GRINNELL TOWNSHIP

What is now known as Grinnell township is situated on the west side of Poweshiek county, Iowa, in township No. 80, range 16 west, and comprises an area of 36 square miles. Originally it was a part of Washington township, which then extended the whole length of the county from north to south. It took distinct form and name March 6, 1855, being named in honor of Mr. J. B. Grinnell, one of its prominent settlers.

The land is generally quite level, though a portion of the southwest sections are timbered and considerably broken. There were over one thousand sugar-maple trees on the farm of Mr. Lattimer. Before the township was organized with its present limits, Mr. P. S. Pearce was elected justice of the peace, and. for a time, was the only justice in the county, the justice in Jackson .township having resigned. The first trustees were, D. D. Prosser and William McNabb. The election was held in 1849, at the house of David McDonald. Sugar Grove was the name of the first post-office.

Nathaniel J. Lattimer came from Jasper county, formerly from Illinois, in February, 1848, and settled in the southwest part of this township. D. M. Rutledge came with Mr. Lattimer and they both settled, at the same time, on section 31, Grinnell township. Mr. Smith Cox came from Linn Grove and settled on section 32. Mr. P. S. Pearce came and settled, in April, 1848, on section 32.

The first marriage was J. M. Campbell to Catharine Pearce, the ceremony being performed by Justice of the Peace R. C. Carpenter in January, 1854, at the cabin of the bride's father

The first death was that of a Dr. King, accidentally shot while drawing a gun from the hind part of a wagon, in the spring of 1851. He was from Illinois and was on his way to California with a company of emigrants. His remains were interred in what was afterward known as the Pearce burying ground.

Dr. Thomas Holyoke, from Des Moines, was the first regular physician. He practiced medicine, having a very extensive business for nearly a quarter of a century, and died February 10, 1877.

The first minister of the gospel who held public services in the township was a Rev. Mr. John Crill, of the Methodist denomination, and came from Keokuk county. He preached several sermons in the cabin of Mr. P.S. Pearce, and was paid by the neighbors in turnips and pumpkins.

The first school was taught by Elizabeth Sylvester in 1850. She was paid a slight compensation and boarded around the district, a certain number of nights to each scholar. The first school-house was built of logs, by the neighbors, on section 82, in 1850, on land owned by Mr. P. S. Pearce.

The first piece of home-made cloth was a piece of cotton jeans, by Mrs. P. S. Pearce.

Supplies were obtained from a long distance, and during the winter of 1848 and 1849 the settlers, together with their domestic animals, suffered intensely from hunger, there being a great snow which completely obstructed the roads. The snow commenced falling on December 9, 1848, and covered the ground to the depth of ten inches, and, again, the night before Christmas, another snow, ten inches deep, came, until the snow lay thirty inches deep all over the ground, then a rain, with freezing, forming a sharp crust. The settlers exhausted all their provisions. Starvation stared them in the face. The settlers held a counsel at Mr. Pearce's house, and it was resolved to fit oat Mr. Pearce with snow-shoes and send him to Newton for the necessaries of life. Accordingly, a pair of snow-shoes were made from thin lind boards and upon them Mr. P. S. Pearce made the trip, lie returned in two days with twenty-four pounds of coffee and tobacco and one pint of whiskey. Then there was another council held to devise means to prevent their stock from starving. The plan devised was to have Mr. D. M. Rutledge take his oxen and drive them ahead to break the crust, then a span of horses would follow and so break a road to Lynnville, where they could obtain corn for their starving animals. One day was consumed in the attempt. They drove about a mile and the poor animals' legs were bleeding from the wounds made by the sharp ice. They could go no farther, and, with considerable difficulty, returned. Then the men took old sacks and made leggins for their horses for they would certainly die of starvation if they remained inactive. The next day after preparation, they made another attempt. They had driven less than a half mile when the leggins were hanging in shreds, and the legs of the horses were so badly cut up that they made a trail of blood on the snow. Mr. Rutledge, after viewing the situation for a moment, turned to Mr. Pearce and said: "Gosh dang it! we can't go any further." They returned. The next day Mr. Pearce set out on foot for Lynnville on snow-shoes, to arouse the settlement there and obtain, if possible, aid in breaking a road. That night rain commenced falling and softened the hard crust, and after eight days from the first attempt, the road was broken through to Lynnville, and their provisions for man and beast replenished.

In February, 1849, while hunting, Mr. P. S. Pearce found at least forty wild hogs frozen to death at Blue Point. In 1851 there was continual rain nearly all summer and the whole country was flooded.

The township was organized, not with present boundaries, March 6, 1855, and the first election thereafter was April 2, 1855, at the house of G. W. Chambers. The judges of the election were: L. H. Marsh, Sumner Bixby and Anor Scott. Clerks of election: L. H. Phelps and J. B. Woodward. There were twenty voters, as follows: Amos Bixby, Thomas Holyoke, Anor Scott, William Carlton, Samuel Harris, Arnold Sherman, J, B. Grinnell, John T. Hayes, J. B. Woodward, Abram Whitcomb, Samuel Bixby, Demas Thomas, L. H. Marsh, L. W. Carlton, Henry Lawrence, E. S. Bartlett, Benoni Howard, Seldin G. Page, L. C. Phelps, G. W. Chambers. Eight of above named persons are still living in our midst. The officers elected were:

Trustees - L. H. Marsh, Samuel Bixby, Anor Scott.

Township Clerk - Abram Whitcomb.

Assessor - Henry Lawrence.

Justices - D. Thomas, G. W. Chambers.

Constable - J. B. Woodward.

Every vote was for prohibition. At the election held in November 120 votes were cast, Fremont electors having 105 and Buchanan electors 4 votes.

The township now casts 726 votes.

The only post-office or trading point in the township is the city of Grinnell, and each of the early history of the township is given in connection with the history of that city.

The present population of Grinnell township, including the corporation of Grinnell, according to the United States census of 1880, is 3,299; that of the township, outside the city, 882. So many improvements and changes have occurred within the last ten years that it is difficult from the present standpoint to conceive what it was in earlier days.

The farms are exceedingly productive and the facilities for transportation are near at hand. Corn, wheat, oats and other grains and fruits are raised in abundance. Crops are seldom known to fail here. Cattle, hogs, horses and sheep are raised for exportation. The fences are about one-half barb wire, and the other half includes board fence, hedge, and rail fence. Educational advantages are good and well improved. There are nine subschool districts. The valuation of real estate in the township for 1879 was $282,589; personalty, $73,288. ft

CITY OF GRINNELL.

We shall endeavor in this sketch of the history of the city of Grinnell, to give a comprehensive, though not extensive, review of the first settlement, growth and present condition.

Many of its present inhabitants were among those who saw the founding of the colony, aided in shaping its career, and have since actively attended its progress. The time has been so short and the advancement so great that its history seems like the vision of a single night. The changes that the short space of twenty-six years have wrought are marvelous. The large and beautiful homes, the tall and branching shade trees, the substantial business blocks, the churches of stone and wood, the Iowa College, the excellent public schools, the great railroad corporations, the beautiful park, the streets and walks, the business enterprises and wealth, the intelligence and culture of the citizens and the character the town sustains in general, all springing up from the treeless, trackless prairie within the short space of a quarter of a century, have now became the pride and joy, not only of those who reside within its immediate bounds, but of the State at large. Those who know its history so well that the most observant and inquisitive historical pen could not bring to the mind a single unheard-of incident or experience, nor present an old one in a new light, will not prize highly what is so familiar, but posterity will have a deep interest in any facts with which their fathers were in association.

Whatever may have seemed to influence subsequent action, or whatever may have been the supposed cause of this town becoming so desirable for residence, there could have been no more potent principle than that it commenced right. Industry, religion, temperance and anti-slavery were the prominent features of the principle that actuated the early settlers, as will be noticed in the fact that those very things have borne most satisfactory fruit in the years that followed.

In speaking thus of the little city of Grinnell, we are, at the same time, aware that our noble State of Iowa contains many other good towns, and that the fertile soil, the sunny skies, the fruitful seasons, the advantages of culture and the smiles of Providence are blessings enjoyed in every clime; but to the same extent and degree exceedingly few examples can be cited. Grinnell is, most emphatically, a representative town, but that it is, in all respects, a model we shall not pretend to maintain. However, it certainly is much easier, with its good qualities in mind, to frame an ideal model than taking most other cities of the same size as our basis.

The early settlers were mostly from New England, and from the highest grade of society. Hon. J. B. Grinnell, the founder of the colony, and from whom the township and city derive their name, was a Congregationalist minister, and a native of Maine. Dr. Thomas Holyoke, whose influence and worth in shaping the destinies of the colony can hardly be overestimated, was also a native of Maine. Reverend Homer Hamlin came from Wellington, Ohio. In March, 1854, the colony was organized with Christianity and education as the chief corner-stone. Rev. J. B. Grinnell and some others had fostered the plan for some time, till at length they determined to locate in Iowa or Missouri. After visiting Missouri and comparing the prospects of church and educational privileges in a slave State, with those offered in a free State, and becoming informed of the fertility of the prairie and the proposed location of railroads, it was decided to come here.

