December 6. Thomas ]\L Bo wen was either the third or fourth applicant for admission to the lodge, on the date of November 19, 1858, and on the 17th of December received his first degree.

It is fit and proper at this time that some consideration and remem- brance should be given to the principal officers and members of the lodge as then existing. Jacob Simonton was born in Preble county, Ohio, July 19, 1810, and at the time of the institution of this lodge, was but little over forty-eight years of age, and was its Master for the first seven years of its existence and again in 1870-71, making eight years in all. In 1835 he moved to Wabash county, Indiana, remaining there until the spring of 1856, when he came to Clarinda. In this community he held various public offices for a number of years, and died here and was buried in Clarinda cemetery on the 29th of July, 1894. He was a man of fine personal appear- ance and would attract the attention of the stranger as he passed.

Dr. Alvin H. East was reared in Indiana. He had had the benefit of but two weeks of school education. At first he learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it for some years, in the meantime reading medicine during his spare moments. It is to be doubted whether as a student he was ever inside a medical college. He came to Page county in 185 1 and made his home for a time near where Hawleyville is now located. After coming to Iowa, on account of the good health of its people and its limited population, he bestirred himself and got possession of some law books, and at Glenwood, in 1856 or 1857, he was admitted to the practice of law. Soon after he became county attorney of this county, and under some con- struction of the law at that time, he was also county judge, ex ofiicio. This office he held until the law creating the office of county attorney was abolished and that of district attorney created in its place. Later he be- came a member of the law firm of John R. Morledge & Company, and of Morledge, East & Chittenden. Even while engaged in the practice of law he continued his calling as a physician and gained an enviable standing as such. However, as a surgeon he stood at the head of his profession in that day in this and adjoining counties. When the war came, he became assistant surgeon of the Fourth Iowa Infantry and lost an eye at the battle of Pea Ridge. Afterwards he became regimental surgeon of the Twenty- third Iowa Infantry. At the time of his death, September 19, 1872. he was engaged with Dr. Lewellen in the practice of medicine at Clarinda. Dr.

312 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

East was a remarkable man, and one of great natural ability, and in the years of his manhood made up in study for the opportunities that were denied him in youth.

Corydon Winkler at the time of the institution of this lodge was pro- prietor of the Delevan liouse^ a hotel which afterwards was well known under the management of John Beam. Mr. Winkler was the first junior warden. According to the records he attended the first two meetings, none thereafter. Somewhere about that time he sold his hotel to Jacob Butler and went back to some eastern state. On diligent inquiry it seems impossible to learn anything further about him.

Jacob H. Powers was born September 24, 1807, in Virginia. When twelve years of age, in 1819, his parents moved to Indiana. In 1853 Mr. Powers visited Iowa and came to Page county, looked the lands over and made some investments. Pie moved his family to Clarinda in 1854 and soon after engaged in the mercantile business and continued in that for many years. Mr. Powers from the first was impressed with the future of the county and in making his investments he purchased quite an amount of land adjoining Clarinda. In the earlier days, while yet in the vigor of manhood, no man was more energetic in the upbuilding of the town, or more generous in his public and private charities. Practically every church of the earlier days was built upon lots donated by him. He was a man of sterling integrity, honest and upright in all his dealings. He was a loyal friend and a man of positive character. In the multiplicity of his dealings and transactions — for many of the homes now in Clarinda are located on lots sold and deeded by Mr. Powers — it was said his word was as good as his bond. When the lodge was instituted under dispensation and when it was organized under charter, Mr. Powers was selected as its treasurer. He continued to hold that office without interruption to the day of his death, a period of twenty-six years. Mr. Powers died February 14, 1884, and was buried in the Clarinda cemetery.

Thomas M. Bowen became secretary of this lodge January 24, 1859. While he remained a citizen of the county he was active in the aflfairs of the lodge. He was an Iowa product, born, matured and reared in the state. The first knowledge obtained of Thomas N. Bowen is that he was working at the tailor's trade at Mount Pleasant, in this state, and between suits, reading law. From Mt. Pleasant he moved to some county-seat east of this, possibly Wayne or Decatur, where he was elected to the state leg- islature. In 1857 or 1858 he came to Clarinda and was engaged in the occupation of practicing law and incidentally running a ditching machine. The only civil office he held here was that of justice of the peace, though he was an important factor in the politics of the county, On the morning of June IQ, 1861, he left Clarinda with Company F, First Nebraska In- fantry, of which he was captain. On February 4. 1862. he resigned his captaincy and became colonel of a Kansas regiment, with which he served during the remainder of the Civil war, finally, at the end, obtaining the rank of brigadier-general. After the war and during reconstruction days, he was on earth in Arkansas and became chief justice of the supreme court

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 813

in that state. Later he was a candidate for United States senator from that state against Senator Dorsey. Dorsey was elected but Brother Bowen received the federal appointment of territorial governor of Montana. He afterwards drifted to Colorado and promoted the Highland Mary mine and was selected as a judge of one of the districts of that state. Soon after there became two vacancies in that state for the ofifice of United States sen- ator, one for the short term, some thirty days, and the other for the six- year term. The legislature, on ballot, elected Bowen, for the term of six years. While he may not have been the most prominent and efficient la- borer in this shift of workmen on the Temple, he certainly attained in civic life as high an altitude as the bulk of the secretaries this lodge has since had. After his retirement from the United States senate he took uj) his abode in Colorado and died some months since, and his remains lie buried beneath the soughing cedars of that state. There are many others of the old-time members of this lodge who are deserving of mention, but time forbids making any attempt in that direction.

The lodge, during the winter of 1858-9, had a steady growth. Its treasur}^ increased and the purchase of candles for illumination, a stove, twelve dollars expended for chairs and the payment of rent to Chambers, are matters of record.

The meeting of June 24, 1859, was an important one. All officers except

C. Winkler, jtmior warden, were present, also the following brothers: S. H. Kridelbaugh, Thomas Owen, J. H. Conine, B. W. Harlow, A. M. Loranz. J. R. Morledge and J. W. Patterson. It was the first annual elec- tion. It appears by the record that J. W. Patterson, custodian, was pres- ent and presided as w'orshipful master. Jacob Simonton was chosen as worshipful master: A. H. Bowen, secretary: L. H. Wilder, senior deacon;

D. C. Ribble, junior deacon; and Thomas Owen, tyler. They were installed the same evening.

A resolution was passed ratifying the contract made by a portion of the brethren for the renting of Chamber's Hall. Also a resolution was passed thanking Brother J. W. Patterson for his services in organizing the lodge under its charter. So it may safely be said that the first meeting of this lodge under its present charter was on the evening of June 24, 1859,

July 8, 1859, five candidates were elected to membership.

On the evening of September 9, of the same year, the record evidence shows that this lodge held its first banquet, for on that evening S. F. Snider presented a bill of fifty cents for candles and apples. While there is noth- ing in the record up to the evening mentioned, showing that the toast- master of the present was a member of the lodge at that time, yet, strange as it may seem, a motion was made that Snider's bill be referred to the finance committee. On the same evening a bill was presented by Thomas Owen for framing the charter and making a ballot box. At this meeting Charles Pfander was elected to initiation. He was afterward Master of this lodge for five terms.

On the evening of October 7, 1859, a committee, consisting of Jacob H. Powers, John Wilson and Thomas M. Bowen, were appointed to in-

314 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

quire into the distress of a certain Master IMason's widow and to take such steps as they deemed best for her rehef. This, according to the rec- ords, was the first action taken in the matter of charities. In this particular instance the charity continued for years.

At this meeting an appHcation from a demitted Mason residing at Frankfort, Montgomery county, for membership, was received, showing that the jurisdiction of Clarinda Lodge extended outside of this county.

On the evening of December 7, 1859, one James Rand, of Bedford, appeared in open lodge to exemplify the work in the first three degrees of Masonry, which he proceeded to do. On motion it was declared that he do so to the satisfaction of this lodge, whereupon it was decided that the lodge give Brother Rand and the seven other brothers petitioning therefor, the necessary recommendations for a lodge of A. F. & A. ]\I. at Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa. At this meeting a banquet, somewhat larger than the one last mentioned, was had, for a bill of one dollar for apples was pre- sented and promptly referred to the finance committee.

The first financial report that is entered in the minutes is under date of June 29, i860, for that year ending.

From initiation and degrees $172.00

Dues 37-50

Total $209.50

Amount paid to treasurer $216.00

Balance in treasury 88.13

Unpaid dues 39-94

For some reason the record shows there had been paid the treasurer seven dollars and a half more than the lodge had received. It doubtless at some future time was corrected.

For many long years in this lodge there has been a matter of dispute, often earnest and in good faith, and then on occasions when contention was had, I greatly fear for the sheer love of contradiction. It was over the question whether the block or plat of ground in the Clarinda cemetery be- longing to the lodge was acquired through purchase or by gift. On that evening, December 9, 1859, the trustees presented a bill for twenty dollars, in payment under purchase of a block in Clarinda cemetery, which the finance committee at once reported should be paid. In the history of Page county and Clarinda, published in 1880, we are unable to find any allusion to the organization or establishment of that cemetery. There is one re- flection which comes to us in spite of time and sorrow and that is this : that the exigencies of death put a fabulous value on real estate as far back as 1859.

At this same meeting a committee of three was appointed to rent a lodge room. On July 27, i860, it reported that it had rented at five dollars per month a room from Brother John Wilson. This room was in the second story of what was afterwards known as the Cathcart store build- ing, which then substantially covered the ground now occupied by the building used by George O. Rogers, in the Dowdell block.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 315

On November 23d of the same year, Jacob Butler was elected to initia- tion in this lodge. He afterwards served, at various periods, nine terms as Master of this lodge, giving him the longest service as Master of any member so far in its history. We take this occasion to thank him for his kindness and the information furnished us in relation to uncertainties which arise in preparing a sketch like this.

The first Masonic funeral under the auspices of this lodge occurred on th.e 18th of January, 1863, when the remains of John M. Kridelbaugh were consigned to the grave. Later in the same year Dr. Albert Heald was also buried with Masonic ceremonies. I5oth were members of this lodge and were interred in the Clarinda cemetery.

Some five years after the organization of this lodge, to be exact, on August 28 , 1863, the members had become somewhat aesthetic in their tastes and yearned for a greater degree of luxury in the appointments of their hall, for at this meeting they constituted J. H. Powers a committee, "to see what he could get a piece of carpet for and report the price, etc, to the lodge." The subsequent records fail to show whether the laudable purpose was consummated or not. On the 25th of September of that year, the lodge took one step in advance of past conditions and it was moved and carried that the lamps be accepted. The day of candles for the general purpose of illumination had passed.

The question of securing a lodge room by purchase, or building, began to be agitated. On the evening of March 18, 1864, A. H. East, J. H. Powers, Charles Osgood, Jacob Butler and J. H. Conine were appointed a committee to select a site and ascertain the probable cost of building a lodge room. However, we are unable to find any records of any report from that committee. On April 15. 1864. a committee was appointed to confer with Mr. Hawdey about renting his hall or room. From subse- quent minutes it is clear that about that date the lodge moved to the sec- ond story of a frame building then standing on the ground now occupied l)y the south room of Weil's store. About June 17, 1864, was the high tide, up to that time, of the financial condition of the lodge, for on that date there was a balance in the hands of the treasurer in the amount of three hundred and ninety-seven dollars and nine cents.

Februar}- 10, 1865, John ]\lorledge and J. H. Powers were appointed a committee on building-s, and on April 9 they reported in favor of an ex- penditure of five hundred and fifty dollars in connection with the Indepen- dent OrdeV of Good Templars, in the construction of a hall.

On the 5th of ]\Iay. 1865, Jacob Simonton, who had been continuously Master from September 10, 1858, to that date, was succeeded on election by Jacob Butler. On June 24. 1865, the Worshipful .Master directed J. R. Morlcdge to form the lod^e in procession and to proceed to the Baptist church ( this church then located on the lot now^ occupied by the First Cnited Presbyterian church). On arriving at the church, the minutes say, thcit an eloquent address was delivered by Rev. Cain, after which Brother Simonton installed Jacob F.utler, Master elect, and the other ofiicers of the lodge. The record says the lodge was again formed in procession and

316 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

moved to the schoolhouse (the ground now occupied by the south school building) where, in company of the ladies of the vicinity and such visitors present, we all partook of refreshments. This was the first public instal- lation.

On January 6, 1865, Jacob Butler was authorized to obtain for the lodge a set of jewels worth about fifty-five dollars.

June 22, 1866, a motion was carried that a committee be appointed to negotiate with the Odd Fellows in relation to purchasing an interest in their hall over the Universalist church, and on the 27th of July, the com- mittee reported that the Odd Fellows proposed to sell one-half of their hall for five hundred and fifty dollars, this lodge to be at the additional ex- pense necessary to fitting up its side room for regalia. The committee recom- mended the purchase, which on motion was lost.

At a regular meeting September 21, 1866, the following among other proceedings was had : "[Moved by Brother N. C. Ridenour that the lodge hear the proposition of Brothers Butler, Thompson & Company to build a hall."

"Brother Butler proposed to build the first story of a building and put on the roof, and the lodge to build the hall, or he would complete the hall for fifteen hundred dollars." Brother N. B. Moore moved "that the lodge accept the proposition of Butler & Company for fifteen hundred dol- lars, the same to be fifty feet long, twenty-two feet wide and ten feet high, provided the chapter concurs.'' which was carried. The building was completed in either 1867 or 1868, was afterwards rebuilt and is now oc- cupied by the Graflf ^Mercantile Company. We find that on April 12, 1867, the secretary, Henry Loranz, was authorized to issue bonds, payable in two years, bearing ten per cent interest, in amounts of five dollars upwards, to pay off the indebtedness on the new hall.

Strange as it may seem we are unable to find by the minutes of the lodge that any of those bonds were ever issued. Henry Loranz has no recollection of ever issuing any and Jacob Butler and T. J. Bracken, both connected with the firm of Butler & Company, have no knowledge of any being issued, and it is something of a query how the. payment of the hall was financed, yet there are indications from the minutes that in some in- stances the lodge was indebted to its members and they received credit for the same or were paid by warrants. T. T. Pendergraft's recollection is that in some instances the members paid dues in advance for a term of years for the purpose of raising money.

At a meeting under date of February 7, 1868, the three principal offi- cers were named as a committee to arrange for the dedication of the new hall on February 22d. Jacob Butler was named as marshal, C. P. Osgood as builder for dedication and Henrv^ Holmes, J. M. Higgins and Moses Thompson w^ere appointed a committee to invite the widows and orphan? of deceased members. It was also decided that a basket dinner should be had and that each member should be a committee of one in relation to dinner and that the lodges of Sidney, Red Oak, Lewis, Quincy, Bedford and Maryville, Missouri, be invited.

FIISTORY OF L>AGE COLWTY 317

On February 22(1, at nine o'clock A. M., the Most Worshipful Grand Lodg-e of Iowa, agreeable to dispensation granted by Most Worshipful Grand Master, Reuben Mickel, met in special communication in a room ad- jacent to the lodge room, for the purpose of dedicating a lodge, with Charles Pfander as W. M. ( i. M. pro tem, where a public procession was formed by the marshal and the lodge proceeded to the new room, where the same was publicly dedicated in due form. The procession then moved to the Methodist church (said church then occupying the ground immediately west of the Linderman Hotel), where a lecture was given by Colonel J. P. San- ford, afterward returning to the lodge room for the banquet.

This practically concludes the first decade. There are no ten vears in our history, considering the difficulties, when tlie lodge was more pros- perous. Considerably over one hundred members had been added through initiation and affiliation. It should be remembered, from 1857 to 1862 were the most miserable years, in a financial point of view, that Iowa had ever known. To the burdens of opening and improving a new country was added the distress of war.

April 3, 1869, Jacob Butler was reelected Master. May 13, 1870, Jacob Simonton succeeded Mr. Butler. April 29, 1871, Jacob Butler was again elected. On the 24th of June, 1871, the interest in Masonry had possibly reached its highest tide. As far back as April of that year a celebration had been under discussion and in preparation.

On the 24th of June, the lodge convened at nine o'clock A. M. with many members and a large number of visitors in attendance. The public pro- cession was formed outside of the hall and according to the records marched to the grove east of town, which was situated on the east side of the Nodaway river, some little distance north of the* present bridge, on the main road leading east from Clarinda. On reaching the grove a public in- stallation was had. This was the first occasion of the lodge usin ^ a brass band and there was an abundance of music, both vocal and instrumental. Speeches were made by N. B. Moore, Ed. A. Pace, Thomas Wallace and by a gentleman named Bishop and the Rev. McKendrick Cain. The pro- cession returned to the lodge room about three o'clock P. M.

May 17, 1872, Charles Pfander succeeded Mr. Butler as Master.

February 7, 1873, John R. Morledge was instructed to prepare articles of incorporation for the lodge.

Januarv 2, 1874, an abstract and deed was finally secured for the hall.

August 23, 1874, for the first time in its history, a car was chartered to convey its members to a Alasonic funeral. On that day Isaac B. West, a member of this lodge, was buried in \"illisca.

At the meeting on January 29, 1875, a committee reported as follows: "We cannot recommend this lodge to take any immediate steps for a change in the lodge room."

And now appears a strange record. At the meeting on May 5, 1876, the following is to be found in the minutes : "The lodge declared itself satisfied with the exemplification of the work by the petitioners of Centen- nial Lodge of Hawlevville, Iowa."

318 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Whether it was intended, or in contemplation, to estabHsh a lodge at Hawleyville may to some extent be questioned. About this time the records show that a number of members residing in that vicinity were demitted but afterwards returned to this lodge.

On September 17, 1880, at a stated meeting, it was moved by C. P. Osgood that the trustees of this lodge be instructed to negotiate for a safe place to hold our meetings, by renting a hall, and also directing the trustees to either rent or dispose of the then present hall. Soon after this war- rants began to be drawn in favor of the Page County Bank in payment of hall rent. The secretary, like all his predecessors in office, utterly failed to make mention in the minutes of the lodge relative to a change in location.

Under date of November 7, 1881, Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M., and Clarinda Chapter, No. 29, deeded to A'alentine Grafif the old hall, in consideration of seven hundred and eighteen dollars, and on the 28th of February, 1882, there was paid to our treasurer the sum of three hundred and fifty-nine dollars, in full of our interest therein.

From the report of the finance committee, made on the 30th of Tune, 1882, it reported that there were dues uncollected in the amount of over four hundred dollars and we take that time to be the low ebb in the tide of our affairs.

The following-named parties since the organization of the lodge have been Worshipful Masters for the term following each name :

Jacob Simonton (U. D.) 1858-59

"Jacob Simonton 1859-65

Jacob Butler ^ 1865-67

Charles Pfander 1867-68

Jacob Butler 1868-70

Jacob Simonton 1870-71

Jacob Butler 1871-72

Charles Pfander 1872-77

W. E. Webster 1877-78

D. C. Chamberlain 1878-81

W. E. Webster 1881-82

D. C. Chamberlain 1882-83

Jacob Butler 1883-84

T. J. Bracken 1884-87

Jacob Butler 1887-88

D. C. Chamberlain 1888-89

M. R. Ansbach 1889-

Raymond Loranz to July, 1890

M. R. Ansbach July, 1890-91

A. T. Clement 1892

W. L. Lundy 1803

H. L. Cokenower 1894

W^ E. Stevens 1895

R. H. Chamberlain 1896

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 319

Frank K. Miller 1897-98

E. R. Bailey 1899

T. E. Powers 1900-04

Perry Byerly 1905

E. 11. Westcott 1906-

From an examination of the records during the period that mit^ht be termed the middle portion of our history, the names of the men now living, most mentioned in the work of the lodge, appear to be Jacob Butler, D. C. Chamberlain, T. T. Pendergraft, Henry Loranz, T. J. Bracken, John Beam, A. T. Clement, W. E. Stevens and ]\I. R. Ansbach.

The Clarinda Chapter, under dispensation, was instituted January 13, 1865, with E. Grubb as high priest; Thomas Wallace, king; and W. K. Harrell, scribe. Today with M. R. Ansbach as high priest, and A. J. Haw- ley as secretary Chapter No. 29 has taken on a new life, is rapidly swelling its membership and bids fair to surpass in its growth any ten years in its past history.

If there is any truth in the proposition that "Hope long deferred maketh the heart sick," it certainly does not apply to Nodaway Lodge. The rude forefathers of this lodge had denied themslves many pleasures and stinted their expenditures with the hope that ultimately the lodge could have a home commensurate with its needs. Their hopes, endeavors and struggles in that direction began to be realized at the regular meeting held October 18, 1907, when the question of building was brought up and a general and heartfelt discussion was had. As a result of some semi-official negotiations during the previous few days, the two buildings owned by Louise Lewis and Lawrence Lewis were offered at thirteen thousand five hundred dollars. On motion of T. E. Powers, a committee of three were appointed to in- vestigate this and any other proposition that might be tendered. The Wor- shipful Master named T. E. Powers, W. E. Stevens and I. W. Shambaugh as that committee.

October 5th at a called meeting for the purpose of considering this sub- ject, the same being largely attended. T. E. Powers, for the committee, reported in writing with reference to the condition and price of the Lewis buildings and also as to the two rooms owned by Mr. Gaines, situ- ated immediately north of the Lewis buildings, and all being located in the same block.

T. J. Bracken moved that the matter be referred to the trustees with power to act, using their judgment as to which of the otters should be accepted, and with power to purchase. This motion on request was put in writing by F. P. Wells, and a discussion was had, remarks being made by Ansbach, Bracken, Scott, Wells and W^estcott. The motion carried by a rising vote, forty-three being in favor and none against.

On November 15, 1907, at the stated meeting for that month, the trus- tees, through ]\I. R. Ansbach, presented a written report, showing that they had concluded the purchase of the Lewis property, the deal to be closed on or before December i, 1907.

320 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The trustees, on motion, were instructed to take such action, with refer- ence to the loans and securities of the lodge as might be necessary, in order to make the required payment on December ist.

On the same evening F. P. Wells, W. C. Phillips and T. E. Powers were appointed a committee to arrange the floor plans of the second story, suitable for the use of the lodge. On December 13. 1807, the trustees, M. R. Ansbach. J. H. Abbott and W. E. Stevens, made report as to their purchase, including the disposition of the securities belonging to the lodge, which was referred to the finance committee, consisting of Ed F. Rose, I. W. Shambaugh and W. L. Lundy.

At the regular meeting on January 17, 1908, the report of the trustees was approved. They showed that the purchase price was thirteen thousand five hundred dollars, that cash had been paid to the amount of thirty-five hundred on the purchase, and notes given running ten years, so made that one thousand dollars with accrued interest could be paid annually. The pos- session of the upper floor was soon obtained through amicable arrange- ments with the tenants.

April 10, igoS, the three principal officers of the lodge, namely: E. B. Westcott, W. M., Ed. C. Lane, S. W., and F. P. Wells, J. W., on motion, were directed to proceed to the remodeling and reconstruction of the build- ing, as found by them necessary, and in accordance with the plans arranged by the floor committee and adopted by the lodge, and complete the same as soon as possible. This committee sought the advice and suggestions of others interested and pushed the work as rapidly as possible, consistent with good and efficient service. While the lodge room is not completely finished as is contemplated, yet the committee has furnished up the Ma- sonic ha'l and it is being occupied by the various Masonic orders.

We are indebted to Orville C. Greene, the present secretary, for valu- able assistance in reference to the proceedings leading up to and the con- summation of the purchase, and it is a pleasure to say that his records are full and complete and should be satisfactory to the present and all future historians of this lodge.

Since September 10, 1858, and up to December i, 1908, there have been admitted to Nodaway Lodge, No. 140, A. F. & A. M., by initiation and afifiliation, four hundred and thirty-nine members and today the lodge con- sists of an active membership of one hundred and forty-seven members. Since the institution of this lodge, a half century has left its mark on the dial of time. Nearly all the workers of 1858, save and alone D. C. Ribble. have passed over and are now with the silent majority. The piece of car- pet that Mr. Powers was to inquire about has been purchased. The old cannon stove, that took simply the chill from the open and ill built lodge room, is now in the scrap pile. A source of heat, then unthought of, afifords warmth and comfort. The dozen chairs have long since passed to the rubbish heap. The old kerosene lamps have been replaced by an illuminating agent unknown to the founders. The days of the frugal ban- quet, with the apples and their health-giving qualities, are no more, and

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 321

in their place we have the digestion-disturbers known as wafers, oyster cocktails and shrimp salad.

The past is with us, through the blessings of memories both kindly and respectful. The present, and in many ways the future of this lodge, is with the craftsmen here assembled.

The present officers of Nodaway lodge are: E. B. Westcott, worshipful master; Edwin C. Lane, senior warden; A. J. Hawley, junior warden; E. G. Day, treasurer ; Orville C. Greene, secretary ; E. R. Harrison, senior deacon; Earl Peters, junior deacon; George E. Clayton, senior steward; Tom L. Brown, junior steward; J. W. Osborn, tiler; M. R. Ansbach, J. H. Abbott, W. E. Stevens, trustees.

Clarinda Chapter, No. 29, of Royal Arch Masons, was organized in Clarinda, June 13, 1865, under dispensation, with the following Royal Arch Masons present : E. L. Grubb, most excellent high priest ; T. Wallace, king; ^^^ K. Harrell, scribe; J. H. Powers, J. S. Mclntyre. J. J. Rounds, William AicR. Cain, J. Butler and John Bixby. At its first meeting the following officers w'ere appointed : J. J. Rounds, captain of the host ; Wil- liam McR. Cain, principal sojourner; J. H. Powers, treasurer; ]. S. Mc- Intyrc. secretary; John Bixby, Royal Arch captain; J. Simonton. visiting companion, guard pro tem. Several petitions for membership were pre- sented at the first meeting, and on June 27, 1865, the first team was ex- alted, composed of D. C. Chamberlain. Allen Collins and Charles Pfander. According to a report of the chapter degrees w-ere conferred on thirty-two candidates up to Alay 21. 1866, and the chapter within that period received $800 for degrees conferred. Thomas Evans served as secretary of the chapter from January 10, 1867, to December 14, 1896. J. H. Powers w^as its treasurer from 1865 to 1878. Charles Linderman also served the chap- ter as treasurer for many years. Seventeen different members of the chapter have served in the chief office, that of the most excellent high priest, as follows: E. L. Grubb, 1865 and 1866; W. K. Harrell, 1867, 1868 and 1869; S. S. Bean. 1870 to 1875; C. P. Osgood, in 1875; W. M. Alexander, 1876. 1877. and 1879 to 1885, eight years altogether; Charles Pfander, 1878; W. C. Stillians, from the fall of 1885, one year; F. C. Barker, two years, 1886 to 1888; Raymond Loranz, part of 1888: D. C. Chamberlain. 1889 to 1896. continuously: T. J. Bracken, elected in 1896, one year; M. R. Ansbach, elected in 1897, two years; T. E. Powers, elected in 1899. one year; E. R. Bailey, elected in 1900, one year; Walter W. Hill, elected in 190T, one year; Edwin C. Lane, elected in 1902, three years; T. E. Powers, elected in 1905. one year; F. P. Wells, elected in 1906, one year; ^l. R. Ansbach. elected in 1907. and re-elected in 1908. The chap- ter at this time (1909) has fifty-six members and is in a prosperous condi- tion. Its officers (190')) are: ]\I. R. Ansbach, high priest; T. J. Bracken, king; Edwin C. Lane, scribe; Arthur J. Hawley, secretary; J. N. ^Miller, treasurer ; E. B. Westcott. captain of the host ; T. E. Powers, principal so- journer: W. E. Stevens. Royal Arch captain; Earl Peters, master of the third vail ; F. P. Wells, master of the second vail ; J. E. Auman, master of the first vail : I. W. Osborn. tvler.

322 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

CLARINDA CHAPTER, NO. 2I4, ORDER EASTERN STAR.

About 1868 or 1869 a chapter of the Order of Eastern Star was or- ganized, with Mrs. Margaret Butler, wife of Wilhani Butler, the first worthy matron, and Jacob Butler worthy patron. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. A\'illiam Butler, ]Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Butler. 'Sir. and ]\Irs. O. A. Kimball, ~Slv. and ]\Irs. C P. Osgood, ^Ir. and ]\Irs. T. J. Bracken, Mr. and Mrs. S. S. Bean and Miss }\Iaggie Abbott, afterwards wife of Port White.

Much of the early record of the order is missing but on February ist, 1897, a few ladies and gentlemen, with ]\Irs. ^Meredith, the grand worthy matron, met in the old ^lasonic hall for the purpose of organizing a chap- ter of the Order of Eastern Star, and since only twenty-four could, be ad- mitted as charter members, other eligibles were required to petition for ad- mission into the order. The charter members were l\Ir. and ]\Irs. T. J. Bracken, Mrs. Mattie Burk, Mrs. Florence Baker, ■Mrs. Alice Craig, ]\Iiss Maggie Chamberlain, ]\Irs. Lila ]\I. Enfield, Aliss Grace Enfield, ]\Irs. D. Freidman, INIiss Julia Foster, ^Nliss Annie Foster, now the wife of A. B. Loranz, Mrs. Clara Hull. ^Jrs. Docia Hite. W. L. Lundy, Mrs. \\\ L." Lundy, Mr. and ]\Irs. J. D. ]\Iarlin, Mrs. Mary ]\Iorrell. Mrs. ]\Iary ]\Iiller, INIrs. Anna Parslow, Mrs. Jennie W. Parish, !Mrs. Emnia Russell, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Stevens. Mrs. Enfield was elected the first worthy mat- ron, and W. L. Lundy the first worthy patron.

At the close of the first year the lodge numbered sixty members. In 1898 ]Mrs. Enfield was still worthy matron and A\'. E. Stevens worthy patron. In 1899 Aliss Julia Foster, now Mrs. H. H. Scott, was elected worthy matron and ^\^ E. Stevens worthy patron. In 1900-01 ]\Irs. Hite became worthy matron and Edwin C. Lane worthy patron. In 1902 ]Mrs. H. E. Deater was worthy matron and H. C. Lane worthy patron. In 1903-04 Mrs. Hite was again elected worthy matron and E. C. Lane worthy patron. From 1905 to 1908 Mrs. W. L. Lundy was worthy matron and Dr. F. P. \A'ells worthy patron for 1905, 1906 and 1907 and E. C. Lane for 1908.

During the A'ears above mentioned the following members have passed to the great beyond: Mrs. C. H. Russell, Mrs. Mary Burns, William But- ler, Frank W. Parish, Mrs. flattie Burk. ^Irs. ^laud Tallant. ^Irs. :\Ieli5sa Hoskins. John Hull. Mrs. S. S. Arthur. Mrs. Nellie Cozad, ^Irs. J. W. Osborn and ]\Irs. Clara B. Goode.

At the close of 1908 the lodge had one hundred and fifteen members. The order has prospered since its organization. The present officers of the lodge are Mrs. M. R. Ansbach. worthy matron ; Arthur J. Hawley. worthy patron; Mrs. W. E. Stevens, associate matron; Mrs. T. E. Powers, treas- urer ; Mrs. Etta \'an Sandt, secretary ; Miss Lillian Hite, conductress ; Mrs. Max Kaufman, associate conductress; Mrs. C. E. Arnold, Adah; Miss Faye Williams. Ruth; ^vliss Delia Osborn, Esther; ^Irs. W. S. Marlowe, Martha; Mrs. J. ^^I. Rumbaugh, Electa; Mrs. Lila :M. Enfield, chaplain;

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 323

Mrs. Henry Loranz, organist; Mrs. A. V. Hunt, warden; J. W. Osborn, sentinel.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS, LODGE NO. IO9, CLARINDA, IOWA.

This lodge was instituted October 15, 1858, it being the first secret society formed in Page county. The charter members were : C. Creal, J. R. Hinchman, William Butler, Jacob Simonton and one other whose name cannot be recalled. From a membership of five in 1858, the lodge had grown to sixty-nine in 1880, at which date it had two thousand dollars sur- plus money on hand. Upon the breaking out of the Civil y^ar one of the members felt that the records of the lodge were in danger, owing to the border troubles with Missouri, and consequently he gathered up the books, etc., belonging to the lodge and placed them in a box which he buried be- neath the soil. Rumor says they have never been taken up. At any rate no first records can be found now.

For many years this order owned and occupied the upper half of the Universalist church, which they helped to build in 1865. In 1888 the lodge erected one of the finest brick structures in this part of Iowa. Ir is located on the northeast corner of the public square, where once stood the pioneer hotel. The building is twenty-six by one hundred feet and two stories high. Its total cost was nine thousand dollars, all of which is owned and was paid for by the Odd Fellows. In 1906 an addition or forty feet was erected on the rear of the building. It is finely furnished above for lodge purposes and the first story is leased for a furniture store and pays a handsome in- come. Their old quarters over the church were sold in 1886 to the Knights of Labor. The membership of the Odd Fellows lodge now numbers one hundred and sixty. This lodge is in a flourishing condition. It has its lodge room beautifully furnished and its paraphernalia is complete and handsome. The meetings are held Friday evening of each week. The Daughters of Rebecca auxiliary to the I. O. O. F., was organized about

twenty years ago. The officers are: N. G., Mrs. Greene: A'. G.,

Mrs. Robert Stafford ; R. S., Mrs. Silas Rhodes ; F. C, ^Irs. W. A. Hud- son ; Treasurer, Mrs. R. Morris.

The present officers of the subordinate lodge are : J. A. Woods, X. G. ; Silas Rhodes, A^. X. G. : A. E. Kitch, Secretary; and J. W. Fisher, trea'^urer.

Nodaway Encampment, No. 29. I. O. O. F., was instituted in May, 1868, by D. D. G. P. Robert ]\IcCormick, with the following charter members : Cyrus Creal, J. S. Cathcart, Jacob Butler, R. F. Connor. J. Simonton, J. W. Clark and S. G. Beam.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, CLARINDA.

Warren Post, No. 11, G. A. R., Clarinda, was organized November 10, 1866, and was known as G. A. R. Post, No. 29. It had seventy-seven mem- bers, with G. W. Burns as commander. Its existence was of but short duration. About 1876 a new post was organized, known as Warren Post,

324 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

N'o. II, with Isaac Damewood as commander. This also passed out of existence after a short Hfe. The post was, however, March i8, 1884, re- organized with a charter membership of sixty-two comrades. The first officers of this reorganized body were: G. W. Burns, commander; W. M. Alexander, S. V. C. ; James Sloan, J- V. C. ; R. H. Lymer, surgeon ; W. W. Russell, Q. M. ; S. M. Crooks, O. D. ; J. C. Klipson, O. G. ; J. N. Mil- ler, adjutant; F. M. Parish, S. M. ; A. S. Boggs, O. M. Surgeon.

MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA, CLARINDA.

Camp Locust, No. 344, Modern Woodmen of America was organized May 4, 1887,*^ with nineteen charter members. The first officers were: O, H. Park, counselor ; J. R. Good, advisor ; C. R. Stinson, clerk ; J. P. Brown, banker ; F. E. Andrews, escort. The present officers are as fol- lows: Counselor, G. H. Peery; advisor, H. F. McCowan ; banker, J- Lager- quist ; clerk, J. B. M. Pruitt ; escort, Max Kaufman; managers, J. F. Nor- ton, M. Beauchamp and J. McCord.

This camp meets in the rooms over the Page County Bank. It is in a very flourishing condition and now has a membership of two hundred.

SONS OF VETERANS, CLARINDA.

Camp T. O. West, No. 89, Sons of Veterans, was organized July 27, 1886. It was named in honor of a Mexican soldier who resided at this point, and had a charter membership of twenty-seven sons of • soldiers of the Civil war. The first officers of the camp were : E. P. Stone, captain ; J. W. Wolf, first lieutenant ; John Gilchrist, second lieutenant ; C. O. Boggs, O. M. S. ; Walt W. Hill, O. S. : Sherman Hall, chaplain ; Al. C. Trumble, S. of Gd. ; S. C. Black, C. Gd. This society together with the Woman's Relief Corps, meets with the G. A. R. Post.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, CLARINDA.

Clarinda Lodge, No. 139, Knights of Pythias was instituted by F. O. Jackson, special deputy, June 23, 1884. The number of charter members was twenty-four. The first officers were: William Butler, P. C. ; R. Loranz, C. C. ; R. B. Leach, V. C. ; A. W. Compton, P. ; M. R Ansbach, M. of F. ; W. K. Ure, M. of E. ; Lon Wilson, K. of R. & S. ; L. Shaul, M. of A. ; O. H. Park, I. G. ; Ed. Maire, O. G. The present officers are: G. H. Peery, C. C. ; L. E. Stone, V. C. ; T. L. Brown, prelate ; George E. Clayton. M. of W. ; F. C. Robinson, M. F. and K. of R. and S. ; N. S. Ingraham, R. G. . W. S. Richardson. O. G.

The lodge meets every Monday evening in the Grabill block. It is in a flourishing condition, financially, and has a membership of one hundred and sixty. At one time the lodge had a uniform rank and was in division No. 14. It was instituted May 27, 1885, by Aid-de-camp E. H. Hibbens, with a charter membership oi seventeen.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 325

The first officers were: J. E. Hill, captain; G. L. Shaul, lieutenant; M. R. Ansbach, herald; J. H. Elgin, sentinel; W. W. Butler, recorder; Roy Chamberlain, treasurer. The first meeting was held in Castle Hall, Clar- inda Lodge, No. 139, K. P. This branch of the order in Clarinda has been

discontinued.

TRICENTUM LODGE, NO. 3OO, A. F. & A. M., SHENANDOAH.

The first recorded meeting of the Masonic lodge in this city is dated February 4, 1871, and was held in the attic over John McComb's harness shop, later moved to East Sheridan avenue and fitted up for a barber shop. A man could stand up in the middle but on the sides of the room he had to stoop over, the ceiling descending to within about four feet of the floor. Along these sides were placed benches upon which the members sat. In this little room the brethren of the order met for several years and there they received and initiated many members. The original members were W. E. Webster, L. B. Alexander, A. Blake, H. L. Alexander, Joseph Den- ton, W. Robbins and James McCloy. Of these, McCloy, Blake and Denton are still residents, the last named having just returned from Kansas. B. M. Webster, G. W. Covertson, T. H. Elrod, Amos Cox, Benjamin Lake and J. H. Shugart were present at that first meeting and shortly became members. The first candidates initiated were T, J. Warren and O. A. Rogers, who received the first degree March 5, 1871. The first officers were: W. E. Webster, W. M. ; L. B. Alexander, S. W. ; A. Blake, J. W. ; H. L. Alexan- der, treasurer ; B. M. Webster, secretary ; Joseph Denton, S. D. ; W. Robbins, J. D.

The membership increased very rapidly and in a few years they were crowded out of the McComb attic and moved into the hall which for many years was used by the Odd Fellows. From there they moved to the hall over R. B. & C. F. Grose's store and from there to the Hedges block, where it has since met regularly.

Among the verv first candidates to be initiated was C. L. LeBarron and except for the five years he was absent in Kansas, was an almost con- stant attendant upon the lodge meetings. The present officers are : L. W. Lewis, W. M.; Herbert Seal, S. W. ; John McLaren, J. W. ; George Bo- gart, treasurer; L. N. Wilson, secretary; Fred J. Driver, S. D. ; John W. Behm. J. D. ; J. G. Schneider, S. Stew; Fred P. Nye. J. Stew ; John Holmes, tyler.

SHESHBAZZAR CHAPTER, NO. 82, SHENANDOAH.

At a meeting in the Masonic hall, July 29, 1876, the chapter was organ- ized with the following charter members: A. B. West, E. H. P.; E. W. Beghtol, E. K. : E. C. Hale, E. S. ; H. P. Duffield. C. H. : F. W. Chase, P. S. ; E. L. Arthur, R. A. C. : H. P. Taylor, M. 3 V. : A. J. Crose, M. 2 V. ; C. L. LeBarron, M. i V.; J. Swain, secretary.

326 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The olher charter members were W. F. Baker, Maurice Scheller, J. McKee and Ben Lake. It was decided first to caU the organization Harmony chapter but for some reason the name was changed. Two or three organization meetings occurred in August but the first regular meeting was August 3I; 1876, at which time the names of D. S. Lake, Amos Cox, C. S. Chase, N. Bennett and T. J. Warren were presented for membership, and on the 14th of December following, they with W. L. Gregg, constituting two teams, were duly initiated by Dr. Swiggart, of Hamburg, the chapters of Hamburg and Red Oak having been invited here to confer the degrees. The chapter has continued to grow and prosper.

G. A. Quimby, who served for several years as E. H. P., was elected in 1890 to the position of M. E. G. H. P. of the state of Iowa, the highest office in the state, and served with credit during 1891.

The present officers are: R. H. Sutton, high priest, J. I\I. Van Buskirk, K. ; J. W. Behm, S. ; George Bogart, treasurer ; L. W. Lewis, secretary ; E. C. Hale, Capt. Host. ; A. W. Goldberg, P. S. ; Benjamin Smith, R. A. C. ; J. G. Schneider, M. 3d V.; C. D. Chapman, M. 2d V.; George Ross. M. ist V. ; J. M. McCloy, Sent.

EASTERN STAR, SHENANDOAH.

Shenandoah Chapter, No. 81, Order Eastern Star, was organized in March, 1890, with about seventy charter members. Persons eligible to mem- bership in this order are Masons and their wives and daughters. Meetings are held on Wednesday night before the full moon. It is a social as well as a fraternal order and is very popular. The present officers are Mrs. H. E. Deater, worthy matron, and L. N. Wilson, secretary.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FEELOWS, SHENANDOAH.

R. N. ]\Ioffitt first conceived the idea of organizing a lodge of Odd Fellows in Shenandoah, and to that end he called a meeting of transient members of the order scattered through the town and country and after a number of efforts, succeeded in getting some half dozen together at the hotel then kept by Major Morris. September 3, 1873, a warrant was issued bv Grand Master Charles G. Kretchmer, bearing the names of the follow- ing persons as charter members : J. J. Manker, J. F. Morris, R. N. Moffitt. Miles E. Wallace, H. C. Reed, Samuel Farlow, Thomas Roberts, M. L. Morris, J. C. Adams and L^. Eggleston. A meeting was held in the room over what is now Xeedham & Mell's, September 25, 1873, and Shenandoah Lodge, No. 261, was instituted by D. D. G. M., G. V. Swearingen, as- sisted by members from Hamburg and Sidney. The following brothers were the first officers : R. N. Moffit, N. G. : J. L. Morris, V. G. : J. C. Adams, secretary ; H. C. Reed, treasurer. The appointed officers were : U. Eggles- ton, warden; J. J. Manker, conductor; M. L. Morris, O. G. ; Thomas Roberts, I. G. ; W. E. Webster, R. S. N. G. ; E. Spaulding, L. S. N. G. ;

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 327

T. J. Warren. R. S. \'. G. ; William Reeves, L. S. V. G. ; R. J. Blackburn, R. S. S. ; R. H. Spencer, L. S. S.

The lodge met for some time in that same ro<jm, then moved to one of the rooms in the public school Ijuilding" until the room over M. C. Johnson's furniture store was fitted, where it met for several years, until December 14, 1885, when it took up its quarters over the store occupied by William Reeves, occup\ino- the same until June 27, 1892, when it moved to its pres- ent new and commodious hall farther east, on Sheridan and Clarinda avenues. The new hall was erected during" the fore part of 1892, at a cost of about fifty-five hundred dollars.

DAUGHTERS OF REBEKAH, SHENANDOAH.

Nishna A'alley Lodge, Xo. 166, Daughters of Rebekah, meets every Friday night in the Odd Fellows. ]\Iiss Effie W'heeler is X. G. ; and ^Frs. C. G. Bowell, secretary.

I'UOTHERHOOD OF AMERICAN YEOMEN, SHENANDOAH.

Shenandoah ITomestead, Xo. 176, Brotherhood of American Yeomen meets the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month at 8 o'clock, in Yeomen Hall. John Mentzer is at present acting as correspondent; and L. J. Wiiui, foreman.

MASONIC TEMPLE, SHENANDOAH.

Thursday afternoon, August 30, 1900, the comer stone of the new Temple of rhe Masonic lodge of Shenandoah was laid. The stone was a fine block of Portage Entry red sandstone and its place in the building is the north- east corner and on the west side of the main doorway. Into the upper sur- face was cut a cavity six by twelve inches and three inches deep, for the de- posit of memorial documents. Among the articles enclosed in this cavity were the following: Record of institution of Tricentum Lodge, X'^o. 300, A. F. & A. AL, June 7, 1871, nith names of oiiicers and members, total sev- enteen ; names of officers and members of 1900. including six deceased, total ninetv-eight : names of committee of twelve for building Masonic home of Tricentum Lodge ; also names of trustees, master builder and architects ; copv of by-laws of lodge; copy of by-laws of Eastern Star Chapter, with names of officers and members ; copy of Holy Bible : ordinance of Shenan- doah: one copy each of Sentinel-Post and ^^"orld ; copy of Masonic Chron- icle; a fifty cent coin of 1854; a twenty-five cent coin of 1899; a dime and nickel of 1899, and one cent of 1900. all contributed by Dr. ?^Iark H. Smith.

\\'hen the<=e had been properly deposited. Deputy Grand Master Craig proceeded to lav the stone according to the custom of the order. Master builder Cotrill, assisted bv Jacob Koons, James Xesmith and Charles Wills moved the stone to its place. The grand master called upon his assistants to perform their several parts. Charles Schick applied the square. Dr. George L. Smith, the level and Fred Fischer, the plumb. Each reported the work

328 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

properly done by the craftsmen and the emblems were poured upon the stone. Schick poured corn, representing plenty; Smith, wine, representing joy and gladness ; and Fischer, oil, emblematic of peace and prosperity. Two tapers were lighted and placed on the stone. (They might have represented the Eastern Stars.) When the tools had been turned over to the master builder, the grand marshal proclaimed the comer stone properly laid and the building to rise thereon a regular Masonic institution. The grand honors were given by clapping hands three times. Rev. William Steven- son was called upon and made a short but appropriate address. The cost of this new building and grounds was about seven thousand dollars and the interior is most conveniently arranged, with handsome appointments.

KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF SECURITY, SHENANDOAH.

