USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people, Vol. I > Part 32
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Landing of the Pilgrims : Priscilla, the Puritan Maiden, by Mrs. A. R. Snyder. Instrumental Solo: "Battle Cry of Freedom," by Mrs. W. S. Paul.
Story of ller Life: Mrs. Ann Hutchinson, represented by Mrs. L. P. Cun- ningham.
History of the Quakers: William Penn, represented by Julius A. Becker.
New York Under the Dutch Governors: Mrs. Van Winkle, represented by Mrs. L. Rothschild.
Vocal Dnet : "Hear Me. Norma," by Mrs. I. A. Fox and Mrs. A. R. Snyder. Capt. John Smith : Pocohontas, represented by Mamie Glover.
"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," Patrick Henry, represented by W. P. Roberts.
llome Life of Washington: Martha Washington, represented by Mrs. Clark Craycroft.
"America."
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The following Chantauquans participated in this enjoyable literary symposium :
Unity Circle-President, Mrs. L. C. MeCarty ; vice president, Mrs. Clark Craveroft ; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. A. R. Snyder ; mesdames, Phil Arnold, L. P. Cunningham, E. T. Doty, J. A. Fox, F. Henshaw, C. J. Lewis, W. P. Owen, W. S. Paul, W. H. Picher, William Robinson, L. Rothschild, J. B. Sergeant, Henry Weyman, C. J. G. Workizer, M. W. Eiler and J. L. Briggs.
Prospectors' Cirele-President, W. P. Roberts; vice president, Mol- lie Robertson; secretary and treasurer, Emma V. Shorters; Misses Johana Becker, Lillian Blair, Gertrude Broadley, Mamie Glover, Caddie Goodwin, Dora Laudauer, Hanna Laudauer, Maude Lopp and Katie Roberts, and Messrs. Julius A. Beeker, Millard Conley, Ray Evans, James B. Hogan, Will C. Porter, John Price, T. C. White and Joel F. Livingston.
During the 'nineties club work in Joplin became very popular, some half dozen literary societies flourishing through the deeade which will be further mentioned in the pages covering that period.
JOPLIN'S SOCIETY
We mention a few of the social occurrences of the 'eighties for the purpose of giving an idea of the class of people who made up Joplin's social life and the extent and character of the city's amusements.
IN HONOR OF EX-MAYOR WILLIAMS' BRIDE
One of the most delightful social sessions of the 'eighties and one which included practically all of Joplin's 400 was a reception given in honor of ex-Mayor Williams' bride. We republish here the Jasper County Democrat's report of the affair: "Three weddings have oeenrred in the past two weeks and it is believed this is only the beginning. Sinee the old veteran, Capt. Frank E. Williams, has yielded his heart we are ready to believe it of anyone, and would not be surprised if in six months henee such a thing as a single man in the town would be looked upon as a phenomenon.
"From the chronie bachelor habits of Captain Williams we had come to look upon him as proof against all such attacks of the heart. For several years past he has made regular pilgrimages to Chicago and on each occasion did Dame Rumor as regularly announce that he would return with a wife, and each time he returned as he went, much to the discomfiture of the old busybody. So when it was rumored this time that he would return a married man the knowing ones just laughed and said 'fooled again.' But when the announcement of the arrival of Cap- tain Williams and bride was made and invitations issued for a reeep tion at the residence of Peter E. Blow to the happy pair on the evening of Friday last there was no longer doubting.
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"Captain Williams is one of the oldest citizens and a universal favor- ite in the community. During his citizenship he has been invested with some of the most important eity offiees, having served as mayor two con- secutive terms, city collector, ete.
"The reception given at the residence of Mr. Blow, in honor of Cap- tain Williams and bride, eelipsed anything ever seen in Joplin. The spacious grounds adjoining the residence were brilliantly illuminated with Chinese lanterns. The bride and groom received the guests on the veranda, not under the mistletoe bough but that of the apple tree. The bride was tastefully attired in white with corsage bouquet of natural flowers. She is of the brunette type of beanty, with large and expres- sive eyes and a face denoting intellect and character. She was a Miss MeMurray, of Chicago, at whose home in that eity the marriage took place.
"After the arrival of the guests, who numbered more than three hundred, came in full dress the Joplin Rifles, of which organization the groom was captain, accompanied by the band which discoursed some sweet music during the evening. In behalf of the Rifles Lieutenant Reavis presented a few congratulatory remarks to the groom to which he responded in a happy and graceful manner after which refreshments were served. As entertainers Mr. Blow and his pretty wife, who is a niece of Captain Williams, proved themselves simply adepts.
