USA > Missouri > Livingston County > History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences > Part 69
USA > Missouri > Caldwell County > History of Caldwell and Livingston counties, Missouri, written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of their townships, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri; a reliable and detailed history of Caldwell and Livingston counties--their pioneer record, resources, biographical sketches of prominent citizens; general and local statistics of great value; incidents and reminiscences > Part 69
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).
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H. GIST, L. WARDLOW, J. A. PRICE,
J. B. TERRILL, Proprietors,
Post-office Address, Grand River, Caldwell county, Mo.
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
The average price of lots at the first sale was $20. It is believed that Trosper & Gist's saloon was built after the lot sale, and then came Sidney McWilliams' store and some dwelling houses. Not much improvement was made until the spring of 1857. The second lot sale was held Saturday, July 25, 1857. The following extracts from the sale poster (dated July 1), which was a magnificent and gorgeous affair and printed in St. Joseph, indicate the character of the place at that time : -
There is about five hundred yards of surface grade at this place, rendering it still more certain that the fifth depot east from St. Joseph will be located here, when the locations are made. The grading is now about completed and ready for the timbers. That Breckinridge will be a county-seat in two years is not now questioned. Grounds for county, depot, churches and other public uses have been reserved.
No place, we presume, on the railroad has improved so rapidly as Breckinridge has the present spring, nothing being done before owing to the severity of the winter. A large first-class hotel is nearly com- pleted, and will probably be ready for the reception of guests by the day of sale. There are two stores in the place, and a number more store-rooms in the, course of construction, besides private dwellings, etc., etc. A contract for the erection and finishing a large church house will be let on the day of the sale ; so, builders, look out; parti- culars as to dimensions and finish can be had by applying to any of the undersigned, Grand River post-office. All the above mentioned facts can be seen and realized by a visit to Breckinridge, which in point of commercial advantages renders it second only to the cities at the termini of the road. Facts speak louder than words; so let every one attend on Saturday, the 25th of July.
Messrs. Terrill, Gist and Price were the trustees of the town com- pany at this time. The " large first-class hotel " mentioned was the " Caldwell House," still standing, on the southeast corner of block 18. It was built by Abner Funk. W. P. Napier had the first house on the square. It stood on the west side of the southwest corner.
The first physicians were Dr. A. Gullett, Dr. N. P. Doland, Dr. Bassett and Dr. M. Bottom.
Even after the railroad came (in December, 1858, ) the progress of the town was slow. While the road was building times were good, and a great amount of business was transacted. Sugar, coffee, flour, bacon and whisky were the chief staples, and large quantities were sold to the railroad hands and others, and the cash was either paid on the spot or else promptly handed over the next pay-day. Produce found a ready market, for the hundreds of hands employed at the
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
heavy work required to be fed liberally, and it was impossible then to import everything in the matter of supplies that was needed.
IN WAR TIMES.
It is asserted that on the outbreak of the war there were not more than twenty honses in the place. The " new county " project had been very nearly abandoned, the flush times of railroad building had long passed, and the little village had settled down to the conclusion that it must hoe its own row, and the prospect was that the job would be a difficult one.
In the early spring of 1861 a secession flag was raised in Breckin- ridge, and a military company, called the Breckinridge Guards, was organized. Upon the advent of the first Federal troops, however, the flag was hidden away, the pole was cut down and the members of the military company dispersed, some even entering the Federal military service. Afterward, in 1863, Lieut. Orem, of the Enrolled Militia, compelled a number of citizens of Confederate proclivities to grub up the stump of the rebel pole, thus removing, as far as could be done, the last vestige of " treason " from the place !
The first Federal troops were the 16th Illinois, the 50th Illinois and the 3d Iowa - all infantry regiments. Detachments of these organizations were stationed here for brief periods in the summer and fall of 1861. Afterward the six months' militia came; then in the spring of 1862 and during the summer and early fall McFer- ran's 1st Missouri State militia and detachments of the Enrolled Mili- tia were stationed here from time to time. The Enrolled Militia was stationed at Breckinridge during 1863 and 1864, and at no time was the place free from the presence of soldiers of the Federal mili- tary service.
