GREEN BAY TOWNSHIP
From undated newspaper clipping

The first settlement of whites within the limits of Green Bay Township was made on the southwest quarter of section 16 by John and Washington Conyers, and John and James Langley with some 10 or 12 other families in the spring of 1846. These men had started with their families in the great Mormon exodus of that year from Nauvoo, Illinois, to cross the plains. They had with other Latter Day Saints, pretended to spend the winter at Council Bluffs, preparatory to a general march in the spring of the next year. By some chance or accident, they lost their way and wandered over the prairies for several days, after which they determined to pitch their tents at the place mentioned and await the coming of more genial weather. They erected cabins and gave to the place the name of Lost Camp, by which it was known to all the early inhabitants of this part of the state. In the spring they found many of their brethren but a few miles distant from them. They remained several years and cultivated large farms on sections 16 and 17, but in time fell in with the tide moving westward and gave place to others; no other white settlers came to the township until 1850.

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Green Bay became a small settlement in 1851, at about the time of the founding of Osceola. Being the second township west of the east line of Clarke County, Green Bay is in the first tier of townships next to the south line of the county and contains about 23,040 acres of land.

Green Bay was a high rolling prairie with dark sandy soil and no large streams, but well watered by several small creeks, among which were Chariton River, Whitebreast, Camp and Jack Creeks, all along the western boundary of the township. The streams afforded abundant water for stock. Timber was found along nearly all the principal streams. The timber was of oak, walnut, hickory, soft maple, elm, hackberry, and cottonwood.

Sufficient quantities of good building stone and quick lime were obtained there. Good material for the manufacture of brick obtained in many places throughout Green Bay Township, and good sand for building purposes was found in nearly all the streams. The principal grain productions of Green Bay Township were corn, oats, wheat and barley with corn taking the lead. Indeed, it is the great staple of Green Bay Township. The tame grasses, especially clover and timothy succeed admirably, and tame meadows and pastures are extensively cultivated. Fruit culture is practiced to quite an important extent. This section is found to be well adapted to the propogation of apples, pears, plums, cherries, grapes and nearly all the small fruits. Many good orchards are inbearing.

The farmers of Green Bay Township resorted to hedging to some considerable extent, and the Osage orange proves thrifty, hardy and well adapted for that purpose in this latitude, making with a few years growth an excellent fence, which serves the additional purpose of a good protection against the prevailing winds of this county.

One of the first settlers was David Overton, who settled one mile west of Green Bay. Dr. Jerome Bartlett of Green Bay was the county's first doctor. A post office, store and several houses were built. A church was built and a cemetery plotted. The town of Leslie, north of Green Bay had a railroad depot. When ownership of the railroad changed, the depot was moved in 1888, to Green Bay. However, in 1891, the depot was moved back to Leslie.

A man named William Mardis of Green Bay was a brick mason. He burned brick for four brick houses in Green Bay and worked on nearly all of the brick structures in and around Osceola in early days.

WELDON

The town of Weldon was incorporated in 1902, its existence begun by the advent of the Humeston and Shenandoah Railroad. In the summer of 1880, the railroad company purchased of J. P. Kline 70 acres of fine farm land adjacent to and south of the railroad for a town site. On August 3rd it was laid out in lots which were rapidly purchased.

The proprietors of the town were formed into a company composed of L P. Sigler, J. L Young of Leon, Drake and Hill of Centerville. Dr. Mitchell built the first house in the town; Merritt French and family were the first to begin housekeeping. Dr. Wall also constructed a house about the same time. A railroad depot was soon put up and became headquarters for many of the town people.

L G and F. M. Jamison moved their store building and stock of goods from Smyrna and was the first business firm in the town. After some delay a post office was established; the delay being over the name of the town. L G. Jamison was appointed postmaster, and to accommodate the office he constructed an addition to his store. This store and contents were destroyed by fire. Several years later the second general store was that of Ledgerwood and Hodges. The first lumber yard was that of Baldwin and Williamson.

Mrs. Wolover, who had kept a boarding house at Green Bay for several years, soon built a hotel near the depot and did a good business. The first bank was organized in 1881, by the Decatur County Banking Association and conducted by it until January 1, 1886. Over the period of years various business places came; some flourished, others failed.

The first newspaper to town was in May of 1881. It was called the Weldon Witness, but was short lived and passed into the hands of S. L Daily of Humeston in March of 1883. The paper was then printed in a store building which stood on the present site of the town's Christian Church, but which was moved later.

