USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people, Vol. I > Part 39
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"Great Men of the Century," L. E. Brous.
"The Present Age of Woman's Opportunity," Hattie M. Means.
"Young American Citizenship," James Potter.
Mr. Potter won the gold medal for oratory.
The following entered the declamatory contest :
"The Golden Arm," Miss C. O. Luscom.
"The First and Last Defeat of Black Hawk," C. B. Malsenger.
"Ode to the Fallen," Miss M. P. John.
The first named speaker carried off the honors in this contest.
CARTHAGE FEDERATION OF WOMEN'S CLUBS
As mentioned in a former article devoted to the Queen City, Car- thage has always been a literary city and, like Old Boston, intellect and moral worthi have been the measures by which social standing was rated rather than wealth. The women's club movement all over the state came into great prominence during the middle nineties and found Carthage with seven women's literary elubs, and these, in 1897, formed a federation of women's clubs with the following officers: President, Mrs. T. B. Hobbs; vice-presidents, Mrs. I. C. Hodson and Mrs. Samuel McReynolds; secretary, Miss Daisy Reed; corresponding secretary, Miss Matilda Wright; auditor, Mrs. V. A. Wallace; treasurer, Mrs. E. B. Jacobs.
With the view of bringing about a more complete organization and for the mutual benefit of the elub women of southwestern Missouri, the Carthage Federation of Women's Clubs invited the club women of the several southwestern Missouri cities to attend a reception at the residenee of President Mrs. T. B. Hobbs on November 9, 1897. Two hundred invitations were sent out and there was an almost unanimous Vol I-23
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acceptance, eighty-one out-of-town club women being present, a repre- sentative being present from the following: The Century, the Emer- son, and the Unity Literary clubs of Joplin; the Woman's Study Club of Webb City; Pierce City Reading Club, and the Friends in Council, of Springfield. The reception was a most elegant affair, the following ladies assisting President Hobbs: Mrs. R. E. MeCarty, President Local C. L. S. C., Carthage; Mrs. I. C. Hodson, President Vineent Club, C. L. S. C., Carthage; Mrs S. S. Riley, President Iantha Club, C. L. S. C., Carthage; Mrs. C. A. Turner, President Stratford Shakespeare Club, Carthage ; Mrs. May Brader, President, Fifth Section Century Club, Carthage; Mrs. Geo. Stebbins, President E. H. Section Century Club, Carthage ; Mrs. C. A. Blair, President Tourist Club, Carthage.
After everybody was acquainted, an excellent program was ren- dered, after which a dainty luncheon was served. This reception was the beginning of a series of highly enjoyable literary and social meet- ings of the club women of southwestern Missouri. It is with a touch of pride that we refer to the fact that it was Jasper county women who took the initiative in this very laudable work of spreading the higher thought among the women of the southwest.
WHIST CONTESTS
During the early nineties whist came into great popularity in Carthage and it was quite a popular pastime for the crack players of the county seat to meet the strong players of other cities in friendly contest ; and these championship games always attracted much interest. Col. W. K. Caffee, Paul Davay, A. B. Deutsch and C. O. IIarrington were among the best whist players of Carthage, and during the month of February, 1890, they were challenged by the crack team of Cohim- bus, Kansas, to play a game.
The Columbus team consisted of Judge Cheshire, W. T. Timberlake, J. B. Henderson and Mr. Chamberlain. The game was played at Co- lumbus and occupied an entire afternoon. The score at the close stood : Carthage, 245 points; Columbus, 192.
REUNION OF THE SIXTH KANSAS CAVALRY, U. S. V.
As mentioned in our war chapter, many of the Jasper county citi- zens who were loyal to the government went to Kansas and enlisted with the troops of that state. After the war they returned home and many of their comrades, who had been attracted by the native beauty of Jasper county (the regiment passed through Southwest Missouri many times during the progress of hostilities), came here to make their homes when the great unpleasantness was over, among them being Col. Wm. Clome, the old commander.
From October 15-17, 1890, the Sixth Kansas Cavalry Veteran Association held its annual reunion at Carthage and was attended by 198 survivors of that famous regiment. Chas. W. Elliott of Oronogo
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was the president of the association and spared no pains to make the gathering the most enjoyable one ever had. At the close of the reunion a sumptuous banquet was served by the citizens of Carthage and much enjoyed-a number of the men who wore the gray attending the gath- ering, at the request and invitation of President Elliott, and assisting in the entertainment. The supper was served in Armory Hall, and six long tables were spread for the guests.
