USA > Missouri > Jasper County > A history of Jasper County, Missouri, and its people > Part 46
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There were no graduates the first year and, instead of having the regular graduating exercises, we had a "strawberry festival" in which the entire community took part. The proceeds of the evening were ninety-four dollars, and the money was applied for the purchase of the organ now in use in Room 6, West Side. The following year, the Web- ster, a four-room building, was completed and ready for occupancy ; and hence four more teachers were required.
In March, 1890, Webb City was reorganized into a city district and elected six directors, viz: G. F. C. Corl, C. E. McBride, A. A. Hulett, W. E. Foster and George Robinson; H. C. Gaston, clerk, and J. P. Stewart, treasurer. During that year the event that most seriously affected the routine of school work was the "small-pox scare." There were only fourteen pupils who continued in school, with a force of seven teachers. One teacher had only one pupil, but the bells rang and the children congregated around the "red flag." afraid to come to school, but they came to rehearsals of drills after school, and gave a glow- ing report of increase of cases, number of new flags, etc.
Under Professor Axline's supervision, we had the following gradu- ates of 1890; Plum Edwards, C. W. Fishburn, Minnie Hancock, W. H. McAboy, Ada Stockston and Lucy Wolfe.
This was their program rendered at the Morris Opera House May 15, 1890:
Motto: "Not Finished, Only Begun."
Music.
Prayer by Rev. Dunlap.
Essay : "Meditation," by Minnie Hancock.
Essay : "Caesar," by Claude Fishburn.
Music.
Essay : "Over the Alps Lies Italy," by Lucy Wolfe.
Essay : -, by W. H. McAboy.
Essay : "Class Prophecy," by Ada Stockston.
Class Song.
Presentation of Diplomas, by Professor Axline. Vol. I-
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In two years' service Professor Axline did effective work, weeding out and grading the pupils, systematizing an elementary course of study, and laying the foundation for substantial development and growth in the future.
In 1890 Professor Stevens was employed as superintendent, with a force of twelve teachers. The highest room was No. 7, at the Central and included seventh and eighth grades and High School. The superin- tendent heard recitations in a little cloak room at the foot of the east stairway. There was no departmental work in the High School. Each teacher taught all the subjects in the grade assigned her. The schools were overcrowded. In the early spring school started in little Mineral Ridge school and continued until the opening of the West Side in 1892, with Miss Lucy Wolfe in charge.
In 1892, the West Side building was completed and the High School was changed to the West Side, occupying one room. The superintendent used the basement for his recitations. The course was extended to four years, in order to complete either Latin or scientific course of study.
In 1892 and 1893, in addition to the old Central, Webster and West Side, school was opened in the Holiness church in the southeast part of town and also in the old Mormon church on Allen street. The follow- ing year No. 5, West Side, was to include High work with Miss Wampler in charge. The new Central was completed and ready for occupancy December 1, 1894. The High School then occupied three rooms.
Professor Stevens' efficient and permanent service rendered the pub- lic schools inestimable. His organization, his raising the standard of the High School, and his progressive spirit as an educator, have left a favorable imprint on the minds and hearts of the Webb City people. He strengthened and evened the grades by placing stress on weak work in contests in parallel grades. This was especially admirable in arith- metic, reading, phonetics and spelling.
Professor Stevens also introduced into our schools drawing, music and nature study and fostered democratic ideas of government. His laudable means to direct and control public sentiment by public school entertainments, by public school street parade, by art exhibit and by com- parisons of grade work, were highly commendable. His wisdom in making changes without any break in the work and his worthy incentives to induce students to adopt the new, and discard the old, received the universal support of the people.
I recall the proposition offered by Professor Stevens to the effect that any room where pupils should supply themselves with the new music book should be given a free car ride to the State Teachers' Asso- ciation at Lamar, and represent the music as taught by Professor Why- bark in the Webb City schools. There was universal interest, but my room was the fortunate one, and all had books but one; but the pupils soon took a collection and purchased another music reader.
The unique way in which "Arbor day exercises" was observed ap- pealed to each home. Each pupil was requested to clean his home yard and pile rocks up in some convenient place, and a drayman free of
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charge would call and haul them off. So you can plainly see Professor Stevens lived up to his motto: "To make the best possible of ourselves, our homes, our city."