On the eighth of March, 1854, Rev. J. B. Grinnell, Dr. Thomas Holyoke Rev. Homer Hamlin and Mr. Henry M. Hamilton met at the Park House in Iowa City and made preparations to locate the colony seventy miles west of that city. The three former gentlemen, in company with the railroad surveyor, Mr. A. J. Cassidy, proceeded at once by team to Lattimer's Grove, a stage station about three and one-half miles southwest from the present site of Grinnell. Mr. Hamilton returned East to give information to others desiring to come, and to correspond with those actually on the ground.

When Mr. Grinnell and party arrived at Lattimer's Grove there were only a few rude cabins built with logs in the vicinity. The prairie which was selected for the colony was without a tree and without a mark of civilization. It was a gentle rolling prairie, the water-shed between Iowa River

on the east and Skunk River on the west, at an elevation of about 400 feet above the Mississippi River at Davenport.

The custom had been for settlers to locate in or near the timber which skirts the streams and often covers the breaks and rough land. But the wisdom of Mr. Grinnell is evinced in the fact that he chose the fertile prairie, which for all farming purposes is far superior to any other land. The Rock Island Railroad had not reached Davenport, but the line had been surveyed so far west that its ultimate completion to the Missouri River was relied upon.

After inspecting the location Mr. Grinnell returned to Iowa City and entered in his own name 6,000 acres in township No. 80, range 16 west.

New-comers were now frequent, and the colony rapidly increased in numbers. They built several log huts for the temporary accommodation of those who joined them.

In May of the same year the site for the town was laid out into lots 75 feet by 165, with the principal business street 100 feet wide and all others 80 feet wide. The park was at that time set apart, as was also the lots on the north side of Fourth Avenue, for church and school.

In June the building known as the "Long Home" was erected to accommodate travelers, and provide temporary shelter for new colonists. It was called "long home" because of its length. It had something the appearance of a corn-crib, and protected its inmates from rain and snow in about the same way. Soon after this another building was erected in which Mr. Anor Scott opened a store, and although no large amount of trading was done, yet it encouraged the colonists and gave the town the appearance of thrift

The first store was a little booth, constructed with rails and branches of trees. The goods were brought in a wagon from Iowa City by Henry Hill and Henry Lawrence. The doorway was a small hole through which the proprietor crawled to get the goods and hand them out to customers.

The next was a grout building for a hotel, and was kept by Mr. George Chambers. The same building, with additions, is the present Hawkeye House.

The spirit of church and school could not long remain obscure, accordingly a suitable house, 16x24, for the religious services and school was erected. Miss Lucy Bixby taught the first school, and Rev. J. B. Grinnell preached for the colonists.

It is worthy of notice that not a sabbath has passed since they came without some public religious service.

The Congregationalist Church, as is noticed in connection with the special history of that church, was organized in April, 1865.

Whenever any town lots were sold it was provided in the deed that the title would revert to J. B. Grinnell if any liquor was sold on the premises; and this has been a most salutary means for controlling the liquor traffic.

The first child born in Grinnell was Frederick Samuel Holyoke, a son of Dr. Holyoke, born in April, 1855, and died before the year closed.

The first death was that of Mr. Hall, in 1854. He was an aged man, and had recently come to the colony.

The first marriage is said to have been that of Mr. Henry Hill to Miss Susan N. Harris, a sister of Dr. E. H. Harris.

The first permanent frame residence was built by Dr. Holyoke, and occupied by himself.

In the fall of 1855 a school-house 40x40 and two stories high was erected.

The post-office was established here in August, 1856. The names of the postmasters will be given hereafter.

In June, 1856, the Congregational Association of Iowa met here. Dr. Tappan, from Maine, who was present, said: "I find here what I did not expect to find, a New England colony, as it were taken up by the roots and transplanted on the prairies of Iowa."

On the 2d day of April, 1857, the citizens laid the foundation of Grinnell University, which afterward became Iowa College. Its history is given in another place.

The progress of the colony was slow, but steady, for the first eight years. The building material, as also most of their other supplies, was transported by wagon from the nearest railroad point, which was Davenport, one hundred and twenty miles away. The Mississippi and Missouri River Railroad, as the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific was then called, was completed to Grinnell in July, 1863. The land which had heretofore remained unsold now found a ready sale, and for a distance of ten miles nearly every farm became occupied before the year 1866.

January 26, 1865, Mr. J. B. Grinnell regularly platted the town, and a petition was sent to the County Court for the purpose of incorporating said town, as the following from the Recorder's books will show:

"At the January term of 1865 the County Court of Poweshiek county, Iowa, a petition was presented signed by seventy-five citizens of the township of Grinnell, asking for an incorporation of said town. On the 28th of April, 1865, the County Judge of said county granted said petition, and authorized an organization. On the 10th of the following July a notice was given for an election of Mayor, Recorder and five Trustees, said election to be held on Friday, July 21, 1865, at which the following persons were elected, to-wit:

For Mayor - Samuel Cooper.

For Recorder - W. W. Sutherland.

For Trustees - S. F. Pruyn, L. C. Phelps, S. N. Bartlett, Stillman Needham, C. Q. Carmichael.

The above-named officers qualified before J. Eastman, Esq., on the 25th of July, 1865."

The following is a list of City Mayors and Recorders from the incorporation to the present time:

MAYORS. RECORDERS

1865..................Samuel Cooper....................W. W. Sutherland.

1866..................Samuel Cooper...................John Carney.

1867 .................Charles G. Carmichael.......John Carney.

1868..................Charles G. Carmichael.......John Carney.

1869..................H. G. Little.........................Matt. Phelps.

1870..................H. G. Little.........................Matt Phelps.

1871..................H. G. Little.........................Matt Phelps.

1872..................H. G. Little........................J. P. Lyman.

1873..................L. C. Phelps........................J. P. Lyman.

1874..................L. C. Phelps.....................J. P. Lyman.

1875..................G. M. Hatch......................J. Delahoyde.

1876..................G. M. Hatch.....................J. Delahoyde.

1877..................S. H. Herrick...................J. Delahoyde.

1878..................C. H. Spencer.................J. Delahoyde.

1879..................C. H. Spencer.................J. Delahoyde.

1880.................J. B. Grinnell..................J. Delahoyde.

Assessor - J. P. Clement.

Marshal - William Pexton.

Situated in the center of a great farming district, Grinnell cannot fail to increase in size and importance, both as a business trading point and as a shipping station for farmers and mechanics.

The following lines of occupation are at present in active operation in Grinnell: 2 banks, 3 railroads, 3 hotels, 1 general store, 12 groceries, 2

hardware stores, 4 drug stores, 9 dry goods stores, 6 blacksmith shops, 3 wagon shops, 4 carpenter shops, 2 livery stables, 1 brick yard, 2 book stores, 2 boot and shoe stores, 3 lumber yards, 4 elevators, 3 clothiers, 1 news stand, 2 cabinet 6tores, 3 jewelry stores, 3 restaurants, 2 bakeries, 3 meat markets, 2 photograph galleries, 2 dentists, 1 cigar store, 3 tailors, 3 telegraph offices, 1 music store, 4 dress-makers, 2 barber shops, 1 semi-weekly paper

1 weekly and 1 monthly college paper, 2 barbed-wire factories, 1 pork-packing establishment, 1 soda-water factory, 3 millinery stores, 4 sewing-machine agencies, 1 creamery, 2 coal dealers, 1 butter and egg packing establishment, 1 glove factory, 4 harness shops. There are also 3 churches, 1 college, 2 public schools, 2 public halls, 14 ministers, 9 doctors, 7 lawyers, 25 teachers and 300 college students in this young city.

IOWA COLLEGE, GRINNELL, IOWA.

The first settlers of Grinnell, coming from New England, brought their own views of advanced education and strict religious principle. They believed with their fathers, that these two should be inseparable companions. Several were college graduates, and all knew enough of education to respect and cherish the influence of a Christian college.

Before the town was platted from the treeless prairie, in 1854, the founders of the colony contemplated the establishment of a college. In December, 1855, they gave the projected enterprise definite form; first naming the institution " People's College," and then " Grinnell University," from the name of one of its principal founders, Rev. J. R. Grinnell.

A site was chosen for the Female Seminary where the college buildings now stand, and work upon it commenced immediately, with the understanding that it should be used for both departments until further buildings could be provided. But before the completion of the building, the whole property of "Grinnell University " was transferred to the trustees of " Iowa College." This latter institution, the oldest college in the State, was projected in 1844, by a few Congregational Home Missionaries and located at Davenport Trustees were elected, who formed an incorporation, under the general law of the State, June 17, 1847. The preparatory department was opened in 1848, and the first freshman class admitted in 1850.

