USA > Missouri > DeKalb County > History of Andrew and De Kalb counties, Missouri : from earliest time to the present; together with sundry personal, business and professional sketches and family records. besides a condensed history of the state of Missouri, etc > Part 58
USA > Missouri > Andrew County > History of Andrew and De Kalb counties, Missouri : from earliest time to the present; together with sundry personal, business and professional sketches and family records. besides a condensed history of the state of Missouri, etc > Part 58
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Simultaneously with its completion it became a thoroughfare for a large proportion of Eastern enterprise traveling westward for a noble purpose. But while contributing to the development of what is more truly the West it opened up to a class of thrifty, energetic settlers the rich fields of Missouri for many miles on either side.
It also led to the establishment of many towns and villages that proved to be convenient trading points to settlers as well as to thousands who, in covered trains, pushed on in their dreams of hope and wealth to the more remote Territories beyond. Promi- nent among the early outgrowths of the railroad was Stewarts- ville, which dates its history proper from the summer of 1854. The proprietor, one George Tetherow, had previously attempted to found a village on Third Fork, which was early named Doodle-
29A
450
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
ville in compliment to Evan Doodle, a prominent business man, and one of the chief actors in the movement. Doodleville soon became noted as a local trading point, and until the projection of the railroad through the country, gave promise of becoming an important commercial mart.
The site, however, being some distance from the road, it was thought best to change the location; accordingly, on the 16th day of June, of the above year, Mr. Tetherow procured the service of the county surveyor, J. Venable, and had laid out on part of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 16, Town- ship 57, Range 32 west, a town plat consisting of twenty-one blocks, and 109 lots, which was named after himself, Tethertown. This name was subsequently changed to Stewartsville, in compli- ment to Hon. Robert M. Stewart, late governor of Missouri, and one of the originators and chief promoters of the Hannibal & St. Jo- seph Railroad. Mr. Tetherow displayed excellent judgment in his choice of a location, the advantages of which are made apparent at a glance. The town is situated in the extreme southern part of the county, about thirty-three miles from St. Joseph, and is surrounded by beautiful rolling country, which in point of fer- tility, and other natural advantages calculated to make a region prosperous, is unsurpassed by any other part of Northwest Missouri.
The first building on the town site was a story-and-a-half structure erected by Mr. Tetherow, some time before the survey, and by him used for the two-fold purpose of a dwelling and hotel. It stood on Second and Castile Streets, south of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, and as a place of entertainment appears to have been extensively patronized by the traveling public and visitors to the village during the early days of its history. Soon after the removal of Mr. Tetherow to his new place, and the survey of the town, lots were purchased by a number of parties, and upon the completion of the railroad a little later the superior advantages of the place as a trading and shipping point attracted quite a number of business men and mechanics.
The first person to open a store in the town was Mr. Teth- erow, who in 1854 opened a family grocery, which he carried on
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
for some time in connection with the hotel business. D. M. Mac- Donald, O. H. P. Gibson and John Oldacre were among the first to engage in the mercantile business, and a little later came Dr. Chappell, who opened the first drug store, about the year 1857. Prominent among the early merchants was O. G. MacDonald, who erected a business house on the corner of Railroad Avenue and De Kalb Street, in which he conducted a very successful business for a number of years. He was rail- road land agent until 1865, and during his stay did much toward advancing the material interests of the town.
Additional to the foregoing the following business men have been identified with the commercial interests of the city from time to time: Conway & Baxter, Williamson & Atterbury, Parks & Oldacre, P. Pennington, E. P. Epperson, Robert J. Biggerstaff, S. Hardwick, B. Tucker, Eugene Palmer, John Palmer, John W. Lafoon, A. B. Lafoon, Joseph Chrissman, A. J. Culbertson, Peyton & MacDonald, Pinger & Joseph, Saunders & Ransom, Saunders & Snow, Owens & Wills, John McCullough and S. T. Burgess.
