USA > Missouri > A History of Northeast Missouri, Volume I > Part 34
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90
The first term of circuit court held in this building was presided over by Judge John D. Leland, of Howard county. Robert L. Todd was clerk, and T. C. Maupin was sheriff. The courthouse was erected partly on the public square and partly on Eighth street, and the same served the people of Boone county from 1847 till 1909. So many famous cases were here tried, so many noted lawyers and judges were here in attendance, and so many national, political and local orators here made themselves heard that the old courthouse became one of the historic landmarks of Mis- souri. During the time this building stood, Judges John D. Leland, Wm. A. Hall, Geo. H. Burckhartt, John A. Hockaday and A. H. Waller were the regular judges of the Boone circuit court; and Judges Jas. D. Bar- nett, Wm. N. Evans, Nat M. Shelton, N. M. Bradley, Samuel Davis, R. S. Ryors and A. D. Burnes were called in from other circuits; and Alexander Martin, W. A. Martin, Charles Martin, Lewis M. Switzler, E. W. Hinton and N. T. Gentry, at different times, acted as special judge. Not only was this building used for county and political purposes, but religious services, memorial services, patriotic celebrations, and theatrical and musical entertainments were here given. Perhaps the most noted patri- otic celebration was given on February 22, 1876, when a number of our people dressed in "Ye olden style" took part in what was termed "Recep- tion to General and Mrs. Washington."
In 1872, the county court erected a two-story brick building to the west of the courthouse, which was used by the circuit clerk, recorder of deeds, county clerk, probate judge, prosecuting attorney and public ad- ministrator. Both of these buildings stood until June, 1909, when they were torn away, to prevent obstructing the view of the new courthouse.
The old courthouse was sold at auction, and purchased by J. K. Fyfer and Sidney Calvert, who, in behalf of J. Th. Fyfer, deceased, presented to Boone county the stone slab that was built in the wall over the door, and the same is now a part of the wall at the entrance of the
249
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
new courthouse. On the slab is inscribed the following, "Oh, Justice, when expelled from other habitations, make this thy dwelling place!"
On Saturday, June 19, 1909, two nights before the dedication of the new courthouse, the lawyers held a farewell meeting in the old court- house, which was attended by a goodly number of people, and was the last meeting ever held in that historic building. C. B. Sebastian spoke on the courthouse before the war, Judge Lewis M. Switzler spoke on the court- house during the war, and N. T. Gentry spoke on the courthouse since the war. The old courthouse bell, so familiar to the people of Columbia and Boone county for so many years, was rung that night and heard for the last time. On the day of the dedication of the new courthouse, the workmen began tearing down the old courthouse. And now the four col- umns, which formerly supported the front portico of the courthouse, alone remain, mute witnesses of the glory of a building, of beautiful de- sign, that served our people long and well.
THE NEW COURTHOUSE
After three unsuccessful elections, the people of Boone county held a fourth election on September 30, 1905, and decided to build a new court- house. It was erected on the public square in Columbia, some two hun- dred feet northwest of the old clerk's office building, which stood just west of the old courthouse. The new courthouse was built by J. A. McCarter, contractor, under the direction of J. H. Felt & Co., architects, at a cost of one hundred and nine thousand dollars. The new courthouse was dedicated on the first day of the June term (Monday, June 21st) of the circuit court, 1909. Court was opened by Judge N. D. Thurmond, who presided; James E. Boggs was clerk, Wilson Hall was sheriff, and G. B. Sapp deputy sheriff. After the formal opening of court on that day, an adjournment was had till that afternoon, when Judge Lewis M. Switzler presided, and Rev. W. S. St. Clair acted as chaplain. A poem was then read by Miss Julia Turner, now Mrs. Dennis Craighead, and speeches were delivered by E. W. Stephens, Frank G. Harris, Will- iam Hirth, Judge Jno. S. Bedford, Judge Wm. F. Roberts and Dr. A. W. McAlester. Music on that occasion was furnished by the Sturgeon brass band.
