USA > Missouri > Buchanan County > St Joseph > History of Buchanan County and St. Joseph, Mo. : from the time of the Platte purchase to the end of the year 1915 biographical sketches of noted citizens, living and dead > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
When the charter of 1885 took effect, an agreement was made with those officials who had been elected for two years that they would, upon resignation, be appointed to serve out the unexpired portions of their terms. Under this agreement Harry Carter, who had been elected collector in 1894, was made treasurer for one
89
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
year; William B. Tullar, who had been elected city marshal, was made chief of police for one year, and Francis M. Tufts, who had been elected as register, was made auditor for one year. All fees were abolished.
The following new officers were appointed: General James Craig, comptroller; Purd B. Wright, clerk; James Limbird, coun- selor; M. M. Kane, chief of fire department; Patrick McIntyre, street commissioner; M. J. McCabe, engineer; Dr. J. A. French, health officer; Ishmael Davis, assessor; Anton Dalhoff, keeper of the workhouse. Policemen, firemen and market-master were also appointed. Officials other than these who are now in the govern- ment have been added since then.
That the adoption of the charter of 1885 was wise is best known by those who experienced the workings and trembled for the city from the dangers of the old system. Since 1885 the city has paid its way out of the revenues, has completely wiped out the floating debt and city scrip, and has materially reduced the bonded burden. As evidences of improvement we have the parks, the sewers, the streets, the electric lighting plant, the central police station, the free public library, and excellent fire and police depart- ments.
CHAPTER X.
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF ST. JOSEPH, ITS HISTORY AND THE VARIOUS CHIEFS FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE PRESENT TIME-THE POLICE JUDGE AND CITY ATTORNEY, AND THE MEN WHO HAVE HELD THESE PLACES-HISTORY OF THE FIRE DEPART- MENT FROM THE DAYS OF THE BUCKET BRIGADE TO THE PRESENT TIME-THE VARIOUS CHIEFS.
Up to 1851 the peace of St. Joseph was preserved by a con- stable, who, when the times were lively, as during the California period, had a force of deputies and was assisted by the sheriff. The constable was also the collector of town taxes and was withal an important functionary.
When St. Joseph was incorporated as a city, a marshal was provided, who, like the constable, was the tax collector; but it was not until 1858 that the police department was created, at which time the marshal was given a deputy and six men. These were pompously styled the city guard, and the deputy marshal was the captain thereof. The marshall received fees only, but had a lucra- tive place. In 1866 the collector's office was established and the marshal gave his entire attention to police work. The fee system continued until the city adopted the charter of 1885, when the title of the office was changed to that of chief of police and a salary of $1,500 per annum provided.
In 1887 the metropolitan system was adopted. Under this the governor appoints three commissioners, whose duty it is to man- age the police department. The commissioners elect on their num- ber as treasurer. At the beginning of each fiscal year they certify to the council the amount necessary for the department during the year, which the council is required to provide. This amount is paid in monthly installments to the treasurer of the board, and expended for salaries and other necessaries.
Howell Thomas, the first contable, was appointed in 1845. Henry S. Smith, Edward Searcy and V. Tullar succeeded each other until 1851.
Francis M. Wright was the first marshal, serving 1851-52. Then came the following: Allen McNew, 1852-54; George Merlatt, 1854-57; Shad R. Wages, 1857-60; Allen McNew, 1860-62; R. J. S. Wise, 1862-64; E. H. Saville, 1864-66; Enos Craig, 1866-68; Allen McNew, 1868-70 ; Louis Stroud, 1870-72; Thos. H. Ritchie, 1872-74; John Broder, 1874-76; B. F. Buzard, 1876-78 ; Phil Rogers, 1878-80 ; Enos Craig, 1880-82; Thomas H. Ritchie, 1882-84; William B. Tullar, 1884-85.
