USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people, Vol. I > Part 28
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"Immovably founded in grace
She stands as she ever bath stood. And brightly ber builder displays
And flames with the glory of God,"
while the more portentous but foundationless structure which her enemies have tried to rear in her stead have been swept, one after another, by the tempests of a common sense judgment ont of existence. According to all rules and logie, the church, as a mere human institution should long since have disappeared from the earth, destroyed, if in no other way by the weakness and infidelities of her own children. But of all powers, whether of light or of darkness, she remains the . perpetual and immortal mistress. Statesmen must heed her voice, philan- thropists must invoke her aid and follow her as an infallible guide; moralists inst recognize her ideals and standards, and reformers must draw the support of their cause from her ample and exhaustless bosom.
The influence of Jesus never grows old. It is as young as the sunshine, which is no older this morning than when it brightened on the hill-tops of Judea on the morning of the nativity. Look at the ship on yonder ocean ; the toughest oak will rot and the staunchest ships will lay their decayed timbers on the strand. That is the fate of all human systems, but the religion of Christ is like the ocean itself, stretching away to the far shores of an eternity and bearing all ships, whether little or large, that venture on its sunny bosom, to the desired haven,
The dedicatory services were brief and to the point and in a fervid prayer the venerable Bishop dedicated the handsome structure to the Glory of God.
MAJOR COLE'S REVIVAL
In February, 1888, Major Cole, a noted revivalist of the 'eighties, be- gan a series of meetings in Carthage, which stirred the county seat to great religious activity. His meetings were held in the skating rink and the first one for men was attended by 800. Before the close of the
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--
UNIFORMED MEMBERS OF THE OLD "FIFTH"
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revival the great audiences which nightly gathered at the rink taxed its capacity and overflow meetings were necessary to accommodate the throng who came to hear the gifted preacher. Many united with the several churches as a result of these meetings.
THE CARTILAGE LIGHT GUARD
It would hardly do justice to the splendid military organization which Carthage maintained during the 'eighties to pass it with a formal mention of its officers and the several military encampments which the company attended; for the Light Guard, during the 'eighties, was not only the pride of all Carthage on account of its military achievements, but it was the center of the social life of the county seat.
On the retirement of Captain Tuttle, in 1880, the following officers were elected : Captain, W. K. Caffee; first lieutenant, C. O. Harrington ; second lieutenant, Charles Brown; first surgeon, A. M. Hurty.
The company now procured new uniforms and equipments and their fine appearance excited thie admiration of every one. During July 3-5, 1881, the company went into camp at Cassil's Place, with two com- panies from St. Louis and the Fort Scott Company of the Kansas State Guard as their guests. On July 5th a sham battle was fought to com- memorate the battle of Carthage on July 5, 1861.
Washington's birthday was the time set apart for the company's annual military ball and it was the society event of the year in Carthage. Preparations were made weeks in advance for these functions and the memories of those happy occasions are pleasant recollections to this day. We describe at length the Light Gnard ball of 1884, as it will give an idea of the Company in a social way. We print here the Banner's ac- count of the affair :
"ON WITH THE DANCE."
THE LIGHT GUARD BALL, A COMPLETE SOCIAL VICTORY FOR OUR SOLDIER BOYS.
Washington's birthday was never honored by a more brilliant and enjoyable occasion than the Light Guard ball at the Opera House last night. The gas jets of a military ball at the Nation's capital could scarcely have lighted up a more bewildering array of "fair women and brave men." The room was very hand- somely decorated and in the best of taste. The columns and chandeliers were draped with bright colored decorations artistically blended. The walls were cov- ered with evergreens, mottoes and flags. Every point of advantage was occupied by something bright and beautiful and the scene was brilliantly lighted by numer- ous gas jets under red, white and blue shades. There were upward of one hun- dred guests present, comprising large delegations from Joplin, Springfield, Lamar, Peirce City, Nevada, Neosho and Kansas City. The large number in attendance forbids even an attempt to name all, or to describe the many rich and beautiful costumes. It was made a full dress occasion and there were numerous magnifi- cent toilets. Bright silks and satins, gauzy laces, gold, pearls and the sparkle of diamonds.