Knights and Ladies of Security, Shenandoah Council, No. 966, meets every Friday evening in Auracher Hall. Charles Selgrove is president ; Mrs. I. D. Cunning, secretary.

PAGE CAMP, NO. IO49, MODERN WOODMEN, SHENANDOAH.

A lodge of Modern Woodmen, an order similar to the A. O. U. W.. was organized in January, 1892, with about twenty members. The first officers were: C. M. Moffatt, V. C. ; J. H. Williamson, banker; J. M. Gor- don, sentry ; H. H. Howard, clerk ; T. L. Putman, physician ; J. W. Head, escort. The lodge meets Wednesday of each week in the Knights of Pythias liall. At present J. S. Stevens is V. C. and R. M. Gwynn, clerk.

ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA.

The Royal Neighbors meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month in the Knights of Pythias Hall. Mrs. Frank Welch is oracle ; and Mrs. Dr. Stevens, recorder.

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED W^ORKMEN, SHENANDOAHl

Fair Oaks Lodge, No. 37, was organized in Shenandoah in 1875 t)^^^ retained its existence only a year. On the i8th of June, 1884, Nishna Lodge, No. 249, was instituted, with forty-three members. This organi- zation is both fraternal and beneficiary, each member being insured for two thousand dollars for the benefit of his family. Meetings are held every Wednesday evening in A. O. U. W. hall. Curtis Warner is M. W. and Frank Sanman, recorder.

woman's RELIEF CORPS, SHENANDOAH.

Rurnside Woman's Relief Corps, No. 250, was organized March 18, 1892, with the following charter members: Celestia Field. A. J. Gustine,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 329

E. C. Humphrey, Nancy E. Taylor, S. E. Patterson, Ivittie Tompkins, Mary H. Jewell, Maranda Sinnett, Sarah McGinnis, Leah Coloneus, Eliza Damewood, Anna Hawkins, Hattie Harrow, Julia Ferguson, Clara A. Rockafield, Olive J. Pickett, Nannie E. Carter, C. T. Reynolds, Maggie Campbell, M. E. Miller, Sarah J. Spaulding, Hattie Campbell, Sarah N. Morris, Jane W. Davis, Fanny Conway, Eliza Greer, Mattie M. Bailey, Nancy Abbott, Sophia Brockett and Ella E. Castle.

The officers elected at that time were: Mrs. S. E. Field, president; Mrs. M. B. Campbell, Sr. V. P.; Mrs. J. W. Humphrey, Jr. V. P.; Mrs. George Castle, treasurer; Mrs. J. H. Reynolds, secretary; Mrs. C. P. Coloneus, chaplain; Mrs. W. P. Ferguson, conductor; Mrs. J. F. Rockafield, assist- ant conductor; Mrs. C. M. Conway, guardian; Mrs. A. F. Damewood, as- sistant guardian.

The meetings are held the first and third Fridays at 2:30 P. AP in G. A. R. hall. Mrs. J. R. Ratekin is president and Mrs. A. S. Bailey, secretary.

GRAND ARMY POST, SHENANDOAH.

Burnside Post, No. 56, Department Iowa, G. A. R., was organized and mustered in in September, 1881, with seventeen charter members as follows: T. N. Pace, James McCabe, P. H. Mentzer, George VV. Patterson, H. P. Duffield, George H. Castle, M. V. Goshen, Frank Stanton, J. A. Rockafield, D. S. Campbell, C. P. Coloneus, Joseph Stokes, A. J. West, W. L. Rooker, George R. Taylor and S. D. Sullivan. Colonel T. N. Pace was the first commander of the Post, having held the office for several terms.

During its history Burnside Post has occupied several places of meet- ing. During the first year of its existence it had no fixed place but gener- ally met in the office of George H. Castle and the meetings were largely of a social character. After a number of recruits had joined the Post and a small room was no longer sufficient, Mentzer's Hall, over the marble works of Mr. Spooner, was occupied by the Post for several years. Then as the organization was increased rapidly, a good hall over Murphy & Grose's store was secured, where the army boys made their home until about 1892, when a room over Webster's drug store was secured for a permanent hall and tastefully fitted with furniture and pictures for a pleasant meeting place. Meetings are held the first and third Friday nights of each month. George H. Castle is c<^)mmander and J. L. Scholl, adjutant.

SHENANDOAH LODGE OP ELKS. NO. I 122.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks has taken its stand in Shen- andoah. Lodge, No. 1 122, was instituted in Shenandoah June 12, 1908. The work was performed by Council Bluffs Lodge, No. 531. The charter members numbered sixty-nine and are as follows :

J. W. Edwards, George S. Jay, E. C. Gage, Arthur Tutt, L. Z. Bray- ton, Carrol Schneider, C. F. Hayes, O. T. Rankin, Charles Aldrich. F. L. Bauer, C. A. Hamilton. F. \\\ Welch, C J. Casey, William McMahill,

330 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Elbert A. Read, Henry Read, J. A. Masters, D. L. Wilson, Glen L. Howard. \\'. A. Parsons, L. H. :Mitchell, I. E. Hovenden, \V. F. Stotler, Burnet Ferguson, H. T. Shurtz, E. F. Clovis, H. N. Richardson, M. E. Beach, George Jay. Frank Keenan. \\\ R. Day. C. F. Woolsey. T. L. Put- man. J. J. Tneichen, H. A. Blackford, F. Anshutz, Earl R. Ferguson, C. L. Hoover. J. \\'. Ratekin, H. S. Swanson, Glen Hand, E. S. White. J. C. Cur- ran, \\'. J. Staples, Homer Ross. Charles Randall. J. J. Reddy. W. W. Hughes. A. M. Flamant. J. J. Doty. W. W. Benedict, 6. C. Benedict, \\'. D. Jamieson, B. \'. Cole, William Gowing, J. F. Miller, A. AI. Williams, George R. :\Ioss, J. H. Eischeid. E. C. Fishbaugh, L. E. Oviatt. S. J. AlcCord. C. E. Young, Ed LeBarron. W. P. Fishbaugh, G. E. Thomas, C. W. Turner, O. L. Lavley, C. D. Chapman.

The following were selected as the first officers of the new lodge : Ex- alted ruler. J. A. Masters: esteemed leading Knight. J- J. Doty; esteeemd loyal Knight, George S. Jay ; esteemed lecturing Knight. E. L. Wilson ; es- quire, B. \\ Cole ; tiler, E. S. LeBarron ; inner guard. \\\ J. Staples ; or- ganist, L. H. Alitchell; chaplain, E. C. Fishbaugh; treasurer, J. H. Eischied; secretary, L. Z. Brayton ; trustees, E. A. Read. George Jay and C. E. Young.

Present officers of the lodge are : Exalted ruler. J. A. Masters ; esteemed ruling Knight, J. J. Doty : esteemed loyal Knight. C. D. Chapman ; esteemed lecturing Knight, Oliver Shafifer ; esquire, B. A\ Cole; tiler, J. D. ]\Ientzer; inner guard, George F. Blackford; organist. W. W. Benedict; chaplain, Rev. Richard Ellerby; treasurer. J. H. Eischeid; secretary, R. M. Pritchard; trustees one }'ear, E. A. Read; two years, E. F. Clovis; three years, H. T. Shurtz. .

This organization recently secured the valuable property at the corner of Thomas avenue and Elm street, upon which the new Club House, plans for which were drawn and accepted in the spring of 1909. will be erected. The property complete is estimated to be worth twenty-five thousand dol- lars. The Club House will be modern, two stories in height and constructed of pressed brick. It will be an ornament to Shenandoah.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, SHEXAXDOAH.

Juniata Lodge, No. 195. K. P., was organized April 5, 1888. with the following charter members: T. J. ]^Iorrow, J. B. ]\Iariner, I. B. Hamilton, F. O. Strong. C. \\ Alount. J. E. Ratekin, E. C. Whiting, D. M. Brubaker, P. Coleman. H. P. Duffield. \\'. H. Harrison. J. A. Wagner, D. A. Cross, C. N. Mar\-in, F. J. Pine, C. M. Mofifatt, George Jay. A. W. Murphy, A. Palmer. J. W, Humphrey, I. N. \Miittaker, P. W. Fox, D. M. Smith. G. W. Gunnison, C. P. Coloneus, L. D. Fowler. E. E. Henry, F. P. Humphrey, E. G. \\'oodrow, A. A. Tompkins. G. Knapp. E. R. Woodford and J. H. Holcomb.

A large number of Knights were present from Red Oak, Clarinda, Corning, Creston and other cities and assisted in instituting the lodge here in a roval manner. The officers elected for the first term were: A. A.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 331

Tompkins. P. C. : T. J. ^Forrow, C. C. ; J. A. \\'a,2:ner. \\ C. ; A. \V. Mur- phy, P.; F. O. Strong-, K. of R. and S., L. D. Fowler, M. of E. ; George Jay, M. of F. ; D. M. Brubaker, M. at A.; C. P. Coloneus, I. G. ; C. }.[. Moffatt, O. G.

This has been a strong working lodge from the first and its membership has steadily increased. The meetings were held for two years in the Odd Fellows hall over William Reeves' store but upon the erection of the Hedges block at the corner of Sheridan and Clarinda avenues, a large Castle hall was prepared for their use, one of the finest K. P. halls in the state. The hall is sub-let to the various ^lasonic orders and used Ijy them. It is lighted by electricity and is supplied with the furniture anfl working paraphernalia and apparatus of the orders. The Knights meet every Tues- dav night and it is rare indeed that there is not considerably over a work- ing quorum present.

The present officers are: (luy L. Pond, C. C. ; L. X. Wilson, K. of R. and S.

LOCATION OF THE COUNTY SEAT.

An act to appoint commissioners to locate the seat of justice of Page county was passed during a session of the legislature in December, 1852. The act reads as follow^s : "Be it enacted by the general assembly of the state of Iowa that John Scott and Thomas Gordon of the county of Fremont, and Jacob ]\Iiller, of the county of Taylor, be and they are hereby appointed commissioners to locate and establish the seat of justice for the county of Page, and that the name of the seat of justice shall be Clarinda.

".Vpproved December 22, 1852."

The county seat was located in accordance with the above authority by the commissioners therein named on the northwest quarter of section 31, township 69 north, range No. 30 west. In ]\Iay. 1853. the above quaiter section of land having been preempted in the name of Page county, was laid out into lots. The town was laid off under the direction of William L. Burge, prosecuting attorney and acting county judge, by E. Miller, sur- veyor, Benjamin Dodson, chairman, and Robert Staft'ord. axman. There was a sale of lots on the following September. The lots upon which J. D. Hawley's store and the First National Bank were afterwards located brought fifteen dollars each. R. W\ Stafford bought them. Other lots around the public square were sold as low as two dollars and a half each. Clarinda has alwavs been the county seat of Page county and there has never been anv concerted action on the part of any community in the county to take away from Clarinda that distinction. Fifty years ago there was some talk of getting up an agitation for the removal of the county seat to a town plot, then known as Page City. It was all talk and in the nature of a real-estate boom and lots at Page City were sold at exorbitant prices. Every one but the purchaser of the lots forgot about the county seat scheme in a very short time.

332 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Page county was then divided into two civil subdivisions known as Bu- chanan and Nodaway. A few years later Tarkio and Nebraska townships were set off. The county court of January 20, 1858, reorganized the civil townships, creating Dyke, Douglas, Pierce and other townships, thus mak- ing smaller the former subdivisions of the county. It will be of no value to the reader to follow the various changes of township boundary lines.

Various other changes have been made from time to time until today the civil townships are all square, each containing thirty-six square miles, ex- cept Nodaway and Nebraska. The former has fifty-five and a quarter sec- tions, while the latter is cut down to seventeen.

It is not definitely known but presumed that Clarinda was platted in May, 1853, but no record of the plat was made until December 7, 1857. George Ribble, a pioneer, made the next platting February 23, 1858.

It is said that a member of the general assembly, Rev. Carl Means, who represented this district when the county was organized, suggested the name for the county seat to be located as Clarinda in honor of a niece of Alexander M. Tice, a pioneer of the county. Her name was Clarinda Buck, a daughter of John Buck, of Nodaway county, Missouri. She was a young lady of charming personality and very much admired for her beauty of person and character. She became a wife and moved to Port- land, Oregon, where she died nearly a half century ago.

In 1866 it was concluded bv the citizens of Clarinda that the growth of the town warranted its incorporation. To further this end, a petition was presented the county judge on October 10, 1866, signed by the proper num- ber of freeholders, whereupon the judge, John R. Morledge, granted the prayer and established the town of Clarinda under authority of the state laws. The first election was held in March, 1867. Since its incorporation the following have served as mayors of the city :

John R. Morledge, W. R. Harrell, F. L. Cramer, H. Hiatt, three years, John R. Morledge, J. M. Briggs, H. Hiatt, two years, J. M. Briggs, H. Hiatt, Thomas Evans, three years.

The incorporated town grew very rapidly and became of sufificient im- portance and dimensions as to demand a charter as a city of the second class. This was consummated in time for the spring election of 1882. N. B. Moore was the first mayor after this change and remained in office three years. He was succeeded by Raymond Loranz, two years, John R. Good, two years, E. P. H. Stone, J. E. Hill. M. J. Hoge, D. H. Childs, C. W. Fos- ter and E. B. Westcott, who is now serving- his second term.

CLARINDA.

Where, a third of a century ago, waved the tall grass in graceful swells and the rippling murmur of the sparkling and unchecked waters of the Nodaway river, flowing hard by, now stands the great and ever pointing in- dex hand of civilized and Christian life — the church spire and the school- house dome. Where less than fifty years ago the Sac and Fox Indian tribes held their war dance, one sees hundreds of bright-eyed school chil-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 333

drcn, gamboling about a magnificent school building in youthful glee. On the self same spot that but a few short decades ago the savage natives in their superstition' worshiped the Great Spirit, or his visible attributes, the sun, the moon, the wind, or the peaceful flowing river, today we find hun- dreds of devout and intelligent men and women, worshiping the true and living God, within the walls of beautiful temples built by a civilized race. Here and there throughout the city, the church spires point to the blue vault above and just beneath them swings a ponderous bell, the tongue of which tells the stranger of a religious people. Again, in the very heart of this busy mart, towers up one of the most substantial and unique court house structures to be found in all Iowa.

Another feature of beauty which adorns the capital of Page county is its great number of magnificent shade trees, including evergreens of the rarest varieties, some transplanted from soil in the south, while yet others were once mere saplings found growing on the stony altitudes of the Rocky Mountains and brought here long before there was a mile of railroad built west of the Missouri river. Scarcely a street in the limits of the fair city but what is niade more charming by the giant branches of maple, elm, locust, pine, spruce, mountain ash and cedar trees, planted away back in the early '50s. by such thoughtful pioneers as Dr. j. L. Barrett, who was the first to set out shade trees in the place. So great was this gentleman's passion for evergreen trees that at an early day persons away east, who did not know his given name, would not infrequently address letters to The Evergreen Doctor. Clarinda, Iowa.

It matters not from what position one views Clarinda the trite saying, "God made the country, man the city.'' ever and anon seems to repeat itself. Whether one drives along the well paved streets and views the many elegant residences nestled in among the trees and surrounded by an evergreen sward carpeting, or whether the stroll about the busy market streets, in sight of three hundred market teams hitched around the public square, or whether one proceeds toward the spacious and well proportioned hospital for the insane, a state institution, which is situated about a mile to the north of the citv, the same feeling comes over one. Even the care and respect shown to departed friends, who rest beneath the surface of Hazelwood cemetery be- speak the culture, refinement and Christianity of the populace. Iowa has numerous lieauti fully situated towns and cities and Clarinda may justly be classed among the prettiest and from its many slight elevations one can get a glimpse of rural scenes, which in midsummer or early autumn time is indeed a feast to the eye. Looking in any direction, one's e}^e rests upon broad acres of finely cultivated farm lands with all the best improvements. The panorama presents the heavily loaded apple orchard with its ripenmg fruit ; the vast cornfields ; the waving grain ; the natural and artificial forest tree, the branches and foliage of which half hide the lazy like motion of scores of neatly painted windmills and which silently draw from the earth water for man and beast. The scene is charming but now we must go back to the business center and record things connected with the

334 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

EARLY HISTORY OF CLARINDA.

The first act toward starting a town at the point where now the bust- ling city stands was the sale of town lots in September, 1853. The lot upon which Hawley's Opera House now stands was bought for fifteen dol- lars, while the common price for other than corner locations was two and three dollars per lot. Many lots were sold to Isaac Hulbert for the means with which the county judge could make good the government preemption fee at the land office, for it will be remembered that the county owned the town site by right of entry.

Many people of today wonder how it came about that the locating com- missioners fixed on this section of Page county as the proper point at which to locate the seat of justice. The act which governed them in this read "as near the geographical center of the county as may be, having due regard to the present as well as the future population of said county." At the time of the location the population of the county was almost entirely confined to the eastern portion of the county. There were those living in the county then, who predicted the time would come when it would be inconvenient for those in the western part to come so far to the county seat, but a majority argued, with honest convictions, that the then barren waste lying to the westward never could and never would be settled. These honest mortals were indeed mistaken as the "barren waste" between Clarinda and Shenandoah is today one of Iowa's finest farming districts.

The first little shanty that was on the town plat was brought from the Xeflf farm south of town by 'Sir. Hulbert. It had been used as a school- house, in which Rev. Samuel Farlow's wife taught one term of school. This rude structure was removed to the west side of the public square and used for the accommodation of the first term of district court held in the new county seat. This was in September, 1853. The building mentioned was twelve by fourteen feet, neither plastered nor ceiled. The judge's stand was constructed after the manner of those employed for a speaker's stand at a grove picnic.

The second building was a log house erected by Clark Brown on the north side of the square and used as a store.

The third building was a "round log building scutched down," as the old settlers termed it. That is to say, round logs were used and hewn down after they had been placed in the building. The structure stood on the site of the present Odd Fellows' block, and was used in 1855 for a hotel by George Ribble and called the Clarinda Hotel.

At this time William L. Burge was acting county judge and lived in a small log house where the residence of J. H. Powers was afterward built.

A postoffice was established in 1854. Judge Snider was postmaster.

Early in the summer of 1854 Camp &: Conn commenced selling from a very limited stock of merchandise, kept in the old court house shanty, before spoken of.

The same season the old "cottonwood" schoolhouse was built and in it Elijah Miller taught the first school held in the plat.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 335

Late that fall Gordon & Townsend sent a wagon load of goods into town. Judge S. F. Snider and family were the only inhabitants of the village and in September, 1854, James Shambaugh bought the goods of Gordon & Townsend and opened a store on the north side of the jjublic square.

In 1855 J- H- Polsley commenced selling goods on the south side and in the fall of that year J. II. Powers, who had been here during the sum- mer, returned and bought Mr. Shambaugh out.

About the same time Rogers & Buchanan, of Savannah, Missouri, started a store on the northwest corner of the square and were later on succeeded by T. R. Hinchman.

The first physician to locate at Clarinda was Dr. J. L. Barrett, who came from Indiana originally, in 1855. and practiced his profession here for a long period. He is now deceased. Dr. Samuel Kridelbaugh came that year.

J. J. Barwick. the first resident attorney, located here in 1854. Dr. A. H. Fast was the next attorney to become a member of the Page county bar. He was also a successful physician.

In the fall of 1855 a term of school v.-as taught in the "old cottonwood" by J. H. Wilson.

In the spring of 185^) Dr. J. H. Conine established an office and later opened a drug store.

During the summer of 1856 Kridelbaugh & Douglas started a drug busi- ness, in which X. C. Ridenour. afterward prominent through his newspaper, the Democrat, was a clerk. Dr. Kridelbaugh was appointed postmaster. He held the office for a time and kept the drug store, in a "dugout." south from the present Page County Bank site. In 1857 D. C. Ribble purchased Douglas' interest with Dr. Kridelbaugh.

The same year. 1857. John R. i\Iorledge. afterward colonel in the Union armv, established himself in a law business, which he followed many years.

In these earlv days time huno- heavilv and dragged on slowly, only an occasional stranger's face being seen. To live was the pioneer's idea. Spec- ulation was not rife at that date, as now. Fortunes were made by hard work. The whistle of the long-billed snipe was music to the ear of Page county's pioneers. It was free and well it was. for no money they had could go for luxury, unless that luxury might be a twenty-five cent letter postage or a gallon of good whiskey, the price being the same amount as letter postage in 1855.

EARLY COMMERCIALISM.

The first goods were sold by Camj) & Conn in 1854.

The first school was taught by Elijah Miller in the "old cottonwood" during 1854.

The first blacksmith shop was opened in 1854 or 1855 ^^y ^^X Hardesty, who located on the west side of the ])ublic scjuare. He was an expert and the glow of his forge was to be seen by d.ay and by night. It was here that his brawny arms forged from iron freighted from St. Joseph. Missouri,

336 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

the first breaking plow in Page county, which was good for anyt^^ng. It was a fifteen inch rod plow and could be drawn by three horses. The plow was designed and partly made by its owner, Isaac Van Arsdol. This was a new departure from the old ox breakers and soon the rod breaker became popular.

The first to work at wagon repairing was John Allen, who came about 1854 or 1855.

Among the first harness makers here or in the county was Alexander Scott, in i860.

The first shoemaker who understood the trade was Columbus Bridges, who came in 1855.

The pioneer drug store was that opened by Dr. Conine in the spring of 1856.

The first hotel was the combined log and frame house known as the Clarinda Hotel. It was run for hotel purposes in 1855 ^.nd was conducted by George Ribble.

The first doctor was J. L. Barrett, AI. D., who came in June, 1855.

The first attorney (regular) was J. J. Barwick.

The first railroad train rolled into Clarinda from Villisca in November, 1871.

The fi-rst grain warehouse was erected in 1871 by Butler & Crooks • The first agricultural implements sold in a regular way was in 1863 by William Butler, who freighted "Manny's" combined reaper and mower from Des AToines, and sold man}- of them at two hundred and eighty dollars.

The pioneer photographer was a young man who was reared here, named Owens. Traveling artists preceded him.

The first to engage in the livery business was Leni Davison.

The first exclusive boot and shoe store was run by Beeman & Caldwell early in the '70s.

Tiie first exclusive clothing house was that of "A'al" Graff.

The first exclusive hardware stock was owned by Al. Collins, in the days of the rebellion.

The first to deal in a regular millinery stock were the Smith Sisters, in 1865-66.

The pioneer dentist was probably Dr. Sanborn, at the close of the war.

The first brick block erected in Clarinda was the one built in 1866 by Butler, Thompson & Company and was a part of the block now used by Graff's clothing house.

The first to deal in lumber (soft wood") was Osgood & Kimball, about 1870.

Pottery was burned by Kridelbaugh Brothers in 1859.

The first church was the Methodist Episcopal, erected in 1856.

The first schoolhouse was built of logs in 1854.

The first death on the plat was Milton Guthrie, who died in 1856, of fever. Infant*^ had been buried on the plat prior to that but had lived off the plat.

As to the first sermon preached, there seems a difference of opinion. Some claim Rev. Samuel Farlow, Methodist, while others claim "Uncle

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 337

Jimmy" Stockton, a Cumberland Presbyterian clergyman, to have been the first.

CLARINDA POST OFFICE.

The people for the first year or so had no postoffice but depended upon the Nodaway office, kept at Boulware's Mill, but in 1854, under President Pierce, an office was established here, with County Judge, S. F. Snider, as postmaster, who was shortly succeeded by John and J. B. S. Polsley, re- spectively. In 1856 Dr. Kridelbaugh was appointed and held his office, at first in a sort of "dugout," side hill basement, covered with boards and earth, which was located near the alley running in the rear of the present Clarinda Bank building. It was not high enough to allow a tall person to enter clear in to the rear of it.

Kridelbaugh was succeeded by John Haskins and he in turn by A. R. Anderson, who was afterwards a major in the Civil war and later a mem- ber of congress. He resigned to enter the Union army, and his deputy, Thomas Evans, received the appointment, serving from 1861 to 1866, when Vice President Andrew Johnson appointed Samuel J. Thompson, who was dubbed "Andy," and who held the position until 1869, when President Grant appointed Frank L. Cramer, who was also express agent. Dr. Van Sandt then took the office and conducted it with the aid of his son until about 1875, when A. Loranz received the appointment and held the office until his death in 1881. John Miller succeeded him and served during the Gar- field-Arthur administration. Upon the election of President Cleveland, democrat, he resigned and Newton C. Ridenour received the office April 18, 1S85. and held the same until Benjamin Harrison, republican, was elected president. Mr. Ridenour was succeeded by Henry Loranz, who took the office May i. 1889, and held over one year after the expiration of his term. Since that time the postmasters and the years in which they were appointed to office are as follows: Roy H. Chamberlain, 1895; C. A. Lisle, 1899; .1- H. Dunlap, 1901, who is the present incumbent.

Tlie Clarinda office was made a money order office in 1867. The first order was issued on the 19th of September of that year, to Howard Tucker, at Keokuk. Iowa, and was sent by J. H. Conine of Clarinda.

NliW FEDER.\L BUILDING.

In 1906 Hon. W. P. Hepburn, of Clarinda, the representative in congress from this district, secured an appropriation of sixty thousand dollars for a federal building. Plans were drawn and bids were advertised for the construction of the building. The plans were elaborate and the bids were in harmony therewith, so much so, that the lowest bid exceeded the appropria- tion by about five thousand dollars. Congressman Hepburn in the fall of 1908, through the over-confidence of himself and his friends on the ground, failed of reelection. Hence, his assistance and influence were lost in the effort, if any was made, to secure a further appropriation to cover the lowest bid for the building. This has delayed the erection of the building.

338 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

very much to the regret and disappointment of the people of Clarinda. A beautiful site, on the corner of Main and Sixteenth streets, had already been secured. The plans for this structure called for a building sixty- four feet square, and if built according to the present designs it will make a beautiful addition to the appearance of the public square.

CLARINDA.

THE CITY OF CLARINDA.

As a home city Clarinda is ideally located. The easy slopes which lead to West Hill have offered a variety of beautiful sites which have been well improved by those who have erected their homes within the city's borders, and it is today a city of homes, — homes built in accordance with every con- sideration of health, comfort and convenience; homes beautiful in their surroundings and in their architecture, and better than all, homes in which dwell happy families enjoying every comfort and safeguard of a well located and well governed city, fortunate in the privileges of churches and schools and associations of the highest type.

Clarinda has approximately forty-two hundred inhabitants, the last census in 1905 showing a gain of seven hundred and fifty-seven in five years. The elevation of the city is one thousand and nine feet above the sea level. The city is supplied with an abundance of good water and the health of the population is remarkably good. Clarinda is made especially healthful- by a thorough

SYSTEM OF SEWERAGE

making for perfect sanitation of the city. In 1891 the main sewers which cover about one mile of the city's streets, were built and from them the corporation also runs at its expense about eight blocks of laterals, to which have been added from time to time, many laterals by the citizens at their own cost. This sewer empties its contents into the river. Property is rendered unusually safe by a fine

SYSTEM OF WATER WORKS

including a great standpipe, situated at the highest point in the city and fur- nishing an abundance of pressure, which is supplemented in case of fire by the steam pumps of one of the best equipped power and pumping stations in the west. The danger from fire is still further lessened by the fact that the majority of the lights used in the city are incandescent electric and arc lights, that most of the business houses and many dwellings are heated by steam from a central plant and that electric power is used almost exclusively in place of steam.

In 1886 bonds to the amount of thirty-five thousand dollars were is- sued by the city of Clarinda, the same to become due in twenty years and to bear interest at five per cent annually. N. W. Harris & Company, brokers and bankers of Chicago, took the whole amount and furnished the money.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 339

Work was commenced in the autumn of 1886, and as that winter was extremely mild, work continued nearly all winter and the waterworks sys- tem was completed the following spring. The city employed A. A. Rich- ardson, a civil engineer of Lincoln, Nebraska, to superintend the work. The laborers were all employed at home. The first step to be taken was to determine as to how water was to be furnished. After the engineer had prospected a while he assured the council that a system of drive wells, sunk on the fiat in the eastern part of the city would give an abundance of good water. Hence an excavation was made to the depth of about ten feet and about one hundred feet square and in the bottom of this excavation thirty- two common "drive wells" were sunk, all of which seem to enter an un- derground and never failing stream of water, which flows through a white sand bed. These several wells, which are forty-two feet deep, come by a system of pipes to one common center, from which point the water is con- veyed by the pumping station throughout the city. No purer, better or more abundant supply can be named in Iowa.

The pumping machinery is excellent. Worthington pumps are em- ployed. The engine is one hundred and twenty horse power and drives the high and low pressure pumps, the former used only in case of tire. The capacity of these pumps is over one million gallons each, during a period of twenty-four hours. The water is forced over the system of one hundred blocks of mains.

In 1903 the city entered into a contract with the Lee Electric Light Com- pany, whereby the company furnishes the city with power, and pumps the water through the city mains at a stipend of one hundred and forty-five dollars per month.

The assessed valuation of Clarinda is more than two and a half millions of dollars. Clarinda is located on three lines of railway all operated by the Burlington System and using one depot. A new passenger station has been erected at a cost of ten thousand dollars. Clarinda has twenty-two blocks of paving connecting the main business districts and the passenger and freight stations, laid at a cost of eighty-eight thousand dollars. Clarinda has many miles of cement sidewalk, the construction of board walks having been discontinued by city ordinance. A central lighting, heating and power plant, by which the city is provided with twenty-four hour service furnishes over fifty arc lights and about six thousand incandescent lights, heat for most of the business houses and a number of private dwellings and power for more than fifty motors of from one to thirty horse power each.

The Page county court house cost one hundred thousand dollars. Cla- rinda is the home of a state hospital for the insane, erected at a cost of more than a million dollars and caring for over a thousand patients. It has three brick schoolhouses which cost sixty thousand dollars, twelve churches, a Chautauqua which has been growing steadily for ten years until now it is recognized as one of tlie great Chautauquas of the west. There is also a winter lecture course, a public library, no saloons. There are three city parks, on one of which is held each year the Chautauqua and the county fair. Clarinda is shortly to have a new postoffice building costing forty thou-

340 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

sand dollars. Her postiD'ffice is one of the second class, sending out each day three city carriers, eight rural carriers and two star route carriers. Bell and Mutual telephone lines have central offices here and both have toll lines connecting Clarinda with ail the surrounding country.

Clarinda is the home of the largest poultry, butter and egg plant in the west, employing between two and three hundred men and women. Cla- rinda has three good banks, in which the deposits amount to more than a million dollars ; a wholesale seed store, doing a quarter of a million dol- lars' worth of business every year ; four coal mines employing over a hun- dred men ; a well auger and cream separator factory, operating a complete foundry in connection and employing over fifty men; a large brick kiln, where thirty men find employment ; two lumber yards ; a big clay and cement tile factory ; a large flouring mill ; five good hotels ; two private hospitals ; two good laundries ; a broom factory ; bottling works ; an incu- bator factory ; shoe nailing machine factory ; cigar factory ; first class rug factory ; and candy kitchen.

The prosperity of the city is the result of the loyalty of its citizens and neighbors. The growth of the city enhances the value of all the land and property within a radius of many miles.

CLARINDA FIRE COMPANY.

The fire companv has been coexistent with the organization of the city government and is well equipped to fight the destroying element for which its formation was the object. The company has twenty-two hundred feet of hose, wagons for hose and ladders and a Babcock extinguisher. By the time this work reaches the readers a paid fire department will have been installed, with a regular watchman night and day at the station and a team of horses for the hose wagon. The volunteer members of the company will be paid for their services as rendered, upon all occasions of fire. No con- flagrations have occurred which the fire company, aided by the water works, could not quench. Water can be thrown to the height of one hundred and sixty feet, while forty minutes of constant pumping does not exhaust the water supply given by the drive-well system.

FAIRS IN CLARINDA.

In the earlier history of Page county and in fact the whole west, the land was almost wholly devoted to the cultivation and production of the cereals common to this latitude. The time was when agriculture was pursued to the almost entire exclusion of all else, but today this is all reversed. A revolu- tion has swept over all Iowa and the west in general, since the Civil war, which has had its effect upon business, settlement and commerce in such a manner as has brought the state forward among the ranks of its sister states with a rapidity unequaled in the history of the past. Iowa today ranks fore- most among the states of the Union. Of course this progress cannot be at- tributed to any one production or branch of industry but more to the natural

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 341

resources and wealth of the soil, which dame nature has been so profuse in bestowing, together with that of stock raising. Page county, lying in the very best portion of the state and best fitted of any of the western counties for the growth of live stock, has improved her golden opportunities and hence grown wealthy by it.

It has all the natural advantages of an abundance of pure, running water and excellent grazing lands, while the soil is unsurpassed for the production of corn, the staple annual product. Thus she has attained her prosperity. The region of the famous Nodaway and Nishnabotna valleys has justly achieved a wide and merited reputation as a stock-producing country. The farmers are almost solely confined to corn, stock and fruit growing.

The Page County Agricultural Society was organized in the spring of 1859, George Ribble being elected president and Samuel H. Kridelbaugh, M. D., secretary. At the first meeting of the society, held at the court house at Clarinda, the third Saturday in June, the date of holding the first annual fair was fixed for the 14th and 15th days of October.

The first exhibition was held one-half mile north of Clarinda on land be- longing to Messrs. James A. Jackson and Henry Farrens. The first day of the fair was unfavorable, being rainy, but the next day came on fine, warm and clear. Men, women and children, with their stock, wares and produce, came pouring in early from all parts of the county until almost everybody wondered at the vast multitude of people who lived in their own county. The exhibit was large and creditable for that early day. The grain and vegetable display surpassed that of stock. The exhibit furnished by the pioneer women was complete in all its departments. The amount of money received by the society on that first occasion was as follows:

Gate money $i3-50

Received as membership 52.00

Received from the state S^-OO

Total receipts $ii7-50

At the regular meeting of the society held at Clarinda, November i, 1859, the following officers were elected for the next year: James G. Laugh- lin. president; A. Heald, vice president; C. B. Shoemaker, secretary; George Ribble, treasurer ; I. Van Arsdol, J. P. West, H. Litzenburg. James A. Reed, James Black, Elisha Thomas. William Butler, Sebastian Fruits, James Martin, R. Brattin, directors.

At that meeting Messrs. N. L. Van Sandt, A. Loranz and J. C. McCand- liss were appointed a committee to select and locate grounds, wnth a view to their purchase by the society.

At a subsequent meeting Mr. A'an Sandt on behalf of the committee re- ported as follows, in substance : "Your committee appointed to select perma- nent grounds, after a thorough examination of various points have selected the grounds occupied in part by the last fair, embracing all that parcel of ground lying east of the county road, on the south by the line of said tract until it strikes the south branch, thence down to the intersection with the north, thence up that to its intersection with the road at the northwest corner

342 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

of the lot, supposed to contain about ten acres of land. Of the above, nine acres belong to Mr. Jackson and one to Mr. Farrens. They propose to give a perpetual lease of the above grounds to the society, reserving the simple right of pasturing the same with sheep and cattle."

The report of the committee was accepted and steps taken to prepare the grounds for the second annual fair, which was held September 20, 21 and 22, of i860. This exhibition proved a success. The following were the receipts:

Received as membership $1 14.00

Received as gate money 25.00

Total $139.00

The society that year received one hundred and twenty-two dollars from the state fund, which, added to the above receipts left them after paying all expenses, four dollars and twenty-five cents.

The annual exhibition of 1861. owing to bad weather and the exciting times occasioned by the Civil war, was not a complete success. In fact from that date until the war closed in 1865, the Page County Agricultural Society, like most other public enterprises, struggled hard for an existence and very great credit is due to Dr. N. L. Van Sandt for the interest taken in behalf of the organization during those dark years that tried men's souls, and pocket-books as well.

In 1865 it became necessary to find new quarters and consequently the board of directors appointed Dr. Van Sandt a committee to locate and pur- chase $5 rounds for the society. Hence it was that the grounds now occupied by the society, at least twenty acres of it, was bought and the annual ex- hibition of 1865 was held thereon. It was during that year that the society was reorganized under proper and legal articles of incorporation. Thi^ corporation was styled the Page County Agricultural (Stock) Society, its object being to set forth as "for the encouragement of scientific and prac- tical agriculture, horticulture, stock growing, the mechanical arts and do- mestic manufacture by means of public lectures, fairs and the distribution of standard agricultural publications."

It was understood and stipulated that no stock could be sold to or held by persons not living in Page county. The officers of the newly incorporated society, beginning March 7, 1865, were as follows: David Abbott, president; C. G. Hinman, James G. Laughlin and N. L. Van Sandt, vice presidents ; N. B. Moore, secretary; Theodore T. Pendergraft, corresponding secretary; James A. Jackson, treasurer ; S. H. Kridelbaugh, librarian ; William Butler, John R. Knox, T. H. McKinnon, Samuel Nixon, G. H. Rumbaugh, J. C. McCandliss, H. N. Cramer, A. Loranz and J. P. West, directors ; David Ab- bott, J. R. Morledge and N. L. Van Sandt, financial committee.

Through the efiforts of Dr. Van Sandt. N. B. Moore, William Butler and others, about two years later, 1867, the grounds were fenced and suitable buildings erected. These grounds are beautifully situated and now include twenty-six acres, all surrounded with fine shade trees — something unusual for fair grounds, which too frequently have a good "speed ring" more in view than comfort for those who exhibit stock, grain and manufactured

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 343

articles. The grounds contain a half-mile race course, sixty feet wide, said to be second to none in southern Iowa.

The officers from 1880 to 1890 were: 1880, C. W. Foster, president; Jacob Butler, secretary; 1881, same as for 1880; 1882, William Butler, president; W. M. Alexander, secretary; 1883, same as for 1882; 1884, J. P, Burrows, president; T. B. Merrill, secretary; 1885, same as 1884; 1886, J. C. Welsh, president; T. B. Merrill, secretary; 1887, C. W. Foster, pres- ident; T. B. Merrill, secretary; 1888, Lewis Aiken, president; T. B. Mer- rill, secretary; 1889, Lewis Aiken, president; R. Loranz, secretary; 1890, D. M. Thompson, president ; W. L. Lundy, secretary.

The fair of 1889, the thirty-first annual exhibition of the association, was by far the greatest of all, both in point of exhibit and financially. Over two thousand dollars were paid in premiums. The total receipts were three thousand, nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars, and the amount paid out three thousand, four hundred and fifty-eight, leaving a net balance of four hun- dred and ninety-nine dollars. The exhibition lasted five days.

FAIR ASSOCIATION.

In 1896 The Page County Agricultural Society went into liquidation and the fair grounds, twenty-three and three-fourths acres, were sold at sherifii's sale, to Mary J, Park, in February of that year, and in July, 1901, she sold the land to the city of Clarinda for a sum of money that would ap- pear very insignificant when compared to the value of the property today. From this time until April 13, 1903, no fair was held at Clarinda. On the date mentioned H. E. Parslow, Hugh Miller, W. L. Lundy, Ed. Davidson, J. W. Cozad and I. Weil met at the court house to organize a coi-poration for the purpose of holdmg fairs, agricultural meetings, racing field meets, base- ball games and tournaments, at Clarinda. The association secured a char- ter and the first officers of the Clarinda Fair Association were : president, H. E. Parslow ; vice president, W. L. Lundy ; secretary, J. W. Cozad. At a meeting held August 22, 1904, the capital stock of the association was in- creased from five hundred dollars to two thousand, five hundred dollars. In the fall of 1904 the first fair by this Association was held on the old fair grounds and was quite generously patronized. In 1905 Ed. Davison was elected president ; David Tharp, vice president ; Hugh Miller, treasurer ; and W. A. Henderson, secretary. In 1906 Charles E. McDowell became presi- dent ; George E. Clayton, vice president ; Hugh Miller, treasurer ; and J. C. Beckner, secretary. These officers were reelected in 1907, and in 1908-9 the official list was composed of George E. McDowell, president; George Clayton, vice president ; E. G. Day, treasurer ; J. C. Beckner, secretary.

The Clarinda Fair is today one of the events of each year and the at- tendance increases from year to year. The exhibits are a revelation even to the native born Page county man or woman, and the attractions outside of the stock show and races are of a fairly refined character and of interest to the masses. The Association now numbers about two hundred members and its afifairs are now in good shape.

344 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

STATE HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE AT CLARINDA.

With the increase of years the erection of a third hospital for the insane was found necessary, and the Twentieth General Assembly passed an act, making provisions for its creation. A commission was selected by Governor

Sherman, composed of Hon. Bemis, ex-Senator E. J. Hartshorn and

Hon. J. D. M. Hamilton, to locate the site for the institution.

A g-reat struggle at once took place between rival towns of southwestern Iowa in the effort to secure the new state institution. After a careful and exhaustive survey of the situation by the commissioners they very wisely set- tled upon Clarinda as affording the most advantages. In securing the insti- tution for Page county credit should be given to a number of local men, citizens of Clarinda, who made special effort and gave of their time and purse to show the commissioners the great advisability of locating the hos- pital at this point, and through the untiring work of the Hon. William Butler and others, who served three terms as a member of the Iowa legislature, and while a member voted for the new state house, it came about and was Clarinda's fortune to secure this institution. Mr. Butler's splendid manage- ment in the contest for this hospital directed general attention to his efforts and brought forth many encomiums upon him. It was he who in the legis- lature of 1885 fought manfully in order that the bill asking for an appropri- ation to complete the building might not be defeated.

The sum of $180,000 was appropriated by the Twentieth General As- sembly and the next legislature appropriated $103,000. The appropriations being so small prevented the work from being done in the time limit. Upon the election of Gov. Larrabee the commissioners turned the work over to his charge and in the legislature he selected a board of trustees, consisting of the following gentlemen : E. J. Hartshorn, of Emmettsburg ; L. B. Raymond, of Hampton ; J. H. Dunlap, of Clarinda ; J. D. M. Hamilton, of Fort Mad- ison ; and Edward H. Hunter, of Corning. This legislature also appropri- ated the sum of $102,000 for the completion of the building.

The board above mentioned elected E. J. Hartshorn, president ; L. B. Ray- mond, secretary ; Lew E. Darrow, of Coming, treasurer. As resident officers they elected Dr. P. W. Lewellen, superintendent : J. M. i\kin, assistant physician; M. T. Butterfield, steward; Mrs. Alice W. Lewellen, matron.

The main building was completed and ready to receive inmates, December 15, 1888. By January i, 1889, the number of inmates was twO' hundred and forty-one. The additional buildings since erected have made this institution, with its many modern and expensive buildings and appurtenances, together with its thousand acres of land, cost the state considerably over one million dollars.

There is a main building which at one time was thought to be the largest connected building in the state and may be so now, consisting of twelve wards for men and thirteen wards for women, with a central administration building and chapel, a building containing kitchens, bake shop, apartments for domestics and other employes, a separate building for cold storage and artificial ice manufacturing, a building separate for laundry, another sep-

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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 347

arate building containing an engine room and compressing machinery for the cold storage plant ; the plumbing room, all of these on the first story. The second story is occupied by a large, airy sewing room with power ma- chinery for the manufacturing of all sorts of garments and articles of wear. The third story is occupied by apartments for male employes. There are store rooms for' the housing of hospital stores and provisions in the base- ment of all these buildings, being connected by a continuous corridor. With- in the last few years have been erected in addition a large cottage, named South View cottage, of entire fire proof construction for the accommoda- tion of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men. This cottage is singular in the fact that it is without bars or any other hindrance to the windows. The doors are open and its inmates come and go at their pleas- ure during the hours of the day. In this cottage are domiciled the more trusty patients, many of whom work about the grounds, on the farms and gardens and about the barns and workshops, all these workers being so en- gaged at their own pleasure and without any compulsion whatsoever.

In the neighborhood of this cottage and a little to the north of it is a large commodious workshop with all necessary equipment, the basement containing bins for the storage of vegetables. On the first floor of the work- shop proper is a well selected assortment of machines and tools for the man- ufacture of furniture, brooms and other articles useful in the economy of the institution. The second story is occupied by the broom manufactory proper and the shoemaking shop, also mattress manufacturing equipment. All of these industries afford pleasant and beneficial employment to patients, besides playing an important role in the economy of the institution.

Directly cast of this workshop are the greenhouses. North of that is a paint shop for the storing and mixing of paints, entirely separate from all other buildings, so that in the event of fire there is no danger of communi- cation to other buildings.

North of the workshop is a pumping station, containing a full and com- plete equipment of fire extinguishing apparatus, consisting of two hose carts r'.nd a hook and ladder truck. They maintain three separate fire companies for the fighting of fire should. it arise. In this same pumping station is a pump, which is one of four, which furnishes water for the supply of the in- stitution and a small boiler equipment to be utilized in the event of some serious happening to the main boiler equipment.

Directly north of this is a large cistern, with a capacity sufficient to sup- ply the household with necessary water for several days in the event of some accident to the regular pumps. In connection with the boiler room, which is north of the engine room, is a large coal house, having a capacity for some six to eight hundred tons of coal. The spur of the Chicago, Burling- ton & Ouincy Railroad runs alongside of this coal house, so that the coal can be shoveled directly from the car into the house without handling or haul- ing.

North of the rear center buildings and connected by the same with a walk overlying a tunnel for the charging of pipes, wires and returns of various kinds, is another cottage. North View, so called, recently finished and oc-

348 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

cupied since about the 20th of January 1909. On the whole it is constructed on similar lines to those of South View cottage for men. This North View cottage is for the accommodation of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty female patients. It is of entire fire proof construction and is dis- tinguished l)y being exceptionally light and airy in all apartments.

Within the last two years a fine, sightly, well proportioned smoke stack has been erected to give additional chimney capacity for a much enlarged boiler plant, which has become necessary on account of the growth of the institution.