The following toasts were proposed and responded to: "The Vet- erans of the Sixth Kansas Cavalry," Geo. E. Emery; "The Flag," Jno. W. Halliburton (who wore the gray) ; "The Volunteer Soldier," Maj. Harding; "The Girl I Left Behind Me," Al Cahn; "The Ladies of the Sixth," A. W. St. John; "Our Government," Major Kender- dine; "The Sons of Veterans," Colonel Klein.
CHAPTER XXXII
LODGE AND SOCIAL EVENTS
Y. M. C. A. PERMANENTLY ORGANIZED-CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CAL- ENDAR FAIR-I. O. O. F. NATAL DAY-THE UNIFORM RANK, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS DECORATION DAY-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS COLUMBIAN BALL-OGLESBY CAMP, SONS OF VETERANS, MEMORIAL MONUMENT-THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC- ASCENSION DAY, 1891-THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF BLUE LODGE- DEPARTMENT ENCAMPMENT, G. A. R.
A Young Men's Christian Association had been organized in Car- thage in 1881, although its meetings had not been kept up regularly, and in January, 1890, a meeting was called to reorganize the associa- tion and to take steps to provide permanent quarters for meetings, reading rooms, etc. Professor Wardel was chairman of the meeting and E. E. Branden, secretary. Eighteen men signed the roll at this meeting, an adjournment was taken to a future date and an invitation extended to T. S. McPheeters, of St. Louis, chairman of the Y. M. C. A. State Board, to be present and address the members.
Y. M. C. A. PERMANENTLY ORGANIZED
At this meeting, January 29, 1890, thirty-five more names were added to the roster and the organization was perfected.
The officers clected for 1890 were as follows: Dr. L. I. Matthews, president ; Hall Warden, secretary. Executive committee :- President Matthews, W. W. Calhoun, C. T. McElroy, F. D. Porter, Dr. L. E. Whitney, George Chilcote, W. E. Hall, G. Drekens, S. W. Driesback, E. E. Gard and H. L. Baker.
From that day to now the Young Men's Christian Association has been a fixture in Carthage and has exerted a great influence for good in the community. Its attractive reading rooms and gymnasium feat- ures have provided splendid social and club advantages to its members.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CALENDAR FAIR
One of the most enjoyable and also novel church entertainments given in Carthage during the nineties occurred April 2, 1890, at Ar- mory Hall, and was known as the Calendar Fair. The entertainment
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was given by the ladies of the Congregational church. The twelve months of the year were represented by twelve booths appropriately decorated and either by the entertainment furnished, or the articles sold, typifying the month or season.
The booth January was appropriately decorated to represent a winter scene and here, emblematic of New Year's day, refreshments were served free, new acquaintances were made and old time friend- ships renewed. This was really a splendid thought, because every one was put in a happy frame of mind at this first booth and at the visita- tion of the other eleven stations enjoyed themselves to the highest de- gree and, incidentally, spent their money more freely.
February was an old-fashioned New England kitchen. Yankee dishes were served and valentines and hatchets were offered for sale.
March, as a rule, is a windy month and while here in southwestern Missouri there is an occasional warm spell, still the frosty nights and cutting northeast winds remind us of the old fable-picture of Winter sitting in the lap of Spring, and so during these changeable days and blustering nights a sack of pop eorn, or a bag of hot peanuts, is just the thing to drive away the cold-or punctuate a lagging conversation on the way home from singing school or the literary. March was a eandy store and here tempting confections, peanuts and pop corn were sold.
In April when the city folks long for the first country air and hike to the woods for a scent of green, there it is that the happy lovers stroll along the long woody lanes to visit the fortune teller. The April booth was a veritable country bower, where the traveler found a lively gypsy camp-tents, camp fire and all-where one of the most bewitch- ing Carthage ladies, dressed as "Wild Zenguralia," read palms at twenty-five cents per. It might be added that the readings were highly satisfactory and very comforting. Business men were told that they would prosper, politicians that they would be elected and every swain was as ardent a lover as Leander and the object of his affeetion as true as Hero.
May was the fancy bazaar where all kinds of scarfs, doilies, pretty neekwear and faney work generally was offered for sale.
June was the flower booth and here cut flowers and potted plants were sold.
July, the natal month, was represented by the toy store, flags and fireworks being the stock principally featured.
August, the hottest month, led the sight-seers to the ice cream parlor and here they refreshed themselves on ices, cold drinks and cream.
At the next booth the little red schoolhouse and the ringing of the school bell announced that September had eome, and with it the de- inand for books, tablets, slates, pencils, etc., which were sold to the needy.
October was typified by a picture gallery and very properly so. In October, when the harvest is gathered, the falling leaves tell the story of the departing glory of the summer. The rich beauty of the fields,
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the grandeur of the forest, would be lost in winter if it were not for the magic touch of the painter who transcribes the glories of nature to the canvas and keeps before us the memories of the past.