Among the early mechanics were W. H. Waddell and John Parr, blacksmiths; B. Brakenbury, Mr. Messinger, David David- son, Harley Crews and Oscar Wise, cabinet-makers, and Abner Lee, blacksmith.
The first physician was Dr. Henry C. Bartlett, who came to the town as contractor on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad; since then the following medical men have practiced the heal- ing art in the town at different times: Drs. Chappell, R. H. Smith, A. G. Hudson, H. P. Sanders, A. T. Shaw - Mills, - Hill and A. J. Culbertson. At this time the health of the city and adjacent country is looked after by Drs. J. C. Ritchey, J. C. Bynum and Robert Stewart, all of whom are fortified for their profession with diplomas from first-class medical colleges.
INCORPORATION. .
Stewartsville was incorporated by an act of the Legislature in the year 1860, but the first officers refusing to serve, the town was practically without corporate authority during the war and until 1869.
452
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
At the earnest solicitation of the business men of the town, and through the efforts of the representative in the Legislature from De Kalb County, the corporation was renewed the latter year, and a mayor and other municipal officers elected. The first mayor under the renewed charter was C. W. Skelton, who served until 1872, since which time the office has been filled by the follow- ing persons: O. G. MacDonald, J. B. Smith, E. Sears, H. Crews, H. S. Buck, who served several terms, and J. W. Anderson.
The city officials elected for the year 1887 are as follows: H. S. Buck, mayor; A. J. Culbertson, J. H. Snow, W. O. H. Perry, A. L. Fowler, T. G. McCrosky and John Egel, councilmen; B. F. Clark, clerk; Aaron B. Henry, marshal and street commis- sioner; W. S. Herndon, city attorney, and Dr. J. C. Bynum, health officer.
The first addition to the original town of Stewartsville, con- sisting of forty-six lots, was laid out by Elisha T. Howard, on the 27th of October, 1854, and recorded on the 2d of the succeeding month.
January 16 and 17, 1855, James Venable, county surveyor, platted an addition of ten blocks-fifty-five lots-for Chester Mes- senger and Cornelius A. Clawter, known as Messenger & Clawter's addition.
Hike's addition of eleven blocks, laid out by Susan Hike, was surveyed by H. B. Doherty on the 9th and 10th of September, 1879. E. G. Sheldon's addition, thirteen blocks-eighty-six lots and a private park-was surveyed and recorded in September, 1882. On the 16th of May, 1882, H. S. Buck laid out on addition of twenty-one lots, and February 27, 1883, a plat of 124 lots was surveyed for L. D. Putnam, proprietor. November 12, 1883, the corporate limits were established by a complete re-survey of the town, since which time additions have been made by D. M. Turney and George Tetherow.
MANUFACTORIES.
Situated as it is in the midst of a rich agricultural region, Stewartsville's growth and importance are attributable to its su- perior advantages as a trading and shipping point, consequently, but little attention has been given by its citizens to manufactur-
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
ing enterprises. About the time the town was founded George Tetherow erected a combination steam mill for the manufacture of lumber and flour, which was in operation for only a limited period.
Thomas L. King, in 1857, erected a steam saw mill in the southern part of the town, to which he subsequently attached machinery for grinding grain. It was afterward purchased by Messrs. Thompson & Standiford, who, about the year 1870, re- modeled the structure, and converted it into a flouring-mill with machinery attached for carding, spinning and otherwise working up wool. It was in successful operation for a number of years, and as both woolen and flouring-mill proved very remunerative to the proprietors. Walter Thompson was the last owner.
The City Mills, corner of Seventh and West Streets, was built in 1881 by John E. Luettke, at a cost of about $4,000. The mill is a substantial frame structure supplied with good machinery, and under the present management of George Collor is doing a fairly successful business.
An enterprise for the manufacture of well and sewer piping, chimneys, etc., was established in Stewartsville about the year 1883, by Messrs. Baldwin & Dice, who have made their business one of the important industries of the city. They manufacture all kinds of cement tubing, and a force of several men is kept constantly employed in order to supply the increasing demands of the trade.