The first chief of police was William B. Tullar, who had been elected marshall for two years, but who resigned when the new
91
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
charter went into effect and was made chief of police for one year. He was succeeded by John Broder in 1886, who was retained by the board of commissioners when the metropolitan system went into effect, and who filled the place continuously until June 1, 1901, when he resigned and was succeeded by W. H. Frans eight months. later. He resigned after the election of Governor Hadley in 1902. J. J. McNamara was appointed for a few months, when Charles H. Haskell was named for a term of three years. He was suc- ceeded by James A. Clouser, the present (1915) chief, Feb. 2, 1914.
Under the present system a captain of police and two ser- geants are provided for. Solomon Broyles was captain from June 1, 1887, to March 3, 1888, when he died. He was succeeded by John Bloomer, promoted from sergeant, and who has been con- stantly on duty to this date. The first two sergeants were John Bloomer and William J. Lovell. When Sergeant Bloomer was made captain, J. Fred Henry, who held the honorary title of corporal, was advanced. Sergeant Lovell was succeeded May 7, 1892, by Corporal Edward L. Cutler, who served until June 1, 1893. Cor- poral John J. Neenan was advanced and served until his death, August 29, 1896. Patrolman Wm. H. Frans was then made ser- geant. Sergeant Henry died in August, 1898, and was succeeded by Robert Maney, who served until June 1, 1901, and was suc- ceeded by William P. Gibson. On June 1, 1899, Sergeant Frans was made captain and James T. Allee was appointed sergeant. Captain Frans succeeded John Broder as chief June 1, 1901, and at the same time John J. McNamara was made captain and Charles Kelley was advanced to the grade of sergeant, succeeding James Taylor Allee. The present captain is William T. Gray and the Ser- geants are Martin Shea, J. P. O'Brien, W. P. Gibson and Cecil James. The last two named serve in South St. Joseph.
The metropolitan force was organized June 1, 1887, with the chief, captain, two sergeants, two turnkeys, two drivers and thirty- two patrolmen. At present (1915) there are seventy-two patrol- men, nineteen detectives, one humane officer, three signal service operators, six chauffeurs, one matron and four motorcycle officers.
The chief, captain and sergeants are appointed for one year. Patrolmen are appointed for six months as specials, on probation, at $60 per month. If confirmed they are appointed for three years from the date of the first appointment. The humane officer is selected by the Humane Society and commissioned and paid as a regular patrolman by this department, he being under the direction of the chief. Regular patrolmen receive $70 per month salary.
A telephone signal service, the first to exist, was introduced in 1891, leased from the Missouri & Kansas Telephone Company. The city has since installed its own signal system.
On April 28, 1887, Governor Marmaduke appointed Bernard Patton, John Donovan, Jr., and Thos. P. Maupin commissioners, the first for three years, the second for two, and the last for one year. The regular terms of commissioners after the first appoint- ment are for three years, a vacancy occurring annually. Mr. Pat-
92
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
ton was president for three years. He was succeeded as commis- sioner by Geo. H. Hall, Jr. Mr. Donovan was re-appointed at the expiration of two years, and Mr. Maupin was re-appointed at the expiration of his year. Mr. Donovan was treasurer for the first three years and was succeeded by Mr. Hall in 1890, when Mr. Maupin was elected president. This organization continued until August 11, 1892. Mr. Maupin's term had expired in April, 1891, Mr. Donovan's, April, 1892, and Mr. Hall had become ineligible because he was a candidate for office. At that time Governor Fran- cis appointed an entire new board, consisting of Thos. F. Ryan to succeed Mr. Donovan, Samuel M. Nave to succeed Mr. Maupin and Harris Ettenson to succeed Mr. Hall. Mr. Nave served as presi- dent until the expiration of his term. Mr. Ryan was elected treas- urer and served continuously in that capacity for six years. Mr. Ettenson was succeeded in 1893 by T. F. Van Natta, and Mr. Nave was succeeded in 1894 by John H. Trice. Mr. Van Natta was elected to succeed Mr. Nave as president. Both Mr. Ryan and Mr. Van Natta were re-appointed. Mr. Trice was re-appointed April 29,1897, and Mr. Ryan was succeeded September 6, 1898, by Walter H. Rob- inson. Mr. Van Natta was succeeded in 1899 by Frank Freytag, Jr., who served two terms. Mr. Trice was succeeded in 1901 by William H. Utz. Mr. Robinson was succeeded in 1903 by Joseph H. Tullar. Utz was reappointed in 1904, and the following named have since held the office of police commissioner: Dr. T. H. Doyle, 1905; Judge W. K. James, 1906; Col. James H. McCord, 1907; Frank B. Fulkerson and G. L. Zwick, 1909; Maj. John D. McNeely, 1910; Carl Weigel and .Edward L. Hart, 1911. After the election of Governor Major the commissioners resigned, and the following named were appointed: Dr. U. G. Crandall, Henry Vogelman and Joseph I. McDonald. They are still serving.
