General history of Macon County, Missouri, Part 16

Author: White, Edgar comp; Taylor, Henry, & company, pub
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, H. Taylor & company
Number of Pages: 1106

USA > Missouri > Macon County > General history of Macon County, Missouri > Part 16

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There was a sale of the academy property on April 22, 1892, and it was bought in by the Board of Directors. Colonel Blees continued as the head of the institution.

The directors were E. MeKee, H. S. Glaze, John Seovern, F. W. Blees and T. E. Wardell. Following were the officers: E. MeKee, president ; H. S. Glaze, vice-president; John Scovern, treasurer; Col. F. W. Blees, superintendent.

The school began its next term in the fall, with a patronage of about 80 students. The buildings had been overhauled and repaired inside and out. The faculty was as follows : Col. F. W. Blees, superintendent ; J. O. Felker, instruetor in commercial department; J. B. Fairehild, methematies and natural science; A. C. Parker, commandant, instruetor of English and drawing; Miss Tillie Holtekamp had charge of the pri- mary department.

For several years Colonel Blees successfully eondueted St. James Military Academy and placed it in the front rank of the educational institutions of Missouri. While in the midst of his work sad news eame to him from the Fatherland. This necessitated a journey to Germany to be with his parents in their last illness. The school was temporarily abandoned. With the death of his parents Colonel Blees came into pos- session of a large sum of money. Returning to Maeon, he immediately began to build up and foster enterprises of all sorts. It was due to his urgence and assistance that the town was supplied with such a complete

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sewerage system. Factories were established, buildings improved and Macon soon took on the appearance of a modern little city. But Colonel Blees's great ambition was to construct here one of the finest academies in the West. To this plan lie devoted a great deal of time and thought. The splendid prestige of Blees Military Academy stands today as a monument to his love for Macon and her people, and is typical of his life work, which was always along educational lines. The Academy and grounds cost something over a half million dollars. The place is regal in its appointments. If it were placed in a great city like St. Louis or Chicago it would be marked for its stateliness and beauty. The Acad- emy was opened in September, 1899. The arrangements were not quite complete at that time, and Colonel Blees, always quick to act in an emer- gency, purchased the Palace Hotel and quartered the students therein until everything was ready at the Academy for their reception.

Major M. Von Binzer was the first commandant. With character- istic energy Colonel Blees took charge of the Academy and pushed it to the front. On its opening he made an address to the students and visitors which was illustrative of his philosophy of life. A portion of this address was as follows:

"The eyes and the hearts of millions in America are turned today to New York where homage is being done to the greatest hero this gen- eration has produced, Admiral Dewey. There they are celebrating the triumph of American armies on land and on sea. But in this they are likely to forget some things. They may forget that this is a triumph of trained physical manhood and conrage over mere brutal audacity. It is a triumph of the trained mind over the intellectual sloth. In the excess of our enthusiasm for the great sailor who has brought such sig- nal success to our cause, let us not forget that back of the hills of Ver- mont there is a schoolmaster who took hold of the life of a child and impressed it with responsibility, and told it of opportunity. That old school master has much to do with the success of Manila Bay. Like- wise it is for the culture of hand and mind and heart, for the making of men who are ready for the opportunity when it comes, that Blees Mili- tary Academy is founded."

The Academy was dedicated with imposing exercises in January, 1900. For that occasion a three-coach special was run between town and the Academy every half hour, and the train was filled nearly every trip up until midnight. It was estimated that from three to five thou- sand people visited the Academy during the day.

In his address of welcome, with a voice shaking with emotion,

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"THE REILEIGH" HOME OF JOHN W. RILEY, MACON, MISSOURI

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Colonel Blees thus spoke to the large crowd assembled in the handsome recreation court :

"Some eight years ago I was called upon to take charge of the St. James Military Academy. It was under circumstances most discourag- ing. A few months afterwards, when I first had the opportunity to give an account of my stewardship of that institution, I promised the people of this community that within ten years they should have the strongest military institution in the entire state of Missouri. I see not only a few, but hundreds of faces in this gathering who were present on that occasion, and the applause at that time was just as hearty as it is now, although it was evident there was some skepticism; some applauded merely as evidence of good wishes, with but little expectations that the pledge would be carried out. As to how it has been redeemed you may be the judges.

