USA > Missouri > Gentry County > History of Daviess and Gentry counties, Missouri > Part 23
USA > Missouri > Daviess County > History of Daviess and Gentry counties, Missouri > Part 23
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Council Bluffs and Omaha Division of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, now known as the Wabash Railroad, was completed in the fall of 1879, and passes through the county centrally, giving direct connections with St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, and Council Bluffs. The land owners along the line of the road donated the right of way, excepting a few tracts, which cost the company about $3,000.
The Leon, Mount Ayr and Southwestern Railroad, which is a branch of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, was finished to Al- bany in September, 1881. The people of Albany donated the right of way from Bethany, Harrison County, Missouri, to Albany, which cost them about $8,000.00; they also donated the depot grounds at Albany. This road forms a connection at Albany with the St. Joseph and Des Moines Railroad, which was purchased of the original owners and build- ers, by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company, in the latter part of 1880, making a continuous line from St. Joseph to Chicago.
The St. Joseph and Des Moines Railroad has four depots in the
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county, at the following places: Albany, Darlington, Millen, and King City. The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific, at McFall, Evona, McCurry and Stanberry.
In 1906-07 the Grant City Chicago, Burlington & Quincy extension was built from the north line of the county to Albany Junction, two miles southwest of Albany.
Highways .- Roads and bridges of Gentry County are under town- ship supervision, except important river bridges and their approaches, which are installed and maintained by the county court.
The major part of the surface of the county has good natural drain- age, which simplifies the building and maintaining of the common graded highway. Gentry County has between two or three hundred miles of such roads with needed bridges. The county bridges are good and well kept and the various townships average well in building and maintaining their local bridges. The county has a fairly sufficient sys- tem of highway service, well distributed.
During the hard road agitation of 1919-20, the Jefferson Highway was mapped through the county, entering on the south at King City ; thence north through Stanberry; thence east through Albany; thence northeast to the county line. This gave townships the following mile- age: Jackson Township, 8.58; Cooper Township, 8.17; Huggins Town- ship, 4.35, and Athens Township, 10.46. In support of this project Jack- son Township voted $85,000.00 bonds, Cooper, $85,000.00 and Athens, $100,000.00.
The first contract for a completed hard surface road was let Apr. 11, 1921, to the E. S. Kelley Construction Company of Eureka Springs, Ark., for six miles of finished road in Cooper Township for $82,020.00.
On this project the grading and bridging are complete, and over four miles of hard surface have been finished. The material used is sand and grit. Jackson Township has completed the grading and bridg- ing of the entire 8.58 miles.
In the early summer of 1921, Athens Township let the contract for the completion of that part beginning just north of Albany, east to the county line, 6.26 miles. This section has been completed. The material used is excellent gravel from local pits; a material that can hardly be excelled. It is an admirable mix of 20 to 30 sizes, with proper pro- portion of small stuff. Close packing and adhesive under traffic-the next thing to cement. While this particular gravel is new to road serv- ice, there is reason to believe that it will not grind into dust to any ex- tent, during dry summer heat.
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Long dry spells and windy days are the worst enemies of gravel roads. Crude oil is the best protection, but the better the gravel the less the crude oil required. In a matter as far reaching as hard surface roads, it is natural to hope that first experiments should prove encour- aging. Every strip of successful road hastens the building of other strips.
An improved road from the county seat to Evona is under way, much of the grading being already complete, and the financing for hard surface is up for discussion.
Land owners are more and more taking the view that money spent for good roads is not a tax, but that it is money spent for permanent im- improvement. In other words it is an investment. The same is true of drainage, and is perhaps more apparent, since worthless land is often reclaimed and given a value much beyond the cost of draining. The principle is the same; good roads make good land still more valuable.
Gentry County never had any great proportion of swamp land. Nevertheless, a large drainage undertaking is now nearing completion. It has to do with straightening the river courses. It begins near the north line of the county, and embraces the three forks of Grand River, east, middle and west forks and follows the main river as far as Gentry- ville in the southeast of the county. The total cost of the improvement will be nearly $200,000.00.
