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The Jefferson County Library Association was organized on Friday, March 20, 1853, with the following as its first officers: Robert McElhinny, President; Ward Lamson, W. R. Wells, John Davis, H. D. Gibson, W. E. Groff and C. E. Noble, Directors. At a meeting of the Board, held April 16 following, Ward Lamson was elected Treasurer, and C. E. Noble, Secretary. Previous to this date, however, Mr. Lamson has raised $415, in sums from $1 to $50, to found a library, and to him belongs the honor of founding this society.

The code of by-laws was prepared by W. R. Wells, H. D. Gibson and W. E. Groff, and adopted June 20, 1853. June 29, Dr. J. M. Shaffer was appointed Librarian, and. July 22, John D. Page, Assistant, but he soon after removed to California.

In the mean time, Mr. Lamson had gone to Boston at his own expense, and made the first purchase of books, which arrived some time in June. The Board secured a room from Charles Negus, in the Negus & Winn block. February 28, 1854, the books were formally accepted, although in their purchase Mr. Lamson had not followed the Articles of Incorporation wherein it was provided that--

The funds of the Association, so far as relates to the purchase of books, are to be invested exclusively in historical, biographical and scientific works, thereby exluding the purchase of novels and romances.

In this purchase, which included Thackeray, Hawthorne, Cooper, and many other great novelists, Mr. Lamson expended a considerable sum above the amount raised by subscription, and an order was made that the excess be refunded in one year, and 10 per cent interest allowed.

In 1854, Robert McElhinny was re-elected President, and the following composed the Board of Directors: John W. DuBois, W. R. Wells, B. B. Tuttle, Dr. J. T. Moberly, Ward Lamson and Dr. J. M. Shaffer. From this time, for many years forward, the library was "very sick." In an address delivered by Dr. J. M. Shaffer, on the twenty-first anniversary of the Association, which occurred March 20, 1874, he described after his own manner the condition of the young organization, albeit the speaker fails to take to himself proper credit for his own labors, in preserving the life of the patient for many years.

"It had all the diseases of infancy -- the measles of melancholy days -- the scarlatina of superstitious reverence for worn-out traditions -- the mumps of malevolence indicated more than once -- the 'hooping-cough' of hypocritical howlers, and how many kinds of rashes? -- breakings-out in the cuticle and under the cuticle, red gum, yellow gum -- and then during its period of dentition! The heart trembles to think of it, and if it had not been for Dr. Ward Lamson, Dr. C. W. Slagle, Dr. Robert McElhinny, and a few others, whom we will mention directly, it could not have survived those perilous days. At one time, the patient was what worldly people call 'on its last legs.' It had a most remarkable paralysis for several years. There was an almost entire loss of sensation, and of motion there was not the least sign.

"Strange to say, there was not any appreciable loss of flesh, nor change in the complexion -- and, like any other chronic case of sickness, people forgot to inquire about it, and very many believed it was dead and buried long ago. Now there happened a wonderful thing. It was at the annual consultation of the doctors and friends of the patient on the third Friday of March, 1868. The principal physician and his second adviser [the speaker.--Ed.] alone were present. It was ordered that steps be at once taken to summon additional counsel, and Drs. George H. Case, C. S. Shaffer, George Acheson and H. G. Knepp were brought into the presence. These six magnanimous workers elected a board of counselors, passed resolutions declaring the patient fairly convalescent, and calling upon everybody to come and watch with it, give it the medicine regularly, nurse it carefully; and, by St. Paul, the girls came, and of course the boys followed; and what, with good treatment and good nursing it not only recovered, but has grown to be such a tremendous fellow that already the doctors are looking out for larger rooms to accommodate his increased proportions."

In 1855, J. F. Wilson and D. Sheward took the places of DuBois and Moberly, as Directors. The next year, William B. Littleton took the place of Lamson on the Board.

In 1857, Lamson was chosen President; J. M. Shaffer, George Bond, Wickliffe M. Clark and W. W. Junkin, Managers. Junkin was chosen Secretary, but, as there was no meeting, no record was made.

