USA > Missouri > Mercer County > History of Harrison and Mercer Counties, Missouri : from the earliest times to the present : together with sundry personal, business, and professional sketches and family records : besides a condensed history of the State of Missouri, etc > Part 35
USA > Missouri > Harrison County > History of Harrison and Mercer Counties, Missouri : from the earliest times to the present : together with sundry personal, business, and professional sketches and family records : besides a condensed history of the State of Missouri, etc > Part 35
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Cainesville at the Present Time .- During the first eight or ten years of its history the growth of Cainesville, while not rapid, was steady and substantial. Situated as it is in the midst of a fine farm- ing country, remote from any other town or business point, it soon became the center of a large local trade, and earned the reputation of being one of the best towns in the county. The completion of the Des Moines Narrow Gauge Railroad marked an era in the his- tory of the place, and since then its business of all kinds has greatly increased. At this time its retail trade will compare with any town of its size in Northwest Missouri. Its stores and business houses are large, and the merchants are wide awake and energetic. Next to Bethany it is now the largest town in Harrison County. The present spirit of improvement denotes a healthy business pros- perity, and it is no extravagant prediction to suggest the probability of Cainesville becoming the leading town in the county, at no dis- tant day. Its present business is as follows:
Merchants .- M. F. Oxford, general mechandise; J. H. Burrows & Co., general merchants; Rogers & Wilson, general stock; L. M. Wickersham & Co., general stock; J. M. Moss & Co., general mer- chandise; Burrows & McKiddy, hardware; Ader & Case, hardware; C. B. Woodward & Co., groceries; Glaze & Neal, groceries; O. H. Burns & Co., drugs; Isaac R. Hadley, groceries and confectionery; Wilson Omer, confectionery and bakery; Mullins & French, furniture; Mrs. P. J. Neal, millinery.
Hotels .- Bain House, in the central part of the town, is a large and well furnished hotel kept by John Bain. Clifton House, by I. N. Elliott, is a favorite stopping-place for the traveling public, and one of the best hotels in Harrison County. The Commercial House, kept by Thomas H. Ristine, is one of the largest and finest hotel
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buildings in this section of the State. It was erected in 1887, and is a first-class house in every particular.
Mechanics .- W. M. Baldwin, manufacturer of furniture; J. D. Chambers, blacksmith; Joseph Klasalick, blacksmith; Philip Gentry, wagon-maker and blacksmith; William French, wagon-maker; G. O. Hammond, manufacturer and dealer in saddlery and harness, and J. Skakal, shoemaker.
The other business men of the town are I. N. Elliott, attorney at law; William Crawford, lumber dealer; W. E. Barton, barber and photographer; H. Ristine, livery stable, and Harrison & Sallee, meat market.
Eagleville .- The village of Eagleville is situated about fifteen miles northeast of Bethany, in the townships of Marion and Union, and is the site of an early settlement in that part of the county. Among the pioneers who secured homes in the vicinity of the village in an early day are remembered the following: Allen Bridges, Thomas Shain, George Davis, John Poynter, Ichabod Jinks, Dr. Oatman, Mrs. Hulse, H. O. Neville, Daniel Shirley, James Grinstead, Thomas Patton, William Anderson, Samuel Anderson, Simpson Montgomery, Moses Shirley, Dr. Skinner and Aquilla C. Barber.
After the year 1850 the influx of settlers increased to such an extent that the propriety of establishing a local trading point began to be discussed. In August, 1851, Robert Bullington donated ten acres of ground for the purpose of starting a town, and upon the 28th of the month a plat of the same was surveyed as follows: "Commencing at the northwest corner of Section 6, Township 65, Range 27, running east 38 rods and south 42 rods, being 38 rods across east and west, and 42 rods long north and south, each block 12 rods square with 12 feet alley, and each lot 66 feet wide by 93 feet long." Several addi- tions were subsequently made to the original plat, and the territory embraced within the town limits at this time is sufficient for a city of at least 2,000 inhabitants. Near the central part of the town is a large public square; running east and west are six streets, crossed at right angles by nine streets running north and south.
The lots in the first surveys were offered for sale in 1851, but no im- provements of any kind appear to have been attempted for a year or two later. One of the first residents of the village was John Haynes, who, as early, perhaps, as 1852, erected a small frame building, and engaged in the mercantile business which he carried on for about two years. James Anderson, Sr., and James Anderson, Jr., purchased lots soon after the survey, and erected residences on the same in an early day.
