Encyclopedia of the history of Missouri, a compendium of history and biography for ready reference, Vol. II, Part 12

Author: Conard, Howard Louis, ed. 1n
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: New York, Louisville [etc.] The Southern history company, Haldeman, Conard & co., proprietors
Number of Pages: 800

USA > Missouri > Encyclopedia of the history of Missouri, a compendium of history and biography for ready reference, Vol. II > Part 12

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The reasons why the World's Fair should be located at St. Louis were forcibly urged by Governor David R. Francis, Honorable E. O. Stanard and Colonel Charles H. Jones. Succinctly stated, it was urged on St. Louis' behalf that she was first in the field in pro- posing a World's Fair to celebrate the quadricentennial of the discovery of Amer- ica by Columbus, and that the city of St. Louis was the most suitable site; that this was done as early as 1882 in articles written for the "Missouri Republican," and which idea was subsequently adopted at the First National Convention of Fair and Exposition Managers, held at St. Louis in June, 1884; that in 1885 the commissioners of the New Orleans Exposition declared themselves in favor of a World's Fair, and in favor of St. Louis as the site of that fair.

The international aspect of the fair was re- lied on, namely, that visitors from the Old World, traveling from the Atlantic seaboard to the banks of the Mississippi River, would see about one-third of the domain of the re- public. The national view was dwelt on, and a map showing that a circle with a radius of 500 miles, drawn around the city of St. Louis, contained therein, according to the census of 1880, 23,800,000 people ; a similar circle drawn around the city of New York contained 20,- 100,000, and a similar circle around the city of Chicago, 21,700,000 people. The trans-

portation facilities were strongly put forth, showing a larger mileage of inland water transportation than any other large city of the Union. The local advantages, because of the magnificent water supply, and the per- fect sewerage system, were strongly urged, and the hotel accommodations were shown to be fully equal to the demands which would be made upon them.

During the six months preceding the con- vening of the Fifty-first Congress all the cities competing for the location of the fair were active and zealous in securing commit- tals on the part of their representatives in Congress. The subject of whether there should be a celebration and where the cele- bration should be held, in the event Congress decided that there should be a celebration, was thoroughly digested by the members of Congress when they went to Washington to attend Congress. Following the precedent established in the legislation regarding the Centennial of 1876, at Philadelphia, the com- mittee on foreign affairs assumed that it would have charge of any legislation toucli- ing the World's Fair.

Knowing that if this committee was given jurisdiction of this matter it would act

COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION.

against the interests of St. Louis, because no member of Congress favorable to St. Louis was a member of the committee on foreign affairs, Congressman Frank offered a reso- lution providing that a select committee of nine members should be appointed, to be called the "World's Fair Committee," to whom should be referred all matters relating to the proposed celebration. The committee on rules subsequently reported such resolu- tion back with the recommendation that it be passed. A minority report was submitted in the nature of a resolution as a substitute, namely: "That the committee on foreign af- fairs have jurisdiction of all matters relating to the World's Fair." On the 17th of Jan- uary, 1890, this report of the committee on rules was submitted to the House, and gave rise to one of the most exciting and most earnest debates that took place in that mem- orable Congress. The members favoring the appointment of a select committee consisted of those favorable to St. Louis for the loca- tion of the fair and those who were un- pledged to any city. A combination of the other cities was made of the members who supported the minority substitute. By a close vote, namely, 135 to 133, the resolution providing for the appointment of a select committee was adopted. This victory was hailed with great delight by the people of St. Louis, but the effect was, however, to more strongly combine the opposition to St. Louis by the friends of the other competing cities. Speaker Reed, in pursuance of the resolu- tion, appointed a select committee on the World's Fair, consisting of the following : John W. Candler, of Massachusetts ; Robert R. Hitt and William M. Springer, of Illinois; G. E. Bowden, of Virginia ; James J. Belden and Roswell P. Flower, of New York; Nathan Frank and W. H. Hatch, of Mis- souri ; William L. Wilson, of West Virginia. Missouri was honored with two places on this committee-Nathan Frank and Wm. H. Hatch.