In 1858, Ward Lamson was re-elected President, and C. W. Slagle, W. H. Jordan, C. S. Clarke, J. M. Slagle, J. M. Shaffer and John Shuffleton, Directors.

"At this meeting, on motion of Mr. Negus, the stockholders paid me my salary. I had acted as Librarian for five years, keeping the room open on Saturday afternoons; the friends were anxious to make a tangible exhibition of their appreciation of distinguished and faithful services. The sum named was $10, and the resolution was carried unanimously. That is one of the great secrets of my pecuniary success in life -- doing good work and getting pay for it! [The Library was located in the private office of Dr. Shaffer, the Librarian, on the west side of the square.--Ed].

"It was a public place on the street, the books could be seen at all times, and the Library was open every day of the year -- thus saving $40 per year rent, and securing the services of a Librarian without the expectation of his being required to pay the sum of $2 per year.

"We studied diligently the use of courteous language, polite address and the most winning of influences to persuade men that here, for the paltry consideration of $3 they might drink of perennial fountains, that would spring up within them a well of infinite pleasure and delight. All these arts and all this eloquence proved utterly futile; and we want no better illustration of the dogma of total depravity than the startling fact that my next-door neighgor (a vender of peanuts, cakes, beer and candy) grew rich and increased in goods, while the Library languished or only maintained its existence. The result may also prove that, while every man has a stomach, very few have brains."

In 1861, John Bond was elected President; J. F. Wilson, John Shuffleton, C. S. Clarke, Ward Lamson, L. F. Boerstler and William H. Jordan, Directors. Ward Lamson was made Secretary and Mrs. C. S. Clarke, Librarian. The latter declining, George A. Wells was substituted, at an estimated salary of $12.50 per year, out of which he was to furnish rent, fuel and stationery. In 1862, the stockholders met at Slagle & Acheson's office. John Bond was continued as President, and C. W. Slagle took the place of J. F. Wilson in the Board. In December of this year, G. A. Wells resigned the office of Librarian, and S. Light was elected in his stead, at the same compensation. In 1863, C. W. Slagle was promoted to the Presidency. W. Lamson, W. H. Jordan, John Shuffleton, J. M. Shaffer, C. S. Clarke and W. W. Junkin were elected Directors. The Board re-elected Lamson Secretary, and S. Light continued as Librarian. Dr. Shaffer continues:

"And now we shall reach an item which shall redound to the everlasting honor of our friend and townsman James F. Wilson, who receives the thanks of the society for his interest in the Library. To him we are indebted for the best reference library in the West. And when the sum is added up and the total announced, if James F. Wilson's name is not associated with the greatest number and most valuable set of books pertaining to the history of this Government, its laws, institutions; workings and efforts in every direction, then you will scan our catalogues in vain."

The officers in 1864 were the same as the year previous, except that Samuel C. Farmer and William Long took the places of W. W. Junkin and W. H. Jordan. March 17, 1865, the stockholders met at S. Light's store, and C. W. Slagle being re-elected President, the following were chosen Directors: Ward Lamson, C. S. Clarke, George A. Wells, William Long, A. T. Wells and J. H. Wells. On May 16, of the same year, A. T. Wells was chosen Librarian, a position he has filled from that day to the present. Of A. T. Wells, Dr. Shaffer remarked:

"To him more than any one person we are indebted for the growth, usefulness and prosperity of the Library. He has done all sorts of work for it, even performing menial services for the love of the cause. Upon him has devolved the care of the room and the books, the removals from place to place, the whole interior working of its furnaces, its records, the collection of its accounts, and a hundred details known only to those who comprehend the entire situation. The grateful thanks of this community are due him for his ceaseless labor and intelligent effort in behalf of the Library."

In December, 1867, the Jefferson County Monumental Association turned over its funds to the Library, with the provisions: 1st. That the funds be used only to procure a permanent building or room for the Library; 2d, That in such building or room a memorial of the deceased soldiers of Jefferson County be erected. This money was placed at interest until such time as the provisions could be carried out.