Chris L. Rutt was appointed secretary at the first organization of the board in 1887, and served until May 1, 1900, when he re- signed to become managing editor of The Gazette. He was suc- ceeded by Richard S. Graves, now managing editor of a newspaper in Oklahoma City. Fred Lauder was appointed to this position June 1, 1910, and served until June 15, 1913, when he was suc- ceeded by John E. Webster, the present incumbent.
The police court is the tribunal to which offenders against the city ordinances are bought. When St. Joseph was a town offenders were brought before a justice of the peace. When St. Joseph be- came a city, in 1851, the mayor was, under the charter, the police judge, and so continued until 1855. The office of recorder was then introduced, the first incumbent being A. A. Dougherty, who served one year. The position was subsequently held as follows: Felix Robidoux, 1856-58; John A. Dolman, 1858-62; M. L. Harrington, 1862-64; Wm. C. Toole, 1864-66; J. B. Hawley, 1866-68; Charles M. Thompson, 1868-70; Wm. Drumhiller, 1870-72; Charles M. Thompson, 1872-76; R. B. Fleming, 1876-78; Samuel B. Green, 1878-80 ; George W. Belt, 1880-82; John A. Dolman, 1882-84; Mor- decai Oliver, 1884-86; John A. Dolman, 1886-90; William B. San-
Y. M. C. A. Building
93
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
ford, April, 1890, to September, 1891, died in office; John A. Dol- man, September 1, 1891, to February 9, 1896, dying in office ; Peter J. Carolus, February 10, 1896, to April, 1898, when succeeded by Col. John Doniphan, who served two years, when Judge Carolus . returned to the bench. He was followed in 1906 by John W. Muir, James Taylor Allee was elected in 1908 and he's still there.
The office depended upon fees until 1885, when the fees were abolished and a stated salary provided. The recorder was also ex-officio justice of the peace, up to 1889, when this perquisite was cut off. In 1893 the name of the office was changed to "police judge."
Prior to 1884, the recorder provided his own clerk. Harry Angel was the first appointee, serving until April, 1891, when he was succeeded by Albe M. Tracy, who served until April, 1895, and was succeeded in turn by John T. Warburton. The mayor ap- pointed these clerks. In 1897, the office was abolished, and the duties thereof delegated to the secretary of the board of police com- missioners.
The city attorney prosecutes offenders against the ordinances before the police judge. This office was created under the first charter and Alexander W. Terrell was the first incumbent, serving 1851-52. He was succeeded by John Scott, who served until 1856. The office was held subsequently in the following order: Alexander M. Davis, 1856-57; Thomas Thoroughman, 1857-58; W. R. Likens, 1858-60; Joseph P. Grubb, 1860-61; Isaac Parker, 1861-64; James Hunter, 1864-66 ; Jeff Chandler, 1866-72; Wm. D. O'Toole, 1872-74; John T. Baldwin, 1874-76; Willard P. Hall, Jr., 1876-78; William Fitzgerald, 1878-80; Enos J. Crowther, 1880-82; Augustus Saltz- man, 1882-84; William E. Sherwood, 1884-86; Fred J. Lufler, 1886- 88; George P. Rowe, 1888-90; Peter J. Carolus, 1890-92; Wm. R. Hoffman, 1892-94; James W. Mytton, 1894-96; Joshua A. Graham, 1896-98, succeeded by Fred W. Heyde, who served two years and was succeeded by John S. Boyer. In 1902 Charles H. Mayer was elected for two years and was succeeded by Milton J. Bauer, who gave way to Burr N. Mossman in 1906. Phil A. Slattery was elected in 1908 and served until the office was abolished in 1910 and the duties performed by an attache of the city legal depart- ment.