"Among the guests noticeable was our popular deputy sheriff with his decidedly pretty bride of a week. He looked the personifieation of happiness and 'twas difficult to imagine, as one looked at that placid and ecstatic countenance, the rising of a ripple to mar the voyage upon which he has just set out. His bride, nee Miss Ida Miller, who was more for- tunate than the others in not being obliged to change her name, was formally a teacher in the public schools. James Crabtree, a clerk in one of the leading dry goods houses, was present with his bride of a few days, formerly Miss Libbie Jarrett; also a teacher of the public schools. A H. Waite and his bride of a few months offered their congratula- tions to the newly married couple with the wish that they might be just one-half as happy as they. J. B. Sergeant, who was present with his most estimable wife, remarked 'this earries me back just thirty-five years, a long time for a bride and groom to look forward to, but as I now look back upon it, it seems but a day.'
"The old bachelor friends of the groom were out in full force but seemed not at home, reminding one of a lot of cats in a strange garret. They seem to be querying 'How is this?' 'What am I?' 'Who am I ?' ' What am I here for ?'
"T. Jones, of the Joplin Hotel, materialized with a pretty girl on his arm. Dr. Howard and James Leonard and other old chums of the groom walked np and congratulated the newly made benediet and his pretty bride and slunk baek in a kind of reverie which seemed to imply that they had all at once commenced analyzing themselves. Some one asked 'Where is A. W. Carson, editor and prospective postmaster?' The
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answer came 'He has closeted himself for the night with Gulliver's Meditation and does not desire either to see or be seen.' There is evi- dently a change passing over the spirit of the dream of the old set, and single blessedness is not being lauded as it used to be."
THE VISIT OF GENERAL SHERMAN
On June 13, 1884, General W. T. Sherman honored Joplin, Webb City, Carterville and Carthage with a visit and his coming to Jasper was the occasion of a demonstration in his honor in each of the four cities. On the arrival of the train bearing the distinguished guest at Joplin, Webb City and Carterville, all of the whistles in the mining district were turned loose at once and the noise was heard for ten miles around. Gen- eral Sherman's daughter accompanied her father. In Joplin the Grand Army of the Republic post, the Joplin Rifles and other semi-military societies escorted General Sherman from the depot to the hotel. C. J. Lewis, A. B. McCarty and F. M. Redburn were delegated by the city to entertain the great soldier while in the city, and he and his daughter were shown through the mines, the lead works and other points of in- terest.
CHAPTER XXV
MILITARY AND SPECTACULAR
THE JOPLIN RIFLES-JOPLIN ZOUAVES-MARDI GRAS IN JOPLIN-JOPLIN EXPOSITION-FOURTH OF JULY, 1885-THIE PROCESSION-SHAM BAT- TLE-A STORY OF SPANISH ADVENTURE.
During the summer of 1881 the matter of organizing a military com- pany for Joplin was talked of by the patriotic citizens and both the News and Herald spoke editorially of the good of such an organization to a community. Accordingly, in response to a call issued by Col. W. W. Fairbanks, Capt. W. W. Pate, and Clark Craycroft, a meeting was held August 5th and the preliminaries taken for the organization of a company of the State Guard.
THE JOPLIN RIFLES
The company was christened the Joplin Rifles and the following officers were chosen : Captain, W. W. Pate, late of the U. S. Volunteers ; first lieutenant. Clark Craycroft; second lieutenant, A. P. Hoyt, and first sergeant, M. W. Stafford. Thirty-seven members, composed of the best business and society men of the city, signed the muster roll at this meeting, and at the formal muster on September 1. the membership had been swelled to almost fifty.
The uniforms purchased were the regulation dress uniform of the United States army, the swallow-tail dress coat (rap and gloves) trimmed in buff and gold, and were very attractive.
The company became very proficient and during its existence won many laurels. On July 4, 1882, the company was presented with a beautiful silk flag by the ladies of Joplin, Miss Jenette Haughton, later Mrs. L. P. Cunningham, making the presentation speeeh.
On the organization of Grand Army of the Republic in August, 1882, Captain Pate retired from the Rifles to become the post com- mander of the O. P. Morton Post. Lieutenant Craycroft was elected captain and Galen Spencer first lieutenant.