In 1868, C. W. Slagle was re-elected President, J. M. Shaffer, Edward Campbell, Jr., A. T. Wells, Ward Lamson, George H. Case and C. S. Clarke Directors. At this meeting, already referred to as consisting of C. W. Slagle, H. G. Knepp, Geo. H. Case, J. M. and C. S. Shaffer and George Acheson, a new era dawned in the history of the Association. During that year, nine meetings were held, and the attendance indicated that the Library had received a new impetus.

The great question was, "How can we keep open the Library at least two days in each week without expense to the society?" The problem was solved by Ed. Campbell, Jr., and, acting under his suggestion, dating from June 10, the work was confided to young ladies, who managed it admirably, keeping at least two of their number at the Library each Wednesday and Saturday. At this period of its existence, Miss Fannie Slagle deserves special mention for several years of continued and faithful service as an assistant Librarian.

At the annual meeting in 1869, the old officers were re-elected, except that J. F. Wilson took the place of George H. Case. Dr. Shaffer concluded his address in these words:

"Now came a dark day -- a day of reproach and confusion. The entire dues of 1868 were only $21.80, while the rent and express charges were over $100. What was to be done? For George Stever held our warrant for $120, and he could have wound us up and sold out the concern. Mrs. Dr. Clarke and Mrs. C. W. Slagle appointed themselves a committee, and determined to pay the debt by voluntary contributions of the married ladies. None of the maidens or masculines were asked for a single cent; but by some means, Misses Maggie Jeffers and Mary Hamilton got mixed up in the crowd of one hudred and fifteen who paid $126.10. You may imagine how supremely glad Stever was when I paid him the $120 and elevated the warrant. Once more out of the slough of debt and on the smooth rolling road of prosperity, through the labors and efforts of Mrs. Dr. Clarke and Mrs. C. W. Slagle."

"The little ones also gave an entertainment, under the direction of Miss Kate Rowland, and paid $23.75 to our Treasurer as the net proceeds."

In 1870, the only change made in the directory was that W. R. Wells took the place of C. S. Clarke.

In 1871, at the annual meeting, there were present thirteen stockholders. C. W. Slagle was kept in the presidential chair, and A. T. Wells, J. M. Shaffer, C. D. Leggett, Scott Jordan, D. B. Wilson and C. S. Clarke were elected Directors.

In 1872, fourteen stockholders were present. Charles C. Clarke was elected President, and C. W. Slagle, Charles Negus and Ward Lamson, Directors. The Board elected J. M. Shaffer Secretary and A. S. Jordan Treasurer. It was determined this year to use the fund placed in the possession of the Association for that purpose, and secure a better room for the Library. The proposition of Evan Craine and William McComb was accepted, and, on November 18, the first meeting of the Board was held in the Library-room in Craine's new building. Eight hundred dollars were paid in cash, which secured the room for ten years, free of rent; and in case of the building being destroyed by fire, the owners are bound to rebuild or refund the sum paid them.

In compliance with the second stipulation of the Monumental Association, an effort was made on Decoration Day, 1873, to procure the names of all deceased soldiers, with photographs and sketches of their lives, but with little success. The ceremonies of the dedication of the new room occurred November 25, 1872, with speeches, readings and music.

At the annual stockholders' meeting, March, 1873, J. F. Wilson was elected President, and C. W. Slagle, N. S. Averill, Hubert O'Donnell, Charles S. Clarke, J. M. Shaffer and Charles Negus, Directors. The Board continued J. M. Shaffer as Secretary, and elected C. S. Clarke Treasurer. Clarke resigned his position as Director and Treasurer the following November, and Edward McKnight was elected to the vacancy in the Directorship. C. W. Slagle was elected Treasurer.

In 1874, fifty-two stockholders attended the annual meeting. No change in officers was made except that A. T. Wells succeeded N. S. Averill as Director. The officers of the Board continued as in the previous year.

