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 17
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
*
THE PORT OF ENTRY-St. Joseph was made of port of entry January of 1883, through the efforts of Congressman James N. Burnes. Major James Hunter was the first surveyor and he had for his deputy James T. Beach. John Vanderlinde was appointed surveyor January 30, 1887, and was succeeded by James M. Lim- bird, who was appointed March 21, 1890. It was during his term, in January, 1891, that the customs office, which had previously been quartered in store buildings, moved to the Federal building. Presi- dent Cleveland appointed Clay C. Macdonald surveyor of the port in 1893, and Captain McDonald was succeeded, March 2, 1898, by William L. Buechle, who served until 1901, when he was succeeded by John Albus. He in turn gave way to Elliot Marshall, June 1, 1911. He served until July 1, 1913. The office was then placed under the district of St. Louis, with Thomas R. Dumont, deputy, in charge. John H. Wittmaack succeeded Mr. Dumont, May 1, 1915. The surveyor was also custodian of the Federal building until April, 1911, when the duties of that office were transferred to the postmaster.
THE FEDERAL COURT-Through the efforts of Congressman James N. Burnes a branch of the western division of the United States circuit court was established at St. Joseph. The first session of this court was held at the court house on April 4, 1887, with the late Arnold S. Krekel as judge. Channing M. Dunham was ap- pointed clerk. Judge Krekel and Mr. Dunham both died in the summer of 1888. Judge John F. Philips was appointed to succeed Judge Krekel and served until June 10, 1910, when he was suc- ceeded by Arba S. Van Valkenburgh. Judge Philips appointed Charles M. Thompson as clerk. Mr. Thompson served until October of 1891, when he was succeeded by Charles E. Pollock, who was fol- lowed by C. C. Colt, the present incumbent. The clerk also fills the
154
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
office of commissioner and as such officer has authority to give preliminary hearings in cases of violation of Federal laws and to certify to his findings to the district court.
CHAPTER XVIII.
RELIGION IN BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH-THE FIRST PREACHERS AND THE FIRST CHURCHES-A REVIEW OF THE PROGRESS OF THE VARIOUS DE- NOMINATIONS IN ST. JOSEPH-HISTORY OF THE CON- GREGATIONS AND THEIR CHURCH BUILDINGS.
During the first ten years of the county's history but few churches were erected. Public religious services were generally held in private houses, until school houses were built, after which these buildings were used for religious purposes on Sundays. The log court house at Sparta was also used. One of the first sermons preached in the county was by the late Bishop Marvin of the Metho- dist Episcopal church, in a log structure called "Wood's school house," located in what is now Agency Township. This was early in 1838. "Mount Moriah" was the name of a log church located near Frazer. The "Witt Meeting House" was on the farm of Judge Nelson Witt in Platte Township, and was used by the Calvinistic Baptists. The Missionary Baptists subsequently erected in the same township a frame edifice which was called "Hebron."
The Christians were also among the earliest denominations that organized in the Platte Purchase. Archibald Stewart formed a congregation three miles south of DeKalb, in 1839, and preached his first sermon under a buckeye tree. This denomination was known at that time as the "New Light." The Christians also estab- lished a church in Crawford Township, in 1842, which was called "Antioch." The Presbyterians organized a church called "Walnut Grove," and also built a church at Easton when that town was plat- ted. The first camp meeting in the county was held in 1842 near Valley Chapel school house in 1842.
THE CATHOLICS-In 1838, a wandering Jesuit priest visited the obscure and lonely trading post at Blacksnake Hills. Here, in a rude log house of Joseph Robidoux, a primitive altar was extem- porized from a common table, and, in the presence of the wonder- ing red man and the scarcely more cultivated pioneer, mass was celebrated. This was the small beginning of the march of Chris- tianity in our midst.
