USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Dade County and her people : from the date of the earliest settlements to the present time > Part 12
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Minnie Pierce
Mary J. Lindsey
John E. Mills
Alma Barker
Maggie Mills
Mattie Sperry
Allie Mills
James B. Woods
Howard Pierce and James B. Woods were chosen and installed elders for the church. In 1884 a good frame build- ing was erected and dedicated as a place of worship.
Those serving the church as ministers, since its or- ganization are the Reverends:
George H. Williamson
J. J. Thompson
I. G. Hughes
W. G. Moore
J. T. Curtis
E. E. Mathes
H. A. Tucker
M. A. Prater
J. R. Gass
Herbert Waters
Samuel Wiley
The Sunday School of the church has met continu- ously at 10 o'clock each Sunday morning without (it is said) one exception in more than thirty years.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT EVERTON. by
Rev. W. R. Russell.
This church was organized February 16, 1885 by the Rev. W. J. Garrett, as a Cumberland Presbyterian church. In 1906, the Cumberland Presbyterian and the Presbyter- ian churches united, and has since been known as the Everton Presbyterian Church.
The first Board of Elders consisted of John S. Pember- ton, William Y. McLemore and George W. Wilson. Mr. Wilson was chosen clerk of the church which office he has held continuously to the present time. The present Board of resident Elders consists of George W. Wilson, William Y. Mcbemore, William Raubinger, James M. McCall and William R. Dye. Mr. Dye has filled the office as superin- tendent of the Sunday School for the past twenty-five years.
The Register of Communicants shows that the church was organized with sixteen charter members and that
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JAMES R. JJEFFREYS.
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three hundred and seventy-two have been enrolled from first to last.
The first pastor was the Rev. William H. Stephens. The present pastor, Rev. William R. Russell took charge in 1888, and has served continuously, with the exception of four years, at which time the church was served by Rev. John J. Dunham and Rev. Young W. Whitsett.
The church owns its own house of worship-a neat frame building, well furnished and maintains regular preaching services two Sundays in each month; a good Sunday School with Home Department and Cradle Roll; a good wide awake Christian Endeavor Society and an active Woman's Aid and Mission Society. This church has been and is an important factor in the educational, social, moral and religious uplift of the entire community.
This record would not be complete without making mention of old Brother E. C. Harrington who has served so faithfully and painstakingly as janitor for the past nineteen years. Much of the success of the church is due to this faithful and consistent man of God.
LOCKWOOD METHODIST CHURCH. by Aaron D. States.
This church was oranized during the summer of 1881 by Rev. Frank Lenig. W. B. Hoel, Mary J. Hoel, Cora E. Hoel, C. E. Hoel, Jasper and Mary Lemon, J. R. J. Apple- by, M. A. S. Appleby, J. K Ford and Mary and Irene Ford were among the first members.
A number of the first ministers were Revs. Frank Lenig, J. R. Wolf, Chas. E. Evans, J. N Buck, J. J. Martin and M. Bell. J. J. Martin is still one of the most eloquent and most active ministers of this faith; his home is now at Jasper City, over in Jasper county. Mr. Martin has been identified with the church since the days of the Civil War. He was one time chaplain of the Missouri Prison and it is said he filled that office with greater credit than any of his predecessors. Mr. Martin has held pastorates throughout the south and southwest part of Missouri and
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
it is very doubtful if there is another minister of that faith who is better known or more highly appreciated. His work in Lockwood assisted the young church in laying a foundation for its future good works M. Bell went over into the Golden City district, in after years and was made postmaster of that town during the Taft administration.
This church owns a beautiful little building on one of the main streets of Lockwood and its congregation is one of the most wide awake in all the country The Hoels were among the most active members. Their citizenship was most helpful, in fact, the Hoel family will never pass out of Lockwood's history being imbedded in its moral, re- ligious, material and social achievements from its incep- tion, for over thirty years.
ARCOLA METHODIST CHURCH.
by Aaron D. States.
Rev. Isaac Routh went over into the Arcola district in 1866 and organized a church about one and a half miles south of Arcola. Rev. and Mrs. Travis, Archibald and Polly Morris, Nancy Ball, Mary Ball, Rev. G. W. Murphy and wife, William and Lewis Murphy, Benjaman and Louisa Appleby, James A. Travis and Jesse Arbogast and rife as the first members. In 1871 the young congrega- sjon built a church edifice. The next year there came one of the most severe storms in that section and demolished the church building.
