History of Boone County, Missouri., Part 55

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: St. Louis, Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1220

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1 The post-office was established in 1857.

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

EARLY DAYS IN STURGEON.

A year or two since, one of the oldest citizens of Sturgeon, a gen- tleman who was one of the first inhabitants of the place, with a recollection of early scenes and events and capacity to write of them, published, in the Sturgeon Leader, some reminiscences of early days, which are herewith appended : -

Perhaps the common experience of our day would forbid the recurrence of the like in such common-place things. But then the country was new, towns few and far between; the railway was coming right through the middle of the town! No mistake! Splendid depots, machine-shops, round-houses, etc., would be erected, and the place taken under the especial patronage of this new institution. Who wouldn't bite?

But as so much was to be done for Sturgeon, of course she must do something in return, " besides that little subscription " for the railway. Well, ten acres of the most sightly and valuable ground in the town would be sufficient to erect these promised improvements on, "could she just donate that little " the thing would be "fixed "- Certainly, take the land ; five thousand dollars is nothing in return for such promised blessings.

And now everybody stands with arms akimbo, with fiery eyelids, dilated nostrils and heaving bosoms, in breathless expectation of the coming events. Everybody talked Stur- geon, talked depot, talked machine shops and round-house; the news spread like thin batter, and it stuck; the place was overrun with people, and still others came in haste, fearing to be late. Tomkin's house couldn't accommodate the half. Harrison Hulett set up the City Hotel- "no go," more room. The Planters', on the south side, two-story, staked and ridered, was run up by a joint stock company. The railway had now come, sure' enough; had planted a turn-table on the west side. What next? All are on tip-toe. The "Railroad Exchange"- what of that? Oh, that was an institution that lent a pious hand in the ad- ministration of spirituous consolation. But what about the machine shops, etc. ? Well, thereby hangs a tale - I am a little tender on that subject.

The depot - yes, that came one night, when all slept. There it stands, a thing of beauty, a joy for ever so long a time. See its stately columns, arches, towers and minarets, its roof slanting both ways at once. Step inside, ye gods! This elegant retreat on the left is the ladies' private parlor; on the right, the grand saloon; in the west wing under the main tower, on the avenue lane with hewn ties, is the company's office : comfortable, of course it is. Why, one is rather pleased than otherwise. If night trains are a little late you can make yourself at home; and then, to think, all this luxury in exchange for that little strip bare and bleak over the way. Bad luck to it! "Why, I thought that was for machine shops!" So it was-but - well, they are not built yet. But isn't there a beautiful mon- ument over there to the memory of blasted hopes? No. That you will find in the new cemetery grounds, west, but the road thither is difficult. But why do they vacate the burial grounds in the west corner? Oh, that was to compensate for the strip on the south side, and then nobody thought of dying of a sudden ; the doctors were mostly young men ; Lockridge and Dow were on their first legs, and if they couldn't cure were considerate enough to pro- long life at least to the extent of the purse !

How about the business centers of the town in those days? Some changes have been made. Yes, formerly the bulk of the trade was done on the street fronting the railroad; the Leader block was the center of exchange-contained the post-office, had stores, drug houses, and other institutions where spirituous consolation and medical purposes were ad- ministered with happy results. In it also flourished the political schools, from which were graduated our present town politicians; but its greatness has departed, leaving this once busy mart to be inhabited by bats, an unhappy editor, a few indignant lawyers and a broom factory.

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

STURGEON IN WAR TIMES.

When the civil war broke out the people of Sturgeon, for the most part, sympathized with the Southern or Confederate side. The town was early occupied by the Federals, and held by them as a military post during the greater part of the war. It was regarded by them as a place of considerable importance, as indeed it was. By reason of its military occupation the citizens were greatly inconvenienced, to use a mild term.