November again brought out the skill of the New England house- wife and set before the visitor at the inn a tempting Thanksgiving dinner.
It is needless to say that in December Christmas and the holiday season was the paramount idea brought out, and the toys and Christmas cheer made old and young be children again and sent them home in the happiest possible frame of mind.
I. O. O. F. NATAL DAY
The Odd Fellows of Jasper county celebrated the natal day April 26, 1890, at Carthage and, although the day was exceedingly disagreea- błe, a heavy downpour of rain marring the pleasure of the celebration, the exercises were attended by five hundred members of the fraternity. The Patriarchs Militant made a most imposing appearance, the canton from Lamar being voted the "cake" for general appearance and mili- tary bearing, every man in the company measuring six feet or more and not a single one weighing less than one hundred and eighty pounds. Rev. H. M. Hackney, of Joplin, was the orator of the day and delivered a pleasing address on the "Foundation Stone of Odd Fellowship."
In the evening the assemblage sat down to a banquet and the follow- ing toasts were proposed and responded to, the speaker being intro- dueed in a happy vein by Al Cahn, who presided as toastmaster :
"Friendship," Rev. Pine, Carterville.
"Our Country," J. W. Halliburton, Carthage.
"The World, Our Field," Jno. B. Cole, Lamar.
"The Canton," Capt. Ira Creech, Joplin.
THE UNIFORM RANK, KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
What Knights Templarism is to Masonry and the Patriarchs Mili- tant are to Odd Fellowship, the Uniform Rank is to Pythianism. The military branch of the Knights of Pythias is so called because it car- ries out the chivalric idea of the several ranks of knighthood, the mili- tary branch, of course, being the Uniform Rank.
The U. R. K. P. came into great prominence in southwestern Mis- souri during the early nineties and Carl Gray, of Carthage, then di- vision freight agent of the Frisco System being the father of the move- ment. Carthage division No. 34 won for itself, and the county seat, great fame, and for a number of years was a great factor in the fra- ternal life of the city. More extended mention of the Carthage Company Uniform Rank has been made in our notes of the semi-military societies in the county-at-large. .
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KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS DECORATION DAY
The third Sunday in June of 1890 was set apart as Knights of Pythias Memorial Day and, beginning with June 18th of that year, Fraternal Lodge No. 14 of Carthage has since appropriately observed that day. The first Decoration Day ceremonies were largely attended, A. R. Crane, of Lamar, being the orator of the occasion. The graves of the several departed Knights were decorated with flowers and the tender and comforting address of the speaker gave to the large gather- ing of Pythians a new inspiration, pointing the way to a nobler, grander and better life.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS COLUMBIAN BALL
The Knights of Pythias is purely an American institution, having been organized in Washington, D. C., and among its fundamental prin- ciples is the ineuleation of patriotism and love of country.
One of the most enjoyable social events in Carthage during the early nineties was the K. P. Columbian ball, given December 21, 1892. The ball room was most beautifully decorated with the colors of the order and the flags of the nation. One hundred couples, most of them wearing the uniform of the order, participated in the dance, while many more witnessed the splendid pageant and lent eelat to the ocea- sion by their presenee. Quite a number of Knights from the surround- ing eities were in attendance.
OGLESBY CAMP, SONS OF VETERANS, MEMORIAL MONUMENT
Oglesby Camp, Sons of Veterans, was, during the nineties, a pop- ular organization. It was strong numerically and played an important part in lodge eireles. One of the most important things accomplished by the eamp during the decade was the launching and carrying to a successful completion, a movement to build a monument in Central Park which would commemorate the deeds of the Jasper county Union veterans.
The movement was begun Lineoln's birthday, February 12, 1890, when the organization conducted a publie camp fire, at which Dr. Reecer, of the Collegiate Institute, and Hon. Jno. H. Flannigan, de- livered addresses. Following the memorial in honor of the great libera- tor, a fair was had, numerous artieles were disposed of, and the money raised was placed in a fund to be used in building the monument. Al Cahn was the master of ceremonies and ereated much merriment by his announcements. His witty sayings and droll stories told in presenting the several artieles for sale, put the audience in a happy frame of mind and made their bazaar a success.
Among the artieles offered were a barrel of apples, which was to be voted to the handsomest man in the audience, and a barrel of pota- toes to the homeliest in the house. In his offering Mr. Cahn elosed his remarks by stating, in his inimieable way, that they had plenty of potatoes at his home, but were short on apples.
