USA > Missouri > Carroll County > History of Carroll County, Missouri : carefully written and compiled from the most authentic official and private sources, including a history of its townships, cities, towns and villages, together with a condensed history of Missouri ; the Constitution of the United States, and State of Missouri ; a military record of its volunteers in either army of the Great Civil War ; general and local statistics ; miscellany ; reminiscences, grave, tragic and humorous ; biographical sketches of prominent men and citizens identified with the interests of the country > Part 51
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Oakland Christian Church .- Organized on the first Lord's day in De- cember, 1874, by Eld. Wm. Martin. The original members were Obed Shipp, Chas. Walston, J. M. Bennett, Merritt Singleton, E. C. Reed, Wm. Blackhurst, Harriet Jones, Joanna Reed, Martha and Mary Shipp, M. E. Walston, E. M. Bennett, M. E. Singleton, Elvina Chronister, Louisa Breaddus, Wm. and Margaret Martin, Jemima Condron, Fannie. Huntley, Teresa England, T. J. Singleton and Millie Hooten. The first officers were Elders Martin and Shipp, Deacon, J. M. Bennett, Clerk, Chas. Walston. Present officers: Elders Blackhurst, Reid, Walston and Palmer; Deacons, Bennett and Reynolds; Clerk, Chas Walston. The ministers that have served the church were Elders Martin, Simpson and Gaunt. Their church building is a frame, 26x40, and was built in 1880, and dedicated the 3d Sunday in September of the same year, by Elder W. A. Melvane, assisted by Elder W. H. Guant. It is a very neat and tasty building, and cost about $1000. Their present membership is about 80, although they have numbered over 100. Some have left the community, while others have united with the church in Livingston county.
COLOMA.
The village of Coloma is located on the east half of the southwest quarter of section 31, almost in the extreme southwest corner of the town- ship. . The original town was laid out in 1858, by Matthew B. Mullins, its founder, and embraces six blocks of eight lots each. The first im- provement in the town was a blacksmith shop put up by Dan. R. Bartlett. The following July, 1859, Mullins' addition to Coloma was laid off, con- taining nine blocks of eight lots each. To the east, south and west of the town a panorama of beautiful rolling prairie meets the eye, while to the north a rough and hilly region, covered with oak and underbrush, unat-
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
tractive and monotonous, and for several miles in extent, completes the immediate surroundings of the place.
The town has no especial aspirations for metropolitan proportions, but is doing a good healthy trade, having dry goods houses, groceries, drug- stores, and other branches, proportionate to the demands of trade. It has not attained to a sufficient size and population to justify incorporation, deeming a town organization too expensive, no doubt, and biding their time patiently for the future.
Coloma Lodge, I. O. O. F .- Coloma Lodge, No. 381, I. O. O. F., was instituted by J. B. Jewell, F. G. C., on December 17th, 1879, under dis- pensation of that date, with O. J. Kerby, E. A. Waggener, Wm. Wolff, J. T. Mallatt and L. Barker as charter members. Their charter bears date of May 20, 1880, and it has at this time a membership of twenty- three. The first officers were J. T. Mallatt, N. G .; J. V. Mayes, V. G .; J. B. Henderson, Sec'y; and H. C. Graham, Treas. The present officers are, J. B. Henderson, N. G .; H. C. Graham, V. G .; John Parsley, Sec'y, and J. T. Mallatt, Treas.
Coloma Presbyterian Church .- The sessional records of the Presby- terian church of Coloma, dated the 12th day of October, 1870, contain the following:
The friends and members of the Presbyterian church, in and near Coloma, Carroll county, Missouri, desiring to have a church of their choice in their midst, petition the Presbytery to appoint a committee to organize a Presbyterian church in Coloma, if the way be clear. The request was granted and Rev. J. D. Beard, Rev. -- Kennedy and Elder David Shields, such committee.
The committee met at the call of the moderator, at the residence of Mrs. McLaury's school house, and were present, Rev. Beard and Elder Shields. After sermon and prayer, Elders Graham and Adams being pres- ent, they were invited to sit as corresponding members .. Thomas H. Trussell, Mrs. Margaret Trussell, Dr. J. P. Dice, Mrs. Margaret Dice, John and Mary Rogers, Christopher Cowan, Mrs. Ellen McLury, Mary Campbell and Eliza Campbell. On examination Miss Belle McLaury and Mrs. Margaret Trussell were received as members. They next pro- ceeded to ballot for elders, which resulted in the choice of T. H. Trussell and J. P. Dice, after which the services were closed . till morning, by sing- ing and the apostolic benediction.