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James Anderson, Sr., brought a small stock of goods to the town, and was for a short time identified with the mercantile interests of the place. He subsequently erected what has since been known as the Central House, on which he kept the first hotel in the town. James Anderson, Jr., a little later erected a large two-story frame building on North Main Street, known as the Eagle hotel, which was run as a place of public entertainment for a number of years. He afterward sold goods in the building, and seems to have done a fairly good busi- ness. The house passed through a number of hands from time to time, and was destroyed by fire about the year 1883. Aquilla C. Barber, in 1857, erected a business house on the west side of the public square, in which for some time he sold goods in partnership with Joel Hall, who subsequently purchased the whole interest. Dr. C. M. Gilkey located in the town soon after it was founded, and engaged in the practice of medicine which he carried on for some time in connection with the mercantile business, his partner being James B. Brower, who early erected a building in the north part of the village. From 1852 until 1857 the following persons purchased real estate in the town: Thomas Patton, L. G. Jones, John S. Haynes, William Anderson, J. P. King, William Hodgin, Joseph Bridges, John Spencer, William R. Allen, William Owings, J. W. Hasp & Co., B. F. Fletcher, Henry Sweeten, Nathan W. Tripp, Hezekiah W. Herring, John Martin, W. D. Horton, Henry O. Nevill, Joseph Huntseck, Robert W. Memford, William Mallett, William B. Needham, Thomas H. Poynter, James J. Dale, William Ballew, Ellen Barber, George W. Johnson, M. L. James, J. D. Tall and S. J. Tall. The following were early purchasers of lots in Hall's addition to the town: B. A. McClure, Elisha Meeker, A. W. Allen, James H. Poynter, Thomas E. Beach, John R. Colwell, Noah Coons, William R. Allen, W. J. Skinner, M. S. Berks, M. P. Wills and Willis Owings.
Business Men .- Additional to the early merchants already named was Thomas Poynter, who engaged in the mercantile trade about 1856 or 1857 in a small frame building which stood near the northern lim- its of the town. After continuing alone a few years he went into partnership with Horace H. Fitch, and erected a store building on the public square, which is still standing. Messrs. Poynter & Fitch were very successful merchants, and amassed a comfortable competence during the years they remained in the town. The following men and firms were engaged in the mercantile business from time to time: Amos Poynter, William Poynter, George Young, Young & Wren, Young & Shirley, George Norris, Peter McCall, Downing & Moore,
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Briggs, Hall & Pearson, Elisha Meeker, Hugh Munson, John Spencer, Hillman & Allen, Hillman & Dunn, Boham & Lockwood, Ewart & Nevill, Officer & Edson, Stonum Bros., Dr. Tilton, Elisha Banta and John Hampton.
Early Mechanics .- Among the early mechanics of Eagleville were William Robbins, carpenter; Andrew Kreamer, shoemaker; James Beech, cabinet-maker; and William Hodgin, Samuel Moore & Son, blacksmiths. These men all came to the town in an early day, and worked at their respective trades for a number of years.
Medical Men .- The following physicians practiced the healing art in Eagleville at different times: Drs. C. M. Gilkey, H. J. Skinner, S. B. McClellan, Charles Oatman, Dr. Newman and A. H. Vandivert. The present physicians are Drs. J. L. Downing and T. Bohannon.
Mill .- The only manufacturing enterprise of any note in Eagle- ville is the large flouring-mill erected in 1870 by Robert Huffman. The building is a three-story frame with basement, supplied with machinery for the manufacture of a superior grade of flour. It is operated at this time by Messrs. Huffman & Miller, who do a good business.
F. T. Harvey for several years carried on a furniture factory in the town, which he operated with encouraging success. He subsequently moved to Bethany, where he is still engaged in the trade.
Growth .- During the first few years of its history Eagleville pro- gressed but slowly, a variety of causes combining to retard its prog- ress, one of which was the unsettled condition of the surround- ing country, which at that time was scarcely developed. The town took a new life soon after the war, and from about the year 1866 until 1870 it was by far the most prosperous trading point in Harrison County. Six or eight large stores were in operation dur- ing that period, and business of all kinds was well supported. It drew trade from all parts of Northern Harrison, and for several years was the rival of the county seat. The completion of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad through the county, and the springing up of the thriving towns of Ridgeway and Blythedale, a few miles distant, proved a death blow to its prosperity, since which time it has been on the downward grade. A general decay fastened itself upon the once flourishing little city, and at this time the town is but a shadow of its former self. It still commands a fair proportion of the current trade, however, and will doubtless remain a local business point for years to come. The business of the town at this time is rep- resented by the following directory: George H. Lockwood, druggist;
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Pearson & Wyant, general merchandise; A. Cramer & Son, general stock; John A. Anderson, groceries; T. B. Schaeffer, hardware; W. L. Hoffman, furniture; John W. Moore, drugs; Miss M. C. Welch and Mrs. Brower, milliners; John Wylie, photographer; George F. Moore, livery stable; James Terry, blacksmith; James Cross and Perry Muma, butchers; Charles C. Hall, harness-maker; James Cross, proprietor of the Central House; John Moore, plasterer.
