USA > Missouri > Linn County > Compendium of history and biography of Linn County, Missouri > Part 26
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One of the interesting landmarks of Locust Creek Valley is the old water-mill, about four miles west of Laclede, on the estate of J. L. Wood. The site is rugged and picturesque. In the early days of the state there was an Indian village there and a rock ford to afford easy crossing. Immense boulders crop out from the bluffs, and many have deeply imbedded in them salt-water shells. It is supposed that the country hereabouts was once a part of the sea, and that explains the shells. The mill is close to a public highway, which crosses the stream on a strong steel bridge. The dam and the mill were built by Daniel Grant in 1878. The plant was known as the Woodland mill. It was operated by water-power. The Woodland mills did grinding for a large territory, and at certain seasons of the year run night and day.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
Mr. Wood purchased the property from Daniel Detrich in 1891. It had changed hands a number of times between Grant and Detrich. Plummer Ong was employed as head miller. Mr. Wood put in steam to run the machinery when the water was low and also two powerful tur- bines of the James Leffel type, so that the mill could be operated by water power when the creek was on the rising stage. These turbines are of the same type as those used at Niagara Falls.
When the mill was running, Mr. Wood drew customers from as far north as Milan and as far south as Brunswick. The plant produced regular roller mill flour and did general custom work. The price for grinding by water power was one-eighth and by steam power one-sixth. The capacity of the mill is from forty to fifty barrels of flour per day.
The mill house is a large three story structure, with a capacity for storing an immense amount of grain. Being situated conveniently on a main highway, it is in an advantageous position to command a large trade today if it were put in commission again.
On Mr. Wood's large estate, not far from his mill, are several Indian burying grounds. These are in the form of mounds. Parties have dug into them recently, and found many interesting pieces of pottery, arrows, tomahawks and the bones of tribesmen. A few years ago a young woman from Oklahoma visited the farm for the purpose, she stated, of finding where one of her ancestors was buried. Although she talked English fluently, and dressed in good style she said there was Indian blood in her veins and that she had a curiosity to see the burial spot of her remote kinsman. She went to one of the mounds on Mr. Wood's place and looked at it long and interestedly, and gave it as her opinion that that was the one in which the remains of the warrior chieftain was sleeping. She made no attempt to dig into the mound.
There is a pathetic little story or legend about a small boy who became lost and passed the night by himself in the wilderness, on a mound northwest of the Woodland mill, about a mile away. The inci- dent occurred in the pioneer days, along in the early 50s. The lad was about four years old. He started out alone one morning to over- take his father, who had gone to Linneus. The little fellow walked and walked until he was completely tired out. Night came on and he lay down to rest on a mound and went to sleep. Of course the members of his family were very much distressed over his absence and spent the night hunting for him. Next morning he was found curled up by an old doe and her faun. The boy said that he had heard his mother calling during the night and that he had answered her, but that she didn't come to him; he didn't know why it was. It was supposed that
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he had gone to sleep and the animals had chosen the same spot for retirement. During the night he heard the doe bleating and imagined it was the voice of his mother. The mother was overcome with joy at finding her little son alive. In those days for a child to get out of sight of the old log cabin meant that it was likely to be in great danger from the animals that were always prowling the woods.
The road running by the Woodland mills used to be known as the Brunswick and Chillicothe trail. It was used largely by the '49ers in their daily trek to the far West. The roads are unexceptionally good, and can be kept in good order almost the year round with a little dragging. The soil is a black loam, and the roads do not wash badly as they do in a country of clay hills. By the time this history is in press Linn county will have a standard dirt highway from the eastern to the western border. This highway will be part of what is known as the Hannibal & St. Joseph Cross-State Highway. The movement was inaugurated at Brookfield at a big meeting in February, 1912.
There were representatives from all the counties through which the highway would pass. The following officers were elected: Presi- dent, Frank Adams, Chillicothe; vice president, L. M. Stallard, St. Joseph ; secretary-treasurer, Sydney J. Roy, Hannibal.
The executive committeeman from Linn county is J. O. Van Osdol of Bucklin.