The manufacture of butter has grown to be one of the most important branches of industry to be found within the limits of Stewartsville. The Stewartsville Creamery conducted at this time by J. M. Terry, was established by William Lewis in the year 1885. The gentlemen connected with the enterprise are practical business men, and the creamery has already become one of the leading industries in the southern part of the county. Two wagons are kept running during the year, and the produc- tion, for which there is an increasing demand, is principally dis- posed of in the city of St. Joseph.
BANKS.
. The Stewartsville Bank was established in the year 1875 by
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Capt. H. S. Buck, Franklin Finch and William D. Totten. Mr. Buck subsequently became sole proprietor and conducted a very successful business until September 1, 1887, at which time T. G. McCrosky became a partner, and the capital stock was increased from $25,000 to $50,000. In December, 1887, much to the re- gret of every citizen, the bank was obliged to suspend. The large and commodious building on the principal street of the city is one of the finest bank buildings in the northwestern part of the State.
De Kalb and Clinton Bank, one of the successful banking houses of Northern Missouri, was recently established here, and has already become a prominent factor in the business of Stew- artsville and De Kalb County. The proprietors are shrewd, prac- tical business men, and withal courteous, as is attested by the fact of the constant growth of the enterprise in the confidence of the people. The officers at this time are Ed. J. Pickett, president, and Joseph Chrissman, cashier. The financial condition of the bank is shown by the following statement, prepared and published in May, 1887:
RESOURCES.
Loans undoubtedly good on personal and collateral
security $18,931 22 Loans and discounts undoubtedly good on real estate security
5,614 04
Over drafts by solvent customers
405 10
United States bonds on hand.
..
Other bonds and stock, etc ..
Due from other banks and bankers, etc.
5,882 96
Real estate, present cash market value.
3,750 00
Furniture and fixtures
1,200 00
Checks and other cash items.
Bills of National Banks and Legal Tender United States notes. 5,400 00
Gold coin.
400 00
Silver coin.
113 00
Exchange maturing and matured.
121 96
Total
$41,818 43
LIABILITIES.
Capital stock paid in. $20,000 00
Surplus funds on hand.
187 69
Deposits subject to draft on sight. 14,196 56
Deposits subject to draft at given dates.
7,341 20
Total.
$41,818 43
455
STATE OF MISSOURI.
LODGES.
The oldest secret organization in Stewartsville is Stewarts- ville Lodge, No. 182, A. F. & A. M., chartered May 28, 1859, with Daniel Conway, W. M .; D. M. McDonald, S. W., and Elisha Wills, J. W. The lodge numbered among its original members some of the leading citizens of the town and country, and started with every prospect of success, but owing to local troubles grow- ing out of the divided political sentiment of the times, a spirit of dissension soon arose, which caused the suspension of the organ- ization early in the sixties. At the close of the war a movement was inaugurated for the purpose of reviving the lodge, which was accomplished some time in 1866, at which time the following officers were elected: John F. Doherty, W. M .; R. J. Bigger- staff, S. W .; R. G. Chappell, J. W .; John Jones, Treasurer; O. H. P. Gibson, Secretary. During the succeeding four years the lodge greatly increased in numbers and financial strength, and, although having experienced its seasons of depression since its subsequent growth, has on the whole been substantial and satis- factory. In 1870 the following officers were elected: Joseph Chrissman, W. M .; John F. Doherty, S. W .; J. W. Jones, J. W .; S. B. Staggs, Treasurer; James C. Ritchey, Secretary, and Charles Etschman, Tyler.
The officers in 1875 were T. G. McCrosky, W. M .; Will- iam A. Clark, S. W .; W. H. Fields, J. W .; A. J. Culbertson, Treas .; John W. Lafoon, Sec .; H. S. Buck, S. D .; A. D. McCrosky, J. D., and E. B. Wills, Tyler.