The policy of treatment of the institution has been directed towards mak- ing every inmate as com.fortable as it is possible to do. A very large per- centage of men during the summer time, betv/een forty and fifty per cent, are on ground parole, coming and going as they please with comparatively little surveillance, a privilege, which by the way, is seldom abused by the patients themselves. Everything about the institution is as home-like as it is possible to make it. The increased liberties in the surrounding neighbor- hood, a series of extensive entertainments and amusements, the maintenance of a regular orchestra and band and various agreeable occupations and diver- sions, are all maintained with a purpose to not only make the patient feel contented and make his stay pleasant, but directly tends toward a curative end. Similar privileges, entertainments and amusements are furnished for the women patients, though from the very nature of the malady, not as ex- tensive ground privileges can be granted to the women withotit surveil- lance. However, there are about one third of the wards during the sum- mer time, where the women patients have the privilege of going out on the grounds practically unattended and with only light supervision. All patients, men and women alike, are taken out on the grounds whenever the weather will admit of it, winter or summer, and there are many days during the sum- mer when the buildings themselves are practically empty from occupants, with the exception of those who may be sick or feeble, so as to require bed care.

The land in connection with the institution belonging to the state consists altogether of nine hundred and sixty acres^ constituting five hundred and fifty-three acres where the main hospital is located, occupied by farm land, orchards, gardens (some forty acres of vegetable gardens), park, drives and pastures. Beside this the state owns three hundred and seven acres located three-fourths of a mile away from the east of the main building, consisting of first class farm land in Nodaway valley, with a large commodious farm building, affording an additional home for twenty-five trusty patients, under the care of a man and wife as attendant nurses. The liberties of this Wil- lowdale cottage, so called, are those of the ordinary farm home, there being no locked doors or barred windows of any sort. This farm colony is a pleas- ant feature in the institution and escapes here as well as among the patients who have the ground parole near the m-ain institution, are of the very rarest occurrence; and when occasionally a patient does get away, it is very often the case that he comes back of his own accord in a short time. In the spring of 1909 there were one thousand and sixty-five patients, divided so there are

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 349

about one hundred more men than women. There are probably twenty colored people.

Dr. Max E. Witte, the present superintendent of this great state institu- tion, was for seventeen years prior to coming to Clarinda, superintendent and assistant physician of the Mount Pleasant State Hospital for the Insane at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He was appointed by the Board of Control of State Institutions, at Des Moines, superintendent of the Hospital for the Insane, at Clarinda, and took charge of affairs there October i, 1898.

Too much cannot well be said in praise of the present superintendent. Dr. Max Witte. He is a man of vast experience as an alienist, seems to have perfect control of even his worst patients, and treats all with a kindness and sympathy scarcely ever found in public institutions.

THE CLARINDA CHAUTAUQUA.

It was in the winter of 1896 that J. L. McBrian, an organizer of Chau- tauquas, opened a correspondence with William Orr and H. E. Deater, then county superintendent of schools, and apprised them of the fact that in his estimation, Clarinda was an ideal place for a Chautauqua and desired to learn their opinion on the subject. Mr. Orr replied and coincided with the organ- izer in his judgment and gave Mr. McBrian his assurance that the citizens of Clarinda would be interested in a plan to institute an assembly at this place. That same winter Rev. C. H. White was called to the pastorate of the Christian church and prior to taking up his residence here had met Mr. McBrian. From this acquaintance and the Orr correspondence, Mr. Mc- I'rian was induced to come to Clarinda, and upon his arrival he at once sub- mitted a proposition for the assembling of a Chautauqua in Clarinda the fol- lowing June. There and then the Chautauqua of Clarinda was born and the parents were about thirty of the influential business men of the town, who subscribed liberally to make the innovation a success. In the regular organ- ization Rev. J. F. St. Clair, of the Methodist Episcopal church, was elected president, and Rev. C. H. White, of the Christian church, secretary.

This first assembly was held on the fair grounds and lasted three weeks. The program created intense enthusiasm for miles around and the success of the undertaking far surpassed the anticipations of its most sanguine pro- moters. The sum of seven hundred and thirty dollars was cleared over and above all expenses, which was divided pro rata among the guarantors, and then with high hopes for the future, a permanent organization was at once consummated, with the following officers : L. W. Lewis, then vice president of the Page County State Bank, now of Seattle, Washington, was elected president ; and Rev. C. H. White, secretar}-. The society was incorporated under the title of The Clarinda Chautauqua Assembly and one hundred shares of slock, par value of fifty dollars per share, were sold and a ten per cent assessment of the amount of the stock subscribed and was at once paid in to the treasury. At the end of the following year the Assembly found itself one thousand dollars in debt and another assessment was levied, this time the amount being twenty per cent. But from this time on The Clarinda

350 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Chautauqua has been more than a success. It has gained notoriety in Chau- tauqua circles and it probably has no superior outside of the extended As- sembles, such as Winona and others.

In 1907 a movement was started for the securing of a permanent home and the erection of a pavilion. To this end a committee was appointed to investigate plans. Ground contiguous to the fair grounds was purchased for two thousand one hundred dollars, that would have cost ten thousand dollars for business purposes. A lease was secured from the city of four blocks of land and the intersecting streets thereto, which were enclosed with the fair grounds, and on the assembly grounds was erected a colossal round structure, one hundred and forty feet from eaves to eaves, thirty-seven feet high in the center, with a flag stafif thirty feet in height. In this building were placed seventy tons of material in the foundation pillars and two car- loads of steel in the frame. The seating capacity is 3,500 and the magnifi- cent auditorium is brilliantly illuminated by electricity. The grounds and pavilion cost in round numbers twelve thousand dollars. The dedication took place in August, 1908. The presentation speech was made by William Orr and the acceptance was gracefully taken care of by the then president, Henry Loranz.

The present officers are : president, W. T. Fisher ; vice president, J. W. Abel ; secretary, F. A. Henderson ; treasurer, A. D. Loranz. Directors : A. F. Beal, Earl Peters, Ed F. Rose, J. M. Rumbaugh, William F. Stipe, F. V. Hensleigh, J. Ren Lee, and William Steeve.

CLARINDA PUBLIC LIBRARY.

In 1904 Rev. W. T. Fisher and Rev. R. M. Spurgeon, pastor of the Second United Presbyterian church, impressed themselves into the work of organiz- ing a Young Men's Christian i\ssociation at Clarinda and while endeavor- ing to complete a subscription list for funds to install a gymnasium in the proposed institution. Miss Mary E. Berr}^, then principal of the high school, hearing of the movement for a Y. M. C. A., suggested to the gentlemen above mentioned the desirability of having a library for the young men who would become members. The idea met the views of the reverend gentlemen and eventually the Y. M. C. A. proposition was relegated to the rear and efforts were put forth to build up a circulating library.

To Miss Berry is freely given the credit for the initial movement that has culminated in the present public library and the beautiful $15,000 struc- ture for its home, the generous gift of Andrew Carnegie. Through her ef- forts and others a called meeting was held in the Presbyterian church the latter part of 1905, at which meeting Mrs. Horace M. Towner, member of the State Library Commission, appeared and made an address pertinent to the object of the call. At this time an organizing board was selected for the purpose of creating a library by raising funds for the purchase of books, securing a suitable building, etc. That board consisted of the following: Mrs. A. B. Loranz ; Mrs. O. H. Park ; Mrs. T. E. Powers ; Rev. Fletcher Homan, then pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church ; F. V. Hensleigh,

PUBLIC LIBRARY, CLARINDA

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 353

cashier of the Page County State Bank; Hon. L. W. Lewis, now of Seattle; J. N. Miller, president of the Page County State Dank; Rev. J. N. Mac- Lean, then pastor of the Presbyterian cluirch ; and Kcv. W. T. Fisher, pastor of the Christian church. From tlie l)oard a resignation took place and Miss Mary E. Berry was selected to fill the vacancy. The officers of the board were: Rev. Fletcher Iloman, president; F. V. llensleigh, vice pres- ident; W. T. Fisher, secretary; and Mrs. A. B. Loranz, treasurer.

At the same meeting a committee was appointed to solicit a fund of one thousand dollars to be expended in the purchase of books and magazines be- fore anything else should be done. F. V. Hensleigh, William Orr and J. N. Miller were appointed to fill this committee and it was but a short time before the committee not only had one thousand dollars subscribed but also another one added to it. July i, 1905, the first bill of books was ordered and September 5, 1905, a room was rented in the Brown block. The first new books arrived in November and amounted to one thousand dollars. The formal opening of the Clarinda Free Library took place December 5th, fol- lowing.

Mrs Clara B. Willis was elected by the board librarian and has acted in that capacity up to the present time.

This library under the organization as g'iven above, continued to run un- til April. 1906, when it was transferred to the city on consideration that the city levy a tax to perpetually maintain the institution. The tax, however, was not available until January, 1907, and in the meantime the conduct of the library remained in the hands of its progenitors.

As far back as 1902 a Carnegie library building had been talked of. Cor- respondence with Mr. Carnegie had been in progress and finally word was received from Mr. Carnegie for the authorities of Clarinda to state definitely its proposition to him. Mr. Carnegie in writing to Willam Orr stated he would give the city of Clarinda the sum of ten thousand dollars for a library building in consideration of the city obligating itself to contribute, through taxation, the sum of one thousand dollars yearly toward its maintenance. It was then learned that under the law the city was permitted to make a levy for library purposes to produce annually more than fifteen hundred dollars.

William Orr then again wrote Mr. Carnegie, of Clarinda's ability to con- tribute fifteen hundred dollars yearly toward the maintenance of a free pub- lic library and. at Mr. Orr's request, acting for the library board, the "Laird of Skibo Castle" increased his donation from ten thousand to fifteen thousand dollars and that is the cost of the present beautiful structure just recently erected, irrespective of the value of the lot, which is on the corner of Sixteenth and Chestnut streets.

The Carnegie Library building was finished and dedicated in the early summer of 1909. George E. McLean, president of the University of Iowa, making a dedicatory speech.

In 1906 L. W. Lewis retired from the board and William Orr was chosen in his place. When the city took charge of the librarv' the old board was reappointed by Mayor E. B. Westcott. On March i. 1909. E. C. Lane,

3^ HISTORY OF PAGE COUMTTY

<s>i ife CUsjikiJa JI(g)ciiirPKsII,, was aiff®TOtedl to SM ttJuc -wsBcaanEy (SXEOsasoDsdl %r ilte irettfflrenMigwtt ®ff M«w.. J.. M.. BilacLeam.

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Af aim 'in 11^)7 ttflne fraiime WMJiniigis^ were eimttiirellj to© sffiwaiBll to ace©iwiiin"t!i©[tete ihe (SfimffiaJrtlly gwwM^' mTiHwtnlljier <s>i pjpfe.. Ttoef were r«inw)i^'e(^ sm4 'in ttltaebr ss-fteawB ai Bairge ttlhir«e .*4('rtty Wdk B)nHiiiMiiiiii,^' wai.* erets.tecL Tlhifc IktnSllclEiinig;" wlbemi

HISTOKY OF FAGE C'OUXTY 355

iSr.*1t STfirted coimttaiiinieffB 11w"(£'k'"e Bairge c&tTmr scfcoxoiD poiomra* smvl as nmaumy rll(fjQik roKOOTii*, te'^Me* Jilbirary roxoOTH, offices, dtc. Otace mnxorr ttJhie cittiznnis ©>€ CTarimwlla weire Itxii^ with ^mids — rnvt withfrnt cainisc

TTbe p^ifwiillaitiioiin) of tlbe city Cfonniltiraujed to imicreasc nmtil iini H8S5. it was IrjiniHUicI ini«;ce*.*an' to erect ami eiglbt rcooim Itwo stoin' Ibrick Ibrai^fllmg; in ttlue mortlhi ]i)iant of tine city, known a* ttlbe Xortib War^l IhimiMiini.?f.

Im ttie .^tumniinriisr of ifjDn^ auDotlber two stoin*' brick lbiMiII«llmg;^ was erectedl in the we*t part of tlbe city and i.* kmowix as tihe Limciolini bmiillcliinig;. Ttie secomd story is mvt cfimplctcaL It will, ido dcoiunlbt, W completed very ><o«oiini. It is a fiiroe Itwuildtinig:' a»l as far as cfjimpleted lias all the mwlenni ai:))ijDliainices amd coirpreimieince.'S, This liwildinj^ mniay soon liie used for the liii,s:h mtIhoko)! im- s^tead of the three storj.' fmiWiinig:, When completed the hoildiinig and gronunds will hare cost the city near $18,000,

The school gromntls on which the school bnildings are standing- are among the finest, most desirable Iocat*rjins in the city and are well kept.

TEACHEKS,

It would be interesting to speak of the many most excellent teacher* who have acceptably filled positions in Clarinda schools, but, in this brief article we must confine ourself to the few who have had charge of the

The schools taught in the primitive log cabin were subscription schools. The first pedagogue to preside over the destinies of the children in the Cottonwood palace, was a man, who in later times, was for six years Page county's superintendent of schools, Mr. Elijah Miller, Mr, Miller was suc- ceeded by Mr, James Wilson, A Rev, Mr, Douthit and perhaps others also taught. The first principal employed in the new frame building was a Mr, Peck, who soon after the commencement of the Civil war, resigned his position and enliste<l in the army. He was followed by a Mr, Randall who finished his term of service in the latter part of the winter of 1861 and 1862. The spring term of 1862 was a subscription school and was taught by James Wilson and J, A. Woods, In the fall of 1862 J, A, Woods was placed in charge of the school and given three assistants. He served until the close of the winter term in 1871, Miss M, L, Bennett then consented to take charge of the schools for three months. Superintendent Glenn of Monmouth, Illinois, succeeded and served six months. He was followed by Superintendent Porter who served one year. Superintendent J. A. Woods was then re-employed and began work in the fall of 1873 and left the schools at the end of the spring term. 1887. Superintendent A, W, Green followed, serving three years, closing in the spring of 1890. Super- intendent J. A. Woods re-entered and served five years. Superintendent G, W. Bill began work in September, 1895, closing 1898, Superintendent G. W, Fisher took charge September, 1898, and closed in spring of 1900. Superintendent H, E, Wheeler began work in fall of 1900 and finished in spring of 1903, Superintendent W, E. Salisbury succeeded and is just closing his sixth year of supervision and is employed for the seventh year. The present high school faculty consists of five teachers each a specialist. The whole number of teachers now employed is twenty-six. The whole

356 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

number of children in the district of school age is near one thousand one hundred ; the number of pupils in attendance this year, about one thousand. The people of Clarinda from the very beginning have been intensely in- terested in their schools. From time to time they have selected their best men as members of the Board of Education. These boards have been very careful in their selection of superintendents and teachers and have made but few poor choices.

From the commencement of the school it was thoroughly graded, but not until 1875 was there a class of students graduated. Prior to the adop- tion of a high school curriculum, some studies were pursued much farther than they have been since, and the students of those years were very fine pupils. Many of those students were foreign, many were teachers and came, so as to make better preparation for their work. Others came to prepare for other pursuits in life. They were in the main young men and women of mature years and placed a higher value on the advantages of school than most younger people are able to do now.

As stated the first class to graduate from the high school was the class of 1875. With one exception a class has been graduated each year since that time. Including the class of 1909, three hundred and eight graduates have been sent out from Clarinda high school and with the pupils of ear- lier years above spoken of, have exerted an influence for good that never can be computed.

This short history of Clarinda schools should not be closed without a tribute to the many, many faithful teachers who have worked in Clarinda schools. Many of them had and are having long terms of service. It will be a great pleasure to these teachers to know that they are living in the lives of the hundreds of pupils scattered all over the United States and even beyond.

The influence the schools have had upon the city of Clarinda should be noted.

As soon as the town was located and a school established good families, seeking a home in the far west, were attracted to Clarinda by her schools and induced to make Clarinda their home. These families were generally of high moral tone and had their influence in bringing other good families, so that the schools have been a larger factor in securing our superior class of citizens than we can fully realize.

Adjoining cities now have excellent schools and a few are larger, but none surpass Clarinda schools in excellence.

CLARINDA COMMERCIAL CLUB.

A number of business men of Clarinda met at the City Hall in answer to a call, on the evening of April 4, 1901, and there and then organized the Clarinda Improvement Association. Those who had the interest of the beau- tiful and progressive little city at heart almost to a man put his name down as a member. In 1904 the name was changed to that of The Clarinda Com- mercial Club. The chief promoters of the organization and the prime movers thereof were: j. II. Dunlap, William Orr, F. J. Tallant, F. W. Par-

inSTORY OF PAGE COUx\TY 357

rish, J. N. Miller, VV. T. S. White, Valentine Graff, A. l". Heal. W. L, I'cder- sen, 11. E. Parslow, I'erry Byerly, G. William Kichardson, 1. Weil, L. W. Lewis, H. M. Scott, Uavid Tharp, C. A. Lisle, VV. H. Shoemaker and others. The first officers were: J. H. Dnnlap, president; William Orr, vice president; F. J. Tallant, secretary. The membership now numbers one hundred and twenty-five.

The Commercial Club has been a booster for Clarinda ever since its in- ception and it is a quantity to be reckoned with when there is a chance for Clarinda to be benefited. Through its instrumentality street paving came into vogue in Clarinda; a beautiful new brick depot was gotten from the Burlington Railroad officials and new and better train service. The club is now engaging its attention and efforts to the end that another railroad shall enter Clarinda. This road has already been incorporated under the title of the lo'wa & Southwestern Railroad and the work of the preliminary survey is already accomplished. The ])resent officials of the club are as follows: C. A. Lisle, president ; H. H. Scott, vice president ; Orville C. Greene, secretary. Executive committee : William Orr, J. N. Miller, C. A. Lisle, H. H. Scott, A. F. Galloway, H. E. Parslow, G. William Richard, Ed F. Rose, E. R. Bailey, J- M. Rumbaugh, Orville Greene, David Tharp and J. E. Annan,

AN OLD PIONEER OF CLARIND.V.

According to the history of Page county, published in i88o. Pike Dav- idson settled in Page county in 1854, and was followed by Jacob Botenfelt. This statement is true but it was nine years later.

In 1853 T. J. Bracken and IJotenfelt were working at the same time and on the same farm in Indiana. They both intended to come west the fol- lowing spring, which they did. Bracken going to northern Iowa, and Boten- felt to bleeding Kansas. Without any prearrangement or understanding be- tween them, in the spring of 1854 Jefferson walked from the place where he was to Page county, and Jacob hoofed it in from the Sunflower state to Buchanan township. Thev both arrived within a week or two of each other. The following winter, according to Mr. liracken, they between times made thirteen thousand, five hundred rails, which wasn't nnich of a job for two vouno- Indianians, even if timber was scarce.

Tn the "good old times" there were but two townshi])s in the county, Buchanan, including the land drained by the creek of that name and run- ning up the divide, and Nodaway, which embraced the lialance of the county. lUichanan in those days contained the larger portion of the ])opulation and included in its number some men of "rare humor and infinite jest." P.etween i860 and 1865, they had abundant room and ])lenty of opportunities to ex- ercise their inclinations and nourish their infirmities, for between those years there was an increase of but nine people in tlic population of the county.

The early settlers located their claims up and down Buchanan creek, and along and about the forks of the Nodaway and were composed jM-inci- pally of Indianians, Tennesseans, Kentuckians. V'irg-inians and Missourians, but Jacob, with that eccentricity peculiar to genius, must be different from his neiq"hb<)r>^. and was born in Ohio.

•Sm HISTORY (OF RA<GJE OOUKITY

Anraffifflg;' tSies: naa^ilnlkans ®ff Jatosilb mmatj;^ Hae imndkKdkedl ttfc ff(sJIlkDWM^ fenmniillii^ :: Dtewmdkiams,, TIkQiimqpsinims,, MaAs, SQcMUts,, FiriiariiniicQwnitlks,, McGurffS,, IBiaiib^sFS,, IMjHBantfcs, Smgudlgirai'Sffiffis sannd Gmowies.. AJIH tlilaese ffammiifes salt a llattor itiiinttfi msa- ttamnffidl (jame snr nnoMne uimfliniillafjrs off tlilae Ma-SMoiic ffinatieirimiiltj^, IbdkBuagiinr^ to ttllais ©dt adliJacDenntt Ikad^es.. AincicM'tdlimg to tlilixe l^iEnnd* amdl IteadliilliiflBQS ®ff ttflnatt dlssro^;, iim ttilDe wiidimiilly imafirnttiyoinngidi, iiim allll its girikff-s,, jjm^ jjietes sanndl ssmimw* off ttlliHttt ttiiinD^, Mr.. IBoteiHTnfftdlit wss ©fit ttiimae tlJike flaano) sm& ffmEcgimaiiitllly ttihe wikiliim. Sondh a imEaiiii is iianwaririiallaily ffiiksdl amcdl ik goes fear to jjunsUiiffy ttUae n^pMBlailiiam Hue BiHidl ffisar BssiiDi]^ a gsHDxffl mmana, a tbranE nnoaffli amdl a aptiDPE imnana.

lUng; (sM ttaunoe ssbs^ msm '"TTDnatt FattHttor Gttiinm^ ve/mrs a DaM^ ttaiilM (DSffltt all BDattttoamSidl dLoKram IbEfeanE."" Jaiodb aKwor wmm Ms am ifbatt .^iie. Btt \«as nnsmalllly nnndlnrallttsainfflcdl amrdl tHaariim^^ mdittilneir ^mm iilt off imnanay (Dsdku^, lite Hilne ©aaut llilne saiinutt Ike mia* niHMBadl afttor gjawe to llniis mm. JJosqplln,, 5«tt iitt Ibsuie tiJhe .^kgie^, SEttaiinDS aimi ftaffii^ off nnHinny wiinnttaarcS. Hike ttihiiii^ tflkatt iiunipis^Eidl iittsdlff mpjam Hike ysuntdk ffiff tdkatt di^ xw^as ttike ttmiainsEins tfihatt Ihe wome orm ataite ooisaaiaai® aimfl xsdhsm llffi (caunne to towna. Tlkssy \wane miEafe off amrndkiiioj/;, off Ihmdk^kiim iliimfl;> sa^ wffitre ojpEm aam tdke oiittear siife off tUte llimdla, ffiraamn iflne jpodkEtt tto ttlliK iiaffaiS[p aoofl m^ra^ SaStuaeedl miidlk a nnKw off Ikiiigilntt, iflatt, .'dbiuiiy Ikiass Ibuntttemg alHl Hike \w^ difflwm. TUq^ xtohi® fea^hiisiiasdl I iimn^iiffiiiE aam tdte ]filanQ off tflks cffikisfltoaiiiKe gstsswutn,, feir I lkaw« ^M3iQ tfflnfflm iim iiiBe \wiliH3m iraikiitttlnaiiffiil aondl ojpam tlo (Ew^im albiiw® tt3k£ Ifama^. Fkitiintt® iim joainir mmimf£'$ ej®,, a moam samoe ffiwe feaai,, ten iimdli^ iim Hrtfi^lrtt,, mdiglMiui^ smme Ikmrncdk^dl amtil eo^ktty jpoonmdb^, natflbar sttMpsil sdkffiudHfeii^, a v^j^ (to^dkjjfflil HuEadi SBDw^ira^ wiitlik IMtadk otr dtarik Haraawm Dnaiir,, xwiittlk a ffiraDU BDasamil off tdte .'^moE oaidhnr,, wiittlk dl:iinik HaimAwm lkiiiii% s^^s,, xwsaiiiiii^ a ^brndk flrtatt eaiffkgr IHladk (mr \«Mte^, witllk a Itffiawy jpaiiir off stts^ Iboaitte om Ms, ffett aiM aam (sM fa^k'rgnimjl jpaiir off sadlcfflfe Bh^^ aam Ms airann,, amdl jcaia wiilll ]km^ a fetiiir cmaiEHqfidiiiDii off JFacDstt) Mattmrfidtt.

. BJbmriiB^ tffloe Owiill msnr tlite simiitliiy iim sdmirtflty a mollidainv aai^e wss, d]^piiiw®fl ojff Mm. ]K2ttsiiffidlt"$ aaarwiiiBSB ^sK^ftt siiaq|% iin tfte (ffiireartliisMi off icaiism^ (smm amcfl SLtg^liffis ftar tlte ammniiEs. TDMbs w3ss> malt Iby rrasassam off au^ Itedk off jjiiwsiicaE (maniK^5 om IMk paott, fbar om mcmii® tfflffiam omc ounsBgaism iitt Ik^ limaiQ udbteil off liiim tflfaatt Ikis pi^ifeiir ]praixw«aaB \«^s saiffidiaitt tto dfeam outt tflhe cdioaw^ Ike w^;^ iim. fflfe gainqjily ctedtamail att tlike te^jitmm^ off tte w^ir am^dl cffiamsstfcaitfl^' imaiuatlaiimBil Ms, paaitlikm ttotte smil,, ttottlte was iratt ^saiii:^ aiMtflk tto Ike :dkiitt att, oir tto ^teast^, fttutt tflistt Ike QBoiM amil \wjaiM Ikdk sum,' imaiiiiter off tflte (Gamffifidlaianv w&od was ihtlCT^E^teail fflHEu^k iim tto jpirdldteiia tto «sM msx Mm. Mooe \\^&© Ikmaw Ikim dimiktaail ffiar a mrormtntt. Ikitt lis \wmM msfes ^3DBDdl iffi (agjpmtluimit^ ]jii^ffiiite:fl iittodffi.

MDr. Msttemfedlt was oaM amil ^miilt iin Iks w^« amLfl Ikadi mmarae tfllam oodiin- aioy ttnlfartt ijn tflte diinfflitliisaii off qjifflsar ^^iii^, wiitlt^ esspieffiaimiis amdl Ikiinrniouffi aEn^ga^toiB^, msa^ cuff wikidk aires iraaiiBaiiflDeaMii amil ^ptatfaaffl Iby tte^s wviiflfa wikmm liffi was aaaigiBaiitefl. Efe pEg^fSBsil tto onariBlfeaiHffi jardi ^sm^ wiiU off Iks rtffl^i- Itens aEffidl agsMxaidtes sm^ imBO^ arras tlite ffiiim^ iindlamiBS ttott auffi iMtetteedl off Iktm aamil Mb iiatiiniEtlBS. ff^^s cmiuM Ite wmittttean off ttoiiir (Esjjlkiitte. IBt is ciliffiniib: tto iraakt tto tterqfdattikm tto nffimaiiil ssmmE anff ttom Ikitt tto ttmitflh iis tflhitt imaiw- off tflhas Qsn«3itls wiiflk w^Hiidb to was cmanifflrttedl iin tflhE ffium imiitdJi^ liiiie, womilil att tflks (fistlaalt db^ ^^ '^'ii QamoaiBamB iiinjara^iEui (S& tfliBS iman. TDiffi ffaflt iis tflliatt

jmM3. iKlEJOir* lEiWUTEE. ll:^' TtTHlE IEjyKa^'5: -TAm., €TUMi%BA

(OLMoisam^ wmM mmmMi, msr^ii

HISTORY ( )1-^ PAGE COUNTY 361

the nicii of the present scarcel}- appreciate the lonesomeness and want of entertainment tliat beset the pioneer. Their neighbors were remote, their friends necessarily few, their labors arduous and thir life to a great extent one of drudger\-. In shaping their character they had no criterion but their own innate sense of right and wrong, and no example to profit by except such as was set by rough and uncultured men, who were aggressive in their determination and combative in their tendencies. Even the dissemination of the teachings of Holy Writ were confined to the exhortations of itinerant preachers, wdiose visits, like angels, were few and far between, funeral sermons in many instances being delivered months after the interment of the deceased.

In considering this sketch of Mr. i'xjtenfelt it siiuuhl not be taken as making light of the character and life of the subject. Outside of the ques- tion of his real worth and merits as a man, he was selected for the reason that he was more than a fair representative of his day and vicinity. Alany years ago through an accumulation of ill fortune of various kinds, Mr. Bot- enfelt became financially involved and had to dispose of his holdings in this county. He moved with his family into what was then known as the cattle country, skirting the Platte river valley in Nebraska, and died there a few years since.

Jacob Botenfelt was elected to initiation in this lodge on the evening of ?\Iarch 2. t86o. James S. .Scott, a near neighbor, was also elected that night. They practically took their degrees as near as possible together and were the first from that neightorhood which afterwards afforded many mem- bers to this institution. They were friends and of a kindred spirit. In the vernacular of the day, in the events of that time they were a "full team." Scott went from here to Colorado, where he afterwards developed into the position of road master and master mechanic of a railroad. When last heard from he was conducting a bee farm in California. Both these gentlemen, while members of this lodge, considering the distance and roads they had to travel, were more than average attendants.

JOHN r.l-:AM'.S HOTEL.

In the early tla\s of Clarinda, th.e comn.iercial traveler was a scarce artick. his visits were few and far lietween. The bulk of the transient guests were people seeking a location, or desirous of i)urchasing. locating or dis})Osing of lands.

In considering the hotels of Page county from 1857 to 1869, the West- ern Stage Com])any i< an important factor. This company liegan opera- tions in central Iowa in 1S54. A few years later a line of stages was put on through the .southern tier of counties and Clarinda became a station : another was established out at the residence of Cieorge Miller some ten miles west of town, and still another at Manti, some two miles south of the present cits- of Shenandoah. The stage line was under the supervision of such division superintendents or route agents, as Firm Ogden, George Babcock and "Buckskin" Tracey. In those days the fare was ten cents a

M2 HISTOEY OF PAGE COUKTY

amafe, msd k was $m4^ tkM ttlae fassatogers Itefft Otttoimwai^ tibon tibe ttarasminMS ■©£ ttJne BuarlliBiiigtoni roasJ, iiini a f(S)ttttir'Ili)©rs(e cosdb, affiid %^ itlbe ttiamie he g®ft to ttSne Mfelmnialboitinia lae was waDMaug^ aimd camryiifliig;' a ranaiil sacds,

Ttoe Dellarajtt Itoflssc, afterwards kuMswm as J(stai BfiaaraX was ttte iSrsD; started, hn 1^55, %r Gaarge Miflblbk, whs> sisM 'it im 1S57 to E. K«dar ainid Sue disposed (of it to Joscplh Craitmer, aradl Cojraiar nua tih^ samnifi jsar, (Sr pisssSMy a year Hater, tmrsmd it (ew(er to C Wiankllar, aaad Jate jb 1S5S <mr eadj iaa 1^59 Jaitob Bmttkr hs^mm tte ©waner, Btmtilar s©M to Aaajtersoos, Ajadarsom to Waslh Kawlimgs, Mawliiinig-s to G©©rg:£ Bator, aM Bater to SiuMitk. Baajrog- itflne diiffereastt ©waaersM^, Hfcic Ibaaildimi^ Ibad devcfaiped f rcaim a fcg" Bb^obs© (Sif tlJiie days ©f Georg® MibMe, to pradticalBy as sImswbb aai ttibe ilaasitraitisffii- Jota BeauM tocaamie nine parclbaser, aiad to®lk ^©ssessaoaii can tib© isit day (fl»ff Aprni, 11^66- Ian ittose days it was seHduMini iff c^cr cafflkd a ]b©te]l; it was gesmrsMj ksmwm as J©lbim Beaam's, mr ttJbe taw^eraa, aasd tocaaraie, possaMy, tlbs Ibestt kanowai stqppaag place iai S(£Muft3]iwest©nm Iowsl Beaam''s first tsraMsactasam as lasndlksrd afflid stage ageaat was tibe sale ot tw© tickets (swcr tlbe lliaae ffrsMm CDaraauda to

was tlmeaii tlnie r^ialiar tare.

amd aJamit tlie aaesat ta^aansacttiiQam — Msd he cMtttnammed tlbe IbaMt to tlbe eand — was iamtpressisBg the ffact uapoaa tlbe traveBiang" paalbllic aimd tlbe regiiallar fesarder tJiat it was Ms Bii©te!l, ttot liie was tlbe lajnidlbrd amd was eaiititlled to IbaTe soaBBetibiaag' to .say atoaat its amiainiaganmeaiit, TMs, to scffiamie esoteait, was a anew f eaaJtare iim tlbe afeirs ©ff tlbe BMSstelry, tot Beaim was persisttjamt amd deter- mmed^ sssd laad a t©aDgiie ttlbat m^as dbaracteozed hf a r&rj r©i!sglb side, TSaerc was JBMsre ©r less ffrictfcm for a Ettle tiiaae, tot tibe B©aai&ce Isad jaastace ©an Ms side as wdl as the isnst tlnat Ine laad tibe ©anly lD©tel, ©r stt©ppiaag place, aaad it wasaa't kMug li)eff©re tSae ed3nicati©aa ©f tlae ttiraveler was £©aiaplete- Mr. Bearan, at tibe ^^eay fost, placed ©aa a c©ttt©aaw©©d tree ©rat east ©ff ttlae lB©rase, wlaat is .'g'eaiica^ly kai©wBa as a ffaraini ML aaad tibere \were raaaag tm^© tsxeEs, tlbirtty BjaiiBiffltes apart, ff©r aM aaaeals. If tibe gimest, ©r toarder, was aiott there s©©m after tlae riajgiaag ©f tlae sec©aad Ibell, Beaiaa aasraaly kaaated Saiiaa nap aaad iaaa- pressed aflp©aa tlae deliaaqptaeaat tlaat Beaua's H©tel did aaot pr©p©se to wait f ©r Man ; ©r, tSaat lae (Beaaaa) was afraid tSaat Ms patr©aa laad team takeia sA, A few visits ©f ttlais kimd was aasaple f©r tlae paflrp©se, aaad tlae raale ©aace estalsH lislaed gave tot little tr©ra]ble tlaereaffter, Maaay a gmest disc©vered to Ws dis- csMaafitrare tibat it was aa©t Ms place to p©ke tibe office stove, Iseiaag iaafoffaaaed tlaat lae kiaew tot little if aiaytibiaag" albccmt a soft coal stove ; ©r, tibat tibe laaad-

TMs, of c©rars€. caassed expteioaas ©tiber tibaia ffroraa tlae stove, tot tibe wit aaad Maaaaor of tlae laaadlord geaaerally left tlae victiiaa iin a fair coaaditioia ©f aaaiaad ; tot lae dad aaot poke tlae stove a secomd tiaaae,

Mr, Beaaaa was tlae first laaadlord iaa tM« secttioaa of tlae coaaaatay to aase side dislaes aaa serviaig iraeals. It was am iaaaaovatioaa tlaat did mot set well witli soaaiie ©f Ms patroaas ; laowever, tibe dis,sattisfacti©m caraae mear reacMaag' a caalmniaiat- irag pomat, wliem tine rrale was esttatelislaed tibat m© gaaest woaald Ise adaaaitted to tlae diaaiaiig' rooaai am Ms sMrt sleeves, amd aaaamy were tlae coaateaatioaas ©ver it. Tlae lam(fll©rd, to appease tlar m'ratlb off Ibis pattrtoms, kept a srapplv off coats of vaffioaas sizes, soaiae old, amd soame mew, so tlaat mome meed go away laaaaagjy-

IttllSTOEY OF FAcQE CXJt'XTT M3

Iff ttM« S4 mst ssttiisffj Hhs Ikiidkiiiiii;^ igttjiifistt;, Bae \w3l« ttoM Dae mxsM _^(© m^ to Itibe girsi(£©ry^ g(ett ssBime doassie Msd (Sjrmhstr^ flaflse ai ^amt <©£ jpqpipiar «ffljui©e„ mmni ssmm4 ttilne supiaune atflnj oJlll iitt a vwaunnni anasall. S© msm wiitih Jdlmiii 115<^jnim"* iudtea* ©ff ffTjnnmiiiifli]^ ai Basxtdl (camrasjH a BagHnteifi Datira^ tuijpsttaiiir* ik Dmi* Daom^e.. Tlbe .igutisat (SKWflM Ibaiw^ a (canadDte ficar ollmmkKatiM^ jxjiiiripfi^ses^ <m he ©oxiaM ^(O inm (dlaurikuae^ TQike BiiniiiE wats (teiwim (Oini ttBae Iksmasame Ilaiimiqp.. J«Jmi rtSiitil naott pnouM^e to hmis a (Ocaaiai^irsfliKam ami aoDoonnatt ©ff ssanme unaauD"'* cardkjssnD^j&s ©ir iiiii)tSirijmiiniiiB&. im tihsffc (sfcay* aflnDnasemiiainlt* Bnadl to Ibe (OC«njtiffir©(ll tinip %c itlte jiaeqple wiib© waimtedl to fe sanMittsad,, sbudJ Mt- fiSesaima wa« ^w'er irott% to ©esiittoifaite to Bnfe ®«wiii as wdB a$ Bniis firiknnofo pII^i$iinir«sL. IHnane w®8 ami ^sM ©efew®^ rsmm m towna am Hflasse (tteys^ \«dlaB)®e mmiKDtte anaceston^ wsire unsltiw^ ©ff HJlnalt «©£ttik5Ba (sff Alirika BnaawTm a$ (Goniiaasm, ;mii<11 ttM* ©M nniisDn Ibafdl a hsS^M. p&mSsmr tt© Dak niaDe (otf ""ttDXIiini^'"" ttllaiia^s (sm Dnib DiKadl. Itt ^was a jpartt (©ff Dniis awcesattiieBa to ttflonfts (samiy ttib® wa^biiaD^ to (S^rtaiiim femanilies wDdc© w^re coastoDnii^i* ®ff Dnfe wiife to annd ffinfijam UlliieiHr DasBUD^ to Dniis (B)wkbd.. Obos dlay (sM jjadk (satnDoe sikmg m imessi. of ttilne Dadtd wiJflDn a Dsafl^« wa^, mr (stetibiss Daat^bat om Dnfe Dssatdl,, anndl sxdiftsdl ttibe ir©innaflfe (©ff seuitte (©ff ttibe gUDfistts^ wDnenn IvDjt. JEjobm .^saM to ttfliKimD,, ""'sse nnae scaff® HDae (EsasBn,,"" aunrffl amniinnejiE' atlidly jjufliMpejfl msst anndl ydWt* "Ibsxst"" alt ttiln® dM mniaiin,, \xdIaB) jjcarfeti Ms hesd,, anofl ik flbace off a ^mssSS^ ws^\mog &sBsms^S!sj&m% H&e skfeodlk iitt xwas .«te'«wTiii wMn tlibe dliK)iiiB£s(t Istt ©ff dbiiDna att ttibsatt Itiiinae iina Oairiiiiiidla,, ttihc jpiKDparttf off ttilne tfibean eJEittenr off ttfins Hssaiyt, ^vdlno wss, IbawM^ iit ttalksnn hsxms &mm a dbooitdb &dir.. IHne Ds^, ^wMdn Mr.. Bsannn ^awmim^ fsaadl,, aimnooiiiintlffidl to tettwsffian im^ annal

Ina iMi Mr.. Bsannn soM tlBne Hnottdl anftfi wiitfllii tflie ptBKsesds tflberejrf anafl tfflnc aiDnianfflmiDattiionaB <sBff Ife llaiiffliin^ffirt fisr sswinc y^BDs ttilnsir^affitsr eraqoyedl UBnc owtToer- d[%) off oone off ttilne Bsest feoMffi iim Fs^e (CoanDntty,, annd xwMdln ij$ ttodla^;^ a frairtt off tfflnestlattefeammnnofflfib off ttilne (dityu IDnairiiii^ ttilne ttiianne Mr.. Beaim w^ nn® ottiber Dnottefl or (saHiini^ Itesonse wais alidle to ©GuniJ^ffitte wxiitlBn Dnikm,, anafi a nnonnnnllBer wennit to ttilne waM.. Mottajwittilnsttanaiini^ Dtfe ipeamDiiairiittii^ <sS. Hsm^isir anafl dlffiaKadter Bne nnaafe a ffiriienaffl off fwatdtiicalty ew'eiiy (oaisttiminDer;; tlflne msci^ siife off Dnomn \w^a$ tfflne ©onttaifle. Alt Bneaot Dne xw^as tlBne Ikimndfett anafl imno^ gpmeiWOTB off imnean;; Dn© Bnontt^ny msm. wss> e««r ttamnmejfl awra^ ffinarai Bnik (dbxsffw^;; Ife wannte wveoe fm5>- •wijdle^ ffer anntfi,, nff rsmss^sssr^,, JoBnnn gsawe DMina nnnoanej:^.. Iff a graestt w^a$ sidk,, or mnrnffsffttmsBKatts;, Jajflnna ^Ewe Dniiiina aii^, sjirajpafltiliw' anndl (Eaire;, annd iitt ns nn® imEEattttsr off woaato- tfflnsdt ew'em ibn llsatte j^ara,, wHnem tflbe ]pattin?aiis off ifflne hw^ ago (Otamne tfife wss^„ alksontt ttilne ffiiratt iinncjpiwirj^ ttibejr unnalke m m n^gautfi to Mir.. IBcsanna. Ssiinne j«air$ sJifflXBe Hue Ibecsiime ann iimwalliiidl, anntdl ff or ttibe unnostt jpaurtt (©ff itibe js^air v^ cosanffianejll to Has iresMam. Tett M$ fcnowHe^e off ttilne jpn^Bamtt aoxfl flnHss iraosiJIIetfltiioatt? off UBne fffl^, nonalke Hniann am esifflsdlinragjly iimttai^jtiiiia^ ]p©isoBna^ to (Dsrawrarae wiitflh. Hfe iiraffliQiHMly ii$ ttennacnoai^, anndl ttilne e^wmte <sS ttibe (Ssb^ tfflnatt aire gome aire a$ fiie^ to Dniimn a$ tflbe Hnajpfpenmini^ ©ff je^tsroiJlsay.. He lba$ a gsDO^ Jbasiiine annofl wiitflb amff- fioieciilt off ttibiis wodM'x gsxsx^ to tmoeslt am Ms wsmtis,.

ha ttibe •spriiiii^ off ii<p)J S.. C Foweas (Kamne tb© dtariiaafei., mpsun iiuKriteottiiMi off am iiiiwesili^3itliiffl^ (oaiinnmmtlltee (sff tflbe Oaniimifei CioinainnemciHiIl OariBa. amcfl m^iiBttiia-

364 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

tions with him proceeded to the stage where it was decided to accept certain propositions of Mr. Powers', which eliminated in the organization of the Powers Manufacturing Company, with the following officers: S. C. Powers, president ; R. L. Powers, vice president ; Edwin Lisle, secretary ; L. W. Lewis, treasurer.

Ground was at once purchased for the proposed plant, consisting of two lots, on the corner of Main and Eighteenth streets, and the main building was erected, equipped and ready for occupancy by October 1st of that year. This building is of brick, one story in height, seventy-two feet in width and one hundred and forty feet in length.

During the year 1904 the business gradually developed and in Janu- ary, 1905, Mr. Powers retired from the concern and a reorganization was consummated : C. A. Lisle was elected president ; W. E. Biggs, vice presi- dent; Edwin Lisle, secretary; William Orr, treasurer. The name of the plant was changed to the Lisle Manufacturing Company and from this time on the business prospered greatly.

In the summer of 1906 the Lisle Manufacturing Company began the development and manufacture of the ^Monarch Cream Separator, which is now the principal product of the factory ; but at the inception of the busi- ness, the primary object was the manufacture of well boring and well drilling machines, which are today no inconsiderable prodiict of the com- pany's shops.

In 1906 another brick building was erected, fifty-four by one hundred feet, two stories in height and of brick. This is devoted to the manufacture of the Monarcli separator. The foundry building went up in the fall of 1907 and is composed of cement. In dimensions the structure is fifty- four by one hundred and twenty feet. Here all the castings for the ma- chines are turned out. A warehouse, forty-four by ninety feet was erected in the spring of 1905. These buildings occupy one-half block. The ware- house is reached from the Burlington's main track by a private switch.

The Lisle Manufacturing Company employs over one hundred men in the shops and twelve on the office force. The .shops since the beginning have run on full time the year round and in 1908 the business amounted to $150,000. The company's products go over the entire western and north- western dairy regions and Canada and through its means a number of high class workmen have been attracted to Clarinda. and bringing their families with theni, now make the city their permanent homes.

The following gentlemen compose the official list and board of direc- tors: C. A. Lisle, president; P. B. Woolson, vice president; Edwin Lisle, secretary ; William Orr, treasurer ; W. S. Alger, E. R. Bailey, George Ferris. C. A. Lisle, William Orr, P. B. Woolson, directors.

Tin: ELECTRIC LIGHT WORKS.

The electric light plant of Clarinda is one of the most important indus- trial institutions wnthin the confines of Page county, as it furnishes not only light, but heat, iwwer. artificial ice and refrigeration for the city and its

LISLE ^LVXlFACTlKlXd COMl'ANV. ('LAKi.\I>A

CLARINDA POULTRY, BUTTER AND EGG COMPANY

HISTCMY OF FAGE COt'XT^' Mi

pMirmss, Ttoi* phmi wa* Ikniillit smfl jmi iiim &p&rMkm m nlbe: faill ©f I9i®2

The phM imrsmhe» ito> ihe <dtj ©f ClbjriijMlla dgMy aurc liiigfiiiil* ttSjaut Ibujinii €T«iry uniiglhilt Msd wsAU mm ©chusk. mm ttte iiMMnwiig:, lim Sepii«innifi)«ir, Kj&S* ^y seiryiise ws« adlsW, wMtsh iunmhed cmsummim ligtot sjmII psm&r day auod iiii%:fcl.

Tlhie cenmtrall fttcaaro Bieattkig' "¥jr*it(mii wa« iitii*taIlIW m ttte fsl ©f igi^4 smd

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368 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

ing the products. Mr. White was associated with S. P. Bond of Keokuk, Iowa, who was one of the pioneers in the produce business. Mr. White is also president of the S. P. Pond Company of Keokuk, Iowa, and the Iowa Cold .Storage Company of Clinton, Iowa. These are separate corporations but all do a large business in poultry, butter, eggs and cream, also cold storage.

THE A. A. BKRRY SEED COMPANY.

A. A. Berry, the originator of the A. A. Berry Seed Company, came to Page county with his parents, who settled in Amity township on a farm, when he was six years of age. On this homestead he began writing for agricultural papers when twenty years of age and in 1894 he started rais- ing and selling seeds, and from the start his mail order business was a success. Two years later he purchased the Van Arsdol farm, southwest of the corporation line, and since then has devoted its one hundred and four acres to the raising of seeds for the market, the principal products being onion sets, sweet corn and vine seeds. He rented a store room and employed one stenographer and three clerks. This was the beginning of the great Berry Seed Company.

