davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27
OTTUlNWA FIFTY YEARS AGO--From the Courier Files

on Friday the 18th inst, for the pur-
pose of promoting the interest of the
Lafayette, Qnd.) Peoria. ull) and
Burlington and Council Bluffs Qowa)
railroad.
THE convention was called to order
by George Gillaspy, of Wapello, and
was organized by appointing Gen. J.
G. Ramsey, president protein, and w.
H. Brumfield secretary pro TEN.
''On motion of Hon. William Thomp-
son, of Henry county, a committee of
one from each county was appointed
to report permanent officers, and re-
ported as follows:
President-Col. VIM. H. Wallace of
Jefferson county.
"Vice presidents-HonG George TEN.
pie of Des Moines county, Hon. VIM.
Thompson of Henry county, Daniel
Anderson of Monroe county. Uriah
Biggs of Wapello county, E. w. East.
man of Mahaska county, M. l.. Crock.
er of Keol1uk county, Hon. L. d. Win
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

Polygamy once started was difficult
to check. 1t grew apace for years, but
it has become such a stencil in the nos
trils of decent people that their num-
bers in Utah are diminishing, and
their only recruits are from Europe
and the immigrants are people who
are seeking earthly homes more than
heavenly ones. The recruits to the
Lamont church are from all classes
and from all countries. our own more
than from any other. l call it the La
moni church to distinguish it from the
Utah church because the headquarters
of the reorganized chuch are at La
moni.
There are no peculiarities of dress
or speech or manner about them. They
are progressive and try to be up to
date in every way, except in their re-
ligion. In that they pride themselves
that it never changes, and the changes
which are made among the Gentiles'
theology is an evidence that is it man
made and of no account They hold
that truth is eternal and needs no re-
vising and on apologies. If the the
ology of the Gentiles is correct, why
does it require revision, they ask
Among them, any man may become
preacher. He is called an elder.
If he thinks he is called to preach, he
tries it. If he suits the people, he is
encouraged and keeps at it. Which
reminds me that, although they boast
, that the Lord does all the arranging
for the Mormon church, yet they do
not hesitate to vote down a PROPOSE
ton if they feel like it, and that seems
to me to be taking good deal of lib
erty with the ways of Providence.
The Bible is the only book on theol-
ogy that is recognized, and they hold
that the way to learn to preach is by
doing it, Their church organization
| is claimed to be modelled after the ori-
ginal church as recommended by
Christ. They have their first presi-
dency. consisting of Three. OF these
Three. Joseph Smith is the head. 1t
reminds me of the Craftsmanship of a
committee. Then there is the Quorum
of Twelve. Next comes the Quorum
of Seventy, which is claimed to be
Biblical. That constitutes the head OF
the church. The people all have a
voice in every measure that comes up
In that particular it is simple de.
mocracy of the first type. If man is
proposed for president or for church
historian or secretary or bishop, he
must be confirmed by the entire body
This applies now only to the church
at large.
Locally there are subdivisions of the
above order. There is Quorum Of
| high priests, ard there are presidents
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

Washington, Feb. 22.-(Special cor
respondence)-The event OF the past
week occurred on Monday night in the
entertainment for charity given by
host of fashionables under the man
agement of Mrs. Albert Clifford Bar
ney.
The occasion was brilliant one, the
house being entirely in full dress, and
the sparkle of jewels met the eye in
every direction. Representatives from
New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore
societylwere dotted along the audience
of Chase's large theatre, which was
donated for the entertainment.
The object of charity is the Nation
al Junior Republic, a benevolent or
ganization near Annapolis, Maryland,
where large colony Of boys live in a
republic" of their own making, under
wise direction. They have aluminium
coin manufactured by themselves
which is circulated amongst them, and
industrial arts are engaged in, precise
ly as in the world at large where their
older brothers and sisters engage in
the business and pleasure Of life.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

Fifty years ago on February 10, the
convention which took what might be
called the first decisive steps in the
matter of securing the Burlington rail
way system in Iowa, met at Ottumwa.
There had been much preparation for
the event and delegates to the conven-
ton were present from counties east
and west, north arl1 south. All the
people of the then youthful Iowa rec
ognized the fact that nothing would
aid the country in developing it's re-
sources SO much as railroad through
the state, and with that idea in mind
the residents attended the convention
In large numbers. The Courier of
February 10, 1852, the first issue after
the convention was held, devoted sew
eral columns to an account of the
work of the body. Extracts from the
report are as follows:
Pursuant to call of the citizens of
Wapello county large number of del
egates met in convention at Ottumwa.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