LIQUOR LAWS
In 1875, the legislature passed what was called the "Three Mile law," which prohibited the sale in quantities of less than one gallon of intoxi- cating liquors within three miles of the State University. This law was in force until 1885, when it was declared unconstitutional. Columbia and the rest of Boone county were then governed by what was termed the "Downing High License law" till June, 1888, when the local option law was adopted in Columbia. On the same day, the rest of the county voted against the local option law. In 1892, Columbia and the rest of the county voted "wet" and saloons were operated in Columbia till April, 1907, when the legislature passed what was termed the "Pemberton Five Mile law," which prohibited the granting of saloon license in any city where an educational institution was located, which then had an enrollment of fifteen hundred or more students. This law was de- clared unconstitutional by the supreme court in February, 1908. A few days later, Columbia and Boone county held elections, and both adopted the local option law; and four years later, June, 1912, the same were readopted in both city and county.
250
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
OLD SETTLERS
Beginning in 1897, an annual meeting of the Old Settlers of Boone county has been held, usually on August 10, Missouri Day. Any man or woman, who has lived in this county for forty years, or who is sixty years old or over, is eligible to membership. On the occasion of their annual reunion, addresses are delivered, a dinner served and reminiscences indulged in. The Old Settlers have been addressed at different times by Gen. Odon Guitar, Col. Wm. F. Switzler, E. W. Stephens, Dean Walter Williams, Frank G. Harris, J. L. Stephens, Judge Jas. B. Gantt, Champ Clark, Wm. H. Kennan, Chas. M. Hay and others.
There is a similar organization for Bourbon township, which holds its annual meeting on the first day of the Sturgeon fair.
MILITARY SCHOOL
In 1897, Col. J. B. Welch started a school for boys, which is called the University Military School, and which has been successfully conducted ever since. Colonel Welch limits the number of scholars to thirty, and maintains the strictest military discipline. The school building, a hand- some brick structure, is situated south of Stewart road and just to the west of the M., K. & T. track.
BEASLEY'S ACADEMY
About the same time that Colonel Welch started his school, Prof. Geo. H. Beasley opened a school for young men and young women, with a boarding department, which was called Beasley's Academy, or the Uni- versity Academy. Later on it was known as Beasley's Business College, but it has recently been discontinued. Mr. Beasley erected a three-story brick building for this school, at the southeast corner of Tenth and Cherry streets, which was the site of the Moss Prewitt residence.
PARKER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Wm. L. Parker, for many years a farmer of this county, died in Columbia in 1904, but prior to his death, gave fifteen thousand dollars for a hospital. The state then appropriated sufficient money to build and equip the hospital, and Adolphus Busch, of St. Louis, donated five thousand dollars to the institution. This building was erected on the west part of the university campus, which was not a part of the original campus, but a piece of ground purchased from Wm. J. Babb; and the hospital was named for Mr. Parker.
LAYING CORNER STONE OF BIBLE COLLEGE
On Sunday, August 8, 1904, the corner stone of the Mission Bible College was laid, in the presence of a large number of people. Dr. W. T. Moore, president of the college, presided, and addresses were delivered by Dean W. J. Lhamon, Rev. M. L. Thomas, of the Baptist church, Dr. Chas. A. Ellwood, of the university, and N. T. Gentry, representing the Presbyterian church. The building is situated on corner of Ninth and Lowry streets in Columbia, and was named Lowry Hall, in honor of B. F. Lowry, of Boone county, who donated fifteen thousand dollars to the college.
.
251
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
COLUMBIA COMMERCIAL CLUB
The Columbia Commercial Club was organized in 1906. Wm. T. Anderson, William Hirth, J. A. Hudson, S. F. Conley and Judge V. H. Roberts were largely responsible for the starting of this organization and much credit is due to them for its existence as well as its service. A weekly luncheon on Thursday is served by the club and its members meet and discuss matters of importance to the city, its health and beauty. An annual banquet is given on the last Friday in February, at which speeches are made by one or more persons from a distance and several home men. The organization is considered one of the best civic organi- zations that Columbia has ever had; and it is believed that it has had much to do with the recent advancement of Columbia, as well as its increase in population.
Ira T. G. Stone, E. B. Cauthorn and Turner S. Gordon have served as secretaries of the club.
