USA > Missouri > Bates County > History of Bates County, Missouri > Part 22
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Latter Day Saints. (Supplied by W. A. Searfus.)
In justice to the Latter Day Saints of Bates county, we copy a pre- liminary statement of the organization of the early church as pub- lished by the Bureau of the Census, Government printing office, Wash- ington, D. C. Religious bodies: 1906, part II, separate denominations : History, description and statistics.
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HISTORY OF BATES COUNTY
"The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith, a native of Vermont, in 1830, at Fayette, Seneca county, New York. About ten years previously when fifteen years of age, he had become deeply interested in the question of the salvation of his soul and in that of the true church of Christ, and was particularly dis- turbed by the variety of denominations and the varied interpretations put upon certain passages of the Scripture by different sects. While in the woods near his father's home, he says he "had a vision of a great light and two glorious personages appeared before him and commanded hin to 'join none of the religious sects, for the Lord was about to restore the gospel, which was not represented by any of the existing churches.'"
Three years later another vision instructed him as to the second coming of Christ and as to his own relation to the coming dispensa- tion. Other visions followed and in one he received directions enabling him to obtain "the sacred records," an abridgement of the history kept by the ancient inhabitants of America which "were engraved upon plates which had the appearance of gold." These records, constituting the "Book of Mormon" he translated, dictating the translation to Oliver Cowdery and others, who wrote it down, and who, with David Whit- mer and Martin Harris, after the completion of the work, gave to the world their testimony that they had actually seen the plates. Smith and Cowdery also testified that an angel appeared to them, conferring upon them authority and giving them instruction which resulted in the organization of the church at Fayette, Seneca county, New York, April 6, 1830.
There are two bodies called Latter Day Saints, as follow :
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, with headquarters in Utah.
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with headquarters at Lamoni, Iowa.
It is the Reorganized Church with which our "Bates County History" deals. The following citation is taken from the "Special Reports on Religious Bodies by the United States Government," as referred to above :
"The Reorganized Church repudiates the revelation on plural mar- riage and maintains 'that marriage is ordained of God. that the law provides for but one companion in wedlock for either man or woman, except in cases of death or where the contract is broken by transgres-
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HISTORY OF BATES COUNTY
sion; consequently, that the doctrine of plurality and community of wives are heresies and are opposed to the law of God.'"
Beginning with first preaching done by Daniel S. Crawley on the streets in Rich Hill in 1881, the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints has been very active in denouncing Utah Mormonism and appeal- ing to the public to make an impartial examination of the difference between the doctrine and practice of the Mormon church and the faith, doctrine and practice of the original church established through the instrumentality of Joseph Smith and others of which the Reorganized Church claims to be a legal continuance.
The claims of the ministry of the Reorganized Church in Bates county are that Brigham Young's pretence when he led ten thousand of the saints to Utah after the martydom of Joseph Smith was an assumption of authority.
The original church was known by the name "Church of Jesus Christ," the phrase "Latter Day Saints" being used to signify of what the church was composed. That offense of confusing them with the Mormons should be avoided by the public.
The organization has by action of the body, as well as through committees and representatives favored wholesome legislation against the crimes of polygamy and unlawful cohabitation.
Many of the most noteworthy articles against the crimes of so- called Mormonism, which have been published in some of our leading magazines together with an indefinite number of books and pamph- lets now obtainable have been written by members of the Reorganized Church and it appears that they ought to be recognized as active and well qualified opponents of Utah or polygamus Mormonism.
Church of the Brethren (Dunkards.) (Supplied by Irvin V. Enos.)
This society was formed in Germany in 1708. Eight persons from different branches of the Protestant church formed the first congrega- tion under the leadership of Alexander Mack. In Germany they were called Tunkers or Tauffers because of their belief in immersion. In America this nickname was translated to Dunker or Dunkard. They believed that faith, repentance and baptism were the steps to salvation, baptism being administered by trine immersion. Feet washing as taught in John 13 was held to be a devine ordinance. Government was demo- cratic in the extreme.
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They avoided legal controversies and refused to take up arms in time of war. They opposed secret societies, and they held marriage as a divine ordinance that cannot be dissolved by courts of law. Aged and poor members were cared for by the brotherhood. These are some of the distinctive features of the church.
In Germany they suffered all sorts of persecution from the state and state churches. They grew in numbers but because of persecution they separated and in 1715 there were three large congregations.