The assessment of benefits is worthy of most careful consideration. The benefits of drainage are largely local and direct, while in the mat- ter of hard roads, the benefits are both direct and general. The gen- eral benefits increase with the number of miles connected. A single strip of four miles is scarcely a general benefit, but a well planned sys- tem of roads for the whole county will develop a widespread general benefit. It will raise the average level of land values in all localities. The remotest farm in the county will be benefited. Once these princi- ples are understood and equitably applied, assessments cease to be a bugbear.
CHAPTER XIV.
SCHOOLS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS-TEACHERS INSTITUTE-HIGHER STANDARDS-HEALTH WORK IN SCHOOLS - TEACHERS ASSOCIATION - CONOLIDATION - PALMER COLLEGE - NORTHWEST MISSOURI COLLEGE-CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE.
Public Schools-The chapter on the public schools of the county should prove interesting for the good reason that history is now "a mak- ing."
Earle C. Duncan is county superintendent of public instruction. The office became effective in 1909 when George L. Grey became the first superintendent. Charles Allen was next in office, followed by Eg- bert Jennings, whose term was filled out by his sister, Miss Gretchen Jennings, which brings us to 1919 when Mr. Duncan took office.
By the year 1886, the high school had become pretty well differ- entiated from the school of all grades. The annual Teachers' Institute of three or four weeks of instruction, lectures or class work, had become established. These Institutes closed with two days of examinations. For a time attendance was optional, but was later made obligatory upon all who wished to teach. This system continued under efficient commission- ers until about 1900. The commissioner was chairman of the board of examiners, assisted by one appointee of the state, and another of the county.
In 1901 the Teachers' Institute was dropped, and three examining periods were set for each year. A variety of conditions were imposed on candidates for certificates. In certain branches teachers were allowed permanent credits of record, exempting them from further examina- tions in these specified lines. Summer schools under state management took the place of the county institute, and though attendance was not obligatory, the inducement of "approved grades" maintained a good at- tendance.
The office of county superintendent is one of wider responsibility than the former office of commissioner. The outgrowth of a general for- ward movement which began to manifest itself about 1910.
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In 1911 and 1912 the general level of teachers' salaries was raised about $5.00 a month for each year. More money should mean better teachers, and it so proved. In 1911, there were ten teachers with nor- mal diploma certificates. In 1921 there were 34 such teachers. During this ten-year period the trail of the third grade certificate has been con- stantly downward. The trail of "approved schools" during the same period started with two for the county, advanced to six in 1917; to 16 in 1920; to 23 in 1921 and to 31 in 1922. Thus keeping pace with teacher qualifications.
Another chart showing the steady upward trend in instructive ad- vancement, shows that in 1911, 35 teachers had had four years high chool training ; in 1916, 52 teachers; in 1919, 120 teachers.
The quotation below is from the 1921 Missouri public schools re- port. It proves that Gentry County is thoroughly alive: "Several exten- sion courses will be held for Gentry County teachers again this year. The State Teachers College, Maryville, held two in the county last year. We are having some meetings to discuss better methods and I am send- ing out some lesson plans. We are also making arrangements with the State Teachers' College, Maryville, for a survey of the county. We have a bunch of real teachers in the rural schools this year. Eighty of our teachers were in summer school last summer."-E. C. Duncan, Supt.
"Better Schools" in Gentry County, quoted from State Report 1921; "The Gentry County Plan began at the August meeting, held in Albany, Mo., in 1921. The teachers in attendance were asked to write a list of improvements worth while and needed in the schools of the county. The results of the questionnaire were tabulated and divided into major and minor groups, and a plan of approval worked out." The groups as tabulated and divided, relate largely to physical conditions, the produc- tion of better environment. When a school has attained three of the major requirements and two of the minor, the superintendent issues a certificate of standing as a "Better School." It has been a decided suc- cess. Up to March 25, 1922, sixty schools of the county have won the certificate.
The total expenditures for the county school system in 1910 were $67,000.00; in 1913, $75,000.00; in 1916, $115,000.00; in 1921, $175,000.00.