NEWSPAPERS
No county has more cause for being proud of the newspapers printed in it than has Boone county, for its papers are of a high order, and very properly exert great influence. Beginning with the Columbia Patriot, a Whig journal, which had James S. Rollins and Thomas Miller for its editors in 1835, the newspapers of Boone county have been known far and wide. The Patriot was succeeded by the Statesman in 1843, which was edited by Col. Wm. F. Switzler for forty-two years, and afterwards by Irvin Switzler, Will G. Barrett, L. H. Rice, H. T. Burckhartt, Will- iam Hirth. H. S. Jacks and Omar D. Gray. Then in 1871, Edwin W. Stephens began the publication of the Columbia Herald, and continued till he was succeeded by Walter Williams; later M. H. Pemberton, L. H. Rice and E. R. Childers were the editors. The third paper to be printed in Columbia was the Sentinel, edited by Wallace J. Davis, now of Bowl- ing Green; the name of this paper was changed to Columbian, and after- wards its editor (Will G. Barrett) consolidated it with the Statesman. E. M. Watson, in 1901, was the first to conduct for any length of time a daily paper in Boone county, which was the Columbia Daily Tribune, and it is still being successfully managed and edited by him. The Colum- bia Daily Times, under the management of C. C. Howard, is a friendly rival of the Tribune. The University Missourian, a daily, is published during the university school year by the students of the School of Jour- nalism. In 1868 Adam Rodemeyer began publishing the Centralia Fire- side Guard, and was its editor till his death; and his sons have published it since then. J. Kelly Pool, whose name is so familiar in Missouri, started the Centralia Courier, now published by himself and son, Roscoe.
The only newspaper edited by a colored man in this county is the Professional World, a weekly, with Rufus L. Logan for its editor.
Some of our journalists have become leading men of the county and state, and have been called to fill high positions. Colonel Switzler was appointed chief of the bureau of statistics, by President Cleveland; Mr. Stephens was appointed a member of the state capitol commission ; Mr. Williams is dean of the School of Journalism and has been president of the National Press Association; Mr. Gray has been president of the Missouri Press Association; Mr. Pool was chief clerk of the house of representatives of the forty-sixth general assembly, and is now secretary of the capitol commission; and Mr. Hirth is president of the State Federation of Commercial Clubs.
252
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
LOCATION OF UNIVERSITY
It is generally understood that the contest for the location of the State University began in 1839, after the passage of the legislative enact- ment providing for it, but in reality the people of Columbia and Boone county began working for its location on April 7, 1821. On that day, the commissioners for the location of the seat of justice filed their report that Columbia had been selected as such seat, that fifty acres of land and two public squares of ground had been donated for the purpose of the erection of county and town buildings; also the donation of ten acres of land for the erection of bridges across Roche Perche, Moniteau, Hinkson and Cedar creeks, along the St. Charles road; "also ten acres conditional if the State University be established therein." This ten- acre tract was located on the south side of Broadway and just west of the Columbian cemetery, and was marked on the original plat of the town of Columbia as "Seminary land." A part of the ground was many years afterwards purchased by the Columbia school district, and the West ward school building erected thereon.
But even before that early day, the members of the constitutional convention from Howard county, on July 19, 1820, introduced and had adopted as a part of Missouri's first constitution two sections, as follows:
"Article VI. Of Education. Section 1. Schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged in this state; and the general assembly shall take measures to preserve from waste or damage such lands as have been, or hereafter may be granted by the United States for the use of schools within each township in this state, and shall apply the funds which may arise from such lands in strict conformity to the object of the grant; one school or more shall be established in each township as soon as practicable and necessary, where the poor shall be taught gratis."
"Section 2. The general assembly shall take measures for the improvement of such lands as have been, or hereafter may be granted by the United States to this state for the support of a seminary of learn- ing; and the funds accruing from such lands by rent or lease, or in any other manner, or which may be obtained from any other source for the purposes aforesaid, shall be and remain a permanent fund to support a university for the promotion of literature, and of the arts and sciences; and it shall be 'the duty of the general assembly, as soon as may be, to provide effectual. means for the improvement of such lands, and for the improvement and permanent security of the funds and endowments of such institution."