The following morning the services were continued at Rush chapel, in order to complete the organization, and to partake of the holy commu- nion. Dr. Dice, not seeing. his way clear, did not accept the position to which he had been elected, while T. H. Trussell signifying his acceptance, was regularly ordained and set apart to the office of ruling elder. After communion the commission closed with prayer.
REV. J. D. BEARD, Moderator.
DAVID SHIELDS, Elder and Clerk.
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
The pastors who have officiated thus far, are: Rev. J. D. Beard and Rev. Kennedy. Accessions have been made to the little flock from time to time, but the exact membership we do not know. We are assured, how- ever, that if faithful work and earnest prayer avail anything, the church at Coloma will wield a power for the cause of Christianity.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Washington township embraces the most northwestern portion of the county, and contains twenty-five full and eleven fractional sections, all the sections on the north and west of the county being fractional. It is rolling prairie and one of the fairest portions of the county. The first set- tler was James.Runion, and the second who followed was Andrew How- erton, who located on section 2, as early as 1839. In 1844, Thomas Mckinney located on section 2 also, as did George Carson in 1846. Pay- ton Lane came about 1845 or '46, and located on either section 1 or 11. He with two sons were taken into custody and marched about a half a mile from their home in April, 1863, by a squad of guerrillas, supposed to be Todd's or Quantrell's men, and at midnight were shot to death, the guer- rillas stripping the bodies and taking the clothing. The Lane boys were, or were supposed to have been in the federal service, and one of them at least had returned to enlist men for the government. Be this as it may, it was a cold-blooded murder, fit for assassins of the stripe such as the infa- mous Quantrell proved himself to be.
During the year 1817 James and Abe Runion settled on section 12. John R. Davis came about 1856, locating 160 acres on section 10, and paying 12} cents per acre. He left at the beginning of the war. David Johnson, Gudgell, George Botts, George Sterling, John T. Vall, George Brown; and more recently, J. Bowers and James T. Shull located, and the township is filling up rapidly.
The first death is reported to have been Stephen Stephenson, who was' drowned in 1844, during what is known in the county as "the flood."
The first regular physician was Dr. Coon, from Michigan, who came in 1867, remaining until 1870, when he left for California.
The first religious services was held at the house of Jonathan Bowers on section 10 in the spring of 1865, by Jas. Chamberlain of the M. E. Church.
The first school taught and the first school house built was on section 2, a log school house, W. H. Anderson, teacher, who received 5 cents a day from each pupil. The log house of that day has given place to a neat frame building that cost about $1,850. The Lane family, as far as known did the first weaving in Washington Township.
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
The first sabbath school was organized in the log school house in sec- tion 2 in April 1865, by J. T. Shull, J. Bowers and H. Rairdon ..
The township although about the last in the county to fill up, keeps pace with the older portions of the county, and being filled up with eastern people generally, they exercise such energy and. thrift; that it would not hurt other portions of the county to follow.
It is related of James Runyon, now a resident of Leslie township, that in his early days, being a great hunter, he accepted a wager offered by an Indian known as "Cherokee hunter." The wager was a buckskin for the winner. They were to bring in the tips of the Deers' tongues to show how many each killed. They went out next day, and returning in the evening, the indian had three and Mr. Runyon six tips as their prowess for the day. The indian thinking something was not right, insisted on the trial taking place again the following day, which was done, Runyon bring- ing home seven and the indian only four, "Ugh," says the Cherokee hunter, " Mucky man beat Cherokee, me no hunt agin mucky man no more." In 1844 eight sportsmen came from Lexington, with their double barrelled guns and fine paraphernalia, hounds included. They turned up their noses at the old rifle of Runyon, telling him it was of no account. A three days hunt was agreed to by the parties, Runyon and his old rifle on one side and the eight hunters, hounds and double barrelled guns on the other. At the end of the third day the eight came in with four deer, while Runyon brought in fourteen.
G. B. Bothwell and Richard Lee on section 33, have the largest sheep ranch in the county. They have 1650 head in pasture, and Mr. Lee has 1200 head of his own a total of 2850; not including lambs. They are mostly Merinos, and shear on an average about 8 pounds perhead, or an aggregate of 22800 pounds at each shearing. They sell mostly at Carroll- ton and get 25 cts. per pound for their wool, realizing annually about $6000 from shearing; the present year Mr. Lee sheared from one sheep alone 18 lbs. of wool. They have a range of 860 acres of wild pasture for the flock, and by keeping them in bands of 200 to 300, and by close attention, prevent a spread of scab or foot rot.
OIL SPRINGS.