ADVENTURE AND DEATH OF CREWS AND PEERY.
In September, 1863, an attempt was made by two daring Confeder- ates to release a prisoner held by the Federals at Breckinridge, which attempt, however, resulted in the death of the would-be res- cuers. A young man named Joe Crews, from Daviess county, had been " out " in the rebellion, and the Federals had captured him. He and some other prisoners were being guarded in a box-car at Breckinridge. Young Crews' friends contrived a plan for his rescue. His mother visited him, and was permitted to confer with him. She related to him the details of the scheme for his deliverance. He was to ask the guard to take him to a sorghum patch near by at a certain
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
time, and in this little field his rescuers were to be secreted. They were to spring out, shoot down the guard and make their escape as best they could. A fellow-prisoner, named John Pemberton, over- heard the conversation and betrayed the plan to the Federal officers, who acted accordingly.
The names of the two rescuers - for there were but two - were Thomas Peery and George Crews, both of Daviess county. They reached the sorghum patch in safety, but the militia were waiting for them, and opening fire on them mortally wounded both. Col. Oliver Wells was in command of the post at the time, and he delivered the bodies to their friends. Had the enterprise succeeded doubtless Peery and Crews would have been regarded by their political friends as the modern Jasper and Newton; as it is they are hardly remembered or known outside of the immediate circle of their acquaintance.
It was asserted that Crews and Pecry were killed by a party in charge of Capt. William Brumfield, of Co. D, 33d Enrolled Missouri militia, of Daviess county. After the war, in August, 1866, Capt. Brumfield, assisted by one Nichols, killed William Crews, a brother of George Crews, at a religious discussion at the Clear Creek school- house, in Livingston county. William Crews had threatened to kill Capt. Brumfield in retaliation for the shooting of his brother George at Breckinridge during the war. Crews was eating dinner in picnic style with some of the Weldons, when Capt. Brumfield attacked him, and was instantly killed. Brumfield was never arrested, but a few years afterward he was attacked in the streets of Gal- latin by one Tomblin and riddled with buckshot. Tomblin left the country, and was never apprehended. "They that take the sword shall perish by the sword."
AFTER THE WAR.
At the close of the Civil War it is said that there were but seventeen dwelling houses in Breckinridge. But now the place began to grow, and in a year or two had made astonishing progress. In June, 1868, Wisconsin addition, comprising 120 acres south of the original plat, had been laid out by Messrs. Plumb, Pease & Reed, and two years thereafter half the lots had been sold and twenty dwellings built.
The first church building in the town was the Presbyterian, built in 1867; size, 30x42. The M. E. South building, size 30x46, was erected in 1868 at a cost of $1,550. The Congregational Church was built in 1869; size, 25x45; cost, $2,300; the bell, weighing 1,000 pounds, cost $200. In 1870 the churches of Breckinridge were the
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
Congregational, with 65 members, Rev. J. T. Cook, pastor ; the M. E. South, with Rev. W. L. Blackwell, pastor, and 28 members ; the Presbyterian, with J. Kennedy pastor, and 30 members ; the Catholic, with a church building erected the same year, 30x45 in size, and cost- ing $2,500, and with 100 communicants - Father P. McGinnes, pastor ; the M. E. Church, with 30 members, and no house of wor- ship - used the Presbyterian building ; the Baptist, with 40 members and no house - used the M. E. South building; the Christian, with 40 members, but no house.
In 1870 there were 221 pupils enrolled in the Breckinridge public school - 105 males and 116 females. The school building was an old two-story dwelling house bought at a cost of $800. There were three departments in the school.