"Now, I have the pleasure and the privilege of welcoming you here to see what has been done, and I trust that your presence may be an evidence of your intention to stand by this institution as you stood by poor old St. James Academy in its misfortunes. I sincerely appreciate your confidence in the past and bespeak for its continuance in the future; with the approval of the Almighty Helper and your good will we cannot fail. For your presence today and kind greeting I again return a grateful acknowledgment. Thank you, thank you all."

Bishop Tuttle of St. Louis delivered a classical address.

Superintendent W. W. Clendenin also spoke and Mrs. M. Von Binzer sang a solo. Those taking part in the dedicatory ritual were Bishop D. T. Tuttle, Col. F. W. Blees, Superintendent W. W. Clendenin, Commandant M. Von Binzer and Architect R. J. Kirsch.

The Academy steadily developed until it became one of the famous institutions of the nation. It has had, of course, its periods of ups and downs, but has thrived through them all and has become an established fixture in the educational scheme of the country.

The most unfortunate thing that has occurred in the Academy's his- tory was the death of its founder, Colonel Blees, which took place in the Southern Hotel, St. Louis, in September, 1906. Death was due to heart failure. Other hands took up the work of Macon's earnest friend and it has gone on uninterrupted. Mrs. F. L. Liebing, who was for- merly Mrs. Blees, and who was always her husband's friend and adviser, and shared with him in all his ambitions, has seen to it that the founder's wishes and policy are being carried out. The following is the present staff of the academy :

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Colonel F. L. Liebing . President

Colonel G. L. Byroade. . Superintendent and Commandant

Captain W. S. Hunter Science

Captain F. P. Kimball Mathematics

Captain R. N. Whiteford. . English

Captain P. E. Werkshagen Modern Languages

Captain J. M. Swan Commercial Branches

Captain S. Kelsey History and Manual Training

One of the most interesting educational enterprises in Macon county is the consolidated high school at Elmer. This splendid build- ing was completed in 1905. It was the first and is yet the only consoli- dated school in this section of the state. It was constructed to serve the three districts of Elmer, Mercyville and Gunnels. Since its erection Elmer and Mercyville have been incorporated into one town known as Elmer. Including a two-years' high school course, the school has ten grades and is doing work in all of them. Prof. A. F. Smith was the first principal. The present faculty is as follows :

J. W. Finnell, principal; Lizzie Parry, Ethel Shumaker and Ora J. Epperson, teachers. The consolidated school building contains 6 rooms, is heated by steam, and well ventilated. It is built substantially of brick and makes a handsome appearance.

The largest public school building in the county is at Macon, known as the Central High School. It was erected in 1906, at a cost of $40,000. The building contains 17 rooms, including a large auditorium for associations and teachers' meetings and the like. This building has all the modern appliances and is one of the most favorably situated and imposing edifices in the city. In the south part of the city is a ward school, where primary work is done. There is also a large public school building for colored students.

Professor S. E. Seaton is superintendent of all the Macon Public schools. Prof. H. J. King is principal of the high school, and Prof. C. W. Summers, principal of the grades. Prof. E. W. Perkins is principal of the colored school. The assessment in the Macon school district is $1,282,802. The tax levy for the support of the schools is $1.15 on the $100. The schools are operated nine months in the year.

A central high school building was completed in Bevier in 1908, at a cost of $18,000. It is a large brick building, containing 16 rooms. Miss Mabel M. Richards is the superintendent; Miss Ethel Carter, teacher of the high school. There are 13 teachers. All of them are women.

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La Plata, Atlanta, Callao and Ethel also have large modern school buildings.

Prof. W. E. Moss, the present county superintendent, has done a splendid work in developing the district schools of Macon county. He makes it a point to visit them regularly and to encourage school boards and teachers in keeping up the appearance of the grounds and building and in looking closely after sanitary conditions. From Superintendent Moss' last official report the following statistics are taken :

Enrollment of public school students in Macon county, white, male, 3,662; female, 3,547; total, 7,209. Colored, male, 91; female, 90; total, 181. Grand total, 7,390.

Number of pupils (rural) graduating in state courses of study, male, 26; female, 84; total, 110. Number of districts in county having libraries, 110; volumes in libraries, 7,347 ; value of libraries, $4,125.

Number of teachers holding life certificates, 5; limited state certificates 3; normal diplomas, 7; normal certificates, 2; county certificates, 188.

