USA > Missouri > Linn County > Compendium of history and biography of Linn County, Missouri > Part 24
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About twelve years ago some new blood and energy were infused into the town, which began to arouse itself and take its place in the ranks of progress, its destiny from the first. The vitalizing influence was felt in every avenue of the town's life.
The old wooden awnings in front of the store-buildings have been torn down and used for kindling wood. The frame store buildings have given place to modern brick structures, with large plate glass windows and attractive fronts. Miles of smooth granitoid sidewalk have superceded the rickety board affairs that gave service to the resi- dents a decade or so ago. Four new and picturesque additions to the town have been laid out, and the lots have found ready purchasers at good figures. More than 100 new houses have been built.
Along with its commercial boom Bucklin has seen to it that its educational needs have not been neglected. A handsome new $10,000 high school has been constructed and paid for. The Christian congre- gation has built a new $15,000 church edifice, and paid for it.
Some three years ago a stock company was organized by G. L. Joyce to prospect for coal. The sum of $2,500 was raised, a charter secured and an operating shaft sunk. At a depth of 227 feet a bed of coal running from 32 to 36 inches was found. It proved to be of excel- lent quality, and is most satisfactory to consumers. The mine is now successfully operated by Cantwell & Woodruff, who bought out the entire interests of the original stockholders. This mine is located near the junction of the two railroads. The Hannibal & St. Joseph road has constructed a spur to the shaft, and cars of coal are daily sent out along the line. About twenty-five men are now working steadily, and receiving good wages.
Bucklin has an electric light plant, with capacity sufficient to light a city of the size it expects to be in the next ten years. The plant has
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only been in operation one year, and it has well passed the experi- mental stage and is listed among the many successful enterprises of the town.
The raising of poultry for the market is a live industry all around Bucklin. In one year the firm of Lindley & Buster handled $100,000 of poultry produced by farmers adjacent to Bucklin.
According to the school record, Bucklin stands third in the list among the towns of Linn county in the number of pupils in its schools. Brookfield and Marceline are the only towns rivaling Bucklin in this respect.
LINNEUS
Linneus's first settler was Colonel John Holland, who came from Virginia in the spring of 1834, and located his claim on the section where Linneus now stands. Colonel Holland constructed a two-room log cabin. In this pioneer edifice court was afterwards held, a school was taught and the business of the county transacted. The cabin stood near the center of the public square. For many years a heavy growth of timber surrounded the clearing about the Holland homestead. Two squirrels formed the principle dish for the Colonel's first breakfast after the completion of his cabin. The squirrels were shot by the Colonel the day before, while standing on his doorstep.
Dinah was the name of a negro slave who came from Virginia with Colonel Holland to cook for the pioneers who built the cabin and cleared the timber about it. Colonel Holland also brought with him from Virginia thirty head of sheep, and these were the special charge of the black woman. Every day Dinah led her flock into the woods to let them browse upon the buds of hazel and elm. She was the shep- herdess of the flock and it was her duty to shoo away the savage wolves which were then numerous in the forest. At night Dinah penned the sheep in one room of Colonel Holland's cabin. A large dog, a match for any single wolf that might appear, was on guard outside.
The cabin constructed, and Dinah left in charge, Colonel Holland went back to Virginia after his family and supplies. Dinah and the big dog were left alone. William and Jesse Bowyer would occasionally pass by the cabin and stop to see that all was well with Dinah and her charges. Aside from these visits the black woman had no one to speak with but her four-footed friends.
At last the Hollands returned. That day was the happiest in Dinah's life. Her solitary vigil was over, and she had faithfully per- formed her trust.
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Upon Colonel Holland's death in July, 1855, Dinah was set free in accordance with the provisions of his will. She lived to be nearly 100 years old, and witnessed the development of Linneus from a wilderness into a thriving city.