Two years afterward the congregation decided to build a church at Arcola or rather where Arcola now stands. This building was dedicated by Rev. J. J. Bently in 1875. James A. Travis was one of the leading members of the congregation both in the country and at Arcola. He became a merchant when Arcola was founded and re- mained there several years, then moved to Greenfield and entered the mercantile business. He was at one time mayor of Greenfield. There was no better citizen than James A. Travis. His widow still occupies the Green-
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
field home, Mrs. Sally-Cunningham-Travis, whose father was one of the pioneer citizens of the country.
The church at Arcola has done a great deal of good for that community. The Underwoods were strong mem- bers of that church, the Travis, the Murphys and the Ap- plebys. They have regular preaching service and they sustain a Sunday School. Their church building is one of the neatest structures in that section of the county. The old church was lately remodeled and modernized. It is sure a credit to the town and the community.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
by Aaron D. States.
Some years before the town of Greenfield was known the Cumberland Presbyterians met and formed a church. It was organized by the late Rev. J. D. Montgomery in 1839. The first church was in the vicinity of where Green- field now stands. A. M. Long and wife, Joseph Lemaster and wife, M. H. Allison and wife, J. L. Allison and wife, Rev. J. Weir and wife, Leann Dicus and Rev. J. D. Mont- gomery and wife constituted the initial membership.
All these people are listed among the pioneers and many of them left a heritage to their children and the up- lift of the community that exists to this day. Rev. J. Weir, father of the late Jonathan Weir and Samuel Weir, who still lives on the outskirts of Greenfield, was one of the leaders of men during his citizenship in Dade County. He was ever alert to the advancement of his country and he was devoted to his church. Many descendants still live in that community and they are all honored citizens. Rev. J D. Montgomery, one of the first ministers, was another leading character in those early days. His work is still bearing fruit, though dead a long time, he still lives.
A splendid frame church building was erected in 1868 and it stood until recent years when it was replaced by a handsome brick structure, chiefly due to the splendid efforts of Rev. William E. Shaw, who is now the pastor. The new building stands where the old one stood for over
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
forty years. The old church was dedicated by Rev. J. N. Edminston and Rev. P. G. Rea. The early pastors were, Revs. J. D. Montgomery, W. W. Brown, W. J. Garrett, B. F. Logan, R. L. Venice. Father Garrett is well remem- bered by every old citizen. He died some two years ago at the home of his son in Springfield and he is now sleep- 'ng in Greenfield's most beautiful cemetery. He was one of the most active men in his church and he did much in. spreading Christian interest throughout the country. The Greenfield church gave up a part of its membership at the time there was a sentiment in favor of uniting all branches of the Presbyterian faith. Many of the faithful preferred to remain with the old church. This body of Christians are doing a good work in Greenfield. The yearly encampment at South Greenfield is fast becoming a ten day chautauqua each year.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, EVERTON, MISSOURI.
by W. D. Brown.
The Christian church was organized in Everton in the spring of 1200 by District Evangelist, Joseph Gaylor, in the old MeLemore Hall. Following is a list of the original officers and charter members:
Flders: W. D. Brown, E. H. Carender, Albert Hay- ward.
Deacons : Dave Hudson, F. O'Kelly and T. W. Mal- lory.
Other members were: Sarah A. Brown, Letitia Caren- der, Mrs. Dave Hodson, Mrs. F. O'Kelley, Rebecca ('Kel- ley, Mrs. T. W. Mallory, Mr. Humphrey, Mrs. Howard Ragsdale, Susie Gillaspie.
A new building was creeted the same year at a cost of about $1,000, which was later dedicated by District Evange- list J. H. JJones. Among the ministers who have held pas- torates with the church are Elders Sam I. Smith, W. H. Hale, J. H. Bloomer, T. H. Wilson and W. Il. Watson.
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, GREEN- FIELD, MISSOURI. by
Aaron D. States.
This old church of history and decided action, did not find a home in Dade County until after the close of the Civil war. This was on account of the hostility it received from the principles of slavery. Very soon after slavery was abolished this church established many congregations in the county, and most of them still thrive and all of them are doing an untold good to their respective communities.