Mr. Berry's business increased and for several years almost doubled in volume each succeeding year. In 1899 he erected his first warehouse, a two-story brick, thirty by eighty feet. The following year an ofifice and mail order building was put up. It is a two-story brick, with basement, twenty-fiye by one hundred and twenty feet. He has since built two more warehouses and a corn elevator, having a capacity of five hundred bushels of assorted and shelled seed corn. The warehouses and elevators cover five lots, and a private switch from the Burlington tracks reaches them.

This concern ships on an average of two carloads of seeds from the warehouses a day and has for territory all parts of the United States and foreign countries.

The business became so great that five years ago, 1904, the concern- was incorporated under the name of the A. A. Berry Seed Company and capitalized at $75,000, with the following officers : A. A. Berry, president ; R. M. Ansbach, vice president ; W. C. AiTold, secretary ; A. F. Galloway, treasurer.

The present officers are: A. A. Berry, president; F. R. McKee, vice president; J. F. Sinn, secretary; A. F. Galloway, treasurer. The office force consists of twelve people. There are twenty-five packers in the ware- house and on the farm, in the busy season, from one hundred to two hundred hands are employed. The company secures its seeds from all parts of the world.

CLARINDA LAWN MOWER COMPANY.

Having secured a patent on a front-cut, high-grass lawn mower, G. A. Culver, Charles Tunniclifife and Lon Swisher, in March, 1908, formed a copartnership for the manufacture of the new machine. At once work

UISTCJRV UK IWGE COUNTY 369

was commenced on tlie erection of a suitable factory huildin.c^ and in the fall of that year the machinery in the building was running and forty men em])lo\ed, who soon were turning out forty finished mowers a day. The buildings are of cement and brick. The main l)uilding is twentv-four by sixty feet and two stories. A wing to this biulding is cement, two- ston' and sixteen by forty-eight feet.

This concern started out under the most favorable auspices. It made its first shipment January i, 1909, and the orders have come in such num- bers as to make it necessarv for the plant to run night and day. The sliop is fitted with the latest designed and most expensive machinery made for the purpose and is in charge of expert mechanics. The front-cut mower is an innovation in machinery of that class and the demand for it is very gratifying to the company manufacturing it. As its designer says: 'Tt is different from all other machines."

HOTEL LINDERMAN.

The Linderman is one of the modern hotels of southern Iowa and is under the management of Wilson Reed. It is a three story brick, steam- heated and electric-lighted and contains fifty rooms. The location of this hotel is unsurpassed, being on a corner of the public square, at Clarinda, and in the heart of the business district.

THE HAWTHORNE HOTEL.

The Hawthorne at Clarinda is a popular house, both with the traveling public and the people of the county who come to Clarinda. The hotel has twenty guest rooms, which are nicely furnished and the cuisine is very satisfactory. T. J. Hawthorne has been the manager since 1905.

THE HENSHAW HOUSE.

Oscar F. Henshaw came to Clarinda from Erie county. New York, and about 1874 started a boarding house in a small cottage that stood on the grounds now occupied by The Henshaw House, which gave way later to the present building. Mr. Henshaw conducted the hotel until 1900, when he leased the property to G. W. Koons, who conducted the hotel five years and then bought the property. In 1905, Mrs. Annie Taylor, daughter of Mr. Henshaw, returned to Clarinda, and has been in charge of the hotel ever ^ince.

THl'. CKLEI^.RATED C. B. & Q. BAND OF CLARINDA.

Professors r>rothers and Duncan, about 1867, organized the Clarinda .Silver Cornet Band, which soon became one of the best organizations of its kind in southwestern Iowa. A few years later another band was formed, krown rs Keller's Cornet Band, which v.-as composed of some of the best

370 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

business men of Clarinda. A splendid set of instruments was purchased and Professor F. J. Keller, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, became instructor. He was a man of note as a teacher and the author of many musical publications. The two bands became celebrated in 1879 under the title of the Excelsior Band. From this time on the band became noted all over the west. At Blaine's great political meeting in Des Moines it took a prominent part and also at Grant's reception at Burlington, Iowa, and at Chicago political gatherings. In 1880 the name of the band was again changed, this time to that of the C. B. & Q. Band. New uniforms were purchased at a cost of six hundred dollars, and new instruments, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. They had a band wagon which cost six hundred dollars. The success of the new organization was due largely to Frank P. Parish, their manager. At the inaugural of President Garfield, in 1881, the band took a very prominent part and the National Republican, published at Wash- ington, D. C, had the following to say regarding the band, which, through the kindness of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad officials, had free transportation to Washington:

"Secretary Kirkwood, Senator Allison and the office of the National Republican were serenaded last evening by a band of twenty-five instru- ments from Clarinda, Page county, Iowa. The members of the band reside in the southwestern part of that great state and the band is known all over Iowa as the C. B. & Q. Band. While here these gentlemen won great praise for themselves. The band was escorted by about seventy-five men from Iowa, who selected General Belknap as marshal for the evening. Col. W. P. Hepburn presented the band to Secretary Kirkwood and made an eloquent presentation speech." This remarkable band was formed in 1867, with F. J. Keller as leader and Frank P. Parish as manager. Pro- fessor Keller died about 1882. From that time on the band existed with indift'erent success, partly on account of Professor Keller's death and perhaps more because the band was largely made up of active business men, whose time and interests were otherwise absorbed. Hence, it was, that one of Iowa's best bands went into decline and finally disbanded. Today Clarinda has a band that -throws no Httle credit upon the city of Clarinda and Page county generally.

CLARINDA WOOLEN FACTORY.

In 1855 a carding machine was placed in operation by Hutton & Martin of Clarinda. It was propelled by ox-power. J. C. McCandliss, G. W. Maiden v*^ J. W. Piper built a large woolen factory about 1863 and took over the carding machine, which they placed in a large woolen factory built by them at about that time. A large building was erected, a steam engine installed, a set of manufacturing cards, a roll card, a spinning ma- chine, two looms and other woolen machinery were put in operation. Shortly after Mr. Piper sold his interest to A. S. Meek and in 1867 McCandliss' interests went to Maiden & Meek, who carried on the business until 1869, when Meek retired to give place to James Gartside and the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 371

firm of Maiden & Gartside operated the mills until March, 1886, when Gartside sold to A. H. Morgan. This woolen mill did quite an extensive business and was considered of much importance to the city and Page county in general until destroyed by fire over a quarter of a century ago.

FLOURING MILLS OF CLARINDA.

In i860 a man by the name of Joseph Wickidal erected the first flour mill in Clarinda, in which were placed two runs of buhrs, which was located in the central part of the city and was a frame structure of goodly proportions. This frame work was taken from the native tree growing in the vicinity, much of which was hewed out and put up in old style. The motive power was steam. It passed through many hands. The machinery was up-to-date. This was termed the City Flouring Mills and was operated by N. M. Hutton. It had a daily capacity of seventy-five barrels. The present mill is run by Shambaugh & Son.

NODAWAY TOWNSHIP.

As now constituted, Nodaway township is described as congressional township 69, range 37 v/est, and a fractional half of 69, range 36. In all, its territory contains about fifty-eight sections of land. Originally it took in all the north half of Page county. The surface characters of the eastern and western halves of this long township are widely at antipodes and the geological features correspondingly diverse.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

As it now stands, Nodaway was first settled in 1850 by Isaiah Hulbert, on what is known as the Neff farm. In the spring of 1852 came Henry D. Farrens and soon thereafter Messrs. Stafford, W. Lavering and John Dod- son, who settled where Thomas Jones lived several years since. In 1854 came Isaac Van Arsdol, who is still an honored resident. In 1856 came "Sol" Round, Cyrus Creel, James McCowan, Alexander Davie, T. T. Pen- dergraft, Henry Hakes, Henderson Cooper, James Jackson, John Thorn- berry and a great many others.

SCHOOLS.

The pioneer school of this township was taught at Clarinda. As the country has developed decade after decade, schoolhouses of an excellent style have been provided. The best of teachers have been employed and good progress is the happy result.

CHURCHES.

Aside from the two churches at the village of Yorktown in the w^estern part of the township and those found in the city of Clarinda. Nodaway has

372 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

a large German society and five church cchfices on its extreme northern hne, also a Methodist Episcopal church on section i8, called Summit church.

The German Lutheran church (Evangelical) is known as Emanuel church. This society was early in the field. The few families of this faith held services at private houses. One would read a sermon and then prayer and social exercises were had. This commenced in 1868. It was no hard matter to conduct such services, for all the older ones had been trained to worship from their infancy in their fatherland.

In the fall of 1868 Rev. Landgrafit, from Atchison, Kansas, came to the township and conducted the first communion service. It was at the home of Fred Sunderman. In August, 1869, an Evangelical Lutheran church was org'anized, with the following as voting members : Henry Driftmeier, Henry Sunderman, Fred Sunderman, John Groeling, William Sunderman, Henry Otte, Fred Kneust, and Fred Barthel.

In the fall of 1869 a frame building was erected at a cost of one thou- sand dollars, six hundred dollars in cash and four hundred dollars in work contributions. Each member owned timber land and each agreed to furnish so many logs and timbers for the frame. The house was sixteen by thirty- two feet and fourteen feet high." It was arranged so that the pastor lived in the lower story. It stood where now stands the present magnificent church building, on the northwest corner of section 2, Nodaway township. In the spring of 1876 it was totally destroyed by fire and in just two months to a day, a new building was ready for the pastor to live in. The cost of this parsonage was seven hundred and forty dollars. In 1877 a schoolhouse was built, costing seven hundred tlollars. Its size was twentv-four bv thirtv- four feet. This served for both school and church purposes until 1885, when the present church was erected at a cost of four thousand, four hun- dred and sixty dollars. It is forty by sixty feet, with twenty foot posts. Its spire is ninety-eight feet high and can be seen for many miles around. It towers up, a practical monument to the devotion and Christian liberality of the German people of this section of Page county. It was built by Welch & Bridgeman, contractors of Clarinda. Its seating capacity is three hun- dred and eighty.

Summit Methodist Episcopal church, on section 18, is another church edifice of Nodaway township. This society was formed with about sixteen members in 1874, during the month of ^lay. The first classleader was D. FT. Payton. At first services were held in Summit schoolhouse on sec- tion 17. In 1882 a frame church was built at a cost of twenty-six hundred dollars. The same was dedicated January ij , 1883, by Rev. H. H. O'Neal, of Red Oak, Iowa.

VILLAGE OF YORKTOWN.

This is a station on the ilumeston & Shenandoah Railroad, five miles west of Clarinda. It is situated on section 31. It was platted April 3, 1882, by C. E. Perkins.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 373

CHURCHES.

The -Mctliudisl ICpiscopal church was fonned in the fall of 1884, by a dozen members. At first they held services at the schoolhouse.

The Presbyterian church at Yorktown was formed early in the spring of 1884 by Rev. J. 11. .Malcom, with twenty-four members. The first elders were Oscar Borthwick, Sharp McClellen and j. AI. Campbell and the first deacon was D. A. Wiles. In 1883 a neat frame church was built, its size being' thirty by forty feet and its cost fifteen hundred dollars. One lot was donated b}- Air. and Mrs. i'erkins. and the other lot was purchased for one hundred and twenty-five dollars cash. Johnson Clark, of Coin, built the house.

GRANT TOWNSHIP.

'J"he township of Grant in wdiich Shenandoah is located, although one of the most fertile in the county, was one of the very last to be settled and organized. In i860 the county was divided into townships but as the present township of Grant had but three residents, it was made a part of Tarkio township, the township directly east. It continued thus until 1870, when John F. M. Porter was appointed commissioner to organize the township and it was separated from Tarkio. The election was held at Mr. Porter's house and there were twenty-six voters present, most of whom had but recently come to the township.

A remarkable circumstance in the history of Grant township is that all of the three earliest settlers were until quite recently, still living- and still residents of the township. They are John F. M. and P. H. Porter and Charles L. LeBarron. In the summer of 1855 John and Pat Porter and their brother Claudius left their home in Cass county, this state, and traveled through Montgomery, Taylor and Page counties in search of a location that suited them. They finally struck the beautiful valley of the Nishna but afraid of the Saints at Fisher's Grove whom they had been taught to regard as dangerous characters, they went up the river until they came to the small groves and bayous where later the farms of John F. M. and Pat were located. This location suiting them they went to the government station at Council liluffs and asked to see a plat of the land in this portion of the county. Not an acre had been jnu-chased in the township, except a timber claim of forty acres later the W. T. Farnham place east of Shenandoah. It was owned by George Miller, who resided farther east in Tarkio township. On the 25th of August, 1855. the three Porters purchased two hundred acres of the government, Pat taking eighty acres, Claudius eighty and John F. ]M. forty acres. The last named was the only one married at the time and he proceeded at once to build a house and the brothers resided with him. Claudius did not remain here long, but sold his claim to John and went back to Cass county ; but John and Pat remained here and were among the township's most prosperous farmers, having added to their farms from time to time. In this connection a

374 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

brief account of the subsequent life of Claudius Porter would be of in- terest. Attracted by the gold excitement, he started across the plains with a team and a load of provisions, but the latter being stolen, he com- pleted the journey on foot. Being unable to work in the mines he secured work in a restaurant for one hundred dollars a month, but the proprietor skipped the county without paying him. He then started home across the plains on foot and alone, with all his possessions in a little pack. While lying down to drink at a spring near a Mormon settlement, his pack, coat and revolver were stolen. The balance of the distance he completed in his shirt sleeves, with no weapon but an army musket, and, as he stated, too poor for the Indians to scalp. Later he went to Oregon.

J. F. M. Porter rarely left home in those early days. He distrusted the settlers at Fisher's Grove and only went there on rare occasions for his mail and then he left the settlement as quickly as possible. It took him several years to learn that they were honest and honorable citizens. No one at that time expected that a town would ever be built at Shenandoah or that any one would even try to farm here. The bottom was covered by enormous grass, where great green flies multiplied by the million. It was almost impossible to drive through in the daytime as the flies would drive the horses almost frantic, and at night the mosquitoes were almost as bad.

In the fall of 1856 Charles LeBarron came to Fisher's Grove and hired out to Edmund Fisher, for whom he worked all that winter, the most severe winter he ever experienced. He says that it began snowing three days after his arrival and snowed for three days and the snow lay deep upon the ground all that winter. It was so deep that nearly all the deer fell victims to starvation and the attack of wolves. In August, 1857, he took up a claim which was since known as the John L. Carey place, just south of Shenandoah. He was the third permanent settler in this township. Reuben Oaks and Nicholas Taylor resided temporarily in the township, but did not become permanent residents. For three years LeBarron and the Porters were the sole occupants of a township that forty years later would contain five thousand people.

In 1846 Edmund Whiting came west to Mills county and in 1855 moved to Fisher's Grove. In the early days he was a great hunter and fisherman and roamed all over this part of the state. He has hunted deer many a time on the site where Shenandoah now stands. At one time he ran a buck down with a three year old pony in what is now the Priest addition to the city. He moved into Page county in i860 and took up a forty acre claim where D. S. Lake's nursery is now located and made him a dug-out about where Lake's packing house now is. This consisted of a sod shanty over which brush and dirt were thrown. Mrs. Whiting's brother, H. W. McConoughey, and wife came soon after and took up forty acres just northeast of town. They lived in a one-horse covered- wagon and in this wagon, standing near the site of the Humeston & Shen- andoah machine shops, July 19, 1861, was born to them a daughter, the first white child in Shenandoah. The second child born and the first

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 375

boy, was W. E. Whiting-, later a physician in Brush, Colorado, son of Ed- mund Whiting and wife, and born in the sod shanty above mentioned January 25, 1862. One of the old-time settlers says that one time Whiting offered to trade his forty acres, shanty and all, for a sick horse, and the owner of the horse wouldn't trade. The horse died soon after. Whiting afterward bought his brother-in-law's forty acres and in 1868 he built on it the first house in Shenandoah. It was fourteen by sixteen feet and situated near the Ira Bailey place. The Whiting family then felt that they were living in luxury, this being their first house.

Immediately after the close of the Civil war, David and Jewell Hecka- thorne had quite a strange experience. He was over fifty years of age when he enlisted but he made an excellent soldier. He was wounded while fighting in Arkansas and was being taken to the hospital when the cars ran over a rock and he was thrown out and down a hill. He partly recovered from his injuries.

A year or so later came Louis Patterson and Solomon Ash ; but not until 1869 and 1870 did the settlers begin to come in great numbers. C. A. Long, A. B. Woodford, Silas Call, H. G. Weech, Joe Noble, I. E. Noble, S. E. Fields, A. Blake and T. J. Williams were am.ong the earlier settlers that came into the township during the five years following the war.

The lives of the pioneers were such as those of pioneers in other locali- ties, except that they were free from the dangers of Indian warfare and savage animals, such as earlier pioneers of other states experienced. They had good crops and prospered as well as could be expected without mar- kets or means of reaching them. Mr. LeBarron related that the early set- tlers had to go to Sidney or Linden, Missouri, to trade. They took their grain to the mill at Mill Creek, south of Riverton, for flour or meal. They hauled their grain for sale to Sidney and traded or took it to Hamburg and sold it for cash. They sold but little this way, however, as the new- comers and travelers bought most of it for home consumption. When they first began to vote they had to go to the old stone quarry in Tarkio to cast their ballots. Men were ashamed to own that they lived in the west side of Page county, as the east side people thought the land on the west side wasn't worth anyting. The first school near Shenandoah was taught by Miss Salena San ford, in Charles LeBarron's house. Mr. Porter's house also did duty as a school house in the earlier days. The first school taught in the present limits of Shenandoah was at Edmund Whiting's house, and was taught by J. R. Bradham in the winter of 1869-70. Mr, Whiting was appointed director of district No. 2, by H. G. Weech and Jeff Wil- liams, directors of Districts No. i and 3.

In the early days of Grant township the vote cast was almost solidly re- publican, the first four democratic voters being A. B. Woodford, W. C. Matthews, Silas Call and his father.

As late as 1870 the country was nearly all wild. J. E. Noble, who settled southeast of the city in 1870, in driving from his home to Locust Grove, only passed two houses, and not a furrow had been turned between his home and Shenandoah. He did not see a person but his family some-

376 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

times for an entire week. Deer still roamed over the prairies. He got his mail at Miller's Station in Tarkio and went to Clarinda to trade. He was on hand when the first lumber came in on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and took it out to his uncle's, William Noble, on the Sam McCuUough farm. He also hauled the first brick that ever came to Shen- andoah hauling them from Hamburg here for Dr. Webster to pay the latter for medical services.

SHENANDOAH.

THE VALE OF THE NISHNA.

It is said that many years ago while yet southwestern Iowa was un- broken prairie and deer grazed and gamboled unmolested over its hills and vales, Bayard Taylor, the noted traveler, visited this region. Standing upon the brow of a hill, four miles southwest of the site of the present city of Shenandoah and overlooking the valley of the Nishnabotna river, he exclaimed that the scene was the most beautifid he had beheld in all his travels. We, who have but recently chosen our homes in this favored region, can only imagine how the beautiful valley then appeared, extending before his gaze thirty miles tO' the northeast and southwest, from two to four miles wide, carpeted with the most luxuriant of nature's grasses, and gently sloping to the water's edgQ of the winding stream from which the valley took its name. It was beautiful then, but could the great traveler visit the site as:ain he would find the scene changed, but even more . beautiful than before.

There is the same winding stream, the same valley extending to the northeast and southwest as far as the eye can reach, but instead of the un- broken expanse of waving grass, the scene that is now unfolded to the enraptured gaze is one of diversified colors and objects. Thousands of acres are covered with the dark-green foliage of Indian corn, the great staple product of this region, while between the fields of corn can be noticed the lighter green of the meadows and pastures of timothy, and the famous bluegrass that flourishes here as nowhere else. Here and there the golden tints of ripening wheat, oats and liarlcy, add variety to the picture. Thousands of fat, sleek cattle graze in the pastures, or lie in the shade of the trees and hedges planted a few years ago by the fortunate farmers, who secured this most fertile of all western lands. Wagon roads, lined with excellent fences or hedges, cross the valley at every mile. The Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad extends from northeast to southwest, almost parallel with the river, and the trains can be observed by the specta- tor for many miles. At Shenandoah, the Omaha & St. Louis Railroad crosses the valley almost at right angles with the river. On the sides and at the top of the hills that gently rise from the valley, can be seen hundreds of comfortable farm houses, surrounded by barns, sheds, orchards and groves, while within the gaze of the traveler are several prosperous towns and the

SIIEUIDAN AVENUE EAST FROM MAPLE STREET, SHENANDOAH

SHERIDAN AVEXIE WEST FRO.M REOSSOM STREET. SHENANDOAH

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 379

beautiful and growing city of Shenandoah. All in all the scene is one of pastoral beauty, such as a poet might well travel thousands of miles to see. In fertility of the soil and beauty of scene the valley of the Nishna has no equal.

fisher's grove or manti.

Nearly all of the settlers in this western country have the mistaken idea that the most valuable land was that which was covered by trees. They also supposed that the scarcity of wood would make the fuel question one of prime importance as the country settled up and the owners of the tim- bered tracts would reap a rich harvest. Furthermore, the rigors of the early winters made the shelter of the timber desirable. For this reason the early settlers almost invariable sought claims within or adjoining the timbered tracts and began "clearing up" farms as their fathers had done in die eastern states, while the fertile prairie lands and the rich valley of the Nishna remained untouched by the plow for many years.

The first settlers in southwest Iowa came by ox-team across the state from Illinois. Others came up the Missouri river in steamboats to Sidney landing and other points along the Missouri river, and from there traveled on foot or by team eastward, stopping along the streams where a grove varied the monotony of the treeless prairie.

In 1S42 the government purchased of the Pottawattamie and Sac and Fox Indians the land in southwestern Iowa. Shortly after this a little settlement was effected in Buchanan township, in the southeast corner of Page county, and one at Austin, a few miles south of Sidney, and one near Hamburg, in Fremont county, where, in 1844, Henry Singleton was born, the first white child born in Fremont county. In 1846 a little camp of Mormons and others was established in the grove between Malvern and Silver City, in Mills county, where they resided and prospered for several years, living at peace with the Indians, many of whom still remained there and had a camp near the white settlement. In 1852 Edmund Fisher, father of Lyman Fisher, came to Fisher's Grove, later called Manti. from Mills county, and bought out a pioneer named Haddon, Fisher becoming the first permanent settler in the vicinity of Shenandoah, on what was the John Myers place. The Grove at that time was a beautiful place, containing much fine walnut timber. Others followed him from Mills county, and in two or three years quite a strong settlement of thirty or forty families was established there, being for several years the principal settlement in all this section of country, even antedating Sidney, which sprang up during the '50s and became a flourishing city. The settlement at Fisher's Grove was com- posed mostly of Mormons, who refused to follow the Brighamites when they learned of their polygamous doctrines and practices.

The great body of the Alormon emigrants bound for Utah in 1846 were slowly pushing their way across Iowa, camping in groups here and there as they found plenty of wood and water. As they left civilization the polygamous purposes of the leaders became more and more apparent, and many of the followers broke off from the old church and scattered through-

380 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

out southern Iowa. Among this class were the Mills county settlement and later the Fisher Grove, many of the members of which still survive, among the most honored and respected citizens of Shenandoah. At the breaking out of the Alcxican war the government, suspecting the Mormons of disloyalty, sent Colonel Kane to their camp on Mosquito creek, near the present site of Council Bluffs, to raise a company of volunteers. In a short time five hundred men enlisted and they prover good soldiers. In this number were Amos Cox and Edmond Whiting, both later residents of Shenandoah. In 1849 ihe Mormon camp in Mills county, to settle the matter finally regarding the poiyg"amy question, sent W. C. Mathews and James Steele to the main camp near Omaha, to ascertain the real condition, if possible, and report. The young men went there and in a few w^eeks had fully satisfied themselves, but were unable to escape. They were obliged to accompany the expedition westward, and away out upon the Weeping Water river, they met the soldiers of the Mexican war, among them Whiting and Cox, returning. They joined them and returned to Mills county. Upon the report of Mathews and Steele the band determined to break loose forever from the old church and to build their homes in Iowa.

In this connection JMr. Cox's army experience will be of interest. While camped near Tucson, Arizona, a herd of wild bulls suddenly charged the camp, emerging instantly and without warning from the tall grass. One of them caught Cox in the thigh and hurled him over, making a bad wound, from which he never entirely recovered. Others were slightly wounded and a mule was killed before the soldiers could seize their guns and shoot the infuriated beasts. Mr. Cox drew a pension because of this .w^ound so strangely received.

Among the early settlers at Fisher's Grove from 1853 to 1856, were Alpheus Cutler, Sr., Thaddeus Cutler, Chauncey Almond, Amos Cox, Ed- mond Whiting, Caleb Baldwin, Nicholas Taylor, E. C. Whiting, Calvin and Edw^ard Fletcher and their father, Luman H. Calkins, Squire Eggleston, W'illiam Steele, Clark Stillman and Frank Pratt. Alpheus Cutler was the presiding officer of the old church, which was not formally reorganized into the Church of Christ of the Latter Day Saints until 1862.

W. C. Matthews came to Fisher's Grove in 1857 and purchased a half- interest in the sawmill with Edmund Fisher. It prospered for a time but Matthews fell and hurt his shoulder, so that he could not use his right arm for several years. They sold the mill and soon after it ran down. Matthews also sold his farm of two hundred and forty acres and went into the hotel business, running a hotel at Manti for ten vears. He also ran the mail line from Clarinda to Sidney for three years.

S. S. Wilcox came to Ad^ills county in 1846, while the Indians were still there, but soon returned to Indiana. He came again to this vicinity in 1859, and moved his family here in July, 186 1, settling on the Beardsley place, southwest of Shenandoah, where they resided until they removed to Shen- andoah a number of years ago.

H. G. Weech and W. D. Ledingham came to Fisher's Grove in the early '60s. Others wdio were here in the early days of Manti, but wdiose dates

HISTORY ol' PAGE COUNTY 381

we cannot give^ were Alniund Sherman, Jackson I'.urdick, William Ander- son, a Air. Murdock and Corydon J''uller.

An early settlement was made on Walnut creek, west of Shenandoah, about 1854. Among the early settlers there were Ephraim High, \V. N. Pease, Enoch Thompson, K. J. Ripley, Dr. Ripley, Ed Miller, i lenry Single- t(jn and I larlow Chambers. Milton \'oung came in 1856, and about the same time or soon after Ezekiel Chambers, William Chambers, William IjIuc, Henry Clem and Pen Hall.

THE BEGINNING OF SHENANDOAH.

Shenandoah was originally called Fair Oaks, though for what reason cannot be iniagined, as no oak trees or any other kind were found on the site of the town. This name did not cling to it long, however, as the town was christened Shenandoah, August 6, 1870, upon the completion of the first house, belonging to I. N. Holcomb. The name was given it because of a striking resemblance of the Nishna valley to the famous Shenandoah valley of \irginia, then fresh in the memories of the soldiers who fought with .Sheridan in that historic locality.

Xo sooner was the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad completed in the summer of 1870 than citizens of Manti began to move here and es- tablisli a town. The ties and rails were laid from both ends of the road and they met near Jefif Williams' place just south of the city. The first train passed over the road August i. 1870.

Dan O'Day had put up a shanty near the site of iiurkhard's ice house and boarded the railroad hands for weeks before any other structure was erected and Mrs. ( )'Day may therefore be regarded as the oldest continuous resident of the town proper.

The recorded ])lat of the town of Shenandoah dates from September 15. 1860, but a sale of lots had previously occurred during August. The town company that owned the land through the trustee, oiTered the lots for sale at fifty dollars each for every alternate lot, reserving the interven- ing lots at one hundred dollars each. It was really intended to make Thomas avenue, the street south of Sheridan avenue, the principal busi- ness street, and it was laid out one hundred feet wide, wdiile Sheridan avenue is only eighty feet wide, but the first buyers seemed to prefer the north street.

Bryson Brothers opened a lumberyard on the site now occupied by the Green Bay Lumber Company, almost immediately after the trains came through, and were followed quickly by J. J. Raster & Company with another lumberyard. S. P. Carpenter moved a little building over from Manti and used it as a boarding house on the site of the Delmonico Hotel. It became a part of Mrs. Happy Morris' residence on Clarinda avenue. The garret of this house was then the only lodging place in town and it is said that C. S. Keenan and W. P. Ferguson met for the first time in that garret in October. 1870; but w^hich one got the bed and which one slept on the floor the historian telleth not.

382 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

\V. P. Ferguson is the oldest continuous male resident of the town. He is also the oldest continuous lawyer in the county and has never missed a term of court or been absent from Shenandoah ten days at a time since its organization. He traveled over the ground between Hamburg and Red Oak, helpinj to secure the railroad right of way. Then, as soon as the town was located, he secured a permit to erect a little office about ten by twelve feet, where William Reeves' store now is. There he hung out his sign as a lawyer and real-estate dealer and he has stuck to Shenan- doah ever since and has been prominently identified with the entire growth and public interests of the city. He was married two years after the town started, the ceremony being performed in the Masonic hall, now the upstairs part of Needham & jNIell's store building.

The pioneer store was built by J. H. Shugart and used as a hard- ware store. It was blown down by a small cyclone, the only one Shenan- doah ever had, just before it was completed, but was rebuilt at once and has been used upon the same location ever since, the last purchaser, F. G. Dungee, having recently purchased it from I. W. Wolsey.

O. S. Rider & Company moved over from ]\Ianti with the frame work of a new building all prepared, and erected it on the corner of Sheridan avenue and Maple street, and there opened a general stock of merchandise. He also moved another building over from JNIanti and connected the two buildings by a shed, running an implement store in connection.

\V. E. Webster & Company built a drug store opposite Rider's. Web- ster and family lived over the store. He afterward became president of a bank here and at Clarinda and died while serving a second term in the legislature.

John McComb moved over from Manti and built a little harness shop. The old building was moved to East Sheridan avenue in 1891 and was enlarged and improved.

Mettleman & Crose (R. B. Crose) erected the building later used by S. Toay for a butter and egg depot, upon the comer where Grose's large brick block now is, and opened up a large general stock of goods in Novem- ber of that year.

S. P. Carpenter also built what was proudly termed "the finest hotel in Page county." It stood upon the site of the Delmonico but was after- wards moved and part of it became the ill fated kitchen of the Lafayette House, burning in the winter of 1891-92.

Thus it will be seen that quite a flourishing town was established here almost immediately and in spite of the efforts of the railroad company to make Riverton the principal town along the line of the road. The best evidence of the rapid growth of Shenandoah will be shown by a reproduc- tion of the first printed matter got out for the town, a descriptive circular issued during the spring of 187 1, when the town was about six months old. One side contained an advertisement of farm lands at eight tO' ten dollars per acre and three hundred lots in Shenandoah. The other side is as follows:

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 383

"The child is born. Its name is Shenandoah. The story of this indi- genous offspring of the prairie forms an era in the future history and romance of one of the loveliest villages of the west. When, on the first day of August. 1870, the first whistle of the first through train of cars from Burlington to Nebraska City announced the event of modern civiliza- tion, it sounded at once the requiem to the repose of six thousand years of nature's wild, ungarnered waste and the reveille to the westward march of civilization and conquest. Responding at once to the call came hither a class of citizens representing the dift'erent callings and professions of men, whose industry and enterprise soon enabled them to be successful pioneers of a new colony and founders of a future city.

"Shenandoah was christened on the 6th day of August, 1870, when the first house was finished, since which time it has made rapid and steady progress, till it now contains a resident population of about two hundred inhabitants and some of the largest business houses in southwestern Iowa.

"The town is situated in the western part of Page county, at a point about equi-distant from Clarinda, Sidney, Red Oak and Hamburg, being about twentv miles from each.

"The town has a gentle western slope and occupies a site commanding a fine view of the Nishna valley, which, at this place, is one of rare beauty, as it is seen for miles, bisected by the railroad and winding river, skirted with trees.

"The country adjoining, of which Shenandoah is the commercial center, including the valleys of the Nishna, Tarkio and Walnut creeks, embraces a tract of country that for fertility of soil and agricultural purposes is un- excelled in Iowa.

"This land is fast passing from the hands of speculators, for whom it is worthless, to the more substantial class of farmers, who, tired of their unrequited toil among the swamps and hills of the east, are prepared to trj' their fortunes on the fertile valleys and undeveloped prairies of the west.

"Shenandoah is represented in the different branches of business by a class of enterprising men, who would be a credit to any place and deserve a passing notice here, as forming one of its most attractive features. One of the most important branches of business in which Shenandoah has the exclusive control of Page county, is the lumber trade. This is conducted by the two firms of Brison & Brother and J. J. Raster & Company. These yards were established in the early part of August, 1870, both of which are well stocked and doing an extensive business. The hardware establishment of J. H. Shugart & Company was opened on the loth day of October, 1870, and is the pioneer store of the place. They have a fine two-story ware- house, which is filled with agricultural implements.

"Next we would notice the drug store of W. E. Webster & Company, established on the i6th of October, following. This establishment is well stocked, well conducted and doing a lively business. Associated in this firm are B. AI. Webster, who represents the medical profession, with credit to the place and profit to himself. Of the firm of Rider & Company we

384 HISTORY UF PAGE COL'XTY

need scarcely speak. Suiiice it to say that, including- their st'"'-e and agri- cultural depot, they have altogether the largest stock and most com- plete assortment of dry goods and farming implements ofifered for sale in Page county. This firm is backed with plenty of capital and accommodating salesmen and is in every way worthy of its extensive patronage.

"In the harness and hide business we have J. H. McComb, established October 24. This establishment is wholly conducted by Benjamin F. Lake, one of nature's noblemen, who has earned for his business a well deserved and extensive trade.

"Alettleman & Grose occupied their fine new store on the 28th of No- vember, which is a perfect model in its way, and conducted by men who will wear, and for fair dealing and sterling merit, cannot be excelled.

"The furniture is represented by Alessrs. Cass & Johnson, who are also doing a thriving business. Several years ago they sold their old store in order to build larger.

"S. P. Garpenter built the Shenandoah House.

"The profession of law is honorably represented by W. P. Ferguson, whose successful practice has won public confidence and an extensive pat- ronage. Gonnected with this is his extensive real estate agency of thousands of acres of the best lands in Page and Fremont counties, also the local agency for the sale of Shenandoah town lots. He is kept constantly engaged in exhibiting these lands to all who are wishing to buy. There are also here doing a good business, a wagon shop by Gollins & Son, a blacksmith shop by Monzingo & Gillespie, and shoe shop by J. D. Sprig-g.

"While the citizens are rather of a business and enterprising character, still educational and religious institutions are not forgotten. The Masonic fraternity have a prosperous lodge, with a good hall.

"The past success of Shenandoah has been more than its most ardent friends dared to expect, while the future grows bright with promise. To all who are seeking homes for themselves and families, where they can find the best soil in the west and enjoy the blessing of modern civilization, we invite you to stop at Shenandoah and satisfy yourself."

In this connection an extract from a letter to the Shenandoah Reporter, dated January 3, 1876, will give an idea of the changes made in five years. The clipping was furnished by J\lrs. O'Day. It says : "As I take up your well-filled sheet, with its neat, clean type, with its columns of business cards and emblazoned ailvertisements of thrifty business men, displayed upon paper like some of those glorious farms by which you are surrounded, I could hardly realize that all this had transpired in five years. When Air. O'Day was boarding railroad hands who laid the track and made the way, and interfered with Deacon Ayers' mowing ground, he was the true prophet to remain and see who else would come to that beautiful spot and settle. When Wat. Webster sold that team of his and put the proceeds into a build- ing in the new settlement of Fair Oaks, he knew he would get his money back before long. And Rider, sick as he was, beguiled his treacherous con- sumption by erecting the finest building in the town. If I mistake not six buildinsfs were started before anvbodv ventured to live in Fair Oaks but

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 385

Dan 0'J)ay. Then the trains day by day deposited materials for a town, and jolly station agent Miller settled all bills due the company in his mova- ble ofifice. No chimneys, only two stove pipes, for a time. The Red Oak temperance man came down and set up the first hardware store. The law- yer came as an index of advanced civilization and erected his seven by nine office and covered it all over with insurance signs. Dan O'Day's well caved in and somebody built a regular well with appropriate curbing. Manti was put upon wheels and carted off over the prairies three miles to swell its habitations. The merchant and his clerk, the shoemaker, the doctor, the justice, in fact everybody left Manti, excepting Mr. Rich, and contributed his quota to the business and population of the new town. Now what a magnificent town you have, with its churches, banks, schoolhouse, stores and offices, money order and postoffice. and last, though very far from being least in importance, your creditable sheet, the Shenandoah Reporter." From the very organization of the town until the present, Shenandoah has made steady progress in population and wealth except for a short period in 1885, when trade was paralyzed and population turned away by the scourge of smallpox. The details of the development will appear in the historical sketches of the various institutions and business firms to appear farther on.

CITY GOVERNMENT.

The town of Shenandoah had not reached one year or age before an application was made for incorporation, and under the incorporation the first municipal election was held August 22, 1871. The entire number of votes cast was sixty-one. J. H. Shugart, now a resident of Omaha. Ne- braska, was elected mayor. The other officers were : Recorder, W. E. Webster ; treasurer, B. M. Webster ; marshal, T. J. Warren ; councilmen, Benjamin Lake, A. J. West, R. B. Crose, J. S. Johnson and S. P. Carpenter.

The mayors elected for each succeeding year are as follows: 1872, J. H. Shugart; 1873, G. W. Gunnison; 1874, A. S. Lake; 1875, E. L. Arthur; 1876, W. C. Martin; 1877, J. C. Cheshire; 1878. J. H. Shugart; 1879. W. C. Matthews; 1880, S. S. Wilcox; 1881, Robert Inghram. During the year he resigned and W. P. Ferguson was elected to fill the vacancy. 1882, H. S. Holcomb; 1883. J. W. Ladd ; 1884-1890, J. B. Carter; 1891-93. H. S. Nichols. May 3d Nichols resigned and the vacancy was filled by the election of C. M. Conway for the unexpired term. From this time on until the spring of 1903 Mr. Conway held the office and was then succeeded by George F. Cotrill. Mr. Cotrill held the off.ce for two years, when C. M. Conway was again elected and remained the incumbent until the spring of 1909, when he failed of reelection and was succeeded by O. H. Frink.

THE clerk's records.

In the early days of Shenandoah the tow^n council had little business to transact aside from ordering down sidewalks. The records of the

386 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

early meetings of the august "city fathers" are highly amusing and we trust that the members who still reside here will pardon us for a few ex- tracts and explanations. As the years passed by and the town increased in population, moral, legal, economic questions began to assume a greater importance and the records became more voluminous and of more his- torical value. During one dark period in 1885 the council was confronted with questions of almost vital importance, but they rose to the occasion, and carried the little city through the terrible smallpox scourge with honor. As a rule the city has been well and economically governed and it has suf- fered less from bad government and wasteful expenditures than fall to the lot of most young and ambitious cities. Mistakes have occurred, it is true, but they have mostly been upon the side of conservatism and economy, mistakes that can be rectified more easily than the mistakes of radicalism. J. B. Carter's seven years of continuous service as mayor and John Ment- zer's long service as recorder and clerk are the most noteworthy features regarding the officials. The actual work of the council will best appear in the following synopsis of the work each year as shown by the records, with a few ludicrous events thrown in.

The first meeting was held in the office of J. H. Shugart, September 15, 1 871, all being present except Johnson. The first business was the adoption of the rules of order of the town council of Clarinda. They then proceeded to adopt a series of eight ordinances, including one on hogs, one en dogs and one on stove pipes. Numerous meetings were held during that fall but the clerk generally recorded "There being no quorum pres- ent the cijuncil adjourned." xA.t a meeting December nth the council ordered that twenty-five dollars be remitted to J. Connor, "to keep pigeon-hole table, under billiard license, for the ensuing year." At the same meeting W. P. Ferguson was appointed city attorney and a sidewalk was ordered along the south side of Sheridan avenue, from Crose's store to the depot. The next meeting with quorum was February 7, 1872. The only business done was to read a bill from Nicholson & Gaff for printing, but as it wasn't sworn to, they refused to pay it and adjourned, and thus began the Struggles of the poor printers in Shenandoah. At the next meeting they fared better, the bill was paid and the council adjourned. The clerk failed to state the amount of the bill. From that time on the council business was mainly concerning sidewalks until December 4th, when a saloon license was fixed at five hundred dollars. February 5, 1873, the town paid J. P. Cleaver for breaking a plow. The next item of interest in the records appears June 9. 1873, when J. Swain, then a member of the council, moved that a boy be hired at twenty dollars per month to keep five-stock beyond the limits of the corporation. A barrel of salt was also purchased and a salt lick established for the stock thus excluded. The next meeting is recorded by the mayor, none present but J. Swain and Mayor G. W. Gun- nison. The next record reads as follows :

"June 23, 1873. Council met. Roll call. All absent but mayor. Adjourned to June 30th. G. W. Gunnison, mayor."

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 387

June 30, 1<S73. The period of saloon and billiard licenses was fixed at not less than one year.

August 6, J. Mc (supposed to be McCabe) was allowed five dollars for legal services. Mentzer Brothers also allowed three dollars and sixty- five cents for the salt lick. The following was also unanimously passed:

"Whereas for some time past a wild, untamed and vicious Texas, In- dian or Southern steer has been roaming our streets, attacking men, women and children whenever met and wherever, the marshal, Major Morris, has assumed the responsibility at request of several citizens and of mem- bers of the council, of empounding said steer, resolved that the council of Shenandoah do officially endorse the action of the marshal in this mat- ter and instruct him to sell this steer for the highest possible price, pay expenses, and place balance of money in hands of treasurer subject to order of the unknown owner of said steer. Resolved the council of Shen- andoah stand between the marshal and all damages that may occur to him for his action in this miatter,"

August 19. Hay limits for stacking were established and dog tax re- pealed. James J\IcCabe appointed city attorney.

October i. Billiard table and bowling alley license raised from fifty to five hundred dollars.

January 28, 1874. Wells twenty-five feet deep and ten feet across ordered dug at intersections of Wheat and Corn streets with Sheridan avenue. Reduced to six feet in diameter at next meeting.

February 18. "Moved by G. W. Covertson that A. B. West be allowed twenty-five dollars for services as recorder. Carried amid thunders of applause."

February 20. The following resolution was unanimously adopted : "Whereas a certain article appeared in the Shenandoah Reporter of February 20, concerning this body in appointing town officers ; said article claiming that this body selects dead beats and rioters to fill places of trust and insulting and shamefully abusing this body and other officers, there- fore be it resolved that we as a body disapprove the sentiment of the article referred to and further, we as a body believe all good citizens heartily unite with us in denouncing this article of the Reporter and earn- estly advise the editor to 'go west, young man, go west.' "

April 6, 187.4. Two assistant marshals were elected, M. A. Palmer be- ing marshal and J. C. Brown and A. C. Russell assistants.

May 5. Dog tax restored and everybody ordered to provide his dog with a collar upon which the initials of the owner were inscribed. Cala- boose ordered built, eight by sixteen feet and eight feet high, and A. J. Welty appointed to superintend the same.

July 17. Nine special Fourth of July policemen paid.

October 12. Saloon license raised to one thousand dollars per annum

March 2, 1875. New officers recorded. Average majority for high license ticket sixty-nine.

April 23. Shooting gallery license adopted. Boys excluded.

388 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

June 3. Councilmen Hutton, Pace and Crose appointed a committee on "cost of hook and ladder, force pump and other fire apparatus."

June 9. Petition of boys for a territory "convenient to the center of trade in which to explode firecrackers" was rejected.

January 28, 1876. Special meeting to "take steps" to secure fire ap- paratus.

March 13. A long list of bills cut down.

March 14. Moved to invite a reporter of the Shenandoah Reporter to attend the meetings of the council and report the same. It is presumed that he did so, not having complied with the previous request to "go west young man."

April 5. Mayor instructed to call a mass meeting and organize a hook and ladder company.

January 5, 1877. Stove ordered in the calaboose. Fire company limited to twenty-five members.

July II. Recorder ordered to correspond with a view to purchasing four Jiabcock fire extinguishers.

September i. City purchased one-half interest in a Wauchope grader, for three hundred and fifty dollars, Grant township taking the other half.

December 5. Cattle and horses prohibited from running at large in the city.

January 7, 1878. C. S. Keenan employed to prosecute John Hanlon for "selling intoxicating liquors contrary to law."

February 6. Petition to let stock run at large, tabled.

March 25. Application of James Countryman for a saloon license granted by full vote of the council.

April 3. Billiard table license granted to James Countryman.

May I. Saloon and billiard license transferred to Countryman & Wise.

October 2. Petition against the granting of saloon licenses laid on the table.

October 12. Argus, Shugart and Gaff appointed a committee to con- sult Judge Hewitt regarding the abrogation of the saloon license. Hewitt stated that the license was good for one year.

December 4. Twenty-five dollars appropriated to fix up Hook and Ladder building for meetings of council and fire company.

January 15, 1879. Saloon and billiard license transferred to James Countryman.

March 10. Regular meeting night changed to first Tuesday in each month. Compensation of members fixed at fifty cents each night with fine of fifty cents for absence, no member to speak twice on same subject without permission of mayor.

April I. Dog tax fixed at one dollar for small dogs and two dollars for large ones.

April I. Application of James Countryman to renew saloon license laid on the table. Saloon license fixed at ten thousand dollars per annum.

May 6. W. C. Matthews granted exclusive right to sprinkle the streets for five years "on condition that he give perfect satisfaction to the citizens."

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 389

May i6. Contract made to erect a city building for two hundred and fifty dollars.

l^>l)ruary 3, 1880. City Hall insured for two hundred and thirty dollars.

r^ebruary 6. Fire limits adopted, including both sides of Sheridan avenue from the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad to the junction of Clarinda avenue.

April 6. A city pound ordered built.

February i, 1881. Dog tax repealed.

May 3. License on R. B. Crose's hall fixed at twenty-five dollars per year.

May 5. Appropriation of one hundred and fifty dollars made for "dis- tressed citizens of Hamburg." Park purchased of D. S. Priest.

December 9. Proposition of Farragut citizens for a "right of way" ror the Shenandoah & Lincoln Railroad discussed at great length.

February 7, 1882. Park in Priest's addition leased for "gardening purposes."

February 9. Revised ordinances ordered.