Following is a list of the early settlers of Linneus, the record being made up to 1847 :
E. T. Denison, William Murrain, Charles F. Gibbs, A. D. Rawlins, Beverly B. Estes, Benjamin Russell, Matthews Dale, R. W. Foster, John Shepard, Irwin Ogan, Alexander Ogan, Samuel Isles, James Pen- dleton, John McClintock, Joseph Auberry, Bolding R. Ashbrook, Lyman Stearnes, Jackson Flournoy, James Carson, Susan Lane, Robert W. Holland, John Phillips, Marshall Harrison, Elijah Kemper, James C. Connelly, William Clarkson, Elkannah Bounds, Meridithi Brown, Samuel D. Sandusky, Ennis Reid, Wesley Halliburton, H. H. Gibson, Elizabeth Flournoy, H. E. Hurlbut, David P. Woodruff, John T. Stockard, William Saunders, John B. Relph, William B. Woodruff, Benjamin Prewitt, Henry T. Grill, Edward Hoyle, W. B. Philbert, R. J. Menifee, Kenneth A. Newton, T. G. Easley, William Bowyer, John U. Parsons, John Walkup, John Barr, Beverly Neve, James Davis, Artemas V. Neece, Joseph Phelps, William R. Smith, Dr. James Bell, Martha A. Boisseau, Bennett Phillips, Hezekiah E. Sutton, Charles Bodie, John J. Flood, Samuel Bell, George W. Smith, John Lane, M. H. Williams, Jacob E. Quick, William Harrison, John Pullis, Henry T. Brown, Samuel Pullis, James Reid, John Bell, Henry Wilkin- son, William M. Long, Colonel William H. Moberly.
Linneus was incorporated February 9, 1853, by order of the county court in response to the petition of its inhabitants. The order specified that John G. Flournoy, Edward Hoyle, Alexander Carroll. Marshall Harrison and William M. Long should be trustees. On March 18, 1880, Linneus was made a city of the fourth class, a large majority of its citizens voting in favor of the proposition.
Quite a number of log cabins were built on the clearing made by Colonel Holland and his fellow pioneers. The first frame building was constructed in 1840. It was located north of the square. The lumber for it was worked up by an old-fashioned whipsaw. There were no regular saw mills in the country in that period.
Gibbs, a tailor, was the enterprising man to put up the first im- proved house, one room of which he used for his shop.
John T. Flournoy was the first male child born in Linneus. The event occurred May 5, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Augustus W. Flournoy were the parents. Mildred Williams Holland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
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John Holland, was the first female child born in Linneus, the date of her birth being January 17, 1839.
John G. Ball and Elizabeth Flournoy were the first persons mar- ried in the capital. The ceremony was performed by Squire Gibson in April, 1839. By some it was claimed that Mr. Ball was the first mer- chant in Linneus. Miss Flournoy was a school-teacher. The marriage occasioned a great deal of interest among the early settlers.
The first death of a white man was that of Timothy Webber, which occurred in 1840 or 1841. Webber was a carpenter by trade and also kept a small grocery store. Colonel Holland had donated an acre of land to the town to be used as a cemetery. Webber remarked on learn- ing this: "Well, it would be a good thing now if somebody would die so that we could make a mark in that graveyard and give it a good start." Soon after Webber himself died and gave the cemetery the start he suggested.
Benjaman White is credited with the honor of having taught the first school in Linneus. That was in 1838. Allan Gillespie was the next teacher. John G. Flournoy taught the school in 1839 or 1840. As has been mentioned, the school room was in the Holland house. The first public school house was built in 1847; it stood close to where the rail- road track is now. It was a frame structure 18x22 feet and cost about $300. William Sanders, a native of Maine, taught the first term. There were about twenty-five pupils.
The first physician in the section about Linneus was Dr. Dryden, but before he came Judge James A. Clark, who made no pretentions to being a doctor, was considered quite a good hand to have around when people were sick. The judge kept a stock of quinine and calomel, which were in those days considered good for almost any pain and ache that a person could have.
Chills and fever were the only maladies the busy pioneer had time to indulge in, and consequently his medicinal wants were few. Judge Clark was regarded as very expert in relieving physical distress. He never charged for his services, but responded to all calls day and night.
Other physicians of the early day were Isaac Relph, who came from Ray county, and Isles, who was said to be a seceder from the Mormon church. Both of these men came in 1840.