In 1719 twenty families came to America. Their first congrega- tion was formed at Germantown, Pennsylvania. In 1727 fifty-nine fam- ilies came over. Others came later until the church in Germany ceased to exist. These people had met the same treatment in Germany that the Quakers met in England. In America they grew and worked together for a time, but were distinct in organization and doctrine. They held their first annual conference in 1742.
In 1917 the total membership in America was about one hundred thousand. They own their printing presses, maintain nine colleges and seminaries, have seventy-six missionaries on foreign fields besides many home and city workers.
The first members came to Bates county, and settled near Crescent Hill about 1865. Among them were John Kinsly and wife, T. P. Eye- man and wife, John Fansler and wife and others. Their first minister was W. G. McClintoch. An organization was effected about 1869. They had no church house but worshipped in private homes and school houses until November, 1890, when their new house in Adrian was completed.
Mrs. John Thomason is the only charter member now living in the congregation, which now has a membership of seventy-seven, twenty- three of whom live in Pleasant Gap and Prairie township. They have their own house and will soon be organized into a separate congregation.
The Mound (or Adrian) church has preaching and Sunday school each Sunday morning, besides the main school they have graded pri- mary work in a separate room, home department and cradle roll; also Christian workers meeting each Sunday evening, which supports one orphan in China. The church contributes regularly to the support of one missionary in India, Sister Jennie Mohler, of Leeton, Missouri, besides making quarterly offerings to home missions and offerings to general mission work.
CHAPTER XVII.
BUTLER.
LOCATION-ADVANTAGES-ORIGINAL TOWN-NAMING-WILLIAM ORLANDO BUT- LER-FIRST SURVEYS-JOHN C. KENNETT-MONTGOMERY-JOHN E. MOR- GAN-FIRST HOTEL-GENERAL STORE-McCOMB & ROBISON-LORING & BURNETT-FIRST PHYSICIAN-FIRST ATTORNEYS-FIRST TEACHER AND SCHOOL HOUSE-WILLIAM HARMANN-VAN BUREN VAN DYKE-FIRST SAW AND GRIST MILL-FIRST CHURCH-FIRE-DURING CIVIL WAR-INCORPORA- TION-CITY OF FOURTH CLASS-FIRST MAYOR-FIRST CITY OFFICERS - CITY OF THIRD CLASS-EARLY ESTABLISHMENTS-OLD SURVEY-DEEDS.
Butler is located about the center of the central township of the county, and is about the center of the county. The location is sightly and healthful. It is surrounded by rolling prairies as far as the eye can see ; and a view of its environments from the top of the court house is inspiring. The panorama thus brought within the vision can not be surpassed anywhere. It is a picture for the landscape painter. It affords you at one view the beauty and wealth of this great county.
So situate and so environed it is natural that the inhabitants of Butler should love their little home city with a tenderness not often found. The population of Butler is a little less than three thousand at this time ; but here we have everything desirable in society, churches, schools, telephones, municipal water and light, paved streets, opera houses, photo shows-everything calculated to afford real pleasure, and to build a strong moral and religious sentiment in the hearts of the people. Butler is famous for its three strong banks and its large trust com- panies, and our mercantile establishments would be a credit to a city of ten times our population.
There is no more desirable place to live in the state. The people are progressive, generous, and mutually helpful. Butler is a good place to be. It is as free of vice as any city of its class in the state. It is "dry"-forever.
The original town of Butler was laid out on April 19, 1852, not exactly where it is now, but very near it. At that time the Hon. Will-
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HISTORY OF BATES COUNTY
iam Orlando Butler of Kentucky was very popular with all Southern Democrats, and although he had been defeated for vice-president in 1848-only six years before Butler was named for him, and which fact has kept his name secure in the annals of this era, he was so beloved by John E. Morgan, J. S. Wilkins and John W. Montgomery, and their associates that they called the surveyed bit of high, virgin prairie "Butler." In the "Americanized Chambers' Encyclopedia," printed in 1880 we find this brief mention of him:
"William Orlando Butler, 1793-1880; born in Kentucky; served in the Indian battles of 1812, and under Jackson at New Orleans, and after the war practiced law in Kentucky. He was a member of Con- gress, 1839-43, and next year Democratic candidate for Governor; in 1848 the Democratic nominee for vice-president, but not successful. He served as major general of volunteers in the war with Mexico, and was wounded at Monterey. He was a member of the peace Congress of 1861."