April 30. First smallpox scare. Schools and churches closed for two weeks.

June 13. Hitching chain ordered removed from Sheridan avenue.

August 15. Lot purchased for city hall and the hall moved to same.

December 8. Petition of W. P. Ferguson and others received signed by

one hundred and thirty-eight resident free holders presented asking for

an appropriation of two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars for the

■purchase of land for the location of the Humeston & Shenandoah machine

shops and donation of the same. Election ordered for December 19.

December 22. Ballots of special election canvassed, one hundred and fift}'-six for the donation and three against.

January 2, 1883. Street around the cemetery to be made a public highway.

]""ehruarv 14. A. Bowman appointed a committee to dispose of the town hall "as he thought best."

April 6. Shed ordered built to store fire apparatus. Citizens requested to observe April 19 as arbor day and set out trees.

Ai)ril 13. (Committee appointed to consult an attorney regarding bond- ing the town for a town building and fire engine.

A])ril 17. lladhani i)roperty (where city hall is now located) purchased for twelve lumdred dollars.

May 1. Committee a])i)oinie(l lo negotiate the sale of ten thousand or fifteen thousand dollar bonds to run ten years at >^ix i)er cent interest but payable at discretion after five years. Also to ascertain cost of a building twenty-five bv one hundred feet, two stories high, lower fourteen feet and upper twelve feet.

Mav 15. Committee appointed to visit places where fire engines were used, also to get ])Ians and specifications for city hall.

Mav 26. Fire engiric purchased of St. Joseph for fifteen hundred dol- lars ; also five hundred feet of two and a half inch \Miite Anchor hose.

390 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

July 23. Telephone Exchange franchise granted.

July 28. Architect Maxon of Council Bluffs employed to draw plans for city building.

August 7. Old town hall sold to A. M. Wilson,

August 20. Contract for city building awarded to H. S. Stephenson for seven thousand one hundred and twenty-six dollars. Crose and Morse appointed to go to Atlantic and consult Mr. Whitney regarding a proposed new railroad.

August 22. Proposition of H. S. Stephenson to put foundation of city building seven feet deep for additional two hundred and seventy dollars accepted, and to use natural instead of manufactured stone for forty dollars and seventy cents additional accepted.

September 4. Bonds sold for thirteen thousand seven hundred dollars. A lot of accounts against the city sold to merchants. A long standing controversy with Grant township trustees regarding a road grader settled.

September 24. Hose cart and eight hundred feet of hose purchased.

November 6. Shutters in rear of city building ordered "put on in a workmanlike manner."

December 15. Fire engine tried and approved. W. M. Smith elected engineer at fifty dollars per month.

December 21. Well fifteen feet in diameter and twenty feet deep or- dered at junction of Sheridan avenue and Blossom street.

January 2, 1884. Triangle ordered for fire alarm in city building. G. V. Mount elected fire marshal.

February 12. Settled with Mrs. Oppenheimer for two hundred and sixty dollars for injuries received by a fall upon the icy sidewalk.

February 22. Fire hats provided for the company.

June 3. Lanterns, rubber coats and spray nozzle purchased for fire company.

January 6, 1885. Office of marshal abolished.

February 4. I. B. McGogy employed as night watch and engineer.

May 21. Quarantine ordered of houses where smallpox prevailed. Public schools ordered closed, also to dispense with church services and public meetings.

May 28. Guards appointed for houses where smallpox is found, nurses employed for those needing, and a man to carry supplies to quarantined houses. Salary of health officer fixed at thirty dollars per day during smallpox.

May 30. A hospital building ordered erected.

June 3. Presbyterian church was purchased for a hospital for five hundred dollars.

June 4. Quarantined against Clarinda and Farragut.

June II. J. C. Wilson employed as quarantine officer.

June 17. Bed clothing, clothing and goods that had been in contact with smallpox patients ordered destroyed.

June 19. Three thousand dollars paid to pay smallpox claims.

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June 29. Health officer reported thirteen patients still under guard at the hospital, all out of danger but two. Quarantine ordered raised upon the discretion of the health officer.

February 5, 1886. Shenandoah reorganized from an incorporated town to a city of the 2d class and boundaries of the wards fixed.

April 5. J. W. Schwartz elected marshal to receive as compensation "fees only." Proposition of F. S. Burkhard to put in a system of waterw^orks rejected as inexpedient in the state of the city's finances. Each member of the council, the mayor and clerk appropriated five dollars from his salary to plant trees on Arbor Day. First Monday in April fixed as permanent Arbor Day.

May 18. Petition and remonstrance received regarding the removal of stallions from Lowell avenue. This was the beginning of the stallion controversy continuing ever since.

July 6. A wheel grader purchased for eighty-five dollars. November 3. New springs and rubbers purchased for fire engine. January 4, 1887. Mayor was instructed to loan fifteen hundred dollars of the city funds.

January 13. Improvements ordered for the jail, including chain and shackle.

February i. Five hundred dollars more loaned.

May 7. Judgment of Mrs. Fleming against the city settled for ten hundred and seventy dollars.

August 2. City Hall leased to Free Methodists at two dollars per week. October 11. Office of engineer and night watch dispensed with and fire engine ordered set aside. Agreement to pay twenty dollars per month for night watch, balance to be paid by citizens.

January 3, 1888. A fire bell ordered, weighing one thousand pounds. July 3. Four thousand dollars of city bonds paid.

August 7, Petition received from citizens asking for some system of fire protection.

August 14. Resolution of thanks to Captain Mount and the military company for services the night of the Gallup tragedies, also to D. S. Camp- bell and T. II. Winfrey who were wounded. Also resolutions of condolence to families of B. O. Rice and F. J. Pine, killed.

August 28. Tax levy made seven mills, same as year before. The rate was twelve mills for several years.

June 4, 1889. Circus license fixed at seventy-five dollars. Changed to fifty dollars July 2. Five hundred dollar bond paid July i. Five hundred dollar bond also paid January i, 1890.

December 17, 1889. Names of several streets changed and one hundred signs ordered for the streets.

April 9, 1S90. Ordinance passed prohibiting the keeping of stallions in the corporate limits.

]\Iay 26. Five hundred dollar bond ordered paid. Two wells ordered on Sheridan avenue.

892 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

October 7. George E. Claflin of St. Louis was present and solicited franchise for ten years for electric lighting. Special meeting called to consider the subject.

November 7. Resolution for special election to vote upon a two mill tax to pay for ten arc lights for ten years carried. Petition of I. N. Whita- ker for street railway franchise presented.

November 22. Election proclamation rescinded.

March 16, 1891. Five hundred dollar bond paid.

April 7. Franchise asked for by Shenandoah Electric Light & Power Company. Vote ordered for April 27. Vote cast stood three hundred and seventy-three for franchise and forty-one against.

May 5. Fire limits extended to include triangular block bounded by Clarinda avenue, Sheridan avenue and Sycamore street.

July 7. City contracted for twenty-seven electric street lights. October 6 three more lights contracted.

December 4. Five hundred dollar bond paid. Use of city building tendered for Western Normal College.

February 2, 1892. R. W. Morse and others presented city a deed to three-eights of an acre of ground at entrance to cemetery.

March 8. Five hundred dollar bond paid.

March 21. P. H. Mentzer and others presented a petition asking that a special election be called to vote upon the question of putting in a system of waterworks.

May 3. O. S. Smith and others presented a petition for the organization of a fire company.

June 7. City papers requested to publish proceedings of cotmcil free of charge. Clerk ordered to correspond and ])rocure information regarding the cost of street paving. A speedy investigation of the subject of water- works ordered by a committee of the whole.

July 5. George Cotrill elected fire marshal and J. W. Schwartz assist- ant. President Wiley of the Omaha Electric Light & Power Companv invited here to advise as to the cost and method of putting in waterworks.

CAUSES OF GROWTH.

The causes of the organization and growth of Shenandoah may be briefly stated here as follows :

1st. Unparalled fertility of the soil of the surrounding country. When in 1869 ^^^ 1870 the prairie lands began to be occupied by farmers and the wonderful productiveness began to be generally known there was a demand for farms and land was speedily taken. These early farmers had need of all kinds of supplies and the first merchants did a large business, thus building up a fiom-ishing trading point within the first three or four years. Shenandoah was about equally distant from Red Oak, Clarinda, Hamburg and Sidney, the principal trading points at that time and was therefore properly located to secure the bulk of the trade that was not convenient to those towns. As above indicated, the railroad company favored Riverton.

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hoping" to build up a large town there and secure the county seat of Fre- mont county, but the location was too near Haml)urg' to secure a large country trade and Shenandoah continued to forge ahead, drawing the trade of the pioneer farmers from a territory nearly ten miles in every direc- tion from the young- town.

2(1. .Shenandoah was fortunate in the character of its first residents. They were honest, energetic and enterprising. The early Mormons, who settled in tliis vicinity, were of the class whose love of morality and virtue prevented them from following the polygamists to I 'tali. They have been from the first among the most law-abiding and conscientious of our citizens. The early settlers from Illinois and other states were intensely loyal and American m all their sentiments, believed in schools, churches and good governmenl;. Except for one short year the town never permitted a saloon to exist here. The business men were energtic and pushed for trade. Thus the town's citizenship had a favorable beginning and from that time to the present Shenandoah has been noted for its morality and progressive spirit, attracting to it the best of citizens.

3(1. The establishment of the Western Normal College here in 1883 made the town an educational center and attracted here many hundred people.

4th. The location of the Humeston & Shenandoah Railroad machine shops here and making this the terminus of the road gave employment to a large number of railroad men who became permanent residents of the town.

5tii. The establishment of great nurseries here, the largest in the west, gives employment to a steadily increasing number of hands and brings to the city more and more trade each year.

The fact that the topograj^hy of the countr}- was such that all railroads ])assing through this part of Iowa must enter the Nishna valley or traverse it at this point made the shrewl early settlers realize that Shenandoah would become a railroad center anfl such lias already been proven, three imi)onant railroads now reaching or iiassing through the city. .Vny future roads that mav be l)uilt to the soutliwest and passing through this vicinity must necessarily come right here to avoid hills and heavy grading on either side. .Shenandoah is at the natural gateway to the southwest.

SHEN.XXnoAH SCHOOLS.

The following article was prejiared by Mrs. S. E. Field, formerly of Shenandoah, now of Highlands, California. Mrs. Field taught the first school in Shenandoah, and in this article she gives a graphic portrayal of its history. Mrs. Mar\- W elt\- Smith, the wife of Dr. Smith, taught school in Shenandoah in 1878. Her school experience in Shenandoah is herein given and follows that of Mrs. Field. These articles were prepared for the first Annual of the Shenandoah high school, which appeared in 1907 and was edited bv the senior class of that vear.

394 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

THE FIRST SCHOOL IN SHENANDOAH.

Airs. S. E. Field.

It is a great pleasure to me to be asked to help with your first Annual and I write you this pen picture of Shenandoah's first school with the same joy in the labor that I felt when I opened that school thirty-six years ago last December.

First, you must imagine a little house of two rooms standing all alone in the prairie grass where C. S. Keenan's residence now stands. A family living in the west room and the east room, the school room, was but twelve by fourteen with but one window, a north one. There was a north and a south door, and a stove stood in the middle of the room. This first home of our schools held eighteen pupils at first, but as the little city grew, the number rapidly increased and by April there were forty. The pupils were requested to bring chairs from home but in those days an extra chair or two, or three or four, was more than many a home could boast and so some brought boxes which were used both as seats and for holding books. One little fellow found a seat on a nail keg belonging to the woman who lived in the other room. The keg was half full of beans, which furnished our material for work along kindergarten lines, for all grades were repre- sented from kindergarten to high school.

The children were newcomers from north, south, east and west and had text books from all known authors. I was fresh from school work in Illinois and unused to such conditions, but I was young and -happy, the bride of a month, and full of energy, strength, missionary zeal and love for children, and liked my task of laying aside books and teaching by the topic and lecture methods.

Every morning I rode on my pony the two miles from home, cross country through the native grass. The boys watched to see me come over what is now "college hill" and vied with each other to get the opportunity to help me alight and to care for my horse. I often think of those lessons taught, probably the first lectures ever given in Shenandoah. Whether any real educational advancement was made by those children that winter I am not the one to judge, but I have always hoped that I planted some seeds in those bright young minds during that busy, happy school year of 1870-71, that made lives broader and better for the world and the Master. From that humble beginning to the present flourishing schools is a far cry, but here are congratulations to the class of 1907 from the godmother of their school system.

LATER HISTORY OF THE SCHOOLS.

Mrs. Alary Welty Smith.

In the fall of 1870, where Sb.enandoah now stands, was a new western town, a group of small plain houses, not one having any but the necessary living rooms for its occupants. This village was in the midst of an unbroken

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTV 395

prairie. It boasted neither schoolhouse nor church. There were no old people here then ; the young, middle aged and children made up the popu- lation. One of the first thoughts was for the provision of a school. The first term, taught by Mrs. Field, is above mentioned. In the spring of 1871 a barn was built on Thomas avenue and used as a schoolhouse, Miss Eunice Baker being the teacher.

In the summer of 1871 Mentzer Brothers erected their store building, finishing the upper story for a public hall. There all public meetings, church services and school were held for more than two years. The homes being small, many social functions were held there and enjoyed with the heartiness and good will prevailing in new^ communities. The seats were long and high, all right for adults but hard on the little ones who sat with dangling feet, their books and slates beside them or in their laps, for there were no desks. Terms were taught there by Mrs. Bascom, J. R. Badham, Miss Julia Burnet and S. E. Field.

The Independent District of Shenandoah was organized in 1872. In March, 1873, the following directors were elected: R. B. Crose, J. Swain, A. J. Welty, J. Stokes and A. B. West. In the organization of the board Mr. Crose was chosen president and Mr. West secretary.

In the summer and fall of 1873 the first school building was erected in Shenandoah, a two-story, two-room brick building with halls and cloak rooms. This building may still be seen at the southwest corner of the west building on Clarinda avenue. The first principal was W. P. Jefifrey ; the first primary teacher, Miss Gray of Sidney. ]\Ir. Jeffrey held this position until the spring of 1876. Meantime the rooms had become so crowded and classes so numerous that the more advanced pupils were often asked to hear recitations of the lower classes in the cloak rooms. Other teachers in the lower department were Misses Stella Reed and Mary Lacy.

In the summer of 1876 an addition was built to the west and north, containing four rooms. Two of these were completed and occupied that year and the remaining ones, the north rooms, were finished and occupied in 1877. June 21, 1878, was the first Commencement Day in the history of the Shenandoah high school. The class motto was "Rather Use than Fame." The class numbered two, Katie Carey and Mary Welty, the latter having been a member of the school since its organization.

The course of study at that time included Latin and German. The corps of teachers were : Principal, C. S. Chase, Misses M. C. Tubbs, Lulu Ritner, F. M. Long, Nellie Ritner and Alice Baker.

The class of 1879 consisted of seven members: Hattie Allphin, Cora Carey, Addie Willia»ms, Etta Allphin. Eunice Smith, Richard Carey and Thomas Beard. At this time Mr. Chase severed his connection with the school and was succeeded by O. J. Colton. who remained one year, gradu- ating a class of two — Addie Argus and Ella LeBarron.

Thus closed one decade of the history of the Shenandoah schools. Since then they have grown rapidly. They have had more and better apparatus and a better library, but I doubt if they have worked with more enthusiasm or enjoyment than did we in the early days.

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Mrs. S. E. Field has written suggestively of the first school in Shen- andoah and ]\Irs. Dr. Smith has given an accurate and detailed description of the first eight years of the public schools. It only remains now to con- tinue the narrative from the departure of Superintendent O. G. Colton, in 1880, to the present time.

C. H. Guerne}' was elected superintendent of the schools in 1880. The school was still held in the white building only. At first the average at- tendance was about two hundred but as the number of pupils increased and more rooms were needed, in J 882-83 the north wing of the red building was erected at a cost of five thousand dollars, thus furnishing sufficient room for several years. Among the most prominent teachers in the grades at that time were Misses Kittie Laws, Lu Ritner and Lu Tucker. No man could have done more for the schools than Superintendent Guerney during the eight years that he remained. In the second year of the superintendency he reorganized the high-school course and enlarged it so that it would be an accredited school and its graduates could thus enter the university with- out examination. In consequence of this there were no graduates from the years 1880 to 1884. In 1888 he left Shenandoah, having been elected superintendent of the schools in Marengo, Iowa. During his superintend- ency the schools certainly reached their highwater mark and no man in all the history of the schools has been held in greater esteem by both pupil and patron. His successor was A. B. Carroll, who remained five years. In 1890 he put out a course of study and revised it in 1892. putting in two years of Latin and a special instructor of penmanship.

There were in 1892 three high school teachers, including the superin- tendent, and ten grade teachers. The entire teaching force had grown to fifteen in 1892. In 1891 the front wing of the red building was added, making the school on Clarinda avenue as it stands today.

F. A. Lacey succeeded Mr. Carroll in 1893. In 1894 the number of teachers had increased to seventeen. Lie remodeled the course of study, extending the course in Latin to four years, putting in a college preparatory and an English course, each of four years. During hi"^ stay the open recess was done away with in the high school and grades and marching substi- tuted. In inclement weather this was carried on indoors. O. E. Smith and Mr. Lacey exchanged places in 1897. Mr. Smith coming here from North Des ]^Ioines. He brought out a new modern grade course of study in 1901. He revised the high-school course first in 1899 and again in 1902, making some changes and enriching the dififerent departments. The class of 1898 was the first to graduate from the four-year Latin course.

During Mr. Smith's stay, he succeeded in having the high-school teach- ers assigned to definite departments of work instead of teaching subjects miscellaneously. The high-school had kept pace with the onward march of the colleges, and students graduating from the revised course of this period were recognized by all state schools The average high-school at- tendance in 1903 had increased from eighty-seven in 1896 to one hundred and forty-seven pupils.

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During his superintcndency Forest Park schoolhouse, a modern four- room building was erected in the second ward, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. When the building was completed and the assignment of its four teachers had been made, Aiiss Irwin, principal, Mr. Smith remarked that he had sent all those immune from matrimony and other attractions. This state- ment has been proven up to this time, for these teachers have continued with ranks unbroken. By 1902 the l)uildings became so crowded that it was again necessary to have more room. Broad Street school was then begun but not entirely finished until the fall of 1904, in 11. E. Wheeler's superin- tcndency. This building, a modern, commodious, four-room structure, is in the first ward. It was built at a cost of ten thousand dollars. Miss Junk is its principal.

Although Air. Smith was elected here for the seventh time, he re- signed, being tendered the superintcndency at Indianola, Iowa, and wishing to place his children in a good college.

In 1903 H. E. Wheeler succeeded Mr. Smith. In 1904 the colleges had so modified their entrance requirements that it became necessary to once more revise the course. Two years of German and other advantages were added so pupils could enter the State University without examination. The completion of Broad Street building allowed more room for the high school. One room was set aside for a laboratory and fully equipped with the necessary apparatus.

Music was adopted in 1905, the first supervisor being Aliss Rilla Shoe- maker. Drawing and physical culture were adopted in 1906. This brings the school with the exception of industrial work and manual training, in rank with the best in the state, considering the size of the town.

Shenandoah has always been most fortunate in the character of the men who have composed the school board and directed its affairs. They have been men of highest business capacity, interested in the welfare of the schools. Lack of space forbids mentioning all these important directors. In addition to those mentioned elsewhere we would add the names of some who served several years, namely : C. F. Grose, Ed Welch, W. G. Wagner, D. S. Lake, .A. S. Lake, John Mentzer, Jacob Bender and A. W. Alurphy. The history of the school would not be complete without mentioning A. T. Irwin, for so many years the efticient secretary of the school board.

The entire number of pupils the high school has graduated is something over three hundred. Over two hundred of these have graduated in the last ten vears. Of this large number there are manv, l)Oth men and women, who have been more than ordinarily successful in various lines. No school has ever had a more earnest, capable, faithful and conscientious corps of teachers than has the Shenandoah schools during their entire history.

Among the most important of the able teachers noted for their years of experience in the school are : Miss Alary Steimson, who remained as su- pervisor of penmanship eleven years and declined reelection in 1905 ; Aliss Marley, a teacher and principal in the high school, after remaining ten years also declined reelection in 1905; Airs. N. C. Bliss; Aliss A. Etta Hall, sixteen vears ; Aliss Kate Irwin, nineteen vears ; and Aliss Lulu Kittle,

398 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

twenty-two years. There are now thirty teachers in the schools, six in the high school, two supervisors, one of music, the other of penmanship and drawing. It has ever been the policy of the school board to retain its good teachers as long as possible and it is this fact which has helped greatly to place and to keep the schools in the front rank.

In 1906 Professor G. A. Brown was elected principal of the high school and has developed that institution to a higher plane. Great credit is due him for the present efihciency of the school.

In the school year of 1906-07, the first Annual was issued by the senior class. It was a very creditable undertaking of the pupils and was replete with matter pertinent to the class and profusely illustrated with portraits of the superintendent, the principal and staff of teachers and also original pen pictures by members of the senior class.

In the winter of 1909 another teacher was added to the high school corps, which increased the staff' of teachers to thirty. The enrollment of pupils in the spring of 1909 was one thousand and forty-six, and so many appli- cations for admission to the high school are now coming in as to make the erection of a new high school building an imperative necessity. This mat- ter is now under consideration by the school board.

January 4, 1909, a public kindergarten was inaugurated and made a part of the public school system of Shenandoah. During that year the little tots were taught in the commodious and cheerful basement of the library building. Fifty-one were enrolled for that year. Miss Cora Bunn, of Water- loo, an expert kindergartner and graduate of the Cedar Falls College, was placed in charge of this department and given an able assistant in the person of Miss Carrie Jennings, of Shenandoah.

The present members of the school board are : Denver L. Wilson, president ; John F. Lake, E. H. Mitchell, Edward Birkhimer, W. N. Jordan ; and A. T. Irwin, secretary.

THE WESTERN NORMAL COLLEGE.

There is always something of peculiar and fascinating interest attached to the chapter of events that mark the beginning and organization of every great institution, even when dimmed with years and shrouded in a cloak of mystery, but exceedingly fortunate is the institution whose early his- tory has been written and records preserved.

Such has been the fortune of the Western Normal College, in the matter of its history and records, and its records not only awaken great pride in the citizens of the city and community but reflect great credit upon southwestern Iowa.

In a letter received by the Mayor of Shenandoah, W. P. Ferguson, February 12, 1882, Prof. I. E. Wilson of Bushnell, Illinois, president of the normal school of that place, made inquiry as to the inducements Shen- andoah and community would likely offer for the founding of a normal school in Shenandoah.

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The mayor promptly replied, inquiring what was expected to secure the location of such a school here, and set forth the superior advantages of Shenandoah with its beautiful and unequaled location and high moral and educational tone of its people, as a city preeminently adapted for the site of an institution of learning.

The correspondence which followed disclosed the fact that the institu- tion at llushnell had been in operation since tlie fall of 1881, and was under the management of Prof. Wilson, Prof. J. A. Lyons, afterward an instructor in the new college established here in Shenandoah, and now pub- lisher of commercial text books, in Chicago, and Mr. E. P. Farr, who was also later an instructor in the Western Normal College and is at present a very successful attorney in Sioux City, Iowa.

The little city of Bushnell could not provide the financial inducements asked for to insure the establishment and building of the school in their midst, and thus President Wilson sought inducements elsewhere. When it became generally known in Shenandoah that the Mayor was in cor- respondence with parties in regard to the establishment of a normal school in Shenandoah, much interest was manifested, and for some weeks thereafter, the mayor's office was of the nature of a public meeting place for discussing the merits and prospects of such an institution of learning.

At a public meeting held in the opera house, the mayor presiding, the correspondence was all read and a public discussion followed. It proved to be the unanimous voice of the meeting that an effort should be made to secure the location of the school. An executive committee consisting of Mayor Ferguson, Z. D. Mathus, G. J. Ross, G. C. Stevens, and C. S, Barr was appointed to enter into negotiations with Prof. Wilson. The committee acted with earnestness and energy, and Mr. Wilson visited Shenandoah in conference with this committee, March 24, 1882. The conference was eminently satisfactory to both parties. The committee w^as fully convinced of the great benefits to be derived from the establishment of such an institution, and on the other hand Mr. Wilson was fully impressed with the superior advantages and inducements which Shenandoah ofifered for this scho<jl.

.V mass nieetini; at the opera house was called for the next clay. March 25th, at which time, after organization of the meeting and Hon. J. H. Castle being chosen chairman, Mr. Wilson explained the character and design of the proposed school, and made the proposition that for a dona- tion of $10,000.00 and suitable grounds, he would remove the school from Bushnell to Shenandoah and erect a college building here ; the building to be of brick, four stories high, the main part to be one hundred feet long, and fifty feet wide, and the extension to be forty feet wide, as shown in the cut in tlic college album, and in accordance with the plans and specifications of an architect at Peoria, Illinois, the estimated cost to be $30,000.00.

This proposition was well received and a College Fund committee was at once appointed to solicit, receive and disburse all subscriptions. Th-e committee consisted of R. L*.. Crose, P. H. Mentzer, D. S. Priest, T. J.

402 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Williams, Z. D. IMathus. This action between President Wilson, and the citizens of Shenandoah aroused great excitement and indignation at Bush- nell, and ever\- misrepresentation was made and effort put forth by Bush- nell to thwart the further progress of the enterprise at Shenandoah. These efforts effected delays only. Finally the whole amount was subscribed by the citizens of Shenandoah and community and guaranteed payable on demand in two installments, one-half June i, 1882, the other half August I, 1882.

Next after the raising of the money was the important matter of select- ing a location for the new school. Public sentiment at once crystallized about two locations ; one in Forest Park, and the other at some point on the hill at or near its present situation. Mr. Wilson, at first favored the park location. Later, however, the residents of east Shenandoah tendered the present location at the expense to them of over $10,000.00, and the offer was accepted. Whatever differences or doubts there might have been at that time, as to the best site, the wisdom of the location is now ad- mitted by all. Plans for the new building went on apace. It was con- structed according to plans and was so far completed on November 14, 1882, as to enable the new school to open on the day advertised.

The opening exercises in the chapel were without program or formality, and in the presence of about forty-seven students and a considerable num- ber of visitors. Some of these students had followed from Bushnell, Ill- inois. The exercises consisted of the singing of a few familiar songs from the Gospel Hymns, and reading a portion of Scripture, and prayer by Presi- dent Wilson. Next Mr. W^ilson followed with a brief statement of the work to be done and the hopes and purposes of the new school. Thus for a time there seemed a realization of Mr. Wilson's high ambition and the successful completion of an exceedingly bold, well-planned, and far sighted undertaking. The school's first faculty was as follows: I. E. Wilson, pres- ident: F. B. Farr, professor of mathematics; L. M. Disney, professor of natural science ; Miss Emma Felron, professor of languages, grammar and history; J. A. Lyons, professor of commercial branches and penmanship; W. F. Strong, music director ; Miss May Black, instructor in music.

The new school had its financial hardships and early in its history be- came financiall}' involved to its utmost limit.

William M. Croan, January 9, 1884, purchased one-half interest and assumed the position of treasurer and secretary, and a little over a month later purchased the remaining half interest of Mr. I. E. Wilson, thus becom- ing sole proprietor of the school. Mr. Wilson and wife, who had been Miss Emma Felton, professor of languages, retired from the school. The institution was then leased to L. M. Disney and V. P. Wonnwood. for a period of one }ear with the privilege of two years. At the close of the first year, the school's finances were so involved that it could not con- tinue without some reorganization. Almost a score of prominent citizens of the city contributed of their means for the financial relief of the in- stitution and it was started out in the fall of 1885 with a larger and stronger faculty but with an enrollment of only sixty-seven students. This seemed

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 403

a gloomy outlook, but the new president and friends of the school had a ?troni4' faith in its ultimate success. Through thorough class-room work, careful individual attention to attending students, and judicious advertising, the school steadily grew until early in the year 1889 it became evident that larger and more commodious ([uarters were demanded.

In March, 1889. '•• ni'i'^^ meeting was held at the opera house and after full discussion and conferences, President Croan proposed that a $10,000.00 addition to the building be erected and that if the citizens would subscribe $5,000.00 he would put with it an equal amount. Within ten days the required amount was subscribed through the efforts of D. S. Priest, T. PT. Read, and John T. Stewart as committee. The new addition was ready for occupancy November 5, 1889, and completed entirely through- out by the following January.

During the years 1889 and 1890 the attendance grew wonderfully, but on the night of December 2. 1891, the college building and almost all of its contents, were destroved bv fire.

The citizens and trustees of the various funds entering into the original building and its additions, effected a settlement with President Croan and at once set about the raising of a much larger fund to add to the insurance money received from the burning of the old building, and to erect a finely appointed modern college building, as near fire proof as possible, which would constitute a suitable and permanent home for the large school.

The ashes of the old building had hardly grown cold before nearly everybody in Shenandoah who was able to give anything, and many who were not able, and the farmers for miles around, and prominent citizens of different portions of southwestern Iowa, all contributed to the funds for the new building. Nearly $50,000.00 was raised. This fund together with the insurance, erected and furnished the present handsome and com- modious strilcture. The Board of Trustees chose as president of the insti- tution, to re-open it in the new building. Air. J. AI. Hussey, at that time associate president of the Fremont Normal School. Fremont, Nebraska, who assumed the duties of his office in September, 1893, rechristening the old school in its new home, and has been constantly re-elected by the Board to preside over the work of the school in its unbroken prosperity since that time.

President Croan organized a land syndicate at Lincoln, Nebraska, and established a new school and appropriated the name Western Normal College. Principal O. H. Longwell organized a similar school in the suburbs of Des Moines. Professor J. A. Saylor, formerly professor of science in the school at Shenandoah, floated another real estate specula- tion in a suburb of Lincoln, Nebraska, and established what was known as the Lincoln Normal L'niversity. Thus, the school at Shenandoah had these three off-shoots striving hard to divide the patronage that had previously belonged to the ^^'estern Normal College at Shenandoah.

.President Hussey and the Board of Trustees were not disheartened, but by indefatigable work, wide advertising, and the setting forth of the unusual advantages of the city of Shenandoah as an ideal place for attending school,

404 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

kept the institution steadily growing and increasing in usefulness, al- though the next few years saw both Lincoln, Nebraska, projects fail, and the remnant of students from both institutions return to Shenandoah.

Since the building of the new building, through all this competition and stress of hard times which followed throughout the country, the Western Normal College has met every financial obligation and early cleared itself entirely from debt, thus allowing every dollar of its income to be used immediately for the students' benefit, and has been famous for its high standard of practical work in all the departments.

In the summer of 1902, after an inspection of the equipments and work of the institution by the State Board of Examiners for Iowa, the college was accredited by the state of Iowa as an "approved training school for teachers for the public school of Iowa."

The institution comprises the following schools and colleges : The Nor- mal School, College of Letters and Science ; the Preparatory School ; the Bus- iness Institute ; the Shorthand College ; the School of Penmanship ; the School of Elocution and Oratory ; the Conservatory of Music ; and the Summer School.

The length of the school year is forty-eight weeks and all the above schools and colleges continue in session for that time. The fall opening is the first Tuesday in September each year. Annual commencement exer- cises the last week in July. The rates for tuition are ven- reasonable, in fact much lovvxr than at most other high-class schools. The students are furnished rooming and boarding accommodations at cost. The scope of patronage each year comes from sixteen to twenty states, and its annual enrollment exceeds eight hundred students. At the present time in its twenty-seventh year, it has more than nine hundred alumni as graduates from its literary and music courses, and more than twice that number as graduates from its commercial and shorthand courses.

A COMPLETE LIST OE THE GENEROUS DONORS WHO CONTRIBUTED THE NEC- ESSARY AMOUNT TO SECLiRE THE WESTERN NORMAL COLLEGE.

J. O. Anderson & Brother. $250 ; Thomas Aikins, $10 ; Charles Allphin.

$10; J. B. Armstrong, $100; Thomas Action, $10; Argus, $100;

Charles Aldrich, ^2^ ; J. O. Archer, $25 ; F. H. Alden, S25 ; E. H. Ayers. $25 : A. &. C. S. Burr & Company. $500: E. K. Bailey, $to; George Bogart, $200: W. A. Bradley. $10: Isaiah Beam, $25; Andrew Bowman. $50; Joseph Beardsley, $50 ; Ira L. Bailey, $25 ; Bennet & Mathuss, $500 ; Burnet & Miller. $100; J. Bender, $100; Brown & West, $100; J. C. Brown, $25; J. Bright, $5; J. C. Brewer. $25. J. C. Brookfelt, $10; D. S. Campbell, $25; Copson & Gaff, $50: W. C. Cass, $50; Crose Brothers, $500; J. L. Cole, $25 ; R. S. Crosby. $10; T. C. Cook, $10: B. W. Carey, $100: George H. Castle, $100; Cotriil. Beard & Hall. $100: M. B. Campbell. $25; A. J. Crane, $25. E. D. Dav, $100: H. P. Duffield & Company, $200: Elliott & Son, $25; N. B. Easton, $25; First National Bank. $500: S. E. Field. $25; W. P. Fergu.son. $100: J. Fishbaugh, $100; Fred Friess, $25; T. Finley,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 405

$10 ; Samuel Gallup, $25; John Gillespie, $50; George W. Gunnison, $50; William Griffin, $25; John X. Griffith, $200; G. H. Gurney, $25; Daniel Griffin, $10; G. H. Harvey, $10; J. E. Hutson, $5; Hoaglund & Company, $10; A. Hodges, $25; Giles Hand, $5; James Harris, $20; Amos Hopsley, $50; C. H. Helme & Company, $50; W. S. Hooker, $25; A. L. Henderson, $100: William Hood, $25; Reub Holloway, $25; H. S. Holcomb, $25; M. J. Hester, $25; Eli Hite, $10; Harrel Brothers, $25; J. W. Humphrey, $10; A. J. Hodge, $100: A. T. Irwin. $10; M. C. Johnson, $100; F. M.

Johnson, $30; James F. Jackson, $10; Allen Johnson, $100; Jennings,

$25 ; D. H. Kelsey, $15 ; J. T. Kemp, $25 ; C. S. Keena, $100; C. D. Lester, $25; Thomas Lytle, $50; J. L). Laughlin, $50; J. A. Latimer. $25; T. C. Lippitt, $25; A. S. Lake, $100; Laws & McCabe. $100; D. S. Lake, $100; James O'Laghlin, $5; R. W. Morse & Company. $200; T. E. B. Mason, $50; John McCulloch. $50; — McComb, $50; W. C. Mathews, $10; W. G. Mackinson. $20; Joseph Markham, $5; J. F. McGogy, $50; Martin & Son, $50; Mentzer Brothers, $250; A. McCormick, $100; C. V. Mount, $25; D. D. Miller, $10; Joseph McKee, $25; M. T. Morse, $10; William

McMahill. $50; Peter Nies, $150; Nordstrom, $25; John Norton,

$200; Needham & Mell, $10; WiMiam North, $25; Mrs. William North, $25; Peter Nies, $25; James Oppenheimer. $15; W. E. Oviatt, $25; D. S. Priest, $500; J. C. Perry, $25 ; G. W. Patterson, $10 ; Louis Patterson, $25 ; James A. Patterson, $10; George Palmer & Company, $250; Pace. Wilcox & Company, $100; William Priestman, $25; K. A. Pence, $25: W' alter Pratt, $10; A. H. Potter, $10; George A. Quimby. $25; Rhodes & Stephen- son, $25; Rockafellow Brothers, $15; George Z. Redfield. $4: G. L. Ross, $100: L. D. Spencer. $10; W. N. Shaffer. $10: W. J. Staples. $10: S. Smith, $10: J. C. Swift, $50: J. G. Schneider. $30; O. S. Schultz, $10: R. G. Simons. $25 ; Thomas Sanderson. $25 ; J. D. Thomas, $25 ; A. S. Thomas, $25; L. R. Thorp. $10; Jonathan Uhl. $25;-Vawter & Hagerty. $100; George T. Vaughan, $50; Woodford & Sons, $150; B. M. Webster. $25; Milton Wise, $10; A. H. Warren. $25; A. J. Welty, $200; J. C. Wilson, $100; E. G. Whiting. $100; D. W^ingert. $100: A. J. West, $100; T. J. Williams. $100 ; D. C. Wills. $25 : William A. Wagner, $5 ; Frank White, $50; J. M. Waugh. $100; H. S. Wolff, $100; S. E. Wilson, $25. The total subscription was $10,539.

SHENANDOAH POST OFFICE.

The Shenandoah Post Office was first presided over by Stephen Spur- lock, who made his headquarters for the distribution of mail in O. S. Rider's store during the winter of 1870-71. Then J. H. Shugart was ap- pointed and held the office for several years in his store. T. J. Warren succeeded IMr. Shugart and erected a building for the office, which was subsequently used as a carpenter shop. A. J. West came next as post- master and he moved the office to a wooden building that then stood on the Opera House corner. While the present Opera House was building, the postotfice shack was moved into the street but subsequently Mr. West took

406 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

up his headquarters in ^^'est & Irwin's store when the Opera House was completed. H. P. Dufifield was successor to I\Ir. West, the latter having held the office eight years. Duffield was followed by J. R. Ratekin, an ap- pointee of the first Cleveland administration. He held the office a little over four years and then turned over his responsibilities to Colonel T. N. Pace. Succeeding Pace was G. C. Pierce, who was the appointee of the office under the second Cleveland administration and served until July i, 1897, when Charles N. Marvin was appointed in his stead and fulfilled the duties of the office until January 5, 1906. On that date the present incum- bent. H. E. Deater, took charge of the office.

At the first session of the sixty-second congress Colonel W. P. Hep- burn, then representative from this district, secured an appropriation of five thousand dollars for a building site for a federal building in Shenan- doah and immediately thereafter began looking around for a suitable loca- tion for a postoffice building-. Several sites were ofifered, among them the triangle formerly occupied by Ben Smith's machine shops and a committee of citizens consisting of George E. Cotrill, George Bogart, David S. Lake and C. J. Bechtol, under the name of the Citizens Committee, offered this triangular piece of ground to the government, agreeing to pay the differ- ence between the appropriation of five thousand dollars and the price asked for it by its owner, which would be a total of nine thousand five hundred dollars. The ground was purchased and the necessary amount of four thousand five hundred and fifty dollars was contributed by the citizens of ■ Shenandoah. The Citizens Committee then asked that condemnation pro- ceedings" be instigated and the site condemned and that nine thousand five hundred dollars be paid for the site, which proceedings were finally con- summated. The Citizens Committee went before the people and secured the following subscription list :

George Bogart, S500 : George F. Cotrill, $500 ; D. S. Lake, $500 ; C. J. Bechtol. $300; Shenandoah National Bank, $200; Swanson ^Manufacturing Company. $100 ; Shenandoah Artificial Ice, Power, Heat & Light Company, $550; Dr. T. L. Putman, $100: R. E. Anderson, $100; E. S. Welch, $100; G. A. Shadle, $125; Edward Birkhimer, $50: J. W. Perkins, $20; J. M. \^an Buskirk, $15; J. J. Dunnegan, $25; J. W. Ratekin, $50; Frank An- shutz, $50 : Boyd & Quist, $25 ; Smock Shoe Company, $20 ; C. C. Polly, $15 : :\IcGlone Brothers, $10: W. E. Ray, $10; C. D. Chapman. S25 ; Clovis & Gage, $25; S. \\'. Nelson, $10; Gauss & Simons. $25; William Priest- man, $50 : Earl Sheets. $20 ; S. Goldberg & Son, $25 ; Jackson Drug Com- pany, S25 ; O. S. Long. $25 ; J. D. Kline. $25 ; St. Mary's Congregation, $200; George Custer. $100: Snider & Gauss. $100; Gibson Brothers. $iod; Spooner & Boner, $25: G. B. Biddle, $10: James J. Doty. $50: J. H. Bishiep. $15; Charles Schick. $10: W. S. Crane, $10; J. Auracher, $50; H. I. Foskett, $50; J. H. Snook, $10: J. J. Cardwell. $15: J. A. Snow, $5; J. W. Alyers, $25; John F. Lake, $10; 6. B. Stevens. $15: Albert Myers, $5: Sam Clark. $25: J. Swain, $10; H. F. Shurtz. $50: E. F. Clovis. $10; L. H. MitcJiell. $10: C. E. Fliesbach. $15: W. I. McCulloch. $15; James A. Swahow. $10; lohn Toft, $10: C. N. Marvin. Sio.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 407

In 1908 Congressman Colonel W. P. Hepburn secured an appropriation of fifty thousand dollars for a federal building. The plans were drawn for this structure by the government's supervising architect and bids for the construction of the building were advertised for. Several bids were offered but none of them being within the appropriation they were all re- jected and at this writing, the architect is at work revising and scaling down the plans for the building to meet the amount of money appropriated.

This postoffice building will have about one hundred feet frontage on Clarinda avenue. It will be divided into dift'erent departments such as the postmaster's office, the money order department, the registry department, the distribution of mail department, and making-up-of-mails department, etc. It will be one story in height, with basement, swing room for the car- riers, rest rooms, etc. The materials used will be brick, terra, cotta and stone. It will have glass partitions and tile floor. The aim is to make this structure entirely fire proof.

The Eighth congressional district is composed of eleven counties and the receipts of the office at Shenandoah for the past several years have been largely in excess of any other city in the district. In the fiscal year of 1909 the business increased over one-third that of the preceding year, and as a con- sequence, the postmaster's salary was raised one hundred dollars. This is saying not a little when one considers that such important towns as Cres- ton. witli its ten thousand population. Red Oak, with a greater population than Shenandoah, and Clarinda, the county seat, are in the district.

The first rural delivery routes in southwestern Iowa were established from the Shenandoah office, March 15, 1900, with G. AI. Castle, carrier, No. I, and N. H. Ingals, as carrier No. 2. ]\Ir. Ingals is probably the oldest carrier in the state. His salary was four hundred dollars a year. The second year the salary was raised to five hundred dollars. Mr Castle resigned and Mr. Ingals was changed to No. i, H. F. Newcomb being made carrier No. 2. Newcomb was followed by C. C. Leonard and he by S. T-. Hall, who still holds routes Nos. 3 and 4. Routes Nos. 3 and 4 were established in August, 1901, with Isaac Greer and F. E. Woodworth as carriers, and No. 5 was started in August, 1905, with W. G. Ruby as car- rier. The .salar\^ continued two years at five hundred dollars and two years at six hundred dollars, and in K)05 was raised to seven hundred and twenty dollars.

Free delivery of mail in the city of Shenandoah was established in December, 1901. J. \\'. Bower and Roselle ]vl. Davis were the first car- riers. After two weeks' trial it was found that t\yo carriers could not do the work and J. Crawford was made carrier No. 3. September i, 1905, the fourth carrier was allowed the office and Roy Owen was appointed to the position.

THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY, SHENANDOAH.

The Carnegie Library building was formally opened August i, 1905. The ceremony of dedication took place at the Opera House in the evening.

408 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Rev. C. I. Shatto delivered the invocation and a quartet, consisting of the Misses Pace and Bothe and Messrs. Hitte and Dahn, opened the proceed- ings. C. N. Marvin, president of the board of trustees, occupied the chair and officially presented the library to the city. Below is given a part of Mr. Marvin's address, from which the reader will be able to gather some features connected with the history of the library:

"The length of program will not permit of an extended history of the library movement in this city. The older residents will remember that several unsuccessful attempts were made in the years past to establish a public library in Shenandoah. On one occasion a proposition of this kind was submitted to a vote of the people and was defeated by a large majority. This defeat was not due to a lack of appreciation of the benefits of a public library, but to the belief that the small sum to be secured by taxa- tion would not properly equip and maintain a creditable institution. The desire for a good librar}- was general among our people, but no feasible plan for securing it was proposed until Mrs. Nichols and a few other hardy spirits suggested that we might secure the help needed from Andrew Carnegie, the philanthropist. A\'ith Thomas H. Read to think of the plan, meant to act upon it immediately. While others wondered and waited he wrote to the great library builder and set forth the needs and advantages of Shenandoah in such glowing terms that Mr. Caniegie was at once interested and wrote to Mr. Read saying, that if the city would raise one thousand dollars per year to maintain the library he would contribute ten thousand dollars for the erection of a suitable building. The generous offer was at once accepted and ratified by a vote of the people. Citizens subscribed money for the purchase of a building site and for books and other equipment, it being the policy of Mr. Carnegie to donate money for buildings only. The mayor appointed a board of trustees. The council levied the tax. The site was purchased on one of the most conspicuous corners in Shenandoah. The building has been constructed along lines similar to most of the Carnegie public libraries in the United States. Nearly two thousand books have been purchased or contributed as well as numerous newspapers and periodicals. A competent librarian has been employed and she has spent the summer in a special school for instruction in library work. The books have been catalogued and all the preparatory work for the opening of the library done under the direction of Miss ?\Iabel Caldwell Willard, a lady experienced in such work and of rare judgment in the relative value of books. At one o'clock tomorrow afternoon the reading rooms will be open to the public and at two o'clock those who wish them may secure books to take to their homes. The regular hours will be from one to six and from seven to nine of each day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and July 4th. The reading rooms will be open every Sunday afternoon from two till half-past five. Books will be free to all citizens of Shenandoah and vicinity, under certain restrictions to prevent loss or mis- use. The same regulations as to responsibility for the books will apply to rich and poor, no discriminations or favoritism being shown to anv person or persons whomsoever.

CARXEGIE LIBRARY. SHENANDOAH

SHENANDOAH ARMORY

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 411

And now a few words as to the building itself. It has cost slightly more- than expected, slightly more than ten thousand dollars. It contains a few minor defects that will be remedied in time but on the whole it has been well and economically constructed. Some criticisms have been made upon the size and appearance ot the building but we doubt whether the critics have fully investigated the cost of such a building or compared it with other library buildings. More attention was given in the construction to the interior arrangements and conveniences than to the exterior ap- pearance. It was built for permanency and it stands in material and workmanship the best building of its cost in Shenandoah. Barring acci- dents from fire or cyclone, it will stand as firm and strong one hundred years hence as today. Each portion of the work was done on contract taken in open competition and at prices that permitted of slight profit if any. For no other structure in Shenandoah was there so much work done free of charge. It has been largely a labor of love on the part of all con- cerned in the construction of the building or its equipment. Contractors and furnishers of supplies have vied with each other to do their part at actual cost or less. The members of the board of trustees have performed their work without one cent of compensation. Thousands of dollars would not recompense the president and secretary for the time freely and cheer- fully given to the library during the past two years. ^loney could not hire Miss Willard to perform the arduous labor she has lovinglv perfomied during the past three months. ^lany of the ladies of Shenandoah have assisted Miss Willard with no thought of pay. The newspapers have devoted hundreds of dollars worth of advertising to the librar\' without one cent of charge. All classes of citizens from the richest to the poorest have contributed books, many of them that could hardly be spared from their own small libraries.