The first company of Federal soldiers in town was a battalion of the Third Iowa Infantry, Col. Williams commanding. These soldiers came in July, 1861, but did not stay long, remaining only a few hours. The second body of troops that came was the Fourteenth Illinois In- fantry, Col. John M. Palmer.1 This regiment was stationed here for a short time, and was succeeded by a company of Merrill's Horse, Second Missouri Cavalry. Then came a company of militia from Boonville, followed by another company of Krekel's militia from St. Charles. In December, 1861, came Col. Birge's Western Sharpshoot- ers, who, in connection with Col. Glover's Third Missouri Cavalry, fought Col. Dorsey's Confederates at Mt. Zion church, December 28. Then followed a battalion of Iowa volunteers, the number of the regi- ment not being remembered.

From Sturgeon, Gen. Prentiss, at the head of a battalion of Birge's Sharpshooters, and of Col. J. M. Glover's Third Missouri Cavalry, set out to attack Dorsey's troops at Mt. Zion, as before narrated. While Birge's men occupied the place some of them, who were printers, took charge of the News office and issued a number of the paper gotten up by and to please themselves. This paper gave an alleged truthful ac- count of the Mt. Zion fight, of a skirmish over on Young's creek, in Monroe county, etc., and indulged in much boasting of the prowess of the boys in blue and. a corresponding depreciation of the valor of the Confederates.

From Sturgeon also set out, in September, 1864, the ill-fated expe- dition to Rocheport, in charge of Capt. J. W. McFadden, Company F, Third Missouri State Militia, which was set upon by George Todd and John Thrailkill with their guerillas, in Gosline's Lane, in Perche township. An account of this affair is to be found elsewhere in these pages.

Here also was the city of refuge for the few men of Major John-

1 Afterward Major-General of U. S. Volunteers, and Governor of Illinois in 1870-72.

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

son's command, who escaped from the battle, or massacre, of Cen- tralia. Draper's and Schaeffer's commands were here and in the vicinity at the time, Draper coming down from Macon the next day. It would be a hard task, and not a profitable one, to detail all of the military movements in and about Sturgeon during the war. No great glory was won by either, side, however, and the least said, perhaps, the better.

Sturgeon sent her quota of men into the Confederate army, and some of them were as gallant soldiers as the most knightly in either army, and as brave as the best.

FIRES IN STURGEON.

Since the founding of the place it has been remarkably free from fires. Several small buildings have been burned, but no conflagration of serious character occurred until the summer of 1882. The follow- ing is said to be a list of all the fires in the place : -

In June, 1861, the residence of Hugh Melvin, situated near the present residence of James Conners, was burned to the ground.

In the spring of 1862 the residence of John F. Moore, located be- tween the present residence of W. T. Old and T. D. Moss, was burned by the soldiers.

In November, 1863, the block of buildings, four in number, about where the broom factory stands, was burned. Loss considerable.

Next was the residence of Dr. Pollard, dentist, located near where Maria Anderson lives ; burned by the soldiers about 1864.

Some time in 1864 a house on the corner where Robinson's store now stands, was burned. It belonged to Dr. Dinwiddie's estate and was occupied by A. H. Nise.

In 1865 the town calaboose was burned by a lot of soldiers who had been put in it the day before for some mutinous conduct.

About 1875 the colored Methodist Church, near Russ Schooling's, was destroyed by fire.

July 19, 1882, the most serious conflagration occurred in Sturgeon. At 9 o'clock P. M. of that day, the fire broke out in Wood's saloon building and was bursting through the roof when discovered. The following were the principal losers and their losses : C. B. Branham's butcher shop; loss, $300. B. C. Barnes, saloon ; loss, $150 ; build- ing belonging to James Palmer, $500. Daniel & Canada's billiard hall and saloon, loss on fixtures, $200; on building, $1,250. John Butler, two unoccupied buildings, $1,200. Woods's saloon, loss $900.