A number of men who held this humble office afterwards dis- tinguished themselves in the legal profession, among them Alex- ander Terrell, who was United States minister to Turkey; Alex- ander Davis, Thomas Thoroughman, John T. Baldwin, Isaac Parker, Jeff Chandler, Willard P. Hall, Jr., and Joseph P. Grubb. Messrs. Davis, Thoroughman and Chandler achieved fame at St. Louis and John T. Baldwin in Montana. Willard P. Hall was one of the first judges of the court of appeals at Kansas City and Joseph P. Grubb was circuit judge here for many years. Isaac C. Parker went to congress from this district and was appointed by President Grant as United States judge at Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he died.
94
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT .- First, there was the bucket brigade, then organizations of volunteer firemen ; next a combination of vol- unteer and paid firemen, and then an all-paid department, which has grown into one of the best equipped and most efficient in the West.
The late General William R. Penick is credited with having been the most ardent promoter of organized and systematic protec- tion from fires. He began his efforts in 1860, when a member of the city council, but was unsuccessful until 1864, when, as mayor of the city, he earnestly recommended an appropriation of $5,000 for the purchase of a steam engine. The provision was made in August of 1864. At the same time Mayor Penick urged that the citizens subscribe means for the purchase of hose and hook-and- ladder equipments. The people responded promptly and sufficient money was soon pledged. In May of 1865 the steam engine arrived, was tested, accepted and named "Blacksnake." The hook-and-ladder truck and hose-reels were also on hand, and the next step was the formation of a volunteer corps. The Blacksnake engine company and the Rescue hook-and-ladder company were promptly organized. In the following year the German-Americans organized a third volunteer company and purchased a hand engine, which was named the "Water-witch." The steamer was drawn by horses, but the trucks and hand engine were drawn by the firemen and volunteer citizens, there being ropes to accommodate all who desired to "run wid de masheen." Cisterns were built at important points in the business district. There were thirteen of these when the introduc- tion of waterworks supplanted them, and the average capacity of each was about twelve hundred barrels.
There was great rivalry among the firemen, both for efficiency and splendor in parade, and the annual turn-out was always the occasion of a public holiday. The first of these parades occurred on Washington's birthday. The first of these parades occurred on Washington's birthday, 1868, when the late Edward R. Brandow was chief of the department. The procession was composed as fol- lows : "Blacksnake" Steam Engine Company, Hardin Ellis, fore- man, 25 men ; "Waterwitch" Hand Engine Company, Henry Lund, foreman, 45 men; "Rescue" Hook-and-Ladder Company, Hugh Symmonds, foreman, 55 men. The engine companies had a contest at Market Square and the affair concluded with a general drench- ing, the rivals turning their nozzles upon each other.
In 1870, a paid fire department was established. Seven men were stationed in a house at the foot of Edmond street. The appa- ratus consisted of the "Blacksnake" engine and three one-horse reels.
The hook-and-ladder company's apparatus was stationed in a building at the alley east of Tootle's opera house. The ground was donated to the city by the late Milton Tootle, and the Rescue com- pany built the house with money secured by means of entertain- ments. In 1871 two paid men and two horses were placed on duty here.
95
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
The zeal of the volunteers naturally began to wane with the introduction of paid firemen, and the companies disbanded. The "Waterwitch," which had been stationed on Edmond street, west of where the Ballinger building now stands, gave way to a second. steamer, named "Bluebird," which was purchased in 1872, and the "Waterwitch," which was sold in 1875 to a party in Wyandotte. The "Blacksnake" was sold to Shenandoah, Iowa, some years ago, and the "Bluebird" is still in service.