Three terms of school were taught in the same building before a schoolhouse was constructed and W. E. Morrow taught he first term of this school, Dr. Mitchell taught one term as also did Mr. Wit Marsh. In 1883 the first school house was built in East Weldon. As the years passed and the number of school children increased, a new two story building was built.

WELDON CHRISTIAN CHURCH'S 75thYEAR
The Tribune, Osceola, Iowa November 7, 1961

The basis of the present Christian Church of Weldon was formed about 1868-1870 in what was then known as the "Chaney" school house in Shelby District, Greenbay Township in Clarke County.

When the district decided to build a new school house, Dr. William Chaney, who resided nearby, offered to donate $100 if they would make the building larger than first plans called for, and add a platform or rostrum across the front, in order that the building might be used for religious meetings. This offer was accepted and the building became the meeting place for not only a splendid Sunday school, but some of the most successful revival meetings of the early days.

Some of the early Superintendents of Sunday School were Jonathan Williams, Thomas Lowe and others. In this Sunday School were taught the rudiments of Christianity to scores of children and young people as well as many adults who gathered there each Lord's Day to study the Bible and who later became worthy Christian citizens of the community.

One of the first and most powerful preachers to hold meetings in this place was Elder Josephus C. Porter. His sermons were strong and convincing, and he made no compromise with Satan, referring often to the "fire and brimstone" that awaited the unrepentant sinner. The result of his preaching was in gatherings of young men and women, and older ones, that would be astonishing now.

One occasion stands distinctly in memory. On a February Sunday following the eleven o'clock service, the entire congregation drove to the wooded pasture of J. S. Williams, and after cutting a large hole in the ice of the creek; Elder Porter went into the icy water and baptized about twenty-five of those who had made the confession during previous weeks.

The "class" which formed the nucleus for the present church, was organized under the ministry of Elder Porter who preached once each month for perhaps two years. He was followed by the Reverends Hook, Black, Grissom and others.

It was not until the beginning of the second year of the town's existence about 1882, the Sunday School and all religious services were held sometimes in the waiting room of the depot, sometimes in the bank parlor or wherever room large enough could be had. Early in 1882, both the Methodist and Christian Church people united their efforts and built the Methodist Episcopal Church which was dedicated in August of the same year, the dedicatory Sermon being preached by President Park of Simpson College of Indianola, Iowa.

The members of the Christian Church decided after a time they were strong enough in numbers, as well as financially, to build a Chapel. Consequently, the new building was completed in January 1886, at a cost of $2400.

In May of 1886, they dedicated their church building; L. L. Carpenter preaching the dedicatory sermon. Membership of the church at this time was 40, and Elders were J. S. Williams, E. S. Grimes and U.H. Lowe. Deacons were J. V. Mitchell, G. B. Williams, and M. Hughes. Trustees were M. Hughes, E. L. Chase and S. B.Williams.

In 1902 an annex was built to the structure. This was also the year the town of Weldon was incorporated.

In the early period of the church's life some of the faithful and most diligent members who considered church attendance not only a Christian duty but a privilege, were the families of J. S. and George Williams, T. J. Lowe, U. H. Lowe, R. D. Chapman, J. W. Durnal, two Mitchell families and many others, some of whom lived several miles out in the country. No weather was ever too bad to prevent them from attending every church service. The believed the Scripture: "Be thou faithful unto death that thou may receive a crown of life."

In 1902, an Evangelistic service was held and many were added to the congregation. It was decided at that time that the building was not large enough. There was a large "Christian Endeavor Society" of young people. So the south room of the church was added as a room for the young people to hold their meetings. It was also used as a Sunday School room and as a social room for Endeavor parties and Sunday School classes, socials, and the Missionary Society meetings.

Reverend Organ was Pastor of the church at the time of dedication of the new room. This room was used by the Ladies Aid, where they did many things for needy families and quilted many lively quilts. A nice library was added in this room, and all the church dinners were served there. The basement was fitted as a kitchen where the cooking was done and a dumb waiter was installed in the upper room where the many lovely dinners were served. A custom was adopted and continued to serve dinners at election time; also the Saturday before Easter a bountiful supper was served.

During the summer heat many ice cream socials were enjoyed, many of them outside under the trees north of the church. One summer the south room was opened to the young people to pass the afternoon playing table tennis, other games, or reading from the library books.