In 1880 Joseph Chrissman was W. M .; A. D. McCrosky, S. W .; R. C. Chappell, J. W .; A. J. Culbertson, Treas .; C. L. Fowler, Sec .; H. S. Buck, S. D .; E. G. Sheldon, J. D., and L. D. Smith, Tyler.
The officers at this time (1887) are as follows: T. G. McCrosky, W. M .; C. L. Fowler, S. W .; Harry Fields, J. W .; Jacob Schmitt, S. D .; I. I. Kibbey, J. D .; Frank Dalrymple, Sec .; A. D. McCrosky, Treas., and C. McMullen, Tyler. Meet- ings were held until 1881 in the hall over Chrissman's drug store, but in that year the present spacious and elegantly furnished room in Buck's bank building was first occupied by the lodge.
456
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
The organization is reported in a prosperous condition, and at this time has an active membership of over sixty.
Russell Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, No. 77, was instituted December 4, 1872, and worked under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge until November 5, 1875, at which time a char- ter was obtained under the above name and number. The first officers were John F. Doherty, H. P .; H. S. Buck, K., and J. Allen, S. The same officers were re-elected under the charter in 1875.
The next officers ( elected in 1876) were H. S. Buck, H. P .; T. G. McCrosky, K .; W. H. Fields, S .; John R. Norton, Treas .; James C. Ritchey, Sec .; Joseph Chrissman, C. H .; R. G. Chappell, P. S .; A. D. McCrosky, R. A. C .; A. J. Culbert- son, G. M. Third V .; Joseph Clark, G. M. Second V .; Will- iam A. Clark, G. M. First V., and E. Ellis, Guard. Officers for 1879-80: W. H. Fields, H. P .; R. G. Chappell, K .; E. Wills, S .; A. D. McCrosky, C. H .; H. S. Buck, P. S .; A. J. Culbertson, Treas. ; John Chrissman, Sect .; J. C. Ritchey, R. A. C .; George Ward, G. M. Third V .; Ed G. Sheldon, G. M. Second V .; J. C. Minor, G. M. First V., and S. B. Clark, Guard. Officers for 1887: J. C. Bynum, H. P .; J. Dean, K .; Harry Fields, S .; A. D. McCrosky, C. H .; C. L. Fowler, P. S .; H. S. Buck, R. A. C .; F. Dalrymple, Sec .; A. J. Culbertson, Treas .; T. G. McCrosky, G. M. Third V .; J. Schmitt, G. M. Second V .; J. Ducoing, G. M. First V., and C. E. Knable, Guard. Present membership, forty.
Stewartsville Lodge, No. 137, I. O. O. F., was organized under a charter bearing date of May 17, 1860, with the follow- ing members: O. G. MacDonald, Hiram P. Sanders, Robert H. Smith, Charles W. Skelton and H. P. Epperson. The first offi- cers were Hiram P. Sanders, N. G .; Robert H. Smith, V. G .; Charles W. Skelton, Treas., and Hiram Epperson, Sec.
The lodge has enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity ever since its organization, and although not so strong numeri- cally as formerly has at this time the names of thirty-five mem- bers upon the records. The hall in which meetings were first held was destroyed in the fire of 1882, since which time a neatly furnished room over Clark's drug store has been used for lodge purposes. The elective officers for 1887 are J. W. Wills, N. G .;
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
John A. Deppen, V. G .; W. S. Herndon, Sec., and W. O. H. Perry, Treas.
A lodge of the Daughters of Rebecca was instituted several years, and kept up for some time, having had a good member ship. It was finally abandoned, however, the primary cause of which being death and removal of its members.
There have been two efforts made to establish posts of the Grand Army of the Republic in Stewartsville, the first of which (date not known) was only partially successful. A post was organized, however, and at one time gave every indication of per- manent prosperity, but owing to various causes the organization was abandoned after an existence of several years.
