Benton County, Oregon - Chapter 39: General County History, 1885

In these days of material progress we are prone to forget that the future destiny of the State depends equally upon intellectual development as upon that of material advancement. It is a subject that, unfortunately receives too little attention. Let us therefore touch briefly upon the design of our colleges and schools, and perhaps a few of the objects sought. And what is this design? And what are these objects? Education should be made general and universal, at least so far as the elements of knowledge are concerned. And this is the ultimate design of the system. Its special object is that every child in the State shall have the privilege of obtaining at least a partial education in our common schools and a more thorough course in our colleges. From these district schools and State colleges, none are excluded. The law does not recognize any particular condition or circumstance of life, but offers admission to all without regard to party, sex or sect. Nor should the law be less comprehensive than this, the chief idea being that this education shall be general. The setting aside of the immense amount of land for school purposes and which constitutes the basis-of the extensive and growing school fund, was a wise and philosophic stroke of State diplomacy. The law comprehends that it is to the interest of everyone that he should be educated. No one can be an intelligent citizen without some enlightenment. He may be a very clever and " smart " man, but he must ever remain more or less stunted without some education. No man is full grown in the true sense of the term, who grows up in ignorance in a laud of colleges and schools. He cannot be - he may be full grown physically, not intellectually. He is not the true ideal of what a man can be and ought to be.

Compare for a moment the people of a civilized nation with those of a savage and barbarous race and mark the wonderful difference. How much nearer this ideal are enlightened and civilized nations than the savage and ignorant races of mankind ? In what country then, is the opportunity for obtaining an education more generally extended than in this free and enlightened land ?

The free school system, the system of public and private benefactions and endowments of money, lands, etc., to our colleges and schools, are all true, genuine American ideas ; they generated in the minds of the rugged, stern and heroic crew of the Mayflower - were cradled throughout the dark days of British oppression and have since been rocked to their present lofty station by the Goddess of Liberty herself. What philanthropy then can exceed that which bestows the true light of knowledge to all ?

And what higher patriotism is there that can bestow a better gift than that of a good, sound, practical education ? If, then, this system should prove a failure, who is at fault ? Shall the entire responsibility rest with the immediate school management itself, or does it occur to anyone that each citizen of the State has a direct personal interest in this matter ? With this view of the case we may be permitted to say, that without a free and generous education of our youth, the bright skies of prosperity and peace, which now o'erspread this glorious country, must soon become darkened by the somber and lowering clouds of ignorance and idleness. Her colleges and schools are the hope of this county. Let not the youth of Benton grow up in ignorance. Let her cultivated and intelligent citizens rise up in all their majesty and proclaim abroad throughout the land, that her children shall grow up, not in ignorance but in wisdom. Let that detestable word " hoodlum " be stricken from the vocabulary and in its stead substitute some word that will indicate to the stranger that the youth of the county are intelligent, polite and generous, energetic and ambitious. Let the stern and determined pioneers, who braved the dark canyons and passes of the Rocky Mountains, sunk beneath the fierce rays of a burning sun in the midst of a sandy Sahara, beyond the glittering hills of the blue Cascades ; let these, we repeat, rise up in all their latter strength and proclaim to all that Benton's schools are equal to the best in the land.

Education is the palladium of our liberty as a community as well as a Nation. It has been said by an eminent statesman, a Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit and intelligence of the citizens. They fall when the wise are banished from the public councils, because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people in order to betray them." Few places are more highly favored with educational advantages than Benton county. Here there are two colleges and numerous schools in successful operation with a large attendance of scholars under able supervision, while the buildings themselves are all that could be desired in institutions of learning. #

We will now pass to a consideration of the Corvallis College, into which was merged the State Agricultural College, Philomath College, and the public schools generally of Benton county.

Corvallis College. - This institution of learning was originated in 1864 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, the Hon. B. F. Burch being mainly instrumental in its establishment. The first president was Rev. W. A. Finley, A. B., with N. Armstrong, Esq., Professor of mathematics, and under these gentlemen the school asserted itself among the first training establishments in the State. The second season opened^ April 16, 1866, with seventy-five scholars and excellent prospects. In 1867, Rev. Joseph Emery, who is the present president of the State Agricultural College was appointed, and has been connected with the institution ever since. In 1868, the school was designated by the State as the Agricultural College ; the Board of Trustees was reorganized and all distinctive denominational features disappeared entirely.