There are three churches in the town, Methodist, Baptist and Christian, all of which have substantial frame houses of worship.
Secret Societies .- The Masonic fraternity is represented in Eagle- ville by the Lodge of Light, No. 257, organized about the year 1867 or 1868, with seven or eight charter members. Meetings were held in different buildings until 1880, at which time the present hall over the business room of T. B. Schaeffer was erected. While not so strong in numbers as formerly, the society is still in a prosperous condition, with an active membership of thirty. The first Worshipful Master was Arthur Graham. The present officers are T. B. Schaeffer, W. M .; J. M. Settle, S. W .; Andrew Sheets, J. W .; J. L. Downing, Sec .; Jacob Coontz, Treas .; John Barber, S. D .; Wesley Eaton, J. D., and P. T. Anderson, Tyler.
Eagleville Lodge, No. 166, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 27, 1867, by District Deputy Grand Master John E. Clayton, with the following charter members: Henry O. Bryant, Veazy Price, Henry Moats, T. B. Schaeffer and A. P. Rupe. Among the first officers were T. B. Schaeffer, N. G .; Henry Moats, V. G., and J. W. Ewart, Sec. The lodge grew and prospered for a number of years, and at one time had the names of 130 members upon the records. It lost heavily by deaths and removals from time to time, and in February, 1887, there were but eight members left. By mutual consent it was decided to surrender the charter in the above month and year, since which time the residue of members have been identified with the lodge at Ridgeway.
. Eagle Lodge, No. 118, A. O. U. W., was established about the year 1881, with a good membership which has since decreased until at this time there are only ten belonging. The present officers of the organization are as follows: J. D. Brown, M. W .; William Pearson, Recorder; A. H. Deputy, Financier; T. B. Schaeffer, Receiver; A. J. Sheets, Foreman; R. H. Wren, Guide; P. T. Anderson, O. W., and Dr. Bohannon, Medical Examiner.
Rheubendal Post, No. 223, G. A. R., was organized in Decem- ber, 1883, by Maj. Skinner, of Bethany, with thirty-three charter
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members. The first officers were J. D. Officer, Commander; R. H. Ginstead, S. V. C .; James Dale, J. V. C .; A. H. Deputy, O. D .; H. M. Stump, O. G .; Charles Miller, Adjutant; J. A. Coontz, Q. M .; Henry Tripp, Surgeon. Officers of 1887: T. B. Schaeffer, Com- mander; H. J. Herring, J. V. C .; James Dale, J. V. C .; O. W. John- son, Q. M .; I. N. Curry, Adjt. ; John Cook, O. D .; John Hovater, O. G .; James Cross, Surgeon, Thomas Beeks, Chaplain. Present membership is seventy-six.
Mount Moriah .- The town of Mount Moriah is situated in the eastern part of Trail Creek Township, about two miles from the bound- ary line between Harrison and Mercer Counties, and was surveyed in the year 1856 by Alexander McCollum, for George Miller, proprietor. The plat as recorded shows sixteen blocks, subdivided into 140 lots, laid out on the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 23, Township 64, Range 26. The village appears to have been the outgrowth of the neighborhood's demand for a trading point, and the locality was first brought into prominence by a steam saw and flouring mill erected by Mr. Miller as early as 1855 or 1856. A short time after the survey W. J. Prater, an early settler in the vicinity, purchased a lot and erected a blacksmith shop, and a little later a dwelling, which were the first buildings on the town site. The former stood near the central part of the village on the lot now occupied by Dr. Sellers' business house, and the dwelling was built southwest of the pub- lic square, where the residence of George W. Stewart now stands. In the winter of 1856 John Purdun moved to the village and engaged in the blacksmithing business, erecting a shop northeast of the square, and a dwelling in the western part of the town, where Elisha Bustle now lives. The first business house was erected by George W. Miller south of the square, in which he sold goods about one year, closing out at the end of that time. An early grocery and whisky shop was started on the south side of the square by one Samuel W. Huller, whose place soon became the rendezvous of all the worthless charac- ters of the community. He continued to ply his trade about one year, at the end of which time his establishment was forcibly broken up by the better class of citizens, who determined to remove the cause which gave the town its unenviable reputation.
