USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people, Vol. I > Part 27
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President-Jas. M. Nanson.
Vice-president-H. V. Philips.
Secretary-Ben Strauss.
Treasurer-James Deagan.
Chief-Geo. H. Thomas.
Assistant Chief-Jas. Deagan.
Foreman Hose Co. No. 1-H. H. Burge ; assistant, C. W. Stephenson.
Foreman Hose Company No. 2-H. V. Philips; assistant, Chas. Daily.
Foreman Hook and Ladder Company-J. B. Buchanan; assistant, Charles Tobias.
Trustces-Moses Block, II. V. Phillips and M. H. Clark.
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IIISTORY OF JASPER COUNTY
During Mr. Harrington's administration as chief of the department a fatal accident occurred which brought sorrow to the members of the fire-fighting brigade.
On the evening of July 3, 1884, when Hose Company No. 1 was making a practice run, David Holt stumbled and fell and was struck on the right temple by the cart. His skull was cut and the scalp badly lacerated. Dr. Brooks was immediately called, but found that the un- fortunate fireman was beyond human aid, and he died in a few hours. The funeral was largely attended and was under the anspices of the fire department and Knights of Pythias.
SCHOOLS
During the 'eighties Carthage doubled in size and her school system kept pace with the times and likewise expanded. $25,000 was spent in school improvements in 1886. Two very able educators guided the destinies of the public school system during this decade, Prof. Dan Mathews, during the first half, and Prof. J. M. White during the last half of the period. Prof. E. E. Dodd, late of Cornell University, came as principal of the high school in 1886 and made for the citizens a strong head of the institution. To illustrate his popularity, we recall the fol- lowing little incident. At the commencement exercises of 1887, over the stage was the following class motto: "In Dodd we trust."
In our school story of the last decade will be found a list of the graduates from 1878 to date.
THE ALLEN ORATORICAL CONTEST
In 1882 Col. C. C. Allen of Carthage offered a handsome gold medal to be contested for by the young men of southwest Missouri.
The first contest was, from a literary standpoint, a complete success, as it brought to Carthage a number of young men who were the best debaters of their respective towns.
A. L. Sherman, a law student in the office of L. P. Cunningham at Joplin, won the medal at the first contest. In 1884 the medal was again contested, but in 1885, on account of the lack of interest, the offer was withdrawn.
THE CARTHAGE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
During September, 1883, just at the time when the young people of the county were going away to attend the State University, the Normal schools, and other higher institutions of learning, Rev. Dr. Knight of the First Presbyterian church of Carthage, called the attention of his congregation to some fifty or more young ladies and gentlemen of Car- thage and immediate vicinity who had gone that month to one of the several educational institutions of the state and suggested that it would have been a great saving of money to the community if these students, who annually go abroad for an education, could be schooled at home.
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After an earnest plea for a higher education lie closed his remarks with the suggestion that a college be built by the Presbyterians of the county and located at Carthage.
A meeting was called for December 17, 1883, and was largely at- tended by the Presbyterians of Carthage. Rev. Dr. J. S. Reeser, of St. Louis, an educator of ability, was invited to attend the meeting and in a convincing talk pointed out the need of a college for the Empire county. A committee of ways and means was appointed and a considerable sum was pledged during the spring and summer of 1884. Rev. Dr. H. D. Ganse, of Chicago, secretary of the Presbyterian Board of College Aid, now visited Carthage and guaranteed $1,000 annually toward the sup- port of the school. On December 23rd, the formal organization of the school was perfected and the name Carthage Collegiate Institute chosen.
The following gentlemen were chosen for the first board of trustees : W. S. Knight, II. C. Cowgill, M. G. McGregor, F. C. McElroy, J. L. Moore, I. C. Campbell, A. H. Caffee, W. W. Calhoon, W. H. Crothers, J. W. Burch, R. L. Galbreath, J. G. Irvin, W. A. Wheatley, A. L. Thomas, D. Matthews, Thomas E. Gray, Wm. MeMillen and E. W. Baines.
The charter for the school was issued on February 2, 1885, and on May 18th a beautiful site was selected on South Main street and work began in real earnest to finance the project.