In October, 1882, the Rifles formed from among its members a dra- matie company and, with the assistance of Miss Ida Miller, Miss Mildred Livingston and Miss Lillie Wine, presented the "Union Spy" to a large and enthusiastic audience. So well was the play received that it was twice repeated in Joplin and played also at Lamar and Webb City. The
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Joplin Evening News, in commenting on the performance says: "This great military drama was presented by the Joplin Rifles last night to a good audienee, and we doubt not that nearly everybody was surprised at the excellent manner in which all those who took part in it acquitted themselves. Amateur theatrieals sometimes drag along in a tedious, listless manner, with lond promptings, awkward mistakes and long waits between aets, which not only prove exceedingly tiresome to the audience but greatly mar the effects of the play; but barring one or two trifling errors, last night's entertainment proved a notable exception. The drama is founded upon the late war and is replete with startling situa- tions, scenes of soldier life, snatches of song, fun, pathos and beautiful and suggestive tableaux, and holds the interest of the audience from the first raising of the curtain to the elose, Considering the short time that the play has been in rehearsal it was certainly admirably produced, every character being well sustained throughout. Where all did so well it is difficult to partieularize, but we can not refrain from the remark that F. E. Williams rather distinguished himself as 'Harry Allen, the spy,' in which character he could not be exeelled. Harry Crittenden as 'Edmund Randolph,' G. West Byron as 'John Allen,' Oren Kimmis as 'Payton Randolph,' and Joel Livingston as 'George Wilson,' displayed dramatie talent of no mean order, while Frank Franklin as 'Sam, a culled pussen,' has a splendid conception of that role and did himself proud. Joe Doniphan as 'Pussey Van Dunderspeck' and A. O. T. Pen- nington as 'Yacup,' brought down the house. They were good. The character of 'Jimmy, the drummer-boy,' was commendably brought out by Bertie Sehnur, as was that of 'Frank Allen' by II. Cline. Misses Lillie Wine, Mildred Livingston and Ida Miller also did themselves great eredit in their respective characters, while the young ladies who sup- plied the excellent tableaux must not be forgotten. Taken all in all, the Union Spy may be set down as one of the best dramatie entertainments ever presented here by a home company. For this success great eredit is due Harry Crittenden, of Paola, Kansas, who aeted as instructor and general manager. He was ably seconded by many members of the Rifles, who were very earnest in their efforts to make their first enter- tainment both an artistic and financial success.
The play is to be reproduced tonight and we can assure our people that they will be highly pleased. The 'Union Spy' is a far more inter- esting and attractive drama than most of those presented by traveling companies."
December 1883, Captain Craycroft became major of the Fifth Regi- ment, M. N. G; Lieutenant Galen Spencer was promoted to the eap- taincy and private F. E. Williams, who had won so much praise for the company on account of his superb aeting at the time of the presenta- tion of the "Union Spy," was chosen first lieutenant. Shortly after, on account of business engagements interfering. Lieutenant Hoyt re- signed and Sergeant Julius Miller became second lieutenant. In Sep- tember, 1884, Captain Galen Spencer, then in the midst of a political
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campaign and the Republican candidate for presidential elector from this distriet, tendered his resignation, and Lieutenant Miller, who had accepted an appointment as deputy sheriff also withdrew and the com- pany was reorganized as follows: Captain, F. E. Williams; first lieu- tenant, Harmon C. Cline; second lieutenant, C. B. Revis; first ser- geant, Frank Franklin.
This was a strong official line-up. Captain Williams had twice been mayor and was one of the most popular men in the city. At the monthly competitive drills of the company Lieutenants Cline and Revis and Ser- geant Franklin had each, more than once, carried off the gold medal for proficiency in drill and the company, which had now been materially re- duced in strength on account of removals and business changes, was recruited up to the maximum.
In 1885, on account of the unfriendly action of the state legislature in refusing to make an appropriation for the support of the State Guard, the Rifles voted to disband, but after the earnest request of the eity to maintain the organization the company was again reorganized with F. E. Williams as captain, J. L. Biggs, first lieutenant and O. B. Hamlin second lieutenant. The reorganized company held together until after the meeting of the legislature in 1889, when it formally disbanded. Dur- ing its eight years of existenee its membership comprised the very best citizens of the town. It participated in every publie celebration in the city and also attended the regimental eamps of the Fifth regiment at Carthage and Pieree City, and the state encampment at Sweet Springs, all at its own expense.
JOPLIN ZOUAVES
In the fall of 1886 Lieutenant Revis, of the Joplin Rifles, organized among the members of the company and for exhibition purposes, a Zouave squad and, after the regular drills of the company, put the hoys through the attractive manœuvres of that once popular drill. The squad pur- chased the regulation Turkish uniform and made a very attractive ap- pearanee. They made their debut at Carthage, November 24, 1886, on the occasion of the Carthage Light Guards' Thanksgiving ball and the spectators were loud in their applause.