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The vote to determine who was the handsomest man was as follows: Al Cahn, 100; Major Beeby, 93; Captain Buckbee, 12; Frank Hill, 4.
The vote to determine who should get the potatoes was not quite so spirited, being: Rit Myers, 30; A. W. St. John, 24; Dr. King, 10.
The barrel of apples and the bushel of potatoes netted $112, which made a nice little nueleus for the monument fund, which was added to from time to time. The monument is a beautiful memorial pillar, at- testing the valor of the boys in blue. The State Camp, Sons of Vet- erans, met in Carthage, May 17-18, 1892, and Oglesby Camp did itself proud in the matter of entertainment.
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC
The G. A. R. posts of Jasper county on the invitation of Stanton Post, No. 16, participated in a three days' reunion at the Fair grounds July 4-6, 1890, IIon. Leo. Reassieur, of St. Louis, being the principal orator. One of the features of this reunion was a flag-raising at each of the publie sehools of Carthage on July 4th, when Old Glory was flung to the breeze and floated proudly over the schools. A mention of the meeting of the Missouri Department, G. A. R., is made elsewhere.
ASCENSION DAY, 1891
Ascension Day, May 7, 1891, was duly celebrated by the Knights Templar of Jasper and Barton counties, Jasper Commandery, of Car- thage, being the hosts and the Knights of Aseension Commandery of Joplin, and Mount Olive Commandery, of Lamar, with their ladies, being the guests. Two hundred Knights were present and the parade was a most beautiful sight.
The services were held in the First Methodist church and were eon- cluded by the entire assemblage repeating the Apostle's Creed; the white plumed champions of the Christian religeon, after the aneient enstom of the feudal times, plaeed their right hands on their partially drawn swords, as they repeated the vow. After the services the Knights and their ladies were escorted to the beautiful homes of W. E. Hall and W. T. Tuttle where, while the Carthage Light Guard band, then seeond to no musical organization in the state, discoursed the sweetest music, light refreshments were freely dispensed.
In the evening, at Armory Hall, a sumptuous banquet was served and was thoroughly enjoyed by the Knights and their ladies. The fol- lowing after-dinner speeches rounded off the day's pleasure and sent every one who sat at the festive board home with the kindliest feelings for Carthage and her splendid people :
"The Grand Commandery," Rev. Dr. C. L. Woods, of Neosho.
" Ascension Commandery," Sir F. E. Williams, Joplin.
"Mount Olive Commandery," Eminent Sir G. B. Thurman, Lamar.
"The Eastern Star," Sir J. M. Stevenson, Carthage.
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"The Ladies," Sir J. Y. Leeming, Webb City.
"The Day We Celebrate," Sir Allen Ward, Carthage.
"The Knights of Southwestern Missouri," Sir S. A. Underwood, Joplin.
"The Knights of Southeastern Kansas," Sir W. B. Stone, Galena.
THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF BLUE LODGE
January 13, 1897, rounded out thirty years of Masonie influenees in Carthage and the event was duly celebrated by the blue lodges of the county. A delegation from Joplin, Webb City, Earlville, Oronogo and Sareoxie being present at the meeting of the Carthage lodge. E. B. Jacobs, master, presided. Past Master Robinson, who, was the first presiding officer of the lodge, was present, was escorted to a seat at the right of the chair and given an ovation. At the elose of the lodge the ladies of the Eastern Star served a supper to the eraft.
DEPARTMENT ENCAMPMENT, GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
The Seventh Annual meeting of the Missouri department, G. A. R., was held in Carthage, May 19-21, 1898, and was a great event in G. A. R. and Sons of Veterans eireles at the county seat. Stanton Post No. 16, of Carthage, was a strong one and composed of some of the best business men of the eity, and the department was entertained in a most excellent manner. The eity was profusely decorated with flags and the grand opera house, where the meetings were held, was exceptionally well ornamented with the national colors.
Among the pietures which graced the walls of the building were the familiar faces of the great soldiers of the Civil war and the new heroes of the day-Roosevelt, Dewey, Sampson, Sehley, and Fitzhugh Lee, who, in the Spanish-American war, were winning new laurels for the nation.
The meetings of the department were presided over by John R. Platt, of Kingston, department commander. Senior Department Com- mander Col. Chas. H. Morgan, of Lamar, was the only state offieer not answering to roll eall, but when his name was ealled the department adjutant made the announcement that he was with the boys of the Fifth Missouri, fighting for Cuban independence and this announcement was greeted with a round of applause.
Over six hundred veterans registered at headquarters. The vet- erans were from the troops of twenty-two different states. Among those who registered was H. B. Kramer, of St. Louis, who was in Carthage with Sigel and. as a member of Essy's famous battery, participated in the battle of July 5, 1861. A severe rain storm spoiled the parade and this was a great disappointment to the people.