It was in 1864 that Rev. William Denby came to Green- field and successfully started a church of that faith. He gathered about him such old time pioneers as the late Will- iam R. Bennington, of school fame, F. A. Cardwell, William and Mary Theoble, M. A. Foster, William, Amanda, Robert and Nancy McBride and Victoria McBride and some fif- teen others whose names are unobtainable on account of the missing church records. It might be well to state that the early fathers paid as much attention to recording their individual and congregational acts as the people do now. It is a detriment to the whole social scheme as well as re- ligious, that so little account is kept.
In 1871 the present church home was built. It was dedicated in 1872 by Dr. B. F. Crary, who was then the talented editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate. There are a few people still living in Greenfield who remember distinctly that splendid sermon. William Denby took up the work in earnest at the very first, and it was chiefly through his splendid efforts that the church was organized and the new church building erected. He was a devout disciple of the faith and a most excellent speaker. He was followed by Revs. Isaac Routh, S. R. Reece, F. S. Haughaut, C. L. Howell, T. S. Benifiel, A. R. Nichols, I. J. K. Lunbeck, R. W. McMasters, Frank Lenig, J. R. Wolf, C. E. Evans, N. H. Buck, William Buck, W. J. Simmons. All these were the early pastors. During later years the church has been served by Rev. W. D. Sidman, a most de-
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
vout, sincere and well founded disciple. He is now super- intendent of the Springfield district and he is doing a great work. Then there was Father French, an old-time Methodist minister, full of faith, with plenty of ambition and good works. Rev. Mr. Terrantine was one of the de- vout faithful ministers, and though he has been asleep for a fortnight of years his memory is wide awake in the Greenfield congregation and among Greenfield people. Then there was Rev. Mr. Ashley, who is so well remembered. Last and not least is the present pastor, Rev. G. M. Foster, one of the most affable, most agreeable and pleasing, as well as competent ministers Greenfield ever had or will have. He is a pleasing speaker, chuck full of good hard sense. His sermons and addresses are enlivened by real native wit and humor and he never fails to interest and please an audience, whether on the platform or at the sacred desk. Mr. Foster's work will never pass out of memory.
This first congregation of the Methodist church in Dade County has been instrumental in doing a great good for the community. Many of Greenfield's leading citizens have been and are members of this church. It has done much for foreign and home missions, and above all it has aided in building and strengthening the character of its individual membership-thus making better citizens.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT ARCOLA.
Was organized about the year 1877 with Eber E. White and William Lewis as the first Elders. Among the early pastors were Clark Smith, John W. Randall, W. H. Wat- son, J. T. Hargrave, J. M. Jenkins, W. B. Cochran and J. R. Crank.
This congregation owns a comfortable church building and commodious lot. They have never been an entire year without a pastor. Since 1883 R. M. Crutcher has been an Elder in this church. A large number of converts have been received into the church and it has always been a power for good in the community. This church has also
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
maintained an excellent Bible School since 1883. The present officers are: R. M. Crutcher, chairman; L. O. Hol- man, secretary ; F. B. Davis, treasurer; Matt Crisp and G. W. Decker, associate elders, with the following deacons: O. E. Whitley, J. J. Whitley, R. W. Whitley, J. T. Scoggin, C. A. Jordan and T. J. Wilkins. Preaching at present every second Sunday in each month, morning and night, by Rev. Plummer of Jerico Springs.
HISTORY OF THE GERMAN SETTLEMENT IN DADE COUNTY. by Fred Frye.
More than thirty years elapsed from the time of the first settlement of pioneers from Tennessee in Eastern Dade County before the prairies of Western Dade County were settled. The first settlements were made in the wooded portions of the county where bright, bubbling springs burst forth from the hill sides and where firewood was plentiful. Children were born, grew to manhood and died without ever dreaming of the splendid possibilities offered by the rich, rolling prairies in their very door yard.
In the year 1881 the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf railroad was completed through the county, thereby offer- ing a means of transportation far in advance of the ox teams of the first pioneers. Upon this railroad the little village of Lockwood was located. A few pine board buildings filled with nondescript stocks of goods, the primitive boarding- house and the irrepressable real estate agent constituted its excuse for an existance.