Number of teachers employed, white, male 47; female, 149; total, 196. Colored, male, 4; female, 5; total, 9. Grand total, 205.

Number of school houses in county, white, 137 ; colored, 5. Total, 142.

Amount paid for teachers' wages, male $14,963; female, $47,233; total, $62,196.

Average salaries of teachers per month, male, $48.10; female, $37.24; general average, $42.67.

Number of school houses built during year, 3; amount paid out for building, $23,085; for repairs, $6,725.

Estimated value of school property in the county, $202,753 ; assessed value of taxable property, $8,936,887.

Bonds voted this (1909) year, $12,600. Bonds paid, $6,725. Pres- ent indebtedness, $79,430.

At the last meeting of the Macon County Teachers' Association, in November, 1909, there were present 155 female teachers and thirty-six male.

The Western College is an institution for the education of the col- ored people. It was established in January, 1890, and for a portion of two years was conducted at Independence, Mo. In the winter of 1892 the school was removed from Independence to Macon. The building is located picturesquely in the northern part of the city. The original cost of the site was $5,000. This including three buildings and other improvements put up since the school was removed to this city make the present valuation of the property about $20,000. The object of

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Western College is "to prepare young men and women to become factors in the elevation of their fellows and themselves for lives of high purpose and usefulness."

Following is the faculty for 1909-10: James Henry Garnett, presi- dent, theology, psychology and ethics; Charles Bertram Johnson, prin- cipal of English preparatory department; Malinda Francis Lewis, mathematics, assistant in science; Rosa Belle Johnson, English and head of primary school; James A. Gay, ancient languages and the sciences; Ida Lee Garnett, secretary and assistant in English; Mary L. Sanders, matron; Mamie A. Richardson, instrumental and vocal music; Dora Crow, domestic science.

There is an intermediate church school, Seventh Day Adventists, in Drake township, just north of Goldsberry. T. J. Roach is the prin- cipal. He has one assistant. The building contains two large, well- furnished rooms, and during the school sessions is a very busy place. The school was established in the fall of 1909.

CHAPTER X.

THE CHURCHES - STRENUOUS REVIVALS-"GABRIEL" AS PROSECUTING ATTORNEY-DEBATE BETWEEN DR. ANDERSON AND THE REV. "JIMPS" DYSART-HOLLIS AND DYSART-BAPTISTS CHAGRINED OVER RESULT -PRIMITIVE BAPTISTS-YELLOW CREEK ASSOCIATION-MCGEE PRES- BYTERY-ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCHES-BISHOPS TALBOT AND HENDRIX-"FATHER" GAY-THE HOLINESS CAMPMEETINGS-INSTI- TUTION AT COLLEGE MOUND-THE TENTH LEGION-REORGANIZED CHURCH, LATTER DAY SAINTS.

Many a white-haired Missourian will stoutly contend that never before nor since has the world heard as pure a brand of melody as that flung Heavenward in the days of the old time revival. That "sacri- legious" agent of the devil, the organ, had not then "invaded" the sane- tuarý to help "Raise My Ebenezer." If it had been trying to mix in on the singing nobody would have heard it.

"Before Jehovah's awful throne Ye nations! bow with sacred joy; Know that the Lord is God alone, He can create, and He destroy!"

When the white-bearded patriarch started in on "Old Hundred," he didn't have to signify to the congregation that they might join in the singing. That's what they were there for, and if any specially drilled choir had undertaken to assume the musical privileges there would certainly have been a disturbance.

In the vernacular of the day, "goin' to preachin' " was the event of the month. For several days previous the wife and girls of the household would be busy fixing things to eat while in camp, and putting double rivets on the small boys' pants and shirts.

The meetings were generally held under the trees. After Elder Bill Sears' ferryboat was put out of business by the big bridge across the Chariton river, on the Hannibal and St. Joseph pike, that was a pop- ular place for camp meetings. Brother J. W. Cook, a Baptist exhorter, once preached from the center of the bridge around on both banks of the stream. Half the men in the congregation were barefooted and but few

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wore coats. After the preaching, Brother Cook baptized twenty-five converts in the muddy stream. The baptized convert instantly became a hero or a heroine, if the operation was stood without undue gurgling and going on. Friends gathered around and warmly shook hands. Sometimes big meetings were held in winter, and it was necessary to break the ice to get the converts thoroughly wet. It was the belief of the day that no one ever eauglit cold as a result of such exposure. Indeed, it was regarded as highly curative for a sufferer from colds and pneumonia to be baptized in the dead of winter, and old women tell of several miraculous recoveries among those who have thus demon- strated their faith.