A bill providing for the holding of the fair at St. Louis was introduced by Mr. Frank and referred to this committee. Other cities followed and introduced similar bills through their representatives. The select committee reported back to the House a "bill to provide for celebrating the four hundredth anniver- sary of the discovery of America by Christo- pher Columbus, by holding an international

exhibition of arts, industries, manufactures, and the product of the soil, mines and sea, in the city of - -, in the year 1892." This bill was made a special order for debate on Thursday and Friday, February 20th and 2Ist, which was participated in by the lead- ing members of Congress.

The vote was taken on the 25th day of Feb- ruary, 1890, on the resolution to fill in the name of the city. On the first roll call Chi- cago received 115 votes, New York 72, St. Louis 60 and Washington 56. No place having received a majority of all the votes cast, a second roll call was had, and no place having then received a majority, another roll call was needed. It was necessary to call the roll of the House for an aye and nay vote seven times, which finally resulted in a com- bination of interests by which Chicago re- ceived 156 votes, or a majority of one vote, and the resolution was then adopted, insert- ing the name of "Chicago" in the blank place. NATHAN FRANK.

[Congressman Frank, both at home and at Washington, was one of the busiest of the promoters of the Columbian Fair project for St. Louis. He was punctual in attendance upon all the committees to which he was as- signed, and was prolific in wise suggestions in furtherance of the cause. His speech be- fore the final congressional vote was taken was replete with facts and fine points bearing upon the contest. He referred to the orig- inal conception of the idea belonging to St. Louis, where it had been elaborately dis- cussed for five years, as one of pure senti- ment and patriotic feeling. He deprecated the partisan considerations which had been made to bear weight upon the settlement of the location. He spoke of the geographical advantages of St. Louis, accessible. as she is, to the largest number of people of this coun- try, and of the continent south of us; of her greater nearness to the general variety of exhibits than any other city ; of her choice of favorable sites or grounds; of the welcon- ing and hospitable spirit of her people; of her complete ability to carry out all the re- quirements of the bill; her salubrious and healthful climate; her character as a cosmo- politan city ; her hundreds of miles of streets and boulevards ; her magnificent parks and monuments ; her splendid hostelries, and her conspicuous place in the history and tradi- tions of the country .- EDITOR.]

COLUMBIAN KNIGHTS-COMMERCE OF KANSAS CITY ..

Columbian Knights .- A fraternal in- surance order established in Chicago, and in- corporated under the laws of Illinois August 14, 1895. Its total membership was about six thousand in 1898. St. Louis Lodge No. 55, having about ninety members, was the only lodge of this order in existence in St. Louis at the beginning of the year 1898. This lodge was organized in July, 1897, by George A. Lemming, who later removed from Chi- cago to St. Louis and became the president of the lodge, succeeding John B. Meyers. Other officers were N. W. Perkins, Jr., vice president; F. Ryan, secretary, and Hugh Koch, chaplain.

Columbian Medical College .- The Columbian Medical College was founded in Kansas City, in 1898, by Dr. J. L. Robinson, Dr. W. F. Morrow, Dr. P. C. Palmer, Dr. J. E. Moses, Dr. G. W. Lilley and Dr. J. H. Johnson ; all except the two last named are yet connected with the college. It occupies two stories of a rented building, and is pro- vided with necessary laboratories, and main- tains a free dispensary. The first graduat- ing class were six in number, and there were thirty matriculants in 1900.