The gentlemen were in conventional black excepting that large proportion of the company whose manly forms were covered by the gray uniforms of the Carthage, and Springfield Light Guard, or the blue and gold of the Joplin Rifles,
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Peirce City Guard and Lamar City Guards. The grand march began at nine o'clock and was participated in by at least one Inindred couples. This was fol- lowed by the regular program of dances. At half past ten o'clock the Carthage Light Guard entered the hall, led by the L. G. Band and gave their
SILENT MANUAL DRILL ..
They went through the manual of arms and all the evolutions without a word of command and with the utmost precision. The performance was repeatedly and enthusiastically cheered and even our own people who know so well the pro- fieiency of the Guard were surprised and felt a new pride in our "crack military company," and many were the words of praise and commendation from the visitors from neighboring towns.
At 11 o'clock, supper at the Harrington was announced and for an hour or two the ball room divided the attractions of the evening with the banquet hall. Mr. Criley, of the Harrington, had prepared an elegant oyster supper, with all its un- usual accessories, and presented the homely but popular bivalve in its most attrac- tive forms. Mr. Criley is always equal to the occasion whether it be of a special nature or merely the provision of the every day comfort of hotel life. When the more sedate and elderly people had taken supper, they called it quits and went home, but those who attend a ball to dance had merely been taking their pre- llminary exercise, and as the departures left a good free space in the hall, the business of the evening began in good earnest, and as nearly as we can learn the musicians earned their money before their night's work was over. The music by the way is worthy of special comment.
The L. G. Band played excellently, and the music furnished by the Kansas City Orchestra was an entertainment in itself. This orchestra has the reputation of being one of the best in the state, and the reputation is deserved.
THE FLOOR MANAGERS.
Messrs. A. M. Ilurty. A. B. Deutsch, Ben Allen. J. D. Perkins and C. O. Ilar- rington were ubiquitous throughout the evening and untiring in their efforts to make the occasion enjoyable for everybody. Too much cannot be said of their skillful and energetic work, to which the splendid success of the ball is largely due.
Besides nearly all the society people of Carthage, too numerous to name, we noticed,
FROM ABROAD,
James Bolen and wife, Mrs. Bennett, Mr. Stockton and Lew Miller, of Kansas City.
Harry Moore and wife, E. Wilcox and Frank Morse, of Nevada.
John H. Taylor, Miss Marcie Webb, Miss Bertha Brader and Miss C. Good- win, of Joplin. Also Lient. F. E. Williams, Sergeant F. A. Franklin, Lee Carerter, E. C. Summerfield, Ilarry Laudback, Ben Landauer, L. G. Houard, W. W. Pate, Jr., and Arthur Leonard, of the Joplin Ritles.
Miss Hayes, Arthur J. Weir and Falcon L. Weir, of Neosho.
Mr. Chas. Nciswager and wife, Miss Addie Boyden. Mr. Dan Herman, of Springfield, besides Capt. Geo. Townsend, Lieut. J. Hastings, Lieut. R. C. MeMil- lan, Gus Clements, S. McGregor. A. B. Diggins, W. S. Purcell, Chas. Il. Ilanan and Pratt Saylor, of Springfield Light Guard.
Capt. Bennett. Elmer Tomlinson and Charlie Stevenson of Lamar.
Mrs. J. Gillette, Mr. Ben LaFayette. and Lient. J. Gillette, J. L. Johnson, Albert Newman, R. S. Crebs, W. A. Duncan. F. C. Stellhorn, Jas. B. Davis of the City Guard, Peirce City.
Miss Peachy Ralley, of St. Louis, Miss Marsh, of Wisconsin ; Miss Campbell, of Clarksville, Tenn.
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BALL NOTES.
They all say it-that the ball last night was the finest thing of the kind that ever occurred in Carthage.
There were costumes at the Opera House last night that would have graced the President's reception or Vanderbilt's ball.
Thomas Summerfield, the irrepressible of the Joplin Herald, enjoyed him- selt among the Carthaginians at the Opera House.
The Joplin Rifles in their blue uniform with gold lace trimmings presented a fine appearance and were much admired.
The Springfield Light Guard sent up a delegation whom the girls declare, first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of their country women.
A lady, who last year witnessed the prize drill in Chicago, was heard to re- mark last night that she saw nothing there to equal the silent drill of the Carth- age Light Guard.
Col. C. C. Allen of the "Gallant Fifth" made his first public appearance in his new uniform last night. Hle looks every inch a soldier which gives him more soldierly inches than many a bigger man.