The introduction of waterworks gave an impetus to improve- ment and expansion of the fire department. In 1879 a hose reel was located in the Patee market house, which remained there until 1886, when the present house was built at Tenth and Olive streets. In 1881 a reel was located at Tenth and Francis streets, in a building leased from the O. M. Smith estate. In 1895 this company was removed to Seventh and Charles streets. In the same year a com- pany was stationed on North Third street. In 1882, the house at the foot of Felix street was built and the apparatus removed there from Second and Edmond, to make room for the Davis mill. In 1884, Mr. Tootle exchanged ground at Seventh and Charles streets for that which he had donated adjoining the opera house, the hook- and-ladder trucks were moved, and the old "Rescue" house was merged into the Tootle theater. In 1895, the building at Seventh and Charles streets was enlarged, so as to accommodate new appa- ratus, and that which was moved from Tenth and Francis streets. In 1889, a house was built at Ninth and Doniphan avenue; in 1891, one at Eighteenth and Felix streets; in 1892, one at Tenth and Powell streets, and in the following year the company on North Third street was moved to a new house which had been built at Third and Franklin streets. Since 1896, at Twenty-seventh and Penn streets ; on Frederick avenue near Twenty-first street; on St. Joseph avenue ; in Walker's addition; in South Park, and in South St. Joseph. Motor trucks were introduced in January, 1915.
The fire department is now composed of the chief, assistant chief, sixteen foremen, ten lieutenants and fifty-eight firemen. There are in service two steam engines, one aerial truck, one water tower, two chemical engines and fourteen hose wagons. There are forty horses and about 50,000 feet of hose. There are located about the city 483 fire hydrants. The cisterns of the olden days have all been filled up.
Dr. Robert Gunn was the first chief of the fire department. He was appointed October 13, 1865. The position had been tendered to Charles W. Davenport, who declined, however, because he was an insurance agent. Dr. Gunn served until April, 1867, when he was succeeded by Edward R. Brandow, who served until April, 1870, and who was in turn succeeded by Robert J. S. Wise. In 1871, Harry Carter was elected and served one year, being succeeded by Egid Wagner, and he in turn by Augustus Saltzman, each serving one year. In April of 1874, Wm. B. McNutt was elected, served six years, and was succeeded by Henry Gibson, who served one year.
96
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
In 1881, W. B. McNutt was again made chief and served until 1885. In 1882, Michael M. Kane was made assistant chief, and in 1885 he was made chief, with William D. Smith as assistant. In 1892, Oliver M. Knapp and P. P. Kane were made assistant chiefs. In 1895, Oliver M. Knapp was made acting chief, owing to the illness of Mr. Kane, who resigned in 1897, and was succeeded by his brother, P. P. Kane, the present chief.
CHAPTER XI.
THE PARKS OF ST. JOSEPH, THEIR HISTORY AND DEVEL- OPMENT-LAKE CONTRARY AS CITY PROPERTY- THE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY; ITS ORIGIN AND EX- PANSION-STREET LIGHTING; FROM GAS TO ELEC- TRICITY AND MUNICIPAL OWNERSHIP-THE CITY'S SEWER SYSTEM; ITS HISTORY AND CONDITION- STREET PAVING; VARIOUS PERIODS OF PROGRESS.
There are seven public parks in the city proper. Krug Park is the largest and most beautiful. All of these parks were donated. Smith Park was the gift of the late Frederick W. Smith, Patee Park the gift of the late John Patee; Mitchell Park, the gift of A. M. Mitchell, and Washington Park the gift of those who placed St. Joseph Extension Addition on the market.
These were all dedicated when the additions containing them were platted. Krug Park, containing ten acres, was the gift of Henry and William Krug, made in February of 1889, the condi- tions being that the council spend annually the sum of $1,500 in beautifying and maintaining the park, and the restrictions being that no intoxicating liquors be permitted to be sold. In 1914 Henry Krug, Jr., donated an addition of twenty acres to Krug Park.