The second attempt proved more successful, resulting in the .
organization of Stewartsville Post, No. 298, which was chartered November 10, 1886, the following veterans constituting the original membership: Charles L. Fowler, H. S. Buck, A. J. Culbertson, P. H. Deppen, J. H. Majors, G. J. Cherry, J. W. Wills, William E. Sprague, D. J. Ireland, Newcomb Dyer, E. J. Townsend, W. H. Fields, John Bays, John Stratton and D. E. Wing. The post, although less than one year old, has a mem- bership of thirty-five, and is in a very flourishing condition. The officers at this time are the following: Charles L. Fowler, Post Commander; H. S. Buck, S. V. C .; A. J. Culbertson, J. V. C .; D. J. Ireland, Adjutant; P. H. Deppen, Q. M .; G. J. Cherry, Chaplain; W. E. Sprague, O. D .; J. W. Wills, O. G .; John Stratton, S. M .; D. E. Wing, Q. M. S.
POSTMASTERS.
The Stewartsville postoffice was established in 1853, with O. H. P. Gibson as postmaster. Since the expiration of his term of service the following gentlemen have discharged the duties of the position: J. G. Downs, Mrs. J. G. Downs, B. F. White, E. Spears, A. G. Crews, Walter Savage, John A. Deppen, J. H. Wheat and the present incumbent, W. M. Stigall.
RAILWAY AGENTS.
As already intimated Stewartsville owes much of its growth and permanence to the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, the local
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
agents of which have always occupied no insignificant place among the city's business men. The first person to hold the position was D. M. McDonald, appointed upon the completion of the road in 1858. Following him in succession came the follow- ing gentlemen: J. A. E. Summers, H. C. Hike, Joseph En- trican, O. M. Comfort, William Burk, - Briggs, J. B. Durett, J. H. Wheat, Thomas O'Neal and J. E. Stout.
RELIGIOUS AND EDUCATIONAL.
Prominent among the influences which tended to the social and material progress of Stewartsville were the church and school. Whatever success the individual lacking these influences may achieve, a community or city can never prosper without them. The Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Cumberland Presbyterians, Christians and Latter Day Saints are represented by flourishing organizations, and five commodious temples of worship bespeak the Christian character of the citizens of the town. The various societies are all in a prosperous condition, as can be seen by reference to the chapter devoted to the religious history of the county.
The educational interests of Stewartsville have kept pace with her material progress. The philanthropic forethought of the early residents led to the erection of a schoolhouse when the town was but a mere straggling village, and since that time educational affairs have occupied a conspicuous place in the minds of the people. The first institution for instruction in the higher branches of learning in De Kalb County, the Stewartsville Academy, was founded here in 1860. Out of this subsequently grew Stewartsville College, a school which in point of proficiency ranked high among the educational institutions of the State. It enjoyed a prosperous career until the destruction of the college buildings in 1885. The public schools of the city have ever enjoyed a favorable reputation for thorough and systematic work, and none but instructors representing a high order of profes- sional ability are employed to teach in the same. The citizens of the town take a just pride in their splendid schools, which in all that goes to constitute success will compare favorably with those of any other city of the State.
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
STEWARTSVILLE COAL AND MINING COMPANY.
This company composed of the leading business men of Stew- artsville was organized in the spring of 1887, for the purpose of developing the coal deposits in the vicinity of the city. The officers of the company are W. D. Coberly, president; A. McCal- lum, vice-president; T. G. McCrosky, treasurer, and B. F. Clark, secretary. Prospecting commenced one-fourth of a mile south- east of the town, at which point coal was found at a depth of 680 feet. A second test was made a short distance southwest of the corporate limits, where at a maximum depth of 685 feet, 44} inches of coal were discovered, in veins of 6, 23 and 152 inches, respectively. A seven-inch vein was subsequently struck, and at this time the company are preparing to follow up their good suc- cess by opening and developing a mine. The discovery of coal in such paying quantities has given a decided impetus to the business interests of the town, and the prospects are favorable that at no distant day Stewartsville will become an important mining center.