The orchestra under the direction
of Reginald De Koven, being especial
ly picked from among the best local
musicians by himself, was feature of
the entertainment, and Mr.. De Koven's
appearance with his baton was the sig
nal for hearty applause.
The pantomime entitled THE Re-
ward of Amaryllis,' by Mrs. Burton
Harrison. is a decidedly novel mode
of entertainment, the story being read
before the rise of the curtain, after
which the shifting scenes, music,
graceful dancing and gestures of the
nymphs and shepherdesses carry out
the motive in pantomime
Among the chorus nymphs and shep-
herdesses the following well-known So
ciety women were easily distinguish
able, notwithstanding the abundance
of rouge and powder: Mrs. Martin Ed
gar Olmstead, Miss Merriam, Mrs.
! Mott, Miss Sheridan, Miss Patten, Miss
Bel, Miss Poor, Miss Sargent, Miss Hop
kins, Miss Rita Clagett.Miss Wilson,the
Misses Goldsborough, Miss Newlands,
Miss Natalie Barney and Miss Bailey.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

said nearly all the Mormon girls mar
rled Young. Their religion is sin
gular, but their wives are plural" Ar
temus said in one of his famous bursts
OF confidence. He says of Brigham
He is an indulgent father and a nu-
merous husband. He has married
two hundred wives he lives not wise
ly but two hundred well. He is dread
fully married. He is the most married
man | ever saw. When | was up at
Salt Lake l was introduced to his
mother-in-law. | can't exactly tell
a good deal"
They always excited in Artemus a
funny streak, which he had to indulge
in the most delightful manner. He
said Il regret to say that efforts were
made to make Mormon of me while
was in Utah. 1t was leap year when
was there, and seventeen young wild
ows-the wives of a deceased Mormon
Che died by request)-offered me their
hearts and hand. called upon them
one day, and taking their soft, white
hands in mine-which made eighteen
hands altogether found them in
tears. And l said, why is this thus?
What is the cause of all this thus
ness?'"
"They hove sigh, seventeen signs
of different size" And lot more
nonsense of that sort, but always in
offensive, and We doubt not that the
Lamont Mormons enjoyed it just as
well as the Gentiles who laughed from
enc end of the world to the other.
The Mormons we are to discuss have
no more in common with the Brig.
hamites," as they call them, than the
Elks have with religion
In the beginning | might as we'll
state that the word Mormon is ia
booed by them and is not their official
title at all. They call themselves
"The Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ" or Latter Day Saints" In
common parlance they are referred to
as Saints
They are branch of the Mormon
church in Utah, or. more properly
speaking, they are the parent church
and the Utah church is the branch
The scsm came about, not SO much
inside the church as outside; that is
to say, it was caused by the persecu.
Mormons settled in Nauvoo, Ill.,, they
were followed by their enemies from
Missouri. who harassed them and ac
cused themof horse stealing and other
crimes. They We're even forced into
trials in the courts. and. although they
were cleared each time, it did not stor
the persecution. shall begin with
the church at Nauvoo. for this sketch
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

scheme are the very ones that have
been protesting all along against the
items from year to year for Mississip-
pi river Improvement in the river and
harbor bill. They have insinuated
that appropriations for the betterment
of Mississippi river navigation were
simply thrown as sops'-pour boire-
to certain localities and in some in
stances have not hesitated to charac-
terize them as steals" How short
sighted and unjust was such view of
the matter is plainly seen in the light
of all the facts in the case.
If Mr.. Emery and the Register and
others hypnotized by that gentleman
into belief in his Des Moines river
slackwater navigation scheme are
really DESTROYS of adding 5 cents to
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

We regret to note that the State
Register continues to encourage the
Idea Of converting the Des Moines riv-
er into q navigable canal. In a recent
issue sit quotes approvingly what it
calls '.Hata and proofs" supplied by ].
s. Eimefy, showing the great benefits
certain to be gained by the people of
Iowa from the construction and main
tenance" of the canal in question.
1t Is suhIcient answer to Mr.. Emery
to say THAT the canal he proposes is
not practicable and feasible. The rea-
sons for this conclusion have, been set
forth in these columns time and again.
For one thing the supply of water in
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

