LENOX

 

Page 613

 

In 1870 the wisest man living in all of Taylor county had not dreamed of such a place.  In November, 1871, the Creston branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was completed through Taylor county to the Missouri line.  The plat of Lenox was then surveyed and recorded.  In February, 1872, the first permanent settlements were made thereon.  N. J. Allen, A. S. Beymer and G. L. Brooks at this time located within the town limits, and others came afterward.  During its first year the town labored under quite a disadvantage, being resurveyed and relocated to some extent.  This necessitated the removal of the buildings to the west side of railroad track that had been erected on the east.  From that time until the present Lenox has had a wonderful growth, which has been steady and healthy.  Some of its buildings would be a credit to towns much larger and more pretentious.  In May, 1874, the Lenox House was built.  During the September following the school-house was erected; then the township contained but fifteen scholars; in 1876 it had 150.  In 1880 the number had grown to 213, which is an increase very flattering. 

 

….What is now known as the independent school-district of Lenox was organized in 1873 as subdistrict number three, of the district township of Platte, with an area of two miles square.  The district then had fifteen scholars….  The school-house before mentioned was two stories high, twenty-four by thirty-six, wood structure, and erected on lots sixty-one, sixty-four, sixty-five, sixty-eight and sixty-nine, of the northwest quarter of section eight.  The first school was taught in the summer of 1874, by a Mr. Cole.  The average attendance was about twenty-five, several pupils coming from outside the district.  The following fall and winter term was taught by G. W. Howe, Esq.  He had an average attendance of forty-seven, with an enrollment of sixty-two.  G. L. Brooks was subdirector from its organization until 1875.  March 18, 1878, the district was made independent by a vote of its electors.  The first school-board under the new organization consisted of Hon. N. S. Hornaday, L. B. Wilson, H. S. Woods, J. T. Wherry, W. A. Scott and John Baxter.  At the organization of the board H. S. Woods was chosen president; J. W. Barnes, secretary, and G. L. Brooks, treasurer.  In 1881, April 11, voted to issue bonds in the sum of $5,000 for the erection of a new school-house, forty by seventy feet, two stories and basement, brick structure, and containing four rooms.  June 10, 1881, the contract for building the school house was let to J. W. Combs, of Bedford, for $7,789.  It is now under process of erection.  The present school-board is composed of Hon. N. J. Allen, Hon. N. S. Hornaday, E. D. Kepner, J. W. Barnes, J. W. Maher and H.F. Howard.  The school officers are Hon. N. J. Allen, president of the board; G. W. Howe, secretary, and A. D. Harlan, treasurer.

 

In the way of harvests, politically, Lenox has reaped quite abundantly. (Page 615) In 1875 Hon. John Madden, one of its most prosperous business men and best citizens, was elected to the legislature.  In 1876 G. L. Brooks was a delegate from the Eighth congressional district of Iowa to the Cincinnati Republican convention, which nominated Rutherford B. Hayes for president.  In 1879 Hon. N. S. Hornaday was chosen to the legislature.  He made a member of whom his constituents are justly proud.

 

The institution of Lenox is its flouring-mills.  It was completed in 1875 by M. M. Bechtell, who now resides at Harlan, the shire town of Shelby, county.  These mills are now the property of Allen & Co., who are, also extensive grain-dealers.  In reputation few mills in southwestern Iowa excel that of Allen & Co.  They are experienced men and their employees are none but first-class workmen.  Several neighboring towns are supplied with flour from their mills and the demand upon them exceeds the mills' capacity.

 

….Some of the citizens of Lenox are interested in Colorado mines at Kokomo.  They are E. D. and John Kepner, D. J. Spear and William Pigott.  It is the impression that they have a "bonanza," the truth of which would be gratifying to all who know them.

 

Of the first business men of Lenox, G. L. Brooks is in California, N. J. Allen still at Lenox, and A. S. Beymer at Randolph, Fremont county, Iowa.

