USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people, Vol. I > Part 34
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Webb City Lodge No. 115, Knights of Pythias, was instituted Feb- ruary 2, 1887, with twenty members, and at the close of 1889 had con- ferred the ranks on thirty brave men.
Reynolds Post, G. A. R., was also mustered in 1883 and has been a factor in the fraternal life of the city, having encouraged the observance of Decoration day, and also having taken a prominent part in the patriotic events, which have taken place in Webb City.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The following interesting sketch of Webb City's fire department was written by one of the "old boys," who knew from long participation in fire-fights what he was writing about. It is taken from the Joplin Globe:
"It is a somewhat remarkable fact that in the thirty-five years' his- tory of Webb City's existence there has never been a fire in which human life has been sacrificed. Nor has there during the existence of either the volunteer fire brigade or since the organization of the paid fire depart- ment been a single fireman who has sustained serious injury while rend- cring serviee in this line of public duty.
"With the exception of two fires that destroyed frame buildings oc- enpying about half a block on the principal business thoroughfare, Webb City has had the good fortune of escaping the serious damage that has happened to many towns of its size from wide-spread conflagrations. It has not been an unusual thing for the reports of the fire chief for a year to show less than score of fires, in which the total loss would not be more than four or five thousand dollars.
"With such a record of good fortune, therefore, it is not considered so very remarkable that since the indnetion into office of Charles W. Evans, the new fire chief, covering a period of over six weeks, there has not until Thursday night been a call sent in to fire headquarters, and the alarm which then came from the burning Winslow mining plant does not count as a city fire, as the property that burned is outside of the cor- poration limits.
PIONEER FIREMEN OF WEBB CITY
"In the way of reminiscence of this feature of the history of Webb City, a quartet of names included the men who have the best knowledge of what has happened in the way of fires, and of the measures taken in the way of providing protection against loss of life and property. These
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four are E. E. Spracklin, Henry Wonner, T. C. Hayden and Fire Chief Evans.
"It was under the leadership of Colonel Wonner and 'Tom' Hayden that the volunteer fire department was organized in 1889, Charles Evans was among the most active of its members, and it was while Mr. Spracklin was mayor, in 1899, that the present paid fire department was anthorized and organized.
"Until the close of the decade of the 'eighties Webb City had no other protection from fire but the bucket brigade, brought into service for the emergency of the moment and without any recognized chief to control or command. It was while this condition of affairs existed, covering the first fifteen years of the city's growth, that on two different occasions fires that threatened the business center of the town occurred. One of these started at the Barnes restaurant, at the southeast corner of Main and Allen streets, and destroyed buildings covering half a block; the other began in what was known as the Scott hotel, at the opposite corner, where the Webb City Drug Company's store now stands, and swept everything along Allen street up to Parker's saloon at its old site.
PULLED DYNAMITE OUT OF FIRE
"During the Barnes fire an incident occurred that Chief Evans has every reason to remember, as the occasion of an act of youthful heroism on his part which in his cooler moments has many a time since caused him to wonder how he did it. It was the custom then, it seems, for gro- cery stores to carry in stock a small quantity of dynamite, and knowing that it had been the habit of the firm of Gammon & Henderson, who had a store in that block, to keep an open box of powder on the premises, he rushed in to prevent, if possible, an explosion.
" 'If I had thought about it a moment,' says Evans, 'I expect I never would have taken the risk. Don't believe I would now, but that was near thirty years ago, and thirty years makes lots of difference in a man's life. The fire was burning furiously all around me when I went into the grocery store and found the open box of explosives standing there in the rear end, just where I had often seen it when I bought powder a dollar's worth at a time. Picking it up, I carried it through a shower of sparks and bits of burning timber falling as thick as hail. I ran across Allen street and west an Main, and I tell you nobody was better pleased than I when I dropped it in front of the old Webb place, later known as the Burgner property, and found I had got free of the tricky stuff without an accident having happened.'
TOM HAYDEN AND GEORGE MOSELEY
"The volunteer fire department lasted about ten years, and the first seven years after its organization Henry Wonner was fire chief, with T. C. Hayden as his assistant. Jesse Kerns and Elza Marquiss were fore- men of the two companies. They were furnished with hand hose carts,
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that were bought for them at Carthage and paid for by the coun- vil. Asked what big fires occurred while he was with the volunteer bri- gade. Hayden's characteristic reply was, 'We didn't have any ; we put 'em all out before they got big.'