State Agricultural College. - The Congress of the United States passed an act which became a law, July 2, 1862, giving to every State in the Union a large quantity of government land to be distributed among the several States in the proportion of thirty thousand acres for each Senator and Representatives in Congress - the proceeds of the sales of these lands to be used for the maintenance in each State of an

Agricultural College. Those States having government lands within their boundaries were to take lands, and the other States took land scrip. This law gave to the State of Oregon, ninety thousand acres of land.

Most of the States of the Union, through their Legislatures, proceeded to organize colleges under this donation, or designated some college already in existence to receive the benefits of this fund arising from the sale of the land or land scrip.

The Legislature of Oregon, October 27, 1868, passed a bill to secure the location of the lands donated by Congress to the State for an Agricultural College, and to secure its location, by the first section of which J. F. Miller, J. H. Douthitt and J. C. Avery were constituted a Board of Commissioners, with power to locate all the lands to which the State was entitled by act of Congress, for the purpose of establishing an Agricultural College ; also to take into consideration the further organization and perfecting of a plan for the permanent establishment of such college ; and to fill all vacancies in the college by appointment, that should occur in any Senatorial district.

Section two of the act requires that until other provisions are made Corvallis College shall be designated and adopted as the Agricultural College, in which all students sent under the provisions of the act should be instructed in all the arts, sciences and other studies.

Section three provides that each State Senator be authorized and empowered to select one student to be received by the Faculty for the space of two years.

Section four states that upon the certificate of the President of Corvallis College that any student so appointed is in attendance at school, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of State, at the middle of each quarter, to draw his warrant upon the State Treasurer, in favor of the treasurer of the college for the sum of eleven dollars and twenty-five cents for each student attending, such sum to be appropriated from a fund to be known as the "Agricultural College Fund."

Section five makes the provision that all sums paid out in accordance with the foregoing section, with ten per cent, added, be refunded to the State Treasurer from the interest that shall accrue from the proceeds of the sale of any lands located for said college.

Section six requires the Board of Commissioners to make all reports, and authorizes their drawing a salary of five dollars per day, for the number of days actually employed.

The act was directed to come into force from the date of its passage, for in the event of an Agricultural College not being provided for at that session of the Legislature (1868-9) the grant by Congress would be lost.

In the meantime, to secure the location of the State Agricultural College at Corvallis, the members of the Legislature from Benton county, and the citizens thereof pledged to that Body that they would purchase a suitable farm for the use of the institution. In 1871 a tract of land thirty-five acres in extent, adjacent to the town, was purchased, and deeded to the college for agricultural purposes, at a cost of four thousand five hundred dollars ; twenty-five hundred dollars of this sum was paid ; five hundred dollars more was available by subscription ; and the remainder, one thousand five hundred dollars, with interest, was unprovided for. It became necessary to promptly secure that sum, else the foreclosure of the mortgage, which had been made, would ensue, and the land not only be lost, but likewise all that had been paid upon it, therefore an earnest appeal was made to citizens to contribute this surae to liquidate the debt on the land already purchased, but also to increase the farm to one hundred acres.

At this period the college had an actual endowment in lands worth not less than two hundred thousand dollars, which was increased by an act of Congress to an award of not less than six hundred thousand dollars. So soon as these means were available the college would have an annual income of not less than forty thousand dollars.

As the State then, had no buildings, or any conveniences whatever to start and conduct such a school as that contemplated, and at that time Corvallis College was being conducted at that place under the care and supervision of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, that church owning the buildings and grounds in the city of Corvallis where the school was conducted, the State therefore made arrangements with the trustees of the then Corvallis College to permit said Agricultural College to be taught and conducted in their buildings, and at the following session of the Oregon Legislature, in 1870, that Body passed an act permanently locating the State Agricultural College there, after which the " Corvallis Oregon State Agricultural College " was duly and regularly incorporated under the general laws of the State of Oregon for the incorporation of educational institutions, since which time the State Institution has been regularly and competently taught in the college buildings belonging to the church, without any charges of rent or any expense whatever for the use of their buildings and valuable grounds. Although by private subscription a tract of land has been bought for the State Agricultural College, yet no suitable school buildings have been placed thereon and hence the buildings of the church have been continued in use.

It has been thought proper to say this much because, owing to the manner in which the school was located in Corvallis by and with the material aid of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, we understand that there are many who do not fully comprehend the situation and are very prone to remark that this public institution is conducted on a political and sectarian basis, which we are in a position to assert is not the case. The school is carried on by a corps of professors who are as varied both in political and religious thought, as could be found among teachers at large, besides they are, one and all, able and competent men, who have devoted their lives and thoughts entirely to the cause of education, and are men who would not stoop to the inculcation of political or sectarian doctrines in a State institution.