THE SUPERIOR COURT OF SHENANDOAH.

Under the provisions of the law passed by the legislature of the state. a superior court was established at Shenandoah in the fall of 1906. \Y. P. Ferguson was elected judge of this court, and is still the incumbent of that office. The jurisdiction of the superior court is coextensixe with the district court, save and except in capital crimes and probate matters.

ROSE HILL CEMETERY OF SHENANDOAH.

This burial place is pleasantly located in the east part of town on a commanding eminence overlooking the. city and surrounding country. The view of the Nishna valley to the northeast, with Essex in the distance, is one of surpassing beauty. The original owners were R. A. Crippen and J. X. Denison and the ground was platted May 29. 1872. About 1876 the cemetery was taken over bv D. S. Lake and ^^'illiam Xoble, and A. S. Lake acted as secretary for the purchasers. In 1880 D. S. Lake sold his half interest to his brother, A. S. Lake, and the latter came into the pos-

412 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

session of Noble's interest before the end of the same year and is the present owner. From time to time efforts have been made by the city authorities to acquire possession of the cemetery grounds but up to the present time nothing has been accompHshed in that direction.

SHENANDOAH FAIR ASSOCIATION.

On the 29th of December, 1879, the Shenandoah Fair ^Association was duly organized, and incorporated for pecuniary benefit, with a capital stock of thirty-five hundred dollars, in seventy shares at fifty dollars each. Prior to this the District Fair Association had been formed, with Ira L. Bailey, president, and F. W. Chase, secretary. In the course of three years the association was swamped beneath a load of debt and then the Shenandoah Fair Association was organized, with G. J. Ross, William Griffith, L. B. Day, A. J. Chantry^ John X. Griffith, R. B. Grose and G. A. Quimby as directors. They elected Day, president, Crose, secretar}', John X. Griffith, treasurer, and G. A. Quimby, superintendent.

In 1885 the Shenandoah Fair Association No. 2 was organized and capitalized at six thousand dollars in sixty shares of one hundred dollars each, all of which were subscribed and paid for at par. This association had for its offfcers G. W. Perkins, president ; D. P. Wilson, vice president ; H. Dunfee, general manager ; Dall Risely, secretary ; John Ross, treasurer.

On the 4th of August, 1887, for the purpose of securing certain bene- fits to accrue from the State District Fair Associations, the Shenandoah Fair Association No. 2 was again reorganized and became known as the Shenandoah District Fair Association. This ran until 1894, when the affairs of the association again reverted to the Shenandoah Fair Associa- tion No. 2. In October, 1907, the association was again reorganized and incorporated with a capital stock of twelve thousand dollars and at present the association is known as Shenandoah Fair Association No. 3. Its grounds are pleasantly located near the junction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and Wabash Railroads, about a half mile north of the business heart of the city and are beautifully adorned with trees that make excellent shade. The half mile track is kept in first class condition and is one of the best in the state. It has a large amphitheater, floral hall, many box stalls for horses and cattle and sufficient sheds for cattle, sheep and hogs.

On these grounds are also held the yearly Chautauqua of Shenandoah. In 1907 and 1908 the Shenandoah fairs were most gratifyingly successful to the promoters and officers of the association. The officers for 1908 are: Charles Aldrich, president ; Dave Wingert, vice president ; A. W. Goldberg, secretary ; A. W. Murphy, treasurer. Directors : Dave Wingert, George Jay, C. N. Marvin. Isaac White, Charles Aldrich, H. H. Hatcher, R. E. Anderson, O. T. Rankin and A. W. Goldberg.

SHENANDOAH SEED HOUSES.

Shenandoah has some of the largest seed houses in the United States, which bring to the city a vast amount of business. J. B. Armstrong is

HISTORY OF PAGE CULXTY 413

considered the father of the seed business in this section. His specialty is seed corn and wheat. Others came later into the business and today have the whole United States for a territory, in which to distribute their ])roducts. Henry Field is the founder of the Henry Field Seed Company, which last year did a business of approximately two hundred thousand dollars. July i, 1907, the Henry Field Seed Company was organized by S. E. Field, Jesse Field, H. E. Eaton, A. L. P. Thompson, Ben G. Russell, E. S. Welch, D. S. Lake, G. C. Mitchell, \V. D. Jamieson and Charles Simp- son. The officers of the concern are: Henry Field, president and general manager ; and Charles Simpson, vice president. In December, 1907, the present new plant was occupied. The main building is fire proof, con- structed of brick, steel and concrete. It is three stories with basement, and in dimensions sixty by one hundred feet, witli an annex sixty by one hun- dred feet. This concern employs about one hundred people and is capitalized at seventy-five thousand dollars. A good idea is gathered of the existence of the business of this mail order house when it is stated that it paid out for the fiscal year ending April 1st, 1909, twelve thousand, two hundred and eighty-seven dollars in postage.

Another seed company in Shenandoah is the Ratekin Seed Company, which does a large and important business throughout the whole country.

THE SHENANDOAH CHAUTAUQUA.

The Shenandoah Chautauqua Association was organized in November, 1906. It is an incorporation and its aims and purposes are to employ talent to entertain and interest the public in science, religion, philosophy, litera- ture, music and art.

The first members of the association constituted approximately one hundred residents, men and women, who pledged themselves to protect the association from any loss in the management of the assembly, which was to be held for a term of days during the year 1907. The first officers and directors were :

President, Rev. Charles J. English; vice president. Rev. Charles S. Han- ley; secretary. Earl Sheets; directors, H. E. Deater, Elbert A. Read, Den- ver L. Wilson and Rev. J. M. Ross. O. H. Frink was appointed treasurer by this board of directors.

The movement for a Chautauqua had the hearty cooperation and support of the citizens of Shenandoah and the surrounding country from the very beginning and it was recognized as an enterprise that deserved to prosper. Arrangements were made whereby the grounds of the Fair Association should be used for the yearly meetings of the assembly and the grounds were beautified and the buildings remodeled and everything modernized so that Chautauqua patrons should have the best conveniences. These Chau- tauqua grounds are situated within the city limits of Shenandoah and are under the direct care of the city government and subject to its police regu- lations. The plat of ground is a green sward lying under the canopy of im- mense trees which have been set out systematically and oflfer the most

414' HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

delightful shade and protection. City water is on the ground in abundance, also electric lights. It is the city's entertainment ground, easy to approach and pleasant in all its appointments.

The first assembly was held in 1907 from June 27 to July 4, Dr. George R. Stuart having che honor of making the first address. He created such a favorable impression that his recall for the 1908 assembly was a necessity. Among the other notable speakers at this first assembly was Hon. Jacob R. Riis, who made a trip from Xew York city to deliver the Fourth of July address and returned directly afterward, filling no other date in the west.

The men who have served the association as president since its organi- zation up to the present time (April, 1909), are: Rev. Dr. J. W. Ross, Thomas W. Keenan and A. W. Murphy, the last named being president at this writing. Those who have served on the board of directors in addition to the first board are Id. E. Wheeler, Rev. W. J. Turner, W. E. Irwin and A. C. Simons. Fred Schneider has also served as treasurer.

The second annual assembly was held June 25 to July 4, 1908, and was larg-ely attended by local residents but on account of the weather many of the patrons could not be present. Among the strong lecturers at this second assembly were Captain R. P. Hobson and W. E. Hoch, along with a splendid list of high class entertainers.

The program for the 1909 assembly is altogether better than for either of the preceding years and everything promises a successful future for the association. The plan of the stockholders being guarantors is still in force, the citizens being sufficiently interested to respond heartily to the support of the movement.

SHENANDOAH WATER WORKS.

During the fall and winter of 1891-92 a succession of disastrous fires, brought the gravity of helplessness of the city before the people frequently and the demand for water became unanimous.

Shortly after the election of the council for the year 1892, the mem- bers began to agitate the question with a definite object in view. About three months were consumed in securing advice of competent persons, with a view to avoiding mistakes. Some of the most experienced men in the country were interviewed and much valuable information secured. In August, 1892, prospecting began for water, with a desire to secure that which was pure, as well as in sufficient quantities for all emergen- cies. This prospecting continued at intervals all that fall and not until the early winter was a location finally decided upon, on lots 81 and 82 at the west end of Lowell avenue. The greatest difficulty was to find coarse sand, the sand in most places being too fine for the best results in securing water.

In September of the same year a special election was held to decide whether the city should issue bonds to the amount of twenty thousand dollars, for the purpose of putting in waterworks. There was practically no opposition, the vote standing about two hundred and fifty for the

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 415

proposition and twenty-eight against. The bonds were sold to E. H. Rawhns & Son, of Boston, for nineteen thousand, nine hundred and ten dollars cash, the puchasers furnishing- the bonds, making- the sale prac- tically at par. The bonds bore interest at five per cent, or one thousand dollars a year.

Mr. Wiley, president of the Omaha Electric Light Company, was in- vited to come here and look the g-round over, which he did, and upon his recommendation W. H. Howell was selected to survey the citv and lay out the system of water mains. The sui-vey included all of the city likely to need water for many years, though the funds available would not permit the putting in of mains except upon a few streets the first year.

The first test of the waterworks was when the breeding stable of J. L. Haynes and Milt Young took fire on the morning of July 21, 1893.

SHENAXDOAH FIRE DEPARTMENT.

In 1906 the city government of Shenandoah established a paid fire de- partment with C. E. Thomas as chief. There are twentyJ-one members of the fire company, all uniformed. There are two hose companies, a hose wagon, fine team of horses, well trained, over two thousand feet of hose, fire extinguishers and other paraphernalia. C. E. Thomas, chief ; Dave Ripley, assistant; Ray Oviatt, foreman; Frank Sanman, secretary; Ed. Ray, treasurer ; Billy Hughes, Floyd Edward, William Davie, Elza Beach, Charles DePuy, Robert Lindsay, W. E. Fletcher, Dan O'Day, Ed. White, George Cunningham, George Middaugh, Harry Davis, Arthur Tutt, C. L. Selsgrove. E. S. LeBarron and Clarence Mathewson, driver.

The members of this company are all enthusiastic, prompt and efficient. They can fight fire with success, give them half a chance, but the pay is- sm.all for their hard and dangerous work.

SHENANDOAH TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES.

The first railroad built to Shenandoah was constructed by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company and it preceded the town and also it might be said caused the founding of the present city of Shenandoah, bringing the lumber for the first house in August, 1870. The first agent was one ^filler, who had his office in a box car while an office was being built. Since the road has been in active operation, giving the citizens of Shenandoah and the surrounding country ample facilities for ingress and egress. This road extends from Council Blufifs to Pattonsburg, Missouri, and is operated m connection with the Wabash. Through trains run reg- ular from Council Blufifs to St. Louis. Shenandoah is the largest town and does the largest business of any town on the road except Maryville. In 1883 the Humeston & Shenandoah Railroad was built, extending from Shenandoah to Humeston in Wayne county, a distance of one hundred and thirteen miles. The headquarters of the road was located at Clarinda, where the p-eneral officers of the road resided but the shops and round

416 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

house were built here and the trainmen made their headquarters in Shenan- doah. The property of the company at Shenandoah consisted of twenty- five acres of ground, machine shops, round house, blacksmith shop, office, store room and depot. The depot burned down about 1889 and has been replaced by a more modern building. Some years since the car shops were discontinued and the offices have been removed from Clarinda.

EXPRESS COMPANIES.

Three express companies have officers in Shenandoah, the Adams, American and Pacific. The business of these offices is quite heavy, much of the merchandise transported by them being from the seed houses and the great nursuries located here.

THE SHENANDOAH ARTIFICIAL ICE, POWER, HEAT & LIGHT COMPANY.

Articles of incorporation were secured for the Shenandoah Artificial Ice Company, January 3, 1903, by George Bogart, Edward Birkhimer, J. J. Dunnegan, William Priestman, W. A. Hand, August Samuelson and Walter P. Crose. These formed a board of directory and elected for their president George Bogart and W. A. Hand, secretary. This com- pany built an artificial ice plant on Thomas avenue near the Burlington tracks and continued in business until the buildings burned to the ground on the 1 6th of April, 1904.

On the nth of August, 1904, the company was reorganized and took the name and title of The Shenandoah Artificial Ice, Power, Heat & Light Company, with authorized capital of one hundred thousand dollars. Its first president was J. J. Dunnegan ; treasurer, George Bogart ; and sec- retary Walter P. Crose. It received from the city of Shenandoah a twenty- five year franchise for light and heat, March 10, 1904, and on October i, 1904, this concern purchased the property of the Shenandoah Electric Light & Power Company, which was merged into the present company. In December, 1906, the company moved into its new plant on the corner of Thomas avenue and Maple street. This is one of the finest power houses in the whole state of Iowa, is bv.ilt of pressed vitrified brick and stone and is one hundred by forty feet. It is ec|uipped with one four hundred horse power Corliss engine, direct-connected to a two hundred K. W. alternating two-phase, twenty-two hundred volt generator ; two hundred horse power tandem compound Ideal engine, direct-connected to one hundred K. W. gen- erator, same type as the other. There are two, two hundred and fifty horse power water tube boilers. From the steam heating ])lant the mains supply heat for the business portion of the city.

The electric transmission lines extend to all parts of the city, also to Es- sex, six miles on the north and to Farragut, six miles on the south. In Shenandoah there are five hundred patrons, Essex, one hundred and fifty, and Farragut, sixty. The present officers of the company are : John A. Masters, president and general manager ; Edward Birkhimer, vice president ; George Bogart, treasurer ; R. M. Pritchard, secretary.

HISTCJRY OF PAGE COUNTY 417

AN IMPORTANT INDUSTRY.

In 1900 James J. Doty began the manufacture of Economy Stock Powders, under the name of The Economy Hog and Cattle Powder Com- pany. He at first made the business a private one, having a small room. He used a diminutive hand grinder as a mixer. His capital was limited to less than six hundred dollars. The product at this time was placed upon the market by Mr. Doty and one salesman.

The articles manufactured by Mr. Doty gradually grew in favor and the demand increased to such proportions that it was necessary to greatly in- crease the output and place new men in the field.

Early in 1907 the company was incorporated, with a capital stock of forty thousand dollars. From this time on The Economy Hog and Cattle Powder became in great demand. For its headquarters the company is now located in a new factory fitted up with modern machinery run by electricity. The factory has a capacity of fifty thousand pounds per day and employs an army of salesmen, numbering upwards of two hundred.

The officers of this company take pride in the fact that they are now the largest manufacturers of stock powders in the world. The most of their business is done in the corn-producing states of Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Indiana. The products of this concern are strictly medicinal, being a condi- tioner, blood purifier and worm expeller. The company also manufacturers a very high grade of stock dip.

The present officers of The Economy Hog and Cattle Powder Company arc: James J. Doty, president and general manager; J. H. Eischeid, vice president and secretary ; and F. P. Nye, treasurer. These gentlemen have all resided in Shenandoah for the past eighteen years or more.

SHENANDOAH VISITING DAY.

Following the Des Moines plan^, the business men of Shenandoah in the spring of 1909, inaiigurated a visiting day. A call was issued for Thurs- day afternoon, April 8lh, and invitations were extended to the Shenandoah business men to join and the owners and drivers of automobiles were also invited to contribute their time and services for the afternoon. On the af- ternoon designated nineteen automobiles w^ere on hand and one hundred business men. Neat badges bearing the words Factory Day and the date were furnished each one. The meeting place was the Sentinel-Post corner and C. E. Young acted as marshal and chief conductor. He was assisted by E. A. Read and E. R. Ferguson. The procession first visited the Iowa Wagon \\' orks, which was formerly the O'Brien Wagon Works and recently reorganized. Here were found fifty men at work, nearly all .skilled me- chanics and more being added every day. This plant is a large one and is turning out first class work. The manager is U. G. Reininger. This in- stitution has good backing and enough goods were already sold in the spring of 1909 to run the year's output up into the hundreds of thousands of dol- lars and new orders were being- received daily. This plant is the frontier

418 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

wagon works ; that is, there are no wagon works in the United States west of Shenandoah.

Ahnost across the street from this plant is the x\tlantic Canning Com- pany. At this season of the year this important institution is closed but it is now being thoroughly overhauled, a new cement floor and new machinery of various kinds are being placed in preparation for a big business the com- ing season. The compan}- has rented and will operate two hundred acres of corn of their own, besides hundreds of acres they are contracting from the farmers. In addition to canning corn preparations are being made for the canning of pumpkins and peaches. This concern is the former JMentzer Canning Company.

The Clarinda Poultry, Butter & Egg Company has a large branch at this place in charge of Jesse Curnutt. This is one of the many branches of this great concern.

North of the packing plant is the People's Gas Works. This is probably the largest gas works in any town the size of Shenandoah in the state of Iowa, and has the capacity of serving a town twice its size. The plant is the U. G. I. pattern and the gas produced is what is known as water gas of the Lowe system.

Not far distant is the Swanson Manufacturing Company, which has made an enviable reputation for itself and for Shenandoah in farming im- plements. It produces the Flying Swede two-row cultivator, standing at the head of all tools of that variety. This year the plant is adding to its output by making the Eclipse elevator dump, the new style hay stacker, the King- Cole sulky plow and the new and latest pattern road drag. These tools have all been sold in large quantities and in fact are mostly contracted for before thev are manufactured. Herman S. Swanson, president and mana- ger of the institution, is an old atid practical man in the business.

In this same section of Shenandoah is located the Replogle Roller Mills. These mills started in a small way but year by year have been developed until the mills are now among the largest in southwestern Iowa. In the spring- of 1909 they had on hand in their own bins twenty-five thousand bushels of wheat and ten thousand bushels of corn and in their warehouse twelve thousand sacks of manufactured flour. They have the most com- plete corn meal department that exists in the state, are also enjoying the height of prosperity and are adding new features and extended capacity to their plant each year. Charles Replogle is the manager of this large con- cern.

The .Shenandoah P_^lectric Light, Heat & Power Company is an import- ant factor among the manufacturing concerns of Shenandoah. This com- pany has a plant that is one of the most complete and perfect in the state of Iowa. It furnishes power and light to Essex and Farragut and will soon be furnishing a current to Imogene. The investment represents something like one hundred thousand dollars and every one takes pride in exhibiting this plant to all visitors to Shanandoah. This concern is managed by Colonel Masters, a man of large experience, who has demonstrated his ability to do what others have failed to do in making Shenandoah a properly lighted town.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 419

Tiic plant furnishes continuous current and lieat for the business section of the city.

The Young' Manufacturing Company is owned by Charles E. Young, This instituticni is kept lnis\- in meeting- its orders for its manufactured prod- uct and, akhough the factory now occupies three floors, at its present c|uarters, it is ahiiost impossible to get around in the place comfortal)ly. Mr. Young expects in the near future to build a large addition to the south of the present building. This factory is busy every week in the year and has gained a wide reputation for the manufacture of its exclusive patent two- thumb mittens and gloves. The manufacture of cotton flannel gloves has grown to a wonderful limit and Mr. Yoinig was the pioneer in this work in entering the field. He furnishes nearly all the jobbers in St. Joseph, Kan- sas City and Omaha with their stocks in this line. Max Young, the elder son of Charles Young, is connected with his father in the business.

The afl^air of the Ratekin Seed House is of immense proportions. The oflice, where ten thousand dollars in stamps are forwarded each year, is a spectacle to see. A loafer would not last ten minutes in this institution with- out being stepped on and run over. The Ratekins are a success in their business, in which they have been engaged for years and know it from A to Z. They send out catalogues broadcast that are works of art and it is considered that the Ratekin's is one of the bigg"est seed corn plants in the world. They handle all seed and nursery stock by catalogue exclusively, but their specialty is seed corn, and the name of Ratekin has become famous by reason of the exceptional business methods adopted. The business has outgrown the pres- ent quarters and plans are already prepared to build a new seed corn and garden seed building just east of their present frame structure, which will be a three-story building, entirely fire-proof and costing in the neighborhood of forty thousand dollars.

The Henr}' Field Seed Company has the most valuable industrial building in Shenandoah. It is mentioned elsewhere in this work, as is also the Rate- kin Seed House. This is probably the most perfect and systematized seed house ever built. It is the outcome of the wonderful fertility of Henry Field's mind and what people used to say "Henry's pipe dreams." The only difference is, Henry saw the "dreams" come true. This plant does a wonder- ful seed-corn business but does not specialize in seed corn. The company does a general seed business and is just entering into the nursery and poultry business as a side line and for summer work. The sales of this plant will aggregate nearly a quarter million dollars per year and the sales this year are already fifty per cent larger than last year and are still growing.

SHENANDOAH NURSERIES.

The Shenandoah Nursery is the pioneer enterprise of the town. It started in 1870 and has kept abreast with the city in its growth and development. It, too. is a world beater, — the largest nursery in the west. D. S. Lake is the man who started it thirty-nine years ago and made it grow. The north pack- ing shed covers an acre of ground and is built of brick. It is fire-proof and

420 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

frost-proof. Mr. Lake has taught his two sons, A. F. and Ralph Lake, the business. They have taken up the responsibilities of the enterprise and are proving themselves to be equal to the occasion. The Lake family has been one of the principal features in the building up of Shenandoah. Its members employ one hundred and fifty people and have two hundred and fifty thou- sand dollars in Shenandoali and in the near vicinity and are investing more every year. The visitor is shown building after building, built in most ap- proved fashion, where all of the different things are done to perfect the trees and shrubs for market. This concern can show you goods imported from France and Russia and other foreign countries, but apple seedlings are the Lake hobby and this company supplies the world's market with its apple seedlings. This is an institution of which Shenandoah is very proud and which has never failed to bring returns to its owners.

The Mt. Arbor Nursery is a fit mate to the Shenandoah Nurseries. Its manager, E. S. Welch, used to work as a boy and young man for Mr. Lake. Mr. Welch seems to have been a born nurseryman, too. He has mastered the business. The hot houses, refrigerating plants and shipping departments of this great institution are looked upon in wonder by the laymen. The Mt. Arbor Nurseries have grown to a mammoth concern and employ people by the hundreds and represent hundreds of thousands of dollars. Its products are shipped to all parts of the United States. There is also an ice refrigerat- ing plant in connection with the nursery packing houses, for the storage and preservation of trees through the hot weather. The Mt. Arbor Nurseries are a monumental success and Ed Welch is their owner and master.

A new institution for Shenandoah and one perfect in all its appointments is the Alba Dairy. This is presumed to be the finest and most complete dairy ever constructed in the state. A beautiful building, one that would be fit for a palatial residence and furnished with every conceivable convenience, is the home of this plant. J. Gale Guthrie, the manager, explained to the writer that the fifty odd cows that were there are milked six at a time by one man with a machine, the milk never touching the air, so as to preserve its purity and cleanliness. The pens for the cows are ideal and constructed with the idea of comfort for the cow, and cleanliness. This dairy is making preparations to furnish milk to Council Bluffs and Omaha in large quantities at fancy prices. Also furnishing to the Chicago, Burlington &• Quincy Rail- road Company for its dining car service, certified milk to be used on the line from Lincoln, Nebraska, through to Chicago. The farm on which this dairy is located cost over three hundred dollars per acre, but that is the smallest part of the present investment. This dairy has now become of national repu- tation.

LOOKING FORWARD.

The year nineteen hundred and nine came in with very brilliant prospects for Shenandoah's future growth. In the spring the many contracts com- pleted for nev/ buildings surpassed anything before experienced in the his- tory of this remarkable little city. Among the improvements of that spring

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 421

may be mentioned the Federal building, for which the government adver- tised for bids. The triangular space bounded by Clarinda avenue on the north- east, Thomas avenue on the south and Blossom street on the southeast, had been purchased at a high figure, and this was destined for the new postoffice, for which congress had appropriated fifty thousand dollars. Across the street from this, to the south, preparations are made for the erection of a church edifice by the Methodist domination, the cost of which has been placed at fifty thousand dollars, and the structure wl'.en completed will be the most expensive building devoted to church purposes and will have the largest auditorium of any similar building in southwestern Iowa. To the west of this building and on the lot adjoining the Catholics have broken ground for a new place of worship for St. Mary's church, the estimated cost of which is eighteen thousand dollars. Farther west, on the corner op- posite to the public library building the Shenandoah lodge of the Protec- tive and Benevolent Order of Elks, No. 1122, have broken ground for a club house, to cost twenty thousand dollars. This will be one of the handsomest and most complete clul) houses in this section of the state.

Upon the triangle opposite the government site, to the northeast, the Economy Hog & Cattle Powder Company have made plans to erect a hand- some brick business block, the cost of which is estimated at fifteen thousand dollars. On the other side of the government triangle, facing Blossom street, C. E. Kline will erect a modern business block, costing ten thousand dollars.

On the site now occupied by their old building, the Ratekin Seed Com- pany will erect a modern warehouse building, three stories high, constructed of brick and concrete, which will be fire proof and rat proof. The contem- plated plans for this structure mean an expenditure of forty thousand dollars and when completed will be as near perfection as the ingenuity of the architect and builders can make it.

The independent school district of Shenandoah contemplated for the year IQ09 another school building for the city, to be erected on a suitable site west of the Chicago, Burlington and Ouincy tracks, the cost to be approximately ten thousand dollars. This when finished will make five public school build- ings in Shenandoah.

The expenditure of about fifty thousand dollars by the city on paving of the streets for the year 1909 was agreed upon by the city legislature. Under this appropriation it was designed to pave Battle avenue with brick, the south end of Elm street as far north as Thomas avenue with creosoted block, and Maple street from Summit avenue to Thomas avenue, with cre- osoted block.

There were many fine and expensive residences contracted for in 1909. The apartment house idea in Shenandoah seems to be growing and it is forecasted now that at last three new apartment houses with every modern convenience will have been erected by the time this history reaches the public. In the aggregate the contemplated improvements in 1909 in Shenandoah amounted to over three hundred thousand dollars.

422 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

CITY ANP VILLAGE PLATS.

Hawleyville was platted ]\Iay 17, 1855, by James AI. Hawley and Henry McAlpin, on tlie northwest quarter of section 13. township 69, range 36.

Amity, now called College Springs, was platted June 20, 1856, on sec- tions 7, 8, 17 and 18 of township 67, range 37 upon lands owned by the gov- ernment and entered by a colony.

Clarinda was platted December 7 1857, on the northwest quarter of sec- tion 31, township 69, range 36.

Kibble's Addition to Clarinda, platted by George Ribble, February 2^,

1858.

Farrens' Addition to Clarinda, platted August 16, 1870, by H. D. Far- rens.

Frazer's Addition to Clarinda, platted by W. E. Frazer, February 2, 1871.

Kibble's Railroad Addition to Clarinda, platted by George Kibble and David Rennick, December 5, 187-i.

Powers' Addition to Clarinda, platted July 16, 1875, by J. H. Powers and Eliza B. Powers.

Powers' Second Addition to Clarinda, platted June 6, 1882, by J. H. Powers.

Van Arsdol's Addition to Clarinda, platted by Isaac \"an Arsdol and wife, January 25, 1882.

• Johnson's Addition to Clarinda, platted by S. C. Johnson, March 27, 1882.

Moore's Addition to Clarinda, platted December 9. 1882, by N. B. ]Moore. Ferris' Addition to Clarinda, platted October 22, 1883, by B. P. Ferris and wife, F. M. Forney and wife and C. F. Klise and wife.

Wilson's Addition to Clarinda, platted February 17, 1886, by D. C. Wil- son and his wife, Abbie Wilson.

Richardson's Addition to the city of Clarinda was platted in 1904. Lots were sold at auction and was the first lot sale of its kind ever held in Cla- rinda.

Orr's Addition to the city of Clarinda was made in 1902 and in 1909 another addition by William Orr was accepted by the city.

Dayton (defunct) was platted by Abram Halladay and Harry B. Bald- win on the east half of section i. township 68, range 36, September 30, 1857. Page City, (now defunct) was platted August 18, 1858, on section 7, of township 68, range 37, by William Pike.

Tarkio (now defunct) was platted August 26, 1859, by Robert Miller, on sections 34 and 35, township 69, range 38. The original entry of this name appears spelled "Tarkee."

Franklin Grove (defunct) was platted April 18, i860, by Martin Jones, on the northeast quarter of sections 2, 3 and 10, township 70, range 39.

Essex was platted September 15, 1870, by J. N. Dennison, trustee. The same was platted on sections 26 and 27, of township 70. range 39.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 423

Shenandoah was platted September 15, 1870. by J. N. Dennison, on section 19, township 69, range 39.

Hepburn was phitted January i(S, 1873, on land owned by David Rennick, focated on the southwest quarter of section 20, township 70, range 36.

Braddyville was platted June i, 1878, on the southwest quarter of sec- tion 30, township 67, range 36, by James Braddy.

Blanchard was platted October 13, 1879, by the Western Improvement Company of Iowa, the same being located on sections 32 and 2)3, oi town- ship by, range t,^.

Binghani was platted by the Western Improvement Company of Iowa, December 12, 1879. It was platted on the southwest quarter of section 36, township 69, range 39.

Coin was platted November 25, 1879, by the Western Improvement Company of Iowa, on section 32, of township 68, range 38.

Morseman was platted March 19, 1880, by J. P. Burrows, on section 17, township 67 range 36.

Crooks was platted J\Iay 19, 1880, by I. W. Blanchard, on the south- west quarter of section 29, township 67, range 36.

Northbarro was platted by C. E. Perkins, September 8, 1881, on sec- tion 23, township 67, range 39.

Shambaugh was platted October 29, 1881, on section 36, township 68, range 37, by James and Julia Shambaugh.

Page Centre was platted November 11 1881, by E. S. and Mar>' Huston. The same is located on the southeast quarter of section 7, township 68, range

37-

Yorktown was platted April 3, 1882, by C. E. Perkins, on section 31, township 69, range 37.

Norwich was platted November 13. 1882, by W. H. Dutton and wife, on section 29, township 69, range 38.

PIERCE TOWNSHIP.

Pierce is the northwest corner township of Page county, with Mont- gomery county on the north, Fremont township on the east, Grant township on the south, and Fremont county on the west. It is congressional township 70, range y), west. Its only town is Essex, situated on sections 26 and 27. It is a magnificent agricultural district, its first settlement being made at Franklin Grove. But little effort was made to improve it until the Chicago, Burlington (X; ( Hiinc}' branch of the railway passed through its fair domain in 1870. The only stream worthy of special note is the Nishnabotna river, which courses through the eastern and central part, leaving a very productive and large valley on either side. The only native timber is found at Franklin Grove on the northern line but hardy pioneers have planted thrifty groves, which now tower high and serve as monuments to good sense and culture.

EARLY SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIC.

The first actual settler in Pierce township was made by a man named Dexter Stillman, about 1850. He was a Mormon, who with thousands of

424 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

others would not go to Utah with Brigham Young, on account of polygamy, hence sought for himself a home in what was then a howling wilderness, with Indians and wild beasts on every hand. He did not live nian\- months, however, and his claim was sold to Aaron Kinyon, who with a man named Martin A. Jones, planted what is known as Franklin on sections 2. 3 and TO of Pierce township. This was in i860. Nathan Lewis came about 1850 also.

A. C. Gilmore removed from Hawleyville in 1853 and he says at that date the following settlers of Pierce township as best he can recall them are the following .

Lewis Hunt came in 1852. He had five sons and all were in the Union army during the Civil war. He tried to enlist but was rejected. Two sons lost their lives in the service and one was crippled for life. The father later moved to Nebraska.

Doran T. Hunt, a large landholder here at an early day, removed to Nebraska, where he died in 1885. His son-in-law, J. M. Davis, settled on section 5. He later moved to Oregon. He in company with a large num- ber of others came to Page county from Ohio early in the '50s, and were all radical democrats. They were bitterly opposed to going to war and when it was enacted they nearly all sold out for what they could get and moved to Oregon, not wishing to take part in so unholy a thing. Air. Davis vowed he would never shave or cut his whiskers until a democratic president was elected and he kept sacred that rash vow until Grover Cleveland was seated. He came all the way across the western plains and on to Washington to take part in the ceremonies, after which he shaved.

Another pioneer was W. C. Goff of section 7.

Aaron Kinyon and John Kerns located on section 11 in 1853. They were of the Ohio band and moved to Oregon.

Joseph Ross also selected a part of section 1 1 and remained until his death, many years afterward. His wife survived until 1884.

Hamilton Aliller came in prior to the rebellion and took land on section 2 but later moved to Oregon.

Asel and George Martin located on a part of section 11. George went to Montgomery county afterward and there died about 1880. His brother Asel died on his farm before the close of the war.

Job Morris came in about 1852, locating on section 22.

Other early comers, of some of whom mention was been made were: Levi and Marion Hunt, Benjamin Kinyon, Martin A. Jones, who opened a general store where A. C. Gilmore lived later.

Pierce township was organized January 20, 1858.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first white man to improve the land of Pierce township was Dexter Stillman, about 1850.

The first birth was probably Frank Stillman, who died when a child. A rough stone slab marks the resting place, bearing the inscripticm, Frankie Stillman.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 425

The first death was in the StiHman family, cither the father, Dexter Still- man, or the son, I'^ankie.

The first marriaj^e in tlie townsliip was Robert W. Soward and Rhoda Martin in 1858.

Andrew R. Martin and Aliss .M. I. Tabor were united about the same date.

The first term of school was taus:ht by Miss Emily Ripley in 1856, in a log cabin built by Dexter Stillman. The first schoolhouse proper was built in 1857, at Franklin (irove, on section 3. It was a frame house and the best in Page county for many years. A. C. (iilmore taught the first temi in this house. He was paid fifteen dollars per month and had a large school of big scholars, some of whom wore the "loyal blue," from 1861 to 1865.

The deep-seated moral tone of this school district began away back in those early days and has ever been noticeable. The "bad boys" of other schools have never found company here and much of the mean capers of pupils elsewhere has never annoyed this part of Pierce township.

The first religious services held was l\v the Ohio colony, who were Methodist people. I. C. Hunt was their preacher.

The first brick house in the township, in l^ag'e county also, was built by A. C. Gilmore. who burned the l:)rick and erected the same in i86C). It was built on section 3.

A postoffice was established in i860, known as Franklin Grove. M. A. Jones was ])ostmaster. The office was discontinued about 1878.

ESSEX.

The town site of Essex occupies two hundred and forty acres in sections 26 and 27, township 70, range 39 west of the fifth principal meridian, be- ing in the southeast part of I'ierce and the northwestern township of Page county. It is nineteen miles froui the Missouri line and twenty-eight miles from Nebraska and is a half mile east of the Xishnabotna river, usually called the Nishna, the vallc}' of which is regarded by competent j-udges as being the most fertile region of Iowa. The land gtnth' rises to the east, all being subject to cultivation from the water's edge to the highest eleva- tion. The main liusiness ])art of the town occupies the higher part of what is called the bottom and the scliool l)uil(ling and a portion of the residences occupy an elevation from which the beautiful valle\- can be overlooked for eig'hteen or twenty miles, presenting in the spring and summer as mag- nificent an agricultural scene as the eye of man ever gazed u])on.

Essex is reached by the Chicago, Ihu-lington & Ouincy Railroad, being situated upon the Nebraska City branch running from Red Oak to Lin- coln, and owing to the almost perfectly level road bed, doing a very large part of the freight business of this greatest of railroad systems traversing Iowa. The railroad runs within a few rods of the business center of the town. The nearest towns are Shenandoah, eight miles by wagon road southwest. Imogene, eight miles northwest and Red Oak, fourteen miles north. On the east and southeast are no towns nearer than Clarinda and

426 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Villisca, over twenty miles away, and Essex holds the undisputed trade of a rich and prosperous farming district for twelve miles east.

EAKL.V HISTORY OF ESSEX.

The first dwelling- house on the present site of Essex was erected in April, 1870, northwest of the present station of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad, by R. B. Wood. The town site was surveyed in July of the same year by A. B. Smith, assisted by B. J. Austin, with J. C. Cummins as draughtsman and was platted by J- N- Dennison, September 15, 1870. The railroad was completed to Essex and the depot opened for business in April, 1 871, with R. B. Wood as agent. B. S. Pendleton received the first freight billed to Essex, consisting of wire and sundries. A postoffice was established in the following August in the residence of R. B. Wood, with himself as postmaster. Four 3^ears later the town was incorporated and in Alarch, 1876, the following named officers were elected: Alayor, H. T. Burdick; councilmen, C. Nichols. W. C. INIaxwell, James Martin, William Maloney and J. M. Page; recorder, C. Cummins.

On the 15th of Alay of the same year the independent school district was organized, with W. D. Jones, B. M. Webster and J. D. DeLee as directors. Among the first business men to put their faith in the town were L. Brack- ney, M. A. Jones, C. J. Annis & Brother, dealers in general merchandise; Aldrich & Nye and Alden & Poe, dealers in lumber ; Day & Maloney and J. C. Jones, grain buyers. O. ^1. Burhans and L. Brackney were the first physicians. A. A. Borden opened the first blacksmith shop. G. W. Thomas was the first school-teacher, using the house on the lot occupied by Professor C. B. Lingo.

February 22, 1873, the American Methodist Episcopal church was or- ganized, the first place of worship being the railroad depot, its use being tendered for that purpose by the station agent. The pastor was J. W. Prince from ^Missouri.

Essex has never experienced what is called a boom, with its customary reaction. On the contrary, it has had a stead}', healthful growth that has gradually added to its population, wealth and prosperity. The early resi- dents, many of whom reside in Essex, experienced the usual discomforts of a new town, but with happy, buoyant natures they pushed steadily for- ward, with an abundance of confidence in the fitture of their town, and many are now surrounded with the comforts and luxuries of life. It is related of one of the early merchants that he was dumbfounded when one day a customer entered and called for a half pound of tea. This was so much in excess of the usual sales that he concluded that a boom was on in the mercantile business.

The postmaster's salary wdien R. B. Wood served "Uncle Sam" some- times amounted to the munificicnt sum of one dollar per month.

Two men engaged in the saloon business in early days. They built a small house and ordered a keg of beer from Red Oak. They painted a sign

HISTORY OF PAGE COLXTV 427

with charcoal, inviting the thirst}' to enter and refresh the inner man and then waited for customers to enrich them but, alas for human foresight, the customers did not materialize. The beer soured and they sent it back to Red Oak and gave up the business in disgust. The saloon stood on the ground occupied by Alden & Poe's lumberyard.

SURROUNDING COUNTRY AND PEOPLE.

The only natural timber within miles of Essex is at Franklin Grove in the north part of the township, where the first settlement was made about 1850, by A. C. Gilmore and others who, like nearly all the early settlers of Iowa, sought the timber sections. To the west, across the Xishna river, the land is somewhat hilly and covered in places by small trees and bushes, but most of it proves to be excellent land both for pasture and cultivation. In every other direction extends the richest prairie. To the northeast and southwest, as far as the eye can reach, extends the Xishna Valley, with just enough slope to give excellent drainage, and to the eye. gazing over its many miles, apparently as level as a floor. East of the valley, in gentle un- dulations, is the richest of Iowa rolling prairie, that in the twenty years of its cultivation has never failed to produce excellent crops of grain, grass and fruits.

In this region settled the sturdy sons of Sweden, and applying to the virgin soil and mild climate of southwestern Iowa, their habits of industry and economy, learned by struggles with the elements of mountains and fierce winters in their native land, soon built for themselves splendid homes. Among the Swedes of Pierce and Fremont townships are some of the wealth- iest farmers of the county, with fine residences and splendidly ecjuipped farms, with large barns and sheds, well kept orchards, the best of stock of all kinds and all the modern improvements in farm machinery. JNIany of the farm residences in this region are large two-story houses, of ten, twelve and fifteen rooms and will compare favorably with the best residences in towns and smaller cities. The country people, to the east of Essex for many miles, are nearly all of Swedish descent, but they have become Americanized and are warm supporters of American institutions, public schools and newspapers, and are loyal, intelligent, progressive citizens. The youth have learned the English language and speak it as fluently as those of English descent, and they compete successfully with Americans of other descent in the schools, in bus- iness enterprises and in political and social organizations. To the north, south and west of Essex, the native .American and those of Irish descent predominate and. like the Swedish farmers east, they are mostly prosperous and have splendid homes, some of them luxurious. The excellent character of the majority of the citizens is shown by the officers elected to conduct the local affairs of the town. The population is nearly equally divided be- tween the two political parties and each side puts forth its best men for candidates. Its present mayor is Dr. C. L. Kinney. The town is well sup- plied with church organizations and a number of beautiful cliurch edifices.

428 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

AMERICAN METHODIST.

The Methodists were the first to organize a society in Essex and they held services in the depot for a time, the original membership being six. They have erected a church building which has been remodeled and improved from time to time. The church is now in a flourishing condition and has a large membership.

SWEDISH METHODIST

The Swedish Methodist society was organized in 1884 with eight mem- bers. They have an excellent church edifice which was erected in 1886. This society is also in a prosperous condition.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The Presbyterian church was organized in 1878 with twenty-three mem- bers.

SWEDISH FA'ANGELICAL LUTHERAN ST. JOHN's CHURCH.

This society, probably the largest in Essex, was organized in 1876 with a few members. The church people purchased the old frame schoolhouse and remodeled it into a church building. J. E. Rehnstrom was the first pastor and served until 1884, when he was succeeded by C. G. Widen and after six years' hard and faithful labor he removed to Council Blufifs and was succeeded by A. F. Linquist. In 1892 the church erected a handsome new edifice, forty by sixty-four feet, with a school room twenty-six by thirty feet in addition. The church also has a parsonage building close by.

The Baptists erected the first church edifice in the town and kept up a prosperous organization for some years but as many of the members moved way and their places were taken by people of other societies, the organiza- tion declined.

The Christian denomination also has a few adherents in Essex and for a time during the year 1891 held regular services in the Baptist church.

The Free Methodist denomination has a small society and hold meet- ings occasionally. The general moral tone of tlie people of Essex is ex- cellent.

FUATI'.RNAI, ORDERS.

Essex has iis societies and fraternal orders and has kept pace with the other developments of this city in that regard and nowhere will you find a more hospitable and brotherly class of people. When one of the brothers is in need or distress, and it becomes known, be is soon relieved by the fraternity. The members remember their vows and obligations and are always readv to discharge their duties toward one another.

MASONIC.

Mountain Lodge, No. 360, A. P. & A. M. was organized in 1876 and is in a flourishing condition. New members are constantly knocking for admit- tance but onlv the better class is admitted.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 429

ODD FELLOWS.

Essex Lodge, No. 320, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1875.

A. O. U. W.

The Ancient Order of United Workmen was at one time a strong or- ganization of Essex.

Essex also has a lodge of Woodmen and also of the Royal Neighbors.

SCHOOLS.

The crowning glory of Essex is its public schools. Its first school build- ing stood upon a high elevation in the southeast part of the city and was considered a beautiful structure at the time it was built. In 1906 a high school building was erected, at a cost of twenty thousand dollars, and in its architectural beauty it would be an ornament to any city.

AMITY TOWNSHIP.

This township is the second from the east line of the county and is bounded on the south by the Iowa and Missouri state line; on the west by Colfax township ; on the north by Harlan township ; and on the east by Buchanan township. It is congressional township 68, range 37 west. It is a most excellent section of the county and is finely developed, and has a population chiefly of Americans, and which takes great interest in educational and religious matters. Amity College at College Springs is located in Amity township and is known far and near as one of great value. Its native and artificial groves, together with its vast amount of beautiful evergreen and ornamental trees, lends a chami indeed seldom found.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first settlement was made in Amity township in 1854 by Daniel Sev- ers, in the grove south of College Springs, and at the same time by his brother and brother-in-law, Mr. Wade. No others came in until the college lands were surveyed in 1856. The work began in May of that year and was com- pleted in July. At that date J. P. Donaldson stopped in a little log cabin, southeast of the village of College Springs. He lx)arded many of the sur- veving party. The papers, plats and field notes were turned over by Mr. Wanzer and Elijah Miller to the committee, Mark Morse, W. J. Woods and Joseph Cornforth, in a board shanty near Cornforth's residence, some two miles northeast of Braddyville, on July 4, 1856. The following autumn the schoolhouse was built and prior to that a public well was dug. Two sets of hands were employed in the survey. Among the number may be mentioned Frederick Nelson, Messrs. Forry, Pierce and Woods. Frank M. Moore and Frederick Nelson were sworn chainmen. Moore did not continue long but

430 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Nelson had more genuine pluck and continued the business of wading through the tall grass until the last stake was stuck. ^Ir. Nelson followed the role of "stick, stuck, stick, stuck!" as a faithful chainman, who had just come to this country and who came to be among Page county's wealthiest farmers.

Joseph A. Reid came in the fall of 1856, selected lands and moved in the next year, landing April 9, 1857. He settled on section 19. Among those who settled prior to the breaking out of the rebellion and about all who were in Amity township at that time were: Allen Searcy, Joseph Cornforth, Elijah Gibbs and his sons, Daniel, George and Benjamin, W^illiam McLaughlin, John Russell, James Laughlin. J. W. McKinley, Ami Smith, W. J. Woods, A. Carver, Charles Green, Linton Cornforth, E. Noe, John Snodderly, Thomas vSnodderly and their father, Joseph Kempton and father, Johnson, father of Meed Johnson, George Babcock, J. P. Donaldson, Jacob Mcintosh, George McCuUough, Mr. Armstrong, Allen Austin, Peter Austin, M. S. Morrow, Charles Moody, William Russell, James Short, B. McCord, ]\Iorris McCord, David McCord, Andrew Lumery, John Laughlin, W. C. Dow, Fred Nelson and Jabez Fickling.