The following table gives the cities and towns along the route and their population as given by government census of 1910:
Hannibal
20,162
Callao 526
Bear Creek
50
Kern
10
Withers Mill
25
New Cambria
500
Barkley
10
Bucklin 790
Palmyra
2,168
Brookfield 5,749
Woodland
100
Laclede
740
Ely
50
Meadville
580
Monroe
1,949
Wheeling
25
Hunnewell
406
Cream Ridge
384
Lakenan
137
Chillicothe
6,265
Shelbina
2,174
Mooresville
205
Lentner
100
Breckenridge
1,025
Clarence
1,332
Nettleton
50
Anabel
250
Hamilton
1,761
Macon
3,854
Kidder
306
Bevier
1,900
Cameron
2,600
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
Osborn
200 Easton
225
Stewartsville
400
St. Joseph .81,777
Hemple
200
P
It is not the purpose to stop with the standard dirt road, but to continue the agitation until a permanent rock road is constructed from the Mississippi to the Missouri river.
Several meetings have been held since the one at Brookfield and the greatest interest has been manifested in the enterprise. All the counties have subscribed liberally and the farmers along the line have shown an earnest desire to take a hand in the improvement.
The automobile, which was at first dreaded by the farmers, has proven to be a blessing. Owners of cars, and automobile associations everywhere, are taking a lead in the movement for good roads, and wherever you see a gathering of men to discuss that subject you will find the farmer and the motor car man working shoulder to shoulder in the good work.
The Cross-State Highway will, it is calculated, be the parent of numerous good road enterprises north and south, leading into the main line. This will mean as much for the development of the country today as the railroad did fifty or sixty years ago.
In speaking of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Cross State Highway, Curtis Hill, state highway engineer, recently said:
"The plan for a Cross-State Highway across North Missouri from Hannibal to St. Joseph, as outlined and agreed upon at the con- ference at Brookfield on February 28th, is a good one, in fact, it is an ideal route-and the plan of organization is practical.
"Two of the largest cities of the state just within the state, one upon the Missouri river, the western border, and the other upon the Mississippi river, which forms the eastern boundary, and with 200 miles of rich agricultural country between them, some of the richest lands in the state, connected by a good, serviceable road, will indeed become a great highway. Well may it, as Mr. Roy suggests, be named the 'Prairie Route.'
"This great highway directly across the state, the most direct highway across Missouri that can be selected in any direction, through rich prairie lands, prosperous towns dotting the entire distance and a live city upon each terminus, will become one of the greatest in Missouri and bring untold benefits to that portion of the state and those counties through which it passes. Not only this, but it will exploit and help to further develop the state. It will bring to us the
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
class of visitors and citizens we like to welcome-men of means and of affairs. Not only will this one road be of value because it will be a road built, but because it will mean more good roads. Better than one road or a few road districts will be the universal interest and enthusiasm aroused for good roads. It is the main road, the center of action, into which many other good roads will be made.
"The idea is a co-operative plan whereby each community is asked to co-operate with that community on either side in the improvement of its own local road in such a manner as to connect into one great and continuous road. It must, therefore, be located over a road of local use and be of local as well as through service. In asking the citizens of a community to improve its section of the road they are asked to do no more than what they should do anyway-improve one of the main traveled local roads. In doing so, the community is not only making a much needed local improvement, but is placing itself upon a main thoroughfare."
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DEPARTMENT OF BIOGRAPHY
a. H. Mullins.
MAJOR A. W. MULLINS
A gallant and intrepid Union soldier during the Civil War, although a native of Kentucky and of Virginia ancestry, and living at the time of his enlistment in a region in which there was a very strong sympathy with the Southern Confederacy, Major A. W. Mullins, of Linneus, soon after the dawn of his manhood showed himself to be a gentleman of independent views, deep and abiding patriotism, and devoted to the best interests of his country, without regard to the former history and traditions of his family, uninfluenced by the seeth- ing political strife around him and the personal danger to himself it might embody, and with the courage of his convictions, whatever might betide.