The following are the names of the graduates during his supervision : Class of 1893-Bernice Ashcraft, Georgia Frey, Anna Julian, Frank McPherson, Nellie Redding, Mary Richards, Onie Van Horn and Ida Weatherford.
Class of 1894-May Ashcraft, Pauline Baum, Ella Booher, Roxie Clark, Florence Glenn, Flora Graham, Anna Hardy, Allen Hardy, Cor- dell Humphreys, Bertha Humphreys, Will Lane, Will Shelton, Mamie Tarrant, Nellie Tibbs and Agnes Wolfe.
Class of 1895-Anna Cabaniss, Clara Clark, Jean Clark, Harry Casner, Mamie De Lawter, Minnie Dunlap, Towle Hall, Choteau Gar- rison, Belle Hoff, Ella Thompson, Bert Johnson, Elenora McClelland, Fred Nesbit, Ernest Robinson, Thomas Roney, Edna Sands, Fred Barbee, Blanch Shelton, Ida Tarrant and Lulu Lane.
Professor A. G. Young, Professor Stevens' successor, was a thorough scholar, a leading educator and a worthy citizen. In a practical busi- ness manner he sought to introduce departmental work in the High School. In its infancy Professor Young taught physics and Miss Wamp- ler, Latin. The next year he changed the course of study, and adopted the departmental plan in full. He also had Room 12 fitted up for a laboratory and introduced the laboratory method in the High School. Previous to that time, a little laboratory work had been done in chem- istry. It was done by the teacher, however, no opportunity being af- forded for individual work. The next year he organized a teachers' library. It was first started by each teacher contributing a dollar. On leaving school, the contributors were to receive back the money donated, less ten cents for each year they had had the use of the library. This laudable scheme encouraged professional reading and study on the part of the teachers and led to the organization of a Teachers' Improvement Club which has directed the teachers to better scholarship and higher ideals.
As soon as the departmental plan was in use, Professor Young began to purchase special works of reference for each department, and also to purchase pictures appropriate to each department of a general nature.
I believe the greatest revolution in the High School was wrought by doing away with formal examinations, and making the class work the basis for promotion.
Miss Holmes, a teacher of reading, was added to the faculty during Professor Young's superintendency and has won many laurels by her faultless interpretation of thought, by her ability to arouse pupil's originality, and by her teaching them to think for themselves and then give expression.
In 1900, the Franklin building and an addition to the Webster were built.
During the six years Professor Young was superintendent, we are
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pleased to note improvement all along the lines and a recognition of good work by the University.
The following classes graduated :
Class of 1896-Lydia Anderson, Claude Ball, Maud Barnes, Kate Capp, Deane Comer, Clarence Foster, May Fishburn, Annie Gallienne, Jennie Hoff, Emma Johnson, Clara Long, Mary Mountjoy, Olive Nelson, Emma McAboy, Myrtle Morton, Mary Magruder, Effie Owings, James Richards, Lillie Ramsey, Mabel Radley, Myrtle Stogsdill, Katie Winter, Lottie Munson, Frank Magruder and Hubbe Wallace.
Class of 1897-Belle Dermott, Frank Funk, Alice Roney, Edna Robin- son, Dan Roe, Lulu Stinnett, Anna Tibbs and Claude Watson.
Class of 1898-Flora Hixson, Alma Jones, Wallie Jameson, Percy Morton, Bessie Munson, Ida Roney and Ernest Smith.
Class of 1899-Pearl Corl, Nellie Stewart, Roy Havens, Clare Robin- son, Fanny Margrave, Ollie Bradford, Jessie Cary, Ethel Spurgin, Flora Mason, Tinsy Cowan, Goldie Byrd and Nannie Thompson.
THE WEBB CITY COLLEGE
In 1893 the Baptists of Webb City began to agitate the question of founding a college for the higher education of the young men ond women of the county. After much hard work money was subscribed and the college founded. The laying of the corner stone in 1894 was a most imposing spectacle, all of the societies of the county assisting the Masons in the ceremonies and the parade was almost a mile long. Dr. Cook was the first president of the college and mapped out an up- to-date college course of study.
The first graduating exercises occurred May 23, 1896, twenty-three students completing the course of study. Dr. Cook was an eminent edu- cator and his personality greatly added to the popularity of the college, which continued as a Baptist school until 1905. Further mention of the college will be made in the section covering the next decade.