The following from the 1921 state report belongs to Gentry County, and is self explanatory. "We have been selected by the Southwest Divi- sion of the Red Cross as a demonstration county for health work. We are furnishing the schools with a project each month. The project for
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November is to build two pieces of playground equipment. Other pro- jects will be posters for the care of the teeth; posters on the school lunch; short talks (for oral expression), by the pupils on health play and health booklets. The county nurse and the Red Cross secretary are assisting in this work. Earle C. Duncan, Sup't. Gentry County."
During the winter of 1922 a general poster contest was staged in Albany, over 300 posters were on the exhibition, representing a multi- tude of ideas relating to the individual self-care of the pupil.
Gentry County people are proud of their schools and wide awake to the advantages they offer. The enrollment in the high schools of the county jumped this year from 500 to 600, and there are more mem- bers of the freshman class this fall than there were eighth grade grad- uates this spring.
The Gentry County Teachers have more than a 100 per cent enroll- ment in the Missouri State Teachers Association. There are only 136 teachers in the county, while there are 151 members of the state assoc- iation. The explanation is that a number of students of Palmer College have become members of the association and several school board mem- bers have also joined. It is the third consecutive year that their enroll- ment has been more than 100 per cent.
The county has 71 rural schools, almost half of which are approved. There are seven high schools, at least one of them easily accessible to students in every township, except two.
One of the high schools is a consolidated school, strictly rural, which, opened this year with an enrollment of fifty. It is known as Consolidated School Number 1. It is almost equidistant from Al- bany, King City, Pattonsburg and Maysville, having a rural territory with a radius of about 15 miles. The nearest railroad is at McFall, six miles away.
The school is being conducted now in what will later become the "teacherage." The patrons have voted bonds and have $20,500 with which they will build a modern building on ten acres of Gentry County's. prettiest land. When the building is completed, the teacher will occupy the residence where classes are now being held.
Consolidated District Number 1 is the largest strictly rural high school in Northwest Missouri. It now offers a three year course, which will be extended next year to four years. It will then be a fully ac- credited first class high school.
When the new building is completed the smaller schools will be closed and the pupils there will be transported to the central schools in
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wagons. Two other schools in the county already transport their pupils. Four wagons are used at Darlington and six at McFall.
McFall also has a consolidated school and is also building a new building, which will be completed about Dec. 1st. That the transpor- tation of rural pupils is not an excessive burden to the taxpayer was demonstrated at this school last year, when the school levy was only $1.30, which was lower than the levy of any other first class high school in the county.
That the boys and girls of the farmer are beginning to appreciate the opportunity offered them for a high school education is demon- strated in the enrollment figures. There were 226 eighth grade grad- uates this spring and 227 enrolled as freshmen in the various high schools this fall.
During 1921 two enthusiastic track meets were held. The first was at King City, and the second at Albany. The next one is to be held at Stanberry. The stimulating effect of these events is already mani- fest. Youth is eager for endeavor, and delights in achievement.
Palmer College .- As one of the early institutions of learning of the State of Iowa, what is now Palmer College had its beginning under the organization of Revs. Josiah P. Watson and D. M. Lines. The institu- tion, first located at LeGrand, Iowa, was granted a charter, in April, 1865, under the name of The Le Grand Christian Institute, and began operating in October of that year. In appreciation of a gift of $30,000, from the Hon. F. A. Palmer, of New York, toward the first endowment fund started by the college, the institution was renamed Palmer College, in 1897.
In June, 1912, the college was moved to Albany, Mo., and the in- terests of Kansas Christian College, of Lincoln, Kan., consolidated with it. By conditional donation from the Albany Chamber of Commerce the college came into possession of the plant of the former Northwest Missouri College. The building was partially remodeled, the campus . considerably enlarged, a fine girls' dormitory erected and a president's home secured, bringing the total value of the plant and its equipment up to about $225,000.00. The campus proper, includes 14 acres. The institution has dormitory accomodations for 64 students in modernly equipped dormitories. The larger number of students either live in the community or board in the town. The college is also equipped with gymnasium, swimming pool, athletic field and tennis courts.
During the World War, the faculty and student body were so de- pleted by the demands of the country that the work of the institution
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had to be temporarily suspended. It was reopened in 1919 under the presidency of Dr. F. G. Coffin, of Albany, New York.