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

Montrief & Prather lost three large livery stable buildings, sheds, Fairbanks scales, etc., amounting in all to a loss of $2,500. The two-story frame building occupied by the Sturgeon Savings Bank was saved by covering the roof with carpet and sprinkling heavily with salt.

Several incipient fires have occurred, but no great damage was done. It is also a remarkable fact that there has never been a dollar of in- surance on any of the property burned in this place.

STURGEONITES IN "NIGGER WOOL SWAMP."

In November, 1880, a party of Sturgeonites, Major John F. Rucker, J. M. Proctor, T. S. Carter, W. T. Old, F. W. Middleton, and J. A. Turner, went down into that portion of the territory of the State of Arkansas known by the euphonious title of the Nigger Wool Swamp.1 Some of the party had visited the locality during the civil war, and knew that it abounded in game and fish. The swamp is almost inac- cessible and impenetrable. After going into camp Rucker, Middleton and Old started out for a hunt. They found some deer tracks a few miles from camp. Mr. Old took one direction, and Major Rucker and Middleton another. Mr. Old soon discovered that he was lost, but, happening to hear in the distance the rumble of a train of cars a mile or so away, he succeeded in making his way to the railroad track, and then to the camp in safety.

Rucker and Middleton were not so fortunate. After rambling about for a time they too became bewildered and lost. They were not much alarmed or disconcerted, however, as they had good guns, plenty of ammunition, and a first-rate compass. The latter article proved of but little use, as they were unable to travel but a short distance in any one direction, owing to the numerous sloughs and lakes. The weather was quite cold and there was snow on the ground. The situation of the hunters was not at all comfortable. Night was fast approaching, and they had but feeble hopes of extricating themselves before the next day. They had but three matches and two of these were burned in order to locate their direction of travel. The other match was saved to kindle a fire in case they were compelled to camp out.

At length, worn out and weary, without food and drenched to the waist by wading through mud and water, they decided to camp for the night, and hope for the best in the morning. Extraordinary prepara-

1 On Black River, in Clay County.

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

tions were made to insure the safe ignition of the solitary match on which they were dependent for warmth and comfort, and their efforts were successful. The greatest precautions were taken to have the wood take fire, and these were also crowned with success. A bright, hot fire was soon burning, by which the belated hunters were trying to make themselves somewhat comfortable. Mr. Middleton succeeded in removing his boots, but Maj. Rucker's feet were so badly swollen that his boots could not be taken off. The night was passed in a manner that may be imagined, but that is difficult to be described. All the time their comrades in camp were shouting, firing guns, build- ing bright fires, and trying many other devices to attract their attention and guide them to safety, but their signals were unheard and unob- served.

Sometime in the forenoon of the next day Rucker and Middleton, tired out, hungry, and in a most wretched plight every way, made their appearance in camp. Their companions, though almost over- joyed at their safety, were inclined to rally and " chaff" them over their mishap and ill luck, but Maj. Rucker levelled his gun and warned the party that the matter was too serious to be joked about, and that he was in no mood to be trifled with. It is said that neither of the parties has since shown any very fervent desire to chase the wild deer or track him to his lair within the delectable precincts of Nigger Wool Swamp.

KILLING OF BENJAMIN CROSWHITE.

About the 1st of February, 1866, Beverly F. Daniel killed Benja- min Croswhite, Clerk of the Sturgeon Court of Common Pleas and clerk in the dry goods store of Daniel Mayer, and a very estimable young man. Mr. Croswhite was shot in the left temple with a pistol, the ball passing through the head, inflicting a wound of which he died in a few minutes. Daniel was at once arrested by S. F. Cross, deputy sheriff, and was tried before J. B. Jarman, justice of the peace, and committed to jail on a charge of murder in the first degree. He died in the Columbia jail while awaiting trial. There was a rumor at one time that he did not die, but was spirited away, and the report of his death circulated to cover his escape. There was no truth in the latter report.