At Davenport, the college constantly met with embarrassments. Once the site was necessarily changed, and twice its grounds were wantonly cut through by necessary streets. The trustees could do no otherwise than to sell the location and building at Davenport, and take advantage of the desire of other towns to have the college. All things considered, it was thought best to accept the offer of the town of Grinnell, to take the partly completed building and the promised funds of Grinnell University, with other gifts pledged, and locate Iowa College in Grinnell; this was in 1858. In 1859 classes were organized in Grinnell, though no college classes were formed till 1861. Since that time the college has made good progress, though hindered in early years by the war, and for the la6t few years by hard times and fire The first important effort to secure an endowment was made in 1863. In the spring of that year Rev. J. C. Holbrook went East, by arrangement with the society for Western Colleges, to obtain $2,000 pledged by the society to the current expenses of the college.

His success led the society to consent to his raising 120,000 for endowment, and afterward a greater sum. Subsequent efforts have raised the endowment to about $90,000. Three chairs have seemfully, and four partially, endowed. The entire property of the college has grown to about $200,000, including the endowment. The public college buildings are respectively forty-two feet by eighty, and fifty feet by ninety-five in size, three stories high; the larger, constructed of stone, is to contain eleven rooms: chemical lecture room, laboratory, museum, society, apparatus and recitation rooms. The smaller building, constructed of brick, contains chapel, recitation and reading rooms, and dormitories. December 24, 1871, the original building, or "East College," was destroyed by tire.

The character of instruction that is given at Iowa College, is best shown by the fact that a number of its professors have been called to positions in the Eastern colleges, and that the President has declined urgent calls to much more lucrative fields of labor. Although, as stated, the move toward founding the college came from Congregationalists, it is in no proper sense denominational. Its trustees, faculty and students belong to different religious denominations, and there i6 no sectarian teaching or pressure. The best of religions teaching, by example and precept, is designed to cultivate the nobler qualities of the student and guide him in the discharge of duty. As now constituted, the college consists of five departments: 1st, the College, including the Classical and Scientific courses; 2d, Ladies' course; 3d, the Academy or Preparatory department; 4th, the Normal and English department; 5th, the Conservatory of Music. The two courses, Classical and Scientific, are parallel; the students in the two departments reciting together in the studies which are pursued by both, but the latter taking scientific studies instead of the classics, and having some option between the mathematical and experimental sciences. The Ladies' course, recently extended to four years, is in great part identical with the college courses, beginning, however, with the Academy class in the classics, although this course is arranged to meet the desires of many young ladies who wish something like the ordinary course of the first-class female seminaries. The College courses are open to both sexes alike, and many young ladies have availed, and are availing themselves of this opportunity.

Although it would be preferable, in many ways, to teach nothing below the rank of college studies, yet the scarcity of good academics makes it imperatively necessary that the College should prepare a large portion of its own students. The Academy gives a careful and exact preparation for College. The requirements for admission to the Classical and Scientific courses are precisely the same; thus, two important and generally over-looked points are secured: that the student acquires some degree of maturity before being compelled to choose between the two courses, and that the scientific student acquires enough of both Latin and Greek to help him to understand and so remember many things which he will encounter in his studies of the sciences, the nomenclature of which is so entirely derived from those languages.

The Normal and English department is for the instruction of teachers, both those passing through the regular courses and those who can attend only for a short time. The problem of adopting a Normal course for teachers in connection with the regular College course has been happily solved.

Prof. Henry K. Edson, an experienced instructor in the theory and practice of teaching, has this department in charge, and looks forward to a new era in advanced Normal work. The following extracts from his circular, recently issued, will furnish the reader a good understanding of this branch of the College curriculum:

"A normal institution to be to the profession of teaching what schools of theology, law, and medicine, are to the other professions, is yet in the future. In this emergency it is the dictate of wisdom to utilize the means we already possess in our colleges, to furnish in the best manner possible thoroughly educated and practically trained teachers. Two reasons unite to give great force to the plan already inaugurated in several colleges in this country, as well as in England and Scotland, to add a teacher's course to their educational advantages. First,, A large proportion of their graduates take up teaching, either from necessity for a time after graduating, or from choice making it their profession for life; and this latter class, it is, for every reason, desirable to increase. Secondly, The colleges by their trained and experienced teachers, and by their laboratories, and museums, are best fitted to meet at once the demand for teachers who are thoroughly educated and up with the times in all branches, and especially in natural history, one of the most important departments of school education, and most difficult to introduce fully and effectively. While the culture character of the college course will not be impaired, nor its standard lowered, it directly meets the wants, and invites the attendance of those whom the urgency of the claims of active life and the necessities of their situation compel to seek their profession by the shortest road possible, consistent with due preparation. Iowa College now offers her students a Collegiate

Teachers* Course. This will run through a year, term after term, for all those who come mainly to attend the teachers' class, while it will be a part of the regular study of the members of the college for one term each year for three years. Thus: In the fall term, with the sophomore class: the history of education and educational systems, the educators of the world, and the history of the teaching art, and connected themes, will be the subject of study and lectures. In the winter term, with the junior class: the philosophy of education, the science of teaching, nature of mental culture, natural order of development and of studies. In the summer term, with the senior class: the art of teaching, with practice, school laws and school management, including organization, government, instruction, and methods. Graduates of high schools and academies, and teachers of one or more years' approved standing, may join the class without formal examination, upon satisfactory evidence of fitness to profit by its advantages.

The members of the teacher's class will have every desirable facility offered them. An excellent teacher's library (now collecting) will be at their disposal.

The wants of this class have long been known, and it is believed that the department of instruction now opened will afford the opportunity many have long desired for higher education and professional training under experienced educators.

Another practical plan connected with the teachers' course is contemplated - the establishment of a teachers' registry for the benefit of normal students, to bring into communication those who desire reliable teachers and teachers who are prepared for good positions.

Certificates of college or high school grade will be given to those who complete the teachers' course, according to the attainments of the candidates. Instruction in the normal course is given in the regular college terms, which are three each year, of fifteen, twelve and eleven and a half weeks, respectively.

The Conservatory of Music is constantly gaining ground, and doing well its work of sending out well-trained musicians, with high ideals, and thus raising the musical standard of the community.

The trustees of the college are:

Rev. Geo. F. Magoun, D. D., President, Grinnell; Rev. S. L. Herrick, Secretary and Auditor, Grinnell; Rev. Asa Turner, Oskaloosa; Rev. Harvey Adams, Brown's Prairie; Rev. Alden B. Bobbins, U. D., Mucatine; Rev. Ephraim Adams, Waterloo; Rev. Oliver Emerson, Miles; Hon. J. B. Grinnell, Grinnell; Col. John Meyer, Newton; Rev. J. M. Chamberlain, Grinnell; Rev. Daniel Lane, Belle Plaine; Ex-Gov. Samuel Merrill, Des Moines; Rev. Henry S. De Forest, Talladega, Ala.; Lucien Eaton, Esq., St. Louis; Jeremiah H. Merrill, Esq., Des Moines; Rev. William Windsor, Marshalltown; Nathaniel C. Deering, Osage; R. D. Stephens, Esq., Marion; David Leonard, Esq., Burlington.

Treasurer of the College - Rev. Joshua M. Chamberlain, Grinnell.

Executive Committee.

The President, ex office, Hon. J. B. Grinnell, Kev. S. L. Herrick, Col. John Meyer, Rev. Wm. Windsor.

Faculty.

Rev. George F. Magoun, D. D., President and Williston Professor of

Mental and Moral Science.

Rev. Samuel J. Buck, A. M., Memorial Professor of Mathematics and

Natural Philosophy.

Richard W. Swan, A. M., Benedict Professor of Latin and Literature.

Stephen G. Barnes, A. M., Ph. D., Ames Professor of English Literature,

Anglo-Saxon, and Rhetoric.

William H. Herrick, A. M., Dodge Professor of Chemistry.

Willard Kimball, Professor of Music and Director of Conservatory.

Fisk P. Brewer, A. M., Carter Professor of Greek and Instructor in

Modern Languages.

Rev. Henry W. Parker, A. M., Stone Professor of Natural History.

Rev. Henry K. Edson, A. M., Iowa Professor of Theory and Practice of

Teaching.

Jesse Macy, A. M., Principal of Academy.

Miss Mary Ellis, A. M., Lady Principal.

William A. Noyes, A. B., B. S., Tutor and Assistant in Chemistry and

Physics.

Miss Mary Manley, Instructor in Vocal Culture and Theory of Music.

Miss Ella A. Baker, Lady Assistant.

Prof. R. W. Swan, A. M., Librarian.

Besides the foregoing there are lecturers.

During the college year of 1879-80 the students were distributed through the various departments as follows:

College Course................................................ 82

Ladies' College Course......................................... 52

The Academy Course.......................................... 76

Normal English Department..................................... 71

Conservatory of Music.......................................... 58

Graduates of 1879............................................. 20

Total...................................................359

Deducting those reckoned twice.................................. 33

Total number students....................................326

The entire number of gentlemen who have graduated is 94; of ladies, 77; total, 171.

There are several literary societies.

The Chrestomathian Society is composed of members of the college classes. Organized 1852; library 550 volumes; library fund $1,000.

The Calocagathian Society is composed of ladies pursuing either course. Organized 1863; library 200 volumes.

The Christian Association - formerly the Society of Christian Inquiry established in 1865, is composed of students without distinction. Library begun.

The Philologian Society, established in 1867, consists of young gentleman in the academy. Library begun.