From 1870 to the present the progress of the town has been sub- stantial, if not rapid. In 1872 the first newspaper, the Breekinridge Journal, was established. The same year the present school building was begun. From time to time subsequently improvements in buildings, in the streets, and in ornamenting with trees and shrubbery the grounds and walks have been made, until now Breckinridge stands fairly among the so-called country towns of the State. Its population is about 1,200. Among other institutions of the place are two bank- ing houses, a good hotel, a flour mill, planing mill and five churches.
Breckinridge was incorporated at the March term of the county court, 1869, as " The Town of Breckinridge." Its boundaries were declared as follows : -
Commencing at the northwest corner of the southeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 10, township 57, range 26; running thence east to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of said section 10; thence south to the southeast corner of said section 10; thence west to the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of said section ; thence north to the beginning.
The first board of trustees was composed of J. W. Plumb, Sam. Russel, Henry Hayden, Frank Ward and J. D. Thompson.
INSTITUTIONS OF BRECKINRIDGE - NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper in Breckinridge was the Breckinridge Journal, established in 1872, by John J. Smith. It was an independent Republican sheet and supported Horace Greeley for President. After a troubled existence of seven months the Journal was discontinued and the office material removed to Laclede, Mo. The Journal was an 8-column folio. The next was the Breckinridge Bulletin, established
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
November 1, 1875, by J. E. Hitt. It was a 7-column folio, with Independent-Democratic proclivities. Mr. Hitt brought the press from Macon; it is said that it was formerly used to print the St. Charles (Mo. ) Cosmos, and had lain for some years in the Missouri river, where it was thrown by the German militia during the war because the Cosmos at the time didn't suit their politics. August 1, 1877, Mr. Hitt sold the Bulletin to Jno. B. Mowder, who ran it two years, or until August 1, 1879, when he sold to N. Scarlett. June 1, 1880, J. B. and C. L. Mowder purchased the office and published the paper until May 1, 1883, when J. B. sold his interest to J. T. Bottom, who three months later sold to Chas. L. Mowder, the present editor and sole proprietor. The Bulletin is neatly and tastefully arranged and printed, contains one full page of local news, and is never dull or prosy.
PUBLIC SCHOOL.
The public school building of Breckinridge is justly the pride of the town, and perhaps the most important institution in the place. It was built in 1872, and is situated in the southern part of the town, at the end of Fourth street, upon a hill, commanding an exten- sive view of a magnificent landscape. The building is of brick, two stories high, with a cut-stone basement, window-caps and sills, the whole surmounted with a slate and tin roof of the Mansard style. In the interior arrangement it is unsurpassed by any school-house in the State. There are four large school rooms, with a seating capacity of sixty pupils each, furnished with the most approved furniture, a gen- eral recitation room and janitor's rooms - the whole warmed by two of Kaser's hot-air furnaces in the basement, and ventilated in a thorough manner. Double stairways and large cloak rooms, attached to each school-room, furnish the greatest comfort and convenience. The grounds, containing two acres of land, are enclosed with a neat fence, which, with the position and architectural design of the house, make it one of the finest school buildings in this part of Missouri, the whole costing $15,000. The building was designed by W. Angelo Powell, architect, St. Joseph, Mo. The school is thoroughly graded, and it is the intention of all connected with its management to make the course of instruction eminently thorough and practical. A com- plete course of study has been adopted, covering all the ground necessary for a preparation to enter college. The text-books used are uniform in all the departments and of the latest dates. There are now five teachers in the school. Dr. M. Bottom has long been pres-
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
ident of the Breckinridge school board, and to him much of the value of the school is due.
CHURCHES.
Presbyterian. - The First Presbyterian Church of Breckinridge was organized in the year 1866. Some of the first members were John G. Pierce, Samuel Russel, J. P. Welch, J. E. Hart and G. B. Hart. In the following year the church edifice was begun and completed either that year or in 1868. It was dedicated the latter year. This building was burned in April, 1885, igniting from an adjoining build- ing. It was a frame and cost about $2,500. There being no insurance upon it the loss was total. The congregation at present is without a house of worship, and services are held in the Baptist Church. The pastors have been Revs. Joel Kennedy and John C. Young. Present membership, 35.