In 1840, another transient priest made his appearance at the settlement, who elicited no small degree of comment, from the sin- gular mark of a cross on the back of his, coat. This was the Rev. Father Vogel. On the 17th of June, 1847, the foundation of the brick church on the corner of Felix and Fifth streets was laid. Ser- vices were held in this building before its completion, and in the
156
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
same year, in September, the house was dedicated by Bishop Ken- rick of St. Louis. In 1848, the two-story parsonage was erected (brick), and in 1853 an addition of twenty-two feet was made to the church. The lot was donated by Joseph Robidoux.
..
At the organization of the church there were about twenty families, two of which were Irish and the other Canadian French. The first permanent pastor in the church was Rev. Thomas Scan- lan, who began his labors in 1847. His first service was in a frame building, belonging to Joseph Robidoux, on Jule street, beyond the Blacksnake. He was succeeded by the Rev. D. F. Healy. Rev. Francis Russie succeeded Father Healy, and he, in turn, was suc- ceeded by the Rev. S. A. Grugan.
In 1859, the Rev. James Powers assumed the duties of assist- ant pastor, which position he filled until the removal of Father Scanlan, in 1860. In 1860, Rev. John Hennessey took charge and continued the same until he was promoted to the See of Dubuque. He was later an archbishop. His successor in St. Joseph was the Rev. James Power. The church at Fifth and Felix streets was abandoned in 1871.
In 1868, the diocese of St. Joseph, comprising all of the terri- tory north of the Missouri River and west of the Chariton River, was erected, and Rt. Rev. John Joseph Hogan consecrated as its bishop. In 1882 Bishop Hogan took charge of the diocese of Kan- sas City, but continued as administrator of the diocese of St. Joseph. In the fall of 1893 Bishop Maurice F. Burke, who had been sta- tioned at Cheyenne, took charge of this diocese.
There are seven Catholic churches in St. Joseph. The Cathe- dral was erected in 1868 by Bishop Hogan. Father Ignatius Con- rad, O.S.B., was in charge of the parish after Bishop Hogan's de- parture, until he was abbot of Subiacco monastery in Arkansas, in 1890.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tenth and Ange- lique streets, was built in 1868, the first priest being Father Hart- man, who was succeeded by the present pastor, Father Linnen- kamp. This parish is German.
St. Patrick's, Twelfth street and Doniphan avenue, was built in 1873 by Father Eugene Kenny, who remained as pastor until the close of the year 1879, when he died. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Walsh, who served about two years and died also. Rev. Francis F. Graham, who died a few years ago, then took charge. Rev. Edward A. Bolger is now in charge of this congregation.
The Polish Catholics organized a congregation in 1883, and purchased the old home of General Willard P. Hall, at Twentieth and Messanie streets, which was converted in a church called SS. Peter and Paul. Father Wenzeslaus Krzywonos was the first pas- tor. He was succeeded in 1894 by Father Moron, who served two years and was succeeded by Father Reinert. A modern church, costing about $25,000, was erected in 1905 under the direction of Rev. W. Rakowski. The present priest is Rev. Paul Gora.
Holy Rosary congregation, at Sixth and Scott streets, was
Live Stock Exchange Building
City Hall
157
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
formed in 1888 by Rev. James Sheehan. The Floyd school was pur- chased from the school board and converted into a church. Father Sheehan died in 1892, and was succeeded by Rev. Richard J. Cullen. Rev. Andrew Newman succeeded him.
St. Francis Xavier church, on Seneca street, near Twenty- seventh, in Wyatt Park, was built in the summer of 1891 by the confraternity of the Precious Blood. Rev. Seraphim Kunkler, who was placed in charge, was succeeded by Rev. Louis Hefele, who is now in charge.
St. Mary's church, at Main and Cherry streets, was built in the summer of 1891 by the Benedictine Monks of Conception, Mo. The property passed into the hands of the bishop, however, in 1895. Rev. Adolph Schaefer served as pastor until 1904, when he was fol- lowed by Rev. James P. Brady.
St. James church, in South St. Joseph, was completed in 1902, under the direction of Father James O'Reilly. Rev. J. D. O'Don- nell is the present pastor.