Mr. Arthur J. Weir and his brother, Falcon L. Weir, of Neosho, who were at the ball, are connected with the Scotch Land Company of Newton county, the former being assistant manager and acting superintendent of the company. Ile has been a commissioned officer in the British army, and says he has seen a good deal of fine drilling but that the performance of the Light Guard will compare favorably with any of it.
THE LIGHT GUARD'S TENTH ANNIVERSARY
On January 5, 1886, the Light Guard celebrated the tenth anniver- sary of its organization with a banquet at the Harrington Hotel which - was a brilliant success. The arrangements had been placed in the hands of a competent committee consisting of Lieutenant Ed. P. Cassil, Ser- geants G. H. Thomas and A. B. Deutsch, Corporal R. G. Smith and Priv- ate A. H. Miller, and nothing had been omitted which was calculated to increase the enjoyment and success of the occasion. The tables in the spacious dining room of the Harrington Hotel were very handsomely arranged, and the supper, under the liberal and skilful direction of Mr. Fabyan, the courteous landlord, and his efficient lieutenant, Mr. Foss, left nothing undone to make it the crowning event of the Guard's ten years of success.
Among the guests were Governor John S. Marmaduke, Labor Com- missioner O. Von Kochtisky, R. Roche, of the adjutant-generals' depart- ment. The field officers of the Fifth regiment, namely, Col. C. C. Allen, Maj. Clark Craycroft, Adjutant Harrington, Surgeon Crebbs and Quar- termaster Hillyer; Ex-mayors Harding, Caffee, Harper, Enscombe and Moore, Mayor O'Keefe; ex-officers Capt. Tuttle and Lieut. Cahn; mem- bers of the press, A. W. St. John, A. F. Lewis, and S. D. Carpenter ; vocal quartet consisting of Dr. L. I. Matthews, Geo. Blakeney, S. S. Wells and W. Mitchell, with Mr. Cort Hill as accompanist. Prof. Dumar and his orchestra were also in attendance and furnished some excellent music.
The most interesting feature of the evening was the after-dinner speeches. "Sketch of Our Ten Years' History" was responded to by Capt. W. K. Caffee, in the following able and interesting speech, which is given in full.
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Our company is, I believe, the out-growth of a convention held between Mr. Deagan and myself upon a Sunday in December, of the year 1875. The interest we excited communicated itself to others and upon the 3d of January, 1876. in the then Regan's Hall, was held the meeting whose tenth anniversary we are commemorating so pleasantly tonight.
The Carthage Light Guard, though a ten years' existence is but a compara- tively brief one, is venerable in the roll of similar organizations in our state. for change has so wrought among them that we now rank as the oldest.
Our earlier years were uneventful beyond the incidents, which we still par- tially experience, of a struggle for existence. Our first and most ambitious trip was to the Grant reception at Kansas City in 1SS0; it is now most memorable to many of us as our last sight of the grand commander, whose honest simplicity of character, inflexible purpose and military genius, carried him up to and through the honorable and glorious career which is so bright a page in the country's history. To that trip we are indebted for the impetus which has carried us through the succeeding years, for comparing our uniforms, worn, seedy and shab- by, with the bright and handsome outfits of so many other commands we were spurred to the exertion which made us equal in appearance at least, to any other.
We have visited Fort Scott twice; Cherryvale, where we found it possible to provide too liberally against suffering from the peculiar draught supposed to exist within the borders of our sister state, and in consequence the unwise amount of preventive absorbed caused the introduction of many startling and unknown manoeuvers in our exhibition drill to the astonishment of a few posted, but to the wild delight of the greater number of uninitiated spectators; twice Nevada. whose whole-souled hospitality and cordial welcome yet warms our hearts and claims from us a fitting requital in the future; Springfield twice; Joplin, whose kind citizens have entertained us more than once; twice Peirce city, whose people proved to our regiment, as well as ourselves, their right to be numbered among the most genial and capable of hosts, and last Pittsburg.
Our camp in Cassil's Place was one of the pleasantest events of our history ; we there first had the happiness of the presence of this evening's most honored guest ; the warm expression of appreciation from our St. Louis visitors, so often since extended to us individually, has amply repaid us; that they were sincere in their declarations the beautiful medal presented to us through Capt. Bull and Sergeant Gareschie amply testifies. There erosses my mind a faint recollection of an entertainment offered these gentlemen on the banks of Spring river, but the details are obsenred beyond the memory that the affair was wildly-joyful.