The Rev. A. F. Martin, a Missionary Baptist, conducted the first religious services in 1839. There was no church, and the meeting was held in a private house. The county court, in July, 1838, ordered that "Kemper & Givens be allowed to sell merchandise in Linn county for $10 to the state and $10 to the county revenue." Ball, Hezekiah
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Sutgon and Webber were among the first merchants and grocerymen. In those days a wagon load of merchandise was a stock of goods. The demands of the people were but few. They produced about all the food they needed. Quite a delicacy was "salt mackerel." With the woods and streams abounding with the finest game and fish that could be had, the pioneer often yearned for salted goods like herring and mackerel as a change from the ordinary bill of fare.
David Prewitt, one of the leading merchants of Linneus, said that one barrel of sugar and one sack of flour were all that he could sell in a year's time. Mr. Prewitt afterwards conducted a large tobacco estab- lishment in Linneus and bought, prized and shipped tobacco for many years. His product was hauled overland to Brunswick, where it was transported by river to the market. Mr. Prewitt was engaged in this business from 1841 until 1852. During those years he was also treasurer of Linn county.
A former history states that "the entire county revenue would not exceed $350."
The commodities were cheap. Pork sold for $1.50 a hundred and tobacco from $1.00 to $3.00 per hundred. In his large tobacco house Mr. Prewitt manufactured a variety of plug tobacco which commanded a large sale among the country merchants. It was also taken by the wagon-load to southern Iowa, where it was as popular as it was in Missouri.
For a long while there was no church building in Linneus, and services were conducted in the old log court house. That was the forum for all sorts of business meetings.
J. B. Colgan and George W. Smith were associated in the manufac- turing of tobacco at Linneus in 1847.
Sometime before this Mr. Rooker owned a tobacco factory over on Yellow creek, which was managed by Charles Ayers, of Glasgow. David Prewitt is said to have been the pioneer tobacco manufacturer of the county.
The first locomotive run over the Burlington & Southwestern tracks through Linneus was named "Colonel Northcott," in honor of the man who had been such a successful and earnest worker for the road.
The first train over the Burlington & Southwestern road ran through Laclede to Linnens September 1, 1872. Not long afterwards the road was completed to Browning and was operated to that point.
Trains began running regularly from Burlington to Laclede Sep- tember 29, 1876. In the fall of 1873, before the road had been completed
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into Burlington, business from Laclede to Browning became light and the road was in such bad condition that train service was suspended for several weeks. A good deal of dissatisfaction was expressed by the citizens and shippers along the line, and some even went so far as to suggest that if the managers were not going to operate the road the track had better be torn up and taken out of the way.
There was a big fire in Linneus in January, 1879. At about 10:30 o'clock on the night of the 23d, fire broke out in the store room occupied by S. Bradenburger & Co., on the west side of the public square. It was supposed that the fire originated in a defective flue. The Branden- burger building was burned; loss $17,000; insurance, $10,000.
The two-story brick building, the property of Presley Pound, was also destroyed. The lower room of this building was occupied by Mor- ris as a hardware store. The greater portion of the stock was saved. The upper section was used as a lodge room and also embraced Dr. Allen's dental office and the office of B. J. Northcott, attorney. The flames spread to the implement warehouse and lumber yard owned by J. F. Lash, causing a damage estimated at $1,100. A frame building belonging to H. C. Prewitt, which was in the rear of Pound's house, was also burned.
The printing material of the Bulletin office and the stocks of goods belonging to P. H. Perkins, C. A. Holten, J. H. Bradley, M. Goldman and Clark & Bradley were moved out into the street for safety, as it appeared at one time that the entire block would be swept away by the flames, and it was only by the greatest efforts that some of the build- ings were saved.
In 1880 a number of enterprising citizens of Linneus organized a stock company and put up a two-story brick hotel, which cost about $8,000. For a long time this was one of the feature buildings of the town. It was of attractive construction, commodious and comfortable and enjoyed a large business. For over 30 years it stood as the leading hotel of the town. Its first tenant was M. P. Cloudas, of Trenton. He was followed by J. L. Palmer, of Lancaster, Missouri, and various other managers from time to time.
There was an election held in Linneus May 24, 1881, to vote on the question of the organization and incorporation of the town as a city of the fourth class, under the law of 1877. The proposition was adopted by a large majority. At the same time it was voted to refund the city debt, which was then $9,000, in bonds paying six per cent interest and running from five to twenty years.