Columbian School of Osteopathy. This school is located at Kirksville, Missouri, and is for the giving of instruction in the art of osteopathy, surgery and medicine. It was founded November 8, 1897, by Dr. Marcus L. Ward, who on that date formed the first class for instruction. A charter for the institution had been granted on Novem- ber 1, 1897. The first class occupied rooms in one of the business blocks in the main part of the town of Kirksville. The growth of the school was so rapid that it was decided to erect a building especially for school pur- poses. A tract of land one mile east of the Wabash depot at Kirksville was secured, on which a fine pressed brick building, sixty by sixty feet, three stories and basement, was built and equipped in the most modern man- ner. Into this building the school was moved in April, 1898. The location of the college is at a considerable elevation above the surrounding country, of which it com- mands an extensive view. A monthly review, called the "Columbian Osteopath," is pub- lished under the direction of the faculty of the college. During the 1899-1900 term, 25℃ students were in attendance at the school.

Comingo, Abram, lawyer, soldier and member of Congress, was born in Mercer County, Kentucky, January 9, 1820, and died at Independence, Missouri. After receiving a good English education he studied law and was admitted to the bar in his native State in 1847. The following year he came to Missouri, and achieved a successful practice. In 1861 he took a firm stand for the Union cause, and was elected to the State Conven- tion. The same year he entered the Union Army, and was made provost marshal for the Sixth District of Missouri. In 1870 he was elected to the Forty-second Congress from the Sixth Missouri District, by a vote of 12,652 to 8,597 for Smith, Republican, and in 1872 was re-elected, serving two full terms.

Commerce .- An incorporated town on the Mississippi River, in Commerce Town- ship, Scott County, eight miles northeast of Benton and 165 miles from St. Louis. It is the eastern terminal of Houck's Missouri and Arkansas Railway. The town was laid out in 1823 by the heirs of Thomas W. Waters, the original locater of the land which com- prises the town site. It was incorporated in 1857, and in 1864 became the seat of justice of Scott County, by legislative enactment, and remained such until 1878, when by popular vote Benton was again made the county seat. It has a bank, large flouring mill and elevator, two churches, a public school, a hotel and several stores. It is an important shipping point for grain and other produce. Population, 1899 (estimated), 800.

Commerce of Kansas City .- The situation of Kansas City at the point where the Missouri River turns eastward naturally made it a center of trade. There was a good landing, and goods could be transported cheaply to this point from the East, and hence it became the depot for supplying the Indians and settlers to the south and west. Santa Fe, eight hundred miles distant, had been the port of entry for the Mexican em- pire, and after Texas, New Mexico and Arizona came into the possession of the United States, the trade increased until superseded by the railroads which brought the frontier town nearer and nearer to the point of consumption. From 1824 oxen were used to draw the wagons, and these oxen could feed on the grasses along the route.

COMMERCE OF KANSAS CITY.

The prices obtained for domestics, tobacco, whisky and iron was 1,000 per cent of their cost and hence the trade yielded large profits. The trade with Santa Fe prior to the founding of Kansas City, in 1838, is given by competent authority as amounting to $1,700,000. Then about eighty wagons made the trip annually, and each had to pay a duty of $500 on entering Santa Fe, regard- less of the value of the cargo. The port was closed in 1843, by order of Santa Anna, but was reopened in 1844. When the trade re- opened, in 1845, Kansas City, or Westport, being the nearer point and affording good pasturage for oxen, superseded Independence, which had previously been enriched by this trade. At this time Messrs. Bent & St. Vrain landed the first goods that were shipped di- rectly from Kansas City in wagons. During the next five years the freighting and out- fitting business was drawn away entirely from Independence. In 1850 the Subletts of St. Louis, F. Aubrey, Dr. Conolly and the Armijo Bros., of Santa Fe, were, with Messrs. Bent & St. Vrain, the chief firms engaged in the trade. (See article on "West- port.") In the earlier stages the business aggregated about $100,000 annually, but in 1850, six hundred wagons set out from Kansas City. During the decade the business grew enormously, and in 1860 it was five times as great. The outgoing trains carried whisky, fancy groceries, prints, notions, etc., and brought back wool, dried buffalo meat, buffalo robes, golddust, silver ore, and Mexi- can dollars sewed up in raw hides. The California excitement in 1849-50 brought business to Kansas City in furnishing horses, mules, oxen, wagons, and other outfitting supplies to immigrants. The Overland Ex- press, by means of Concord coaches drawn by horses or mules, carried mails, express goods and passengers to Santa Fe and to Salt Lake City and San Francisco. The passengers were armed in order to defend themselves against hostile Indians. The

