CHAPTER XXXIV

_Lisbon and the United Brethren Church_

In narrating the history of Linn county mention must be made of that body of devoted men and women who early laid the foundations of the United Brethren church in this portion of what sixty years ago was the far west. The members of this christian body have had an important and conspicuous part in the history of our county. Their leaders have not only been men of piety, but they have also been men of ability, builders of commonwealths. Their work has been of a permanent character, and the descendants of these pioneer people are today doing grandly the work so nobly begun seventy years ago.

We cannot do better here than to quote largely from the _Historical Souvenir of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ at Lisbon, Iowa, 1836-1904_, by Rev. Cyrus J. Kephart, published in 1904 by the Lisbon _Herald_:

THE BEGINNING OF THE CHURCH IN IOWA

The work of the United Brethren in Christ in Iowa began, as far as known, with the labors of Rev. Christian Troup, a member of the Wabash Conference, who came to Iowa as a missionary in 1836,[N] and settled upon what is now a part of the site of Mount Vernon. He afterwards traded his 160 acre claim for a yoke of oxen, and settled near the Cedar river, on what is now known as the Horn farm. Here he passed through all the privations of a frontier life. His daughter, Mrs. Pate, states that for a considerable time he and his family ground the corn for their bread on an old-fashioned coffee mill nailed to the side of a tree.

Rev. Troup's field as a missionary extended from the city of Dubuque to Henry county. His preaching places were wherever he could find an opportunity to speak to the people. Thus he sowed the seed that afterward ripened into many an active Christian life.

One of his appointments was near Ivanhoe, in a log house of only two rooms. Here standing in the low doorway he would speak first to those gathered in one room, then stooping, for he was a tall man, he would pass his head into the other room and speak to those there.

He died in 1850 and was buried in the cemetery that then occupied the lot where the house of Mrs. Mary Hoover now stands in Lisbon. When the cemetery was changed his remains were removed to the present Lisbon cemetery.

In 1838 Rev. John Burns, a local preacher, settled in Lee county, and began preaching at various points. Rev. Christian Troup and he seem to have been the pioneers of the United Brethren in Christ in Iowa.

The first society was organized at the home of "Father" Edington, probably somewhere in Henry county, in October, 1841. This, however, was several years after Christian Troup began his work in the community in which Lisbon now stands.

The first United Brethren quarterly conference west of the Mississippi was held at the home of Mr. Gibson near the present site of Lisbon, May 10, 1842. It was attended by Christian Troup, F. R. S. Byrd, Ira B. Ryan, Lewis Hoffman, "Father" Edington, and others. Ira B. Ryan was licensed to preach, and Christian Troup was chosen presiding elder.

Another similar meeting was held in Henry county on September 10th of the same year. Considerable annual conference business was transacted at this meeting.

A third meeting of the same character was held, probably in the southern part of the state in March, 1843, there being present a presiding elder of the Wabash Conference, of the territory of which Iowa at that time was a part. At this meeting there were reported thirteen organized societies, with one hundred and ninety-four members in Iowa.

The first annual conference of the United Brethren in Iowa, and the first west of the Mississippi, convened at Columbus City, May 19, 1844, Bishop Henry Kumler, Jr., presiding. It was called the Iowa Branch of the Wabash Conference.

The next annual conference convened at the home of Wm. Thompson, in Louisa county, August 14, 1845, Bishop John Russell, presiding. At this session the Iowa conference was formally organized.

Other early conferences were held as follows:

At Columbus City, August 31, 1846, Bishop J. J. Glossbrenner, presiding.

At the home of Wm. Thompson, Louisa county, August 24, 1847, Bishop Wm. Hanby, presiding.

At the home of John Shively, Henry county, September 1, 1848, Bishop Wm. Hanby, presiding.

At the Hershey school house near Lisbon, August 23, 1849, Bishop David Edwards, presiding.