To the ladies we owe as an organization, what all men do as individuals, much of that inspiration, which leads to success. Our flag is their gift, and the graceful act was worthy of their tender hearts. Their bright smiles and approba- tion are prizes we have ever striven for, and from our rapidly increasing number of Benediets, I think not altogether in vain.
Of the gentlemen who have officered the company, our first Captain, Garrison, lives far away. My predecessor, Capt. Tnttle, ex-Lieutenants Cahn, Brown, and Deagan, the latter now through modesty most faithful of privates, we have with us to-night. Hardin, the faithful and efficient officer, the courteous and polished gentleman, is no more.
We have borne upon our roles the names of two hundred men. Of these forty-eight are now active members; fifty are still our townsmen, but no more of us; five have joined that greatest army, and "Bivouac with the dead;" the re- mainder are scattered, many, I know not where.
Through all our existence we have enjoyed the well wishes of our people. At first many smiles greeted our awkwardness, but increased profieieney brought its corresponding respect, and I believe few of our citizens but think we have measurably succeeded in our endeavor to build up an organization, which, by its efficiency in drill and the conduct of its members, redounds to the eredit and honor of Carthage, we all love so well.
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HISTORY OF JASPER COUNTY
My sketch would hardly be complete without allusion to the phenomenally small amount of friction which has existed among us. Other companies in the state have had much larger membership, more money, more elaborate equip- ments and better armories, but have lacked that something, I know not what, to preserve their existence. Dissensions have arisen, factions formed, disgust fol- lowed and then, the end. Even in our own regiment, organized but two years ago, there is but one company, besides our own, in which as great changes have not occurred in that time as in our ten years' life. We have had our little do- mestic quarrels and strife, but have gotteu bravely thro' or over them. We have never had factions; we could not even stay mad at our state long enough, when the last legislature failed to "appropriate," to stiek out our intention of dis- banding; but are here tonight celebrating the completion of one decade of our company's being, and looking forward to unnumbered ones to follow.
Governor Marmaduke answered to the toast, "The State of Missouri," in a very interesting manner. He complimented the Light Guard, and expressed the hearty wish that the state of Missouri might come to ap- preciate its gallant militia, by making a proper appropriation for its support.
"The Fifth Regiment" was the topic to which Colonel Allen re- sponded with all his characteristic ability, and his remarks were among the best and most entertaining of the evening.
"The Rank and File" was the sentiment which Private Ed. Crow was allotted. He made an eloquent and able speech, and concluded with the presentation, in behalf of the company, of a magnificent sword to Captain Caffee, accompanied with the roster of the company handsomely written out and framed.
Ex-Lieutenant Al Cahn made a most humorous response to the toast "The Ex-Officers on half pay and short rations."
Major Craycroft of Joplin did the honors for the Joplin Rifles and referred eloquently to "our better five-eighths, the ladies."
THE LIGHT GUARD DISBANDED
At the session of the state legislature in 1887 that body made no appropriation for the National Guard and the companies all over the state disbanded, among them the Light Guard. The Carthage Banner, speaking editorially of the matter, said: "Company A, Fifth Regiment N. G. M., is no more. This means that the Carthage Light Guard, the flower of the regiment, the pride of our people and the oldest company in the state, has, like many other companies throughout the state, laid down its arms to the legislative cowards who fear the threats of a secret organi- zation that defies the law whenever opportunity offers, and to the de- mands of the mossback element from the back counties. It is a most Immiliating surrender after nearly eleven years of faithful service. While our people feel most keenly the loss of the Light Guard and are chagrined beyond measure that this step has been forced upon the com- pany, they all unite in approving of the action taken Wednesday night.
"The meeting was largely attended and the motion to disband was carried unanimously. A resolution of thanks was tendered to the gov-
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ernor, the adjutant-general, the chairman of the senate and the house committees on militia for the efforts they made for the success of the bill; also to the citizens of Carthage for their support and encourage- ment in the past. The arms will be returned to the state, and the uni- forms and other property carefully stored and kept in good condition for the future, in case another company should ever be organized under more favorable legislation. It was decided that after the debts of the company are paid, the surplus remaining in the treasury shall be donated to the Board of Trade. This amount will probably be between $180 and $200. The first prize medal held by the company was voted to Capt. Caffee, and the second medal to Capt. Harrington. The company flag was voted to Lieutenant Deutsch."