INDUSTRIES, INSTITUTIONS, ASSOCIATIONS, ETC. - STURGEON MILLS.

The " Sturgeon Mills," F. M. Truby, proprietor, were built ten or twelve years since by Frank Suttles. The mills manufacture flour

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

and feed. They cover an area of 60x30 feet. They have recently been fitted up with all of the latest improvements in mill machinery ; make the " new process " flour and have a liberal patronage. Their capacity is about twenty-five barrels of flour a day.

THE MIDDLETON & TAYLOR MILLS.

These mills are among the best in the country. Recently there has been added to the machinery a new lot, costing about $3,000. A new engine of 30-horse power has been put in. There has also been a considerable addition to the area and capacity of the mill made recently. The mill power has four run of burrs. It makes the best grades of flour, including the variety known as the " new process." Mr. F. W. Middleton had sole charge of the mill until in the spring of 1882, when Mr. C. H. Taylor was taken in as partner. Messrs. Middleton & Taylor have in connection with this mill a valuable hay press, costing $6,000, which has a baling capacity of five tons a day.

STURGEON SAVINGS BANK.

The Sturgeon Savings Bank (now a private bank ) was organized September 25, 1879, with a capital of $10,000. The president is B. P. Ritchie ; cashier, D. Mayer ; directors, C. F. Sames, W. H. and J. S. Ritchie. B. F. Tucker is also a stockholder.

THE STURGEON BANK.

This bank was first organized in the spring of 1877, by Wooldridge & Carr. It was converted into a stock bank in the fall of 1878, with B. P. Ritchie, president, and F. E. Carr, cashier. The present offi- cers are M. H. Harris, president ; Dr. J. F. Keith, vice-president ; S. W. Turner, cashier ; directors, J. M. Seymour, A. D. Spratt, Dr. J. F. Keith, John F. Rucker, John Hazelrigg, M. H. Harris, S. W. Turner. A general banking business is done, to the satisfaction of a liberal number of patrons. The paid up capital stock of the bank is $20,000.

STURGEON. GUN CLUB.

In the spring of 1879, Messrs. F. W. Middleton, J. A. Turner, W. R. Harris, R. H. Edmonds and J. F. Keith organized the Sturgeon Gun Club. Edmonds was chosen president, and Keith secretary and treasurer. The club has shot at Sturgeon, Moberly, and other points, and made a fair record. One member has died since the organization.

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

BROOM FACTORY.

The broom factory of S. A. Fretwell is quite an institution of its kind. It was established in 1878. It has a capacity for turning out thirty dozen of well-made brooms in a day. Brooms and brushes both are manufactured, the latter made of jute, which is imported for the purpose. Mr. Fretwell sells his wares in Columbia, Fulton, Mex- ico, and along the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway as far north as Ottumwa, Iowa. He also supplies the railway with brooms and brushes. The broom-corn used is mostly grown in Boone, Callaway, and Audrain counties. This section of Missouri is well adapted for the cultivation of broom-corn. Mr. Fretwell employs five workmen.

The shipping of railroad ties is a considerable industry in Stur- geon. The county, south and west, produces great numbers of them, and the average shipment is about 1,000 a day, or 300,000 in a year. This has been an active business for fifteen or twenty years last past.

Mr. J. M. Proctor has one of the largest and best orchards in Cen- tral Missouri on his premises in the north part of Sturgeon, just out- side of town. The orchard comprises an area of six or seven acres, and contains 600 apple trees, 400 peach trees, 150 pears, 50 apricots · and nectarines, 5,000 strawberries, besides raspberries, plums, cher- ries, and other fruits in great abundance. Rawle's Janet is considered the best apple for all purposes, being especially the most reliable bearer ; Ben Davis and the Northern Spy come next. The Ben Davis is the most valuable for shipping. St. Louis is the best apple market for this section of Missouri. Mr. Proctor has also a fine fish pond, an acre and a half in extent, stocked with the best varieties of fish, such as perch, land-locked and California salmon, buffalo and cat. The pond furnishes Mr. Proctor with all of the best quality of fish food that he desires. It was made in 1876, and cost about $1,000. It also furnishes about 100 tons of ice per year, besides abundant water for stock.