The law provides for the free tution of sixty young men of over sixteen years of age. Young men anywhere in the State may secure appointment to one of these scholarships by applying to the State Senator for the district in which they reside, or to the President of the College, these students being admitted to all the departments of the institution, while to meet the expense of their education, the Legislature has appropriated the sum of five thousand dollars annually until the funds accruing from the sale of the lands granted by Congress produce a yearly income sufficient to pay the cost of educating the State Students.

The arrangement of the course of study is on the University plan. It is divided into seven different schools, as follows : Schools of physics, mathematics, moral science, languages, history and literature, engineering, and special studies of agriculture. These include a very thorough and comprehensive system of education. Degrees are conferred on such students as complete one or more, or all the studies of these schools, and rank accordingly. About one hundred and sixty students are enrolled this year (1884). The college has increased its facilities for teaching and is more prosperous than at any

Philomath College, is an institution for both sexes, under the control of the U. B. Church. It inculcates the truths of Christianity, but teaches no creed. It is located in Philomath, Oregon, on the Oregon Pacific R. R., seven miles west of Corvallis, and forty miles east of Yaquina bay. For grandeur of scenery, healthfulness and desireableness generally, this location is uot excelled in the state. The town of Philomath is situated on the western boundary of the central part of the Willamette valley, at the foot of the Coast Range. Mary's Peak, the highest mountain on the range, rising grandly as a background only a few miles away, Mary's river within a half mile on the south, the Cascades seeming but a few miles to the east with the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Hood plainly visible clad in snowy grandeur, all present a scene sublime and inspiring to the student and lover of nature. The mountain air and ocean breeze are cool and invigorating. There are no saloons in the town - they being excluded by a special provision in the deeds of the land. The society is genial, social, cultured and of a high moral tone. At the annual session of the U. B. Conference in 1865 a proposition was made to that body that the citizens living in the vicinity of the present town of Philomath would donate the sum of $17,500 towards endowing a college and erecting a suitable building. The proposition was accepted and a Board of Trustees elected.

The college was located the same year on its present site and a town laid out which was christened Philomath - " lover of learning." The work of collecting funds and erecting a building was pushed as rapidly as possible and the college was open for reception of students in October, 1867 with Joseph Hannon, President, and E. Woodward, now of Corvallis, Assistant. Mr. Woodward continued as assistant the next yeur but Prof. Hannon was succeeded by Prof. E. P. Henderson as President. He in turn was succeeded the next year by James Chambers, with Jackson Gallaher as assistant. In 1880 Rev. J. A. Biddle was elected President, which position he held two years with E. C. Wyatt, A. Brown, Mrs. J. A. Biddle and Miss Cordialia Edwards acting as Assistants. J. Selwood was elected President in 1872 with Miss Irena Smith, Assistant. In 1873, Rev. R. E. Williams was elected President, and served in that capacity three years, and Henry Sheak, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Sciences which position he held eleven years. During President Williams' administration Miss M. F. Lawrence, L. C. Crow, Mrs. L. D. Williams and Miss Elva Breyman served as Assistants in different capacities.

Rev.W. S. Walker was elected President in 1876 and filled the position eight years. His Assistants besides Professor Sheak were Miss Lawrence, Miss Lucinda Edwards, Mrs. Flora Walker, Mrs. C. L. Merriman, Miss Lois Fletcher, Miss Alice Wilcox, Miss Laura Farrow, George Bethers, J. H. Edwards and Jas. R. Parker who served at different times in the various auxiliary departments. The present faculty consists of seven professors and teachers. G. M. Miller, A. M., President and Professor of Ancient Languages, Mental and Moral Sciences ; J. M. Rankin, A. B., Professor of Matheperiod of its history.

matics and Natural Sciences ; Addie Dickman Miller, M. 8., Superintendent of Ladies' Department and Teacher of German ; Elnora E. Dickman, Principal of English Preparatory Department; Henry Sheak, M. S., Principal of Business Institute; F. P. Jones, Director of Music Department, and Ella Jones, Assistant in Music Department.