The church has been fortunate never to have been closed for the need of a minister. When in need of a minister, one has usually been supplied through Drake University.

When the church was first built it was heated by stove and lighted with kerosene lamps, but in the later years the church was remodeled some; the ceiling lowered, the shape changed, and the kerosene lamps were changed to carbide lights. The doors to the Vestibule, one on the north and one on the south, were closed; an entrance made in the west end as now, and electric lights installed when the town was electrified.

In the past few years the church has again been renovated; a worship center provided and some beautiful pictures added, all of which have been gifts to the church from interested members. History repeats itself after 75 years with the same Scripture verse: "Be thou faithful unto death that thou may receive a Crown of Life."

A HISTORY OF THE WELDON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

From the booklet, "Celebrating over 150 years of Methodism in Southern Iowa"

The following is taken from a history written by Lulu Jamison in 1922, and later historical material written by Mary Delk, Diana Wade and Darlene Deemer. Additional information has been added from the "Historical Record" of the church, the Weldon Centennial Book (1980) and information and pictures provided by Betty Wallace.

As early as 1851, Methodism began to develop in Clarke County by three or four pioneer families organizing a society and holding meetings in homes in the vicinity of Hebron (three miles north and east of Weldon). Later on, meetings were held at the home of Nathaniel Key until a log cabin schoolhouse was built in that district. The schoolhouse was then used as a place of public worship, this being the first organization of Methodism in the area near what would later become Weldon.

A church was built at Smyrna in 1869. The Hebron Church was built in 1872 at a cost of $1000. The preaching during those early years was mostly by Thomas Harper, a local preacher. This church was a point on the Garden Grove circuit, which was composed of Garden Grove, Smyrna, and Hebron. Lambeck, Mazbe, Shinn, Martin, and Todd were among the pioneer preachers who served the charge.

In 1873, a church was organized at Green Bay, and a parsonage was built there in 1874. About 1877 , the charge was called the Green Bay Circuit,which included Hebron, Prairie City (now Van Wert), Smyrna and Green Bay. The preacher's salary during those years was about $500. In 1878, Fairview (located 5 miles south of Weldon) was added to the circuit.

In 1880, the Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska Railroad was built across the northern edge of Decatur County and land was purchased from J. P. Kline for a town site. The first mention of Weldon in the church historical record appears at the 2nd Quarterly Conference of the Green Bay Circuit in 1881. At that meeting, William Bodkin, George Mitchell, and A. M. Roach were elected trustees for a church at Weldon. The first services were held in the depot, then in the bank building and in the Weldon Hall that stood where the Disciples of Christ Church now stands. Later that year the name of the circuit was changed to the Weldon Circuit. The Rev. D. O. Stewart was the first pastor, with a salary of $48 .

That year, the Methodists and the Disciples of Christ united in raising money to build a Methodist Episcopal Church in Weldon, with the understanding that when the Disciples were ready to build their own church, the Methodists would assist them, which they did four years later. The lots for the church and parsonage were donated by L. P. Sigler of Leon. The church, built at a cost of $1877.77 was dedicated, free of debt, in August of 1882, by President Park of Simpson College.

The Parsonage was moved from Green Bay that same year and was first occupied in its new location, by the Rev. W.W. Danner. Leander Matheney was the first Sunday School superintendent of the Weldon church.

During the pastorate of Cornelius Hoover 1883-1884, George E. Mitchell of the Weldon congregation was ordained an Elder at Red Oak by Bishop Andrews. During the pastorate of T. P. Newland, 1884-1886, the charge consisted of Weldon, Hebron, Van Wert and Fairview. The salary was $600. Twenty-two members were added to the church that year. C.D. Fawcett was the pastor in 1886-1888 and 32 were added to the church. E.E. Wiley served the charge one year and was followed by W. R. Wood, under whose preaching 80 were converted. Under the pastorate of the Rev. W. B. Dunn in 1891, the Epworth League was organized with Fannie Tallman, Ralph Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Claude Wilcott, Ida Freeman, Ella Freeman, Anna Kline, Grace Johnson, Ben Johnson, Carl Kline, and Joe Lane as charter members.

In 1891-1892, under the pastorate of the Rev. E. B. Heaton, a new church was built at Fairview at the cost of $1300, and an addition was built to the Weldon parsonage. In 1893, Weldon entertained the Chariton District Epworth League, and Mrs. McCartney gave a parlor concert for the Leaguers.