On the west half of the south-east of section twenty are two oil or tar springs abont twenty rods apart. A thick coat of coal-tar accumulates on the surface of the water, having the appearance and smell, and burns like the oil from the Pennsylvania refineries. Almost at any time a gallon or more of this crude oil can be gathered from the surface. In the past the early settlers used it for lubricating purposes, finding it equal if not super- ior to the prepared article. The greatest flow is in the spring of the year when the water is high, the crude oil often running quite a distance down
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
the ravine. The water in these springs is clean and has a sweet taste, and should a through analysis be had, the fact would no doubt be estab- lished that they possess valuable medical properties.
The following named persons have served as Justice of the Peace for Washington.Township since the organization of the county: 1872, Daniel Rairdon; 1872, H. H. Kester; 1873, W. W. Watts; 1873, C. D. Woods; 1875, E. L. Bowers; 1875, C. N. Waters: 1876. W. C. Lyon; 1877, M. Munsell; 1877, C. N. Waters; 1877, S. M. C. Reynolds; 1878, O. S. Parks; 1878, M. Munsell; 1880, W. C. Lyons; 1881, O. M. Lesley; 1881, W. C. Lyons.
PLYMOUTH.
The town of Plymouth is located in the south-west corner of section three, just one mile south of the line between Carroll and Livingston counties, and was founded by Jas. Fash, platted and placed on record on the 2d day of August 1881. It embraces three blocks sub-divided into twenty-six lots. It has been a post-office for several years, but until recently, had no intention to become a town. It can be made a good trading point, lying as it does in the most beautiful and one of the most fertile regions in the county. This being the only town in the Township, the citizens naturally will take pride in its prosperity and success, and lend their aid in improving and building it up.
In the fall of 1880, Geo. Vaughn opened a stock of goods, and immedi- ately after, others located and opened different branches of goods, and the town has become a living fact.
Plymouth Lodge, I. O. O. F .- Plymouth Lodge, I. O. O. F. No. 406 was instituted by Jas. B. Tanner, D. G. M. under a dispensation issued by the Grand Lodge and being dated the 25th March 1881. The date of charter is May 18th 1881, and the names of the charter members, Jas. A. Snodgrass, Jno. A. Phelps, Albert Snyder, L. S. Keller, and Geo. W. Barlow.
The first and present officers are J. A. Snodgrass, N. G; J. A. Phelps, V. G; G. W. Barlow, Cor. Sec'y; L. S. Keller, Treas.
Their lodge building is frame, and was put up in March 1881, at a cost of $250.
Present membership about 21.
CHURCHES.
Plymouth M. E. Church .- The name of Plymouth Church was adopted at the organization of the church in the spring of 1865, and held their ser- vice in a frame house, located on the northwest corner of section fourteen, and built in 1866. The first and original members were Jonathan and Mary Bowers, James T. Shull, Dema Shull, and Henry and R. J. Rairdon The congregation grew rapidly, and in 1874 a larger and more commod-
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
ious house was built, being of frame, convenient and very tasty, at a cost of $2,200. The new house was formally dedicated in February, 1876, in the presence of a large and attentive audience, Rev. W. J. Martindale, presiding elder, officiating. The eloquence of the young elder made the services very solemn and impressive, and the wrapt attention of the audi- ence was an evidence of their appreciation. From the little band of half a dozen congregated in 1865, grew a congregation of one hundred and fifty. In 1871 Rev. M. Bratton held a very interesting revival, and eighty- one additions were made to the church, nearly all being new conversions. A sabbath school of over one hundred members meets every Sabbath.
The names oft he faithful pastors'who have officiated at its altar are Revs. Breed, Jas. Stone, Wm. Edmonds, Wm. Barnes, T. B. Bratton, David Hayes, Wm. Hanley, O. T. Bruner, and the present pastor, R. L. Jam- ison.
United Brethren in Christ .- This denomination was organized by Rev. John Estep in 1872. They meet in a school house located on section 26, and the original members were A. Herrington and, L. E. B. Welch, and S. R. Smith and wife. Their first meetings were held in the school house in section 10, having no chuch building of their own.
In February, 1881, at a protracted meeting, nine accessions were made to the church, and at the present writing they have a membership of thirty-seven.
The pastors officiating thus far are Revs. John Estep, Joel Bradage, Edward Carpenter, B. W. Bowman, J. T. Olaman. A. W. Geeslin, and L. Fisher, present pastor.
Welch Congregational .- This branch of denominational Christians was organized July 6, 1880, and their house of worship, a neat frame struct- ure costing $500, and located in the northeast corner of section 17, was built in February, 1881. The original members were Thos. Price and wife, Wm. Lewis and wife, E. P. Davis and wife, Thos. Howells and wife, Wm. Pugh, Mrs. M. Morgan, Robert Peters :Ind wife, D. W, Williams and wife and Mrs. G. Griffiths. Their first communion was administered June 19, 1881, by their present pastor Rev. M. Davis, and they hold a membership of twenty-five.