There are several Catholic churches in the county-at Easton, at New Hurlingen, and at Saxton. Corby Chapel (St. John the Baptist church), north of the city, is seldom used for services and no congregation is attached to it. The remains of the late John Corby repose therein.
There was at one time a Catholic church in the French Bottom, known as St. Roche, but this has not been in existence since 1880.
PRESBYTERIANS-The first Protestant minister to preach the gospel in St. Joseph was Rev. T. S. Reeve, a New School Presby- terian. He held services at the tavern of Josiah Beattie, which stood on Main street, above Francis. In the spring of 1844 Rev. Reeves built the first church in St. Joseph. It was a log structure, 20x30 feet in dimensions, and stood near the corner of Third and Francis streets. Parson Reeve assisted in cutting the timber and erecting the building.
The log church was used by the Presbyterians until 1847, when a brick church was built at the northeast corner of Fourth and Francis streets. This structure stood on a hill, which was cut down when the Saxton bank building was erected. The log church was purchased by the First Missionary Baptist Society. It gave way many years ago to business houses.
In February of 1854 twenty-two people met in the old market house, and, under the sanction of the Presbytery of Upper Missouri, organized what they called the First Presbyterian church. They were of the old school. Here they worshipped for some time, and various halls were occupied until 1858, when they commenced the erection of the Sixth Street church. They built the first story, cov- ered it and worshipped there until after the war. Then there was division in the church. One part of the membership built, in 1867, the present Seventh Street church, for their use, and the others remained in the Sixth Street church. The first minister was the
158
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
Rev. A. V. C. Schenck, who remained with the church until 1858, when the Rev. J. G. Fackler became pastor. In 1864 Rev. Fackler resigned on account of ill health and the Rev. A. P. Foreman was called to the charge. He remained with the church six years, doing much good, and ministering well to the spiritual wants of his flock. In 1870 Rev. J. G. Fackler was again called to the charge and occu- pied the pulpit until 1874, when he was succeeded by the Rev. R. S. Campbell, who held the pastorate for fifteen years. The Rev. A. A. Pfanstiehl occupied the pulpit as temporary supply minister after Rev. Campbell vacated it until Rev. George A. Trenholm took charge, in November, 1891. Rev. Mr. Trenholm died in 1899, and on December 1st, that year, Rev. W. R. Dobyns, the present pastor, took charge.
The Westminster Presbyterian church was organized on May 9, 1863, with twenty members. In May, 1864, Rev. B. B. Parsons of Illinois was installed as pastor. In October, 1866, the stone chapel, directly west of the Hughes building, on Felix street, was completed. This was intended as the wing of a greater church in contemplation. The chapel is a small but massive stone structure of the Gothic type, and had the edifice been completed as originally planned, it would have been one of the most attractive architectural features of the city. In February, 1868, Rev. Henry Bullard, then pastor in Wayland, Mass., supplied the pulpit for two Sundays, and upon the 1st of May following, assumed full charge as pastor. In 1872, the plan of completing the stone church was abandoned and the property of the Old School Presbyterians, at Sixth and Faraon streets, was purchased and completed. In 1892, a new church was erected at Twentieth and Jule streets. The Sixth street prop- erty was sold and the site of the church is now occupied by modern dwellings.
The Third Street Presbyterian church grew out of a Sabbath school organized in 1869. The church, located on Third street at the junction of Savannah avenue, was built in 1889.
The Cumberland Presbyterian church had a congregation in the early fifties. They had a church at Sixth and Edmond streets, where a business block now stands. This was afterward used as a Jewish synagogue and was destroyed by fire. The church edifice on the corner of Sixteenth and Edmond streets was erected in 1882 by the members and friends of the Platte Presbytery. Rev. W. B. Farr, D.D., was the first pastor, and the first congregation was organized November 16, 1883, with nineteen charter members, nine being of one family and three of the pastor's family. The church was rebuilt in 1904, and in 1909 the congregation was merged with that of the Westminster church. The property of the Cumberland church was sold and the site is now occupied by modern residences.
