MT. VERNON
Mt. Vernon makes showing in several directions during 1857. The Congregationalists of that town being without a place of worship were enabled to rent from the Covenanters. But by the terms of the lease with that strict body promise was made that no minister of pro-slavery sentiments should be heard within the building, nor upon any occasion was a musical instrument of any description to be used therein. The institution at Mt. Vernon which had before this time been known as "Iowa Conference Seminary," was in August, 1857, changed in name to Cornell College. And Mt. Vernon, like the other college town of Western, was careful for civic peace and righteousness. Christianity in that time and in a new country was required sometimes to be of a stalwart and muscular kind, that it might meet evil tendencies sharply and effectively. Thus we learn of the discomfitures of a gang of rowdies from Linn Grove, who invaded the peace of Mt. Vernon and disturbed its Sabbath quietude, with intent to break up a religious meeting then in progress. These were overcome, after a tussle, by the worshippers, and held until passing of midnight brought a civic day. Then the justice was roused, the disturbers formally accused, tried and fined to the utmost extent of their resources. The affair was over before one o'clock Monday morning, the rowdies started home with empty pockets, sadder and wiser men, and the godly inhabitants of Mt. Vernon again slept the sleep of the just.
FIRST AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION
The Linn County Agricultural and Mechanical Association was organized in 1855, its first meeting being held at Cedar Rapids in May of that year. The organization was completed in July. The object, as stated, was "the encouragement of agriculture, manufactures and the mechanic arts." To accomplish this laudable purpose an annual county fair was to be held. The first of these was at Cedar Rapids in September, 1855, and the second at Marion the next year. These are reported as very creditable in exhibits, and fairly well attended. In 1857 the association was incorporated, and in consequence drew $200 from the state treasury. The third fair was again at Cedar Rapids, and the management took the public into its confidence in advance by revealing its slender resources. The premiums for '56 were not paid, but those of the next year were very promptly met, and a surplus remained over for the future. These annual fairs were recognized as something to be aided by all parties, and the various toll bridges notified intending exhibitors that all live stock taken to the fair would be passed free.
The statement of the association for 1860 shows total income of $462.00, of which amount $259.00 represented the gate receipts. The expenditures were $414.95, including $146.98 for premiums. The indebtedness of the society had increased to $618.65. The amount received from the state each year was $200.00. Officers elected for 1861 were: President, Charles Taylor, Cedar Rapids; vice presidents, Andrew Safely and W. S. Gott, Marion; secretary, S. D. McCauley, Cedar Rapids; treasurer, Lysander Jones, Marion.
FIRST TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Another organization, though having nominal existence before this time, was really made effective in 1857. This was the Linn County Teachers' Association.
On October 31, on call of J. L. Enos, the teachers and others interested met in Cedar Rapids. Mr. Enos was then editor of the Voice of Iowa, the educational organ of the state. At this meeting a reorganization of the association was effected, and officers elected as follows: President, Rev. S. Weaver, president of Western college; vice presidents, Prof. S. M. Fellows of Mt. Vernon, E. A. Cooley of Marion, Ira G. Fairbanks of Cedar Rapids; secretary, Prof. N. W. Bartlett, Western; treasurer, Hon. E. N. Bates of Cedar Rapids. The executive committee consisted of M. Bowman, Franklin township; S. M. Bruce, Washington; William Parmenter, Western; J. L. Enos, Cedar Rapids; and A. Witter, Franklin. The work of preparing a constitution was committed to J. L. Enos, E. A. Cooley, and Ira G. Fairbanks. A further meeting of the association was held at Western, December 12th, at which time the constitution was adopted and the organization started on a very useful existence.