The college Building is a substantial brick structure situated in a beautiful campus containing about ten acres well ornamented by maple and fir trees. It is centrally located and connected by walks with all parts of the town. In the northwest corner of the campus is a neat residence for the President of the College, and in the western part is a well arranged, commodious boarding hall, with capacity for the accommodation of between forty and fifty students. Both of these buildings are the property of the College. One half mile west, on Mary's River, connected with the town by side walk, is a beautiful park well fitted up for pleasure grounds, which is a resort for students and a place for holding picnics, commencement exercises and other out door meetings. This is also the property of the College.

The apparatus of the College, including a telescope adapted to astronomical observations, is sufficient to illustrate the principal scientific phenomena. The cabinet affords a good idea of the natural history and mineralogy of the Pacific coast, and the library contains a fair number of valuable works, literary, historical and scientific.

The Classical and Scientific courses are such as are prescribed by the first-class colleges of the west. The student is not compelled to take the entire course of the ancient languages, but is allowed to substitute German or French for a limited number of Greek or Latin texts.

The Normal course is such as is prescribed by most Normal Schools, differing from the Classical and Scientific chiefly in omitting the Greek and Latin - hence being shorter - and including studies and lectures on Didactics. This course fits the student for teaching and gives those who have no disposition to study the Ancient classics a good English scientific education. The usual degrees are conferred upon those completing the Classical or Scientific course and a diploma awarded those completing the Normal course. The Preparatory course fits the student for the more advanced courses or gives him a thorough knowledge of the branches usually taught in the common schools.

There are two Literary Societies in connection with the College, the Philomathic for ladies and gentlemen and the Athenaeum for ladies only.

The tution in collegiate classes per term of three months is $9. In preparatory classes, $5. Book-keeping per term, $10. Instrumental music per term of twentyfour lessons, $10. Vocal music per term of twenty-four lessons, $2.

Boarding in private families is $3.00 per week, at College Boarding Hall $2.25 per week. The present year thus far has been the most successful in the history of the college. The enrollment in all departments this (fall term) is about one hundred, more than twice the number usually enrolled in the fall term. The college has had an average enrollment of about one hundred students annually, has sent out about twenty alumni, several of whom are holding prominent positions in the State, is in a fair con- dition financially, is but little in debt, has endowment fund of over $10,000 and a good investment in real estate and the indications are that it has entered upon a new era of prosperity.

Public Schools. - As is the case throughout Oregon, the community of Beaton county has been, and is now fully alive to the value of the common school as a factor in its prosperity. So soon as settlements were formed the need of education for the children that had accompanied their parents across the plains and participated in the hardships attendant thereto became prominent and especial inducements were offered to any young man who would undertake the tuition of the young. For this object subscriptions were freely given and as early as 1848, schools were by no means uncommon. The little town of Marysville had hers, while in the building known as Fuller's school house, the official machinery of Benton county was set a-going. As time went on and the necessity grew greater it was met by a public spirit that increased in a like ratio, which has now developed into sixty school districts, with school-houses, even in the remote settlements, that have cost one thousand dollars and upwards.

We have unfortunately been unable to get any actual statistics in this department before the year 1866, on the sixth of November of which year a public school was opened in the upper district of Corvallis by Miss Aurora Watt; while, February 16, 1867, a select school was opened in the southern portion of that city by Lieut. William J. Shipley.

From the annual report of the Benton county public schools for the year ending March 31, 1867, we find that the number of legal voters, as shown by district reports, was seven hundred and twenty-one ; persons over four and under twenty years of age, one thousand five hundred and twenty -seven ; males, seven hundred and eighty-three ; females seven hundred and forty-four; average number of months during which school was taught, five; average attendance in each district, twenty-nine; number of districts reported, twenty-four ; new districts established during the year, three ; whole number of districts in the county, thirty; male teachers employed, twenty; female, ten; average salary per month of male teachers, forty-one dollars ; of female teachers, thirty-one dollars ; while, new school-houses were built in Districts Nos. 4, 9, 19 and 28, this last being the South Corvallis school, which cost one thousand three hundred and ninetyfour dollars. The North Corvallis school-house was also built in 1867 at a cost of eight hundred and fifty dollars.

The Superintendent of schools in his annual report for the year 1867-68 states the number of legal voters to be eight hundred and sixteen ; males over four and under twenty years of age, eight hundred and sixty-seven ; females, seven hundred and sixtyseven; number of quarters in which school was taught, fifty; number of scholars in average attendance, six hundred and forty-three; school-houses built, one in 1853, two in 1854, two in 1855, three in 1856, three in 1858, one in 1860, one in 1862, one in 1863, one in 1865, one in 1866, seven in 1867; number of districts reporting, twentyeight, not reporting, two; male teachers employed during the year, thirty-four, and females, five.