The grounds were purchased at a cost of $3,100 and the contract price for the college was, in round numbers, $14,000. While the build- ing was being erected the annex of the First Presbyterian church of Carthage was used temporarily for a school and there the Collegiate In- stitute opened its doors.
. In November, 1886, Rev. Dr. J. G. Reeser of Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, accepted the presidency of the new college. On June 6, 1887, the corner-stone was formally laid, and we reprint here the re- port of the ceremonies published in the Carthage Banner.
THE CORNER STONE
OF THE CARTHAGE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE LAID THIS AFTERNOON-WITH ALL THE POMP AND PAGEANTRY KNOWN TO MODERN TIMES.
No event has ever before transpired in the city of Carthage, of a like charac- ter, that has attracted so large a crowd of people from all parts of the south- west as has the laying of the corner stone of the Carthage Collegiate Institute, which took place this afternoon ; nor has this ceremony, which marks the literal foundation of a grand educational institution of the future for all this section of the Great West, ever been accorded in so royal a manner to any other like institution in the state of Missouri. Such an outpouring of people as has been seen on our streets today was not called together for the purpose of pleasure- seeking or in commemoration of any national jubilee. To-day men turned their backs upon the harvest fields ripe with golden grain, merchants closed their stores in the faces of clamoring customers, the miner left his drill and the lawyer his desk-all stopped suddenly in the greedy rush for the sordid gains of this world, to do honor to that greatest ard grandest of American institutions- education. What more positive sign of an intelligent, prosperous and advanced
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people could be shown in any section of the inhabited globe, than has been wit- nessed here to-day? Thousands of people, who, aside from this common interest in education, have no interest in particular with Carthage, came from the sur- rounding counties and towns. They came as individuals and societies-all classes and all orders-to show their devotion to this great cause. Carthage is proud of this recognition of her enterprise and is also proud of the country in which she is built ; proud of the position her schools, private and public, hold in the state; proud that this great school has been founded in her midst ; proud of the distinction awarded her to-day: proud of the grand old fraternity and brotherhood that officiated in this ceremony; proud of all the benevolent and civic orders that honor her this day. This occasion will link bonds of friendship between our people and our neighbors that time will never sever.
The early morning trains were well filled with visitors and long before noon the streets were crowded. Joplin. Webb City, Carterville, Oronogo, Cherryvale, Oswego, Columbus and delegations from other towns arrived at nine o'clock on the Frisco. In uniform wore the Knights Templar, Grand Army. A. O. U. W .. Knights of the Golden Eagle, Select Knights and others. At 9:30 the train came loaded with the same orders from Sarcoxie. Peirce City. Springfieldl and other eastern points. The Missouri Pacific brought in the visitors from Lamar. Nevada and ('linton.
The Light Guard Band and a delegation of Knights Templar met the in- coming trains on the Frisco and escorted the visiting orders to their various headquarters. At 1:30 the procession formed on Fourth street and marched around the square and south on Main street to the college grounds in the fol- lowing order. under command of S. E. Wetzel. marshal of the day :
Carthage Band.
Board of trustees in carriages.
Officers and speakers in carriages.
Mayor and city council in carriages.
County otlieials in carriages.
Members of the press in carriages.
Fire Department.
Knights of the Golden Eagle.
Members Grand Army Republic.
Select Knights A. O. V. W.
Ancient Order United Workmen,
Light Guard Band.
Knights Templar.
Members of A. F. & A. Masons.
Officers of Grand Lodge Masons. Citizens in carriages.
At the grounds Rev. W. S. Knight acted as president of the day, and the following is the order of the ceremonies :
Music-Carthage Band.
Address of Welcome -- Mayor J. W. Semet.
Deposit of relics.
Ceremony. Placing of corner stone by Masonie Fraternity.
Music-Light Guard Band.
Address-P. G. M., J. D. Vincil.
Music-Carthage Band.
1Iistorical Address-Rev. W. S. Knight.
Music-Light Guard Band. Address-Rev. A. G. Hibbard.
Closing Prayer-Rev. J. T. Chambers. The box deposited in the corner stone contalned the following : A Bible.
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HISTORY OF JASPER COUNTY
Articles of association of the Institute.
Minutes of the first meeting of the Board.