has only to do with the Mormons in
Iowa.
In 1874, then, the crisis came, and
Joseph and Hyrum Smith We're assas
slnated. The church was without a
head, and the plan devised and pro-
vided in the church laws was ignored
and over-ridden by Brigham Young,
who assumed control. and he led the
people across the plains to Utah. Ev-
cry reader is already acquainted with
their long and dreary journey across
Iowa and the plains on foot, and every
way to get along. Many persisted and
a great many backed out and refused
| to go.
They drifted about for several years
| till it was decided by some of the
| leaders who refused to follow Young,
| to settle where Lamont now stands.
Along in the fore part of the sixties,
Joseph Smith became head of the
church, or president, as he is called,
and he has held the office unto this
day. He is son of the original Jo-
seph Smith. He was about twelve
years old when his father was assas.
sinated, and when the exodus took
place mis- mother refused to join them
and she, with her family, remained in
Nauvoo.
He is now president of the Saints
church of the world. They number
over $4,000, and are to be found in ey-
cry Christian nation. Missionaries
are also sent to every people, and they
follow the Biblical injunction to go
forth without scrip or staff. A preach
er is allowed enough to support his
family, but he is to depend on what he
is given. If he should become actual
ly in want the church will support
him or put him on his feet and let him
try it again.
They do not believe in theological
seminaries and have none. They be-
lieve in education and have good col
lege in Lamont, but it is nonsectarian.
| The teachers are not even Mormons,
but the majority are Gentiles, as they
call the outsiders. They hold that the
ology. being man made. is likely to Re
frivolous and imperfect, but that the
Bible, like truth, is never defective.
Revelations with them are not a thing
of the past. but of the present. Men
have things revealed unto them every
day. l>either do they believe in the
Apostolic succession, but they do be-
llieve that in the dark ages the world
became very corrupt and bad. In due
time God raised up men to re-Chris-
tianize the world and thus it was that
Joseph Smith had the revelations that
now compose the Book of Mormon. II
is called the book Of Mormon because
Mr.. Mormon was one of the men who
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

gether with a stone dwelling in the
rear-probable loss $1,000. NJ. Bart
scher's loss is about $500
A Good Stock.
There were several interesting az
vertisements in the Courier in 1852.
not the least interesting being that Of
John Pumroy, druggist, who had Il
column filled with list of his drugs
and other articles, with a petition to
the people to buy of him. After nam
ing over a list of drugs admitted 10 be
the largest and most complete III the
vicinity Mr.. Pumroy concludes his ad-
vertisement with the following:
"Also-A choice lot of liquors. for
medical uses, consisting of Cognac
brandy, Port. MADEIRA and Malaga
wines, Rye whiskey, Old Mononga-
hala, and right good article of COM
mon Baldface.
And he is anxious to sell the above
articles for what they will bring, and
perhaps less. Call in and see. Don't
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

ferson streets, and occupied by Joseph
Lanphear with queensware and
grocery store. and in a
few minutes that whole block
was in flames.
1.-The following as nearly as we can
ascertain, is a list of the losses:
The buildings occupied by Mr.. Ian
phear, Mr.. Powers, barber; and Mr..
Ware, saddler owned by the Clark
heirs probable loss $1,000. Mr. Ian
phear's loss is $500, insured for 81
900. Mr.. Wares loss is covered by in
surance The buildings occupied by
Brockliss, merchant tailor and Mr..
Petty, gunsmith, are total loss; own
ed by the Morrison heirs. The build
ing on Front street owned by Mr.. Scot
ten ajoining the corner, and occupied
by Robinson, barber. Probable value
$500, no insurance. The frame build
ing on Front street adjoining the fore
going. occupied as a grocery store by
Mr.. Bartscher, a new building, to-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

The church looks after its poor,
None are on the county. although they
pay their taxes to the state and county
without murmur. Their funds for
supporting the poor are raised by
regular number of tithes. A magnifi-
cent home is maintained at Lamont.
1t is massive and beautiful pressed
brick structure. 1t is built on the
latest plans and is steam heated and
modern in every particular. All poor
and INDECENT are sent there unless
they have relatives who are able to
take care of them. In that event, they
are allowed to be placed upon the char
ity of the county the same as an out-
slider. They do not believe in the
church'S duty to care for those who
have people whose duty 1t is to care
for them. And is that not whole
some and just regulation?
They claim their church is growing.
1t is overcoming prejudice just as fast
as people learn about them. Polyga.
my has been a drawback and has made
them reproach, and unjustly. None
are more opposed to it than the Reor.
ganized Church of Later Day Saints.
They sent memorials to congress and
to make against the admission of Rob-
erts into the United States congress.
They tell you if you desire to fight
polygamy come to them to learn how,
and to get the ammunition. They
claim they have evidence that Joseph
Smith, the founder of the church, was
not a polygamist and that the Utah
Mormons have no particle of proof
that he was.
| They We're the first to send mission
aries to Utah and were threatened
with severe penalties if they did not
desist An old retired missionary was
pointed out to me. He spent good
portion of his life in Utah as mis-
sionary Brigham Young threatened
him with death unless he left the ter
ritory, but General Albert Sidney
Johnson told him to continue his mis-
sionary work and if Brigham harmed
hair of his head. he would protect
him with the entire United States ar
my He preached and he was not mo-
Tested. He is a very venerable and
sanity looking old gentleman.
The leaders with whom | came in
contact are very courteous and anx
ious to give all the information they
can. If a question is inclined to be
impudent or impairment but asked IN
good faith, they do not take offense,
but answer it to the best of their abil-
ity. 1t is another spot on Iowa soil
that is appointed to become an histor-
lie place.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