NEWSPAPERS
Webb City had, during the decade, four papers which at different times influenced the life of the city and chronicled its daily happenings. The old Webb City Times, the Webb City Star, the Record and the Webb City Register, the last two still the two leading papers of the city. For a portion of the time Jesse Zook was the editor of the Register and his long editorial experience and his expert knowledge of mines and mining made this a most valuable paper.
WEBB CITY COMMERCIAL CLUB
In 1890 the Webb City Commercial Club was organized and has since been an important part of the Webb City commercial life. The charter membership of the Club was one hundred and forty, and the following were its first officers: President, J. T. James; secretary, Ted Molyneaux.
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BUILDING OF THE NEWLAND HOTEL
Among the many improvements of the nineties which helped to up- build Webb City was the erection of the Newland Hotel, which was com- menced in 1890 and completed in January, 1891. The hotel was formally opened in February, with a sumptuous banquet which was attended by prominent business men not only from Webb City, but from all over the county. The dining room was profusely decorated with potted plants and cut flowers.
The following toasts were proposed and responded to :
"Poor Old Missouri-Moss may grow on her back, but unlimited wealth lies hidden beneath her bosom;" by Dr. Reecer.
"Jasper County-Rich in agricultural wealth, richer in literary at- tainments and supreme in its mineral holdings;" by J. M. Rice, Sarcoxie.
"Joplin, the metropolis of the county ;" by A. W. Newman, President Joplin National Bank.
"Oronogo, the historic old town;" by C. W. Elliott.
"Carterville, our twin sister;" by J. J. Nelson.
"Webb City-Its past, present and future;" by C. L. Manker.
"Carthage, the city beautiful;" by A. W. John.
RECEPTION BY WEBB CITY LODGE, No. 115, K. P.
Perhaps the most brilliant lodge affair of the early nineties was the reception and bnaquet tendered to the Knights of Jasper and Barton Counties and Galena, Kansas, by the Webb City Lodge, No. 115, K. P., August 29, 1891.
At 8 o'clock in the evening the visiting delegation, eighty strong, and representing visitors from the lodges at Lamar, Carthage, Carterville, Oronogo, Carl Junction, Joplin, Galena and Ft. Scott, Kansas, assembled at the lodge room, where a general good time was had and everybody made acquainted by the reception committee, after which the lodge was duly opened and the three ranks conferred on a class of candidates. At 12 o'clock the lodge, with their guests, took up their march to the Newland hotel, where they were most royally entertained. Here a scene of gay festivity presented itself. The banquet room was beautifully decorated with the colors of the order and the red, white and blue of the nation. The tables were ornamented with potted plants and cut flowers and half hidden from view in a grotto of flowers and plants, an orchestra played inspiring music. After the banquet a six-course spread was served, after which short talks were made by the follow- ing Pythians, Chancellor Commander, T. H. Goodwin, acting as toast master; "Lodge Decorum," G. K. Davidson, Joplin; "The Knights of the Sunflower State," P. C. Loomis, Ft. Scott; "One of the Boys," Dr. Merrison, Ft. Scott; "That Friendly Feeling," Joel T. Livingston, Ft. Scott; "What Pythianism Means to a Traveling Man," L. B. Cook, Carl Junction ; "Justin N. Rathbone, " Judge Sapp, Galena; "The Webb
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City Knight," J. P. Willett; "Pythian Patriotism," F. E. Williams, Joplin; "The Golden Chain of Friendship," H. Conley, Lamar. It was two o'clock when the assemblage arose from the table, and as the jolly crowd of Knights departed from the hotel they voted the meeting one of "the best ever."
WEBB CITY DIVISION, No. 11, U. R. K. P.
In 1892, the Webb City Division, No. 11, of the U. R. K. P., was or- ganized, with Henry Wormer, chief of the Webb City fire department, as captain. The company was composed of the best men of the city and at once became one of the crack semi-military organizations of the county. At Monett, on July 4, 1892, this company captured first prize in the drill contest of the companies of the third regiment, six companies being present and taking part in the contest. At Kansas City it won especial mention from Colonel Gray for its military bearing and decorum. Jock Chamberlain, a Bostonian, who had been a former Massachusetts guardsman and club man, was the right guide of this division, and much of its excellence-that is, so far as the little detail work of formation, etc., is concerned-was due to this genial and soldierly easterner.