The college is under the direction of a Board of 15 trustees, elected by the Western Christian Convention and presided over by a faculty of 18 instructors. In addition to the regular college year, two summer schools are maintained. One is a school of religious education for which specialized instructors are imported from different sections of the country. The other is a summer school for teachers, offering an eight week's course of specialized instruction.
The student enrollment in the various departments, not exclusive of duplicates, is 232 (year 1922). This number does not include the enrollments of either of the summer schools.
Courses are offered in collegiate work, academy, domestic science, commerce, science, piano, orchestral instruments, voice, expression, art, Bible, etc. The courses are coordinated with the University of Missouri and all work done in the institution fully accredited by the university. Teachers' certificates are granted upon satisfactory completion of courses.
The maintenance of the school is secured through tuition, gifts, and endowment. While the trustees are elected by the Western Christian Convention, the trritorial official body of the Christian Church (not Disciples), the college is non-sectarian. Instructors are employed and students admitted without regard to church affiliations. The city of Albany cooperates in promoting the interests of the school.
Northwest Missouri College .- This institution was founded under the fostering care of the M. E. Church, South, in 1891.
It was made possible through the benevolence and enterprise of Albany's leading citizens, who provided a splendid campus of nine acres, and secured subscriptions up to ten thousand dollars for immedi- ate construction.
Within two years under Prof. W. H. Pritchett, Northwest Missouri College was successfully launched. Its aims were of the best. The instruction given, and the care devoted to the welfare of students were always high type work, and for years, the generation of that period availed itself of the splendid privileges thus provided.
The college continued with varying activity until 1909, and was much appreciated.
Early in its experience it became evident that there must be a very substantial guarantee committee. At first the guarantors were numer- ous and the burden grew and the committee diminished. It was finally
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proven that Northwest Missouri College could no longer continue. The guarantee committee paid interest and other expenses necessary to keep the debt afloat out of their own funds.
By reason of removals and for other good reasons the responsible members became fewer. From 1909 onward it was a question what to do with the property and how to meet the debt. Several propositions came up to turn the property to other uses and salvage what was pos- sible. Some took the position that the property represented large origi- nal donations that were given for education, and therefore the property should be held for that purpose. It was a continual personal expense to these few, but they paid and held on.
There was rejoicing when in 1912 their persistence was rewarded and they were able to turn over sufficient property to induce and justify the opening of Palmer College.
Central Christian College .- Central Christian College was the out- growth of a liberal offer from three citizens of Albany. Dr. G. W. Stapleton, Dr. M. M. Campbell, and T. N. Rigney, to the educational hopes of the Christian Church. For college purposes, they offered to donate a tract of land situated in the South of Albany at the terminus of Park Street, and also a one-fifth interest in 100 acres lying adjoining the original plat of the city and nearly surrounding the college site.
This generous gift was gratefully accepted by the representatives of the church in convention assembled, and a committee at once appointed to collect necessary funds for the building. The citizens of Albany made liberal donations, thus making it possible to incorporate and begin preparations for building.
Central Christian College was incorporated in April, 1892, and the contract for the building was given to Hawk Brothers of Albany. The brick work was done by Meek Bricklaying and Contract Company of Chillicothe, Mo.
On Aug. 10, 1892, the cornerstone was laid with impressive cere- monies, conducted by F. V. Loos of Liberty, Mo., assisted by J. A. Will- iams of King City, Mo., and other leading ministers. In November of the same year the College was opened and on January 8, 1893 the build- ing was dedicated to the cause of Christian education. The first presi- dent was Prof. E. J. Gantz, and during the first year 169 students were enrolled in the collegiate and normal departments.
During the ten years' existence of the college, scores of educated young men and young women went forth from its doors better fitted to
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PALMER COLLEGE, ALBANY
VIEW FROM SOUTH SIDE OF PARK, STANBERRY
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take up life's duties. Thus is a measure were repaid those who contributed largely to its support.
In 1903 the building was purchased by the city and converted into a ward school, and now it is also used by students in the vocational agri- cultural and home economics classes of the high school.
CHAPTER XV.
LODGES, SOCIETIES AND CLUBS.