The Rev. W. C.,Smith served the charge in 1893-94, with a salary of $700. The Rev. J. N. Hozier served the charge in 1894-1896 with 135 additions. The Rev. S. L. Culmer served the charge from 1896-98. During this time, Van Wert and Fairview formed a separate charge leaving Weldon and Hebron as the Weldon charge with a salary of $600. The Historical Record notes that Bro. Culmer was granted the last two weeks of the year as a vacation on account of poor health.

The Rev. A. W. Armstrong served as pastor 1898-1900. During the pastorate of the Rev. A. J. Matthews, the parsonage was remodeled and rebuilt. Brother Matthews served until 1902. The Rev. W. H. Doyle served the charge the next two years. He, in turn, was followed in 1904, by the Rev. W. L. Holly, who organized a junior church, and started a new church building.

The Rev. J.C. Bourne was appointed to the charge in 1906, and immediately took up the work of completing the new church. It was finished and dedicated on December 6 of that year. Th dedication service was conducted by the Rev. Fletcher Homan, President of Simpson College. He was assisted by the Revs. J. B. Bourne and B. F. Miller.

One story of that day is preserved in an article which appeared in the Weldon paper about 1911, as part of a series: "Reminiscences of Franklin Township. Pioneer Life in Southern Iowa" by G. W. Hoadley. Those who look on the face of Grandma Westfall, who knew her, are reminded of that passage, "She, though being dead yet speaketh." She is another of whom can be said the world is better for her having lived in it. Who that witnessed the scene of the dedication of the new Methodist Church in Weldon will ever forget it? When the day came for the dedication there was a large amount of money to be raised before it could be dedicated. There was an able address and an urgent appeal to the congregation, first for subscriptions of a large amount, expecting to hear a response from a number who were able. The appeal was met with silence. It was a critical moment but when the minister had nearly given up hope, finally, Grandma Westfall, who was then quite old and very feeble, raised her hand and said I will give seventy-five dollars. I may not live to do it, but I know the boys will do it. God bless the church, how we love it!" It was not alone the amount she gave, but the way she gave it that broke the people all up.. Money quickly poured in and tears were in the eyes of nearly every one and pocketbooks and hearts went open and the whole amount was quickly subscribed. My daughter, Ada was present and related the incident. She said that it was a remarkable scene. Three thousand dollars was subscribed the day of the dedication.

The Rev. A. Thornbrue, served two years from 1908 to 1910. During this time the Hebron Church was remodeled at a cost of $800. The Revs. A. Maxwell, Jasper Weber, J. Hobson and A. E. Cunningham served the charge until 1915, in which year 80 members were added to the church and a basement was put in at an expense of $500. The Rev. E. J. Laird served the charge the next year. A great revival added members to the churches of Weldon and Hebron. An Every Member Canvass was begun. The Rev. W. H. Larrick served for the next four years, while 50 were added to the church. The salary was raised the last year to $1300. The Rev. J. C. Turner served the charge 1921-1923. The Rev. Frank Moore was appointed to the charge in 1922, with the Rev. S. Grant Lewis as Superintendent. The salary was $1000.

Alta Mary Nichols came to the church in 1925, and served until 1931. While she was pastor, the church received a new coat of paint and the interior was redecorated. Although women were not given full ordination status in the Methodist Church until 1956, women were ordained as local pastors in the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1924.

In 1931, Kenneth Anderson of Creston served the church. He started a "Boy Scout Troop." He was followed by Stanley Jensen who served one year, The Rev. E. J. Zumsteg and wife served the church the next two years. He was followed by another student, Charles Arnold. The Rev. Bernard R. Weetman and his wife came in 1936.

The Rev. Myrtle Wolfe (Cox) served from 1937 to 1940. She also conducted evening services at the Hebron Church. In 1940, The Rev. Lucius L. Smith, retired minister and his wife Kathryn came to Weldon. They lived in the parsonage. He served for five years, but continued living in Weldon for a time after his tenure before moving to Marshalltown. One rather interesting note about the Rev. Mr. Smith appeared in a Des Moines Register article in 1957, after he had attended President Eisenhower's second inaugural. The article noted that this native of Washington, D. C. had attended every inauguration from Grover Cleveland through Eisenhower, with the exceptions of Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Franklin Roosevelt.

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