On the morning of the 16th day of September, 1881, four Germans from Washington County, Illinois, stepped from the train in Lockwood and looked for the first time upon the broad smiling prairies which stretched for many miles in every direction. These men were William Meyer, Fred Maschoff, Fred Bornpohl and August Kritemeyer. They were scarcely able to speak the American language and were bewildered by the vastness of the territory lying
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
out of doors. They were soon in the custody of Joseph B. Lindsey and William M. Taggart, members of an enter- prising real estate firm, and were shown the land which was destined to be their future home. They remained about ten days and each bought land lying south and west of Lockwood. They were delighted with the country and returned to Nashville, Ills., filled with enthusiasm, and so glowing were their accounts of the new found Utopia, that
on the 12th day of October of the same year, no less than eight homeseekers boarded the train in Nashville, coming via. Kansas City, arriving in Lockwood on the evening train, October 14th. In this company were some of the most distinguished German settlers of the County. Fred Pries, Henry Bartling, Herman Rede, Fred Koch, William Rochling, Fred Rinne, John Ossenfort and Gotfried Worm- brod were among the number. These men all bought land excepting Gotfried Wormbrod, who had a sweetheart in Washington County who could not be induced to go so far out in the "wild and woolly west" to seek a home. This influx of land-buyers stimulated the real estate agents until in addition to Taggart & Lindsey, Levin W. Shafer and John A. Ready of Greenfield, and G. W. Holliday of Golden City entered the field. Business in Lockwood began to pick up, especially in the hotel line, so much so that im- provised beds were made by filling tieks with prairie hay, and the weary homeseekers who obtained a "shake-down" on the office floor was more than satisfied. Fred Oris, Henry Bartling, Fred Rinne and Fred Koch purchased what was known as the Thomas P. Abeel tract of land, con- sisting of 760 acres, lying northwest of Lockwood. This purchase was made through G. W. Holliday, Mr. Abeel at the time residing in Texas. The new owners took poses- sion of their purchase February 14th, 1882, bringing with them their families and all their belongings. The first few years were filled with hardships. The prairie sod was not over productive and green-head flies swarmed by the thou- sands. Being men of grit, they stuck it out and every one succeeded.
CAPT. B. M. NEALE.
C. Z. RUSSELL.
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
On the 24th day of February, 1882, the third contingent bunch of enthusiastic Germans arrived. These were from Venedy, Ills., and consisted of William Von Stroh, Fred Eggermann, Philip Jung, and Fred Bornpohl. Mr. Von Stroh purchased the Judge Taggart tract of 640 acres ad- joining Lockwood; Fred Eggemann bought 320 acres lying two miles west of town, and Fred Bornpohl bought 320 acres lying south of town. Phil Jung bought 160 acres northwest of town. In a few weeks another delegation came from Washington County, Illinois. Among them were William Kollmeyer, Fred Volkman, Charley Kahr and Louis Bohne. All of these men bought southwest of Lock- wood, in Grant Township, the banner agricultural town- ship in Dade County. Perhaps the "rawest" bunch of Germans who ever landed in Dade County came on Novem- ber 7th, 1881. They were from Nashville, Ills., and con- sisted of Christ Bohme, William Niehoff, Fred Hedemann, August Kritemeyer, Henry Schepmann, Otto Stark, Her- man Striver, Ernest Weihe, Christ Vogt and Fred Koll- meyer. On their return they reported the time of their lives. Many of the crowd were unable to speak a word of English, but all could sing "Der Wacht am Reihn," and they certainly made things hum both on the train and at the hotel. These men all bought south of Lockwood. Christ Vogt and Fred Kollmeyer contracted for the Lindsey tract of 840 acres one mile southwest of Lockwood, but the trade fell through by reason of a forty-acre timber tract which the purchasers refused to take.
In April, 1881, Henry E. Rollman came from Wisconsin with his son, William, and purchased the David A. De- Armond tract of 160 acres lying one mile north of town. In a few years it was sold to Carl Niemann of Wisconsin, and is now owned by Mrs. Myrtle Arbogast. This is prac- tically the only traet of land bought by the early German settlers which has changed hands more than once. All the rest is owned by the original purchasers or their children.
There were a few German families in Dade County prior to the exodus from Washington County, Illinois.
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Among them were Henry Gillman, Sr., and his family, whose biography appears at another place in this history.
The majority of the German settlers were members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and very early effected an organization and erected a large frame church in Lock- wood, in which was also maintained a parochial school. In recent years they have erected a splendid brick structure, and the old building is still used as a school building. At first the pastor was the school teacher, but now the con- gregation maintains both a resident pastor and a school teacher. Part of the early German settlers were members of the German M. E. church, and they effected and organiza- tion and erected a church in the country some five miles southwest of Lockwood. A Lutheran church was also erected near the town of Minert.