A copy of each of the following newspapers: Church at Home and Abroad, Presbyterian Banner, St. Louis Evangelist, Interior, Carthage Daily and Weekly BANNER, Press, Patriot, Democrat. and Feathered Home; list of subscribers to the building fund; report of Carthage public schools for 1885-86; copy of the immigration pamphlet : a piece of continental money dated December 7. 1775. and another dated April 10, 1777; drafts for one dollar from each of the city banks; coins and fractional currency ; catalogne of the Carthage Business Col- lege
The corner stone ceremonies were in charge of the Masonic fraternity of this city and were carried ont according to the ritual of the order. The manage- ment of the occasion have been successful in carrying out the day's program in good style and are to be congratulated on the great success of the entire affair.
The following are the addresses delivered this afternoon, except that of Past Grand Master Vincil, which it was impossible to obtain in time for this issue :
WELCOME ADDRESS-MAYOR SENNET.
FELLOW CITIZENS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN :
We are present to-day on no ordinary occasion and you have placed before me no ordinary task.
In the name of the people of Carthage, and on behalf of her citizens, 1 most cheerfully welcome you to the work and labor of laying the foundations of an Institution in our midst, which we hope and believe will le, not only the pride and ornament of our city, but which will in time, send forth its repro- sentatives from our midst to advance the civilization of the world.
We hope and trust that here. no dread edict "Carthago delenda est." will over go forth to blight this fair spot and to send the ploughshare of ruin to obliterate and wipe out the place We now dedicate and set apart to become the pride and glory of our name and enterprise.
It is difficult to over estimate the importance of the work you are now beginning.
While we admire self made men, and hold them up with pride as examples before our country of what personal energy and character may accomplish, yet as our great leaders, both in church and state, and in overy department of literary and scientific enterprise lay aside their worldly honors and cares, and close their lives full of worldly greatness you will almost invariably see, in that short summary which foots up so concisely the record of a well spent life. "He graduated at Yale College, or Harvard, or Andover, or Dartsmouth, or Co- Inmbia, or Athens, or Kenyon, and so on down through the bright and shining list of our Public Institutions, which so adorn this enlightened age. established and built up in every state in this free country.
And all along the pathway of that great man's career. where ever he cast his lot and influence in life. the classic shades of his cherished "Alma Mater" were never forgotten.
In long years to come, in the stormy conflicts of life; on every battle field of human progress and reform, this Institution will send her champions to the conflict and when the battle of life is fought and won and the summary is made up, the proud record before the world will be, as to many you shall send forth, "He graduated at Carthage." Guard well then, and cherish tenderly fellow citizens, the interests this day committed to your charge. May they be in your midst ; what they are worthy to become; more cherished than the Sacred Penates of Ancient Mythology. more honored than the Star and Garter, or the Roman Eagles of ancient pride and glory, more durable than the monuments of ancient Power and Grandeur.
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For this, we invoke with humble benediction, that Overruting Power, which directs the destinies of man, of nations, and of the world.
REV. HIBBARD'S REMARKS.
MR. PRESIDENT AND FELLOW CITIZENS : While I fully appreciate the kindly consideration which has asked me to address you to-day, I also understand that it will not be becoming that I trespass long on your time nor exhaust the patience which has already been drawn upon by services and words that must pertain to such an occasion.
It has occurred to me that some of you may be asking. Why this outlay of money, of care, of anxious interest, to provide such an institution in a state that makes complete provision for the education of her sons and daughters, and especially in a community remarkable for the excellence of its schools, and where fitting preparation may be had for higher grades of culture? I have not the time, nor is this the place to give careful answer to this honest query. But I would suggest that the very system upon which our publie education is based is the reason why this institution is demanded. Instruction provided by the commonwealth must be adapted in its methods and in its rate of progress to the average ability of those whom it seeks to edneate. The problem which our pub- lie school educators have sought to solve is something like this: Given, the average child, having the average constitution, the average natural ability to study and learu, the average opportunities, how may I do the most for, and make the most of that child with the money and time at my command?"
The problem is a great one, and it requires a process of induction extend- ing through generations in order to answer it wisely and well. Meanwhile, our systems are largely experimental, and it is their glory that they are going on from good to better, and, as we hope, to best.