From the foregoing it will be gathered that no fewer than twenty-three public school-houses were erected in fourteen years a fact which fully demonstrates the interest taken in the cause of education.

"Independent School House." These words are painted over the door of a neat little frame building, about nine miles southwest of Corvallis. The plot of ground upon which it stands - about two or three acres - is surrounded by a substantial fence and about one-half of it thickly set out in maples. The location is excellent, high and dry, and a county road passes its front. It is surrounded by an intelligent, enterprising and hospitable community, and for fine farms, grand scenery, excellence of water and evidences of thrift and prosperity, is not excelled by any portion of country that it has been our fortune to visit. There in the early part of 1867, Rev. C. H. Wallace commenced to preach to only two or three families. There was no church organization at the time, but a large attendance under the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination soon was the rule, but which since has considerably diminished.

In March, 1869, the number of school districts in the county had increased to thirty-five, of which only twenty-eight had reported. In these the persons between the ages of four and twenty years numbered one thousand seven hundred and fifty-three, there being of these eight hundred and twenty-one males, and nine hundred and thirty-two females.

From the school statistics of the county for the year ending March 7, 1870, we find that the whole number of school districts was but thirty-four; of these twenty-nine kept school at least during three months of the year. In these there were eight hundred legal voters; nine hundred and ten males and eight hundred and thirty-eight female scholars, while the number of persons between the ages of four and twenty years of age was one thousand seven hundred and forty-eight. School was taught during forty-six quarters, making an average of five months to each district; the average number of scholars in * attendance being six hundred and six, or twenty-two for each district. The number of High schools at this time was three.

For the year ending April, 1873, Superintendent of Schools, A. R. Brown, reports the number of legal voters in the several districts to be nine hundred and fifty-eight ; persons over four and under twenty years of age, two thousand and fortyfour ; number of male scholars, one thousand and forty-three ; females, one thousand and one. School was taught for fifty-two and one-half quarters, the average number of scholars in attendance being seven hundred and five and five-eighths, while the value of the school-houses (including Philomath College) was twenty thousand three hundred and fifty-nine dollars.

Sufficient has been said to show the steady increase of the attendance in the public schools of Benton county, and such would hardly have been were it not that extreme care has been taken to provide the best instuctors and an able Superintendent, whose wise administration has over and over again called him to fill the arduous duties of the position. At the present time no county in Oregon has greater reason to be proud of her scholastic institutions than Benton.

About the beginning of the year 1833, four Flat-head Indians, who had traveled on foot all the way from Oregon, reached Fort Clark, at St. Louis, Mfesouri, and giving an account of the object of their journey, said that a trader, who had been present at some of their religious ceremonies, had told them of a better way than their of worshipping the Great Spirit ; that the white people away toward the rising sun were in possession of the true method, and also of a book from which this had been derived ;

The fact that such a delegation had come from such a quarter, at such risk and through such hardships, was immediately published broadcast and made the ground of stirring appeals in favor of a mission at once to these savages " feeling after God." In response to these petitions, Rev. Jason Lee volunteered his services as missionary, and was immediately appointed. Daniel Lee was afterwards associated with him, and these two in company with a Captain Wyeth, who was to conduct them and others across the plains, left St. Louis, April 10, 1834, for their unknown journey. They arrived at Vancouver in the following September and in October (fifty years ago) located the old mission a few miles below what is now Salem, the capital of Oregon.

This was the origin of the Methodist Episcopal Church in this State. In May, 1837, these missionaries were reinforced by the arrival of Dr. E. White, Mr. A. Beers, and their wives, Misses Ann M. Pitman, Susan Downing and Elvira Johnson, and Mr. W. H. Wilson, as assistants, and in September following by the arrival of Rev. D. Leslie and family, Rev. H. K. W. Perkins and Miss Margaret Smith.

In March, 1838, Mr. Lee returned to the East, and, at his urgent request, an additional supply of laborers was sent from New York in October, 1839, and arrived in Oregon the next May. The names of those composing this reinforcement, who were, permanently connected with the mission, were Revs. A. F. Waller, G. Hines, J. L. Parrish, L. H. Judson, James Olley, Dr. J. S. Babcock, Messrs. George Abernethy, H. Campbell, H. B. Brewer, W. Raymond, and their families ; Misses C. A. Clark, Elmira Phelps, and Orpha Lancton.