At the general election in i860, seventy-one votes were polled, in present Amity township. Lincoln received all but two votes. In 1864 there were fully three-fifths of the voters away in the Union army and sixty-eight votes were cast.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first birth was Ida Donaldson who became the wife of J. C. Leslie, who was born in 1858 or 1859.

The first death was a young man named Dow, who passed awav in July,

1857-

The first school was taught in the fall of 1857.

The first religious services were held in Amity, now College Springs, early in 1857. It was a union service.

The first church edifice was the L^nited Presbyterian, built during the war, the lumber being obtained at St. Joe.

At first Amity township embraced all that territory now contained in Amity, Colfax, and Washington townships.

SCHOOLS.

Perhaps no one township in all Iowa has paid more attention to the education of the young, in a secular and religious way, than Amity has. The very first settlers at once erected a school and church building.

COLLEGE SPRINGS.

Much concerning this place will be found in the history of Amity College. They are about one and the same. However, it may be stated that Amity,

BUSINESS ROW AT COLLEGE SPRINGS Before fires of 1900, 1902 and 1904 destroyed the entire l)l<x-k. Tboto taken in 1855.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 433

later changed to College Springs, after the discovery of a large, never fail- ing spring on the plat, was platted in June, 1856, on sections 7, 8, 17 and 18 of Amity township. It is l>eantifully environed by a charming rural dis- trict and is purely a country town, having no railroad, and it depends largely on the college for its support.

The first to engage in mercantile business at this point was A. Oppen- heimer in 1858.

Dr. R. H. Lymer was the pioneer physician.

In 1857 N. C. Storrs & Company built a steam sawmill on the town site and in 1859-60 it was blown to atoms, killing one man and badly in- jurying others.

The postoffice was established at an early day and has been in many different hands. In July, 1875, it became a money order office. The first order issued was sent by J. B. Laughlin to Smith & White, of Ham- burg. The amount w^as twenty-five dollars.

Amity township and College Springs are famous for schools. The pub- lic school building was erected in 1877, a two-story frame house, to which was added the east wing in 1887.

CHURCHES.

There are five religious denominations in College Springs — the Aleth- odist, Wesleyan Methodist, Free Methodist, Congregational and United Presbyterian. At one time there was a Baptist, also an old school Presby- terian society.

The Methodist Episcopal church at College Springs was organized in 1870 by twenty members. In 1873 a frame edifice was erected at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars.

The United Presbyterian church at Amity was formed in the month of June, 1857. The original members were J. S. Maughlin, Thomas ^laugh- lin, Mr. and Mrs. John McKissick, Mr. and Mrs. John Latta, Mr. and Mrs. Edward ]\Ionzingo, Mr. and Mrs. Robert McLean and P. M. Hoag, eleven in all. Ten years after organization the society built a frame edifice, the origi- nal cost of which was twenty-five hundred dollars. It was subsequently en- larged at a cost of one thousand dollars.

Wesleyan Methodist church at College Springs was organized in i860, with twenty charter members. Rev. O. F. Page was the organizer. A church was built in 1S70, twenty-six by thirty-two feet, at a cost of one thousand dollars. Rev. Ami Smith, a charter member of this church, was one of the founders of College Springs, and figured conspicuously in the establishment of Amity college, which was founded as a Wesleyan Methodist school and afterward chartered as an undenominational college.

The Free Methodist church was formed about 1883. The first meet- ings were held in tents but in 1885 a frame structure was built at a cost of seventeen himdred dollars.

The Congregational church was organized December 17, 1865, by twenty- seven members. A church building was erected in 1868-9, costing twenty-

434 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

five hundred dollars. It was first used May 15, 1869, but was completed and dedicated October 13, 1870. The first regularly employed pastor was Rev. C C. Humphrey, who served from February 8, 1868, to February 13, 1869.

AMITY COLLEGE.

This successful institution of learning is located at College Springs and in Amity township, Page county, Iowa. A colony was first contem- plated in the early part of 1S53, by the Rev. B. F. Haskins, who succeeded in interesting various other influential persons in the enterprise. The original idea was the establishment of a colony of Christian families on a plan that should insure a "permanent fund for an institution of learning of a refor- matory character." To bring about this end a circular was issued, headed "A Plan for a Colony of Reformers." Among other arguments set forth in this circular were the subjoined:

"The state of Iowa and territory of Minnesota present to the Christian's view a large field of promising usefulness. Here are large tracts of land as yet almost without an occupant, which will soon be occupied and thickly in- habited, and this appears to be the spring time preparatory for sowing the seeds of truth, with the prospect of an abundant harvest; thus the infancy of those parts which are yet to receive character ; and now, by timely effort with the guidance and blessing of God, a character will be given that will promise security and permanence to the cause of Christ ; and to do this^ as far as may be, it is proposed that a colony be formed for religious and edu- cational purposes. Individuals who may feel like engaging in the undertak- ing, are to become shareholders. One hundred dollars shall constitute a share. When seven thousand dollars have been subscribed, a committee shall be chosen by the shareholders. The business of such committee shall be to explore the unoccupied parts of Iowa or Missouri, or both, as may be thought necessary, for the suitable location of the proposed colony. The land purchased shall be government land and in the most suitable por- tion of such tract shall be laid out a town. The remainder to be platted into ten, twenty and forty acre lots. So much of the land as shall be necessary to pay off the shareholders shall be appraised at five dollars per acre and everv shareholder may receive, in land at valuation price, to the amount of his share. To each share there shall be attached a scholarship of five years' gratuitous instruction in the institution of learning that may be es- tablished from the fund raised as proposed, which may be used, rented, or sold at the pleasure of the shareholder. The institution shall be of such character as to give both sexes the opportunity to obtain a liberal educa- tion. The manual labor system shall be encouraged and entered into as far as practicable."

This circular succeeded in arousing an intelligent interest in the enter- prise and the friends of the movement held several meetings. In the latter part of ]\Iarch. 1854. a committee, consisting of W. J. Woods. James ^Ic- Quinn and B. F. Haskins. was appointed to explore those portions of Iowa deemed most desirable for the location of such a colony. This exploring

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 435

tour began April 12, 1854, and extended over Black Hawk, Washington, Keokuk, Iowa, Benton, Linn, Buchanan, Clark, Tama, Marshall, Jasper, Polk and Warren counties. In Black Hawk county they met Aaron Dow, who agreed to put in one thousand dollars if they would change the stipu- lated appraisement of lands from five dollars to two dollars and a half per acre, which was done at their next meeting.

In February, 1855, the capital of the company was increased from seven thousand to thirty thousand dollars and the name changed to the Western Industrial and Scientific Association. At that meeting were elected ofificers : president, Rev. J. Cross ; corresponding secretary, George Davis ; treasurer, W^ I. W^oods.

Two months later B. F. Haskins, W. R. Powers and J. E. Branscom were appointed to explore Kansas, northern Missouri and southern Iowa, They reported in favor of the latter section, and a new committee located lands and filed articles of incorporation and then made the name Amity Col- lege. The first trustees were J. T. Atkinson, Benjamin F. Haskins, John Cross, William R. Powers, Aaron Dow, Mark Morse and W. J. Woods. In January, 1856, the names of Silas Thomas, C. Adams, Andrew Turney and W. A. Bates were added. Silas Thomas was chosen president ; B. F. Has- kins, secretary; and Mark Morse, treasurer of the board.

W. J. W'oods, Mark Morse and Joseph Cornforth attended to the survey of the lands and town site, called Amity, now College Springs.

For the purpose of forever preventing the manufacture and sale of in- toxicating liquors, the shareholders instructed the board to insert in every deed of land and town lot a provision effectually prohibiting the same, and no liquors have ever been handled on these lands.

In 1859 the college owned nearly seven thousand acres of land. In Page county it had one thousand, six hundred and sixty-five acres ; in Cass county, six hundred and eighty acres ; in Missouri, four thousand, six hun- dred acres. The only building owned at that date was a frame structure twenty-two by thirty-eight feet, one story high. During that year, how- ever, a brick structure forty by fifty feet, two stories high, was commenced.

The first class in the academic department was organized in 1857, by Professor George P. Kimball, of Wheaton, Illinois. The number of stu- dents was thirty, three-fourths being males. At the close of the year Pro- fessor Kimball was forced to resign on account of his health. He was succeeded by Professor Armour, a New York man and an excellent educator, and built up a lively interest, but unfortunately the trustees dismissed him at the end of a year and engaged Professor A\'illiam Nelson to fill the vacancy. Professor Armour at once organized a "select school." and soon drew many pupils from the college. This folly soon ended and Professor Armour, together with his wife, was reengaged in the college in i860. He remained two years and failing health caused him to return to New York state. With this the academic character of the college ceased. From 1862 to 1864 the college was obsorbed in the public schools. Nothing was accom- plished in 1S65 but the year following a new plan was adopted and the property leased for five years by a company of men. who assumed all finan-

436 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

cial responsibility. These men engaged Professor Armour and wife to conduct the school, hoping it would prove a success, but such was not true and at the end of the third year Professor Armour took the school for what he could realize from it.

In 1871 the school was again organized under the control of the trus- tees, with Hamilton \Miite as president. Another chang"e was made in the winter. Rev. Marion Morrison took charge of affairs, continuing until the end of the j-ear.

The time had come when sonie decisive act must be taken. The college had spent fifteen years' history and had made no great mark in the educa- tional world. Again the trustees stepped to the front, determined this time to make the correct move. The Rev. A. T. McDill, A. M. was selected for the controlling light and proved very sviccessful. He was a graduate of Monmouth (Illinois) College, a man of high character and scholarly at- tainments. He became president in the autumn of 1872, and at once or- ganized on a collegiate basis. Scholars came in rapidly and the school demanded the services of Professor Grimes, of Iowa College. In 1876 more building room was needed and the north and south wings were added. They were twenty-three by thirty feet. In 1876-77 the attendance was one hundred and six. At the close of 1877, after five years' toil. President Mc- Dill resigned, when Rev. S. C. Marshall took his mantle. He graduated at Muskingum College, Ohio, in 1856, also at the Theological Seminary at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in the spring of i860.

In the spring of 1883 Rev. S. C. ^larshall resigned the presidency of Amity College. In August of the same year the board elected the Rev. T. J. Kennedy, P*. D., president, who took charge September i, of that year.

Dr. Kennedy was born in Pennsylvania^ in 1832, was graduated at Franklin College, Ohio, in 1852, at the United Presb}1;erian Theological Seminary at Xenia, Ohio, in 1858. He served in the pastorate at Jamestown, Fredericksburg, Ohio, Steubenville, Ohio, and Des Moines, Iowa. His ex- perience teaching, first in the common schools, and afterward in academies and a ladies' seminary, which he conducted successfully, and finally at Amity College, altogether extended over eighteen years. From his alma mater he received the title of A. M. in 1856, from \\^estminster College the title of D. D.. in 1877, and in 18S8 was chosen fellow of the Society of Science, Let- ters and Art, of London.

Under his administration Amity College made progress and widened her inflttence every year. The course of study was revised in 1883 and enlarged. The discipline of the college, which seemed very lax, was brought up to the required grade of erTiciency and in 1885 the commercial department was instituted, In 1888 a financial agent, the Rev. W. A. Campbell, was ap- pointed, and he immediately went to work to increase the endowment fund. Under his agency the endowment had been raised to about forty thousand dollars.

New college buildings were erected in 1883, not large, but very hand- some, commodious and comfortable. They are neatly finished and furnished, heated throughout by steam. Meantime large additions have been made

BUSINESS ROW AT COLLEGE SPRINGS AFTER FIRES

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 439

to the museum and to the college library. The apparatus, too, since 1883, has received valuable additions and the general appearance of the college grounds or campus, has been greatly improved.

In 1884 the literary societies, by recommendation of the president, were disbanded and new societies under new constitutions were organized, which still continue in a prosperous condition.

The faculty is selected with the greatest care and each professor and teacher is a specialist in his own department. It is the purpose of the man- agement to keep up the high standard and reputation of the college for the best government, the best scholarship, the best teaching and training as well as the best development and culture, all of the best moral character.

The college was chartered under the laws of the state in 1871, with uni- versity powers, and has authority to confer all academic degrees and honors.

TARKIO TOWNSHIP.

Tarkio is the second from the west, as well as second from the north line of the county. It is now described as congressional township No. 69, range 38, but formerly took in nearly the west half of the county. Every- thing considered, in the light of agriculture, horticulture and stock-raising, this is looked upon as one of the finest portions of Page county. Its domain, fertile and rolling and watered by the East, Middle and West Tarkio rivers. Along the two former named there is considerable native timber. As one passes through this goodly land and views its fine farms, with large, well painted farm houses and outbuildings, he is at once struck with the thrift and success attained by the early settlers who, with but a few exceptions, come to the country poor men.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

As early as the autumn of 1852 Isaac Miller settled on a claim on which Tarkio City was afterward plaited. B. Harrill came at about the same time and settled on section 25. He died a few years ago in Missouri.

Prior to these was a man named JeflFerson Phillips, who came to Tarkio in 1850, settling on section 22. He soon sold and went to Kansas, where he died.

Samuel Peters settled in 1850-51 on section 35 but remained only a short time.

P. A. GrifTy came from Platte county. Missouri, April 7, 1852, and settled on the northeast quarter of section 26.

In 1852 came Isaac Miller. William Miller also came and settled on section 20, on West Tarkio river, Elijah ^vliller. who also came, after- ward became county surveyor and school superintendent. He also platted Tarkio City.

The following came to the township prior to the Civil war — 1861 : W. Jefferson Phillips, Samuel Peters, P. A. Griffy, Isaac Miller. William Miller, E. Miller. George Miller, Dan Cheshire. David Smith, David Loy, B.

440 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Harrill, Thomas Weaver, N. Snodderly, Henry Snodderly, John Stewart, the ]\IcDonald family, William Floyd, Stephen Reasoner, C. C. McDonald, Isaac Loy and H. N. McElfish.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first death now recalled by old settlers was that of Matt. Branham in 1853-54.

The first birth was William Grifify, born in December, 1852.

The first marriage was that of Elijah Miller to Miss Aletha Loy, in 1852.

The first school was the one held at Tarkio village. It was taught by D. Miller in a log house built in 1856.

The first religious services were held at the log schoolhouse at Tarkio village by Rev. Samuel Farlow, the pioneer Methodist minister.

The first frame house erected in the township was that built in 1859 by Peter A. Griii'y. It was of hard native lumber, sawed at a mill on the Tarkio.

The first postofiice was at Tarkio, kept by Isaac Miller. Mail came over the route from Hawle}^ille to Sidney. "Jini" Hawley was among the favorite and young mail carriers.

SCHOOLS.

As before mentioned, the first school was held at Tarkio in a log cabin, with D. ]\Iiller as instructor. As the township settled and developed, great attention was paid to school matters and there is now a high standard of public schools in nine districts.

VILLAGE OF NORWICH.

Norwich was platted in November, 1852, on section 29. It is a station on the Humeston & .Shenandoah Railway. The first to embark in trade at this point was J. H. Neeley in the fall of 1882. He had been similarly en- gaged at Tarkio and at once moved his frame store building to the plat and added thereto.

In the spring of 1888 came C. P. Hale, who opened a small stock of groceries.

The postoffice was established at Norwich in 1882. removed from Tar- kio and renamed. J. L. Maxwell held the ofiice at Tarkio and also at first at Norwich. In 1885 J. H. Neeley succeeded him under President Cleve- land's administration but when that ended so did Postmaster Neeley's duties as postmaster. In 18S9 C. P. Hale was commissioned postmaster.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

The Presbyterian society was organized in 1882 with fourteen members by Rev. William McKee. The church edifice was built at a cost of twenty-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUXTY 441

one hundred dollars. Reed &. Taylor, contractors at Shenandoah, built it. It is thirty-two by forty-four feet and seats two hundred and twenty-five people.

The Methodist Episcopal church was formed at Tarkio village awaj back in the '50s. A church was built by the society in 1888, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. It stands in a commanding place at Norwich.

TARKIO VILLAGE (DEFUNCT).

According- to the county plat books a village was platted by Robert ]\Iil- ler on sections 34 and 35, August 26, 1859. The name appears on the first plat as Tarkio City. It was located eight miles west and one mile south of Clarinda. In July, i860, it contained five buildings, one schoolhouse, one church and three dwellings. The plat was laid out with two squares, one for business purposes and the other for a church square. Notwithstanding the fine fanii section environing this place, it did not bloom into anywhere near the airy hopes of its projectors and when the real object for which it was started had failed, the location of the county seat, it fell into a dream- less sleep and is now only known in the record book and in the memory of a few pioneers. It has gone back to the native elements, or, as has been said by another, "It has quit !"

FREMONT TOWNSHIP.

Fremont comprises congressional township 70, range 38 west, and be- longs to the northern tier of civil subdivisions of Page county. It is bounded on the north by Montgqmery county, east by Douglas township, south by Tarkio township, and west by Pierce township. Topographically speaking, Fremont is gently rolling, well watered and extremely fertile. Section 10 of this township reaches the highest altitude from sea level of any portion of the county. Its population consists very largely of foreigners and the greater portion of this element is of the Scandinavian order.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first white man to invade the prairie wilds of this goodly section of Page county, was a man named John Pelham. who came from the south and located on section 18, in 1850. He sold his claim four years later to John Rodnian and removed to Arkansas. The same year, 1850, John Hadden eft'ected a settlement. John Stafford located about that date at what is known as Stafford's Cirove. Pelham operated a horse mill and thus sup- plied the few pioneer families. Another early comer was Mr. Martindale, who improved a small farm near Hadden's Grove. Henry Binns came from Pennsylvania in 1854 and entered the east half of the northwest quarter of section 3. It was soon after that Aaron Staft'ord moved in from ]\Iont- gomery county and claimed land on section 6. In 1855 came Jonathan and George Binns, John Hall and Benjamin Davis.

442 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

It should be remembered that at this time Fremont township was on the wild frontier and infested with wild beasts, against which the early set- tlers waged a successful warfare. In the single winter of 1855-56, William D. Chamberlain alone killed forty-six deer. The winter was a very severe one, the thermometer registering from twenty to thirty degrees below zero for fully six weeks.

The suffering among early settlers was indeed great. Clothing was scarce, the nearest store a long ways distant, the mill equally far, roads bad and consequently the store of provisions grew low. For many weeks the few pioneers had nothing upon which to subsist, save the corn which was ground in coffeemills. Men who could survive through such an ordeal are not the men who fail. What wonder then that the broad expanse of beau- tiful prairie lands have come to be so well developed and cultivated?

From 1870 the growth of the township was gradual but sure. It was during that year a new factor marked another era in this section of Page county, the advent of the Swedes. Aside from a small settlement in the south part of the county, there were no Swedes here. Among the first to settle in Frem.ont were P. J. Peterson, Isaac M. Johnson, C. J. Eckeroth, N. P. Larson, J. P. Nelson, John Anderson and C. A. Falk.

But now a new movement was set rolling. In the spring of 1871, at the house of P. Heglund, near New Windsor, Henry county, Illinois, a meet- ing of the Swedish settlers there was held and it was then determined to come to southwestern Iowa. A committee of C. A. Johnson, P. Heglund and C. J. Bjorkgren was appointed to obtain rates for transportation. As a re- sult of their labor thirty-three cars were chartered, in which three hundred persons with their effects were placed, when all embarked for the "Kingdom of Page." They nearly all became settlers of Fremont township. In 1880 there were over nine hundred Swedes in the township. With but a few ex- ceptions they were all poor people but by hard work and saving qualities most of them have come to be wealthy and all possess good comfortable homes, which are free of any mortgaged indebtedness.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first two settlers were John Pelham and John Hadden. who came in 1850. The first church was erected in 1871. The first physician to prac- tice was Dr. Brackner of Essex. The first male child born was Emil, son of John and Louisa Anderson, born October 12, 1870. The first female child born was Ella S., daughter of Isaac and Fredrika Johnson, born October 10, 1870.

RELIGIOUS.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church was formed in 1870, by the following members : N. P. Larson and wife, C. A. Falk and wife, J. P. Nelson and wife. Rev. B. M. Halland was the first pastor. Fie was fol- lowed by Rev. A. G. Skeppstedt. who in turn was succeeded by Rev. N. G. Dahlstedt. In 1872 the congregation erected a frame church building,

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 443

which soon proved too small for the rapidly growing attendance. In 1876 a more spacious and imposing structure was built, capable of seating six hundred people. The last structure is forty-four by eighty-eight feet, with a tower ninety-nine feet high. The cost of the building was eight thou- sand dollars. In 1880 there were about seven hundred meml^ers in the con- gregation. The church is one of the most prosperous in Page county and its influence is felt far and wide. The church property all told cost fourteen thousand, six hundred dollars. It consists of a frame edifice, provided with a. pipe organ costing sixteen hundred dollars, a two-story parsonage, a resi- dence for the use of the organist and school teacher. The church supports two parochial schools, one by the church and one on section 17. The total attendance is one hundred and twenty.

A Methodist Episcopal society was formed jnany years ago in the north part of Fremont township, and a neat church built in the grove.

SCHOOLS.

Fremont township is populated for the most part at present by Scandi- navians, who have as finely improved farms and beautiful homes as almost any other part of Page county. The greater number are intelligent and take kindly to American institutions. The church of their choice seems preeminently the Lutheran and this detracts from the common public some- what. However, as a general rule these foreigners believe in educating in the English as well as their own tongue.

'ts'

MORTON TOWNSHIP.

Morton township was originally included in Tarkio, then in Lincoln, but is now described as congressional township 68, range 39 west. It is bounded on the north by Grant township, on the east by Lincoln, on the south by Washington township and on the west by Fremont county. The only stream of any considerable note is the West Tarkio river. It is one of Page county's most excellent and highly cultivated agricultural sections, where corn is king and farmers are prosperous Americans, who believe in good schools and good roads and the obeying of all wholesome laws.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

In tracing out the pioneers of a township or county one finds no easy task. Many have removed, many died and those yet remaining "this side the strand" have had their minds too full of life's realities to remember all those early happenings.

In 1853 Calvin Fletcher made the first settlement. He was shortly fol- lowed by Samuel Markham, from Kentucky. These both settled in the northwest corner of the township. The next settlement was made in 1867 on section -24, bv H. A. Durbon.

In 1869 when S. R. Franks located in Morton township he gave the fol- lowing who were then residents or came during that vear : Henrv Pierce,

44-4 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

section 35 ; H. A. Durbon, section 34 : Jacob Ernst and son, A. L. Ernst, section 36; Cy Cleveland, and \Y T. Tones, section 25; Evan Wilson, sec- tion 25 ; John M. Chambers, section 35 ; O. H. Frink, section 10, came in April, 1871 ; James Noble, section 9 ; Isaiah Beam, section 7; Henry Wagner, section 19; J. Roselie, who came in 1871, section 36. From that date on the township in common with all Vv'estern Page county, settled very rapidly.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first settler was Calvin Fletcher in 1853.

The first child born was Fred W. Franks, son of S. R. Franks and wife. His birthday was- April 13, 1870.

Probably Mrs. J. AI. Chambers was the first person to die in Morton township.

The first marriage was J. M. Chambers to his second wife, who bore the maiden name of Goode.

The first schools were taught in a building erected for that purpose in

1871, in Pleasant Ridge, No. 6, and White Cloud, No. 3. Phebe Ellis taught in the winter of 1 87 1 -2 at the Pleasant Ridge schoolhouse.

The first sermon was preached by Rev. James Lytle in the spring of

1872, at Pleasant Ridge schoolhouse.

The Methodist Episcopal people organized the first Sunday school in Morton township.

The first justices of the peace were J. M. Chambers and Squire Beams.

RELIGIOUS.

The people of Alorton township attend services at Coin or Bingham. However, in the early part of 1872 both the Methodist Episcopal and Wes- leyan JNIethodists formed each a class and held regular services at Pleasant Ridge schoolhouse on section 36. Each was determined, all in good spirit, to gain the first organization and if possible, the first footing. Upon a certain Sunday morning during the time above mentioned, Rev. James Lytle, the Wesleyan ]\Iethodist minister, called his class together and preached for them on Sunday morning. He was aware that the Methodist preacher. Rev. L. \V. Archer, was to preach in the evening, so he, Lytle, gave notice as follows : "I hereby notify this people that this society will hold services each Sunday forenoon throughout the year at this schoolhouse," expecting to head his brother ofif, but Rev. Archer covered this appoint- ment by giving out notice that he would preach "afternoon and evening" during the year. Hence that pioneer schoolhouse, around which so many fond recollections still cluster, was well supplied with "regular" services.

SCHOOLS.

As previously stated, the fir^^t two schoolhouses in iMorton were erected the same season, 1871. In 1876 she supported six schools, having an enroll- ment of one hundred and sixty-eight pupils.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 4-15

LONE ROCK.

Before the reader passes from Morton township he is first invited to read concerning- an object of natural curiosity, known as "Lone Rock/' sit- uated on section 15, about one huncb'ed rods southeast of Lone Rock school- house. This monster rock is of the boulder family, is about twenty feet long, ten or twelve feet wide, and stands about eight feet above the ground. How far it is embedded in the ground no one knows. It was discovered by Rev. William Rector, a Methodist minister, in 185 1, while journeying from Fremont county to the Tarkio's country, and perhaps was the first white man to gaze upon its surface and query concerning its formation and original history. Whence did it come, from the north on an iceberg? Some miglity agency must have brought its hundreds of tons weight to this spot. Could we but hear its flinty tongue tell of this prehistoric journev. it would sur- prise and fill us with wonder sublime. Like the marks on the face of the aged person does this ancient landmark declare the newness of the soil on which it now rests ; the great diflference between youth and old age is here illustrated.

LINCOLN TOWNSHIP.

Lincoln is congressional township 68, of range 38 west, and is the sec- ond civil township east of the western border of Page county, and also second from the south. Tarkio is directly north, Harlan east, Colfax south and Morton west. The principal water course is the Tarkio river, which flows through the central and western portion, entering the township at section 4 and leaving from section 32. Lentil 1858 this subdivision of the county be- longed to Tarkio township but in that year what is now known as Lincoln and Morgan townships were organized as Lincoln. No finer section of farm- ing country can be found anywhere than the one of which we now write and to give the reader an idea of what rapid development it has made it will be best to go back and learn something concerning

THE EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Ex-County Judge S. F. Snider was the pioneer who first set his claim- stakes in what is now Lincoln township. That was in 1846 and the same year came William Lavering. Judge Snider finally sold out to Joshua Aikin and removed to Clarinda. He later removed to Colorado. Lavering first settled on land which was later known as the G. R. Davidson farm. No further settlement was effected until 1850, when John L. King came.

In 185 1 came H. H. Lutzenburg, who settled on the claim taken by Lav- ering. William Loy settled on part of the Snider claim and Joshua Aikin on the remainder. Samuel Phifer and Samuel Peters came in 1851 also, settling near the mouth of Snake creek, and were soon followed by Joshua Skinner. All of the above mentioned witnessed the government surveyors cut their portions of the unsurveyed territory.

446 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The next to come was James Haynes, who settled a half mile east, across the river, from Coin. From the early '50s on a goodly number came in and took up land, but no rapid growth was made until about 1870, when railways began to extend through this part of Iowa.

No positive data as to first events, including schools and religious ser- vices, can be procured. However, in 1880 the township had six more-than- ordinary schoolhouses, in which public schools were held, as well as the var- ious religious denominations which used them as places of worship.

In 1879 the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway Company built the Denver Short Line branch from Clarinda to Northboro, Iowa, and imme- diately a new era was begun.

COIN.

Coin, the only village in Lincoln township, is located on section 32, town- ship 68, range 38, and about twelve miles southwest of Clarinda. It is a sta- tion at which the Wabash line crosses the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy — Denver Short Line. It was platted November 25, 1879, by the Western Improvement Company of Iowa. At the first sale of town lots, sixty-four were sold to persons who at once erected dwellings and business houses. The earliest attempt at business was by the putting in of a general stock of goods by S. M. Crooks & Company, in the fall of 1879.

The first hardware sold exclusively was that kept by W. A. Wood- worth.

The first hotel was opened by J. A. Delk, who was the second man to engage in business in Coin.

Wallace Brothers sold the first lumber at this point in 1879. The pio- neer furniture firm was Godfrey & Dowell, who embarked in business in 1883.

The first to handle agricultural implements was Elliott & Son. J. B. Dunmire was the first blacksmith and R. E. Switzer was the first harness and shoemaker of the village.

The first to enter the livery business was Samuel Clark & Son.

The first tinner was J. G. Burgett.

The butcher business was at first conducted by Rouse & Myers.

The pioneer druggist was Jacob Loy.

W. C. Chesney owned and operated the first wagon shop.

Mrs. A. E. Neeley opened the first stock of Millinery goods.

R. E. Switzer burned the first kiln of brick at Coin.

A banking house was opened by Webster Brothers & Company in 1880, later known as the T'ank of Coin.

R. E. Martin was the first man to ship stock from Coin.

The Bank of Coin was opened in 1880 by W. E. Webster, who conducted it until his death in 1882. In June of that year L. Van Arsdol purchased the property.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 447

SOCIETIES.

Coin Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 455, was instituted in the winter of 1882 by about enough members to fill the elective offices, one having to be bor- rowed from another lodge.

Page Post, G. A. R., No. 65, was organized November i, 1881, by eleven members. The first officers were: J. H. Palmer. Com. ; M. Neeley, S. V.; T. R. Shaw, J. V. ; A. T. Rice, surgeon ; Daniel Polsley, Q. M.

SCHOOLS.

The wide-awake populace of Coin has from the first sustained good pub- lic schools. In 1880 a comfortable schoolhouse was erected at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. Later an addition was built, making it a two-story structure, divided into four departments.

INCORPORATIOX.

Coin became an incorporated town July 30, 1881, by a vote which stood sixty-seven to twenty-five. The first election was held August 29, 1881, when the following officers were elected : Mayor, T. H. Baldwin ; recorder, Robert Wallace ; assessor, A. P. Anderson ; treasurer, A. T. Rice ; street commissioner, B. F. Whitney; councilmen, W. J. Clark, A. H. King, W. A. Woodworth, J. G. Spender and Daniel Polsley.

POSTOFFICE.

Snow Hill postoffice was established in Lincoln township on a "star route." in 1875. Mails were carried tri-weekly between Clarinda ana this point, which is about a mile from where Coin now stands. Upon the com- pletion of the railway and the establishment of Coin, the office was trans- ferred to the new village and in the fall of 1879 A. G. Bacon was made post- master. He served until October, 1885, and was succeeded by C. E. Kile, who held it until he resigned in favor of his daughter, who continued as post- mistress until October, 1889, when i\Ir. Bacon was reappointed. It was made a money order office August 15. 1881. The first order was sent by J. F. Reid, to an insurance company ; amount, nine dollars.

CHURCHES.

The Methodist Episcopal churcli at Coin was formed at Snow Hill school- house about 1870 by Rev. W. J. Beck, and Chancy Carpenter classlcader. A church was erected at Coin in 1880, at a cost of two thousand dollars. In 1S89 a parsonage was erected at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars.

The United Presbyterian church was formed June 12, 1880. The firs* meetings were held two miles northeast of Coin at the Monzingo school-

448 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

house. Rev. William Johnston officiating. It had a membership of twenty- eight. The first elders were John Monzingo and S. A. Godfrey, and thf trustees were R. B. Wallace, T. M. Monzingo and J. AI. McKee. The firs/ pastor was Rev. R. M. Sherwood, who entered upon his work in November 1880, and continued until ]^Iay, 1884. The society held meetings in the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church until 1881, when they erected a church thirty- four bv fiftv-four feet, at a cost of three thousand dollars.

SNOW HILL (defunct).

This was not a regularly platted village but it was a small collection of houses and a postoffice called Snow Hill. There was at one time, before Coin existed, a flouring mill on the Tarkio river ; a store operated by Crooks and Ausbach and a blacksmith shop. The location was about a mile north of where Coin now stands. A foundrv was built in 1882 bv Austin iS: Son.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

Washington is the southwestern corner township of Page count}'. It is east of Fremont county, south of Morton township, west of Colfax and north of the Missouri state line. It is, strictly speaking, congressional town- ship 67, range 39 west. The ^^'est Tarkio river is the only stream of any consequence. The soil of this section of Page county is rich of the richest and from .it is produced all kinds of grain, grasses, vegetables and fruits common to this climate. In 1858 the records of this township show that this township embraced all of congressional township 67, range 39 west, and a part of range 38, but subsequently it was cut down to the six-mile-square rule.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

The first settlement was made in 1856 by B. C. Freeman, of INIissouri, J. B. \'an Sandt, of Philadelphia, and Alexander Van Sandt. Shortly af- terward came Messrs. Mawhinney, J. S. Johnson, the Webb family, Charles Wilkinson, Mullen and a few others who ''staked out" claims and at once began to build homes for themselves.

In 1862, when David Peck came into the township and effected settle- ment on section 21, he found living in the township: B. C. Freeman, on section 32 ; Father Clauser, section 32 ; John and Alexander \'an Sandt, sec- tion 28; Harvey, Edgar and Leonard Webb, A. J. INIawhinney, section 26; Dr. James Hull, section 26; and a man named Ridgeway, on section 20. During the next four or five years there came Richard Dupray, Thomas Peter, P. S. Himter, Sylvester Johnson, Isaiah ]\Iartin, Jack Dugan, S. Scram, E. W. Comfort, Jack and Henry Wiar. John Lee, J. M. Darbee and T. J. Gibson.

OLD MILL AT BRADDYVILLE

Built in 1855 by William and James Braddy, founders of the village. Still tion, being owned by Mrs. Mary J. Tliompson.

ni opera-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 451

From the time the railroad was built through Essex and Shenandoah in 18/ o, settlement was made very rapidly.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first schoolhouse erected in Washington township was the one at Union Grove in 1861.

Miss Emeiine Dupray taught the first school.

The first sermon was preached by Rev. Stephen Blanchard about 1862.

The first person to weave cloth in the township was Mrs. B. C. Freeman.

The first marriage was that of J. M. Kine to Miss Kate Hull, July 5, i860.

The first male child born was to Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Freeman, in Septem- ber, 1856.

The first female child was Mary, daughter of Alexander and Susan Van Sandt, born in 1857.

The first cemetery was platted on section 21. It contained three acres and was on Mr. Peck's land.

The first persons buried there were : George Peck, in 1865 ; Ida IM. Peck and Clara Peck, in 1866.

RELIGIOUS.

However great the temptations of the early settlers might have been to forget their early training in sacred things, they did not yield, for we find that among the first enterprises they undertook was the providing of schools and church societies, the latter of which held services at private homes and at schoolhouses. The first sermon was preached in Washington township by Rev. Stephen Blanchard, Wesleyan Methodist, in 1861 or 1862, at the Union Grove schoolhouse.

The Methodist people gained early footing in these parts as well as in nearly all western sections. What was known as Union Grove charge, was for years a stronghold of Methodism. Another point where this sect were in early days was at West Point, near the county line.

The Christian church was formed in 1887 with twenty-three members. They held services in the Union Grove schoolhouse two miles west of the village of Northboro. The first pastor was Rev. W. W. Hallem, and the first deacons were D. W. Flickinger and Isaac Speakman. while the elder was H. H. Whitney.

A Baptist church was formed in January, 1876, with C. P. Green and wife, G. E. Morrill and wife, R. F. Freeman and wife and Charles Cox. They worshipped at schoolhouses but when Northboro village started, the church was changed to that point.

SCHOOLS.

The pioneer schoolhouse of Washington township was erected in 1861 and has since been known as Union Grove. Miss Dupray taught the first term of school here. As the years have passed and the country has de- veloped, the people have kept fully up to the standard of Page county's school system and is now provided with several excellent buildings.

452 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

POSTOFFICE.

The postoffice within the township is located at Northboro, on the rail- road.

VILLAGE OF NORTHBORO.

This is a small station on the Denver Short Line railroad, on section 23 of Washington township. It was platted by the town lot company, Sep- tember, 1881. It is finely located on a hill and overlooks a mag-nificent rural district, where all is thrift and prosperity.

The first attempt at business at this point was in the autumn of 1881, as soon as the railway was built through. R. J. 2^Iason put in a stock of gro- ceries as the first store. Hill & .Scott Brothers soon opened up a general merchandise stock. The following located here in the fall and early winter of 1881 : Henderson & Bimting, hardware; Blanchard & Peck, groceries and queensware ; A. D. Kerr, groceries ; R. J. ]\Iason, blacksmith shop : ho- tel by McPherson, who soon sold to Mrs. McGinness ; real estate, J. R. ]\Ion- tague ; lumber yard, George Palmer & Company.

The first to deal in grain at Xorthboro was G. E. Morrill : first in the livery business, E. Benedict ; first in the harness business, W. L. Dunmire ; first in boot and shoe repair shop, S. Ffelds ; first in millinery goods, C. M. Dupray ; first to deal in drugs, I. H. Word; first agricultural goods, Fergu- son Brothers & \\'ood.

RELIGIOUS.

The denominations represented at Xorthboro are the jMethodist Epis- copal and Baptist and each have church edifices.

The ^Methodist society was the first to worship. Prior to 1882 there was a class at Union Grove schoolhouse, but upon the platting of Xorth- boro, a church was formed. S. D. Blanchard, J. S. Wolf and H. A. IMax- well were the committee to arrange for building. They raised funds and had a frame edifice nearly completed when the terrible cyclone, — wind and hail storm — of July 13, 1883, demolished it. The following year, 18S4, they built on the same foundation, a structure thirty-two by fifty feet, at a cost of two thousand dollars. A parsonage was soon after bought in the country and removed to the church lots. ■

The Baptist church was formed by fifteen members in the winter of 1886-87. They built a new frame church, twenty-eight by forty-four feet, with an alcove and vestibule, at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars. This was dedicated on the 23d of February, 1890.

Gettysburg Post, Xo. 241, G. A. R., was organized in Northboro, in the fall of 1882, by sixteen members. The first commander was George E. Mor- rill. They own their own hall.

Sons of A'eterans, Shiloh Camp, Xo. 119, was organized July i, 1887, by seventeen charter members. The first captain was W. W. Creal ; first lieutenant, F. ]M. Jump ; second lieutenant, O. W. Holcomb.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 453

COLFAX TOWNSFIIP.

Colfax, named in honor of Hon. Schuyler Colfax, former vice president of the United States, is in the southern tier of townships of Pag'e county. It is east of Washington, south of Lincoln, west of Amity township and bounded on the south by the state line beween Iowa and Missouri. It com- prises congressional township 67, range 38 west, hence is six miles square, except Vv-hat it lacks of full sections along the state line. At an early day all the southern portion of Page county was claimed l)y and paid revenue to the state of }*Iissouri. Colfax was at one time a part of Washington township. The Tarkio courses its way through this township from section 5 on the north line to section 31 on the south. Along this beautiful stream one finds considerable valuable timber land, in which the first settlers lived.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

In 1850 Alexander IMontgomery made the first actual settlement in what is now styled Colfax township. He settled on section 5 and died in 1882.

Next came John Gillihan to section 8. He and Montgomery came here from Kentucky. John Iker came about the same period, locating on section 16. To these three pioneers should go the credit of effecting the first set- tlement in this now goodly locality. It was these three men who set the stakes and gave tone and caste to the early affairs of the township. Soon sprang up good schools, good churches, pleasant hom.es, model farms and all that goes toward making a county desirable.

Other very early settlers were ^Ir. Birdsall, Alfred Snodderly, Lewis Lowns, Jefferson Tibbitts, the Lynn boys, J. ^^^ Calvert, Mr. ^lichael, lames Bullock, David McCord, James Turner, Ed. Monzingo and James Hammel.

Frank Hitchcock came from Grundy county, Illinois, in 1869. Charles Hipp came about the same time. E. Cadwell. J. G. Johnson, J. Gamble, J. Hensleigh, A. Hill, E. Apley, J. 'M. Ferguson, O. Wetmore, J. H. Palmer and G. W. Bowman were all settlers prior to 1875.

THE FIRST EVENTS.

The first birth in tlie township was James M., son of Alexander Mont- gomery, born May 4, 1851.

The first marriage was Oscar ]\lcCord to ]\Iiss Iker in 1865.

The first school teacher was Joseph Kempton, who taught in a log school- house, built by James Hayner, on section 5. in 1856.

The first frame schoolhouse was erected in 1861.

The first religious services were held in 1856, at the cabin of John Gilli- han, by James ]\Ic\'ey, who was a Christian minister.

The first female child born within the township was Onie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. A. Montgomery.

Mrs. Montgomery also wove the first cloth in the township.

454 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

BLAN CHARD.

Blanchard is a flourishing town of about four hundred and fifty popula- tion, on the Omaha & St. Louis Railway, on sections 32 and 33, Colfax tow^nship, and also a small portion extends over the state line into Missouri. It was platted in September, 1879, and lots w-ere sold in October. It is well located and is surrounded by one of the most fertile and paying agricultural districts in Page county. Its population consists mostly of intelligent Amer- icans, who sustain the best of all modern improvements and build up edu- cational and religious societies very rapidly.

POSTOFFICE HISTORY.

An office was established in the autumn of 1879, with J. D. Parrott as postmaster. He was succeeded by B. Thurman, R. Pruitt and O. Wetmore. It soon became a money order office.

INCORPORATION.

Blanchard became an incorporated towai in 1880. The first council were; T. F. Willis, mayor; Samuel M. Zeluff, recorder; A. J. Colton, treasurer; J. A. Funk, S. W. Bird, C. G. Anderson, M. G. Blair, C. C. Hayes and G. A. Gattlin, trustees.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first child born at Blanchard was JNIartha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Lincoln, born January 15, 1880.

The first school was taught by E. E. Benedict in 1880.

The first house on the plat was biuilt by John Mann.

The first goods were sold by John Mann, grocer ; Fossett & Bird- sail, hardw^are ; N. G. Russell, A. A. Lincoln, Frank Gillmore, general deal- ers ; Bower & Comstock, groceries and meat ; J. D. Parrott, drugs ; Mr. Clement, furniture ; Anderson Bar, agricultural goods ; J. Cole & Com- pany, grain dealers ; George Palmer & Company, lumber.

THE BANK.

Monk &r Anderson Brothers established a banking house at Blanch- ard in 1881. They began on a six thousand dollar capital and conducted a general banking business.

THE CREAMERY.

Blanchard has one of the finest creameries in all this part of the state. A stock company was formed of the best business men in the community and in 1880 a good frame building was erected just north of the town and all the latest butter-making machinery installed. It started up November 6.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 455

1889, and is doing a good business at producing a very superior quality of butter from milk delivered within a radius of eight miles. The incorporated name of the concern is the Blanchard Butter & Cheese Company, with a capital stock of eight thousand five hundred dollars.

SCHOOLS.

From the first Blanchard has been noted for her excellent schools. . The first term was taught by E. E. Benedict, commencing September 20, 1880. This term was held in what was known as the "Milwaukee Beer Parlor," which building was erected for saloon purposes ; but the agitation of the pro- hibitory question and the high moral sentiment of the community would not long tolerate and support a beer saloon. Other buildings were leased for schools, but in 1881 a fine two-story brick structure was built, at a cost of nine thousand dollars. It was erected by Alexander Searcy and is forty by sixty feet, divided into three departments.

CHURCHES.

The Methodist Episcopal church was organized here by a small class in

1881. A frame chapel was built the next season. It was thirty-eight by fifty feet and cost twenty-six hundred dollars. July 13, 1883, it was blown to pieces by a terrible cyclone, which swept over this part of Iowa. The church, however, was rebuilt on the same foundation and still serves the purpose. The last building cost twenty-two hundred dollars. In 1885 a parsonage was built at a cost of one thousand dollars.

The United Presbyterian church was organized at Blanchard in 1880 by tw'clve members. The same year a church edifice was erected at a cost of two thousand dollars. It was built of frame, thirty by forty-eight feet, with a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty. The first edifice was wrecked by a severe storm and was rebuilt.

SECULAR SOCIETIES.

Emanuel Lodge, No. 405, (Blue Lodge) of the Masonic order, was in- stituted at Blanchard in 1880 by the following charter members and officials : J. A. Funk, W. M.; A. E. Pratt, S. VV. ; E. E. Phillips, J. W. ; S. W. Bird, H. White, D. A.. McDaniels and J. W. Dewey.

State Line Lodge, No. 429, I. O. O. F. was instituted at Blanchard in

1882, by nine members. The first officers were: I. A. Funk, N. G. ; E. E. Phillips, V. G. ; John Jeffords, secretary; A. F. Fossett, treasurer, ^n 1882 they bought a hall which they finely furnished and equipped.

Blanchard Encampment, No. 167, was organized in the fall of 1888. There was only one charter member; the remainder were borrowed from neighboring towns.

Rising Star Lodge, No. 180, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was formed at College Springs in 1878 and afterward removed to Blanchard,

456 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

about 1 88 1. The charter members numbered twenty persons. When the division arose in the supreme lodge over the yellow fever trouble at the south, this lodge became dissatisfied and withdrew.

The Grand Army Post was organized January ii. 1886, by John Spence, with fifteen charter members. The first elective officers were : T. G. Baggs, P. C.; R. D. Perigo, adjutant; F. M. Stevens, S. V.; W. C. Ross, J. v.; John R. Pruitt, Q. M. ; J. N. George, surgeon; P. S. Davidson, chaplain; J. A. Funk, O. G.

HARLAN TOWNSHIP.

This civil township includes congressional township 68, north, range 37 west. When the independent district of Clarinda was formed, a small slice was taken out of the northeast corner. Harlan is situated with Nodaway township on its north; East River on the east; Amity on the south, and Lincoln on the west. Its territory is chiefly rolling prairie land. It rises gradually from the Nodaway river on the east and descends toward the Tarkio on the w^est. Sections 9, 16 and 21 are the water shed of the town- ship. The west branch of Mill creek rises on section 16, and running south- west passes College Springs on the west. The eastern branch rises on section 21 and runs nearly due south and passes College Springs on the east. "No Business" creek takes its rise on section 22, running in a southeasterly di- rection, emptying into the Nodaway river about a mile and a half north of the south line of the township. For fear coming generations may wonder at the origin of the above creek's name it may be stated that Will- iam McClelland, who lived near the stream, once attempted to cross it on horseback but got mired, and upon getting home his wife asked him what stream he meant, whereupon he said that it had no name and had no business here, and from that time on it naturally took the name of No Busi- ness creek.