Maj. John F. Rucker is about to undertake the erection of a town hall, 50x60 feet in size, which will be a much appreciated institution when completed, according to the specifications made.

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.

By an act of the Legislature, approved January 10, 1860, a Court of Common Pleas was created to be held at Sturgeon. The first term

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

convened July 16, 1860. Hon. Wm. A. Hall was the judge ; J. T. Burnam, clerk; Jno. R. Jacks, marshal. The first proceeding of any sort was the naturalization of Louis Burkeye as a citizen of the United States, with all of the high honors and privileges thereunto belonging. The first civil action was on a promissory note - "Polly A. Fountain, plaintiff, v. Housen Canada, James D. Patton and Arch- ibald H. Wayne,"defendants."

The jurisdiction of this court extends over portions of Boone, Audrain, Howard and Randolph, and is of great advantage to the people within its precincts. Its sessions are from two days to a week in length. The present officers are: Judge, Geo. H. Burckhartt ; clerk, T. S. Carter ; marshal, F. M. Chaney.

OFFICIAL HISTORY.

The town of Sturgeon was first incorporated in the year 1859, with Housen Canada as the first mayor. The charter was amended in 1875, and under this the town is now running.

The mayors have been Housen Canada, Napoleon B. Burks, - Dyson, W. W."Stone, H. L. Gray, J. P. Merry, John F. Fisher, John Butler, M. M. Jessee, G. W. Merry, C. B. Branham, J. W. Montrief. The present officers are : Mayor, W. J. Montrief ; mar- shal, J. H. Barnette ; treasurer, T. J. Croswhite ; clerk, J. V. Kemper ; council, M. H. Harris, W. H. Welch, J. T. Jackson, R. H. Edmonds, J. A. Turner, C. H. Taylor.

THE CHURCHES OF STURGEON.

The first religious services in Sturgeon were conducted by Rev. James Barnes, a Baptist, who preached under an elm tree, down near the branch, in the eastern part of town. "Uncle Jimmy " was a very popular minister in his pioneer ministrations. His biography is to be found elsewhere. There are those who deny that Rev. Barnes was the first minister in Sturgeon that held services. They assert that a Catholic priest from St. Louis was here while the railroad was building, and held mass in one of the railroad houses.

Not long after the town was started, a lady preacher came along and held forth on two or three occasions. Some people did not en- joy the spectacle of a lady in the pulpit, holding that a woman was forbidden to speak in public, etc. One night the lady challenged any one to deny her right to preach and teach, and expressed an anxiety to discuss the matter publicly. Rev. Butts was in the con-

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

gregation, but did not seem disposed to pick up the glove so defiantly thrown down. He was urged to reply, but refused. Then the boys threw buckshot at him, peppering him on all sides, and at last forced him to his feet. He made a speech in opposition to the claims of the lady, and denied her right to preach. He was especially severe on the doctrine of " woman's rights " in general. The lady, in a short but cutting reply, rather discomfited the reverend gentleman. Her opening sentence was : "Mr. Butts is butting against the wrong indi- vidual this time !"

During the war, services were practically suspended in the place. The Christian church was occupied by the Federals for a time as a fortification. The house was occupied as barracks by the soldiers and a heavy earthwork was thrown up around in case it should be at- tacked. Traces of the old ditches and embankment are still to be seen.