These characteristics have been forcibly manifested in all his subsequent career and have been strong elements in his success. In every line of activity to which duty or inclination has called him he has been the same forceful, self-reliant and manly man, unintimidated by circumstances, but commanding them to his service; undaunted by adversities, but making even them wings and weapons for his advance- ment in life; smiling in the face of difficulties and obstacles, and always their master; and at all times one of the most courtly, considerate and genial of men.
Major Mullins was born in Marion county, Kentucky, on April 12, 1835. He is a son of Berryman H. and Susannah Jane (Crews) Mullins, with whom he came to Missouri and Linn county in 1844, when he was nine years of age. His father was born near Petersburg, Vir- ginia, on March 3, 1802, and like his son, became an emigrant from his native heath in his boyhood, accompanying his parents to what is now Marion county, Kentucky, where he grew to manhood and received a good ,common school education. He began life as a farmer and con- tinued as such throughout his long and somewhat eventful career.
On his arrival in Linn county with his family in 1844 he located on a farm in Locust Creek township three miles southeast of Linneus, and there he passed the remainder of his days, dying on that farm on November 26, 1881, when he was nearly eighty years old. His wife,
257
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
who was born and reared in Kentucky, survived him for a short time, remaining on the old homestead to the end of her life. They were the parents of five sons and three daughters, and of the eight three only are living.
Major Mullins was reared on the family farm from the time of his arrival in the county. He was educated wholly in this state, laying the foundation of his academic training in the common country schools and completing it at McGee college in Macon county, which he attended during 1854, 1855 and 1856. Immediately after leaving college he began the study of law in the office and under the direction of Judge Jacob Smith, one of the eminent lawyers and judges of the state. He was admitted to the bar in October, 1857, his entry being made at Linneus before Judge James A. Clark, another man eminent in the legal profession in Linn county.
The young attorney and future major began the practice of his profession in Linneus at once, and he rose rapidly in it until he became the leader of the bar in Linn county, of which he is now not only the leader but the Nestor, being still actively engaged in conducting his extensive practice, notwithstanding the fact that his years number almost four score. For he is still vigorous and energetic, and has as much abhorrence of idleness as he ever had at any period of his life. His high rank at the bar, which he reached early and has steadily maintained, is due to his profound and extensive knowledge of the law, his skill and resourcefulness as a practitioner, his wisdom and quick- ness of apprehension as a counselor, and his high character and strict integrity as a man, professionally and in all the relations of life.
The major has filled a number of official positions, both civil and military. In 1862 he was elected to represent Linn county in the state legislature, and was again elected to the same trust in 1866, having skipped one term, but holding the office four years in all, and in the period between his two terms in the legislature he was appointed county treasurer to fill out the unexpired term in that office of a Mr. Hoyle, who resigned in 1865. Following this, on the expiration of his second service in the general assembly, he was elected county treasurer for a full term of two years.
During a portion of the time he was in the legislature he found himself somewhat in the entanglement of conflicting duties. In the winter of 1861 and 1862 he enlisted in Colonel McFerrin's regiment of the First Missouri state militia, entering the military service as a private, but being soon afterward commissioned a major by Governor
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
Gamble. He had therefore to obtain leave of absence from the regi- ment in order to perform his duties as a representative. This was easily secured, however, for the times were troublous and he was needed in the legislature, while, although the hand of war had been felt in Missouri, it had not yet become so heavy that he could not be spared from military duty in the winter season. (For further notice of Major Mullin's military service see chapter on Civil War.)
The last official position Major Mullins held was that of United States attorney for the western district of Missouri, to which he was appointed by President Grant in 1877. Although this office was in the line of his profession, he did not find it agreeable and resigned it before the end of the first year of his tenure, much to the regret of the author- ities at Washington, who showed their esteem for him by allowing him to name his own successor. In politics he is a staunch Republican and a great worker for his party. He is one of its leaders in his con- gressional district and in the state at large. For many years no cam- paign has been conducted by the party without his active co-operation in both counsel and energetic and effective service in the field.