In the election of offieers, Capt. T. B. Tuttle, of Carthage, was chosen junior vice department commander, as a mark of token of regard
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for the splendid work he had done as chairman of the committee of arrangements.
At the elose of the session Captain Tuttle, on behalf of the Carthage veterans, presented eael of the delegates with a beautiful G. A. R. badge, made in blue and gold, as a pendant, which hung from a tiny silk United States flag.
The eneampment elosed with a basket pienie at Lake Side Park, which was a very enjoyable affair.
CHAPTER XXXIII
JOPLIN IN THE 'NINETIES
LOCAL POLITICS AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS-THIE OPENING OF WALL STREET-OPENING AND BUILDING OF EAST SEVENTH STREET-BUILD)- ING OF THE CITY LIGHT PLANT-BANKS AND BANKING-JOPLIN RE- COVERS FROM THE PANIC OF '93-SOUTH JOLPIN-JOPLIN SPECIAL ROAD DISTRICT-JOPLIN ELECTRIC RAILWAY-CUNNINGHAM'S GROVE BECOMES A CITY PARK-THIE "JOPLIN DAILY GLOBE"-JOPLIN TELEPHONE COMPANY-REDELL'S DEEP WELL-VOLUNTEER FIRE- MEN'S TOURNAMENTS-THE PAID DEPARTMENT.
The early 'nineties in Joplin's growth and development may be com- pared to that period in life when the school boy changes into a man.
The surrendering of the old charter, in 1888, may properly be styled the commencement exereise, or Joplin's graduation from the overgrown, awkward, town-like period, and the 'nineties the vigorous activities of a growing eity.
During the 'nineties Joplin inereased in population 161 per cent. It established a publie sewer system, built some fifty miles of maeadam- ized streets and thirty miles of sidewalk. Numerous additions were laid out and annexed to the eity and the municipal limits were extended, adding considerably to its area. A general boom air pervaded Joplin, especially during the early part of the decade, and a considerable eastern capital sought investment. Although the new-comers were from . every section of the country, perhaps the greatest number were from the Sunflower state and from the great eity on the Kaw, Kansas City.
Following the general plan of this book, as in the seventies and 'eighties we shall, in this chapter, group the important happenings of the municipal, school, business, ehureh, and social life, presenting, as space will allow, a sufficient number of ineidents to give a correet idea of the deeade.
LOCAL POLITICS AND MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
As mentioned before, a general air of progress seemed to take hold of the people and the City Conneil, early in 1891, began to plan for a city beautiful. On April 8, 1891, the eouneil held an all-afternoon ses- sion for the diseussion of ways and means, what to do, and how to do the many things which were needed to make Joplin an up-to-date eity.
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Many good thoughts were presented and in time the plan for public improvement worked out.
City clerks: D. K. Wenrich, 1890-2; Jno. Cavanaugh, 1892-3; R. A. Spears, 1893-7; E. C. H. Squire, 1897-1908.
The clection of April, 1891, was hotly contested and resulted in a mixed ticket being elected, as follows: Mayor, R. B. Tyler; marshal, J. J. Cofer ; recorder, police judge, George Orear; city attorney, Jno. C. Trigg; collector, J. W. Calvin; treasurer, Geo. W. Gore. The following gentlemen came into the council: P. L. Crossman, F. L. Yale, Z. A. Norris, Thomas Field and Henry Sapp.
CITY LIMITS EXTENDED
At this election the corporate limits were extended and a considerable area added to the city.
At the election in April, 1892, six couneilmen were elected-one for each of the four old wards and two for the new fifth ward. The suc- cessful candidates were: First Ward, D. M. Page; Second Ward, John George; Third Ward, Frank Stoher; Fourth Ward, Henry Sapp; Fifth Ward, J. M. McAdams and S. H. Crane.
City election of 1893: Mayor, W. B. Halyard; police judge, Z. A. Norris; marshal, Jno. A. MeManany; city attorney, John C. Trigg; col- lector, J. W. Calvin ; treasurer, G. K. Davidson ; assessor, D. K. Wenrieh.
Council : First Ward, Harmon Cline; Second Ward, Charles O. Frye; Third Ward, W. R. Brown; Fourth Ward, D. W. K. Henly; Fifth Ward, James A. Graves; city clerk. R. A. Spear.
Election of 1894: Council-First Ward, D. M. Page; Second Ward, J. C. Miller ; Third Ward, J. M. MeCollough ; Fourth Ward, J. W. Moore; Fifth Ward, J. M. McAdams.
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