The Grinnell Institute is composed of gentleman of the college courses. Organized 1870; library 887 volumes.

Lewis Literary Association is composed of gentleman of the academy. Organized in 1871; library begun.

It is made obligatory for all students to attend daily prayers in the chapel, and two regular services on the sabbath in such church as parent or guardian may direct. Exercises in declamation and composition are required of all students. Examinations are held at the close of each term. The library and reading-room is open to all students. The library contains 5,080 volumes. The museum of natural history occupies a large and convenient room in the third story of Central College. The tuition expense is low considering the character of instruction, and advantages given. Students preparing for the ministry receive aid. Prizes are awarded for excellence in several departments. Degrees and diplomas are conferred in accordance with the customs of the best Eastern colleges. Such is a brief history of Iowa College. It is growing in popular favor and will ere long stand in the front rank as an institution for higher education. The professors are men peculiarly adapted to their work. Dr. Magoun, its first and only president, is no less distinguished, and has been at its head nearly sixteen years, and impressed his individuality upon it in a most remark-

able degree. No town in the State is better suited to college purposes.

Horace Greeley, in an article printed in the New York Tribune after his visit to Grinnell in 1871, says of it as a site for a college:

"Scholarly parents have emigrated hither from the East in order to secure the best instruction for their children. And I doubt if there is a spot on earth better suited to their purpose. For Grinnell has one advantage as the site of a college over any other within my range of observation, in that no glass of alcoholic liquor is, or ever was, sold here. It has no "barroom," no "saloon," lager beer, or otherwise, no resort of tipplers, even in this most respectable stage of their downward progress. Need I add that Grinnell has no paupers, no loafers, no ruffians, no brawlers, and that her people are equal in morality, intelligence and culture to any community on earth."

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

In March, 1854, several thousand acres of land were purchased, a portion of which was set off for a town site, for educational purposes and for farms. The April following a cabin was erected in the grove, two and a half miles west of the town site, which was occupied by Dr. Thomas Holyoke, H. Hamlin, II. M. Hamilton, A. F. Gillett, A. Bixby, J. B. Grinnell and others - the first settlers.

The first religious meeting was held at the log house of Mr. Perry M. Mattison, about three miles west of the town site, in the grove, at which seven adults were present. The second was in the grove at the cabin of Mr. Oakley, near Mr. Mattison's, the audience numbering fifteen, of whom Mrs. Holyoke was the only lady present. The third meeting was hold under the oaks near the cabin, the congregation numbering nearly thirty. The fourth was held in what was known as "The Long Home," a rough structure, about 60 feet by 16, made of boards sawed by horse-power. It was on what is now Broad Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenue, West Side, and served as a temporary residence for about twenty families. At the fifth meeting, which was held in this building, while yet without a roof, it was resolved that when no minister was present there should be a reading meeting on the sabbath, and that a prayer meeting should be held stately on Thursday evenings. The prayer meeting has been regularly sustained up to the present day. During the summer and fall, meetings were held in "The Long Home " and in the residences of Messrs. Bixby, Holyoke, Phelps and others, when the north chamber of the Bixby House, then owned by George Chambers, was fitted up with scats and occupied as a place of worship through the winter. In the spring, meetings were held in the house of Mr. Phelps, situated on the corner of Broad and Commercial Streets, and in his parlor the church was organized. Articles of faith, covenant and by-laws having been prepared the organization of the church was effected on the 8th of April, 1855, under the direction of Rev. Samuel Loomis.

The following are the names of those who, on that day, were constituted the Congregational Church of Grinnell:

Rev. J. B. Grinnell, Mrs. Julia A.Grinnell, William N. Ford, Mrs. Lydia W. Ford, Mrs. Lucy Ford, Mrs. Christiana Patterson, Thomas Holyoke, M. D., Mrs. Nancy Holyoke, Gideon Gardner, Mrs. Naomi Gardner, Anor Scott, Mrs. Harriet B. Scott, Sumner Bixby Miss Sarah H. Bixby, Abram Whitcomb, Mrs. Mary Whitcomb, Levi H. Marsh, Mrs. Edith Marsh, Emory S. Bartlett, Miss Lucy Bixby.

In June, 1855, measures were taken to erect a temporary building for meetings and a school. Rev. J. B. Grinnell agreed to build one 16 by 2 for $150. It was a rude structure, untouched by plane or brush, and the lumber being green, wide seams were soon opened to the weather, so thin on rainy days the audience would have found comfort in raising their umbrellas, and the minister's sermon was in danger of being ruined. The next place occupied for worship was a lower room in a large, new school house; and in the spring of 1856 the upper room of the same building, 4 feet square. In June of this year, the General Association of Iowa held its meeting. This room was used for worship till 1860, when the church edifice was erected, which was twice enlarged to meet the increasing wants of the community. For two years, the main dependence for preaching was upon Rev. J. B. Grinnell, who, though strongly solicited to access a salary, persistently declined any compensation other than the good will of the people.

Rev. Samuel Loomis preached often in 1855, and in the fall of that year.

Rev. S. L. Herrick, from Vermont, became a resident, and, for five or six years, rendered gratuitous service on the sabbath, in connection with others. About 1857 Rev. L. C. Rouse, from Ohio, moved into the place, and joined with ministers already on the ground in maintaining the regular administration of the sanctuary. In the year 1860 Rev. J. W. Matthews, Maine, was called to act as pastor. He remained not quite a year, then returned to New England. In 1863 Rev. S. D. Cochrane was called to the pastorship, accepted the call, and was installed May 1, 1867. His labors were continued till April 13, 1869, when, at his own request, he was dismissed by a council called for the purpose. President Magoun, of Iowa College, was then invited to supply the pulpit till a pastor could be obtained. Early in 1870, a call was extended to Rev. W. W. Woodworth, of Belchertown, Mass., who accepted the call, and entered upon his duties in June of the same year. March 1, 1871, he was regularly installed by a council. November 5, 1875, Rev. Mr. Woodworth tendered his resignation, having received a call from Berlin, Conn., the scene of his earliest ministerial labors. The church, taking into consideration his earnest wishes in the case, accepted his resignation, and he was regularly dismissed, November 26, 1875. The pulpit was supplied from various sources during the year 1876. December 29, of that year, a call was extended to Rev. J. M. Sturtevant, Jr., of Denver, Colorado, to act as pastor of the church for one year. The call was accepted, and he entered upon his duties February 10, 1877. The church has been blessed with many very precious revivals. Previous to the labor of a regular pastor, over two hundred had united with the original twenty who constituted the church at its organization. And all along the years, showers of blessings have been shed upon the church, till it now numbers over six hundred.

The present magnificent stone church was commenced in the spring of 1877.

The building (without furniture) cost twenty-six thousand dollars.

The laying of the corner-stone occurred June 26, 1877; the ceremonies were held at two p. m., and were as follows:

Invocation - Rev. S. L. Herrick.

Reading the hymn - Rev. Thomas Brande.

Singing - by the choir.

Reading of Scripture - Prof. S. J. Buck.

Prayer - Rev. J. M. Sturtevant.

Address, and laying the corner-stone - by Hon. J. B. Grinnell.

Address: "The Church and College" - by President G. F. Magoun, D. D.

Statement from the Building Committee.

Doxology.

Benediction - Rev. E. Adams.

The following articles were placed in the box: Manual of the Congregational Church of Grinnell, containing, "Articles of Faith," "Covenant," and " Historical Sketch of the Church." A Catalogue of Iowa College. Copies of the Grinnell Herald, College News-Letter, Chicago Advance, and Des Moines Register. History of Town of Grinnell. Various coins in present circulation.

There was a large congregation of people, and they were impressed with the ceremonies, as well as rejoiced to see the building of God's house.

The church is a large structure, seating, in the main auditorium, eight hundred, with a large Sunday-school room and a parlor. The seats are in the form of an amphitheater, ascending from the pulpit to the most distant row. The arrangement of the house is of the most approved modern style. The floors carpeted, the seats comfortably adjusted and neatly cushioned, the pulpit set with red velvet cushioned chairs and sofa, the parlor elegantly furnished, the infant class room with all conveniences, the kitchen, with cook-stove, the superior system of ventilation, lighting, and heating, are among the comforts and blessings enjoyed by the church and congregation.

The stone of which the church is constructed came from Mason City and Bentonsport. The lighting is with gas, manufactured on the premises, with the Imperial Gas Machine. The heating is by steam, the boiler and furnaces being located in the basement. The ceiling is of ribbed iron, and curved in many angles. There are three entrances to the large audience room, and two large vestibules. The choir is in the rear of the speaker.

The infant class room may be separated from the main Sunday-school room by sliding doors. The tower, which is to contain the bell, is yet to be completed. The church has a membership larger than any other of the same denomination in the State, and i6 one of the most substantial, as well as most elegant, houses of worship in the West. The parsonage, situated on the east side of the public park, is one of the finest residences in the city. Rev. J. M. Sturtevant, the present pastor, has been successful in spreading the influence of the gospel, and winning the hearts of the people.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH GRINNELL, IOWA.