The major owns considerable property of value in Linn and the adjoining counties, and is recognized as one of the substantial men in this part of the state. On January 10, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Nerissa Smith, a daughter of his old preceptor in the law. Six children born of the union, four sons and two daughters, are liv- ing and have their homes in this state.
In dress, in courtliness of manner, in high character, in fidelity to duty in all the relations of life, in respect for the rights and consid- eration for the feelings of others-in every attribute and particular- Major Mullins is a fine type of the southern gentleman of the old school; and in all the characteristics of elevated, useful and high-minded citi- zenship he is an ornament to his community, his county, his state and his country, and would be to any country and any society. No citizen Linn county has ever had has stood higher than does he in the esteem and cordial regard and admiration of its people. Now nearing the age of four score years, but still hale and active, as has been stated, he reminds all who know him of some genial year, approaching its end undoubtedly, but with its seasons of warmth and beauty and fruitfulness not wholly spent, but still exerting their benignant influ- ences on the world and the people in it whose lives they have brightened.
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY JUDGE HARRY LANDER
(Deceased)
Venerable in years, eminent in his profession and in public life, with a long record of usefulness in war and peace to his credit, and standing high in the esteem of the people of Missouri, the late Judge Harry Lander, of Brookfield, passed to his eternal rest on December 6, 1903, lamented by the whole city of Brookfield and county of Linn. An unusual coincidence, and perhaps a happy one, was that his wife, who was also venerable and venerated, died on the same day. Their funerals were held together and their remains were buried in the same grave.
Judge Lander was born in Breckinridge county, Kentucky, on August 15, 1826, and lived there until he was about nine years old. His parents, Henry and Ann (Cleveland) Lander, then moved, with their eleven children, to Knox county, Illinois. There the future judge at- tended the public schools and assisted in the labors on his father's farm until he was near manhood. He also pursued a full course of academic instruction at Knox College and was graduated from that institution. He felt that his bent was toward professional life, and he chose the law as his field of activity in that line. He studied law in the office of Julius A. Manning, then one of the foremost lawyers of the state, and after his admission to the bar, formed a partnership with his preceptor and located in Peoria, Illinois, the commission authorizing him to practice being signed by Stephen A. Douglas, at that time the judge of the circuit.
At this period Abraham Lincoln was practicing law also and living at Springfield, and Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll at Peoria. Colonel In- gersoll and Judge Lander had adjoining offices, and many are the inter- esting stories the judge used to delight in telling of the early law prac- tice in Illinois and incidents growing out of or connected with his asso- ciation with these famous American citizens. They were intimate friends and kindred spirits, equal in joviality and good-fellowship, and almost equal in anecdote and repartee, and there was probably never a more genial atmosphere than they created around them, in which all who came in contact with them shared.
From Peoria Judge Lander moved to Chariton county, this state, and there continued the practice of his profession for some years. He came to Linn county in about 1855, and rose to prominence at the bar here, commanding universal respect for his abilities, and winning all hearts by his genial nature and rare powers as a raconteur. He was held in the highest esteem, also, for his strict integrity, strong manhood and
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
elevated citizenship, which made him one of the finest types of admir- able American gentility Linn county has ever known, and its people have had many fine examples for comparison.
Soon after the beginning of the Civil War Judge Lander enlisted in the Union army, and was made lieutenant and quartermaster of the Eighteenth Missouri Regiment of Infantry. At the close of the war he returned to Brookfield, and from 1865 to 1869 served with great credit and acceptability as judge of the Court of Common Pleas. When he retired from the bench here he went to St. Louis, where he practiced un- til 1877. He then returned to Brookfield, and here he continued in active practice until his death.
The judge was one of the most eminent lawyers in Missouri, and one of the state's best known and most revered citizens. On the day of his funeral, out of respect to his memory and that of his wife, every business house in Brookfield closed its doors during the hours of the funeral service. Every resident of the city felt keenly the loss of a friend and gave testimony to this feeling in a way that left no doubt on the subject, and the state mourned the fall of a stately oak in its forest of citizenship.