THE EBERTS-WRIGHT STAG PARTY
In 1896, Charles Ebert and Will H. Wright, both royal entertainers and princes of good fellows, gave to a select few of their friends a stag party. The evening was spent in story telling, cards, etc., every guest being required to tell a story, sing a song, or recite a selection for the entertainment of the assemblage. The stag party was so much en- joyed that it was annually repeated for many years.
A Webb City paper gives the following description of the 1899 gathering which closed the social season of the nineteenth century from Webb City, the party occurring on December 29:
THE STAG PARTY A SWELL AFFAIR.
One of the most thoroughly enjoyable and altogether unique social events of the year took place at the private apartments of Will H. Wright and Charles Ebert, on December 29th. It was the fourth annual "stag" party with which these gentlemen delight their friends. About twenty guests had been invited and responded to the invitation. At the entrance door hung a huge Japanese lantern and thither swarmed the gentlemen of the city. Each guest on enter- ing the room was presented with a boutonniere of pinks and given a guess on a conundrum, which when solved was found to tell the tale of Republicanism in a representation of "sound money, protection and good times."
Once within all were made to feel the generous hospitality of two of Webb City's most princely entertainers. The walls were covered with picture groups, quaint and unique, displaying a wealth of the esthetic sense that evidently pre- dominates in their minds. In ample profusion were upholstery and tables for the assembled guests.
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Here hilarity and social converse mingled with innocent games and colloquial diversion converted the rendezvous into a babel of many tongues. The genial hosts, assisted by Bert Wright, received the visitors and dispensed cigars and punch with lavish prodigality. There was no cessation of lavish hospitality until the midnight hour when Joe West, the popular caterer and commissariat appeared with an immense supply of edibles, consisting of excellent coffee, labeled packages of cheese bricks, sandwiches, pickles and other relishes which were served in approved style. Around the freighted festal boards the happy guests lingered until the full limits of their gastronomical capacity had been reached.
During the lunch hour a sort of experience meeting served to enliven all and there was a world of cheer and good stories passed around, one of the most enjoyable features of which was the singing by Mr. Muratta whose rich tenor voice filled the bachelor parlors of Messrs. Ebert and Wright with a wealth of song.
It was one of those social functions that brings man in closer touch with his fellowman cementing the ties of friendship and stamping on memory's tablet a page of pleasant remembrance.
The following were present : B. C. Wanglin, Theodore Rinehart, F. Riley, W. A. Snodgrass, James Muratta, S. S. Spracklin, C. B. and Dr. Chenoweth, R. M. Jones, G. B. Lowery, Walt Spurgin, Bert Wright, Chet Fishburn, J. A. Zook of Joplin, T. C. Hayden, W. W. Keys, Jas. Stewart, Joe West and J. W. Kleff.
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CHAPTER XXXVIII
CARTERVILLE AND OTHER POINTS
NEWSPAPERS-THE CARTERVILLE BANK-PUBLIC SCHOOLS-CHURCHES- AMONG THE LODGES-CARTERVILLE BANDS-CARL JUNCTION-SAR- COXIE-ORONOGO-ASBURY.
Much of Carterville's mining and business industries has been men- tioned in our county chapter and need not be reprinted here. The nineties in Carterville represented a great period of activity, and the period was rather noted for its home-making and business improve- ments.
We present here a few of the social and local business happenings, to the end that the reader may realize the importance of the city and its people and, in doing so beg to say that the newspaper files of the Car- terville papers were not obtainable for this period and the 'stories' here presented were secured by personal interviews, or from newspaper clip- pings saved by the people of the city and kindly loaned the editor for use in compiling the data for this work.
NEWSPAPERS
Carterville was very fortunate, during this decade, in having two well edited newspapers, the Mining News and the Carterville Journal, the latter having the financial support of W. B. Kane, of the First Na- tional Bank.
E. W. Carlton, late of the Joplin Daily Herald, was the first editor of the paper and ably did he set out the richness and value of the Car- terville district.
W. D. Sallie, the editor of the Mining News, was also a forceful writer and with his pen exerted no small influence in shaping the political destinies of Carterville. It was he who first mentioned S. H. Claycomb as a suitable representative to the state senate and it was this paper also which ably presented his claims on the party for the nomina- tion of lieutenant-governor.
BUSINESS AND MINING
We include business and mining under the same head, for the reason that it would be a hard matter to separate the two in speaking of Car-
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terville commercially. The mines of the Carterville district were the best producers of the nineties and made fortunes for many men. The predominence of the mining interests brought out many manufacturing industries, such as foundries and machine shops.