Santa Fe line was started in 1849, but the Stockton line was not established until October 1, 1858, when six Concord coaches, twelve provision wagons with one hundred and fifty mules, started from Kansas City, then a pioneer town of about 7,000 inhabi- tants. The next train did not leave until November 6th. The Kansas City landing had a rocky bank with a deep current before

it. This naturally fitted it to become a great steamboat freight depot. Warehouses and stores were located in the vicinity of the landing. The steamboats arrived loaded down with passengers and freight. About fifteen hundred boats arrived and departed in 1857. The immigration to Kansas and Nebraska in 1854-60 added to the prosperity of Kansas City. The newcomers replenished their needs and found a market for their produce. This was interrupted for a time

during the border troubles. The money

used was specie. Over five million dollars was put in circulation, the United States mint furnishing $2,800,000, $1,500,000 came from New Mexico, and the balance was brought by immigrants. This money was expended largely in Kansas City, and added to her - growth. The year 1856 showed an increase in population from 2,000 to 4,000. The ware- house business of this year was $545,000; the merchandise sold amounted to $6,000,- 000 ; the imports from New Mexico amounted to $1,768,000. The commerce of the city was . growing so rapidly that in 1856 the Chamber of Commerce was formed, and November 9, 1857, the General Assembly chartered the Chamber of Commerce, the incorporators of which were Dr. Johnston Lykins, John Johnson, M. J. Payne, R. G. Stephens, John Campbell, Dr. Benoist Troost, William Gil- · liss, J. M. Ashburn, W. H. King, H. M. Northrup, E. C. McCarty, Jos. C. Ransom. Kersey Coates, S. W. Bouton, Thomas H. Swope and W. A. Thompson, all of whom were noted factors in organizing Kansas City · as a great business center. This organization did a noble work for the city, but was grad- ually dissolved by the troubles growing out of the Civil War. (See article on "Kansas City Chamber of Commerce.") When the . war cloud burst, in 1861, the freighting bus- iness of Kansas City was transferred to . Leavenworth, and the large disbursements of the government at that point stimulated its growth. The population of Kansas City . dropped off one-half, while that of Leaven- worth increased. In 1863 a part of the Santa Fe business returned and trade began to revive. The tide was turned October 22, 1864, when Price was defeated near West- port, and Kansas City was saved from fur- ther molestation. Peace came early in 1865, and with it an active renewal of all business interests. The Southern Kansas trade re- -

COMMERCE OF ST. JOSEPH.

turned to Kansas City. The building of rail- roads became the absorbing theme and the Chamber of Commerce realized the building of the railroads, which they had promoted. The trade of 1867 was $33,000,000, which in- creased to $35,000,000 in 1870. The crisis of 1873 did not affect the growth of trade much. From 1876 trade increased and a steady growth set in, which improved for a decade. The wholesale trade alone in 1886 was over $52,000,000, and became $78,000,000 the next year. A decade passed, covering the panic of 1893, with years of depression, and in 1897 the grand aggregate of business was as fol- lows : Manufactures, $100,000,000; packing products, $75,000,000 ; wholesale trade, $150,- 000,000 ; grain, $30,000,000 ; live stock, $III,- 000,000 ; and retail trade, $75,000,000. This increase within ten years of 600 per cent shows the marvelous growth of this the metropolis of the "New West," especially as it covers the panic years from 1893 to 1897. The wholesale business of 1898 was still bet- ter, amounting to $172,000,000.