 

….The Lenox Time Table is almost as old as the city of its birth….a copy of the Time Table of July 4, 1876, contains the advertisements of fifteen business houses, as follows:  F. S. Winkley, painter; J. H. Humphrey, livery stable; H. B. Hansen, boots and shoes; Morrell & Anderson, grocery and restaurant; M. M. Bechtell, Lenox Mills; Osborn & Brooks, hardware; Tyler & Howell, real estate; Harlan & Saunders, hardware; A. C. Woodard, meat market; G. E. Norwood, implements; J. W. Maher, real estate; A. O. Brice & Co., undertakers; Humphrey & Co., druggists; Allen, Spear & Layne, dry goods and implements, and John Madden, general merchandise.  Mr. J. W. Maher, John Madden and H. B. Hoffman, we believe, are the only ones of these gentlemen who are yet pursuing the same business. The changes that have been made will at once be noted by the following list of the present business men of Lenox.

 

Lenox Mills, Allen & Co., and grain-dealers.

Fuller & Co., agricultural implements.

L. E. Mercer, carpenter and builder.

Dunbar, Gitt and Adams, builders.

(page 616)

H. H. White, carriage-maker and blacksmith.

L. A. Lain, carriage and repair shop.

W. R. Harlan, blacksmith.

G. W. Howe, attorney and justice of the peace

H. Lupton, postmaster.

M. A. Lunn, real estate and loan office

L. S. Brooks, banker.

Johnson Brothers, clothing.

Woods & Pennell, livery stable.

John A. Rogers, agricultural implements.

Chambers & Ennis, lumber.

W.F. Thompson, furniture.

James Kingan, grocery.

John Finn, grain-dealer.

William French, grain-dealer.

G. W. Ferris, grain-dealer.

W. V. Leuson, grain-dealer.

Hallowell & Wooster, meat market.

William Pheny, saloon.

Wilson & Parks, hardware and grain-dealers.

C. W. Wilson, grocery and restaurant.

Ridgeway & Son, lumber.

Barnes & McGregor, Lenox Time Table.

G. L. Goodale, jeweler.

W. P. Norman, jeweler.

C. W. Brokaw, cabinet-maker

Morris & Kafka, carpenters.

Montgomery & Abbott, carpenters.

Meagher & Maloney, general merchandise and grain-dealers.

Hornaday & Scroggs, druggists and physicians.

B. Wooleridge, clothing, boots and shoes.

H. B. Hansen, boots and shoes.

Misses Maher & Haman, milliners and dress-makers.

J. T. Wherry, general merchandise.

Waight & Miller, druggists.

C.A. Brooks, grocery and feed store.

Robert Lynch, barber.

W.F. Wilson, grocery and bakery.

H. A. Childs, druggist.

Humphrey & Morrell, grocery.

Scroggs & Brock, harness and saddlery.

J. and E. Madden, general merchandise.

E. L. Osborn, hardware and agricultural implements.

Smith & Funk, general merchandise.

H.R. French, dry goods and millinery.

Mrs. Lucy Bratton, millinery.

S. B. Muncy, grocery.

J. W. Jaher, real estate and loan agent.

____ & Overmyer, groceries.

____ Dalton, proprietor Lenox House.

____ McIntire, boarding house.

Hamilton & Tyler, grave tablets.

G. L. Haner, tailor.

A. J. Johnson, attorney.

Misses C. and C. Goodale, millinery.

N. G. Duffield, carpenter.

____ Connell, photograph gallery.

J. W. Jones, auctioneer.

Joseph Montgomery, auctioneer

W. F. Waight, physician.

J. A. Hudson, physician.

 

The clergymen of Lenox are: Rev. U. P. Golliday, D. D., Methodist Episcopal; Rev. J. D. DeTar, Methodist Episcopal; Rev. N. V. Morrow, Presbyterian; Rev. A. B. DeLong, Presbyterian, and Rev. J. W. Johnson, United Presbyterian.  The churches of Lenox are the Methodist Episcopal, the United Presbyterian, the Presbyterian and the Roman Catholic. 