THE CARTERVILLE BANK
The vast amount of money changing hands in Carterville called for. the organization of a bank and in December, 1890, W. B. Kane, with Henry Weyman, W. A. Daugherty and others, organized the Carter- ville Bank, which at once became a strong financial institution. In 1895 the owners of this bank purchased the stock of the Webb City National Bank and moved it to Carterville, the name being changed to the First National Bank of Carterville, with W. A. Daugherty as president and W. B. Kane as cashier. The Bank of Carterville now surrendered its charter and its depositors were taken over by the First National Bank of Carterville.
Many new stores were established, and among the business houses whose influence was county wide was the Weeks hardware store, which during the latter nineties was the largest retail hardware and imple- ment house in the county.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
During the nineties Carterville maintained a good school system. In 1891 Professor Frank Magoon, who had made a splendid supervisor, removed to St. Louis, and Prof. A. A. Antles was chosen superintendent and held this post for nine years, which of itself attests to his worth as an organizer, and an instructor. During this decade two new school houses were built and various improvements made. The teaching force was strengthened and the high school course made equal to other schools of the county.
IN THE OLDER DAYS
In 1904 Carterville school district erected a modern up-to-date high school building which was dedicated January 13, 1905. At the dedi- catory exercises the following excellent paper was read, and we repro- duce it here on acount of its historic value. It is entitled "Remin- iscences of Older Days in Carterville Schools; Growth and Progress of Education."
"Now many generations ago where you now sit circled with all that exalts and embellishes civilized life," says the paper, " 'the rank thistle nodded in the wind and the wild fox dug his hole unscared.'
"The above expression is true in a literal sense of the city of Car- terville only a few years ago; indeed, within the memory of some older citizens now living in this section.
"The progress and growth of Carterville's education and the advance of civilized life through the medium of her schools is the indication the writer will endeavor to show in this article.
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"In 1875 and 1876, where Carterville now stands, was a field. Corn was grown on the western territory now covered by business houses, res- idence houses and mines. The field extended to the present line of Davy street. East of this was a wheat field which reached to Fountain street. During these years several families were attracted to this ter- ritory by the discovery of lead on the Webb farm and other discoveries which followed in close succession. The children of these families went. to school to what was then known as the Washington school, which was located on the hill near where the North Heights building now stands. The exact location is yet discernable, as some of the old foundation rocks are yet visible on the lots owned by C. H. Lillibridge which join the Aylor residence lots. Carterville having received its name it may now be said that the first Carterville boys and girls attended school in the old Washington building, their teacher being Mr. Bean. Dr. Jacks, known at that time as John Jacks, who later became postmaster of Carterville, was followed by Mr. Bean. The third term was taught by William Thompson, now an attorney of Carthage. After the end of this term the Carterville children came to town to school, but the children from the country still continued in the old building.
"Dr. W. H. Price erected a building on the lot opposite that now occupied by the E. S. Casner residence, at the corner of Allen and Lewis streets, and taught several terms of select school.
"The first school house for Carterville was provided by the moving of an old brick store building from Medoc to the lot now occupied by Frank Briggs' residence, on West Main street. This building was only rented by the school district. The building was a two-story and was used for all kinds of public meetings. It was also used as a lodge room and the Blue Ribbon society held meetings there. The older pupils went down stairs to Mr. Thompson, who had in the meantime taken into himself a wife. Mrs. Thompson taught the smaller children in the upper room. They probably taught two terms in this building.
"The next year the Washington school was moved to a position in the prairie which is now between the Stalter meat market and the Thornton residence. The schoolhouse was considered away out of town at this location. The nearest house to the school was the residence of Gus Jordon, at the corner of Fountain and Main streets. An addi- tion the same size of the old building was added to the old building and Frank Genlick and Mrs. Thompson were employed as teachers. (Mr. Thompson had gone to St. Louis to study law.)
"The next term was begun by Lee Kost in charge of the older pupils and Mrs. Kost having charge of the primary students. (Mr. Kost is now (1911) a Joplin druggist.). Mr. Kost resigned, after teaching about two months, and his place was filled by Miss Edith Johnston. She was the daughter of a Carthage doctor and afterward became the wife of Hank Gray. The remaining terms taught in this building were taught by Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Spencer.
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