Welch Calvinistic Methodist .- The organization of the Welch Calvin- istic Methodist church was effected in May 1872, and a frame church building was erected the following year on section three, costing about $600. In August, 1876, it was dedicated by Rev. R. W. Hughes.
The organizers were John O. Roberts, David Hughes, Ellen Roberts, David O. Hughes and Catharine Hughes. The land on which the church is located was donated by John W. Davis, as was also one acre for a bury- ing ground.
In 1880 a few of the members holding to the congregational faith, se-
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
ceded, and joined another church, reducing the present membership to twenty-two.
The following pastors have been located in this portion of God's moral vineyard since the organization of the church: Rev. P. W. Hughes, Rev. R. T. Evans and Rev. Hugh H. Hughes the present pastor.
Hazel Dell Latter Day Saints .- Hazel Dell Church of Latter Day Saints was organized the 9th day of March, 1873. The original mem- bers were Emsly Curtis and wife, John Ellis and wife, and James Kes- singer and wife. Having as yet no church building, the congregation meets at the homes of the members. Emsly Curtis has officiated as pastor since the organization of the church. He came to this county from Illinois in the fall of 1871, and united with the church the following year. The present membership of this branch of the church, is about twenty. A branch of the church is held at White Rock, and Rev. Martin Trotter is pastor of the branch at Carrollton.
We are indebted to Rev. Mr. Curtis for the above sketch of the church, and at his request give the following epitome of the faith and doctrines of the re-organized church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints:
We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Matt. 28:19; 1 John 1:3; St. John 11:26.
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. Ecc. 12: 14; Matt. 16: 27; 1 Cor. 3:13; Rev. 20: 12-15.
We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all men may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinences of the gospel. 1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Tim. 1:10; Romans 8:1-6.
We believe these ordinances are,
1st-Faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 11:6; 1 Peter 1:21; 1 Tim. 4: 10; John 3: 16, 18, 36.
2d-Repentance. Luke 13:3; Ezek. 18:30; Mark 1:5; Acts. 2:38; Romans 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:10.
3d-Baptism by immersion, for the remission of sins. Matt. 3:13-15; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 22:16; 2:41; 8:12, 37, 38; Mark 16:16; Col. 2:12; Romans 6:4-5; John 3:23; Acts 8:38, 39.
4th-Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. John 20: 21, 22; Acts 8:17; 19:6; 1 Tim. 4:14; Acts 9:17; 1 Cor. 12:3.
5th -We believe in the resurection of the body; that the dead in Christ will rise first, and the rest of the dead will not live again until the thous- and years are expired. Job 19: 25, 26; Dan. 12:2; 1 Cor. 15:42; 1 Thes. 4:16; Rev. 20:6; Acts 17:31; Phil. 3:21; John 11: 24.
6th-We believe in the doctrine of eternal judgment, which provides that men shall be judged, rewarded, or punished, according to the degree of good, or evil, they shall have done. Rev. 20:12; Ecc. 3: 17; Matt. 16:27; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Pet. 2:4, 13, 17.
We believe that a man must be called of God, and ordained by the lay- ing on of hands of those who are in authority, to entitle him to preach the Gospel, and administer in the ordinances thereof. Heb. 5:1, 5, 6, 8; Acts 1:24, 25; 14:23; Eph. 4: 11; John 15:16.
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We believe in the same kind of organization that existed in the primi- tive church, viz: Apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc. 1 Cor. 12:28; Matt. 10:1; Acts 6:4; Eph. 4:11, 2:20; Titus 1:5.
We believe that in the Bible is contained the word of God, so far as it is translated correctly. We believe that the canon of scripture is not full, but that God, by His Spirit, will continue to reveal His word to man until the end of time. Job 32:8; Hebrews 13:8; Prov. 29:18; Amos 3:7; Jer- emiah 23:4, 31:31 34, 33:6; Psalms, 85:10 11; Luke 17:26; Rev. 14:6 7, 19:10 ..
We believe in the powers and gifts of the everlasting gospel, viz: The gift of faith, discerning of spirits, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, tongues, and the interpretations of tongues, wisdom, charity, brotherly love, etc. 1 Cor. 12:1-11, 14:26; John, 14:24; Acts 2:3; Matt. 28:19 20; Mark 16:16.