During these years the preachers in charge of the territory including Lisbon were:

1843-44 John Peters. 1844-45 Christian Troup. 1845-47 J. W. Sterling. 1847-48 Luther McVay. 1848-49 Luther McVay, with John DeMoss, assistant.

Writing of the Iowa conference of 1845, Bishop Russell said: "Myself and wife left the state of Maryland in a carriage for Iowa. A tedious journey indeed. All went well until we got between the two rivers--Mississippi and Iowa. In the high prairie grass our trail ran out, and of course we were lost. How to get on the right course was the trouble.

"I went before, parting the grass, which was much higher than myself. After I had gone a certain distance, I put my hat on my cane to guide my wife to the spot. Thus I continued for some time till we got right again."

THE UNITED BRETHREN AT LISBON

Our life and work at Lisbon date back to the faithful labors of Rev. Christian Troup, who began preaching in this vicinity as early as 1836. Hence the church at Lisbon had its beginning with the very beginning of our church in Iowa.

The work here grew slowly, however, for several years, Bro. Troup often advising his converts to join other churches on account of the weakness of the United Brethren in Iowa.

In 1847 Rev. Christian Hershey led quite a large colony, chiefly his own relatives, from Pennsylvania to Iowa, and settled in Yankee Grove, the section of country surrounding where Lisbon now stands.

This colony, being largely composed of United Brethren, made quite an addition to the United Brethren forces of this vicinity.

In August of the same year Rev. Luther McVay was appointed to the Yankee Grove circuit. During the summer of 1848 he held a camp-meeting on the knoll now occupied by the Washington school building of Lisbon, with good results. He then organized "the United Brethren class in the Pennsylvania Settlement of Linn county, Iowa," with a charter membership of about forty, as nearly as can be determined from the original class book. About twelve names were afterward added, the year closing with a membership of 52. The effecting of an organization was strongly opposed by many of the older persons who took an active part in the camp-meeting; not because of opposition to the church, but feeling that it was not right to formally organize and put the names on a class book.

Of these charter members, two are yet members of the church, Mr. Michael Blessing, and Mrs. Nancy Neidig.

On August 23, 1849, the Iowa annual conference was held here. Lisbon had just been platted, and homes were scarce. To meet the difficulty occasioned by the coming of so many ministers, a camp-meeting was planned; tents were built on the camp ground, and the conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting. There were a number of conversions, and at the close of the camp-meeting twenty-five persons were baptized in the Cedar river near Ivanhoe, by Rev. Josiah Lindsey.

Rev. Christian Hershey and Rev. D. Wenrich were received into the conference at this session upon their transfers. Rev. John De Moss, assistant pastor of Yankee Grove circuit, reported $26.55 received as salary and presents for the year.

The Lisbon class proper, at first called North Yankee Grove class, was organized September 5, 1850, by Rev. S. W. Kern, pastor. The original record shows 36 members of this class, many of whom belonged to the "United Brethren Class in the Pennsylvania Settlement in Linn county, Iowa," and several were new members. That there existed some difficulty in connection with the work at this place at that time is manifest from the following from Rev. D. Wenrich in an article in the _Telescope_ relative to the conference session of 1850: "On account of a peculiar state of things on Yankee Grove circuit it was asked that a good disciplinarian be appointed to the charge. The selection of Rev. S. W. Kern and the adjustment of the difficulty proved the wisdom of the choice." Just what the difficulty was, whether it was among members of the church of a personal character, or whether it was something in connection with the administration of the affairs of the church, there is no record to show.

The annual conference of 1852 chose Lisbon as the place of meeting for the next annual session. Rev. Christian Hershey, who had been in an important sense the father of the Lisbon church, looked forward to its coming with great expectations. When the time arrived for making necessary local preparation, he joined most heartily in the work. After cleaning the church and putting everything in readiness, he proposed to a friend who was with him to go into the church and offer prayer for the conference. He was in great joy. But on August 3d, the day before the assembling of conference, very suddenly the death angel called, and Father Hershey passed away. His death cast a gloom over the entire session. Rev. George Miller was chosen to preach the funeral sermon. The conference in a body marched before his corpse to the church and to the grave. His remains were buried in the cemetery beside the church and afterwards were removed to the present Lisbon cemetery, where they now rest.