"Mr. Hayden had come to Webb City with the prestige of having been a member of the renowned Southwest Mail hook and ladder com- pany of Nevada, which for a long time held the championship over all rival fire companies with whom they had come in competition. He threw all his native enthusiasm and resourcefulness into the training of the volunteer company here, and did much towards making it a most efficient organization. Ile tells a story of a visit one time to Carthage on one of the gala days at the county seat. in which a feature of the day's program was a tug of war.
" 'It was Webb City against Carthage,' he said, 'and we were a little shy in weight on our side. It was getting dark when the event was pulled off, and people couldn't see just who were the men on either side. George Moseley was then a member of the Carthage team, but I remember we succeeded in getting George to pull hard for Webb City about the time we needed him, and Carthage never knew just how they were beaten.'
COLONEL O'NEILL'S TIMELY OFFER
"Webb City until the purchase of the $5,000 fire auto recently had a paid fire brigade for about twelve years, with four or five men at head- quarters, and one of the original hose carts stationed at the west end, and manned when needed by volunteers who are paid for their services.
" 'It took a hard fight,' says Colonel Spracklin, 'to get the council to agree to the purchase of a fire wagon and team and the keeping of men constantly on duty at headquarters. I have reason to remember, for I happened to be mayor at that time. A majority of the council was against the proposition, and I don't know that it would have pulled through but for the timely aid of Colonel James O'Neill. When the eoun- cil had apparently blocked the establishment of a paid fire department, Colonel O'Neill came to me and said, 'Go ahead; buy the wagon and horses, and if the eouneil won't vote the money, draw on me and I'll meet the bill.' But, after a while, the council thought better of the pro- position and the money was paid without availing ourselves of Colonel ('Neill's public-spirited proposition.' "
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE (1883)
Perhaps the most destructive fire which occurred in Webb City dur- ing the 'eighties was that which burned the Pacific Hotel and adjoining buildings.
In February. 1883. a fire broke out in the Pacific Hotel and before the sleeping inmates were aware of it, had spread beyond control. The hotel was a frame structure and was completely destroyed. together with six other buildings in the block.
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The town was soon alarmed and hundreds of citizens turned out to help fight the fire. Parker saloon which was afire was, by heroie efforts, pulled over into the ruins and thus the fire was kept from spreading. While this work of pulling down the saloon was in progress other men were carrying water in bnekets from nearby wells and water barrels to keep the adjoining buildings wet. The houses and stores on the opposite side of the street were on fire several times, but were saved. A large livery stable near by, which was well filled with hay and feed, was un- touched by the fire, all of which seemed a miracle as the building was one of the oldest in town, dry as tinder, and while the conflagration was in progress the sparks from the burning hotel were continually flying over it.
The inmates of the hotel were awakened from their shimber and many of them were obliged to fly for their lives, without taking time to dress. The Times, in its account of the fire, said that the costumes worn by the boarders, as they came out of the burning building, would have been most unique at a masquerade ball.
One young man, now a prominent business man of Joplin, came run- ning ont of the building wearing a plug hat, a dress coat over his night shirt, and carrying his trousers, socks and shoes.
Another appeared bare headed, wearing a rubber coat and carrying his trousers and shoes.
Another man jumped from the second story of the burning building attired in a suit of red flannel underwear and the spectators present said that his flight through the flames gave a splendid representation of Mephistopheles in the Black Crook, a spectacular play popular in those days.
One man, C. E. Spencer, escaped without loss, as he took time to dress and emerged from the building carrying his trunk with him.
Col. Arthur J. Myers gave the following account of his personal ex- perience during the fire: "I was awakened by some one pounding on my door and calling 'fire!' 1 sprang from my bed and looking out saw the fire in the room across the hall from me, and thinking that the bed was on fire seized the water pitcher and ran to help extinguish it. A second glance showed me that the building was on fire and I returned to my room for the purpose of getting my clothing. By this time the hall and room were filled with smoke and by the time I got on my pants, shoes and coat the flames had almost reached my room. I got down stairs some way, got a lamp and undertook to return to my room for the purpose of getting my valuables. Just as I reached the door the smoke put out the lamp and 1 was so stifled that I fell to the floor and was so choked that I eould not call for help. All of a sudden I felt something stumble against me and heard some one say 'What in h-1 is this?' I was then carried down the stairs and out into the street. I lost my money, many valuable papers and relics that could not be replaced ; among them my uniform and sword, old coins, a prayer book printed in both English and Hebrew and published in 1820, and many other keepsakes."
