USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people > Part 32
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and were having a delightful time in conversation and music, when the assemblage was called to order and Mr. John Gillies, on behalf of the Select Knights of Joplin, presented to the Sigel Legion No. 36 of Parsons, a most elegantly arranged and designed cross, emblematic of the order, made entirely of specimens of Joplin lead and zinc ore.
JOPLIN RETURNS THE FRATERNAL VISIT
The fraternal visit of the Kansas Ancient Order of United Work- men and Knights of Pythias was returned by Joplin August 23, 1888, when 575 Joplinites reinforced by some 200 citizens of Galena visited Parsons, Kansas. The excursion was under the auspices of the Ancient Order of United Workmen lodge of Joplin and was managed by the fol- lowing committee : S. A. Underwood, O. B. Hamlin and H. C. Sutton. A round-trip fare of one dollar to Parsons and return was secured and a special train of nine coaches left Joplin at 7:30 A. M., returning at midnight.
The following organizations with their wives, daughters and sweet- hearts, participated in the day's pleasures: The A. O. U. W. lodges of Joplin; Joplin Legion Select Knights; Canton Lincoln, I. O. O. F .; Patriotic Order Sons of America; Knights of the Golden Eagle; Joplin Zouaves; the Joplin Fire department and the Joplin Military Band, together with the A. O. U. W. lodge of Galena and the celebrated Galena Boom Brigade, a most excellently drilled organization of Galena belles under the command of the prince of drill masters, Col. L. C. Weldy.
At Parsons the guests were welcomed by the Rev. Elerby, in behalf of the citizens and lodge men of that city, and after dinner exhibition drills were given by the Select Knights, Canton Lincoln, and the Zouaves, the last one of which brought from the Kansans round after round of applause.
A contest between the hose companies of Joplin and Parsons resulted in a victory for Joplin-the time of the two companies on a 200-yard run, laying 100 feet of hose and throwing water, being: Joplin 1:30, Parsons 2:02.
GERMANIA SOCIETY
The Joplin Germania Society has since its organization given an an- nual ball to which the friends who are not members of the organization are invited.
The annual ball of 1887 was given on Valentine's day and the guests and dancers appeared in fancy dress and masks. Two hundred and fifty dancers were on the floor for the grand march and the immense throng thoroughly enjoyed the evening, the famous Carthage Light Guard band furnishing the music.
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FIRST OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY
Labor day was first observed in Joplin Monday, September 6, 1886, under the auspices of the Knights of Labor which, in the middle 'eighties was a strong organization in Joplin and Jasper county.
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At 10 o'clock in the morning a parade was had and participated in by the following organizations: J. C. Petitt, grand marshal, and staff; Joplin Military Band; fire department; drum corps; Knights of Labor; carriages with orator of the day; reception committee and city officials.
The exercises were held at Castle Rock, and after dinner G. P. Gar- land, chairman of the day, introduced the orator of the occasion, Hon. Jesse Harper, of Danville, Illinois.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS BALL, 1889
We clip the following from the Herald of February 26. 1889. as it will give an idea of the character and popularity of the annual Knights of Pythias ball, which occurred on the natal day of the order, Febru- ary 19: "The annual ball of the Knights of Pythias, an event that is always a central point of interest in society circles for weeks, came off last night at the Havin Opera House. The present ball, like its pre- decessors, was a realization of all that was anticipated by the most san- guine notaries of social pleasure. The attendance was large and com- prised the creme de la creme of Joplin society, with a generous repre- sentation from neighboring towns.
"The hall was elaborately and tastily decorated with the emblems of the order. Eighty couples participated in the dance. Among the ladies who graced the ball the Herald reporter noted the following: The Misses May Hunt, Helen Rauschenbach, Florence Fillmore, Corinne Allington, Mattie Campbell, Stella Thurman, Kate Roberts and Ella Lamb, of Carthage; Ida Babst and Dottie Williams, of Neosho; Libbie Palmer and Amy Warren, of Baxter Springs; Laura Cooper, also of Baxter Springs; Frank Broadley, Cora Flenniken and Mina Roberts, of Neosho; Addie Ellison and Kate Conard, of Carthage; Martha Roberson and Mamie Roberson, of Des Moines, Iowa; Delia Sapp and Jennie Lauder- bach; also the Mesdames J. A. Cragin, G. B. Young, Eva Richardson, J. W. Calvin, J. F. Wise, C. W. Witman, L. C. Hamilton, E. D. Porter, F. E. Williams, Elmer Webster, L C. McCarty, V. L. Petraeus (of Phil- adelphia, Pa.), H. Weymann, A. Weymann, L. C. Clark, J. G. Huher, E. P. Swift, Laura Reifsueder, D. A. Preston, H. P. Campbell, Dr. Snyder, Will Moore, A. G. Cook (of Oswego, N. Y.), W. S. Paul, Simon Schwartz, Clarence Lambert, J. B. Sherman, H. D. Chickering, H. H. Gregg, Wm. Henrichs, Lewis James, Harry Crittenden (of Fredonia, Kansas), Levi Stauffer, Dila Mitch, D. K. Wenrich, S. C. Hendersen.