We believe that marriage is ordained of God, and that the law of God provides for but one companion in wedlock, for either man or woman- except in cases where the contract of marriage is broken by death or transgression. Gen. 2:18 21-24, 7:1 7 13; Prov. 5:15-21; Mal. 2:14 15; Matt. 19:4-6; 1 Cor. 7:2; Heb. 13:4.
We believe that the doctrines of a plurality and a community of wives are heresies, and are opposed to the law of God. Gen. 4:19 23 24, 7:9, 22:2; in connection, Galatians fourth and fifth chapters; Gen. 21:8-10; Mal. 2:14 15; Matt. 19:3-9.
We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where or what they may.
EUGENE TOWNSHIP.
Eugene township embraces thirty-two full and eleven fractional town- ships, having fractional 51 and all of 52, range 22, included in Eugene. Fractional 51 is almost wholly timbered lands, while 52 is almost wholly prairie bottom. The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific railroad runs across the township from east to west, as does Wakanda Creek, and in all parts of the township can be found, lakes and sloughs in abundance. The soil is capable of the highest cultivation, and is as rich and fertile as any on earth.
The account of a town named Bloomfield, near the forks of the Wakanda, having been laid out in 1818 is no doubt an error, as no data can be obtained for the statement.
Eugene was among the earliest of the townships settled. Sarshel Woods, Nathaniel Cary, Jerry and John Croley, Red Munkers, all of Tennessee, came in 1818. John Riffe came in 1820. David Lynch came with Nathaniel Cary in 1818. Thomas Hardwick located on the Little Wakanda and built what is known as Hardwick's mill. Charles Palmer is said to have located on section seven, at an early day. William Harvy
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
and John Farr took up claims near "Sambo Slough." The Prunty Brothers, John and William were among the earlier settlers. Joseph Dickson afterwards county clerk, settled in early times.
With the exception of a few others, these were the only settlers for some years, and not until about 1842, when Thomas Morris and Samuel Barker arrived did the township begin to settle up to any extent. From 1842 up to the opening of the war, Eugene township settled up rapidly, compared with other townships in the county, getting a greater propor- tion of those seeking homes in the west, than any other part of the county, except probably Carrollton.
The first mill some of the older settlers went to for grist was what was termed a "Stump Mill," built on a stump in a manner to turn around the stump, and run by one horse, and it is said that one person could eat the meal as fast as it was ground.
Many of the older settlers having little money paid for their lands in bees-wax and deer hides, and could the records of the county show that "for and in consideration of six hundred pounds of bees-wax, and thirty- nine deer hides, the party of the first part grants bargains and sells " it would make curious reading for the present.
The first deaths in Eugene were Nancy and Rebecca Lynch, in 1821. Where their bodies were deposited is not known. The body of Thomas Phillips who died some years after, was laid to rest in Dixon's grave- yard on Wakanda Creek.
The first religious service was held in the timber on Wakanda Creek, by Rev's Abbott Hancock and John R. Smith, both Presbyterians.
At the house of John Crockett, a man named Harper opened the first school, having about twenty pupils, for which he received a compensation of one dollar per month per head., The first school house was built in 1834, by Abram Rifle, at or near to John Curl's, and cost about $20. It was called Curl's school house in honor of John Curl, who was sheriff ot the county.
Sophia Cary, wife of Nathaniel, was one of the first, if not the first, who wove cloth in the county, having turned out several webs of cloth as early as 1818.
Eugene township not coming to the front with a law suit of early days, it is but justice that something to her credit should be produced, and in the absence of anything better we givea copy of the deed hereto attached. It is ver batim except names, and is on record in the Recorder's office, in volume 33, page 548.
When brought to the office to be filed the recorder told the maker of the instrument that it would hardly hold water, but filed it must be, and
Q
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HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
filed and recorded it was and is. Two weeks later a regular deed of adop- tion was put on record in lieu of the general warranty.
WARRANTY DEED.
This indenture, made on the 20th day of March, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, by and between party of the first part and - -- and his wife, of the county of Carroll, in the state of Missouri, party of the second part, witnesseth, the said party of the first part, in consideration of the sum of one dollar to her paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, does by these presents grant, bargan and sell, convey and confirm unto the said party of the second part, a male child by the name of George Washington Rogers, and will be one year old on the 14th day of March, 1877. . To have and to hold the said child with all and singular the rights and privileges thereunto belonging or in any other wise appurtaining unto the said party of the second part and unto them forever. The said -
- hereby covenanting that she has good rights to convey the same and that she will warrant and defend the title to said child unto the parties of the second part, against all claims and demands of all persons whomso- ever. In witness whereof, the said party of the first part has hereunto set her hand and seal this 20th day of March, 1877.
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