Western College, founded by the United Brethren in Christ in 1857, was originally located a mile north of Shueyville, in Section 34, Putnam twp., Linn county. In 1881, due to financial problems, the college moved to Toledo, Tama co., were the residents pledged $20,000 in support. In 1906 the college was renamed after a local benefactor, Leander Clark. Despite this the financial burden became too much and the college went bankrupt. In 1919 Western, Leander Clark merged with Coe College.