From the first settlement of the town, says the Grinnell Independent of August 18, 1880, Christian people of all denominations worshiped with the Congregationalists, who constituted the first religious society. The opinions of persons differing in relation to some of the ordinances of God's house, were not conspicuous when the city was small, but with the increase of population came also people of all Protestant denominations and even Catholics, to make this their home.

In April, 1858, several Baptists, led by Oliver Langworthy, Deacon Charles D. Kelsey, and others, conceived the idea of organizing a Baptist Church. Accordingly Mr. Kelsey wrote to Rev. Dr. J. A. Nash, of Fort Des Moines, to come and aid in the undertaking. A favorable reply was received, and notice of a meeting in the school-house was given out for all Baptists living in the vicinity to be present and unite in the organization of a church. Dr. Nash filled the appointment May 15, 1858, and after preaching a sermon to the people the First Baptist Church was organized with the names of the following original members:

C. V. Smith, G. W. Cook, Electa C. Cook, Maria Langworthy, 0. B. Watrous, Minerva Watrous, Geo. N. Dowd, Deborah Hayes, Charles D. Kelsey, Lucy L. Kelsey, Olive Bailey, Laura L. Delahoyde, Phebe B. Smith, John T. Hays, Oliver Langworthy, Maria A. Langworthy, Sarah Perkins, R. G. Perkins, Sarah Hayes, Nancy L. Perkins, Luther Stowe, Phoebe Stowe, Ruth Stowe, James W. Dowd, Alinira Perkins.

For some time after the organization, meetings were held in the school-house, one afternoon service in every two weeks. Tho first baptisms were in the open field just cast of the present college buildings. There being no large stream of water in the vicinity, a suitable place was excavated by Oliver Langworthy and Chas. D. Kelsey, in the bed of what was at that season of the year a streamlet. Planks were laid for a floor and driven down at the sides of the pool to keep tho earth from sliding in, and there, in the audience of a large congregation with solemn and impressive ceremonies, the ordinance of Christian baptism was administered, in accordance with their understanding of the Sacred Book, which says: "And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

Rev. Thos Brando who has all the way along, even to the present time rendered such fatherly service to the church, was its first pastor, accepting no stated salary but the promise of such remuneration as the weak financial standing of its members could afford. Rev. F. D. Rickerson accepted a call to the pastorate in the summer of 1858 and preached the Word to his little flock for two years.

Preparations for erecting a house of worship began in the fall of 1858, and before the next April a neat little church was completed on the corner of Second Avenue and West Street This was the first church building in Grinnell. The church was dedicated April 23, 1859, by Revs. E. Gunn, G. G. Edwards, J. Ellis Guild, I. J. Stoddard, and the pastor, F. D. Rickerson.

Since the first dedication pastors have succeeded one another as follows: G. G. Edwards, R. I). Hartshorn, R. Turner, L. S. Livermore, Thomas Brande, and II. C. Leland, who is at present pastor. Rev. Thomas Brande as pastor about twelve years altogether.

In October, 1864, the church was removed from its first location to the present site, on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Park Street. The ground where it first stood, is occupied by the residence of Mr. J. J. Wheeler. The church underwent material improvements during the months of October and November, 1879, at a cost of $1,000. It was enlarged on both wings, repainted, carpeted, papered, and many new seats were added. Now it has a seating capacity of 400, an infant class-room, a library, baptistery and pump, communion set, organ, and devotional singing books, kitchen with cook stove, table crockery for festivals, and though the building's outward appearance is unassuming, its inside arrangement is truly attractive and convenient. After the improvements it was re-dedicated November 23, 1879, by Rev. O. A. Holmes, of Tama City, and the pastor.

The present deacons are, C. D. Kelsey, Edward Davis, Prof. R. W. Swan, G. H. Onthank, C. V. Smith, and William Rafferty. The present church clerk is C. D. Kelsey.

The sabbath-school, with an average attendance of 147, meets every Lord's Day at 12 o'clock, and is in a flourishing condition. The first Superintendent was C. D. Kelsey, and since that time the following persons have filled that office in order of their names: 0. V. Smith, Charles Cooper, S. Q. Payne, C. D. Martin, Mrs. Thos. Brande, N. M. Cass, G. H. Onthank, Prof. R. W. Swan, S. K. Davis, and L. Kimball, present Superintendent. G. H. Onthank is the present Secretary and Librarian. The library consists of 200 volumes. Teachers' Bible meeting every Tuesday evening.

The present pastor, Rev. H. C. Leland, commenced his labors here May 16, 1879, with a salary of $500, but for the second year it has been increased to $1,000 - a wide contrast from the few dollars Rev. Thomas Brande, the first pastor, received for his services. In the past year the church and society have raised for all purposes over $2,000. Rev. L. though a young man just entering upon the ministry, has accumulated a handsome library of over seven hundred standard books, selected with care in view of his divine call and life work. During the present pastorate over one hundred have been received into the church, eighty-three by baptism; and now the church roll has over two hundred names. The healthy growth and prosperity of this branch of Zion is a source of thanksgiving for its members, and encouragement to all other Christian denominations.

A class was formed in 1858 by Rev. Ahner Orr, with the following members: A. E. Ellis, Sarah E. Ellis, W. W. Sargent and wife, Mrs. Jane Black, A. P. Cook and wife, Nathaniel Ellis and wife, William Gould and wife. The first quarterly meeting held in Grinnell was by Rev. W. F. Cowles, Presiding Elder. The church for a long time held its meetings in the school-house, but after it was incorporated under the State law, a suitable building was purchased and used for a church till 1868. The full organization was effected April 1, 1865, with Nathaniel Ellis, A. P. Cook, R. J. Kenyon, Elzy Hiatt and Salvador Hayes, trustees. In the year 1868 the church erected a house of worship on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Park Street at a cost of about $6,000. The church is a frame building of ample size, a pride to those who worship there, and an ornament to the city. It was dedicated by Bishop Thompson and the acting pastor, Dennis Murphy.

The names of pastors, with length of pastorate is as follows: Abner Orr, 1858, one year; A. II. Shafer, 1859, one year; P. S. Bresee, 1860, one year; A. H. Shafer, 1861, one year; J. II. Lucas, 1862, one year; George Clammer, 1863, two years; J. D. Moore, 1865, one year; Dennis Murphy, 1866, three years; J. B. Hardy, 1869, one year; J. W. Chaffin, 1870, two years; W. G. Wilson, 1872, two years: L. P. Causey, 1874, one year; J. W. Robinson. 1875, one year; J. C. Brown, 1876, one year; E. L. Briggs, 1877, one year; W. F. Cowles, 1878, two years. Dennis Murphy, the pastor of 66-69, is now again in charge.

There is a church membership of one hundred and fifty. There is a flourishing sabbath-school with competent and earnest officers and teachers. James A. Craver and wife died in the same week, in 1871. They had long been faithful members of the church, and their loss was deeply felt by all who knew them.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

Organized May, 1880, with about twenty members, of whom the following is a partial list: J. Wishart and wife, D. A. Burrows, Mary Burrows, Anna Burrows, J. E. Neely and wife, T. C. Wire and wife, Henry Wire, H. Barr. The Rev. C. E. Foote, the present pastor, has done much to advance the interests of the church, and although the cause was started so recently there are now thirty-two members, with a flourishing sabbath-school. Meetings are held each Lord's Day in Stewart's Hall, but there is now a move for the purpose of erecting a church.

THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

Several persons holding views of the universal salvation of the human race settled here at an early date, and even before the civil war meetings were held in which their particular views received a hearty support; but it was not till June 11, 1870, that there became a regular church organization. The following persons were among the original members: Abraham Goodrich and wife, L. G. C. Pierce and wife, Jerry Miller and wife, Dr. E. H. Harris and wife, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Mary E. Beaty, P. Baldwin and wife.

The pastors have been Revs. C. P. Nash, S. C. Clark, E. A. Van Cise, Prof. W. P. Payne, Mrs. Fidelia W. Gillette, E. L. Briggs. The present membership is about 25. Services were held in Grinnell Hall for a long time, but now ail their meetings are held in Stewart's Hall on Broad Street Present clerk, L. G. C. Pierce; treasurer, G. M. C. Hatch; deacon, Abraham Goodrich; trustees, Dr. E. H. Harris, D. Forbes, G. M. Hatch. The church contemplates building.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The independent district of Grinnell was organized in March, 1867, and Mr. J. Valentine was elected as the first superintendent. Mr. Valentine served two years and two terms, and the excellent organization and grading that are the pride of Grinnell graded schools, are, in a great measure, due to his energy and faithful work.

Mr. V. resigned his situation in April, 1870, and Mr. R. M. Haines was chosen to finish this year.

Mr. R. B. Snell was chosen to fill the vacancy. Mr. S. had charge of the school but two terms when tho building was burned - half-past twelve o'clock p. m., Friday, February 24, 1S71, and the schools were dismissed until the fall of 1871. During the spring and summer of 1871 Center school-building was placed on the site of the old one.