In 1848, Lewis Cass of Michigan and William O. Butler were the Democratic running mates; and they were defeated after a spirited campaign by General Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore, the Whig running mates. This result was largely caused by ex-President Van Buren's defection, who had the support of the organized Free Soil party and the faction of the Democratic party known as "Barnburners," whose united strength was sufficient to take the state of New York out of the Democratic column, and give its electoral vote to Taylor and. Fillmore by a plurality and thereby assure their election. In the early days of Bates county many of its inhabitants came from Ken- tucky and this Kentucky personnel to say nothing of the prevailing party sentiment at the time doubtless explains why and how the county seat was named Butler. In what follows in our history-the rejection of the town plat and the return of the deeds made to lands as a dona- tion to the county of John E. Morgan and others, resulting in a new survey, no change was made in the name. Indeed it seems to have been officially recognized as Butler before what was finally determined to be the legal plat of Butler, as we have it today, was made. This involves a long story ; and we must be content to state the facts, with- out side remarks, as briefly as may be in order that the reader may understand. The details are too technical.
The first survey, made in 1852, had the public square almost directly in front of the present Logan-Moore Lumber Company's office. The Bennett-Wheeler Mercantile building and the Farmers
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HISTORY OF BATES COUNTY
Bank, or at least a part of it, now occupy what was the public square of the first survey. The second survey was made in 1856, as shown by plat herewith, and this survey put the public square where it is today. John C. Kennett was the original settler on the townsite. His log cabin was located on lots 1, 2, and 3, block 1, Montgomery's first addition to Butler, beginning with the lot now occupied by the city hall and the fire department, and occupying all that block except lot 4, on south side of the block next to Chestnut street. Montgomery bought Kennett out, and Kennett went to California. In 1854 John E. Morgan moved onto the townsite and erected a log house on the ground afterward occupied by the Christian church building, and now by the Logan-Moore Lumber Company. He kept his house as a sort of a tavern, and at the time he was the representative of Bates county in the General Assembly. His log house may be fairly said to be the first hotel in Butler.
After Butler was laid out Couch & Smith built the first business house in 1856, and they ran a general merchandise store. Then came McComb & Robison, and they built the next business house on the corner where the restaurant (destroyed by fire since the above was written) was across Chestnut street north of Bennett-Wheeler Mer- cantile Company. Then Loring & Burnett opened a general store in 1858. Samuel Loring came from Papinsville and William Burnett from the southern part of the county. After 1858 others came in rapidly, and the town began to grow rapidly. Joseph S. Hansbrough was the first physician and surgeon. He was killed during the war by bush- whackers from Kansas. Among the first attorneys-at-law were Stearns, Hollingsworth and Barrows, all coming up from Papinsville after the county seat was located in Butler. Stearns died in Butler after the war. Mrs. Martha Morgan opened the first school in Butler in 1856. The school house which was also used for preaching, political meetings, and for holding the terms of county and circuit court before the court house was finished, was situate on Block 5, Montgomery's first addition, about where Dr. J. M. Christy now resides.
William Harmann opened the first saloon in the fall of 1856, thus coming with the county seat, the courts and lawyers. His place was where the restaurant now is, or was until recently. `Van Buren Van Dyke obtained the first merchant's license after the county court moved up from Papinsville. The first saw and grist mill was erected
WEBSTER SCHOOL, BUTLER, MISSOURI.
METHODIST CHURCH, SOUTH, BUTLER, MISSOURI.
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HISTORY OF BATES COUNTY
in 1867 by M. S. Power, now owned and operated by the Cannon Brothers.
The first church edifice for exclusive worship was erected by the Christian congregation in 1860. This church and all the business houses around the square were destroyed by fire in 1861. The court house was burned at the same time, an old history says: "By a squad of cavalry sent from Kansas for that purpose by the order of Col. James Montgomery." The reason given for this incendiary burning was to "prevent Southern sympathizers from harboring Rebels." It is related that while the town was still burning Col. Sydney Jackman of the Rebel army came into town at the head of a cavalry company, and the Union soldiers retreated toward Kansas, were pursued by Jackman and his men as far as the Miami, and killed and wounded three or four of Montgomery's men.