About the time of Mr. Lee's return to the East, a new station was established at The Dalles. Immediately after the arrival of this reinforcement, a conference was held in Vancouver. At this time a mission to the Umpqua Valley was projected, and, in the following autumn, Jason Lee and G. Hines, accompanied by Dr. White, made a tour to that place. The mission, however, was not established. In 1841, another meeting of the missionaries was held at the old mission premises below Salem. Early in 1842, the first steps were taken, which resulted at a later day in founding Willamette University. The first subscription towards the building, amounting to more than four thousand dollars, is still in existence. The original building, situated about four miles from Salem, was sold before occupied and the seat of the institution was removed to Salem by the purchase from the Missionary Society of the building now known as the Old Institute. In 1842 and 1843 the annual meetings of the missionaries were held in Salem. In the latter year Jason Lee left for the East. He was superceded before his return, by Rev. George Gary, who arrived in May, 1844, and immediately called a conference in Salem of all connected with the mission. His chief object was to close its secular business. To do this, he was invested by the Eastern Board with almost unlimited powers. Having accomplished this design, he returned to the East in 1846 and was succeeded by William Roberts, who, accompanied by J. H. Wilbur, arrived in 1847.

In 1848 tho general conference authorized the organization of the Oregon and California Conference. This was carried into eflfect the year following. The first session was held in the chapel of the Oregon Institute and began September 15, 1849.

The following names appear on the roll of members : W. Roberts, D. Leslie, A. F. Waller, I. Owen, Wm. Taylor, J. H. Wilbur and J. L. Parrish. The returns showed a membership of three hundred and forty-eight in full connection and fifty-six on trial. The second session was held in Oregon City. F. S. Hoyt, E. Bannister, 8. D. Simonds and N. Doane had been transferred to the conference during the year. The statistics report three hundred and ninety-three members in full connection and seventy-six on probation in Oregon. The third session was held in Salem. During the year C. S. Kingsley, L. T. Woodward and J. W. Miller had been transferred for the Oregon work. The membership had increased to four hundred and seventy-five in full connection, and one hundred and seventy on probation. The fourth session was held in Portland, beginning September 2, 1852. T. H. Pearne, I. Dillon and P. G. Buchanan had been transferred during the year. This year the first steps were taken toward the establishment of a conference paper. The charges reported five hundred and fiftyeight members in full connection and two hundred and fourteen on trial. This was the last session of the Oregon and California Mission Conference.

The Oregon Annual Conference was organized the year following and held its first session in Salem, beginning March the seventeenth, under the presidency of Bishop Ames. It contained a membership of seven hundred and seventy-three in full connection and two hundred and twenty-four on trial.

There has been a steady increase of membership each year, with a single exception, since the organization of the conference. This was in 1863, when a decrease of seventeen members and ninety-seven probationers was reported.

The church never gave greater evidence of vitality than at present. In addition to the increase in membership it is multiplying its churches and improving their appearance, founding schools, and filling them with students, raising men within its own borders for the ministry instead of depending on a foreign supply, in short taking that careful oversight -of every religious interest which gives proof of a vigilant and vigorous Christian organization.

As a matter of general and historical interest, it may be well to record in this place the fact that Rev. A. F. Waller, died at Salem, December 26, 1872, in the sixtysixth year of his age. The name of " Father " Waller was a household word throughout the State, and everybody loved and respected him. He acted a prominent and important part in the formation of the Territorial Government, as a faithful, zealous and untiring minister of the Prince of Peace and was full of good words and works ; while, nearly a year later, December 8, 1873, his co-laborer, Rev. Gustavus Hines, died in the same city, after a lingering illness of two years.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Benton county was organized at a school-house, (built by Methodists principally) on the Donation Claim of A. Fuller, about five miles north of where Marysville (now Corvallis) was afterwards built, by Rev. John McKenney; Rev. William Roberts being Presiding Elder, and Revs. A. F. Waller and Father Helms, traveling preachers. Brother Samuel Starr and William F. Dixon being appointed claas leaders. These transactions took place in the year 1847 when thirty persons united with the church. Id the fall of 1849 the "class" changed its place of meeting to the house of John Stewart, about one mile northeast from the town, but in 1850, they built a log school-house in Marysville on Lot No. 7., Block, No. 1, Dixon's Addition, where meetings were held until 1855, when a commodious edifice was raised on Lot No .6, Block No. 4., Dixon's Addition, where the meetings have continued to be held up to the present time.