January 23, 1875, the society purchased an organ of David Acheson for $250.

In 1875, the stockholders again elected J. F. Wilson, President, and A. T. Wells, Ward Lamson, C. W. Slagle, G. W Phelps, Thomas L. Huffman and N. S. Averill, Directors, after which, on motion of C. W. Slagle, the following resolution was unanimously adopted:

Resolved, That the thanks of the Association be tendered to J. M. Shaffer for his labors as Secretary; that we express our sense of obligation to him for his zeal and industry in the discharge of his duties, and our regret by that reason of his proposed change of residence, he declines any farther official connection with the Library.

The Board elected N. S. Averill, Secretary, and C. W. Slagle was continued in charge of the treasury.

For the year 1876, no change was made in Directors, except the retirement of G. W. Phelps and the substitution of William R. Wells. The Board continued N. S. Averill and C. W. Slagle as Secretary and Treasurer.

At a meeting of the Board November 1, 1876, the thanks of the Library Association were tendered "an unknown party" who, through Hon. James F. Wilson, had presented the Library with $1,000 in cash, and in February following, they acknowledge the receipt of a new sewing machine, presented by the Wheeler & Wilson Sewing Machine Company.

In 1877, J. F. Wilson is still President; A. T. Wells, Thomas L. Huffman, C. W. Slagle, Ward Lamson, Rev. H. E. Wing, Samuel C. Farmer, Jr., Directors; Samuel C. Farmer, Jr., Secretary, and C. W. Slagle, Treasurer.

At the annual meeting, March, 1878, O. L. Hackett succeeded Rev. H. E. Wing, as Director; otherwise the Board remains as in the previous year. O. L. Hackett elected Secretary; C. W. Slagle, Treasurer.

At this date, December1, (sic) 1878, there are in the Library, bound volumes, 5,960; pamphlets and other unbound volumes, 2,500; specimens in marine cabinet, including shells, corals, sponges, etc., 480; in geological cabinet, 600; specimens in natural history, 175; in vegetable kingdom, 300; miscellaneous curiosities, 150.

The record kept by Mr. Wells, the Librarian, is a very complete exhibit of the growth of the library. In 1872, the receipts from all sources amounted to $44.10; number of visitors, 850; number of books read, 630. In 1873, receipts, $358.90; number of visitors, 2,169; number of books read, 1,122. In 1874, receipts, $287.10; visitors, 6,325; books, read, 3,525. In 1875, receipts, $706.05; visitors, 8,808; books read, 6,108. In 1876, receipts, $1,350.10; visitors, 9,971; books read, 6,850. In 1877, receipts, $798.10; visitors, 16,983; books read, 8,920.

The first purchase of books was 515 volumes. The present number of volumes, bound and unbound, 8,460; an average increase of 326 per year.

In closing this sketch of an institution which is an honor to the people, who, by their support, have brought it to his present high state of usefulness, special mention should be made of the four persons most closely identified with its history.

To Ward Lamson, Esq., whose love of education and a desire to stimulate the mind of the community to a more advanced plane of thought, led him to conceive the establishment of a public library, marked praise should be awarded.

When Lamson had planted, Dr. J. M. Shaffer came to cultivate, and, as Librarian for many years without compensation or hope of reward, right nobly did he discharge his work. It is no disparagement to Mr. Lamson to say that but for the energy, the liberality, the patience and persistent industry of Dr. Shaffer, the seed he planted would have gone to decay, and instead of a library and a museum of which not only the county, but the State may be proud, there would be now but the memory of the effort to remind the people that such an institution had ever been contemplated.

Hon. James F. Wilson, during his long term in public life, ever remembered the little library at home. His residence at Washington, and association with prominent men of the nation, gave him superior advantages of which the Library has received the benefit. His individual contributions to the Association have been frequent and liberal, and through his efforts have been secured a large portion of its present valuable collections.

And finally, due credit must be given A. T. Wells, Esq., the present Librarian, for his very efficient management of the details of the Library.