The growth of the church following the year 1849 was quite rapid. But it is impossible to determine what the total membership has been, on account of the mutilation of the early records. So far as we can learn the number of persons received between 1840 and 1870 was fully five hundred. Since 1870 the accessions have been quite numerous. A number of very successful revivals have been held. From 1870 to the present time, as nearly as can be determined, the number of accessions has been about 790, thus showing a membership of nearly 1,300 since the organization of the church in 1849.

The Lisbon charge has been favored with a number of most excellent pastors. So far as the records show, the largest increase of membership was during the pastorate of Rev. William Cunningham. During his service of eighteen months there were eighty-four additions to the church.

Among those who have assisted largely to the development and growth of the church, the following seem to deserve special mention: Christian Hershey, Michael Hoover, Sr., D. Runkle, John Neidig, Jacob Kettering, A. A. Sweet, Samuel Long, John Eby, Lawrence Easterly, J. E. Kurtz, D. Dorwart, Henry Meyers, John Ringer, Sr., Elias Hahn, D. Buck, John Turner, George Graul, D. G. Zeigenfus, Thomas Runkle, C. H. Neidig, Abram Runkle, Adam Runkle, Amos Runkle, W. S. Furnas, Elizabeth Perry, Nancy Neidig, Sr., Mother Bressler, Anna Bitzer and Elizabeth N. Runkle. The list could be greatly enlarged with perfect truthfulness. But these are among the number who seem to have stood out with special prominence in the work of the church.

We would make special mention of Rev. S. E. Long, Rev. A. B. Statton, and Rev. M. S. Runkle, who were raised as members of our church and have gone into the ministry of the gospel.

Also Mrs. G. K. Little, daughter of Bro. J. Bittinger, whose sweet voice and loving life are living epistles for Christ, greatly assisting in the evangelistic work of her husband, Rev. G. K. Little, who for years was a faithful member here.

Rev. I. L. Buchwalter and his devoted wife, who have made Lisbon their home since he retired from the active ministry, have been active and liberal in their devotion to the interests and work of the church.

CHURCH BUILDINGS

In 1850 Rev. Christian Hershey built in Lisbon, chiefly at his own expense, the First United Brethren church west of the Mississippi river. This church, which still stands just north of Mrs. Mary Hoover's residence, was soon outgrown. In 1855 it was sold, and the proceeds were used in building the second church on the site occupied by the present edifice. This building served the church for twenty-six years.

During the pastorate of Rev. T. D. Adams and the early part of the first pastorate of Rev. I. K. Statton, the need of a more modern church became apparent. At the session of the quarterly conference on April 7, 1880, the first official steps were taken toward the erection of a new building. During the following summer the old church was torn down, and the present structure begun. It was completed at a cost of $9,200.00, and on January 23, 1881, was dedicated by Bishop Milton Wright. Great credit is due to the ever earnest and faithful labors of the pastor, Dr. I. K. Statton.

During the building of the new church, the congregation was favored in being granted the use of the Methodist Episcopal church for all its services.

PARSONAGES

The church during its history has owned three parsonages. The present building is an elegant frame structure of eight rooms, furnished with furnace, electric light, and city water. It was purchased during the summer of 1903 for $2,400, the old one being sold for $1,000.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Sunday school was organized early in the history of the Lisbon church, probably in the spring of 1853. It was first conducted as a union school, and so continued for a number of years, its development into a United Brethren school being the result chiefly of the organization of other schools in town.