The early Missouri preacher took the Bible as his sole platform. During his two or three hours' discourse he would wander from cover to cover, winding up with the cataclysmn so vividly described by St. John. The simple children of nature would have seriously questioned the orthodoxy of a preacher who left hell out of a discourse. Of course, he dwelt largely on the glories of the better world, the joys of reconcilia- tion with loved ones and the streets of gold, but he was particularly strong on hell fire and "the burning lake of brimstone."

A noted pioneer preacher once gave this suggestion of what eternity meant.

"If you should be lost and condemned eternally, and the devil were to give you the job of draining the Chariton river by taking out of it one drop of water a year, when you got the river dry you would only be at the sunrise of your visit in hell !"

A gentleman who sat under the ministrations of an early day Shepherd thus described his discourses:

"The preacher's talk on the better world never excited very much interest in my youthful mind, because his idea of heaven wasn't near so fascinating as staying down here hunting coons, robbing birds' nests and stealing watermelons. But when he switched off on the other place, he had yours truly going some. Never before nor since, in Heaven above or on earth below, have I encountered anything that inspired me with sneh abject terror as his delineations of the 'Angel Gabriel' and the 'Great Judgment Day.' They used to sing a terrible old song about 'A Great Day Coming' that would have made my sandy hair stand on end, had not such already been its normal condition. As to the effect of scary songs and sermons on a naturally nervous tempera- ment, I can truthfully say that for a number of years I never saw a thunder storm without being scared into fits. I always pictured Gabriel in the role of prosecuting attorney, and never doubted but

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what he would be thoroughly 'onto his job' and, like others of that class, would rake up every little old thing against me, so I would have no possible showing to come clean. But when the preacher would speak of him as blowing his trumpet, 'with one foot planted on the land and one on the sea,' notwithstanding my terror of Gabriel, I would have a secret admiration for his immense 'straddling' capacity. Of course, there was nothing incongruous in the statement. But I lived many, many miles from the sea, and, with a kind of monrnful vanity, took it for granted that, no matter what sea he seleeted for his water foot, his land foot would be planted in proximity to do prompt and vigorous business with me."

The religious debates were the gilt-edged drawing cards among the devout scattered through the forests and back country. "Immer- sion," "Infant Baptism" and "Foreordination" were the main sub- jeets. Moderators were chosen, and time limits placed upon the argu- ments. Sometimes these debates grew so fierce they would break up in a row. Communities would be divided for months and the most intense feeling manifested. The disputants would prepare like lawyers presenting an issue for the government. Tables loaded with musty tomes would be placed within easy reach of the speakers. The crowds attending sueh events were enormous.

One of the most noted debates of the last century occurred between the Rev. Dr. Bartlett Anderson, a missionary Baptist, and the Rev. James Dysart, who had been referred to in this work. "Brother" Dysart was a Cumberland Presbyterian. The question was baptism, Bartlett arguing for it and Dysart against it. The debate oceurred in 1856, some four or five years before any railroads had crept into North- ern Missouri. Anderson was a man of scholarly attainments. He was versed in many languages and quoted eopiously from Greek, Hebrew and Sanskrit. The people who knew that "Unele Jimps" Dysart had never plowed through any ancient literature, and was only a plain country preacher, wondered how he was going to answer the erudite missionary Baptist. When his time eame to speak, "Unele Jimps" enlightened them. He said:

"Brethren, my opponent, Mr. Anderson, has read to you out of a whole lot of fine books that we don't know anything about. They may have settled the question of baptism over yonder among the Pagan nations, but what's that to us? You and me want it settled in America. Now, I am going to use as my only authority a good old book printed in English, the Bible. If Mr. Anderson wants it settled in Hebrew

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or Hindoo or Choctaw he can move over into them countries and settle it for 'em there, but we'll settle it in good old English."

Dysart was a fellow of good, common sense, and as a strenuous, never-get-tired talker, he was superior to his more learned rival. The people understood him and knew what he was driving at all the time, while they were somewhat at sea during the erudite discourse of Mr. Anderson. The moderators decided that "Brother Anderson has made a fine argument, one of the best we ever heard, but 'Uncle Jimps' Dysart seems to have the better of it."