Within a generation Kansas City has grown from a frontier town to a metropolitan city with the newest and most modern equip- ments. The largest business done is in agricultural implements, the sales of one hundred and thirty-three houses engaged in these lines aggregating $25,000,000 in 1898; lumber, $16,500,000; dry goods and gro- ceries each, $13,000,000; liquors and flour each, $11,000,000; produce, $10,000,000; building material, $9,000,000 ; hardware, $6,- 000,000 ; coal, furniture, printers' supplies. tobacco, cigars, machinery, each, nearly $5,- 000,000; oil and drugs, each, $4,000,000; boots' and shoes, hay and feed, jewelry and saddlery, each, $3,000,000 ; paints and paper, each, $2,500,000 ; millinery and notions, each, $2,000,000 ; wagons and carriages, $1,250,000; candies, glassware, hats, pianos and wood for fuel, each, $1,000,000; photographers' sun- dries, surgical and dental supplies, toys, and art materials, each, about $500,000. These figures show what huge proportions the various business interests of Kansas City ag- gregate. The crops in this section have enabled the farmers to buy largely and the merchant has participated in the general prosperity. The jobbing business along the usual lines has had a steady growth.

By dint of continuous effort the wholesale houses have gained an enviable success in

the city. The retail trade of Kansas City is very large. What New York is to the East, Kansas City is to the West. Purchasers wishing a large assortment from which to select go there to buy. While the growth of the trade of Kansas City has been phenom- enal, it is natural and normal. The acknowl- edged metropolis of the "New West," which in itself is a rapidly developing empire, trade in all lines must continue to expand and the city has no limitation to its growth. When Chicago reaches her limit, Kansas City will be only a vigorous youth.

JOSEPH MACAULAY LOWE.

Commerce of St. Joseph .- Trappers and hunters were the pioneers of civilization. They moved out along lines of least resistance, generally along rivers, and over mountains, through passes, following the trail of animals. The traders followed the trappers and selected centers where they could exchange for furs and peltries the rude articles which the Indians wanted. The settler followed the trader, who in turn was followed by the missionary and the pedagogue. The needs of the new community soon required the professional aid of the physician and the lawyer and the wants of the people created a demand for artisans in all lines. Thus arose our commerce-our trade with all its rami- fications. French traders came into the upper Mississippi and Missouri valleys in 1764, when the Mississippi had become the boundary line between the English and the French. Pierre Liguest Laclede held a charter from the French king, granting him the exclusive right to trade with the Indians in this region. He brought with him to St. Louis hunters and trappers who had expe- rience in trading with the Indians. Their mode of operation was to penetrate into the interior and establish posts for trading. Such operations as these led to the formation of fur companies. In 1808, after French authority had ceased in this territory, Pierre and Auguste Chouteau organized the Mis- souri Fur Company, and a year after this John Jacob Astor organized the American Fur Company, into which the Missouri Fur Company was merged in 1813. In 1819 a branch of the American Fur Company was established at St. Louis and a monopoly of the trade was begun. Francois Chouteau was sent to root out the independent traders

Vol. II-5

COMMERCE OF ST. JOSEPH.

and establish three trading posts, namely : One twenty miles west of Kansas City known as the "Four Houses ;" one at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and another at Roy's Branch, above St. Joseph. In 1826 Joseph Robidoux came to Blacksnake Hills, in the employ of the American Fur Company, and four years afterward he bought their interest and became sole proprietor. He built his log hut where the Occidental Hotel now stands, an old negro doing the cooking for himself and his helpers. About the time the "Platte Purchase" was made a few families located near him. He had from fifteen to twenty Frenchmen in his employ, who, mounted 011 ponies, went east and west to trade with the Indians, and bring back furs and peltries. Between 1837 and 1840 a number of other