 

Civic Societies of Lenox

 

Lenox Lodge No. 407, I. O. O. F. was instituted April 27, 1880.  The charter members were George Van Houten, G. W. Howe, C. N. Thompson, H. Warriner, James W. Jones, H. P. Randall, B. F. Hoke and G. A. Deaver.

 

George Van Houten was the first N. G.; G. W. Howe, V. G.; C. N. Thompson, R. S., and C. W. Thompson, treasurer.  The present officers are C. N. Thompson, N. G.; J. T. Hartup, V. G.; A. H. Abbitt, R. S., and C. W. Wilson, treasurer.

 

Lenox Odd Fellows have had no "ups and downs".  Their sailing has been steady and rapid, before fair winds and on a smooth sea.  Witness the (page 618) proof: In April, 1880, the society numbered eight individuals.  In July, 1881, its membership was forty-five, and composed of some of the very best citizens of Lenox and Platte township.

 

Masonic

 

This order is particularly strong and popular at Lenox.  It numbers among its members some of the strongest men and oldest settlers of that portion of Taylor county.  Fremont Lodge No. 343, A. F. & A. M., was organized "under dispensation," by Thomas George, of Corning, September 24, 1874.  The original, or charter, members were A. S. Beymer, George Van Houten, G. W. Horn, Joseph Brown, A. M. Allen; G. L. Allen, H. Cade, J. C. Lucas, James W. Jones, N. S. Hornaday and A. L. Duncan.  The first officers were: J. C. Lucas, W. M.; George Van Houten S. W.; Joseph Brown, J. W.; J. W. Jones, treasurer; N. S. Hornaday, secretary, and G. W. Page, J. D.  The present officers are:  A. D. Harlan, W. M.; H. H. White, S. W.; S. N. Landon, J. W.; J. W. Barnes, Treasurer; A. O. Brice, secretary; George Van Houten, S. D.; H. B. Woods, J. D.; J. W. Cahill, S. S., and Elmer Allyn, J. S.

 

The growth of this lodge has been remarkable, and speaks volumes in its praise.  In 1874 its membership was eleven; in 1881 it has fifty-two names upon its rolls.  Several of its members are Knights Templar, belonging to Bethany Commandery, at Creston.  Of these are E. D. Kepner, Hon. N. J. Allen, H. H. White, J. W. Cahill, and perhaps others.  The society has no hall of its own, but the intention is to erect a structure at an early day.

 

Presbyterian Church

 

The Presbyterian Church of Lenox was organized in 1876, with the following members: James R. Hewitt, Rebecca Hewitt, W. Hattie Osborn, John Pugh, James Montgomery, N. J. Hornaday, James B. Dunbar, John Kepner, Francis Kepner and S. B. Overmyer.  Immediately upon the organization of the church a building for worship was put in process of erection, which was completed in 1876.  It is a frame structure, of good design, and cost $2,200.  It was dedicated in the fall of 1877 by Rev. Bardwell, assisted by Rev. Roberts, of St. Joseph, Missouri.  The Lenox Presbyterian Church can show a clean record financially; it doesn't owe a dollar, which is a showing that but few churches can make.  It prospered at its organization, and good fortune and God's blessing have attended it ever since.  From a small beginning its membership has grown to seventy-four.  At no time has the church had a regular pastor, although we believe its services occur as every sabbath rolls around.  Its pastors have been (page 619) Rev. W. H. Isley and Rev. N. V. Morrow.  Rev. A. B. DeLong has been the "stated supply" since October, 1879, and is at the present time.

 

United Presbyterian Church

 

It seems to be the fortune of Lenox churches to be out of debt, which reflects pronounced credit upon its excellent people.  The united Presbyterian Church is one whose exchequer long since wiped out the last demand against it.