The following were the original members of the Zouave squad : Lieu- tenant C. B. Revis, Harry Lauderbach, W. W. Pate, A. C. Barn, E. C. Summerfield, Bert Taylor, W. L. Lauderbach. W. T. Conway and Ben. Landauer.
After the Joplin Rifles disbanded, the Zouave squad was increased and formed into a company organization with the following officers: J. B. Glover, eaptain ; A. C. Barr, lieutenant ; H. O. Lauderbach, first ser- geant. The following new members were received into the company : Luther MeGehee, J. W. Henriehs, A. E. Spencer and T. B. Jenkins.
The company maintained its organization until after Company G., of the Second Infantry, was mustered, and during those years attracted much attention on account of the excellence of their drilling. The com-
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pany visited Parsons, Kansas, Carthage, Webb City, Neosho and other places, and always won the wildest applause for its splendid appearance. On the occasion of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood, the organiza- tion gave a benefit ball and cleared $1,500, which was sent to Governor Francis to be transmitted to the sufferers, along with other Missouri contributions.
Joplin had, during the middle 'eighties, a most excellent band, the Joplin Silver Cornet Band. Charles Dumars, later the leader of the Carthage Light Guard Band, was the musical director. The open air concerts by this band were features of Joplin's down-town amusements and were largely attended.
At the Parsons fair, in 1884, this band won the second honor in the band contest, a $150 prize, ou a score of 139 points out of a possible 150. The winning band was but one point their better.
MARDI GRAS IN JOPLIN
During the early 'eighties it was customary to celebrate Mardi Gras day in Joplin. The celebration was called the "Carnival of Rex Plum- bum : Lead is King."
The most successful of these celebrations occurred in March, 1881, when all Joplin masked and took part in the day's festivities. Two parades were had, one in the afternoon and one at night. Mose Weiler was marshal of the day. Fully five thousand out-of-town visitors wit- nessed the two parades.
The Herald gives the following graphie report of the day.
Tuesday morning beamed out with an almost unclouded sky and a balmy southern breeze that savored of the eoy advance of spring. Hlad a special com- mittee been empowered to dietate to the weather clerk the article of weather desired by His Majesty, Rex Plumbum, a more satisfactory brand could not possibly have been furnished. The long blockade of snow, storm, slush and mud had kept humanity pent up indoors until a sigh went up for relief and a reasonable pretext for a rollicking day in the open air. The beautiful balmy morning was all that could be desired, and the carnival of Rex Plumbum fur- nished the pretext ample for the masses to rush forth and mingle with the rev- elry of His Majesty and his loyal subjects.
The number of visitors who arrived by the evening trains of Monday was sufficient to tax the facilities of our numerous hotels for furnishing quarters. But it remains for the morning trains to prove that this region is populated. Long before noon the sidewalks on either side of Main street, from Broadway to Fourth, were lined with a mass of spectators anxiously awaiting the arrival of His Majesty and loyal clan and the formal inauguration of the carnival. The occasional appearance of some of the mystie erew arrayed in such extrava- gant costumes as a romantic Imagination could dictate, was a signal for a shout. The appearance of these phantoms grew more frequent. each rivaling its pre- decessor in hideousness, until it seemed as though a mysterious medley of In- dians, Arabs, Chinamen, goblins and devils incarnate had taken possession of the city.
At 2:30 o'clock the bells rang out in startling notes the announcement that the Royal cavalcade approached and all was expectation. The Royal chariot, preceded by His Majesty's cornet band and followed by his courtlers and re-
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tainers, advanced from the south. At the gates the mayor and faithful warder awaited the Royal visitors. The approach of the Royal cavalcade was signaled by three blasts from the trumpet of His Majesty's courtier, who advanced mounted, which was immediately responded to by three blasts from the trumpet of the warder of the gate.
The following is the salutation of the visitors :
Warder to Mayor: "Most inscrutable Don Pedro Paxales, mayor of the City of Lead. There is an alarm at the gates of the city."
Mayor: "Right excellent Whangdoodle, find out what the galoots want."
[Warder's trumpet. Three blasts.] [Courier's trumpet. Three blasts. ]
The warder then inquires of the courier what is wanted.
Courier to Warder: "Ilis Royal Majesty, Rex Plumbum, approaches the gates of the City of Lead with His Majesty's hosts of galoots and demands the freedom of your city, and that the freedom thereof be formally delivered to him."