But, pertaining necessarily to such a system, there must be an inflexibility which is a constant repression upou the scholar of ability above the average, and of wearying and perhaps exhausting strain upon those below it. The boy or girl coming from a home which is itself a school and which represents genera- tions of culture cannot do their best when held back to accommodate the slow progress of those who represent homes and families of precisely the opposite character. The active intellect will find vent somewhere, and the necessities of the system may explain that not infrequent expression of our teachers, "our brightest scholars make us the most trouble."
Ilence the academy, and never was it more needed than to-day. Its power to adapt itself to all grades of ability ; its longer period in the class room; the tenure by which it holds its pupils ; the esprit de corps which it ordinarily arouses, the closer contaet between teacher and pupil-each and all of these things call it into being, and so far from making it a rival of the publie school, in any rivalry which can be injurious, it gives the latter the relief that is needed in order that its greatest etlicieney may be secured and its highest usefulness pro- moted. It takes each class of ability and attainment and grades it where it may do its best work, with as little repression or strain as possible. The experi- ence of centuries has demonstrated its usefulness, and, unlike our public schools, which are the outgrowth of present necessities, has proven the wisdom and utility of its methods. Our older states point with conscious pride to their acad- emies, and it is a glory to this new west that she is emulating the acquisitions of the older east, and will soon stand abreast of her in all that pertains to the best and highest intellectual culture.
But we cannot pause here in our statement of reasons for the foundation of such an institution as this. The inception of this enterprise was in the minds of those who believe that in Jesus Christ and his religion is the most enduring foundation and the most powerful motive and active stimulant for intellectual growth and mental eulture. The active promoters of this work are men and
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women who believe not only in the doctrine of mens sana in corpore sano, but also in that grander, more far-reaching truth, omnia ad Dei gloriam. They rec- ollect that the glory of our land to-day and the hope of its future is largely in those institutions where both precepts of the Divine maxim are taught which enjoins that we "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's aud unto God the things that are God's." It will be fostered by the gifts and embraced in the prayers of fathers and mothers who live as seeing those things which are invisible, and who would have the culture of their children reach upward beyond the intellect and beyond the purest morality, to the highest part of our human nature the spiritual-which not only allies us with God but the culture of which shall prepare for Divine companionship when these objeets about us shall have passed away. So they come here to-day with glad and trusting hearts, inter- ested in this institution because it is likely to become the erowning glory of our beautiful Queen City ; interested in it because it is likely to exert a power which shall attraet hither men of means who shall help forward all our enterprises ; men who love learning and purity, whose presence shall exalt the moral tone about us and clarify the moral atmosphere we breathe; interested in it, because here their sons shall be made strong to sustain and active to carry forward all that is good, and "their daughters may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace."
The church whose fostering care adopts it has shown by the history of hundreds of institutions like that which this is to become, that she knows how to be christian and not sectarian in their management; that she knows how to exercise the largest toleration ; that she would not only "live, but let live ;" that she appreciates and can command, and is satisfied with nothing but the highest culture ; that the work to-day commeneed is a work to be carried on always; that every institution that is her pride had a commencement of less promise, perhaps, than this of ours. And so her honored representatives stand here to- day equipped with testimonials giving them the best of authority to call upon all good citizens for their continued interest and benefactions, and upon all true christians for their gifts and their prayers.
As 1 look forward into the future years I see this beautiful campus covered with buildings devoted to high culture, filled with eager students and wise pro- fessors ; 1 see our citizens bringing strangers here and pointing with pride to the then present, and with greater pride to the sacrifices through which the great things have been accomplished ; I see pleasant homes all through this section of our state; 1 see better schools in every village-a high tone of intellectual life on farm, in workshop, store and office. 1 see our Sabbaths honored; I see a higher type of eitizen, and all this because upon every building erected and upon the heart of every student educated there has been written the words so glowing with light and so full of holy uplifting power, pro Christo et humanitate.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The First Methodist church, during the 'eighties, as in the pioneer days, continued to be a great power in Carthage, and closed the decade with the building of a magnificent house of worship, costing $24,000. Dr. Stewart, who was assigned to the Carthage charge in 1881 con- tinued until 1885, when the Rev. Dr. George H. Hughey of St. Louis was sent to the First church and remained until 1888. Dr. Hughey was a splendid Christian gentleman, kind and pleasant in manner and elo- quent in speech. During Dr. Hughey's pastorate the membership of the church was greatly increased. During 1881-2 additions were made to the church as a result of his earnest work. Vol. 1-16
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HISTORY OF JASPER COUNTY
Rev. Dr. A. R. Cronce was assigned to the church in 1888 and during his pastorate the handsome churel edifiee was built.