In April, 1862, Col. Fitz Henry Warren, with the First Iowa Cavalry occupied the town, and remained until August, when he returned with his command to Clinton, Missouri. About the time of his departure Colonel Jackman and Gen. J. S. Cockrell of the Rebel army were headed toward Butler: but they continued their march up through the eastern part of the county, on north into Jackson county, where they were engaged in the famous Lone Jack battle on August 16, 1862.
Butler was incorporated June 19, 1872. First trustees: Henry McReynolds, chairman ; George W. Evans, William E. Walton, Albert Harper, Wilson S. Boggs, J. L. Church, clerk; James K. Brugler, attorney.
Butler was incorporated as a city of the fourth class April 7, 1879, and William Page, who now resides in Kansas City, Kansas, became the first mayor of Butler. The first aldermen were William E. Walton and Joseph L. Pace of the First ward; G. W. Patterson and John A. Deviney, of the Second ward; marshal, John C. Bybee; treasurer, F. J. Tygard: collector. J. C. Clark; street commissioner, James Keep ; attorney, John C. Hays; clerk, Thomas W. Silvers. Of this first administration of Butler after getting out of the village class, only Mr. Walton and Mr. Silvers and Mr. Page are still living. The former two still reside in Butler. In 1889 Butler was organized as a city of the third class.
In 1877, M. S. Power sold his mill to his sons, E. R. and M. R.
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HISTORY OF BATES COUNTY
Power, who continued to improve and operate it until their recent deaths, and the mill was then sold to Cannon Brothers, who are now operating it in connection with their large elevator situate near the Missouri Pacific depot. The old Empire mill owned and operated by John F. Lifker has long since ceased to be and a residence now occu- pies its former site. The woolen mill and carding machine of McCun- tock & Son, which was established in 1868 and for many years fur- nished our people through M. S. Cowles & Company with yarns, blankets, jeans, flannels, cassimeres, etc., has passed away under mod- ern improvements and economic conditions. The Diamond mill, better known as the Fairchild or later as the Fay mill, was burned some years ago, and has never been rebuilt. The Butler elevator erected in 1880, has been succeeded by the Cannon Brothers' elevator, and the Peoples elevator, both now in active operation, and among the largest in this section of the state. The planing mill of Wyatt & Boyd, erected in 1882, has long since been out of existence. The Butler Carriage Works. erected in 1882 by Catterlin & Legg, was only recently destroyed by fire; and the wagon shops of Robinson & Son, begun in 1873, has also passed away. In passing, reference is made to the fact that in 1881. a company was organized and put into operation here the first electric lighting plant, the first plant of the kind in Missouri outside of the city of St. Louis. Four powerful lights were put upon the cupola of the court house, which not only lighted the city, but were visible for fifteen or twenty miles around. This bit of enterprise gave Butler the name of the "Electric City." It was succeeded many years ago by a modern plant owned and operated by the city, and Butler continues to be the best lighted city of its class in the state.
At the present time Butler is a well rounded-out and fully equipped little city of about three thousand people. A modern opera house, three large banks, two trust companies, three modern hotels, four garages, all sorts of mercantile stores, blacksmith and wood working shops-in fact, everything that a city of ten thousand people usually have ; and a Federal postoffice building now in course of erection will soon be completed. A new, modern brick depot affords comfort to travelers, and railroad employes of the Missouri Pacific, and the Inter- State, with its terminus here.
Within the last year the Baptist congregation completed a thirty- thousand-dollar church edifice, the finest church house in this section of the state.
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HISTORY OF BATES COUNTY
Survey of the Town of Butler, Bates County, Missouri.
"Survey number 80 made 22nd, 23rd, and 25th of October, 1856. "For James McCool, commissioner of county seat of Bates county, Missouri.
"Beginning at a limestone standing corner to section 14 and 15; 22 and 23 running thence south on random variation 8 degrees east, 110.00 chains, set a temporary 14 section corner post 79.23 chains. A sand- stone standing corner between sections 22 and 23; 26 and 27 then con- nected for 14 section corner between sections 22 and 23; reset a sand- stone ; thence north with the line dividing sections 22 and 23 ; 13.50 chains or 56 poles and plant a sandstone for N. E. corner to the tract of land upon which a portion of the town of Butler is located; then from a point which is 30 feet south and 60 feet west from the last described corner, proceed to lay off the town of Butler for the number and size of the blocks and lots.
"R. L. Duncan, County Surveyor. "Bates County, Mo.