The Germans heretofore mentioned in this sketch were largely farmers, but among those who engaged in mer- cantile pursuits and have helped to make history for Dade County might be mentioned, Herman Haubein, who in com- pany with Martin Heiser were among the first merchants in Lockwood. Mr. Heiser afterward was engaged in the milling business, while Mr. Haubein erected a creamery and electric light plant. Both are now deceased. Fred Frye also engaged in the mercantile business in Lockwood many years ago, as also did Herman Schuerman. Both are still in business. It is needless to state that the Ger- man-American population of Dade County form a splendid citizenry, which is noted for its industry, frugality, honesty and sterling integrity. Their farms are the best in the land and they are a happy, contented, home-making people.
THE DADE COUNTY FARMERS' MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY.
Early in the spring of 1892 a body of German-Amer- ican farmers residing in the vieinity of Lockwood met at the office of A. J. Young, a lawyer of Lockwood, for the purpose of organizing a Farmers' Insurance Company to be conducted on the mutual plan. A temporary organiza-
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HISTORY OF DADE COUNTY AND ITS PEOPLE
tion was formed and a committee appointed to solicit sub- scriptions to the capital stock. This committee consisted of Henry Bartling. I. A. Nieman, Fred Selmelle, E. A. Mc- Caleb and A. J. Young. It was decided to organize when $50,000 of insurable capital stock was subscribed. About fifty farmers of Lockwood. Marion and Grant Townships became charter members of the organization, and on the 9th day of May, 1892, the company was incorporated. E. A. MeCaleb was elected president, A. J. Young vice presi- dent and attorney, H. A. Nieman secretary and Fred Schnelle treasurer. The enterprise was a success from the start. Little change was made in the organization for four- teen years except that A. JJ. Young was elected president after the first year. The company insured houses, barns, live stock, hay, grain, in fact all kinds of farm property against fire and lightning, on a strictly mutual basis, at a rate of less than 40 cents per $100, during the first twenty years of its existance, and paid every dollar of its losses in full, cash in hand.
It has now grown until its membership reaches every township in the county and its insured capital is about $2.500,000. It's annual rate has decreased as the volume of its business increased. It maintains a permanent office in Lockwood with a secretary in charge and is at present the largest financial institution in the county.
THREE MYSTERIOUS MURDERS.
Three tragedies which have baffled the skill of the shrewdest detectives and cheated Justice out of her lawful retribution have been enacted in Dade County sinve 1887.
First of these was the mysterious murder of "Luckey" Morgan, a citizen of Dadeville. His body was found in an old well at the rear of his premises with every evidence of foul play, and notwithstanding a searching inquest was held, large rewards offered and competent detectives em- ployed, the murderer was never apprehended.
The second of these unfortunate circumstances was the brutal murder of William Pursel of South Greenfield, which
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occurred about the year 1900. He was a barber by trade, single and unmarried and a hopeless cripple. On the even- ing of the murder he was seen around his usual haunts in South Greenfield in company with friends, and about nine o'clock at night was heard, in company with a companion on the railroad track near the over-head bridge going in the direction of the lime kiln. His body was found the next morning on the railroad track a short distance from where he was last heard of, a train having passed over it, but it was untouched. An examination of the body revealed the fact that he had been murdered a short distance from where the body was found and dragged upon the railroad track for the purpose of hiding the crime. A fine gold watch which he carried was missing, also a large roll of bills, but a purse containing some $15.00 in small change was still on his person. The bloody club which did the deadly work was found near the scene of the murder, and papers which he had on his person were found the next day in an old well in South Greenfield. Suspicion pointed her finger to- ward a number of persons but the guilty assassin was never convicted.
The third and last of these tragedies was the murder of J. M. Pidcock, a resident of Greenfield, which occurred in 1903. Mr. Pidcock had been Circuit Clerk of Dade County for eight years, was prominent in politics and lived with his aged mother, who at the time of the tragedy was away on a visit. Mr. Pidcock failed to call at the postoffice for his mail for a period of two or three days, and when his mother returned home she was horrified to find his nude body hanging in the closed stairway of their home, suspended by his shirt and a trunk strap. His feet were touching the stair steps, and the concensus of opinion seemed to be that he was murdered and placed in that position to indicate suicide. His body was in such a state that marks of violence were undiscoverable.
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