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LEAP YEAR PARTIES (1884)
In Mareh, 1884, the young ladies of Webb City gave their first leap year ball. It was a most enjoyable affair and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present. The following were among the fortunate ones to be in attendance : Annie Coyne and Paul Davey ; Allie Rice and Guss Weyman ; Mollie Rice and E. E. Spracklin ; Allie MeCorkle and Joe Aylor; Georgie MeCorkle and Dave Mack; Clara Fountain of Carterville and Ed Bourne: Annie Jeffery and - Buel; Arria Jenkyn and T. J. Harrington ; Clara Cann and Edgar Magruder; Ida Aylor and Dave Sutherland; Jennie Magruder and Will Wright; Jennie Robertson and W. M. Robertson; Minnie Chinn and W. S. Chinn; Jennie Columbia and Chris Columbia ; - Hendrickson and Dorie Hendrickson ; Fannie Wright and W. C. Stewart; Hettie Trne and Will Burton; Hattie Gates and Mr. Ellis Piek ; Carrie Overstreer and Geo. Gammon; Tadie Hann and Chas. Ebert ; - Shirley and Thos. Flourney ; - Eggerman and Ed Merridith ; Belle Vanfassen and Dave Goff; Sadie Coyne and L. Reynolds ; Carrie Baker and Robt. Reynolds; Flo Powell of Joplin and Capt. J. G. Reed. In addition to the above were the following spectators : Messrs. and Mesdames C. A. Parker, E. N. Morton, T. A. Parker and John Brown; Misses Gladys Manker and IIelen Jones; Mrs. Henderson and daughter, Lula; Misses Hankman and Walter; Mrs. Baker and Messrs. A. Martin and James Glass.
On February 29, 1888, at the Webb City Opera House occurred the second leap year ball of the Webb City smart set and was even more brilliant than the first, for at this second function the dresses worn by the fair sex were most elaborate and the gentlemen present vied with the ladies in the correctness of their attire, many of them appearing in full dress.
Although everybody was in a happy frame of mind, the printed rules for the occasion contributed not a little to the spirit of pleasantry that pervaded the evening.
One rule laid down the following law for the evening: "Gentlemen will conduet themselves in a lady-like manner."
Another declared that "no lady should smile unless accompanied by a gentleman," and still another said that "wall flowers should ask con- solation of the ladies who had been there and knew how it felt to sit out a dance," and, as a final decree, engaged young men were eautioned against flirting as it was in exceedingly bad taste-"tit for tat."
At 12 o'clock the hostesses escorted their "willing subjeets" to the dining room of the .J. A. Craig restaurant and there served them with a bounteous repast, after which the bashful and timid y n' men were es- corted home in carriages.
The following committees had charge of the ball: "wer committee : Misses Ella Reed, Gladys Manker, Pet Reed and Sis Corey.
Reception-Mrs. W. S. Chinn, Essie Overstreet The Riee, May Turnpaw and Allie MeCorkle.
The following were present: Loan Hager and ' Hager; Tade Flourney and Tom Flourney; Carrie Hann and (1, J ann; Vaddie
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Whiteley and Memphis Trimble; Allie MeCorkle and Chas. Manker; Gladys Manker and Tom Headen; Ella Reed and Dan King; Ida Ayer and Dave Sutherland ; May Turnpaw and Charles Sutherland; Hattie Carey and Frank Walker; Fannie Koontz and Clarence Gaston ; Lyddia Byrd and Walter Spurgeon ; Byrdie Newmyer and Mr. Cowan; Pet Reed and Jas. Coyne; Sis. Carey and Harry Green; Pet Johnson and Virgil McCoy; Hattie Reid and Mort Chambers; V. Letta Speaks and Will Wright; Mattie Hansen and Chas. Hansen; Mrs. Dave Mack and Dave Mack; May Byron and Thos. Coyne; Mrs. Byron and Dr. Whiteley ; Julia Fallis and Jas. Fallis, Joplin ; Lillie Elliott and Maude Rose, Oronogo : May Mitchell, Carthage, and Charles Ebert ; Minnie Chinn and Charles Stephenson, Carthage ; Essie Overstreer and Mr. Fills, Carthage ; Allie Rice and Will Alrich; W. S. Chinn, Ben Peppers, Lon Archraft, Jasper Mars, Porter Curr and Lewis Reed.
Spectators: Walt Tholburn, Mr. and Mrs. Mathews, Mrs. Spracklin, Mrs. Hagar, Oronogo, Nora Mares, Cora Tholborn and others.
K. P. MASQUERADE BALL
In December, 1887, the Knights of Pythias gave a masquerade ball which was one of the social affairs of the year. The music, which was furnished by an orchestra of Knights from Carthage and Lamar, was especially fine.