THE CHAUTAUQUA SOCIETIES
The Chautauqua movement, which has of late years become so popu- lar and which annually brought together thousands of the literary and music-loving people in the 'eighties, had its beginning at Chautauqua lake, New York, and thence spread out over the county, first by the organization of many literary clul:s formed for home culture.
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Joplin had two such circles and the meetings of these clubs formed a great factor in literary and social circles.
The unity Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle included some twenty members.
The regular Chautauqua Course of Home Reading was carried out and the essays and discussions which covered a wide range, kept its mem- bers in touch with the great thinkers of the day.
This society was the first woman's club in Joplin, and, after com- pleting the regular four years' and post-graduate Chautauqua courses, maintained its organization and, until the later 'nineties, held most delightful and profitable sessions. The Unity Circle changed its name later to the Unity Club and still holds most delightful and helpful literary sessions.
The Prospectors' Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle or- ganized in 1887 among the younger set, was a mixed club and had for its leader W. P. Roberts, then principal of the high school, and later R. D. Shanmon, superintendent of schools.
FOUNDERS' DAY
On February 22, 1888, the Unity and Prospectors' circles joined in a celebration commemorating the names and deeds of the great char- acters who figured prominently in the founding and building of the na- tion. The celebration was called Founders' day.
In carrying out the program, the different members impersonated the nation's heroes in costumes, telling the stories of their lives and ex- ploits.
The following program was carried out.
Medley of National Airs: Chorus.
Roll Call.
Quotations about America.
Address by the president of the Unity Club, Mrs. L. C. McCarty, on "The Mound Builders and the Indian Tribes."
Minnehaha, represented by Emma V. Shortess: In this representation Mrs. Shortess recited an original poem which described beautifully the history of the Indian tribes. This recitation was greatly enjoyed.
Solo: "The Death of Minnehaha," by Mrs. J. A. Fox.
Story of His Explorations : Leif Ericson, represented by Jas. B. Hogan.
Narrative of His Great Discovery : Columbus represented by Joel T. Livingston. 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 Her 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 Duet : "Hear Me, Norma," by Mrs. J. 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.
Home Life of Washington : Martha Washington, represented by Mrs. Clark Craycroft.
"America."
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The following Chautauquans participated in this enjoyable literary symposium :
Unity Circle-President, Mrs. L. C. McCarty; vice president, Mrs. Clark Craycroft; 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' Circle-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. Becker, Millard Conley, Ray Evans, James B. Hogan, Will C. Porter, John Price, T. C. White and Joel T. Livingston.
During the 'nineties club work in Joplin became very popular, some half dozen literary societies flourishing through the decade 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 occurred in the past two weeks and it is believed this is only the beginning. Since 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 hence such a thing as a single man in the town would be looked upon as a phenomenon.
"From the chronic 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 recep 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 city offices, having served as mayor two con- secutive terms, city collector, etc.
"The reception given at the residence of Mr. Blow, in honor of Cap- tain Williams and bride, eclipsed 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 beauty, with large and expres- sive eyes and a face denoting intellect and character. She was a Miss McMurray, of Chicago, at whose home in that city 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 personification 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 carries 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 up and congratulated the newly made benedict and his pretty bride and slunk back 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.
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CHAPTER XXV
MILITARY AND SPECTACULAR
THE JOPLIN RIFLES-JOPLIN ZOUAVES-MARDI GRAS IN JOPLIN-JOPLIN EXPOSITION-FOURTH OF JULY, 1885-THE 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 (cap 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 speech.
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- matic 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 audience, 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 theatricals sometimes drag along in a tedious, listless manner, with loud promptings, awkward mistakes and long waits between acts, 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 close, 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 particularize, 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 excelled. Harry Crittenden as 'Edmund Randolph,' G. West Byron as 'John Allen,' Oren Kimmis as 'Payton Randolph,' and Joel Livingston as 'George Wilson,' displayed dramatic 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 Schnur, as was that of 'Frank Allen' by H. Cline. Misses Lillie Wine, Mildred Livingston and Ida Miller also did themselves great credit 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 dramatic entertainments ever presented here by a home company. For this success great credit is due Harry Crittenden, of Paola, Kansas, who acted 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 cap- taincy and private F. E. Williams, who had won so much praise for the company on account of his superb acting 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 district, 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 city 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 existence its membership comprised the very best citizens of the town. It participated in every public celebration in the city and also attended the regimental camps of the Fifth regiment at Carthage and Pierce 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 boys through the attractive manœuvres of that once popular drill. The squad pur- chased the regulation Turkish uniform and made a very attractive ap- pearance. 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, captain; A. C. Barr, lieutenant; H. O. Lauderbach, first ser- geant. The following new members were received into the company : Luther McGehee, J. W. Henrichs, 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, on 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.
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