A farewell meeting was held in the old church building March 7, 1889, and was attended by seventeen members who were present at the dedication twenty years before : R. H. Rose and wife, Mrs. J. J. Hall, D. A. Harrison, Mrs. Sandige, Mrs. Ragsdale, John Easton, Bennett Hall, R. G. Seawell, Amelia Haughawout, Mrs. Hanna Potter, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Fosdick, A. B. Parkell, Mrs. J. N. Stephenson and Nelson Damon and wife.
The dedieation of the new church took place Sunday, May 5th. The Right Reverend Bishop Bowman, of St. Louis, bishop of this diocese for seventeen years, eame out from St. Louis to dedieate the church and oc- cupied the seat of honor in the pulpit. At his right sat Rev. Dr. Miller, of Kansas City, one of the most prominent and eloquent divines in the west and whose reputation as an orator, as well as a Christian worker is such that his church is always filled to overflowing. On the left of the Bishop sat Rev. Dr. Tuttle, of Sedalia, a venerable gentleman who two years ago celebrated his half century in the Methodist ministry and has since been superannuated. Presiding Elder Hamel and Rev. A. R. Cronce, pastor of the church, also occupied chairs in the pulpit. The benign countenance of Rev. Dr. Ilughey beamed upon his congregation from the platform and an expression of pardonable pride was visible on his face as he viewed the grand building which his efforts and influence had done so much toward securing for Carthage. To the Doctor's in- domitable energy, more than any other one thing, are the Methodists of this eity indebted for their magnificent building.
There were present to assist in the services, Rev. J. J. Martin, of Marionville, Rev. C. V. Criss, of Lamar, and Rev. H. M. Hackney, of Joplin.
The dedicatory address was delivered by Rev. D. Miller of Kansas City and his address was pronounced by many to have been the ablest sermon ever delivered in Carthage.
The vast congregation sat as if spell-bound for over an hour and were so en rapport with the speaker that when at his final outburst of glorified eloquenee, a genuine Methodist shout was heard from a happy, sympa- thetic old man, the majority of the congregation felt as though they would like to join him in his hallelujah.
THE INFLUENCE OF JESUS
Dr. Miller said in part on this topic, to which his sermon was devoted :
"His name shall be called wonderful."-Isa. 9:6
More than eighteen hundred years ago there was born in Bethlehem, of Judea, a being who has shaped the progress of the centuries until now-a being sustaining the most marvelous relations to all things. Let any one read the bio- graphical sketches as given by the evangelists, Matthew. Mark. Luke and John, and then let him say whether Jesus of Nazareth is not the most wonderful per- son of history. But the wonder lies deeper. It is not merely the historical
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Christ that engages the world's attention. It is the perpetually present Christ ; the Christ who went away from the outside only to come back on the inside.
After discussing with great vividness and power the energy, extent and variety of Christ's influence in the world, Dr. Miller said :
Christ's influence is as permanent as it is varied. If we test the continued potency of the influence which has come down to us from Bethlehem and Calvary by the extent to which they have become incorporated in the thought and life of onr times, we shall be compelled, whether disciples or critics, to recognize in the teachings and example, and above all the death of Jesus of Nazareth the reser- voir of moral and intellectual force from which mankind have been continually drawing their highest forms of energy, and on which the whole world is becon- ing more and more consciously dependent for its renewal and reformation. 1 know that social and national ethics are still as far from the gospel ideal as is the practical morality of every day life. But I know, too, that both social and national standards tend to approximate that ideal, and that men, whether in publie or private life. are commended or censured just in proportion as they con- form to it or depart from it. The critics and enemies have been at work like sappers and miners to subvert the truth on which the church is founded ; but they have only disclosed the Gibraltar like strength of her foundations. I would as soon fear the digging down of the Rocky mountains, with their hundreds of miles of granite base, with a penknife, as to fear for all the petty assaults of infidelity on the mount of God's revealed truth.
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