REORGANIZED
At the 1889 meeting of the general assembly a liberal appropriation was made for the state guard and Company A was reorganized, fully one half of the old members going into the reorganized company. The company will be spoken of again in our military article covering the 'nineties.
CHRISTMAS POSTOFFICE SURPRISES
In 1880 Maj. A. F. Lewis, editor of the Carthage Banner, was ap- pointed postmaster of Carthage and under his able management many new and business like innovations were made. So thoroughly did he sys- tematize the work and so quickly and satisfactorily was business trans- acted that before the end of the year the office had been raised from third to second elass, which brought with it more and better mail service and postal accommodations. This was greatly appreciated by the citizens of Carthage and it was decided by the business and professional people of the county seat to present the postmaster with an appropriate testimonial of their appreciation. Christmas day was selected as the most appro- priate time for the presentation.
Major Lewis was not aware that he was to be the recipient of a Christmas present and himself had planned a Christmas surprise. At about eleven o'eloek Christmas day, 1880, the postmaster called all of his help to his desk and in a neat speech related the raising of the office from a third to a second class station, stating that he desired to give full eredit to the office foree for this important designation. He said that howsoever well he might plan, if there was not perfeet accord and loyal support from the "men behind the guns" he could not succeed, and in testimony of his appreciation of their loyalty and faithfulness he pre- sented each with a handsome Christmas souvenir. He had scarcely fin- ished his remarks when one of his intimate politieal friends asked him to step over to the restaurant and get an oyster stew. Now oysters were Major Lewis's long suit and he accepted. On arriving at the oyster par- lor he found there assembled some hundred or more of the business men
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and leading citizens and before he had time to ask the meaning of the assemblage Attorney Al Thomas, a most ardent Democrat and political adversary, as spokesman for the people, told Mr. Lewis that regardless of their political affiliations they were loud in their praise of his manage- ment of the postoffice and desired to show him in some tangible way their feeling of commendation and on behalf of the business men of Carthage presented him with a gold watch appropriately engraved. The watch was a beautiful one, costing one hundred and fifty dollars. It is needless to say that Major Lewis was overcome with feelings of gratitude and thereafter on account of the two Christmas surprises, the postoffice work was improved still more.
FIREMEN'S TOURNAMENT JUNE 12-14, 1888
The Southwestern Volunteer Firemen's Association held their an- nual tournament at Carthage and it was a great success, being attended by some twenty-five companies and $3,500 was distributed in prizes.
FIRST-PRIZE WINNERS AT FIREMEN'S TOURNAMENT, JUNE, 1888
The firemen were quartered at Camp Thomas, in Central Park. One of the features of the tournament was a band concert, the opening night being attended by twelve bands combined for the occasion into one mon- ster organization of one hundred pieces.
CARTHAGE ENTERTAINS THE GRAND LODGE K. OF P.
In October, 1882, the Missouri Grand Lodge, Knights of Pythias, honored Carthage as the place of holding the annual legislative assembly.
The people of the county seat always entertain with a lavish hand and on this occasion did themselves proud. The business houses and many residences were beautifully decorated with the flag of the nation and the
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colors of the order. The session lasted for three days and brought to the Queen City a thousand visitors ineluding, besides the delegates to the grand body, eight divisions of the uniformed rank. Among these were drill corps from St. Louis, Sedalia, Moberly, Nevada, Fort Scott and Columbus, Kansas, as well as the uniformed divisions of Joplin and Car- thage. The parade of the Uniformed Rank escorting the representatives to the place of meeting was an imposing affair and gave to Jasper county and Southwestern Missouri its first glimpse of the red-plumed Knights who, during the latter 'eighties and 'nineties created such wild exeite- ment at the national eneampment of the order.
One hundred and fifty dollars was given away in prizes. The eham- pionship prize open to all divisions was won by the then celebrated Tancred Division of Columbus, Kansas, winners of the second prize at New Orleans in 1884 and the first prize at Toronto, Canada, in 1886. The first prize, open to Missouri drill teams, was won by the Sedalia knights, where the divisions from Moberly and St. Louis also earried off honors.
At the close of the first day's session a grand ball was participated in by the members of the order. At this meeting of the grand lodge, John II. Holmes, now for twenty years reelected grand keeper of records and seals eame into prominent notice, making a taking speech in present- ing a jewel for faithful service to Charles JJ. Gelwitz, then holding that offiee, and being designated by the grand chancellor as the leader of the grand march at the military ball.
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