Olive Branch heads on section 15 and runs northeast, emptying into the Nodaway river about a mile and a half south of the north line of the township.

Hutton's Branch rises on section 9 and runs first north of east and then south of east, entering the Nodaway river a little north of Olive branch. There are smaller streams emptying into the above named stream, furnish- ing plenty of water for domestic and stock purposes. Besides the Noda- way timber in the eastern portion of the township, there are groves of tim- ber in other parts. The largest is Lee Grove, on sections 10 and ii, also Pinkerton, on section 27. All of the streams have more or less timber along their borders. There is a vein of soft coal about two feet thick. Among the banks already opened may be named Aikin, Ribble, McLean and Pinkerton. Extensi^ve prospecting has proved that no very paying strata of coal are to be found in Page county.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Flarlan was settled in 1844 by Alexander Lee and by Alexander Tice, "Doc" Franklin Parker, Ezra Heady and Edward Chestnut, in 1850. Chest-

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 457

nut was the pioneer who remarked that, if he could not get more than two dollars per hundred for his bacon, he would "sit up nights and eat it him- self."

In the summer of 1854 claims were taken by D. P. Robinson, Will- iam Whitehill, Robert Young, Thomas Toner, his son, Charles Toner, and John Stevenson. Of this number, Thomas Toner died March 20, 1884, and John Stevenson moved away many years ago.

Prior even to the coming of these gentlemen was a Mr. Redferin, who claimed land later owned by Mr. Annan.

Other early settlers were David and F. H. Muller, Lewis Conner, W. G. Moreland, John Brown, Robert Murphy, David Porter, Samuel Pink- erton and William McClelland. The last named came October 17, 1854, and located on section 25. John Griffith was among the pioneers. His son Isaac served in the Union army, was taken ill and got within a few miles of his home, when he died at the home of Abe Nixon.

Messrs. Toner, Whitehill, Wilson and [McClelland were of the original membership of the Reformed Presbyterian church.

Elijah Scholes came in and settled on section 25 in 1855. "Nine" But- tler settled on section 36 at a very early day.

Robert Young came to Harlan township in 1854, also the same year came Archie Rodgers, who soon went west. William and Jacob Butler came in 1856. William Butler was the first to make a home on the prairie, four miles out from timber, on section 30. He thought he would go into stock growing and believed that he would be off by himself for many years, but it was not long until he was surrounded on every hand. From the close of the war settlement was efifected very rapidly.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first death was that of Willie, son of William McClelland, wdio died in the fall of 1855.

Among the first marriages were those of Robert Young to Sarah White- hill, and James H. Wilson to Esther Toner.

The first to preach the gospel was Rev. Joseph McCracken, of the Re- formed Presbyterian faith.

The first schoolhouse was of logs, built in 1856.

William McLean, a pioneer, met with a fatal accident in i88g He was at a near neighbor's, who was i)ulling stumps by a horse stump-puller, and Mr. McLean was standing just behind the sweep or lever to which the teams were attached. The horses were pulling every pound they could, when the clevis broke and the tension of the machine suddenly collapsed, the sweep coming with great violence against his legs, breaking both of them below the knee and throwing him witli fearful force over on his chest, in- juring him about the lungs. Blood poison soon set in and he died.

SCHOOLS.

The people have ever manifested a marked degree of intelligence in this portion of the county and have been fully up to the standard in school mat-

458 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

ters. The first schoolhouse was built of logs in 1S56 in district No. I. Thomas Toner, Aaron Wilson and William Whitehill were the chief build- ers. These gentlemen were all from Lee county, Iowa. Many of the most substantial farmers in Harlan township caught the graduates of that old log schoolhouse and they have indeed made good wives. In 1867 the old log schoolhouse gave place to a frame building, and that becoming too small a more commodious building was erected in 1877, which at that time was the best schoolhouse in Page county for a country district.

Fairview schoolhouse was built in 1857. This district included what is now Nos. 5 and 6. The house was located on the northeast quarter of section 28, near William C. Brown's residence. In 1868 the district was divided and IMentor and Pleasant Ridge districts formed and good build- ings provided in each, which were twenty-two by twenty-six feet.

The AIcNutt schoolhouse was built in 1871, that district then embracing what is now Nos. 3 and 4 but is now No. 2.

RELIGIOUS.

The Reformed Presbyterian congregation of Clarinda, styled "Cove- nanters," is one of the religious denominations of Harlan township. This congregation was organized December 17, 1855, with thirty-four members and the first pastor was Rev. Joseph ]\IcCracken, who was ordained and in- stalled October 29, 1856.

For many years private dwellings and schoolhouses were employed as places for public worship. Soon after the first members settled they erected a log schoolhouse, which also served as a place of worship. In i860 the congregation erected a frame building, which served until 1866, when it was found too small and a frame structure, forty by sixty feet was erected, this church being located four and a half miles southwest of Clarinda and about seven miles northeast of College Springs.

The doctrinal principles of this sect are the same as those held in common with other churches bearing the name Presbyterian. They hold the the Bible to be the supreme rule of faith and practice and also that the teachings of the same be summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith. They dift'er from the other denominations in the practical appli- cation of their principles to the civil institutons of the country. They be- lieve that civil government is an ordinance of God. ordained for man's good, placed under subjection to Christ and under obligation to take the moral law as taug"ht by Christ ; that this nation in its constitution ought to acknow- ledge God as the primary source of all authority. They believe our fore- fathers when framing the constitution made two serious mistakes : First, in legalizing human slavery; second, it laid the foimdation of government on men instead of God. While thev believe )•' the main our national con- stitution might be right, they greatly regret that God is not more clearly acknowledged as the supreme ruler. By reason of many being the law- making power, this sect claims that the postal and interstate commerce laws are contrary to God's Sabbath laws. For this reason the members of

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SHAMBAUGH MILL First grist mill iu Page County

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 463

this sect cannot conscientiously vote for representatives who are to be sworn to uphold such laws. They claim to love their country more than others in that they deny themselves this right of suffrage, hoping the na- tion may see the error of their ways and incorporate God into its constitu- tion.

The history of this denomination would fail of being complete unless its war record be mentioned. Situated. near the dividing line between sla- very and freedom, it early took part in the defense of the right side. No congregation of Page county, perhaps not in all Iowa, in proportion to its numbers, furnished as large a number of volunteers. When the word came on Sunday morning that Bedford was being threatened by invaders, the pastor announced the news from the pulpit and asked the men to go home, take their guns and proceed to that point at once. All save a few men too old and feeble, went and the good women at once formed themselves into a commissary department and sent a wagon load of provisions.

The years from 1861 to 1866 were full of anxious cares to the mothers and wives of this congregation. Some had their only son in the ranks, while others had two and some three sons in the Union army. These times of trial had a bright as well as a dark side. Harlan township seemed nearer to Clarinda than now, and when the women met to make garments for the Christian Commission, the men usually accompanied them and any gathering that had Antony Loranz and James D. Hawley in it was certain to be lively.

MENNONITES.

This peculiar sect are non-resistant and take no part in politics. They have similar belief to the Quaker-Baptist people. They make most excellent citizens and are a self sacrificing people in that their membershi]). when called upon to give up home or religious belief, choose the latter as the most val- uable to them.

PAGE COUNTY MILLS.

This milling plant is situated on the west bank of the \\'est Xodaway river, about six miles south of Clarinda, and on section 36 of Harlan town- ship, in the town of Shambaugh. Its early history is that in 1858-59. a man named Richardson erected a sawmill at this point which was propelled by the waters of the West Nodaway river. It passed through dift'erent men's hands and a man named String, in company with another man. sold the mill to James Shambaugh. who added a small grinding concern which he ran until 1883. when the mill was rebuilt and the patent process "roller system" was placed in operation, having a daily capacity of fifty barrels of flour. In 1888 steam power was added to the water power.

SHAMBAUGH.

This place is the first station south of Clarinda, on the line of the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railway. It is located on the west bank of the

462 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

West Nodaway river, on section 36, Harlan township. At about this point Nodaway Mills postoffice was established at quite an early day but no effort was made to start a town until about the time of the building of the rail- way. It was in October, 1881, that James Shambaugh and wife platted a part of section 36, and at once lots were oft'ered for sale. The first day fifty town lots were sold. The advent of the iron horse gave all a new life and quite a little village sprang up at once.

The first to sell goods here was the firm of Bracken & McLean in 1878. They were in a store room near the mill, before the town was laid out. After three years the building was moved by the owner^ James Shambaugh, to the newly platted town.

John Tabor, who operated Shambaugh's, then known as Nodaway mills, kept a stock of tobacco and other staples, which he sold to the customers of the mill, hence he sold the first goods in the place. The postoffice was also originally at the mill. William McLean, of Bracken & McLean, was the next postmaster. He was accidentally killed in 1889 while working a stump-puller upon his farm north of the village. D. Claytor was the next postmaster. He remained in office until October, 1889, when he was suc- ceeded by C. T. Cox. Mr. Cox bought an interest in the general store of W. L. ]\IcLean in 1883 and later became connected with the firm of D. Heidelbaugh.

The first hardware was sold by Ham & Potter about 1882.

The first to deal in drugs was Potter & Large, who built a store in 1888 and embarked in trade.

The grain men were all commission men. no elevators being built. One year there were eighty thousand bushels of corn bought at this point.

Among the blacksmiths who stood at the forge at this hamlet may be named Messrs. Rumsey, Jim Brown, C. H. Herryman, and J. F. Hay.

George Crabb operated a harness shop here about a year but left in the fall of 1889.

CHURCHES.

There are three religious denominations represented in the village, all of which possess good buildings. They are the Methodist, Church of God and the Brethren of Christ.

The Church of God was organized about 1870. They had no church edifice until 1884, when they erected a fine brick church, forty by fifty-six feet, at a cost of three thousand dollars. Later a parsonage was built but it was subsequently sold and the funds went toward the new church.

The ^Methodist Episcopal church was formed by a class of nine in 1883. \\'. M. Gray was the leader. At first they held services in other church buildings and in the town hall. December 9, 1889, work com- menced on a new frame edifice which was finished and ready for occupancy in a month from that date. The building is thirty by forty-four feet and cost eleven hundred dollars.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 463

PAGE CENTER.

This is near what was platted as Pas^e City in 1858, with the hope of inducing the county seat to be removed there. Page Center was platted upon the building of the Denver Short Line Railroad in November, 1881. It is situated on the southeast quarter of section 7, township 68, range 37.

DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP.

Douglas, one of the best townships in Page county, is on the north line and the second tier from the east side. It comprises congressional township 70, range 37 west, and is bounded on the north by Montgomery county; on the east by Valley township ; on the south by Nodaway township ; and on the west by Fremont township. It is the only township in the county but what has a line of railroad touching some part of its domain, or a village. This part of the county is the divide between the Nodaway and Tarkio riv- ers. It is noted for its most excellent farm.s and thrifty foreign farmers, who are among the best citizens in the county. Nearly all came here poor and are today wealthy. This single six-mile-square township contains more actual wealth than many whole counties in some states.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first to locate in Douglas township was Levi Reeves and Henry Otte in 1856. The latter came to the township in the fall of 1855 and took up land, to which he moved the following year. He located on section 34, and became one of Page county's best farmers. Reeves settled on section 12 in the spring of 1856. Hames Black also came in 1856.

Henry Sunderman settled on section 27 in 1855. He made his home at Henry Otte's seven years, during which time he improved his farm.

Hiram Ward located on section 9 in 1855. Mrs. Ward died the follow- ing August and this was the first death in the township.

George Newsome came in the autumn of 1857 and is still a resident of the southeast of section 12.

David Margeum located on the east half of the southeast quarter of sec- tion 2. He died in February, 1889.

Alexander Mains came in the fall of 1856 and settled on section 2. He sold out some years later and removed to Kansas, and finally died.

Thomas ]\IcNeal settled in 1862 on the southwest quarter of section 11.

John Strickland settled in 1862 on section 11.

Other pioneers in this township were Major Cramer, from Indiana ; a family named Dirum, N. C. Winter, George Robinson and James Mcintosh. About 1870 the Swedes commenced coming in very rapidly and are now very numerous.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first settlers were Henry Otte and Levi Reeves in 1855-56. The first death was ]\Irs. Hiram Ward, in August, 1856.

464 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The first male child born was William, son of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Reeves, in October 1857.

The first female child born was Lucinda Otte, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Otte, born in 1856.

The first marriage in Douglas township was Cyrus Dinwiddie to Miss Hannah Ward in 1859.

The pioneer sermon was preached by Rev. Doughit, a United Presby- terian minister. It was in a log house, built on the site of James Black's farmhouse, on section 2.

The first school was taught by Miss Hester Sayres. This was about the close of the rebellion, perhaps 1864.

The first regular schoolhouse was of logs and put up by volunteer work upon the part of the pioneers. It stood on section 12 and was used for both school and church purposes.

The only three fatal accidents now recalled by the early settlers are as follows : In 1872 John Swanson, who at the time was caught in a fearful storm near Laports sawmill, while taking refuge beneath a large tree, was killed by a falling limb. Pie left a family. The other cases were a Swede boy who was drowned in the Nodaway river at the close of the war, and a man who was killed while loading a huge rock upon a wagon.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

The United Presbyterian church was organized in 1872 by the following- membership: James Black and wife, James Pollock and wife, C: C. IMoore and wife, William Wolf and wife, Clara Wolf and Isaac Schofield. They met at the residence of Air. Pollock on section i. The name of this branch of the church is styled North Page. Rev. D. C. Wilson was the organizer, and the first eiders were James Pollock and William Wolf. The first services were held at the schoolhouse in district No. i. A frame church was erected in 1874 on the south half of the southwest quarter of section i, township 70, range ^y. It was twenty-eight by thirty-six feet and cost about twelve hundred dollars. John Brown was the builder. It was dedicated by Rev. D. C. Wilson of Clarinda. At the time this church was built, the society numbered forty. At first the society was supplied with ministers from various points but about 1878 Rev. David Dodds came from Pennsylvania and was made pastor of both the Hepburn mission and this church.

The Methodist Episcopal church dates from 1868, when a class was formed at the Cramer schoolhouse on section 5. The first members were George W. and Sarah Hogan, Major J. Cramer and wife, J. H. Cramer, D. W. Cramer and J. Lytle. In 1882 a Methodist church was erected on the northwest of section 9. It is a frame building twenty-eight by sixty feet. It seats about three hundred people and cost twenty-four hundred dollars.

The Christian church was formed in 1886, at the schoolhouse in district 2, by thirty-eight members. Rev. M. Hardman of Glenwood organized the church.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 465

The Swedish Evangehst Lutheran church was organized in December, 1870, with seven famiHes. In 1877 a frame church was buik, at a cost of four lliousand dollars, inclusive of the parsonage. The church was dedi- cated December 31, 1877, by Rev. B. M. HalLand. This society has been the means of much good among the Swedish population, who pay lil^erally and are devoted to their faith to a high degree. The influence of the church upon the masses is indeed wonderful.

SCHOOLS.

Educational matters have always held a high place in the minds of the population of Douglas township. The first school building built by a subscription of work among the first few settlers, was a log structure "raised" on section 12. As soon as the settlement increased and taxes could be levied, school buildings went up all over the township, as the necessity demanded.

BUCHANAN TOWNSHIP.

Buchanan, one of the earliest setttled parts of Page county, is now con- fined to congressional township 67, range 36 west, and contains about thirty-two sections of land, a portion of the lower tier of sections being cut bv the Missouri state line, on account of variations in several boundary surveys. Buchanan is south of East River township, west of Taylor county, north of the Missouri state line, and east of Amity township. It derived its name from an army officer who was drowned near Hawleyville, alx)Ut 1883, while trying to cross a stream in high water time. This officer's body was eventually taken to Washington city and interred in Arlington cemetery.

For many years subsequent to its organization the south half of its do- main was included in and paid tribute to the state of Missouri, until by act of congress the matter was finally settled and the present southern boundary line established. The township is watered and drained by the Nodaway rivers and Buchanan creek. The East and West Nodaway form a junction on section 7. There is considerable broken land in the township and a good amount of native forests, within which the first settlements were 'effected.

At first Buchanan embraced the south half of the county and Nodaway township the northern half but Buchanan assumed its present form and size in October, i860, by order of County Judge Swinton, who cut it down to its present territory by making other civil townships.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

It is in this township, as now defined, that we find the first events of settlement in Page county. It was here that the white man ventured to make for himself a habitation even before the Indian wigw^ams had all disappeared.

466 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

The honor, for such it is, of effecting- the first settlement in the county, hkewise Buchanan township, belongs to the Farrens family. D. M. Far- rens claims G. W. and H. D. Farrens, came to Buchanan township in 1842 and that he David Farrens came in 1843, but records in the hands of H. D. Farrens show that the settlement was made in 1842; hence, the settlement of the three Farrens must have been made in 1843. However, many still contend, and may be correct, that the first settlement dates from 1841. \\'illiam Hardee, who came, he says, March 28, 1842, and settled on section i, believes the first settlement should be 1841. The location of the first house was on section 2^. Larkin Thompson moved into the town- ship about the same time that Hardee came.

In 1845 Pik^ Davidson, Jacob Botenfelt, John Snodgrass, Robert Snod- grass, Daniel and John Duncan, came about the same time.

John Griffey and Thomas Nixon came in 1850.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first person born of white parents in this township and county was Oliver Perry Hardee, generally known as Perry Hardee, son of Air. and Airs. William Hardee, born September 16, 1842.

The first white woman in this township and the county was Aliss Eliza- beth Farley, who married William Hardee. She w^as also the mother of the first child.

The first marriage was that of George Farren and Miss Martha Hol- land, November 12, 1844.

The first postoffice in Buchanan township was established in 1851, known as Center postoffice. G. W. Farrens was the first postmaster.

The first settler to go on the prairie to make a home was Samuel Nixon. The timbermen all told him he would freeze or starve to death. He planted the first vineyard in Page county.

The first trail ever broken by a white man was in 1843, when G. W. Farrens one wet season hitched four yoke of oxen to a treetop and dragged it over hill and dale to Maryville, Missouri.

Mr, Farrens was peculiarly situated, as he lived in two states, three counties and two townships and yet never removed. It came about on account of the Iowa-Missouri boundar}^ line trouble and the reorganiza- tion of townships.

SCHOOLS.

Though not even fairly educated themselves, many unable to read and write, yet the first settlers saw the need of schools and in 1844 a log" school- house was built on section 26, in which both school and occasional religious services were held. From that remote day to this the good people of Buchanan have always been foremost in promoting educational matters in Page county.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 467

RELIGIOUS.

The clergy found its way into the wilcls of Buchanan township, at first being represented by Rev. Johnson, of the Methodist faith, who held the first religious service at the house of Ephraim Johnson.

The Three Forks Xodaway Baptist church was organized May i6, 1858, by Rev. S. J. Lowe. The original members were W. P. Dougherty, I. E. Stout, Willis Allenbaugh, E. Dougherty, Nancy Stout, Ann Miller and Elizabeth Allenbaugh.

BRADDYVILLE.

This is the important trading point in the township. A small plat was laid out at an early day by Mr. Braddy. The present plat was effected and made a matter of public record in June, 1878, the year in which the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railway was built through from Clarinda to Burlington Junction, Missouri. James Braddy made the plat. It is lo- cated on section 36, and on the bank of the Nodaway river, which af- fords a mill power at this point. It is now an incorporated place and is one of the oldest trading points in the county. Among the early dealers here were William Beach, who conducted a store in a log house some time in the late '50s. He was followed by T. B. Blackford, R. H. Dunn, R. C. ]\Iason & Son. John Hart & Company came in 1875.

RAILROAD ERA.

The coming of the railway marked a new era for Braddyville, and in 1879-80 Good & Gottbrecht were the general merchandise dealers.

In 1880 Dale & Collins opened a harware store. Butler Brothers and David Dows & Company bought grain. Hotelling & Crane handled lum- ber. A. H. Luddington was the first dealer in furniture. The first to deal in drugs was Raudabaugh & Lawrence. The pioneer hotel was run by J. W. ]\Iartin. John Gram had the first shoe shop ; John Castle, harness maker; Stuart Henderson, blacksmith; M. Reed, wagon shop; ^Irs. Good and Casey Smith, milliners ; Dale & Carson, agriculture goods ; Blackford & Failyer, livery business.

POSTOFFICE.

A postoffice was established at an early day. William Krout was an early postmaster. The office was made a money order station, July 21, 1884. The first order was for seventeen dollars and twenty cents, sent by John ]\I. King to Sol Gray, at Williamsburgh, Kansas.

Braddyville was incorporated in 1880.

The Braddyville News commenced its issue January i, 1890. the proprie- tors being Miller & Grosvenor.

The Bank of Braddyville was opened in 1880 by Good & \\''ebster, who in 1881 sold to Grain, Jeft'erson & Company, and in May, 1889. J. B.

468 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

Grain bought the concern and carried on a banking and insurance busi- ness.

SCHOOLS.

The first school house was erected in 1873, ^ one-story twenty-four by thirty-four feet, of frame, which stood on the bank of the river. A school building was erected in 1884, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars. It is forty-six by fifty-six feet and two stories high.

METHODIST CHURCH.

Methodism is an old institution hereabouts. Its early history cannot be here noted but a few years after the railway was built, a neat frame edifice, thirty by fifty feet, was constructed at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars.

ODD FELLOWS.

Gollege Springs Lodge, No. 228, was removed from Gollege Springs in 1879. The Lodge owns their own hall.

HORSEMAN AND CROOKS.

. These were platted towns on the lines of the W^abash Railway, which line was abandoned in 1890 and pulled up. Morseman's plat was on section 17, while Grooks' was on section 29.

EAST RIVER TOWNSHIP.

East River township is located in the eastern tier of the congressional subdivisions of Page county and is the second township from the southern boundary line. It is south of Nebraska township, west from the Taylor county line, north of Buchanan township and east of Harlan township. From north to south its territory is traversed by the sparkling waters of the East and West Nodaway rivers and derives its name from the first mentioned river. It is also watered along its eastern boundary by Bu- chanan creek, and through its interior by smaller streams. The surface of the land in this township is beautifully undulating and the water courses are skirted by a fine growth of natural timber, embracing nearly all the kinds common to this climate and soil.

The soil is a dark rich loam, from two to three feet in depth, having a firm yellow clay for a subsoil, which prevents what is usually styled "wash- ing." All the grains, grasses, fruits and vegetables grown in this part of the country abound here in abundance and are ripened into maturity with almost a certaintv. The climate is healthful and invigorating. The timber serves as an excellent protection in mid-winter, as well as to stop the force of the high winds of the summer months.

CHKiSTIAX CHURCH, BRADDYVILLE

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. BRADDYVILLE

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 471

This part of Page county is embraced in what was once the disputed territory between Iowa and Missouri and for many years taxes were levied and collected by both states. This was settled, however, in 185 1, in favor of Iowa. When the county was laid ofif into townships, that now embraced by East River was a part of what is now Buchanan township and so re- mained until 1861, wlien the board of supervisors changed it and East River was struck off into a civil township by itself.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

By careful research it has been found that the first settlement in this township was made in 1843 by Jesse Majors, Robert Stafford, Lark and Moses Thompson and Charles Gaston. The following year came Jeremiah Teeters and Gideon Dougherty. These men, together with the families of themselves and those just mentioned, made up the pioneer band of East River township and had to be contented with and endure all the hardships coincident to those early days. Nearly all the goods consumed by these first settlers had of necessity to be freighted in by team from markets situated at a long distance, generally from St. Joseph or Marysville, Alis- souri. It should be remembered that this township was settled about sixteen years prior to the advent of a single mile of railroad within the state of Iowa.

The Pottawattomie and Musquankie Indians were encamped in consider- able numbers on both branches of the Nodaway river, as well as along the winding banks of Buchanan creek, as late as 1854, when they were removed to Kanesville, now Council Bluff's. At that date there w-ere five white fami- lies living in what was styled "the forks" in East River township and seven families additional in other parts of the township. Counting five persons to each family, it gave a population of sixty persons in 1854. Six years later, in 1861, when the township was organized under its present name, it contained a population of two hundred and sixty. Its population in 1876 was a few less than nine hundred.

SCHOOLS.

At the time East River became a township itself, the advantages for obtaining a good common-school education were by no means excellent but as times advanced so did her school advantages. In 1876 there were within this township three hundred and seventy persons between the ages of five and twenty-one years and the average daily attendance amounted to one hundred and seventy-six pupils. There were then eight schools. David Ribble taught the first school in East River in 1852.

RELIGIOUS.

It may in all candor be stated in this connection that in no one particular has this people made more rapid strides than in the matter pertaining to

472 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

religfious worship. In the early times the holy Sabbath was more frequently given over to carousing, hunting and fishing. The wild whoop of the Indians answered by their white brothers was then wont to break the stillness of the quiet Sabbath, instead of the voice of the man of God. Today nearly every denomination of Christians are in some manner repre- sented within the limits of the township, many of them having large socie- ties and regular preaching services. The Methodist Episcopal is thought to be the strongest sect, yet others are large and among them may be men- tioned the denomination of the Church of God. The first religious services held in the township was at Shambaugh's mills, where William Rector preached in the fall of 1851.

THE "banner" township.

It should here be made a matter of imperishable record that no township in all Iowa's broad domain shows a better war record than does East River, whose people won the silken banner for furnishing more supplies and relief to aid the wounded soldiers in the field and to sustain the families they had left at home. It must be remembered that the heroes of Shiloh and Donelson were many from East River township of Page county, Iowa. These men placed themselves between the awful storm of leaden hail and the American republic, which they had been sworn to protect. During those days of darkness and bereavement the Governor of Iowa offered a silk flag to the county that should furnish the most of material supplies and relief for soldiers, and Page county bore away her justly- won flag, and East River township carried off the banner as being the most forward of all the townships in the county in that loyal movement.

shambaugh's mh.ls.

This was the first mill site improved in the county. ^Ir. Stonebreaker erected a sawmill here in 1847. Some grinding machinery was also put in operation. In 1849 ^-'^i'- Stonebreaker died and the following year the mill passed into the hands of Captain Connor, who soon sold a half to one Remhart, who later sold to FMiilip Boulware, who also bought Connor out and run the mill until 1854, when Gordon & Shambaug-h boug-ht the prop- erty. In 1857 these gentlemen built a flouring mill proper. This mill is on the West Nodaway river, from which it derives its power. It is on section 7, East River township, and about two miles southeast of Clarinda. The river affords a seven-foot head of water. Steam was added in 1888. The sawmill part was not used after 1870. In 1885 the patent roller system was put in, w^ith a capacity of fifty barrels of flt)ur per day. The mill is known in histor}' as Stonebreaker's mill, Boulware's mill and Shambaugh's mill.

NEBRASKA TOWNSHIP.

This subdivision of Page county is situated in the eastern tier of town- ships and is congressional township No. 69, and is part of range 36, being

IIISTORV UF PAGE COUXT\' 473

the smallest township of the county. It was among the first townships organized into a civil government. It presents an excellent diverse surface, due to the Nodaway streams, one of which Hows southwest throughout the entire extent of the township, it is a rich, highly cultivated and thickly populated township and contains the oldest village in Page county — Haw- ^eyville.

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

The honor of making the first settlement in this township belongs to Joseph Buckingham, who together with John Buckingham, John Daily and Aaron Wise, came in about 1845. Joseph Buckingham died in the vicinity of Hawleyville in 1872.

In 1849 Elisha Thomas built the first mill at the present site of the Hawle}ville mills. Jt was here where Sylvester Thomas, the first county treasurer and recorder, lived.

In 1848 A. I). Ouimby settled on the farm later owned by Charles Hakes. This was the most northern settlement in Page county at this time.

John Rose and John Ross both came in during 1847-48. Men named Gregg- and Henry JMartin settled in 1849 in the north part of the township.

In 1850 George Baker purchased the claim afterward constituting the farm of John McDowell, on section 3.

Edward Ilollis made a settlement at the same time in Valley township.

In 1850 A. B. Ouimby and James Foster went to St. Joe, Missouri, to mill, the high water having washed out the mill in Page county.

Plenry McAlpin came in and settled near Hawle}wille in 185 1, also Claiborne McBee and William Robbins. The last-named was the second sheriff of Page county.

McCagy Thomas, son of Ellisha Thomas, committtd the first suicide in Page county. He shot himself with a gun in the moiith, out in a secluded brush patch in 1849.

Rev. Carl Mean, afterward a member of the Iowa legislature, lived on the road to Clarinda and kept a few articles of merchandise for sale at his residence. These were truly the first goods sold in Nebraska township.

From 1850 to i860 a majority of the following made settlement in Nebraska township. All named came ])rior to i860 and a few perhaps even prior to 1850: Daniel McAl])in settled at Hawleyville. Robert Mc- Alpin settled at Hawleyville in 1854. Thomas ]\Ic.\lpin settled a half mile south of Hawleyville in 1854. C. G. Flinman started a wagon and black- smith shop about 1855. John Whitcomb settled at Hawleyville and opened the pioneer hotel, and his brother, Joel Whitcomb, was among the early blacksmiths there, coming in 1854-55. D. O. Kent located a short distance up the Nodaway from Hawleyville. He is now deceased. Warren Hul- bert, later of Clarinda, was among the early comers. Nat Shurtlift' operated a steam sawmill during that decade. J. M. Hawley, from whom Hawley- ville was named, came from Missouri in 1853, and opened the first regular store in Page county. E. M. Gilchrist, Stephen E. Mc.Mpin, D. A. Thomp-

474 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

son, Dr. A. H. East and his brother, T. H. East, were connected with the mining interests of Hawleyville. They are now both deceased. Luke Rawhng-s, \\'ash. RawHngs and Thomas Schooley all came during the above named period, also B. R. Tanner, David ^^lorgan and J. ]\I. AIcFarland.

SCHOOLS.

The pioneer school of Nebraska township was taught in a log building erected for school and church purposes at Hawleyville in 1854. The con- trast between that day and this in educational matters has been great.

\'ILLAGE OF HAWLEYVILLE.

This is the oldest village in Page county. It is situated on the northwest quarter of section 13. township 69, range 36 west of the 5th principal meridian, and is in the civil township known as Nebraska. It is a quaint, old-fashioned place, with the waters of the East Nodaway river flowing upon its western limits. It is upon ground sufificiently elevated to prevent overflow from high waters. It is seven miles to the northeast of Clarinda, the county seat.

The first attempt at business at this point was in 1853 ai""^ during the month of January, when James AI. Hawley, who had been in trade m Andrews county, Alissouri, and sold out on account of a two years' siege of fever and ague, came to this section with a few hundred dollars' worth of goods, loaded upon a wagon and drawn by a fine team. He came into the county for the purpose of trading his goods for venison, furs, game, etc., with which the country then abounded. But upon arriving where Hawley- ville now stands he concluded it a good point at which to open a general store, which he did. His first goods were sold from an improvised counter, made by placing a slab or plank across the heads of two barrels. For some time Mr. Hawley was the onl)- dealer in general merchandise in four coun- ties, namely: Adams, Taylor, ]\Iontgomery and Page. He did a large and paying business, laying the foundation for the goodly fortune he afterward possessed. He had his goods, which consisted of everything from a cambric needle to a cook stove, cradle or bedstead, freighted by team from St. Louis; St. Joseph, ]\Iissouri, or Ottumwa, Iowa. He frequently paid five dollars a barrel to have salt brought from one of these three points. He sold the sam.e salt at nine dollars a barrel. His stock consisted of enough fabrics of one sort and another to keep his few customers clothed, and he also made out to supply them with sugar, tea. coffee, "lasses" and tobacco, with a small supply of patent medicines, of the Jaynes and Ayers variety.

The above formed the beginning of a village, which was platted in 1853 by Henry McAlpin. and named in honor of Mr." Hawley, the pioneer merchant of the county, who still is one of its honored residents, living at Clarinda. No record appears of a platting until ^lay 17. 1855. when James M. Hawley and Mr. McAplin owned the ])lat. Hav.dey's store was about all there was to give the spot a village-like look for a few years.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 475

In 1856 John Whitcomb bought a log- house, which EHsha Thomas built in 1848, and converted it into a hotel, in which he cared for the weary travelers who chanced that way.

POSTOFFICE.

A postofifice was established at this point in 1854 or 1855, and James M. Hawley was appointed postmaster. The mail was at first brought from Quincy, Adams county, Iowa, by a carrier who walked and carried the mail in a hand satchel.

FIRST EVENTS.

The first merchant at Hawley ville was James ^I. Hawley in 1853.

The first blacksmith was Thomas Goodman, who came in 1853. He removed to California years later and there died.

The pioneer wagon maker was C. G. Hinman, who came into Hawley- ville in 1854.

The second school building was erected in 1861 by Thomas Goodman. It was a two-story brick building and was replaced by a new one in 1890.

THE MILLS.

The first mill in this part of Page county was a sawmill, erected about 1849 by Elisha Thomas, on the north bank of the East Nodaway river, which at this point gives a head of nine feet. In 1851 Henry McAlpin and A. M. Collier purchased the site and added rude grinding machinery, in- cluding a run of buhrs and a home-made bolt, which was run by hand. In 1854 the mill was sold to Dr. A. H. Thomas and Thomas H. East, and from their hands went after several changes to Truman Curtis and Thomas East, who in 1859 erected a new flouring mill, from which they took flour by wagons to St. Joseph, ]\Iissouri, and sold it there at a dollar and a half per hundred.

In 1866 A. ]\I. Collier purchased the mill. In 1889 he added steam power and put in the "roller system," with a daily capacity of fifty barrels. The engine was a thirty horse power, which, with the Lefifell turbine water wheel, affords sufficient power to run at all times of the year.

RELIGIOUS.

The first preacher to proclaim gospel truth in these parts was Rev. Samuel Farlow. Some claim Carl -Means. Farlow was a Methodist and succeeded in forming a class at a very early date. Rev James ("Uncle Jimmy") Stockton, a Cumberland Presbyterian clerg}'man, living in Taylor county, also preached to the people at Hawleyville. There was one laugh- able scene at the old log church away back in the '50s : After forenoon services all ate dinner and within the pioneer assembly might have been, found a dozen rollicking girls, of marriageable age, who planted their robust

47G HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY'

forms outside the log "meeting--hoiise," and all provided with clay pipes, tooi< their usual after meal smoke.

The Methodist people held meetings in the log- school house until 1870, when a frame chapel was erected, in which services are still conducted.

The Seventh Day Adventists organized at Clarinda and here in the fall of 1889 the meeting commenced in tents, conducted by Elder Washburn and C. B. Gardner, and from these meetings the two societies were formed.

HAWLEYVILLE IN I909.

Owing to the fact that other towns have sprung up all around Hawley- ville and it has been missed by all the lines of railroad so far, the place has gone back to a great extent, and what was Page county's brisk pioneer trading point has now come to be a small hamlet, which is made up of a few hundred people.

VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

Valley, the extreme northeastern township of Page countv, is congres- sional township 70, range 36 w^est. It is bordered on the north by Mont- gomery county, on the east by Taylor county, on the south by Nodaway and Nebraska townships, and on the west by Douglas township. It is a very well improved section, having many of the wealthiest farmers in the whole county. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway traverses the township from north to south, en route from A'illisca to Clarinda, with the village of Hepburn located on section 20. The Nodaway river courses its way in a direct north and south direction. Along this stream here and there is found considerable timber. The broad valley on either side is an excellent and well improved farm district. \^alley was at one time known as Dyke township, after one of the first settlers within its limits. It has been known as \"alley since 1858, when it was changed by County Judge S. F. Snider.

EARLY SETTLEMENT.

The first white man to invade \'alley township for the pur])ose of making for himself a home was Alexander Dyke, who came in the earlv part of 1850 and settled on section 16, where he remained until his death in March. 1880.

The next to settle was S. F. Snider who came in 1851 and settled for a time on section 28. He was afterward elected county judge.

Reuben Trout came from Ohio, September 28. 1853, Dr. Graves had come previously and settled on the north line of the county. He afterward moved to Hawleyville and practiced for a time but later moved to In- diana.

Tilman Loveless also settled on the north line and remained until 1864, when he removed to Missouri and there died.

A. M. Tice settled in 1853 on section 36. He died on section 22 in 1887.

HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY 477

Ezra Heady took land on section 27.

F. W. Higgins settled on the north part of the township.

Reuben Coffman settled on section 16, remained several years and fin- ally removed to Kansas, where he passed away.

A. J. Petty was also a settler on section 16. He afterward removed to Indiana.

James Insco and Louis \'an Devener came about 1854.

Henry Beavers settled on section 21 and in 1862 removed to California.

Hugh Moffitt came as early as 1854. while William Copeland came about 1852. Copeland's Grove was named in his honor.

In the fall of 1856 Nathan and William Orme came. William Orme was known as Squire Orme, he being a justice for many years. He died in 1868. Jesse Orme came in 1856.

Napolean Swim came prior to 1855, settling on section 25. where he re- mained for five years.

Jonathan Snider, son of Judge Snider, was also an early settler.

L. H. Wilder came in 1856, settling in the center of the township. He was an early county clerk.

The Rounds family came in 1856, Solomon, Levi and James. The father, who also came, was a veteran of the war of 1812. Joshua Rounds came a year later.

SCHOOLS.

The first school was held in a log cabin built for that purpose on section 27, in 1853. Myron Quimby was the first teacher. As the township became settled much attention was paid to educational matters. The wages then paid were from fifteen to twenty dollars per month. Many of the brave soldiers who went forth from Page county lived and attended the pioneer public schools of \"alley township. Many went forth to do battle and many are now slumbering in a soldier's grave in a southern clime. The to^^a^ship is now provided with good school buildings, there being nine in all.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.

Valley township has always been guided by a moral and religious ele- ment. North Grove Methodist church was formed in 1859. The original members were Elizabeth Orme, J. A. Bussey and wife, Henry Beaver and wife, A. Beaver and wife, C. Kennett and wife, O. F. Henshaw and wife and Mrs. Caroline Osborn. Originally services were held at the school- house but in 1877 a church was completed and dedicated by Rev. B. F. Crozier, at a cost of two thousand dollars.

Rose Hill L'nited Brethren church was formed in 1868, with nine de- voted members: George Hagley and wife, S. Markel and wife, William Sul- livan. ]\Iaria and Sarah Shepherd, L. ]Markel and Samuel Wolf.

478 HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY

In 1873 a frame chapel was erected in the southwestern part of the township, at a cost of six hundred dollars.

Hepburn United Presbyterian Mission was formed March 16, 1879, under the pastoral care oi Rev. D. Doods. There were nine original mem- bers. In 1878 a church edifice was erected at Hepburn at a cost of seven- teen hundred dollars. It is a two-story structure, twenty-two by forty feet.

A Christian church was formed in 1S89, with thirty-two members, with Rev. Isaiah Moffitt as pastor.

The Methodist church was formed at Hepburn in the fall of 1887, with a membership of twenty-five persons. A parsonage was furnished in the • fall of 1889.

MILLS.

At an early day there was a steam saw mill located about a mile north- east of Hepburn. It was on section ly and was called the Latty steam mill, and from it came much of the early day hardwood lumber.

E. P. Eager built a water buhr-mill south of Hepburn in 1875, which was burnt in 1881. It was replaced by a very large mill with six run of im- proved buhrs but this was destroyed by fire in 1887.

VILLAGE OF HEPBURN".

Hepburn, named in honor of Colonel "Pete" Hepburn, of Clarinda, is a station on the Clarinda branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway. It is eight miles north of Clarinda and some less south of Vil- lisca. It was platted in January, 1873, on section 20. It is of but little business consequence, yet makes a good market and trading point for the farmers of \' alley township. The first to engage in merchandising at this point were Messrs. Growling and Sunderman. The first house was erected by Mr. Field.

POSTOFFICE.

Prior to railroad days there was a postoffice established northeast of Hepburn, known as Meed postoffice, with O. G. Robbins as the first post- master. The office at Hepburn was opened in 1873.

ODD FELLOWS LODGE.

Hepburn Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 442, was instituted in January, 1885, by six persons. The first officers were : H. Reed, N. G. ; C. J. Carlson, V. G. ; C. B. McColm, secretary ; S. S. Heady, treasurer.

INDEX

Intioductiou 5

The Indian and His Fate 6

Black Hawk 10

Indian Treaties 18

First Land Title in Iowa 18

Early Settlement 19

Civil Government for Territory and State 20

Organization of the Territory of Iowa 21

The Territory Becomes the State of Iowa 23

The State Becomes Republican 25

Capital Removed to Des Moines 25

Climate 26

Topography 26

Iowa in the Ci\il \^'ar 29

Educational Institutions 32

The First School Building at Dubuque 33

State University 35

State Normal College 37

State Agricultural College 37

School for the Deaf 37

College for the Blind 38

Hospital for the Insane 38

Soldiers' Orphans' Home 41

Feeble-Minded Children 42

Industrial Schools for Boys and Girls 42

Penal Institutions 43

Penitentiary at Anamosa 43

State Historical Society 43

Iowa Soldiers' Home 44

Other State Institutions 44

Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Constitution of Iowa 45

Page Covinty 48

Location 50

Descriptive and Physical 53

Hydrography and Geology 58

Pioneers of Page Coiuity 61

Trading Points in Early Days 81

Count}^ Organization 83

Early Courts 86

Land Entries 89

The First Townships 91

Early County Court 94

Proceedings of the Board of Supervisors 95

Court House History 104

County Infirmary 106

Officials of Page Comity 107

Bench and Bar 138

Medical Fraternitv ,145

INDEX

Medical Societies in Page County 151

The Press of Page County 152

The Clarinda Herald : 153

Tlie Page County Democrat . 155

The Clarinda Journal 156

The Sentinel-Post, Slienandoah 158

The Slienandoah World 161

The Essex Independent , 162

History of Page County Newspapers 163

Transportation Facilities in Page County 165

The First Railway 165

Brownsville & Xodaway Vallej'^ Road 166

St. Louis & Council Blaft's (Wabash) line 169

Humeston & Shenandoah Railroad 170

Denver Short Line 171

Religious Societies in Page County , 171

Page County's Civil War Record 238

A Border War Episode 251

Sergeant Goodman and the Guerrillas .258

Page County in the Spanish-American War 282

Growth of the County in Population 286

Important to Taxpayers 288

Gratifying Comparisons 289

Valuation of Real and Personal Property 389

Live Stock a Great Industry 291

Township Officers for 1908-9 291

First Things to Happen 295

Drainage Districts 398

Banks and Bankers of Page County 299

Fraternal Orders and Societies of Page County 307

liOcation of the County Seat ' 331

Clarinda 332

Xodaway Township 371

Grant Township 373

Shenandoah 376

City and Village Plats 422

Pierce Township 423

Essex ■ 425

Amity Township 429

College! Springs 430

Tarkio Township 439

Fremont Township 441

Morton Township 443

Lincoln Township 445

Coin ; 446

Washington Township 448

Colfax Township 453

Blanchard 454

Harlan Township 456

Shambaugh 461

Douglas Township 463

Buchanan Township 465

Braddyville 467

East River Township 468

Nebraska Township 472

Valley Township 476

ILLUSTRATIONS

W. I,. Kcishaw. Ilistoiiiiii 4

Slicriduii Ancihu' Kast troiii VAu\ Street.

SlieiiiUidoali 1 .">

East Side of I'liblie S(|iiare, (lariiula. .. ;iT West Side of I'lihlie S(|iiare, Clariiida . . 27 Congregational Clniicli, Slicnaiidoali . . . :!'.*

Hraddyville ili-ili Siliool :> 1

(ieoige W. Faneiis til!

Main Street, Looking West, Shenan- doah, in 18715 7.")

Slienandoali in 1S8.") 7.">

I'erry I iarch-e S7

North Side of Public Square, Ciarinda,

about 1866 99

West Side of Public Sijuare. Ciarinda,

aliout 1867 99

Methodist Episcopal Church, College

Springs Ill

Sheridan Avenue West of Elm Street,

Shenandoah 125

Sheridan Avenue West from Sycamore,

Shenandoah 125

Ciarinda Avenue West from Elm. Shen- andoah 1 .''>9

View of Elm Street, Shenandoah i:!9

Sentinel-Post Office, Shenandoah 159

Chicago. Turlington & Q.iincy Depot,

Shenandoah 167

Wabash Depot, Shenandoah 167

Rev. Samuel Farlow 177

First Presbyterian Church, Ciarinda. .. 187 First L'nited Presbyterian Chinch, Ciar- inda 187

Presbyterian Church, Shenandoah .... 193 St. Mary's Catholic Church. ShenaTi-

doah 201

Proi)osed M. E. Church. Shenandoah. . .205 Present ^I. E. Church. Shenandoah 205

First F.aptist Clnirch. Shenandoah .... 209

Chiistian Clnircli, Shenandoah 209

l'nited Presbyterian Clinrch. College

Springs ;>21

Xishnabotna lliver at Shenandoah .... 255

Scene in Forest Park, Shenandoah 255

North Side of Public Square. Ciarinda. 275 South Side of Pul)lic Scpiare, Ciarinda. 275

High School, Shenandoah ;{(»<i

State Hospital for tlie Insane, Ciar- inda ,345

Public Library, Ciarinda 351

John Beam's Hotel in the early '70.s,

Ciarinda ,359

Ciarinda High School, 1876 :',5u

l>isle i\Ianufactin-ing Company, Ciar- inda .365

Ciarinda Po.iltry. Putter & Egg Com- pany 365

Sheridan Avenue East from Maple

Street, Shenandoah 377

Sheridan Avcime West from Hlossom

Street, Shenandoah 377

Western Normal College. Shenandoah. .399

Carnegie IJbiary. Shenandoah 409

Shenandoah Armo7-y 409

College Springs before the fires of 1900,

1902. and 1904 431

Business Row at College Springs after

the fires 437

Old Mill at Braddyville 449

ShambAugh :Mill 459

First Cristmill at Page County. Sham-

baugh 459

Christian Church. Braddyville 469

^lethodist Episcopal ( Imnh. Braddy- ville 469

^

c L