The first Quarterly Conference for Corvallis Circuit convened in the Church, November 29, 1850, Rev. A. F. Waller, in the chair ; Rev. L. Case, Preacher in charge; Rev. William Kennedy, Presiding Elder. At this time Abratha Newton, John Stewart and William Teal were elected Stewards; William F. Dixon, Class leader; Rev. L. C. Phillips, Local preacher and Bible agent; William Teal, District steward; N. Z. Miller, E. Liggett and William B. Carter were added to the Board of Stewards ; W. B. Carter, Recording Steward. The next Quarterly meeting was held at Gingle's school-house, ten miles to the north of Corvallis, March 7, 1857, Rev. A. F. Waller, Presiding Elder, when another " class " was organized.

In 1854 a Sabbath school was organized in Corvallis by J. W. Williams, H. F. Williams and Alexander Bennett which still continues its usefulness. A list of pastors of the church in rotation from 1857 to 1885. inclusive : Revs. N. Doane, D. E. Blain, J. O. Raynor, William S. Lewis, George M. Berry, G. Hines, I. D. Driver, N. Clark, J. James, E. A. Judkins, R. C. Smith, W. T. Chapman, J. Wesley Miller, J. W. Vancleve, J. W. York, G. W. Day, C. A. Judkins, L. A. Banks, H. Patterson, G. W. Bennett, W. T. Chapman, S. A. Starr, F. Elliott, G. W. Bennett, D. W. Nichols,

In the year 1848 a "class" was organized at the residence of John Luce, at the Belkuap Settlement, in the southern portion of Benton county, by Rev. John Kennedy, which was followed, in 1850, by the erection of a school-house that received the name "Ebenezer" and in which, soon after its completion, the first Annual Conference for Oregon was held under the presidency of Bishop Simpson with Revs. T. H. Pearne, Joseph L. Parrish, and other officiating ministers.

In September, 1848, Rev. Leander Balou held a Camp Meeting on the Donation Claim of Mr. Motley, about three miles and a half to the north of town. In 1850 a "class" was organized at A. Newton's (now Liberty) school -house. Rev. Isaac Miller, being preacher in charge ; that at Gingle's school-house being called into existence, March 7, 1857; while, at an early date " classes " were brought to fruition in King's Valley, Matzger's mills, and Monroe.

The First Baptist Church. - The first society of Baptists of Benton county was organized in the year 1848 about five miles north of Corvallis by Rev. Dr. Hill. In 1853, Hon. J. C. Avery donated to it Lots Nos. 1 and 2, in Block No. 16, upon which was built - for those times - a commodious edifice, but during the winter of 1855, a heavy fall of snow caused its fall, and the society failing to rebuild, the lots reverted to the original owner, these, however being purchased shortly afterwards by a " Free Thinker." Very little was heard of the society until December 30, 1876, when it re-organized by Rev. J. A. Hunsaker who took charge for one year, preaching semimonthly. The next pastor to take charge for a short time was J. T. Taylor, after which the church was without a pastor until 1879, wjjen Rev. F. B. Davidson took charge with seventeen members, the meetings being held in the chapel of The State Agricultural College. A lot having been purchased on Fourth street, the foundation of a building was laid, but the society failing to meet, it disappeared in less than a year, since when it has not shown any signs of activity.

Presbyterian Church. - The foundation of this church in Benton county dates back to September 26, 1853, when three members, viz: John Grubbs, S. K. Brown and Mrs. E. Belle Hanna formed themselves into a congregation and placed themselves under the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Hanna, at Marysville, now Corvallis. The congregation now meets in a neat edifice, with a tall, graceful spire, on Fourth street. The names of the clergymen who have occupied the pulpit since its inauguration are Revs. J. A. Hanna, Dr. Geary, H. R. Avery, A. Simpson, W. Monteith, R. Wiley, D. K. Nesbit, L. G. Downing, I. F. Knowles, H. P. Dunning.

There is an affiliated church at Oak Ridge, eight miles to the southwest of Corvallis with a good membership. The Sabbath schools of both churches are well attended. In the course of its thirty-one years of life, the Presbyterian church in Benton county has passed many vicissitudes, while that at the county seat is even now without a regular pastor.