MASONIC LODGES-THE EASTERN STAR-INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS-
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION-CIVIC CLUB-LADIES LITERARY CLUB-DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION-P. E. O .- CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Masonic Lodges .- Many changes have occurred during forty years. Better roads and auto cars have had much to do in the change of social centers, small communities are no longer isolated. New and more con- venient groupings come about by natural selection. The fact of wor- thy note is this: The fraternal spirit is continuous, a constant element in civilization, an evidence of life and vigor and an indication of true prosperity.
The Masonic order was first in point of time, dating back to early pioneer days. It led the way, and has grown as the population has in- creased. Its history is well known, its position established.
The Masonic fraternity, with eight lodges and over 600 members in the county, has from the beginning held a well defined place in the social and intellectual growth of Gentry County citizenship.
Since 1849 when Gentryville Lodge No. 125 was organized, many efforts at different points have been put forth, all of them serving a good purpose, but not all of them permanent.
The present lodges are as follows: Athens No. 127, 147 members, Albany; Alanthus No. 252, 45 members, Wilson Township; Jacoby No. 447, 47 members, Darlington ; Berlin No. 378, 48 members, Miller Town- ship; Ancient Craft No. 377, 106 members, King City; Havana No. 21, 31 members, McFall; Gentryville No. 125, 51 members, Gentryville; Stanberry No. 109, 180 members, Stanberry.
The Eastern Star .- The Order has five flourishing chapters in Gen- try County. At Gentryville, Stanberry, King City, Darlington, and at Albany.
The Albany chapter now has 182 members. Officers as follows:
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W. P., Mr. Allen Bare; W. M., Mrs. Pearl Barger; A. M., Mrs. Slate Bassler; Sec'y., Mrs. Pearl Bare.
Albany Chapter, Order or the Eastern Star, was organized and re- ceived charter dated Aug. 11, 1875, and in which was named as officers, Henrietta Daniels, Worthy Matron; John T. Daniels, Worthy Patron; and Sarah Jane McCammon, Associate Matron. The charter list shows at organization the names of 20 sisters and 25 brothers, who after a time failed to meet and charter surrendered.
The Order of the Eastern Star was again organized at Albany, with charter dated April 30, 1894, as Esther Chapter, No. 13, O. E. S., and naming in the charter as officers: Mrs. Sarah E. Eader, W. M .; Joshua B. Thomas, W. P .; Miss Bash McCammon, A. M., and the following named were selected to complete the organization as follows, to-wit: Alice Larkin, Cond .; Lillian Lainhart, A. Cond .; Mary McCammon, Sec .; Etha Reid, Treas .; Lou E. Clark, Adah ; Emma Roberts, Ruth ; Gail Sulli- van, Esther; Sallie Cassity, Martha ; Lillie E. Case, Electa ; Matilda Luns- ford, Warder; and had a membership of 14 sisters and 14 brothers, a total of 28.
The following have been duly elected and served as presiding of- ficers :
1895-Miss Bash McCammon, W. M .; Joshua B. Thomas, W. P.
1896-Mrs. Alice Larkin, W. M .; Chas. V. Larmer, W. P.
1897-Mrs. Lou E. Clark, W. M .; J. E. Sims, W. P.
1898-Mrs. Lillian Lainhart, W. M .; Sam W. Clark, W. P.
1899-Mrs. Kate Larmer, W. M .; F. P. Marsteller, W. P.
1900-Mrs. Emma Roberts, W. M .; Wm. T. Lunsford, W. P.
1901-Mrs. Joie Thomas, W. M .; Geo. A. Howell, W. P.
1902-The present officers are: Mrs. Lou Moore, W. M .; Miss Be- atrice Thomas, A. M .; Marvin O. Mothersead, W. P.
The chapter now has a membership of 71 sisters and brothers and is in a flourishing condition socially and financially and has ever been noted for its charity.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows .- Next in order of time came the I. O. O. F. fraternity-an average of 10 years later, meeting the same needs, having the same general purpose, and affording optional affiliations to the individual. Thus inducing a spirit of friendly rivalry to the benefit of all concerned.
The Odd Fellows are now prosperously organized in the following centers : Albany, Stanberry, King City, McFall, Darlington, Island City.
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