At the first it was divided into male and female departments, with five male and seven female classes; among them were one female and two male spelling classes, and one female infant class. Among the first scholars were Henry C. Kurtz, and Solomon Kettering, who are yet living. The record of 1854 shows three infant classes, one male and two female. In the male class were two of our present members, Henry C. Meyers, and Jacob E. Meyers, with their father Henry Meyers as teacher.

The first secretary's record that is preserved begins with July, 1857. The enrollment was 121, the attendance 118. The superintendent was A. A. Sweet. May 27, 1860, is named as "the first day of the administration of B. [Benjamin] Hoover as superintendent, to which office he was elected last night." Other evidence states that Adam Runkle had served as superintendent, one year before this election. Following this the record shows nothing as to who was superintendent till April 2, 1865, when it states, "Had our annual election last evening for officers. Adam Runkle was re-elected superintendent, D. Dorwart, secretary, D. Buck, librarian." I. Scoles is the first secretary named, his election occurring May 2, 1858. The next named following him is J. E. Kurtz, who served a number of years, his term of office terminating with the election of D. Dorwart as above noted.

The enrollment did not increase rapidly, owing in part no doubt to the organizing of other schools. On January 1, 1860, it was 144; on January 6, 1861, 145, with 140 in attendance.

The record from 1857 to 1865 is rendered quite interesting by the recital of current events of the town and community. A few are here quoted:

July 26, 1857. "A stranger bathing last Sabbath in the Cedar river was drowned. Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy."

December 15, 1857. "Officers and teachers agreed to have a teachers' meeting monthly."

April 11, 1859. "The Lutheran church organized a Sunday school in the old church today."

July 9, 1859. "The school was opened at eight o'clock on account of the Methodist quarterly meeting in this house at nine o'clock."

November 6, 1859. "Small attendance on account of wedding in town, Mr. Joel Ringer and Miss Barbara Kurtz."

July 29, 1860. "Bishop Glossbrenner was here yesterday, and went to Western."

September 9, 1860. "We hear for the first time two bells ringing in town."

October 28, 1860. "Mrs. Easterly married to David Zeigenfus."

November 11, 1860. "Old Abe elected."

September 21, 1861. "Yesterday great military demonstration; young men leaving for the army."

November 1, 1863. "Yesterday all the liquor destroyed by the sheriff."

November 29, 1863. "No school in consequence of the Evangelical dedication."

January 16, 1865. "Large school, as both schools are united." "Both schools" seems to refer to our own and a Sunday school conducted for a short time by the Presbyterians. Enrollment 129; attendance 166.

April 16, 1865. "Our church was draped in memory of the death of our late President, Abraham Lincoln."

May 7, 1865. "The Missionary Board met with us. Bishops Edwards, Markwood, and Kumler, and Revs. S. VonNeida and J. W. Shuey were present."

Reference is frequently made to deaths that occurred in town. The burial of several soldiers is noted. The secretaries of later years recorded but little of such general events. The record of June 6, 1880, says: "On account of tearing down the church, school met in M. E. church at 2:00 p. m." On May 26, 1878, I. K. Statton, Mrs. T. D. Adams, J. Bittinger, Amos Runkle and wife and Miss Sue Fletcher were appointed delegates to the township and the county conventions.

The superintendents have been A. A. Sweet, Benjamin Hoover, Adam Runkle, J. Bittinger, W. H. Runkle, J. S. Smith, U. D. Runkle, and the present incumbent, Amos K. Runkle, who has served the school continuously for sixteen years, and has just been reelected.

The Woman's Missionary Association of the United Brethren church of Lisbon, was organized October 27, 1878, with the direction and assistance of Mrs. A. L. Billheimer. Mrs. T. D. Adams was appointed temporary secretary. The following officers were elected: Mrs. Mary Shaler, president; Mrs. A. K. Runkle, vice president; Mrs. Addie Eby, secretary; Mrs. Lizzie A. Runkle, treasurer; solicitors: Mrs. E. N. Runkle, Mrs. Holderman, Mrs. Nancy Neidig, Miss Maggie Houser, Mrs. Katie Kurtz.