Smith and Patee parks were rough ground in the beginning, but the grader made all things even. Up to 1879 Smith Park was occupied by a florist. When the Smith branch sewer, which cut through the northeastern portion of the park, was completed the place was graded and filled. In 1882 an iron fence was built. In 1884, Dr. Henry D. Cogswell, of San Francisco, a noted advocate of temperance, presented the city with his statue, to be placed in the park. Dr. Cogswell was engaged in perpetuating himself by the means of these statues, which were mounted upon a drinking fountain. The statue was removed in 1909, as well as the old iron fence, adding greatly to the appearance of the grounds.
Patee Park was opened to the public at about the same time as Smith Park. The ground was low, and a fill of five feet was made when Messanie street was graded. Cottonwood trees grew there in profusion for a time, but these were cut out and other shade provided.
Mitchell Park was used for some years as a potato patch, and ยท then occupied by a florist, who remained until 1891.
Washington Park, which was originally dedicated for a market place, was beautified in 1894, and has since been greatly appre- ciated by the people of the northwestern portion of the city.
Smith, Patee and Mitchell parks each occupy a block of ground. Washington Park is triangular, and not quite as large as the others.
98
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
Bartlett Park, about twenty acres in extent, was donated to the city in 1907 by Barlett Brothers Investment Company.
Gordon Park, in South St. Joseph, was dedicated when the plat of that addition was filed.
Calvin Hyde filed a deed in 1915 for a considerable tract in the southeastern part of the city to be known as Hyde Park.
St. Joseph owes much to the energy and perseverance of the park board. Before 1890 there was a council committee on parks. Mayor Shepherd appointed the first board of commissioners, nam- ing H. M. Garlichs, Wm. E. Jamieson and N. P. Ogden. These com- missioners employed a superintendent, Rudolph Rau, a skillful flor- ist and landscape gardener, who is still in his place. The council provided liberally, and the result is that Krug Park is one of the most picturesque places in the West, and in ten years will surpass any public park of its size and kind in the country.
There were those who believed, and with good reason, that if the city owned Lake Contrary that body of water and the surround- ings would be greatly improved and beautified. Congressman R. P. C. Wilson was appealed to, and, in 1890, secured the passage of an act of congress granting to the city of St. Joseph Lake Contrary and the shores thereof. Early in 1891, the city ordered a canal cut to unite the upper and lower lakes. The farmers in the neighbor- hood protested and obtained an injunction. The cause was tried, and it was found that the United States, having previously given to the state of Missouri all of the territory embracing Lake Con- trary, had no right to give the property to the city, having, in fact, no title. Had the result of the trial been favorable to the city Lake Conrary would appear to better advantage than it does now.
The park board has been composed as follows since 1890: For 1890-93, H. M. Garlichs, Wm. E. Jamieson, N. P. Ogden ; for 1893- 94, Joseph Hansen, Charles F. Bacon, F. G. Hopkins; for 1894-96, Chas. F. Bacon, F. G. Hopkins, John L. Bittinger; for 1896-98, Frank G. Hopkins, Charles F. Bacon, Sol Ehrman; for 1898-99, Frank G. Hopkins, Sol Ehrman, Henry Uhlinger. Appointments to membership on the park board have since been made as follows: Adolph Schrader, 1899; Robert McGowan, 1900; Henry Uhlinger, 1901; L. D. W. Van Vleit, 1902; J. R. McKillop (Schrader re- signed), 1902; J. M. Austin, 1903; Henry Uhlinger, 1904; E. L. Phipps, 1905; W. H. Griffith, 1906; Dr. E. H. Bullock (succeeded Phipps, resigned), 1907; Henry Uhlinger, 1907; Dr. F. G. Weary (succeeded Dr. Bullock, resigned), 1907; W. D. Webb, 1908; John D. Richardson, 1909; Henry Uhlinger, 1910; W. D. Webb, 1911; Rudolph Janicke, 1912; Fred Neudorff, 1913 (succeeded Janicke, resigned) ; Henry Uhlinger, 1913; W. D. Webb, 1914; John D. Richardson, 1915.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.