On April 18, 1861, Judge Lander was united in marriage with Miss Martha McCoy, a native of Lee county, Virginia, and they walked life's troubled way together to the end, as has been indicated. One child was born of their union, their son H. P. Lander, former prosecuting attorney of Linn county, and one of Brookfield's most prominent lawyers and most esteemed and useful citizens, whose professional career has been very creditable to him and beneficial to the community to the present time (1912).
ROBERT FINLEY MAXWELL
This successful and prosperous farmer of Linn county, whose home is in Grantsville township, is living on the farm which his father hewed out of the wilderness in the early days of the county's history, and is in itself a striking illustration of the work that has been done and the progress that has been made toward the full development of the county's resources and the expansion of its industrial and commercial power to the greatest possible extent. The farm is well improved, skill- fully cultivated and highly productive-a very different condition from that in which its first owner found it-and the change represents what the labor of enterprising men can accomplish when judiciously applied to the bounties of Nature, and in its measure speaks of Linn county in
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
general and typifies what has been achieved within its borders by the same means.
Mr. Maxwell was born in Shelby county, Ohio, on March 15, 1855, and was brought by his parents, Robert and Catherine (Lambert) Max- well, to Missouri and Linn county when he was but two years old. The father was a native of Virginia, born in July 5, 1786, and early in his manhood moved to Ohio. In 1857 he brought his family to this county and purchased the farm on which his son now lives. It was, as has been suggested, but a little removed from its state of primeval wilder- ness, and nearly all the work required to make it over into a productive farm was yet to be done. The father passed the rest of his life on it, carrying on this work with gratifying progress, and left the tract well improved and in a high state of productiveness when he died on April 20, 1861. The worn and wasted tenement of his spirit was buried in Whitley cemetery at Laclede. The mother died on January 15, 1902, and her remains were buried in Bear Branch cemetery.
Their son, Robert F. Maxwell, grew to manhood and obtained his education in this county, acquiring habits of useful industry and a thorough knowledge of the calling in life he had chosen for himself by practical and diligent assistance in the labor of cultivating the farm. Soon after leaving school he began farming on his own account, and to this occupation he has steadfastly adhered ever since, so well satisfied with it that he has never found any temptation sufficiently strong to induce him to even contemplate engaging in any other. He has applied intelligence and good judgment to his operations, and has thereby made himself one of the leading farmers of his township, and is taken as an example by others in the same business.
Mr. Maxwell is always warmly interested in the progress and im- provement of the county, and does his full share of the work necessary to promote the desired advance. He zealously supports all worthy undertakings tending to this end, and is regarded as a very enterprising and public spirited citizen. The fraternal life of the community enlists his earnest attention also, and he gives his feelings on the subject ex- pression by active and serviceable membership in the Order of Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to Shelby Camp, No. 6,602 in the fra- ternity. He is also a devoted and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.
On September 17, 1885, he was married to Miss Mary E. Sturtevant, a daughter of Lyman and Elsie J. (George) Sturtevant, a sketch of whom will be found in this volume. Five children have been born of the union, and all of them are living. They are Fred L., who aids his
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HISTORY OF LINN COUNTY
father in managing the farm, and Herman F., Robert W., Opha Milo and Elsie, all of them still members of the parental family circle. The mother died on July 3, 1909, and all that was mortal of her was buried in Rose Hill cemetery in Brookfield.
MURRAY BUSHNELL
Born and reared on a farm, educated in the district schools, begin- ning life for himself as a farmer, and since then to the present time pur- suing the even tenor of his way in that uneventful and, even at the best, somewhat monotonous occupation, Murray Bushnell, of Brookfield township has differed but little if any in the salient points of his history from thousands of other men in Missouri and millions in other parts of the country. In his personal characteristics he differs from many, and in some respects, no doubt, from all other men. But even in these he exhibits the same virtues of integrity, uprightness and straightfor- wardness that pervade the masses of our people, and he also shares with them the enterprise and progressiveness that make them the most triumphant and daring race the world has ever known.
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