More than one hundred masquers were on the floor, and the following partial list was furnished by the society reporter of the Times who at- tended the function : Duke of Orleans, J. T. Raysdale, Carthage ; Duke of Argyle, H. Cohn, Carthage; Court Jester, J. W. Fisher, Carthage ; French Count, Frank Panley, Carthage; Uncle Sam, C. T. Sweet, Webb City ; Young Lady, C. G. Fishburn, Webb City ; Count, C. P. Hendrick- son, Webb City; Mikado, J. Hillman, Carthage; Scotch Highlander, A. Stultz, Oronogo ; Duke of Essex, M. Elhart, Oronogo; Pink Dominoes, Lil- lie and Belle Stafford, Oronogo; Swiss Girl, Belle Chaney, Oronogo; Goddess of Liberty, Laura Snyder, Oronogo ; Fortune Teller, Miss Short, Oronogo; Clown, Julius Becker, Joplin; Fancy Dress, May Byron, Jop- lin; Rowing Costume, Miss Stultz, Oronogo; Clown, - - Henderson, Webb City; Webb City Belles, Ella Reid, Pet Reid, Aley Carey, Pet Johnson, Essie Overstreer, Callie Overstreer and Henrietta Miller; Chap- eron, Mrs. Hagar, Oronogo.
IN HONOR OF MR. AND MRS. W. C. STEWART
One of the most enjoyable social affairs in Webb City ocenrred in No- vember, 1887, the occasion being a reception given by Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Stewart in honor of W. C. Stewart and wife, who had just returned to Webb City after an extended wedding tour. The room was brilliantly lighted and beautifully decorated, the profusion of flowers lending an elegancy which rivaled the beauty of the charming bride and the hosts of beautiful women present. Vol J-20
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During the evening the famous Stephenson Wheatly Quartet-for- merly of Webb City but then residents of Carthage-rendered a charm- ing program of musical numbers, and at ten o'clock a sumptuous banquet was served at which J. C. Stewart, in his usual pleasant manner, pre- sided as toast master.
Those present voted the affair to have been the most brilliant recep- tion held in Webb City during the 'eighties. The following were the guests of the evening : Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Hulett, Mr. and Mrs. C. P. Hendrickson, Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Mathews, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Maek, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Webb, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Aylor, Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Ashcraft, Mr. and Mrs. S. Morris, Mr. and Mrs. JJ. B. Overstreer, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Chinn. Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Manker, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Koontz. Mr. and Mrs. L. Green, Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Murray, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Wolfe, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Robertson (Carthage), Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Wheatley (Carthage). Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Stevenson (Carthage), Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Lewis ( Joplin ) ; and Mesdames Ed Morton, R. L. Morton, A. MeCorkle. R. S. Gaston. JJohn Cooper, M. P. Henderson ; and Messrs. C. W. Stephenson, Guss Hann, Harry Green, L. G. Gray, C. E. Me Bride, W. II. Write. Jesse Zook, II. G. Gaston, C. M. Manker, G. F. Edgar, C. L. Fishburn, Thomas Flourney, L. L. Conner and others.
WEBB CITY'S SECOND BANK
In the summer of 1889 Messrs. J. C. Stewart and brother, with the principal stockholders of the Center Creek Mining Company-the com- pany which perhaps more than any other made Webb City famous-or- ganized the Exchange Bank and soon built up a splendid business. This bank financed quite a number of the big projeets of Webb City which were organized during the 'nineties and was a fine institution, although failed during the panic of 1893, to temporarily suspend until a realization could be made of its paper, it having loaned heavily to the mining com- panies who were opening up the district. There was no financial loss on account of its temporary suspension. In 1906 the Exchange Bank na- tionalized and is now known as the Webb City National Bank.
CHAPTER XXVII
CARTERVILLE AND OTHER MATTERS
CARTERVILLE DURING THE 'EIGIITIES-FIRST MODERN MINING MILL-CITY GOVERNMENT REORGANIZED-THE CHURCHES-SCHOOLS-VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT-AMONG THE LODGES-CARTERVILLE'S FIRST PAPER -CADETS-JASPER COUNTY'S MILITARY- FIFTH REGIMENT, MISSOURI STATE GUARD-REGIMENTAL CAMP AT CARTHAGE-BEN D. EARING'S CAMP MEETING-COLD WINTER OF 1884-MARKET REPORTS IN 1885- MINERAL TOWNSHIP RAILWAY BONDS-ORONOGO CYCLONE-I. O. O. F. CELEBRATION, 1886-LEHIGH-BELVILLE-ZINATE-THE SARCOXIE FAIR.
The 'eighties were all years of great activity for Carterville. The population increased 2,401 during the decade and all business activities grew in proportion, more particularly the mining industry, some of the richest mines of the district being opened up during that period.