Congregational. - The Congregational Church of Breckinridge dates its organization from the year 1866. Rev. Pliny S. Smith, Emma Smith, Wm. J. Laughlin, Sarah A. Laughlin, Geo. M. Trotter, Hattie Trotter, Ida Hart, Jas. E. Hart and Edith Hart were of the original membership. Charles H. Read was church clerk. The church building, a fine frame, was built in 1869. It stands on the corner of Eighth and Wisconsin streets, and cost, including the bell, $2,500. Rev. Pliny S. Smith was the first pastor and Rev. Julius Stevens the present. The membership now numbers 44. The Sab- bath-school has 75 scholars ; R. C. Moorehouse, superintendent.
Baptist. - This organization is at present in a strong, healthy con- dition, numbering 113 members, and capable of performing most efficient work for the Master. It was founded in July, 1868, some of the first members being Jacob Downing, D. Y. Richmond and A. Howe, who were the trustees; R. H. Schoenberger, clerk, and James Latimer, Nancy Trosper, Sarah Wright, and - Welch. The church, which stands on lot 10, block 7, in the southeastern part of town, was built in 1870 ; it is a frame and cost $1,600. The pastors have been Revs. Bennett Whitely, G. A. Crouch, T. J. Leavitt, J. E. Petty and A. L. Holman. There have never been any divisions, strifes or controversies in this church; but there have been some very profit- able revival meetings. The last of these, in October last, resulted in 20 additions to the membership. The Sabbath-school has 60 scholars ; Jacob Downing, superintendent.
Methodist Episcopal. - The M. E. Church building in Breckinridge was completed the present year ( 1885), but at this writing has not been dedicated. It is a frame and its cost will be about $1,300 ; size, 26x45
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
feet. The church organization dates from near the close of the Civil War, but during the war Rev. T. B. Bratton preached here, under the auspices of the Federal soldiery. Some of the original members were Mrs. Mary T. Dewey, W. T. C. Wooden and wife, Hiram Dock- stader and Eliza Dockstader. The recording steward and class-leader was Dr. S. J. Dewey ; stewards, J. E. Johnson and H. N. Lewis. The pastors of the church have been Revs. T. B. Bratton, H. G. Breed, Geo. Bassett, W. L. Edmunds, C. T. Phillips, T. P. Hales, Geo. S. Stocking, James Allen, R. L. Jameson and E. D. Rath- bun. The Sabbath-school numbers 70 scholars ; superintendent, H. N. Lewis. Present membership of the church, 40.
M. E. Church South. - The organization of the M. E. Church South, of Breckinridge, was first formed in 1855 or 1856. The constitutent members were J. D. Washington and wife, Amanda B. Orear, J. D. Thomson, R. Gillespie and wife, A. Rial and wife, Elizabeth Rial, Lavinia Bottom, Mattie Smith, Margaret Halstead, Richard Harlow, G. C. Dewey, John F. Irvin and wife and Lucy Russel. The church building, a frame, standing on the corner of Eighth and Broadway, was built in 1868, at a cost of $1,200, and was dedicated about two years later by Rev. Dr. John D. Vincil. The list of ministers who have served this church contains the names of John F. Shores, R. H. Jordan, R. H. G. Keeran, H. W. Currin, John S. Rooker, R. H. Cooper, Nathan Scarlett, T. S. Swearingen, L. Baldwin, - Sumpter, C. W. Hurley, W. C. Mag- gart, J. W. Keithley and W. B. Johnsey. The organization now numbers about fifty members ; the Sabbath-school, whose superinten- dent is R. W. Currin, has about seventy scholars.
SECRET ORDERS.
Masonic Lodge. - Breckinridge Lodge No. 334, A. F. and A. M., was instituted by T. E. Garrett, Grand Master. The charter was issued October 13, 1870, and the charter members were Thos. W. Reed, master; Saml. Russel, senior warden; G. W. Murphy, junior warden, and O. C. McWilliams, Dr. J. S. Halstead, N. L. Trosper, G. B. Hart, Milton Mann, J. D. Thomson, Dr. D. H. Dewey and others. The present membership is 35.
