Alvah and Martha Frisbie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alvah Lillie Frisbie
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| Born | October 20, 1830 Tompkins County, New York, U.S.f
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| Died | December 17, 1917 (aged 87) |
| Burial place | Woodland Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa |
| Occupation | Pastor |
| Years active | 42 |
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Notable work
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The Siege of Calais, Sermons in Verse |
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Martha Crosby Frisbie
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Martha C. Crosby
May 17, 1840 Danbury, Fairfield, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Died | March 27, 1931 (aged 90) Des Moines, Iowa
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| Occupation | Teacher |
Alvah L. Frisbie was an important minister in Des Moines, Iowa. He led Plymouth Church from 1871 to 1899. After retiring, he continued to serve as Pastor Emeritus for a total of 42 years. His wife, Martha Frisbie, was a dedicated teacher. She was also a leader in the Iowa Congregational Church.
The Frisbies were strong supporters of important causes. They worked against slavery and for women's right to vote. Frisbie Park and the former Frisbie Public School in Des Moines are named after them. Alvah helped Plymouth Congregational Church grow and build new buildings. Martha taught many students. Her former students even started a study group called the Frisbie Club, which still meets today!
Contents
The Lives of Alvah and Martha Frisbie
Alvah L. Frisbie's Journey
Alvah L. Frisbie was born on October 22, 1830. His birthplace was Tompkins County, New York. Sadly, his father died when Alvah was only four years old.
He went to college and graduated from Amherst College in August 1857. In August 1859, he married Jerusalem Slocomb. They had two daughters. In September 1863, Alvah joined the army. He served as a chaplain during the American Civil War.
After the war, he moved to Des Moines, Iowa, in October 1871. He became the Pastor of Plymouth Congregational Church. In 1872, his first wife, Jerusalem, passed away. Their third daughter, Ruth, also died that same year. In July 1873, Alvah married Martha Crosby.
During his time at Plymouth Church, Alvah helped start three new churches. He also oversaw the building of a new church. Even after retiring in 1889, he stayed active in public and religious life. People said he performed more marriages and funerals in Iowa than anyone else. He also wrote a history of the early church in 1904.
Alvah was known for his writing. He wrote poems, including Sermons in Verse and The Siege of Calais. He was also a trustee for Iowa College (now Grinnell College) from 1885 to 1908. A scholarship was created in his name in 1908. Alvah L. Frisbie passed away on December 17, 1917.
Martha Crosby Frisbie's Contributions
Martha Crosby Frisbie was born on May 17, 1840. Her hometown was Danbury, Connecticut. She studied at Mt. Holyoke Seminary. After that, she taught for four years at Temple Grove Seminary in Saratoga Springs. This school later became Skidmore College.
Martha married Alvah L. Frisbie in 1873. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa, after his first wife died. Alvah had three young children when they married. Martha and Alvah then had two children together.
In Des Moines, Martha taught at Callanan College for seven years. She also taught private classes for women at home. She was very good at balancing her family and teaching duties. Martha taught Bible classes for young women at Plymouth Church for 35 years.
Martha was an active member of the Des Moines Women’s Club. She gave many speeches about literature and religion. She was also very involved with the Board of Missions of the Congregational Church. She served as president of the Grinnell association for 17 years. She was also president of the Iowa association for eleven years. Martha Frisbie died at age 90 on March 27, 1931. She is buried with her husband in Woodland Cemetery, Des Moines.
Frisbie Park
Frisbie Park is a park named after the Frisbies. It is located at 6101 Muskogee Avenue in Des Moines. The park also gives its name to the Frisbie Park Neighborhood.
Frisbie School
Frisbie School was also named after the Frisbies. It opened in 1914. The school served students in a less populated area of Des Moines. It was located at 60th and Muskogee.
The school faced challenges with floods from the Raccoon River. One year, water reached the first floor of the building. In 1965, the building was completely surrounded by water for a few days. Students and teachers had to wade through water to get to school!
Frisbie School closed in 1972 when a new addition opened at Hanawalt School. It was later torn down. Mrs. Frisbie visited the school in 1921. She gave the school its motto: “Fight for your best.”
Adeline and Frisbie Clubs
The Adeline Club and the Frisbie Club were both started by former Sunday School classes. These classes were held at Plymouth Church. The Adeline Club began in 1900. It was named after their teacher, Adeline McFarland.
The Frisbie Club started in 1903. It was named to honor Reverend and Mrs. Frisbie. Both groups met every two weeks. Later, they combined into one club. The Frisbie Club still meets today in Des Moines.
See Also
- Plymouth Church, Des Moines, Iowa
- Grinnell College
- Mount Holyoke
- Skidmore College
- Des Moines Women’s Club