CONTEST FOR UNIVERSITY
During the session of the Missouri legislature in 1838-39, Maj. James S. Rollins introduced and had passed an act entitled "An Act to Select a Site for the State University," which was signed and approved by Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs on February 8, 1839 (see Session Acts of Missouri, 1839, pages 184, 185, 186 and 187). Briefly stated, this act provided for the appointment of five commissioners, whose duty it should be to locate a site for the Missouri State University, the location to be at the county seat of one of the following named counties : Cole, Cooper, Howard, Boone, Callaway or Saline. These commissioners were directed to receive bids from the counties named, and to locate the university in the county which should make the highest bid. The bids were required to be received on or before June 1, 1839, and the commissioners required to meet on that day at Jefferson City. As we all know, Boone county was the highest bidder, and the handsome sum of $117,900 was subscribed
-
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
253
,
A VIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
254
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
by this county, every dollar of which was paid. At that time, this county had a population of 13,361, but three thousand of that number were slaves. The amount thus subscribed and paid was sufficient to have consumed the entire revenues of the county for the next twenty-four years. Missouri was then less than eighteen years old, and the taxable wealth of Boone county was small and her resources limited. Yet these pioneer advocates of higher education determined that they would make their' county seat the location of the State University, and they worked to that end day and night. Never were people more thoroughly aroused. Meetings were held throughout the county-in churches, in schoolhouses, on muster grounds and beneath the shades of arching oaks. Major Rollins, to whom much of the credit has been justly given, was ably assisted by Dr. William Jewell, Dr. Anthony W. Rollins, Dr. Wm. H. Duncan, Jno. B. Gordon, A. W. Turner, Warren Woodson and others, many of whom have descendants still living in this county. The largest subscriptions were for $3,000 each, and were made by Jefferson Garth, Eli E. Bass and Edward Camplin. Mr. Camplin could neither read nor write, and said that he often felt the need of education.
Although Boone county had so large a sum subscribed, Major Rol- lins was in Jefferson City on the day that the bids were opened, was there for the purpose of raising Boone county's bid, if it became necessary. When it was learned that Boone's bid was nearly $22,000 ahead of that of any other county, Major Rollins hastened from Jefferson City to Columbia on horseback, bringing the good news with him, which was received with more delight and more enthusiasm than the news of any state appropriation ever made afterwards by the general assembly.
LAYING CORNER STONE OF UNIVERSITY
By far the greatest event in the history of Boone county was the laying of the corner stone of the main building of the State University, which occurred on July 4, 1840. This was not a local or state event. but rather a national event, as this was the first occasion of its kind west of the Mississippi. After the long contest to secure the university, the people of Boone county were ready to show their appreciation of it by making this occasion an imposing one, and they did. The university building was erected on two eleven-acre lots (numbers 9 and 27), which were presented to it by John B. Gordon, who was a member of the legisla- ture from Boone county, and who aided Maj. James S. Rollins so mate- rially in securing the passage of the bill establishing the State University in 1839.
Judge David Todd was chairman of the day, and Capt. David M. Hickman was grand marshal; his assistants were Jacob S. Johnston, Gen. John Ellis and Maj. Nathaniel W. Wilson. A long procession of horsemen, headed by a brass band, and numerous men carrying flags assembled in front of the courthouse, and marched over to the university lot, as it was then called. There, the Rev. Robert L. McAfee, a pioneer Presbyterian minister, acted as chaplain; and addresses were delivered by Hon. James L. Minor, secretary of state; Maj. James S. Rollins, John B. Gordon and A. W. Turner. Every store, shop and dwelling in Columbia was decorated with flags and hunting, and few persons then living in Boone county failed to attend. A barbecued dinner, free, of course, was one of the features; this dinner was served on the campus just north of the present building now known as "Switzler Hall."
THE OLD BUILDING
No architect of today could design a more beautiful building, and no contractor of today could construct a better building than did the archi-
.
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
255
MANZ
VIEW OF MISSOURI UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, SHOWING OLD COLUMNS
.
.
256
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
tect and contractor of the university building of 1840. The contractor and his mechanics did not have any of the modern machinery for erecting buildings, but resorted to the old-fashioned methods. A tripod was made of sycamore poles and one rope and one pulley used to raise the three- foot blocks of native limestone that formed the old columns. Twenty oxen were attached to the other end of the rope; and as the oxen walked out toward town, slowly but surely the University of Missouri was erected. So well was the work of that day done, that the walls of the old building had to be blown down with dynamite after the fire in 1892; while most of the walls of the additions of 1885 tumbled down the night of the fire.