The Second Presbyterian church is located at 1124 South Twelfth street, and Hope chapel on Thirteenth and Highly streets.
-X-
THE METHODISTS-In the year 1843-44, Rev. Edwin Robinson,
159
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
preacher in charge of the St. Joseph (Savannah) circuit, Weston district, Missouri Annual Conference of the M. E. church, organ- ized the first class in the town of St. Joseph. The leader of this class was John F. Carter; the other members were Rufus Patchen, Clara Patchen, Mrs. Jane Kemper and Mrs. Sarah Jeffries. At the- time of the organization W. W. Redman was presiding elder of the district, which included St. Joseph. The first permanent organiza- tion of the church was effected during the early part of the year 1844, Edwin Robinson being preacher in charge. The building in which the congregation worshipped at that time was a small frame on Main street, used once by David J. Heaton as a furniture store and cabinet shop ; and for nearly two years they worshipped in this humble and primitive structure. The old log church was afterward occupied one Sunday each month by courtesy of the Presbyterians.
This may be the proper place to state that the General Confer- ence of the M. E. Church, held in the city of New York in May, 1844, failing to harmonize the Northern and Southern sections of the country in regard to the disciplinary legislation concerning "slavery," provided a plan of peaceable separation, the important details of which need not be mentioned here; but under the provi- sions of which the charges and conferences within the territory of the slave holding states proceeded with great unanimity to adjust themselves and were by the delegated convention, held at Louisville, Ky., in May, 1845, organized into the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. So that after this transition period we are speaking of the M. E. Church, South, in St. Joseph.
In 1846, when the Rev. John A. Tutt was in charge, a brick church, 40x60 feet in dimensions, was erected at Third and Felix streets. In 1857 this property was sold, and a new church built at Seventh and Francis streets. It is interesting to note that there was great objection to the new location because it was considered too far out. Rev. Edwin Robinson was in charge in 1847-48, and was succeeded by Rev. Wm. M. Rush, who served until 1852 and was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Holmes. Mr. Holmes did not remain long, giving place to Rev. C. J. Vandeventer, who served two years. In 1854-55 the pulpit was filled by Rev. B. A. Spencer, who was suc- ceeded by Rev. Samuel W. Cape. From 1856 to 1858 Rev. E. R. Miller was pastor, and was succeeded by Rev. John Bull, and he in turn by Rev. E. G. Nicholson. Rev. George T. Hoagland supplied the pulpit also until the return of Rev. Rush. In 1862, Rev. Rush was prohibited from preaching to his congregation by the military order of General Loan. From 1864 to 1865 Rev. Wm. H. Leftwich was pastor. In 1868 Rev. Vandeventer was again placed in charge, remaining until 1872, when he was succeeded by Rev. Eugene R. Hendrix, afterward bishop. Rev. Hendrix remained until 1876. Since then the following ministers have been in charge: 1876-78, Rev. G. T. Gooch; 1878-82, Rev. E. K. Miller ; 1882-86, Rev. W. G. Miller ; 1886-88, Rev. J. C. Brown ; 1888-90, Rev. A. G. Dinwiddie ; 1892-94, Rev. J. A. Beagle; 1894-97, Rev. Frank Siler ; September, 1897 to 1901, Rev. W. F. Packard; 1901-05, Rev. C. M. Bishop;
160
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
1905-08, Rev. S. P. Cresap; 1908-11, Rev. U. G. Foote; 1911-15, Rev. B. P. Taylor ; 1915, Rev. Robert E. Goodrich. The handsome stone church at Twelfth and Francis streets was built a few years ago.
The Olive Street M. E. Church, South, was completed in 1870. The building is at the northwest corner of Tenth and Patee streets. It has for some years been used by the Swedish Lutherans. The congregation now owns a commodious edifice at Fifteenth and Olive streets, built in 1894.