"G. I. Cummins.
"William Able and William Mathes."
"Survey number 93 made 20th and 23rd of February, 1857 for James McCool Commissioner of the county seat of Bates county, Mis- souri being a completion of the above survey, also in addition to the same, beginning at a limestone, which is thirty poles north of the 14 section corner between sections 22 and 23, the same being N. W. corner to block number 47, thence from this point proceed to lay off that part of the town lieing east of the line dividing section 22 and 23. see plat above. "R. L. Duncan, County Surveyor. "Bates County, Missouri.
"Riley Anderson, Vanburen Vandike, Stephan Thomas, and Mr. Doron ; qualified chainmen. Filed and duly recorded 26th day of June, 1857.
P. B. Stratton, Recorder."
Deeds Conveying the Streets, Alleys, and Public Square in Said Town.
"State of Missouri,
County of Bates :
"Know all men by these presents that we John E. Morgan and Martha W. Morgan, his wife, of the County of Bates and State afore- said have this day released and set apart all parts and parcels of land on the above plat, which are laid and marked out on said plat as streets.
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HISTORY OF BATES COUNTY
lanes, and alleys, and which, are on the part of said plat east of the sec- tion line, between sections twenty-two and twenty-three, the said streets and alleys of the dimentions therein marked out, to be and remain public highway forever. Witness our hand and seal the 9th day of August A. D. 1853.
"John E. Morgan (Seal) Martha W. Morgan (Seal)"
"Know all men by these presents that I, John C. Kennett propri- ator of all that portion of land constituting blocks No. 8, 9, 10, 11, 1, 2, 3, 4, and all that part of land included in the Public Square on the above plat have this day aleined, released, and set apart for public use all streets, alleys, and lanes as marked out on the above plat by the surveyor, to the public, and the same to remain common as for the public use, and open highways forever. Witness my hand and seal the 6th day of August," A. D. 1853.
"John C. Kennett (Seal)"
"State of Missouri,
County of Bates :
"This day appeared before me, Isaiah Ashley, J. P., John C. Ken- nett and acknowledged the foregoing plat and deed to be his act and deed for the purpose therein set forth, and no other. The same John C. Kennett is personally known to me. Witness my hand and seal this 9th day of August, A. D. 1853.
"Isaiah Ashley, (Seal) "Justice of Peace."
CHAPTER XVIII.
RICH HILL.
POSTOFFICE-DEVELOPMENT-ORGANIZATION-THE "LEADVILLE OF MISSOURI"- "MINING REVIEW"-"TRADE JOURNAL"-CITY OF FOURTH CLASS-TOM IRISH-ORGANIZATION-FIRST MAYOR-CLINTON R. WOLFE-THIRD CLASS -WATERWORKS-PROSPECTING-GAS PLANT-WATER, LIGHT AND FUEL COMPANY-REVOLUTIONARY EPOCH-THE "REVIEW"-TOWN COMPANY- LOCATION.
Rich Hill was the name given to a postoffice, established in 1868, about two miles northwesterly from the present city of the same name ; and consisted of a few dwelling houses, general store, blacksmith shop, and postoffice, and so continued until the new town was platted in May, 1880, when the postoffice, country doctor, merchant and black- smith moved to start the new city. Having been surveyed before the advent of railroads or the opening up of the local mines, the city- platting was considered to be on rather a commodious scale. The location in the rolling prairie, with a commanding view of the Marais des Cygnes river and surrounding country, was most suitable as a town- site. The construction of the Pleasant Hill and Joplin branch of the Missouri Pacific and the Rich Hill branch of the Kansas City, Ft. Scott & Gulf railroads, together with the opening up of the coal min- ing industries by the Rich Hill Mining Company, an organization in the interest of the Missouri Pacific railroad; the Keith & Parry Coal Mining Company in the interest of the Ft. Scott & Gulf railroad, brought life and vigor and all kinds of business were soon represented. The shipments of coal grew to enormous quantities from both the surface diggings and shaft mines. The town grew and grew. The streets had been generously laid off-sixty, seventy, and eighty feet wide, and Park avenue, the main business street, one hundred feet. The alleys were twenty feet. New additions were required from time to time to meet the growth and demand for residence lots until the Town Company's first, second, third, fourth and fifth additions ; Walton's first. second and third additions : Williams' addition : Sperry's addition : Reif's
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