persons settled at Blacksnake Hills. In 1839 three gentlemen came from Liberty, Missouri, with $1,600 in silver, to buy the site of St. Joseph, but Mr. Robidoux would not sell. In 1841 a sawmill and two flouring mills were built. Carpenters, plasterers, bricklayers and blacksmiths came, and the work of building a town was begun. The great naturalist, Audubon, on a trip to Yellowstone Park in 1843, stopped at Black- snake Hills and noted that it was "a delight- ful site for a populous city." Later in the year Mr. Robidoux platted the town and obtained a charter for it under the name of St. Joseph. The lots were sold at from $100 to $150 each. Immigration at once began. and the population increased from 200 to 500. This involved building. Charles and Elias Perry built two stores for general merchandise. In the next year Hull & Carter, and Livermore & Co., built business houses. Israel Landis began business, Wil- liam M. Carter and Aquila Morrow each opened a plow factory, Philip Wortwein started a barber shop, and Allendorf & Rhodes opened a meat market. Joseph Fisher was the first licensed drayman and John Kennedy opened the first tenpin alley.

The Rev. T. S. Reeve, a Presbyterian clergyman, built a log church 20 x 30 feet, in the steeple of which the first bell in St. Joseph was rung. In 1845 the Edgar House, the first three-story house in St. Joseph, was built. A Dr. Martin built a six-room house, of hewn logs, which he conducted as a board- ing house. A man of good education and business tact, named John Corby, came from

Kentucky, and was the first money-lender, being patronized by persons wishing to enter land. James Cargill came front Vir- ginia, and built a flouring mill which operated three runs of burrs. A tailor and a jeweler came, and a livery stable was opened. A carriage shop was built, and the bakery bus- iness begun. A warehouse was built, and two hotels provided accommodations for visitors. A home market was provided for stock and grain, the current prices being as follows : Horses, $30; cows, $7; oxen, $25 per yoke ; wheat 37 1-2 and corn 10 cents per bushel. Thus, within three years the nucleus of the vast business of St. Joseph was formed. The first circus came in May, and the first artist in July, 1846. In the next year there was quite a business boom. New business houses were established and the older ones were en- larged. Improvements were made in all parts of the town and mechanics found remunerative employment. The farmers throughout the section began to trade with the merchants of St. Joseph, hemp, grain, and pork being staple products. When the ruslı to California in 1849 began, St. Josephı became a great outfitting point. Wagons, utensils, etc., were shipped to this point, but oxen and supplies were obtained here. The gold hunters camped around St. Josephi awaiting the appearance of grass that the oxen might find provender for their overland trip to California. From April I to June 15, 1849, 1,508 wagons crossed the ferries at St. Joseph, while 685 wagons crossed at Dun- can's ferry, four miles above, thus making nearly, ten thousand people who set out from St. Joseph in search of gold. This was in- creased to 50,000 the next year, which contributed greatly to the business growth of the city. Such places on the route as Denver, Fort Laramie, Fort Kearney and Salt Lake became trading points for supplying Indians and immigrants. Cattle were driven to Cali- fornia to supply the mining camps with fresh beef, and such men as James McCord, Richard E. Turner, Abram Nave and Dudley M. Steel, made large ventures and reaped immense profits. Provisions and wares were shipped westward by wagon trains, and the freighting business of St. Joseph grew to immense proportions. The overland stage was inaugurated and John M. Hockaday contracted to carry a weekly mail from St. Joseph to Salt Lake City for $190,000 a year.

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Encyclopedia of the history of Missouri, a compendium of history and biography for ready reference, Vol. II, Part 12

Author: Conard, Howard Louis, ed. 1n Publication date: 1901 Publisher: New York, Louisville [etc.] The Southern history company, Haldeman, Conard & co., proprietors Number of Pages: 800

Author: Conard, Howard Louis, ed. 1n
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: New York, Louisville [etc.] The Southern history company, Haldeman, Conard & co., proprietors
Number of Pages: 800