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LINNEUS SINCE 1882-BY D. B. ORMISTON.
By an order of the Circuit Court, at the August term, 1839, Linneus was established as a county seat of Linn county, which honor it bears with pride alike to itself and the county. The capital's growth was at no period rapid or spasmodic, but rather slow and substantial. The first court house was erected under an order of the county court entered of record at the February term, 1841. This building did not long meet the requirements of the developing conditions and on May 14, 1846, the county court apporpriated $4,000 for the erection of another building, which was completed and accepted by the court on October 16, 1848. The old building which stood as a temple of justice at the close of the Civil War, and which many of our citizens yet well remember, was at various times remodeled and repaired. In 1885, under the court presided over by Judge Silas Hale, it was rebuilt and remains until this day. Various attempts have been made to induce the tax-payers to build a court house that would reflect credit upon this splendid county, but all efforts failed until the first day of August, 1911, a proposition to build a $60,000 building, to be paid for by a direct levy covering three years, was submitted and carried by a substantial majority. The work of construction will begin next spring, 1913.
Linneus is located on high, commanding ground. one of the highest tracts between the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers; has excellent natural drainage and abundance of the best water at from ten to forty feet. Like many of the old towns and cities of Missouri, Linneus's business district surrounds a central public square, in which the court house now stands, and in which the new structure will be erected. Feb- ruary 9, 1853, was the date of incorporation, and March 18, 1880, Lin- neus became a city of the fourth class ; was incorporated under the law of 1877, June 17, 1881.
The purpose of this article is to present in a condensed form some of the facts connected with the history of this city, beginning with 1882, and we shall confine the sketch to the material, educational, religious and social development. Linneus has always been noted for its hos- pitality, financial strength, deep-seated love for education and music, broad patriotism and great respect for law and order. Its people are cultured, generous and courteous; at all times seeking the ennobling qualities of heart and mind rather than the transitory. Early in the life of Linneus attention was given to the religious growth of the peo-
.
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ple, and the requirements of the church received earnest consideration. The Baptist Church was organized in 1839, and for many years occu- pied the building which is now the home of the Bulletin. In 1893-4 a neat frame building was erected in the eastern part of the city, which has all the modern needs of the large and growing membership. The last pastor was the Reverend R. L. Wood, who in April accepted a call from the Baptist Church at Adrian, Missouri. The pulpit here at this writing, has not been supplied but will be in the near future.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was organized in October, 1844, and is strong in membership and wields a potent influence for good. This congregation erected a beautiful edifice on the site of the old structure in 1883, and under the pastorate of the Reverend F. A. Henry the organization is rated among the influential churches of the county. The Christian Church was organized in 1853. In 1889 the members razed their old church and erected a neat, substantial, roomy edifice on the site of the former building. The membership is large and embraces many of the well-to-do farmers residing near the city.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized many years ago, and for a long time had a struggle for existence. Its house of worship was located at the northeast corner of the public square. It was not until 1909 that this congregation felt numerically and financially able to erect a new edifice. The task was undertaken and resulted in the establishment of a magnificent structure on the site of the old church. It is regarded as being one of the best equipped churches in this part of the state. Under the pastorate of Reverend Lloyd H. Lanning, who was born in Brookfield and educated in that city and at Missouri Wesleyan College, Cameron, Missouri, it is enjoying a sub- stantial growth.
The Second Baptist Church (colored) was organized, and under the pastorate of the Reverend Hardin Morgan has accomplished much for its people both religiously and educationally. The Reverend Mor- gan has served this church more than thirty years.
The educational history of this city is treated exhaustively else- where in this work, and in passing will only state that the period of the greatest development and efficiency has been that under the superin- tendency of Professor E. J. Powell, a native of Linn county, who has been at the head of our educational system for the past five years.
The newspapers of this city have contributed largely to its growth, progress and development, always standing for enterprising policies and men. (See Newspapers of the County.)
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In 1882 Linneus had but one bank, that of Combs & Wilkerson, which was located in the west end of the building south of the Meyer & Locke Mercantile Company. In 1889 this concern was reorganized. since which time it has been operating under the name of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, the pioneer bank of Linneus.