FIRE.
Stewartsville suffered from a most destructive conflagration in the month of May, 1882, during the progress of which the best improved part of the city was reduced to a mass of shapeless ruins. The fire appears to have originated in a building belong- ing to Mr. Sheldon, on the corner of Main Street and Railroad Avenue, and when first seen about 4 o'clock in the morning of May 16 was under too great a headway to be checked or con- trolled. From the Sheldon building the driving element made its way rapidly up the street and avenue, and before it could be stayed the greater part of the city was a smoldering mass of ruins. Every effort that could be desired was resorted to, in order to control the flames, but all attempts proved futile. Among the destroyed by the conflagration, and the loss sustained by business men, were the following: Ed. G. Sheldon, build- ing and large stock of general merchandise and agricultural implements, loss $40,000. Joseph Chrissman's drug store, stock valued at $7,000, a part of which was saved, building destroyed. D. J. Ireland, general store, loss $6,900. J. H. Snow, a two and a one story brick building, loss $3,000 and $1,135, respectively.
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
A. J. Culbertson's store building and stock, loss to the latter about $3,200. B. F. White & Son, hardware and grocery dealers, building valued at $3,000, completely destroyed. The loss to stock amounted to $5,500, beside which their barn and contents, amounting to about $700, were consumed. John A. Deppen's store building was burned to the ground, and merchan- dise destroyed to the amount of over $600. O. G. MacDonald's business house, $2,000, lumber yards, $400, besides other losses of which no minute was kept. The loss to L. D. Smith's stock of drugs aggregated fully $2,500. W. M. Stigall's store- room, stock and household goods, all valued at $6,650, were reduced to ashes. Messrs. Crews & Burnside's furniture and undertaking establishment, together with a dwelling house, were burned to the ground, entailing a loss of about $3,700. J. A. Clark & Son's stock of drugs, books, jewelry, etc., was consumed with the building, the aggregate loss amounting to $6,200. Peter Smith's wagon factory, blacksmith shop and stock, $5,000. F. L. Littleton, dry goods, groceries and millinery stock, $1,000. Squire & Henry's grocery, $950. Mrs. Crane's hotel and household effects, $2,000. S. N. Bradford, two buildings, valued at $800. T. A. Squire's business house, $1,250.
Independent printing office, $2,000. Three business houses, belonging to Dr. J. C. Book, $4,000. H. M. White's business house, $1,500. Business house belonging to Sander's heirs, $1,000. James Shear's harness shop and stock, $1,100. Resi- dence of Mr. Stagg, $800. Householder's blacksmith shop, tools, etc., $1,500. Joseph Dunn, dwelling and contents, $800. John Thompson, billiard hall and fixtures, $750. C. Bush, bil- liard hall and contents, $1,400. Casper Gantz, stock of boots and shoes and business house, $1,800. H. S. Buck, bank fixtures and safe, $950. James Burgess, residence, $1,200. G. Collins, stock of saddlery and harness, $1,000. James R. Belke, restaurant, several hundred dollars. Henry Elbelt, jewelry, tools, etc., $300 or $400 loss. J. H. Wheat, stationery in postoffice building, $200. Masonic hall and lodge paraphernalia, $900. Odd Fellow's fixtures and regalia, $200. Dr. J. C. Bynum, medical library and office furniture, $250. H. B. Doherty, county surveyor, instruments, plats, etc., kept in office of the
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STATE OF MISSOURI.
Independent, $200. Peter Peterson, business house, $500. B. F. Bennett, building material, $230. Henry Haynes, saloon and fixtures, $120. D. M. Turney, law office, loss to library and legal papers amounting to over $50. T. F. Orr, butcher shop, $50. J. G. Cherry, household goods, $25. Merriam & Holmes, photographers, sustained a loss of about $100. A. Ray, barber shop, damaged considerably, and Jackson Morgan lost a part of his household goods, damage not known.
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