The Baptists explained the decision by saying that "Uncle Jimps" "wore him out."

Toward the close of the seventies the Macon Baptists arranged with another disputant, whom they hoped would be physically and mentally able to measure lances with the redoubtable Presbyterian logician. This was a Rev. Mr. Hollis, pastor of the Christian church at Kirksville. Mr. Hollis was a large, powerful man, had plenty of lung capacity and was as vigorous a talker as could be found. The Baptists knew that "Uncle Jimps" couldn't "wear him out."

The debate was at Hopewell church. A great many Baptists went up from Macon, and these, with the people of the neighborhood, more than crowded the building. It was to be an occasion of "evening up" for the Baptists, and they watched the early stages of the wordy battle with eager interest. The questions were the distinctive doctrines of the Christians and the Presbyterians. For a while, the debaters hurled withering broadsides into each other's belief, and then "Uncle Jimps" made a side drive at the Baptists. When his time came, Mr. Hollis surprised everybody by taking another dig at the Baptists. Finally, both debaters were earnestly lampooning the Baptists, and getting closer and closer together on their own views. They called each other "my dear brother" and wound up the affair by shaking hands and declaring eternal brotherhood. There was no decision because the debaters had agreed, settled and dismissed their differences and were walking about arm in arm. The Baptists, who had come far to see the ront of "Uncle Jimps." left in disgust, and never made any further attempts to drive him off the field of logic.

In 1836. according to one authority, there was a largely attended meeting of the Baptists in Macon county. The subject of missions was injected into the discussions, and it precipitated a vigorous debate. James Moody, a prominent man of the church, in a memorable speech advocated foreign missionary work among the benighted. This met with spirited opposition. Both sides cited much scripture and many

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authoritative writers. The assembly was hopelessly divided on the question. Mr. Moody and his following became known as "Mission- ary Baptists." Elder William Sears, Abraham Dale, Philip Dale, John Smoot, Charles Hatfield, William Shain, James Riley, Thomas Williams, James Cauchhorn and their wives organized "The Little Zion Baptist Church," near Elmer. This was the first Primitive Baptist church in Macon county, and is still in existence.

Yellow Creek Primitive Baptist Association was organized the third Saturday in September, 1849, and has met regularly since that time. Its 61st annual meeting will occur in September, 1910. Elder William Sears was the first moderator. Following him was Elder J. E. Goodson, Sr. Elder Walter Cash of St. Joseph, Missouri, is the present moderator. W. J. Owens of Callao is clerk.

The association when organized included Macon, Linn, Adair, Knox and Randolph counties. Since then Randolph has - been dis- connected. In Macon county the association meets at Chariton church, Little Zion, Brush Creek and Goldsberry. There are ten churches and from 450 to 500 members in the association. The preachers are Elders Walter Cash, St. Joseph ; G. E. Edwards and Frederick Elmore, Macon, and J. W. Bradley, Ethel.

No Primitive minister draws a salary for preaching. Needs are supplied by voluntary contributions and labor at other vocations. The western organ, "The Messenger of Peace," was established in Macon in 1874 by Elder J. E. Goodson, Sr., and conducted successfully until he and his son, Elder J. E. Goodson, Jr., died, when it passed into the control of Elder Walter Cash, and is now being published at St. Joseph. From the earliest development of the county the Primitive Baptists have been an influential element in the religious life of various com- munities, and their conduct has been characterized by honesty to their fellows and zeal in the cause of their Master.

It is against the church principles to speak of their ministers as "Reverend," holding that the term occurs but once in the Bible (Psalms cxl., 9) and then in reference to Jehovah. The Primitives do not have Sunday-schools and do not strive for converts. When the Father wishes one to turn from sin he "calls" or "elects" him to the life eternal, without the intervention of human aid.

Following are the articles of faith of the Yellow Creek Association :

1. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament (the translation made in the reign of King James) are the words of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.

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General history of Macon County, Missouri, Part 16

Author: White, Edgar comp; Taylor, Henry, & company, pub Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago, H. Taylor & company Number of Pages: 1106

Author: White, Edgar comp; Taylor, Henry, & company, pub
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, H. Taylor & company
Number of Pages: 1106