The Moore & Mullins Bank was organized and opened its doors for business in January, 1896. It is owned by Major A. W. Mullins and W. L. Moore. With a capital of $20,000 and a surplus of $30,000, it has been wonderfully successful from its beginning. Colonel F. W. Powers is cashier and Ben H. Mullins, assistant cashier. The bank has grown in favor and ranks as one of the foremost and best managed financial institutions in this part of the state. It is located in the Opera House block.
In 1905 the Citizens' Bank was established. It is located at the southwest corner of the square, and has elegant equipment. It has a cash capital of $30,000 with a surplus of $3,500, and enjoys a growing patronage. Judge A. B. Bond is president, W. B. Thorn, cashier, and M. E. Fosher, assistant cashier. No town in the state has better banking institutions that Linneus.
The Commercial Hotel is one of the old landmarks of the city, and while old age should command reverence, it is with joy and gladness that on the 10th day of June, in this year of our Lord, 1912, a force of workmen will begin the task of tearing down this popular but outgrown hostelry, that it may give place to a far larger and better one. Before the snow flies one of the best hotel buildings in the state will adorn the corner on which the Commercial has so long stood. The money has been subscribed and the work of building will be pushed with all possible speed.
In 1900 the Superior Haystacker Manufacturing Company was organized and established. It is located just south of the Burlington railway station, where it covers a vast area of ground. Various kinds of harvesting implements are manufactured. These find ready sale in all of the agricultural regions of the great West. This plant employs a large number of men the year round. It has a working capital of $35,000. O. P. Vroom is president and M. V. Fetty, secretary-treasurer.
South of the Superior Haystacker Manufacturing Company's plant is located the flouring mill owned and operated by W. E. Forman. Dur- ing the period alloted to this article, the mill has been destroyed by fire twice. The present proprietor has succeeded in a marked degree in drawing patronage from all sections of the county, and his success is
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due to his indomitable will and determination to give every man a "square deal."
A United States postoffice was established in Linneus in 1840. Dr. J. C. Cooper was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by the follow- ing: J. U. Parsons, Marshall Harrison, E. H. Richardson, Robert Fer- guson, Harvey Wanck, Charles A. Perkins, D. B. Ormiston, J. P. Brad- ley and D. B. Ormiston, the present incumbent, who was re-appointed. The office is now located in the News building. Five rural carriers are now connected with the office and these faithful servants of the people deliver mail over one-sixth of the entire county.
The present city government is progressive in all matters concern- ing the growth and welfare of the municipality. Mayor J. G. Collins is serving his third term. The council is composed of M. E. Fosher, T. S. Stephenson, B. H. Mullins and J. N. Carter, with H. E. Symons, city clerk; C. E. Swinney, collector; T. M. Davis, marshal; and W. B. Craig, treasurer.
The people of Linneus have adopted municipal ownership to the extent of owning a magnificent opera house, city park and an electric light plant. These properties are conducted at a minimum cost for the pleasure and convenience of the people. About six years ago the cement era was inaugurated, since which time practically all of the wooden walks have given place to concrete, and long lines of cement walks thread the city in every direction.
The civic and fraternal societies are well represented. Masonic. Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, M. W. of A., Yeoman and Royal Neighbors all have strong lodges. Many literary clubs have been formed among the ladies, embracing the Laurel Club, P. E. O., and M. I. C.
Wonderful changes have taken place during the thirty years cov- ered by this article. Truly this is a new Linneus. Every church has been rebuilt, every bank occupies a new home; there is a new school building, a new park, opera house, electric light plant, manufacturing industries, flouring mill, new county infirmary, new jail,-in fact, prac- tically everything has been made new. Linnens now enters upon its era of greatest growth and development. The erection of a new hotel this year and the new court house next year will invite capital and people, and the years ahead are bright with promise of a splendid growth. The impediments of the past no longer confront the capital city, and with warm hearts and glad hands our citizenship extends greetings and bids you join in our glorious future.
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BROWNING
(By Senator E. B. Fields)
Browning is located on the line between Linn and Sullivan counties, about one-fourth of the town being in the latter county.
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