The first regular meeting was held at the parsonage and was opened by devotional exercises by Mrs. Charlotte Davis (wife of Rev. Wm. Davis).

LISBON CAMP-MEETING

The earliest camp-meeting of our church in this vicinity, as far as can be learned, was held in 1848 on the site of the present school building. It was followed by the second in 1849, and a third in 1852. Similar meetings were held at various times and places for several years.

At a quarterly conference held July 7, 1879, a camp-meeting committee was appointed, consisting of Rev. T. D. Adams, and brothers J. Bittinger, D. Runkle, C. H. Neidig, A. E. Kurtz, A. K. Runkle, George Rupert, Sr., and J. S. Smith. The committee organized on July 11, electing Rev. T. D. Adams, president, and Rev. I. K. Statton, secretary. A plot of ground of about twenty-five acres, lying one and one-fourth miles southeast of Lisbon was purchased, and a camp-meeting planned to begin on August 26 following. At this time the temporary organization was succeeded by a permanent one, with Rev. T. D. Adams, president, and J. Bittinger, secretary. On September 3d, the grounds were dedicated by Bishop Milton Wright, Rev. T. D. Adams, Pastor, Rev. I. K. Statton, presiding elder, and a number of other ministers assisting.

The ground was a nicely wooded tract, with two good springs, and was fitted up with a number of neat cottages, a boarding house, chapel, speakers' stand, and seats, and was enclosed with a substantial fence. Among the prominent men who at different times took part in the meetings were, Bishops Weaver, Kephart, Hott, Mills, and Wright, President W. M. Beardshear, and Dr. J. W. Etter. Interesting meetings were held each summer up to and including 1893. Some hindrance at length arose, and at the annual meeting held on August 27, 1894, the association voted to sell the grounds and disorganize.

LIST OF PASTORS, YANKEE GROVE CIRCUIT AND LISBON STATION

1843-44 John Peters 1843-44 Christian Troup 1845-57 J. W. Sterling 1847-49 Luther McVay 1848-49 Luther McVay John DeMoss, Asst. 1849-50 J. S. Brown 1850-52 S. W. Kern 1855-56 J. B. Wells 1856-58 Martin Bowman 1858-59 George Miller 1859-60 Jonathan Wynn 1860-61 John Goodin 1861-62 A. Shessler 1862-63 Martin Bowman 1863-65 John Curts 1870-74 Wm. Davis 1874-75 S. Sutton 1875-76 Wm. Davis 1876-79 T. D. Adams 1879-83 I. K. Statton 1883-85 Wm Cunningham 1885-88 R. E. Williams 1888-92 C. K. Westfall

[Illustration: FATHER FLYNN, CEDAR RAPIDS]

1852-53 F. R. S. Byrd 1853-54 Jacob Newman 1854-55 Daniel Runkle Jacob Miller, Asst. 1865-66 John Manning 1866-67 John Curts 1867-68 T. Brashear 1868-70 H. B. Potter 1892-95 V. A. Carlton 1895-99 I. K. Statton 1899-03 W. I. Beatty 1903 C. J. Kephart

SESSIONS OF IOWA CONFERENCE HELD AT LISBON

1849 Bishop David Edwards, presiding 1853 Bishop L. Davis, presiding 1856 Bishop L. Davis, presiding 1862 Bishop J. Markwood, presiding 1865 Bishop J. Markwood, presiding 1867 Rev. D. K. Flickinger, presiding in place of Bishop Markwood, absent 1869 Bishop J. Dickinson, presiding 1872 Bishop J. Dickinson, presiding 1878 Bishop M. Wright, presiding 1883 Bishop J. Wright, presiding 1888 Bishop J. Dickinson, presiding 1892 Bishop J. Dickisnon, presiding 1899 Bishop N. Castle, presiding

##