OF France and it will be surprise to
those who know of her gift if she does
not eventually adopt the stage as a
profession.
Miss Barney is an unusual type OF
the society girl and possesses great
personal magnetism, brilliant mind,
and superb health. She goes in large
ly for philanthropy and does much
good for the poor in a way which does
not often come to light.
The performance concluded with e
series of tableauy vivants where prom
inent society women impersonated
neurological and other characters, the
series being entitled "The Passing OF
lime"
Notable among the list was the PIC
ture presented by Madame de Marger-
lie as Theodore" This lady is the
sister of Edmond Rostrand, the author
of Cyrano de Bergerac, L'Aiglon and
other successful dramas.
About 800 was realized from the
entertainment. While double that
amount of tickets We're sold, the ex.
penses were very heavy, and it is be
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

forget the place, next door to Warden
& Leighton's."
Modern merchants might learn
something of Mr.. Pumroy, who says in
SO many words that he would not hes
itate to sell articles for less than they
would bring. How he lid il is incs-
ton, but perhaps the good article of
common Baldface" broughe such
good income that he could afford tn
give away the other wares.
Did He Want Him.
An anxious CD father adVertises for
a runaway boy as follows:
Five Cents Reward-For 4 runaway
boy, by the name of Ashbull Sperry.
He is sixteen years old ii February
next, he left my place of residence i'll
Mantua township, Monroe county,
Iowa, without any just cause. I, there
fore, forbid all persons from harboring
or trusting him on my account, as
am determined not to pay any of his
contracts. Israel Sper1y."
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

The spring freshets would play havoc
with any movable dams" that modern
engineering could construct. But ev-
en- if the latter could Withstand the an
~nual overflow they would be practical
ly useless most of the year. During
the summer and fall the amount of wa
ter in the river is scarcely worth TAX
ing into account. There at the mouth
of the stream, where the volume Of
water should be greatest. the bed of
the river has been planted in crops
and cultivated uninterruptedly for sew
eral seasons past. To maintain six
foot stage of Water in canal seventy
or eighty feet wide from Des Moines
to Keokuk would require the construc-
ton of immense reservoirs, and it is
doubtful if even then the desired end
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

Hearst by the ambassador, who is very
rich. The Italian government has not
possessed a suitable habitation in the
United States for years past, the scene
of official business between the two
countries during Baron Favas regime
being in cheap boarding house. There
We're but two chairs in the main Office
and a third visitor might perchance
find a perch upon a stray soap box.
While the purchase is now being
made by the ambassador personally, 1t
is probable that the embassy will
eventually become the property of the
Italian government, which will make
the sixth foreign power to own its
own government property in our coun-
try, Great Britain having taken the
initiative in this direction.
1t is somewhat of coincidence that
the present German embassy was the
home of Senator and Mrs. Hearst dru-
ing the formers life time, before they
built the handsome residence on New
Hampshire avenue. which is now to
become the Italian embassy.
Arabella Gushington.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-27

Why the Mormons should have Sc
lected the county named after the
most warlike of the soldiers of his day,
l do not pretend to understand, and
anyway, there is nothing in a name.
"A rose by any other name would
smell as sweet" and so the Mormons
no doubt, believed.
At all events, they settled in Decatur
county, which is named for the dough
ty old commander who humbled The
pride Of the Dey of Algiers and settled
forever, the pirates of the Mediter-
ranean who had been harassing the
commerce of every civilized country,
but none dared resist. Decatur. being
an American, had not learned to fear
the devil and all his imps, including
the pirates who sailed the Spanish
main and sought whom they might
devour. He was voted medal by
congress for bravery, and afterwards
very foolishly got into duel in which
he was shot.
But his name is in history, and that
is worth dying for, although there
might be other ways of distinguishing
ones self rather than to stand up and
be shot at.
After all, we suspect that the settle
ment of the Mormons at Lamont in
Decatur county was accidental, rather
than designed and they stopped there
because it seemed to promise good
place to make a living After all, the
bread and butter question is serious
one. Abraham took all his herds into
Egypt because hay was scarce in his
own country.
Laban was ranchman who travers-
ed great scope of country with his
aerds, even, as did the cowboys of a
later day, as remarked in Hamlin Gar
lands story of THE Eagles Heart.
In the old days, they were interested
in making bread and butter for the
little folks and for the wives and those
who were dependent, the same as we
are today.
We find almost every occupation in
the old days, in order to turn an honest
penny, except the newspaper business
The people had not become srffici-
emily civilized and cultured yet for
that. In order to run newspapers,
people must know how to read.
So the Mormons settled in Decatur
land and full of promise.
When you read the word Nor
moh," you at once think of Brigham
Young and his nineteen wives and his
mother-in-law, and of Artemus Ward
who paid visit to the Mormons, and
they interested him exceedingly. He