Methodist Episcopal Church, South. - This congregation meets for worship in the chapel of the State Agricultural College. The church was organized a short time prior to 1859, Rev. James Kelsay, being minister. About the year 1860, Rev. O. Fisher came to Corvallis and remained in charge of the church for four years or thereabouts. During his ministry there was a great revival of religion, the influence of which was felt far and near. The church membership varied from fifty to seventy-five and congregations were crowded and attentive. A series of ministers followed Mr. Fisher, amongst them being Revs. Messrs. Sears, Stall, Shorthand White. The present clergyman is the Rev. Professor Joseph Emory who conducts the services with great success and acceptance to the congregation, which fully maintams its numbers.

Evangelical Church. - This church was organized in Cdcyallis by Rev. J. Croassman, in the court-house, in 1867, where the services were then held. Rev. J. H. Bates followed as pastor. The church was afterward, for a long time, without a regular minister, being served at intervals only. When Rev. W. C. Kantuar was appointed in the fall of 1877, but few members were remaining in the city. At King's Valley and the independent appointments, the work had developed and at th6 former place a church was built. During Mr. Kantner's ministration an appointment was taken up at Oak Grove school-house, where eighteen members were received. The church in Corvallis, also the Sunday school, prospered and received a number of accessions. The next to take charge was Rev. J. Bowersox, the present pastor being Rev. Mr. Kreger. The congregations are large and the interest fair, the outlook being hopeful. The membership in Corvallis is in the neighborhood of fifty, with congregations averaging one hundred. Membership at the Independent appointment is about thirty, with about forty at Oak Grove, each having a fair prospect for the future.

St. Mary's Catholic Chapel. - Was built in the year 1861 and consecrated by Archbishop Blanchet. The parish extended over the whole county and in 1875 was under the charge of Rev. Father Van Lin. There are about one hundred and forty communicants of over twelve years of age and some two hundred children who are being educated in the tenets of the Roman Catholic Church. Father Van Lin's predecessor was Father Macklin, and before him was Father Gibney. The parish is now in charge of Rev. Father White. Until 1869 the charge was served from Salem. The church edifice is a neat wooden structure, standing on Fourth street, in the immediate neighborhood of the Presbyterian Church.

There is also a Roman Catholic Church at Monroe, which was built in 1881. It is seventy by forty feet with a steeple ninety feet in height. It was dedicated in May, 1882, the first pastor being Rev. Father Wenderline ; the present incumbent is Father White, with whom there is a congregation of about twenty families. The building, which cost two thousand dollars, stands on a lot donated for the purpose by A. Wilhelm, who was mainly instrumental in bringing about its construction.

Episcopal Church. - This church is called The Church of the Good Samaritan, but has now ceased to be a regular parish. The congregation was constituted in the year 1872 by Bishop Morris and Rev. M. Babcock was the first clergyman. There were at the beginning but eight communicants and a small congregation. Rev. R. L. Stevens followed and divided his time between the charge of Albany and of Corvallis, but after his serious illness, the congregation was left nearly a year without the regular services of a clergyman. The Rev. R. A. Habersham, then took charge of the regular duty, and since his removal to another scene of labor the services have been most efficiently performed by Wallis Nash Esquire.

In the month of June, 1882, this church received a gift of a baptismal font presented by Mrs. Nicholson as a memorial to her son I. Herbert Nicholson, who died in Corvallis December 24, 1881. It is carved in stone by Ira Miller, of Corvallis, from a photograph sent by Mrs. Nicholson, of the ancient font in AHer church, Somersetshire, Eugland, in which Alfred the Great caused King Guthran, the Dane, and the rest of his prisoners to be baptised after the decisive victory near Langport, Somersetshire, in the ninth century - more than one thousand years ago.

The United Brethren in Christ. - The church of the United Brethren in Christ was organized about 1774 by Rev. Wm. Otterbeiu at Baltimore, Maryland. On account of its opposition to slavery it never operated in the Southern States until after the rebellion, but spread rapidly in the North and Northwest. Its opposition to secret orders and the use, manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors which together with slavery have always been prohibited by it, has prevented it becoming popular in some localities, and although it has done the major part of its work in rural districts, it has large congregations in many cities in the East and is building up in the rapidly growing towns of the West. It operates upon the itinerant system, is thoroughly republican in government and differs but little in its cardinal doctrines from other evangelistic churches of the Arminian faith. It has a membership of over 160,000, has prosperous missions in Africa and Germany and among the Chinese on the Pacific Coast. It is abreast also with denominations of its size in the educational work, having a prosperous Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and one or more educational institutions in almost every State where it has an organized membership. The U. B. Church organized its first annual conference in Oregon in 1855, and did a great deal of evangelistic work among the pioneers. Its membership in this State is at present