Hundley Church, South, at Twenty-second and Colhoun streets, grew out of a mission commenced by Rev. C. I. Vandeventer in 1872. A frame chapel stood on Union street until 1892, when the present building was erected.
Spruce Street church is located at 2922 North Ninth street, and Hyde Park church at Eighth street and Hyde Park avenue.
Centennary M. E. Church, South, dates back to 1883. The build- ing is located on Tenth street, between Pacific and Sycamore streets.
Gooding chapel, at Colorado and Pryor avenues, named in honor of John Gooding, its principal benefactor, is also a branch of the M. E. Church, South.
The following relates to the Methodist Episcopal, or, as it is commonly called, the North Methodist Church: In 1849 Rufus Patchen, John Brady, N. B. McCart and the Rev. A. J. Armstrong, local preacher, withdrew from the parent congregation and organ- ized the "Methodist Episcopal Church," without any geographical distinction. They held meetings, sometimes at the house of Mr. McCart and sometimes at the log church. In 1852 a brick church was erected on Fifth street, below Sylvanie. In 1863 this property was sold for debt. Up to that time the following pastors were con- secutively in charge: Revs. J. W. Taylor, J. M. Chivington, Walter Perry, M. T. Kleffer, D. H. May, A. C. Clemens, J. H. Hopkins, J. V. Caughlin, Wm. Hanley, Richard Haney and Alpha Wright. A re- organization took place after the loss of the property. Quarters were fitted up in the Odd Fellows' building, then at Fifth and Felix streets, and Rev. T. H. Hagerty became pastor, remaining until 1865, when Rev. J. T. Boyle took charge. In 1866 their house of worship, on Fifth street, between Jule and Francis streets, was built. Rev. W. G. Mattison succeeded Rev. Boyle, and was in turn succeeded by Rev. J. W. Flowers, who served until March of 1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Barwick. In 1870 Rev. C. H. Stocking took the pastorate, served three years and was suc- ceeded by Rev. D. J. Holmes. In 1875 Rev. S. W. Thornton took charge, served two years and was succeeded by Rev. John Wayman, who also served two years and was succeeded in 1880 by Rev. J. M. Greene, who was succeeded by Rev. J. J. Bentley. Following Rev. Bentley came Rev. Eli S. Brumbaugh, who remained until 1894, and was succeeded by Rev. C. H. Stocking, who remained until May of 1898, when he was succeeded by Rev. S. B. Campbell. Rev. B. F. Crissman succeeded to the pastorate in 1903. He was followed by
161
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
Rev. C. J. English in 1907, Rev. Frank E. Day in 1910, and Rev. C. O. Kimball in 1914.
The other Methodist Episcopal churches in the city are: Huff- man Memorial, at Twenty-eighth and Seneca streets ; Oakland Park church, corner of Twentieth and Highly streets ; St. Paul's, 419 Dol- man street; Wesley church, at 2136 South Eleventh street; Grace church, at 5801 King Hill avenue, and the South Park church.
The congregation of the German Methodist Episcopal church was organized in March of 1849. The communicants numbered ten and the first pastor was Rev. William Eliers. At a quarterly con- ference held January 13, 1851, a committee was selected to secure a lot on which to build. The site selected was on Edmond street, west of Sixth, on which a church was soon thereafter erected, which was wrecked in 1857 in an attempt to raise it. The old site was sold and a location purchased at Third and Robidoux, on which a brick structure was built, under the supervision of Jacob Hauck, Peter Hammer and John Fink, which served the wants of the congrega- tion for about twenty years. In 1867 a parsonage was built at the rear of the church at an expense of about $2,500, which is still the home of the pastor. For many years the congregation sought to build a new edifice more suited to the times, but it was not until 1887 that the old church was taken down, and the present handsome structure completed, the lot adjoining the old church on the south having been purchased in 1885. The new church was dedicated in the spring of 1888 by Dr. Leibhart of Cincinnati. Rev. Samuel Buechner is now the pastor.