Grand Army of the Republic. - Isam Keith Post No. 164, G. A. R., was chartered in January, 1885. G. B. Hart and Harry Deam were the chief promoters of the organization. R. C. Moorehouse is the present commander of the post; Frank Ward, senior vice-com- mander ; H. N. Lewis, adjutant.
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
HARMON D. AYRES
(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 14, Post-office, Breckinridge). .
Harmon Ayres, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Bourbon county, Ky., and was born in 1810. His wife's birth occurred in the same county in 1815, her maiden name being Char- lotte Ann Luton. She bore her husband three children, and of them Mary is now Mrs. J. M. McKinn ; Catharine is the wife of Joseph Holiday, and Harmon. The father was a prominent agriculturist, and as such instilled into his son the rudiments and principles of farm life, an occupation he has ever followed. Growing up in Bourbon county, Ky., where he had been born March 18, 1835, he attended school there and in 1878 came to Saline county, Mo., farming there and engaging in the raising of stock, principally Short-horn cattle and trotting horses, for quite a while. It was in 1883 that he decided to cast his fortunes with Caldwell county, and here he has since remained- an acknowledged representative agriculturist and a man thoroughly versed in his calling. His present farm of 180 acres is in a good state of cultivation and on it a superior grade of stock is being grown. On February 6, 1855, Mr. Ayres was united in marriage with Miss Sally Turner, daughter of William Turner, a farmer near Millersburg, Ky., born in 1792. Mrs. A. died February 14, 1883. Mr. Ayres was married to Mrs. Mary E. Murphy February 21, 1884, her father being Dr. John S. Williams, of Chillicothe, Mo. It was her grandfather, Mr. John Graves, who laid out that town. Mr. A. is the father of five children : Horace M., William T., Susan Elizabeth, Mary Lottie and Mattie L. Mrs. A. had three children by her first husband, Maj. G. W. Murphy : Frank W., Lula and John S. Murphy. He has ever done much to promote the importation of stock to Missouri, some of the stock which he has brought here being Hudson, Duke of Sidevien 3d, Goldsmith and Ayres' Hamiltonian. Mr. A. belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W.
WILLIAM BENNETT
(Post-office, Breckinridge).
The life of Mr. Bennett has been one which is deserving of success, for, active and enterprising in all his transactions, he has endeavored to live uprightly and honorably, wronging no one, but helping many. He was deprived of a father's watchful guidance at an early age, but with the other members of his family remained at his birthplace in Kentucky until 1842, when, being about 17 years of age, he accom- panied his mother and an older brother to this State, his death occur-
36
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
ring in 1883. William located on a farm soon after his settlement in this county and improved it for some time, but afterwards took up in connection with it the stone-mason's trade, at which he did consider- able work. During this time he built many of the stone culverts for the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in this county and vicinity. He now carries on his farming interests with great assiduity. Mr. Bennett came originally from Hart county, Ky., wherehe was born June 10, 1825. His parents were William and Sarah Bennett, nee McCubbin, both Ken- tuckians by birth, the father being a stone-mason by trade. He died in 1832, but the mother survived until November 30, 1885, when she, too, departed this life. Of their 11 children, 8 are now living : Francis, Robida J., John, William, Sarah, Nancy, Elizabeth and Thomas. In 1848 Mr. B. was united in marriage to Miss Susan J. Trosper, daughter of Elijah Trosper, who died in September, 1882. Eight children were born to them, seven of whom are living : Sarah E., wife of B. Goin ; Robert, Eliza, wife of West Mccrary ; William, Florence, now Mrs. William Weldon; Susan A. and Mary C., wife of A. M. Baker.
G. B. BOTHWELL
(Farmer and Sheep Breeder, Sections 25 and 35, Post-office, Breckinridge).