In the summer of 1871 M. Austin was elected superintendent, and during the administration of this excellent worker the standard of the schools was raised to a high degree. Mr. A. served two years and resigned. Mr. D. G. Edmundson took charge of the schools in the fall of 1873 and remained one year. Mr. A. C. Hart was elected in 1874 and held the situation until the summer of 1879, when the present superintendent was elected. The South school-building was built in the summer of 1877.

School population (males, 420; females, 436)............ 856

Total enrollment......................................................... 632

Average attendance.................................................... 489

Sittings....................................................................... 640

No. teachers................................................................... 13

Directors - Mrs. E. W. Clark, Mrs. G. F. Magoun, Prof. H. K. Edson, Hon. H. G. Little, Hon. C. F. Craver, Mr. L. Kimball.

Officers - Hon. H. G. Little, president; S. A. Cravath, secretary, Willis Davis, treasurer; A. T. Free, superintendent

Teachers, Center school - A. T. Free, superintendent and principal high school; Miss R. E. Southard, assistant in high school; Miss G. L. Bailey,

A grammar; Miss A. M. Palmer, B grammar; Mips A. L. Pierce, C grammar; Miss L. H. Morris, A primary; Miss L. D. Davis, B primary; Mrs. K. M. Ramey, C primary.

Teachers, South school - Miss J. L. Bosworth, C grammar; Miss H E. Martling, A primary; Miss N. L. Lewis, B primary; Miss L. J. Anthony, C primary; Mr. G. S. Needham, teacher vocal music.

GRINNELL HERALD.

The Grinnell Herald was established March 18, 1868, by J. M. Hillyer & Co. The paper was issued every Wednesday, a six column folio, with A. R. Hillyer's as editor, and called Poweshiek County Herald. The following appeared each week directly under its name: u A family paper, devoted to literature, news, agriculture, the arts, human freedom and the temperance reform. We labor for justice, humanity and progress, despising tyranny, and sympathizing with the oppressed throughout the world." The Editor set forth his intentions, which were well kept, in his salutatory, which is given below:

"In presenting the first number of the Herald to its readers we are not disposed to make large promises, preferring, rather, that our future course should settle the question of its merits or demerits. The only promise we are disposed now to make is that we shall endeavor to make as good a paper as we are able by a diligent use of all means in our power or within our reach for that purpose. Our aim and ambition will be to produce a weekly paper acceptable to all classes of readers.

" Our motto is: Independent in everything - neutral in nothing. We shall endeavor to be liberal and charitable enough so that our paper shall come as a welcome guest to all newspaper readers except such as are not satisfied with anything short of such ingredients as grow out of bitter partisan feelings, or have their origin in a still lower or more dissolute condition of the mind over which virtue has ceased to exercise her sway. And care will be taken that nothing contained in it shall at any time offend the good taste and moral sense of our readers. Whatever we believe to be right we shall fearlessly advocate, and whatever wrong, we shall fearlessly condemn, whether it be of a local or general character. In politics we are union to the core, and believe every act tending to its dissolution to be treason.

" We shall publish each week, on our first page, a short selected or original talc; also, a fair amount of space will be given to sketches, humor, anecdotes, poetry, etc., taking care at all times to admit nothing in this department unfit for the family; the aim being to instruct and elevate as well as amuse.

"One column or more each week will be devoted to original and selected articles on agriculture; a report of the markets in New York, Chicago and home, corrected from the most authentic sources, will be published weekly

" The news of the week will be presented in a condensed form, giving our readers everything of value without forcing them to wade through columns of unimportant matter.

" With this brief statement of our position and purposes, we launch our bark upon the wave of public opinion to sink or swim as it may merit."

Among the various articles in the first issue we notice: "Our State," " The Impeachment Trial," " Legislative Summary," " News Items," " Our Town" and " The Wine Cup."

The Herald met with good support from the public, and was soon enlarged. We find the paper controlled by Hillyer & B. H. Evans after August 4, 1869, till purchased by Samuel F. Cooper & J. M. Chamberlain. A portion of their salutatory appearing in the Herald, December 15, 1869, is given herewith: "Having bought the Poweshiek County Herald, we have a few words to say to the public respecting our wishes and plans -

"We wish to publish a paper which worthily represents all the interests of the town, county and State. Our plan is to improve our paper and all our facilities for serving the public just as fast as we have their material encouragement to do so.

"We shall publish an outspoken Republican paper, speaking our minds without fear or favor, upon all public questions.

" We mean to lose on opportunity to promote the principles and practice of temperance as one of the political as well as Christian virtues.

"Whatever seems to us to promote the best interest of society, that we mean to give an earnest advocacy in our columns, recognizing the fact that we live for society, and not society for us.

"To unite all our readers in promoting those things which are worthy of us all, will be our political, social and religious aim.

" S. F. Cooper,

"J. M Chamberlain."

August 17, 1870, Mr. Chamberlain assumed entire control, and continued as editor and proprietor till January 11, 1872. August 16, 1871, he materially enlarged the paper, giving it its largest form, and at the same time changed its name to the Grinnell Herald, tho name which its exchanges had always and almost unanimously persisted in calling it.

At this time also "The College News Letter" was introduced as a new and permanent feature of the Herald. In that issue we find the following editorial paragraph:

"It will be seen that we have introduced some new features. Tho College News Letter columns are a permanent feature, and speak for themselves. In these the faculty and students will have freedom, and will gather for our readers, educational news and thoughts such as they will peruse with profit and pleasure. It will be as generous, liberal and universal an its news and thoughts as a liberal education can make it. The religious column is also a permanent feature, and will give to our patrons the careful gatherings and writings of the pastors and clergymen of the place."

The News Letter occupied two columns.

For a few months from this time, Rev. J. W. Chaffin assisted in editorial work. His valedictory, and Mr. S. A. Cravath's salutatory under date of February 11, 1872, will explain the condition of the paper to the reader much better than any language of your historian.

Mr. Chamberlain announces his retirement from the editorial chair in the following valedictory:

"With this number of the Herald. Dr. Cravath takes the laboring oar and will, hereafter, attend to the business of the Herald office. It is a source of great satisfaction to give to the patrons the assurance that the Herald will receive that attention which it has been impossible for me to give. I now lay down the responsibilities of a work which I have enjoyed, but the pleasure of which has been marred by the fact that other duties so fully claimed ray time as to prevent the accomplishment of cherished ambitions in this direction. To those who compare the Herald of to-day with that of two years ago, tho change for the better will not appear to be slight and we have not been ashamed, for the last six months, to have it compared with our neighbors in Poweshiek or other counties. The circulation has steadily increased, until it is to-day, much larger than any other paper in the county, though the requisite effort might have doubled the present list.

"The improvements which we have contemplated, await the arrival of new material which has been ordered, and which would hope to give the proof of in our next issue. I bespeak for Dr. Oravath, the liberal patronage of all our business men, and subscriptions from all who are not subscribers. The change in the management of the business necessitates a settlement of of all accounts for advertising and job work previous to January 11, 1872, as these are my personal accounts. And in order that the improvements contemplated may be secured, it is necessary that all accounts be promptly adjusted. The subscription list belongs to the new firm, in behalf of which I ask an early payment of all arrearages."

Upon taking control of the paper, Mr. Cravath announced its policy in the following salutatory:

"In assuming the management of the Herald, we do not propose to make any 'new departure' in politics or the world of ideas, nor do we have any particular mission or notions of our own that demand tho offices of a newspaper for their publication. We, consequently, feel ourselves free to labor faithfully and earnestly in the interests of Grinnell and Poweshiek county. From the nature of the case, the Herald must partake largely of the character of a local journal. The publication of news, consequently, forms a prominent feature in the plan on which we propose to conduct the Herald. A local press that does not, in a sense, make a specialty of home news, can scarcely be worthy of support and patronage. It is needless for it to attempt to compete with metropolitan journals in the large field of general news. The newspaper is, more than anything else, the representative of the thrift and public spirit of a place, and that it may do this truly, every branch of business should be advertised in its columns."

"A large addition to the type and material of the office is being made. Its ability to do all kinds of press and job work will be more than trebled. Before another issue of the Herald we expect to have a new power press in the office and a new dress for the paper. In short, we intend to be able to do anything in our line that our merchants and business men may require, and in a manner to satisfy and please. We hope that we may deserve and receive the patronage of every man doing business in Grinnell. We beg the indulgence of our patrons until a better acquaintance shall enable us better to appreciate their wants. Under the able management of J. H. Chamberlain the Herald has already achieved an acknowledged position among its contemporaries. Its life has been one of continued growth. With increased resources of the office, we hope that growth may still be apparent under our management."

For nearly two years the proprietors of the Herald, were Cravath & Chamberlain, viz: from January 11, 1872, to November, 1873, Mr. Chamberlain then selling his interest to S. F. Cooper. Mr. Cooper continued with Dr. Cravath as a half owner till May, 1874, then S. A. Cravath became solo editor and proprietor.

For about two years, beginning in 1873, the Herald office also issued the Malcom Gazette and Searsboro Journal, both weeklies, and for about one year the Gilman Advertiser. It has also printed the Iowa College News Letter, since the fall of 1873, when it became a twelve page monthly, edited by the students. The News Letter receives further comment in the history of Iowa College. During the sitting of the Congregational General Association of Iowa, June 4 to 8, 1871*, a daily was issued, giving the entire proceedings of the assembly in a correct and excellent form. In February, 1878, the Herald was changed from a weekly four page folio to a semi-weekly four page folio.