 

This church was organized September 19, 1874.  The original members were Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Richards, Mrs. Belle Roberts, Ellen Bernard, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. French, M. and Mrs. M. A. Lunn, Mrs. Appleby, Louis Appleby, J. R. Dunlap and Mr. and Mrs. William Lafferty.  One hundred and fifteen is the present membership, which is the highest compliment that could be paid Mr. Morrow, the pastor, and in fact, the only one the church has had.  For more than three years he has ministered to the spiritual wants of these people with a success meriting warm laudation.  Connected with the church is a sabbath-school of one hundred and twenty-five scholars.  During the year past twenty-four new names have been added to the church rolls, and $250 have been raised and paid over to the mission fund.  Since the organization of the church there have. been but two deaths in the congregation, which is remarkable and worthy of note, when the number comprising the society is taken into consideration.  In 1879 this church built a frame house for worship at a cost of $2,500.  Rev. J. B. McMichael, president of Monmouth (Illinois) College, dedicated it August 10, 1879.  From that time to the present prosperity has marked its every step, and seems to have mapped out for it a future long and sunshiny.

 

Methodist Church

Rev. W. McKendrie Campbell, assistant preacher on the Creston and Lenox circuit, delivered the first Methodist sermon at Lenox, in the summer or fall of 1873, at the depot of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company.  Rev. H. Avery continued the appointment more or less frequently until in January, 1874, when he was sent to Creston, and Rev. U. P. Golliday, the most eminent and gifted divine in the State, to Lenox.  In 1874 the school-house was used for sabbath services, and a class of thirteen members, with three on probation, was organized.  In 1876 the society had increased to about fifty-eight members.  Since that time it has grown to seventy or more.  There had been attempts made to erect a church edifice, but without success until the summer of 1881, when a very neat building, 32 x 55 feet was commenced, and is now (September)(page 620) rapidly approaching completion.  Its cost will be a trifle over $3,000.  It will be dedicated in a short time under the administration of Rev. J. D. DeTar, to whose untiring energy the society is mainly indebted.

 

A parsonage has been erected on a lot adjoining where the church will stand.  It was built in 1877, under the superintendence of Rev. C. Leach.  Rev. A. Brown enlarged it in 1879.  Michigan Avenue is the church site, and one of the most beautiful streets in the really pretty city of Lenox.  The Presbyterians near the eastern extremity, the Methodists some two blocks further west, a new and beautiful brick school-house, the United Presbyterian Church next on the west, and the Catholic Church still further west, furnish the people of Lenox with sightly structures and school and church conveniences that are rarely equaled in a place of its size.

 

The ministers who have been pastors of the Methodist Church in Lenox are Rev. H. Avery, 1873-4; Rev. U. P. Golliday, 1874-6; Rev. C. Leach, 1876-7; Rev. A. Brown, 1877-80, and the Rev. J. D. DeTar, who is now entering on the second year of his pastorate.

 

The Roman Catholics are strongly entrenched in Lenox.  In 1875 they erected a church building which is insufficient for their present needs, and they are now putting up a new one, south of the old.

 

Lenox, by a square vote, has recently favored the granting license to beer saloons and billiard halls.  Its officers are some of the foremost men in the city.

 

In 1878 a skeleton was found close to the railroad track near Lenox.  Dr. M. C. Connett, of Bedford, who was county coroner, held an inquest over the remains, but without eliciting any information regarding the deceased.  It was generally thought that he was some tramp who had died from exposure to the wintry blasts.  The skeleton must have lain there six months before it was discovered.

 

In 1879 one Kennedy was on a "tear," and had no desire to become a lodger at the Lenox cooler.  William and George Hartzell were night watchmen.  Kennedy resisted their attempt to arrest him, when William Hartzell hit him over the head with a "billy."  Almost instant death was produced.  Upon trial before Judge R. C. Henry, of Bedford, the jury brought in a verdict of murder in the first degree against William Hartzell.  An appeal has been taken to the Supreme Court, where it still remains.  George Hartzell, was afterward acquitted.  In the meantime, Kennedy's administrator had brought suit against the corporation of Lenox for $10,000 for his killing.  Eminent counsel was employed on both sides, and all efforts resulted in favor of the city.