For nearly seventy-five years, the old columns, around which cluster memories so many and so pleasant, have stood amid storm and fire; and it is to be hoped that they will continue to stand and be the pivot, around which the students will march, play and give their stunts, year after year.
ROLLINS AID FUND
'The first person to give any money to the university after it was started was Dr. Anthony W. Rollins (father of Maj. James S. Rollins), and he gave ten thousand dollars, by his will, which was probated in 1845. The will provided that the county court of Boone county shall hold this sum in trust, and that the interest on it shall be used to aid worthy youths of Boone county in obtaining an education at the university. Some years ago, the county court resigned as trustee, and I. O. Hockaday was appointed and acted until his death in 1907; and the Boone County Trust Company was then appointed. This fund now amounts to about $51,000, and has been of assistance to hundreds of young men and young women.
Maj. James S. Rollins expressed the intention of establishing six schol- arships in the university, but on account of his poor health, failed to make provision for that in his will. But after his death (which occurred on January 9, 1888) his children remembered what was their father's wish, and gave $6,000 to the university, and the same has been used for that purpose ever since, and is known as Rollins Scholarships.
In 1882, Major Rollins gave to the university the college bell which has always been on top of the building known as Science hall, now known as Switzler Hall. On this bell is appropriately inscribed the following:
"Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring out the false, ring in the true."
THE CAMPUS-UNIVERSITY'S POVERTY
For many years, the front campus of the university was kept just as nature kept it, a beautiful blue grass lawn, with stately elm, ash, walnut, hickory, sugar maple, and cotton wood trees growing on it. About 1871, a pond was dug in front of the main building, and it was surrounded with flowers, flags and bushes; it was named "Lake St. Mary" in honor of President Read's daughter. Three or four skiffs were on the pond, and furnished entertainment for the students in pleasant weather, and the ice on the pond furnished entertainment in winter time. This lake performed another service, it was a repository for the old cannon every Hallowe'en night.
The back campus was used by President Read and President Laws as a pasture for their horses, cows, calves and colts. And in 1866, so Samuel H. Baker says, the back campus was rented to Judge Warren Woodson,
.
257
HISTORY OF NORTHEAST MISSOURI
and he had the whole of it planted in corn. Another Columbia gentle- man said that in 1844, he got permission from the president to keep his calf in the front campus, which then had a good fence around it, and every day he visited the front entrance on Eighth street, and fed his calf a pan of meal.
The poverty of the university is well illustrated by the fact that Doc- tor Lathrop, who was president of the university from 1840 until 1849, and then again from 1865 till his death in 1866, donated to the univer- sity a part of his salary.
The poverty of the university is further illustrated by this circum- stance, which was told by Prof. Joseph Ficklin, head of the mathematical and astronomical departments for many years. When Professor Fick- lin first came to the university in 1865, he found one of the shutters on the observatory had a broken hinge and there was no money in the university treasury to pay for a new one. So he got a Columbia black- smith to mend the hinge and paid him by allowing him to look through the telescope at the moon.
DURING THE CIVIL WAR
In the year 1862 the Federal forces took possession of the university building, and occupied it for some months; the south campus was used for their horses.
.
.
The room on the third floor of the main building was used.as a prison for the confinement of captured Confederates; and, at one time some ten or twelve prisoners were confined there, and among the number a former member of the Athenaean society. He remembered the situation of the rooms and his old society hall just below him, and he procured a knife from his mother, who visited him. Then he succeeded in cutting a hole in the floor and through the ceiling in the old Athenaean hall, swung himself down into it and passed through into the gallery of the old chapel. There, he swung down to the first floor and then out of the window to the ground, and escaped with his fellow prisoners. After this Gen. Lewis Merrill, the commandant of the post, took possession of that society hall for his headquarters, and used it as such for some time.
For some months during the Civil war, the university was closed, the only time that its exercises have been suspended.
PRESIDENT'S HOUSE BURNED
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.