M. E. CHURCH SOUTH.

The congregation of this church was first organized in old Buena Vista, or Bourbonton, as far back as in 1851. Upon the laying out of Sturgeon the organization was removed to the latter place in 1857. Some of the original members of the church were Nicholas S. Woods and his wife, Leantha Woods ; John Baker and his wife, Nancy Baker ; Franklin Green and his wife, Elizabeth Green ; John Dusky and wife, and Joseph Keene. The church building was erected in 1859 ; it is a frame and cost about $2,000. It is still standing, its location being on lots 6 and 7, block 37. It was dedicated in April, 1860, by Rev. W. G. Miller. The pastors have been Revs. David Fisher, Wesley Hat- ton, Wm. Saxton, P. M. Pinkard, S. P. Cope, - Faubion, - Eads, Joseph H. Pritchett, James Smith, George Sexton, John Tay- lor, Wm. M. Wood, G. W. Rich, T. De Moss, Wm. M. Wood, John Shores, D. H. Root, and Robt. White.

CHURCH OF CHRIST.

This church stands on lots 13 and 14 of block 51, and is a neat and commodious frame building. It was begun in 1859 and completed in 1860. The congregation was first organized in 1858, by Elders P. Dibble, and F. M. Allen, and re-organized by Clayton Keith Septem- ber 24, 1866. The original members were John Foreman, wife and son, William ; John R. Jacks and wife ; William Hargis and wife, and others. The pastors that have served this church are the follow- ing : J. M. Berry, S. P. Hollis, - Gill, G. A. Perkins, M. M.

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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY.

Davis, J. H. Hardin, and O. A. Carr. The present membership is reported as ninety-nine.

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

This church is situated in Rochford's addition to Sturgeon. The church organization was first founded in the year 1866. The original members were Michael Moynihan, Michael Spellman, Philip Spellman, Dennis Benson, Bryan Nolan, James Connors, Chas. Lanham, John Moynihan, Wm. Moynihan, and Duncan McDonald. The church building was erected in 1868. It is a frame and cost about $3,000. It has not yet been dedicated. The pastors in charge of the church have been Fathers O'Neal, McCabe, Mckinney, Stack, and Dempsey. Father Twohey, the curate, from Moberly, now celebrates mass. The present number of members is about 35.

CIVIC SOCIETIES - MASONIC LODGE.

Sturgeon Lodge, No. 174, A. F. and A. M., was instituted by Hen- derson Davis, the first master. The dispensation was issued in 1855. The charter bears date May, 1857. The charter members were Hen- derson Davis, W. W. Stone, Wharton Schooler, Dr. W. H. Callaway, Daniel Mayer, James D. Patton, Housen Canada, and others. The first officers were Henderson Davis, W. M. ; James D. Patton, treasurer ; Wharton Schooler, secretary. (Other officers' names not furnished. ) The present officers are : Master, S. W. Turner; senior warden, John Loux ; junior warden, Anthony Wayne; treasurer, John F. Rucker; secretary, S. F. Cross ; senior deacon, F. E. Bruton ; junior deacon, J. W. Pickett. The present membership is 62. The lodge meets in a frame hall that was built in the year 1859, at a cost of about $1,600. The Hallsville and Centralia lodges were formed mostly of members from Sturgeon lodge ; and some members were furnished to constitute Harrisburg and Morality lodges.

UNITED WORKMEN

Sturgeon lodge No. 174, A. O. U. W., was instituted by D. G. M. W. - Bonney. Its charter and dispensation are dated Au- gust 13th, 1878. The charter members were T. S. Carter, M. H. Harris, W. H. Goin, A. J. Wren, S. W. Turner, R. H. Edmonds, S. F. Cross, J. S. Powers, Geo. L. Mitchell, J. T. Jackson, Geo. W. Bat- terton, W. W. Lyon, J. M. McComas, R. P. Hopkins, Wm. Prowell, Geo. W. Hubbard, C. D. Croswhite, L. W. White, R. D. Rucker,

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History of Boone County, Missouri., Part 55

Author: Publication date: 1882 Publisher: St. Louis, Western Historical Company Number of Pages: 1220

Author:
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: St. Louis, Western Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1220