November 17, 1879, Albert Shaw, from Iowa College, class '79, became associate editor with Dr. Cravath, and since that time the paper has prospered under their united efforts. The following, appearing in the Herald of November 18. is Mr. Shaw's graceful bow to the public:

"As I begin work in the Herald office, it is perhaps appropriate that I should say a few words over my own signature before relapsing finally into the impersonal. Having found Grinnell a pleasant home through my college course, I am disposed to make it my home longer; and, having concluded that the newspaper work will prove congenial, I am glad that the home of my choice affords the opportunity to follow the calling of my choice. I have no reforms to introduce; no hobbies to ride; no office to seek. I do not regard a local paper as an avenue to glory, but as a field which, if properly tilled, will afford an honest living and an abundant opportunity of usefulness in the community. Hoping that my connection with the Herald may not prove detrimental to the interests of the paper, or of the public who support it, I am, respectfully,
Albert Shaw."

The office has every modem improvement that enables it to do superior work. The paper is printed with a Cincinnati cylinder power press, the job work by a Gordon job power press. The attachment of horse power is most convenient and economical. Among other appliances are the Eureka paper cutter and the patent mailer for stamping folded papers. W. H. Day has been foreman eight years, and is considered one of the best professional printers in Iowa. He learned his trade in Burlington, Vt. Dr. Cravath has for nine years been connected with the Herald, and nearly all that time has had entire management of the paper. It has more than a county influence and circulation, and both are rapidly increasing.

GRINNELL INDEPENDENT.

This is one of the most enterprising and best conducted papers in the county, and it has a substantial and increasing circulation. It was established January 1, 1878, by J. T. Sherman, who had just retired from the Poweshiek County Democrat.

The first issue was an eight column folio, but it was enlarged to a nine column folio February 6, 1879, and has remained of that size to the press time.

The paper started out independent in political views, as will be seen from the salutatory found in the first issue, and given below; but in the Presidential campaign of 1880 it will support Hancock and English, the Democratic candidates, believing thereby the greatest good to the American people will be subserved.

The proprietor of the Independent announced its advent into the newspaper world in the following manner:

Salutatory - A Happy New Tear. - -With this salutation, a little late, we present you the first number of the Grinnell Independent. The name stands for our position, yet we presume to make a very few promises, and a brief statement of our views, reserving the liberty to change as a regard for truth shall dictate:

1st. We shall be true to our patrons, giving them the full value of their money, if possible, in a good family newspaper.

2d. No live question will be dodged in discussion, and our columns will be open for short articles and replies.

3d. To build up the interests of the city and country surrounding will be our great aim, and to awaken a thirst for good reading and the latest news.

As to our politics, they are national. We hold that offices arc for the government, and are to be held tor the whole people.

It is yet early to talk of a Presidential campaign, but when that time arrives, we shall be found for an open policy and the best man, without regard to old party names. With President Hayes we are in accord, as an honest, one term executive, seeking to mould all sections into a harmonious whole, and while he pursues his present course will gain our hearty approval.

In the county we want economy as well as in the administration of the affairs of the State and Nation.

Our motto is, keep the bond as to promises, but restore us the silver dollar of the fathers, and as a policy seek the easiest honest way of meeting our government debt.

"We are not of those who entertain the belief, founded upon some vague and undefined idea of social, religious or political duty, that the public should support a newspaper, though it be at a sacrifice. While we anticipate a generous support, we expect to render a full equivalent. We launch our craft amidst financial depression, but with industry, courage and the smiles of Heaven, hope to bring all who take voyage with us into port, with flags streaming and good cheer for citizens of city and country who take passage with us."

The circulation was encouraging during the first year. Mr. Sherman sold a half interest in the office on January 1, 1879, to Mr. Michael Snyder, President of the Grinnell and Montezuma Railway, and the paper was enlarged, as aforesaid, February 6, following.

Under the heading "To the Public," dated January 16, 1880, occurs the following:

"We take this opportunity of informing the public that the undersigned have formed a copartnership for the publication of the Grinnell Independent and carrying on a general printing business. We shall enlarge and otherwise improve the paper, add to our facilities for doing job printing, and in fact make the office second to none in central Iowa. The paper will be conducted as it has been heretofore, politically independent. Our columns will be open to all, and we solicit articles on political and other subjects. We shall spare neither time nor means to make the Independent the people's paper, and would ask a liberal share of the public patronage.

"M. Snyder.

"J. T. Sherman."

A Washington hand press No. 7, 1874, is used for the newspaper, and a Peerless quarter medium press for job printing. In connection with the office the proprietor has a stereotyping machine, which i6 a great saving of time and type.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK.

Organized June 6, 1865; commenced business March 8, 1866; authorized capital $150,000; present paid in capital $100,000; surplus $25,000. Officers: Alonzo Steele, President; J. P. Lyman, Vice-President; Charles & . Spencer, Cashier; Henry C. Spencer, Assistant Cashier. Directors: Alonzo Steele, J. P. Lyman, R. M. Kellogg, 6. F. H. Stevens, II. K. Edson, S. A. Cravath, Charles F. Craver, Charles H. Spencer.

No town can with facility carry on business without a bank, and the financial condition and prosperity of a town has a fair indication in its bank. The growth of banking business in Grinnell has been very rapid. Today there are two banks with aggregate deposits of $200,000; at first, when Mr. Spencer and Dr. Holyoke commenced the business the deposits would scarcely amount to $10,000. Now, several men are constantly employed at the counter or on the books; but then, Mr. C. H.'Spencer could, by using only a little of his time, attend to all the business in an obscure corner of a general store. The first banking firm was known as the firm of Thomas Holyoke & Co. Mr. Spencer, however, did pretty much all the banking for years in Grinnell. Small means at first, but gradually increasing to the present time. There have been four presidents, but only one cashier. Erastus Snow, J. B. Grinnell, Thomas Holyoke and Alonzo Steele have acted as presidents. Mr. Charles H. Spencer has continued in the office of cashier. This is the only national bank in the county.

GRINNELL SAVINGS BANK.

Organized July 2, 1877; commenced business in November, 1877 ; capital $50,000; Erastus Snow, President; J. P. Lyman, Vice-President; Henry

Lawrence, Cashier. The business is principally loaning, exchange and collecting. The business is prosperous and growing.

RAILROADS.

At present Grinnell enjoys communication with other parts of the State by means of three railroads. All points north and south are reached by the Central Railroad of Iowa, and east and west by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, while the Grinnell and Montezuma Railroad places the county sent within easy access. There is a union depot at the junction of these roads, within two blocks of the post-office and business portion of the town. Passengers, express and freight are readily transported in any direction without delay.

The C, R. I. & P. R. R. runs directly through the city east and west, furnishing an unbroken line from Chicago to Council Bluffs. It is a powerful corporation, well-managed and its employees are very considerate to the wants of the general public Express trains, except on Sunday, leave for Iowa City, Davenport, Chicago and the east, at 2:15 a. m., and at 3:45 p. m .; for Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Omaha and the west, at 11:30 a.m., and at 12:20 a. m.

Besides these express trains, there are daily more than twenty regular accommodation and freight trains, passing this station on the Rock Island Railroad. A short distance west of the passenger depot, stands tho large freight house and grain elevator.

The Central Railroad of Iowa was constructed through this city to Ottumwa on the south, and Mason City on the north, in the year 1869.

Express trains, except on Sunday, leave for Marshalltown, Mason City and the north, at 5:10 a. m., and at 3:45 p. for Oskaloosa, Ottumwa and the south, at 12:05 p. m. and at 7:50 p. m. Besides these trains there are several accommodations and freights each way daily. Just south of the union passenger depot, there are grain elevators and freight houses of abundant capacity.

Trains leave on the Montezuma Railroad, at 7:45 a. m. and at 3:55 p. m.

HOTELS

Chapin House. - George M. Christian, proprietor; Ed T. Rowse, clerk. The building is a three story brick, situated at the junction of the C, R. I. & P. R. R and the 0. R. R. of I. It was built by Mr. Snyder and sold to Mr. Christian in 1876. It contains thirty finely furnished bed-rooms besides a neat sitting-room, three large sample-rooms, a dining hall that will accommodate one hundred guests, office, bath-rooms, laundry, barber's shop; there are fifteen servants. It is heated by steam and lit by gas. It is a very popular place or commercial men to remain over the sabbath, often traveling a long distance to reach the Chapin House on Saturday evening. Passengers and train employees on both roads take their dinners here. It is the most popular house in the county and one of the best in the State.

Grinnell House. - Situated on Main Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues. D. W. Christian, Proprietor. This house was built and kept for a hotel on the south side of the C, R. I. & P. R. R., but afterward removed to its present location. It is an old and reliable house. It was bought by Christian & Johnson several years ago for $12,000, who made an addition to the west part. It has forty rooms, and is larger and can accommodate more persons than any other house in the city. Been used for hotel purposes about twenty years. There are at present twenty-five boarders and nine servants.