In another portion of this work, in speaking of Caldwell county as a suitable locality for the raising of stock, reference has been made to Mr. Bothwell as an extensive raiser and breeder of sheep, and as a man whose judgment in such matters is held very highly. It might be said, in addition to what appears there, that he is acknowledged to be one of the best posted men concerning sheep in Caldwell county, and, withal, a person whose true worth is recognized by a host of acquaintances in this community. His land embraces 2,700 acres in Caldwell and Livingston counties ; his home farm, about fourteen hun- dred acres, in section 25 and adjoining sections, all of which is used for sheep purposes. The farm on which he now lives is land which he purchased from the Government in 1855, at $2.50 per acre. He first came to Missouri in 1850, but returned to Ohio some four years after, subsequently locating here permanently in March, 1867. An experience of 25 years in his present business has given him the posi- tion which he so well deserves. Mr. Bothwell was born in 1824, in Vinton county, O. His father, James Bothwell, was of Scotch origin, his birth occurring in Ireland, and when five years old he accompanied his parents to America, settling in Winchester, Va., where he was reared. When 25 years old he went to Ohio, remaining there until his death, in 1863. His wife, whose maiden name was Charlotte Potter, was born and brought up in Fayette county, Pa. Her father, Capt. John Potter, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and was wounded in the battle of Bunker Hill. She died about 1876, leaving 10 children, six living : John T., J. K., A. W., E. P., Catherine, Mrs. Foster, and G. B. The latter lived in the county of his birth until 1848, there attending school. From that time up to 1856 he traded through the South, then spending a few years in Ohio and
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HISTORY OF CALDWELL COUNTY.
about four years in Clay county, Ill., and farmed until coming to Missouri, as mentioned. The improvements now seen upon his place are worthy of remark, consisting of large buildings, barns, sheds, etc., sufficient for the protection of his sheep. He raises principally Merinos, shearing usually on an average about five thousand head. He ships to all parts of the country, and the past year shipped over five hundred head. Mr. Bothwell is a member of the M. E. Church, and has donated land for a chapel, which is a substantial and neat building.
DR. MONTGOMERY BOTTOM
(Physician and Surgeon, Breckinridge).
Dr. Bottom was born in Amelia county, Va., November 4, 1828, the day on which Andrew Jackson was elected President of the United States. His father, John T. Bottom, was a prominent lawyer and an influential citizen in his county, and upon removing to Mis- souri in 1855 he settled at St. Joseph, where he died in 1863. His wife's maiden name was Amelia R. A. Townes, also a Virginian by birth. Her death occurred in January, 1881, at the age of 79. Mont- gomery is the only one of seven sons now living. He commenced the study of medicine in 1846 under the preceptorship of Dr. Charles Bell Gibson and Carter P. Johnson, of Richmond, Va., receiving a thor- ough preparation, and subsequently he entered the Virginia Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in 1849. After spending some time in travel he established himself in practice at St. Mary's, in Pleasants county, Va., in 1851, and soon built up an extensive and lucrative patronage. In 1853 the Doctor was elected to the Legislature and served on several important committees, giving attention largely to measures for the development of the mineral and agricultural resources of his section of the State. In 1860 he removed to Caldwell county, Mo., where he has since resided, gaining a wide- spread reputation as a faithful and skillful practitioner. He has always given much time to reflection and study in the interest of the science of his profession, and has done much to elevate the tone of the medical practice in this part of the State. In 1870 he was chosen president of the Caldwell County Medical Society, and in 1875 was elected to a like position in the Grand River Medical Society, positions which he filled with credit. He has taken great interest in all that pertains to educational matters and has served as a member of the school board since 1871, except for a short interval; for eight years he was president of the board. Dr. Bottom married Miss Louvenia Harrison, of Monongalia county, Va., and daughter of Joseph F. Harrison, for many years a well known and influential citizen there. The Doctor and his wife have six children : John T., Charles H., Josie A., Lula T., Lee and Claude B.
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