FIRST MODERN MINING MILL
The first mining mill to be built in the county was constructed at Carterville, in 1880, by Weyman & Guengerich, and with the erection of this plant, the modern methods of cleaning and handling the mineral in southwestern Missouri was begun. We chronicle a few of the happen- ings of Carterville during the 'eighties in order that the reader may understand the importance of this city in a business and social way.
THE CITY GOVERNMENT REORGANIZED
In June, 1882, a petition was presented to Justice J. G. W. Hunt praying that an election be ordered to fill the several city offices of Carter- ville. The election was ordered and resulted in the choice of the follow- ing Board of Trustees: F. M. Hagerman, J. P. Walker, H. M. Gray, B. D. Morrell and F. A. Darrow. On June 25th the board organized by selecting F. M. Hagerman, chairman and J. G. W. Hunt, clerk. J. A. Poundstone was appointed marshal.
On Feb. 21, 1883, the city voted almost unanimously to organize as a city of the fourth class and at the spring election, April 4th, elected the following officers: Mayor, J. M. Straight; aldermen-J. S. Wilson, H. M. Gray, C. A. Hannum and G. F. C. Coil; marshal, W. G. Barley, city clerk ; J. G. W. Hunt, treasurer ; P. E. Hannum ; and S. N. Andrews, city attorney.
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THE CHURCHIES
In proportion to its growth in a business way, and in point of size, Carterville grew in religious spirit. The Methodists conducted a very successful revival, making one hundred and thirty conversions, while the Baptists and Christians each built up strong churches and erected houses of worship.
Among the eloquent ministers was the Rev. R. J. Downing, the Baptist preacher. Mr. Downing was a talented man, a graduate of West Point and a most eloquent speaker. Rev. J. J. Martin, one of the early pastors of the Methodist church, was also a gifted speaker.
THE SCHOOLS
Carterville, during its days as a mining camp, organized as a country school district, and as such built a substantial four room frame sehool house. In 1887, however, the school district voted to organize as a city district.
In 1886 the school board formally prescribed a course of study and classified the pupils of the High School, the first class graduating in 1887 under the able superintendency of Professor Turk. This first elass was an exceptionally strong one and, of its members, all have achieved a high degree of success in a business and professional way.
Professor Turk was succeeded in 1888 by W. L. Bray, a strong teacher formerly of Clarence, Missouri, and Frank L. MeGoon, as High School teacher. Mr. Bray retired from the school in 1889 and was succeeded by Mr. MeGoon, who gave the people a vigorous school administration. Mr. MeGoon moved to St. Louis during the early 'nineties where he studied medicine and received his degree in 1893, still keeping up his interest in the public schools and being held a member of the St. Lonis Board of Education in 1899.
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
In 1888 the Webb City-Carterville water works was built and on its completion the Carterville fire department was organized with Sidney Byers as chief of the department.
The Carterville fire department was an exceptionally strong organiza- tion, its personnel representing the very best citizens of the town, who remained connected with the department for many years. Some of them, although now grown grey, remain in the department as honorary mem- bers. This department did most efficient work and reduced the fire losses in Carterville to a mininum. At the South Western Firemen's Tourna- ment it twice captured the championship banner, as well as capturing first money at Kansas City at the Volunteer Firemen's meet in 1900. They tied for second place at the fire manœuvres at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, some four hundred volunteer companies having competed
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against them. The following gentlemen have served as chief of the Carter- ville fire department : Sidney Byers, William Rose, F. B. Looms and Her- man Cole.
AMONG THE LODGES
The triple-link fraternity, the I. O. O. F., was the first to plant the fraternal banner in Carterville. In 1874 Lodge No. 314 was organized at Oronogo, but after the opening of the Webb City-Carterville mines most of the members moved to Carterville and the members of that place peti- tioned the grand master to move the meeting place of the lodge to Carter- ville. This was done, the lodge meeting for the first time at Carterville on January 6, 1880.
In 1882 the order built and furnished a very elegant lodge hall.
The Ancient Order of United Workmen and Grand Army of Republic both organized lodges in 1883, the Select Legion of the former, under the captaincy of D. B. Maurey, being one of the best drilled semi-military societies in southwestern Missouri.
The Masons also established themselves in Carterville. A more extended mention of this fraternity will be made in our Carterville ehap- ter of the 'nineties.
CARTERVILLE'S FIRST PAPER
In 1885 T. J. Shelton and W. D. Sallee founded the Carterville Min- ing Review and published it with good success for a number of years. Mr. Sallee was a strong writer, and made good as an editor. He also published, during the later 'eighties a fraternal paper called the Knight of the Golden Eagle.
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