Hawk-Eye House. - On Main Street, between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Mr. W. R. Boyd, Proprietor. The several proprietors of the Hawk-Eye are as follows: Chambers, A. K. Lowry, Pratt, A. Bailey, Mrs. Bailey, Johnson, H. D. Works, J. Brown, E. Mercer, W. R. Boyd, Charles Ridley, C. Scheeler and W. R. Boyd. The house has been built twenty-six years, and is the oldest in the city and township. There are fourteen rooms besides office and parlor. The custom is generous and the house popular.

GRINNELL POST-OFFICE.

Grinnell post-office is at present on Third Avenue, one door west of Main Street. It is most satisfactorily administered under the present postmaster, Mr. W. S. Leisure, who has held that position uninterruptedly for the past twelve years. Mails are sent out and received to and from all directions several times during the day and night The office was first obtained in 1856, when Mr. A. K. Lowry was appointed postmaster, Mr. C. H. Spencer acting as assistant. The office was then in a small building situated on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Main Street, opposite the Hawk-Eye House. Mr. Charles G. Adams was appointed postmaster in 1856, John Delahoyde in 1859, L. 0. Phelps in 1861, and W. S. Leisure in 1869, who has held the office since that date, a length of time seldom occupied by the same public servant.

THE PUBLIC PARK.

The Grinnell City Park was laid out in the original plat, and has since become an ornament to the city. It contains a forest of over three hundred shade trees, many of them more than a foot in diameter and fifty feet high. Soft maple and cottonwood predominate. There are some pines, cedars and elms. Walks through all the grounds are laid out in all directions. A tall liberty pole and handsome pagoda for the cornet band are at the center. Numerous celebrations and political meetings are held here. The great quarter-centennial celebration of the town, on July 4, 1879, was held here, when there were at least ten thousand in attendance, and the speakers- addressed the people from the pagoda.

GRINNELL MILITIA COMPANY.

Company B of the Eighth regiment Iowa National Guards was organized in 1877, and now has forty-one men uniformed and equipped. They have a good armory in Stewart's Block. The company has participated in several battalion drills at Marshalltown and Oskaloosa. Mayor C. H. Spencer called the boys to arms for the purpose of driving about one hundred tramps from the city one day at the beginning of harvest in 1878. The Mayor first made the tramps a short speech, advising them to leave the town peaceably, and when they saw the soldiers they obeyed him without a violent demonstration. The officers of the company are:

Captain - H. D. Churchill.

First Lieutenant - H. C. Spencer.

Second Lieutenant - John Ellsworth.

First Sergeant - C. M. Black.

SOCIETIES

Masons. - Hermon Lodge No. 273, A. F. & A. M., chartered June, 1870. Officers: Willis Davis, W. M.; Geo. W. Clark, 8. W.; D. W. Nome, J. W.; S. Needham, S. D.; G. W. Christian, J. D.; G. W. Grain, Tyler; F. Wyatt, Organist. Regular communication Saturday evening, on or before the full moon in each month. Hall in third story of Preston's Block. There is considerable interest manifested.

Odd Fellows. - Grinnell Lodge, No. 358, 1.0. 0. F. Organized December 13, 1876. Officers: H. W. Williams, N. G.; W. W. Simons, V. G.; Geo. Mahler, Rec. Sec.; G. A. Parker, P. Sec; W. A. Propst, Treasurer. Regular meetings every Wednesday evening. Hall third floor of Grinnell .Block, corner of Broad Street and Fourth Avenue.

Patrons of Husbandry. - Grinnell Grange, No. 183. Hall in Stewart's Block. T. H. Bixby, Sec

Ancient Order United Workmen. - Lebanon Lodge, No. 66, A. 0. U. W., organized May 15, 1856; hall in Preston's Block, third floor. Officers: W. W. Sargent, P. M. W.; Matt Phelps, M. W.; L. O. Phelps, Foreman; R. Ricker, O.; Willis Davis, Recorder; C. N. Perry, Receiver; H. Wheeler, F.; P. W. Leffier, G.; J. Scibirth, I. W.; M. Vondraska, O. W. Regular meeting, second and fourth Tuesday evenings in each month.

Iowa Legion.of Honor. - Guardian Lodge, No. 31. Meet in Odd Fellows' Hall on second and fourth Monday evenings of each month. Organized July 29, 1879, with 35 members. Officers: W. S. Simpson, President; T. T. Worthington, Vice-President; H. Wheeler, Jr., Recording Secretary; W. H. Day, Financial Secretary; C. N. Perry, Treasurer; Chas. Porter, Chaplain; G. B. Griswold, Usher; T. Worthington, Door-keeper; C. J. Bayer, Sentinel.

V. A. S. Fraternity. - Its object is to afford aid and benefit to widows, orphans and heirs or assigns of deceased members of this Fraternity. The Chief Collegium of Iowa was organized in Grinnell, October 7, 1879. The Fraternity now numbers about 2,000. The officers of the Chief Collegium: G. F. U. Stevens, C. R.; J. P. Clement, V. C. R.; J. H. Pierson, C. Q.; W. B. Mumbrue, C. S.; F. S. Bodle, C. U. and C. E.; J. T. Sherman, C. S.; S. W. Maltby and D. Maltby, D. C. R. The Local Collegium, the first in the State, was organized No. 1, December 1, 1879, with 25 members; subsequently, the membership has increased to 50. Officers: J. H. Pierson, Rector; W. H. Day. Vice-Rector; J. P. Clement, Questor; H. B. Van Nest, Scribe; George Sherman, Usher; C. M. Cloud, Speculator.

Poweshiek County Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company. - E. Snow, President; L. G. C. Pierce, Secretary.

SNYDER'S CORNET BAND

Grinnell may well feel proud of her excellent band. They are experienced musicians and uniformed with exquisite taste. For parades and celebrations they present a most attractive appearance, and discourse popular and classical music The members: J. W. Kendall, Leader; S. Snow, 0. James, H. B. Black, George Perry, David Sutherland, Samuel Davis, Allen Bruner, A. C. Harriman, E. Moore, Harry Churchill, Drum-Major; James Stewart, William Stewart, S. A. Robinson, William Clark.

GRINNELL FIRE COMPANY, "TORRENT NO. 1."

E. A. Jones, Captain; A. R. Turner, First Assistant; L. C. Phelps, Second Assistant; J. G. Palmer, Secretary; G. M. Christian, Treasurer. The city has recently purchased a large steam fire engine and are about to erect an engine house. The company are supplied with ladders, hose and all other appliances for the safety of the city.

PUBLIC HALLS.

Preston's Opera House. - This was built in 1877. It is located in the second story of the three story brick building on the west side of Main Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues. It is 40x80, with gallery on three sides. It is supplied with commodious stage and elegant scenery, two scenes of which were painted by N. H. Cooper, a Grinnell artist It will seat 800 without filling the aisles. It is heated with steam and lighted with 78 jets of gas. Every citizen of Grinnell feels grateful to Mr. S. J. Preston for supplying a want so long felt.

Stewart's Hall. - Located on Broad Street between Fourth and Fifth Avenues, in second story of Stewart's Block. It is 40x40 feet and has very neat stage. It will seat 400.

MILLS AND MANUFACTURES.

The Hawkeye fanning mill of Grinnell, Iowa, is one of the best in use. It is manufactured by Mr. M. Chafee.

The flour mills are doing a good, though not extensive, business.

The Randolph Header Works are the most considerable manufactories in the county. The buildings are situated three blocks west of the depot. The business is rapidly increasing, as will be seen from the number of machines sold each year.

First year....................................100 machines.

Second year.................................300 44

Third year....................................500 44

Fourth year..................................800 44

A large addition has been recently put up. A foundry is connected with the manufactory, and all castings for the header and also many for other kinds of machines are made there. Messrs. Craver & Steele are the proprietors. The main building is 116 feel long, with an ell 36x52.

GRINNELL CEMETERY

The cemetery is situated on rolling ground, one-half mile southwest of the city. There is a good road leading to it. The land was formerly owned by J. B. Grinnell, afterward conveyed to the Grinnell Benefit Society for a burying ground. Now, however, the cemetery, being considerably enlarged, is controlled by the city.

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

The city of Grinnell has been visited by two considerable fires - one when the East College building was burned, which occurred December 24, 1871, and the other the burning of the public school building, in March, 1871 The children in the public school seized some of their books and ran for their lives.

There was a severe wind-storm one evening in 1861. The wind came from the northwest at about 4 o'clock p. m. It did much damage, unroofing and otherwise severely injuring many buildings. The Hawkeye Hotel was entirely unroofed, and all the tin and a portion of the boards and rafters of the new college roof were torn off.

On the 16th day of June, 1855, a severe wind-storm visited the infant colony, blowing over the house of Mr. Abram Whitcomb, and doing some other slight damage. Deacon Whitcomb at the time had just commenced to live in his recently constructed house.

Source: The History Of Poweshiek County Iowa 1880
Transcribed and Contributed to Genealogy Trails by Barbara Ziegenmeyer

Note: Grinnell Township was renamed Grant in 1920