Warder to Mayor: "The reason for this is that His Royal Majesty, Rex Plumbum, approaches the gates of the City of Lead with his mighty hosts of galoots and demands the freedom of your city and that the keys thereof be for- mally delivered to him."
Mayor to Warder: "Most excrutiating Whangdoodle, announce to Sir Guy- asticutus that I. Don Pedro l'axales, most inscrutible Mayor of the City of Lead, most blufiliously invites His Most Arrant Majesty, Rex Plumbum, to approach the gates and listen to the sweet voice of the child."
Warder to Courier: "Sir Guyasticutus, Chief of Ilis Majesty's galoots, the Most Honorable, the Most Inscrutible Don Pedro Paxales, Mayor of the City of Lead, most blufiliously, most hilariously and most punctiliously commands me, his most lugubrious subject, to invite llis Most Arrant Majesty, Rex Plumbum, to ap- proach the gates of the city and listen to the sweet voice of the little child."
Rex approaches and the Mayor delivers the following address
"Rex Plumbum, by the Grace of the Great Mogul, King of the Carnival : The undersigned, Mayor of the City of Lead, on the borders of Joplin, having heard with unspeakable gratitude of this Royal visit of His Majesty, the Great Guyasticutus of the rolicking raiders of this whole vast country, to the confines of our dens and dugouts, I have caused the Great Tin Horn to be sounded, and have commanded every individual who claims to hold authority against Your Majesty's wild dominion, to skedaddle to his hole. I have commanded the gates of the city to be thrown open for the reception of His Majesty, His Royal Retinue, all His Majesty's faithful scabs and serfs to whom now I surrender the City of Lead: and I welcome, in behalf of every stoughton bottle within the limits, His Majesty as the Most High Pakie; and to Ilis Majesty's Chief of Galoots I now turn over the keys of the City and sur- render my goose quill. And may the hair on the head of Ilis Majesty forever wave."
Royal Proclamation after receiving the keys: "As the adoration of my loyal subjects like sweetest incense arises before me, I, Rex Plumbum, am moved to speak and do, by my High Old Boy, publish this my Royal Proclamation. When 1, 'midst sulphurous gases grew, and in nature's realm claimed my own, it was that such as you, loyal subjects good and true. might join in making the conquest complete. Nobly have you served me. It is well. Fill full the flowing bowl, ye jovial band, and damned be he who first cries, Hold enough" The keys of the city have been delivered to me by my worthy servant the mayor. Long may he live to quaff the glass of foaming beer, nectar of the Gods. Let strong guards be placed at the outer gates, while ye my subjects, serfs and scabs, high carnival hold. Ye my braves the keys, the freedom of the city take, and with reast and joy and dance the hours begnile. Vol. II-19
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"1. Rex. have spoken. Let the wise rejoice and in grand procession forward move. Let the fool hunt his hole and the scoffer pull his hole in after him for I, the King, have spoken.
"Done at court in the City of Lead. this first day of the third month of the six thousand, nine hundred and twenty-first year of the reign of Rex Plumbum."
The line of parade was then taken up and moved on through the principal streets. At night there was another parade, illuminated by Chinese lanterns, there being no electric lights in the city at that time. After the last parade there was dancing at two of the largest halls in the town, which were the Opera House and Berz Hall.
The last celebration of Mardi Gras occurred March 5, 1889, and was noted for the gorgeousness of the parade. quite a number of unique features being in the spectacular pageantry. The parade was fully two miles long.
We republish here the newspaper account of the day, which is in- teresting as it shows a contrast in the plan of the celebration for the early and later part of the decade: "The weather clerk smiled pro- pitiously on Rex Plumbum's Mardi Gras carnival. After days of gloom that gave grave canse for anxiety, came a morning as bright and clear and crisp as early spring even in this favored latitude ever produced. Coming after such a protracted period of clouds and gloom it was doubly appreciable. After the long suspense a sigh of satisfaction deep and expressive went up from the Mardi Gras managers as they realized that their work of preparation was not in vain.
"As the hour for the procession approached, the sidewalks flanking Main street were lined by eager spectators. Awnings, balconies and front windows commanding a view of the street were in special request.
"The street had on its holiday garb and many buildings were pro- fusely decorated with the national colors that gave the scene a gala appearance. The occasional appearance of some of the mystic crew arrayed in such extravagant vesture as a romantic imagination might dietate gave the spectators diversion to while away the time of waiting. Troops of children in fantastic costumes flew around like goblins.
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