Of the African Methodist Episcopal Church there are two par- ishes. Ebenezer chapel, corner of Third and Antoine streets, is the principal edifice. Holsey chapel, Eighteenth and Beattie streets, is a modest frame structure.
THE BAPTISTS-The first records that can be found bearing upon the Baptist church in St. Joseph are dated September 28, 1844, and refer to an "arm of the Dillon Creek Baptist Church." On March 22, 1845, a sermon was preached by Elder William Wore- ley. Thereupon the first Baptist congregation was organized. Elder Woreley was succeeded in July, 1847, by Elder James I. Robinson, who at first received $50 per annum and his board, and subsequently received $100 per annum and paid his own expenses. During all of this period there was no permanent place of worship. Meetings were held in private houses and rented halls. In 1848 the "old log church" was purchased from the Presbyterians for $100. This pur- chase did not include the ground. In January of 1852 the log church was sold at auction for $16.25. From this time until 1856 the Baptists worshipped in various places. A movement for a church building was begun in 1850, when the church was incor- porated under the laws of the state. Real estate was acquired at the southeast corner of Sixth and Francis, and in 1856 a commo- dious structure was erected. In 1895 work was begun upon the
162
BUCHANAN COUNTY AND ST. JOSEPH
present massive structure at Thirteenth and Francis streets, and in the spring of 1897 the basement of this building was occupied, the church at Sixth and Francis streets being abandoned.
Rev. Isaiah T. Williams was chosen pastor in 1848. In 1851 Rev. J. Hickman of Kentucky was called, and in March of 1853 Rev. W. F. Boyakin of Illinois assumed the pastorate. When the church. at Sixth and Francis streets was completed Rev. Wm. Price was pastor. In November, 1859, Rev. Wm. I. Gill accepted a call and served until June, 1860, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. S. Dulin, who served until March, 1864. Rev. T. W. Barrett of Leavenworth served one year after Dr. Dulin, and in July, 1865, was succeeded by Rev. Joseph R. Manton of Providence, R. I., who remained until April, 1868. Rev. James Dixon of Milwaukee followed and served until November, 1868. Rev. J. M. C. Breaker then took charge and remained until May, 1877, being succeeded by Rev. William Harris of Louisville, Ky. Rev. J. L. Lawless succeeded Mr. Harris in March, 1884, and served until January 1, 1891, when he was suc- ceeded by Rev. W. J. Coulston, who remained until March 15, 1893. The pastorate remained vacant until September, 1893, when Rev. R. P. Johnston of Chilesburg, Ky., accepted a call. Rev. Johnston remained until 1898, when he went to St. Louis. He was succeeded by Rev. J. E. Cook, who resigned July 31, 1903. Rev. T. W. O'Kelly took charge February 7, 1904; Rev. W. M. Vines, September 1, 1911 ; Rev. Arthur C. Archibald, November 1, 1913; Rev. J. E. Dil- lard, February 1, 1915.
In 1890 the First Baptist church built a fine edifice in Wyatt Park at Twenty-eighth and Seneca streets, and presented it, paid for in full, to the congregation. Rev. A. D. Cooper is now the pastor.
The Savannah Avenue Baptist church, situated at the corner of Savannah avenue and Woodson street, was the direct outgrowth of the Young People's Mission Society of the First Baptist church, which caused the erection of a neat brick chapel in the fall of 1885. Two years later this building was enlarged to twice its seating capacity, it having been found entirely inadequate to the accom- modation of the congregation.
The Patee Park Baptist church was built in 1889-90. As early as 1871 a congregation worshipped in a building at Twelfth and Penn streets. Under the pastorate of Rev. N. R. Pittman the pres- ent substantial and modern edifice was erected on Tenth street, opposite Patee Park. Rev. Pittman resigned in 1894 and was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. L. Lawless. The present pastor is Rev. Charles Durden.
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.