About the year 1858 William Frazee engaged in the dry goods trade, which he carried on with fair success until 1860, the stock then being purchased by Messrs. White & Dearduff, who contin- ued the business about two years longer. The building in which this store was kept stood east of the square, and was erected by Jesse
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Walker. Charles Dukes erected a building west of the square in an early day, which he designed for a hotel, but it does not appear to have been used for that purpose. The first building opened for the accommodation of the traveling public was the residence of W. J. Prater, but the first regular hotel was started about the year 1860 by H. O. Bryant.
Among the earliest mechanics, aside from Messrs. Prater & Pur- dun, were Joseph Parish, blacksmith; Charles Dukes, carpenter; Rob- ert Jackson, carpenter and cabinet-maker; A. T. Shaffer, blacksmith; Samuel J. Wright, blacksmith and wagon-maker, and Charles Eades, wagon-maker.
The following men and firms carried on the mercantile business at different times: Samuel Smith, Joseph V. Parish, James Burrows, William Stewart, George Flint, Wesley Cardiff, Joseph Webb, Henry White, William Chambers, Chambers & Baker, Chambers & Fuller, Chambers & Macey, Chambers & Stoner, Samuel Baker, Oscar Shoemaker, Shoemaker & Macey, Shoemaker & Bustle. The first drug store was started about the year 1866 by H. O. Bryant, who, a little later, effected a co-partnership in the business with James M. Brady. Albert O. Bryant subsequently purchased the interest of the former, and after continuing the business with Brady about one year, withdrew with his half of the stock, and engaged in the trade upon his own responsibility. Charles Cane, Joseph Coburn, Merrifield & Lincoln, O. C. Macey, and Shipley & Stanley carried on the drug trade at dif- ferent times, but the record is that nearly all of them finally failed in the business. Messrs. Church & Bishop opened the first hardware store about the year 1882. The latter is still in the business.
Among the physicians who have resided in the town from time to time were the following: Alexander Scott, - Scott, 'Dr. Benson, William Bryant, A. L. Dunn, M. M. Hayden, Dr. Bushon, George W. Sellers, William A. Melton and Dr. Cruzan, the last three being still in the village.
As already stated, the first manufacturing enterprise was the saw and flouring mill erected by George W. Miller. Mr. Miller sold out at the end of about one year to J. Oatman, who, after operating the mill for some time, disposed of it to Joseph Collier, by whom it was subsequently moved to Bethany.
Messrs. Kane & Hally erected a steam saw and corn mill about the year 1863, and ran it very successfully for a period of five or six years. It was afterward sold and moved from the village. The pres- ent saw mill was brought to the town in 1885 by Robert Neal. It does
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a very fair business and is extensively patronized by the citizens of the town and adjacent country.
Mount Moriah is essentially a mercantile town, and as such will compare favorably with any other village of the county. It is sur- rounded by a fine agricultural region, and is the chief source of sup- plies for a large area of territory in Harrison, Mercer and Grundy Counties. During the war the village was almost deserted, but about the year 1866 it became infused with new life and vitality, and until the completion of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad it ranked with Bethany, Cainesville and Eagleville in the extent of its mercantile trade. It is still a place of considerable business impor- tance, and, from its admirable location, is likely to continue in com- mand of a large proportion of the current trade.
The business at this time is represented by the following register: Webb & Sons, dry goods and general merchandise. This is one of the best stores in the county, and the annual business will compare well with much larger firms. - - Pratt, general stock; Cox & Coleman, general merchandise; F. M. Shipley, groceries; Jacob Crew, groceries; Burrows & McKiddy, hardware; James H. Bishop, hardware; Joseph Green, dealer in furniture; John Balls, livery barn; James H. Cham- bers, hotel; Twiliger & Co., blacksmiths and wagon-makers; Mrs. Joseph Kilburn, milliner.
The first postmaster of the town was W. J. Prater, since the expir- ation of whose term of service the office has been filled by the follow- ing gentlemen: H. O. Bryant, John Myers, O. Shoemaker, George Fisher, and the present incumbent, Joseph Sallee.
Mount Lebanon Lodge, No. 332, A. F. & A. M., was organized in the year 1868 with about eight members. The first officers were A. T. Shaffer, W. M .; W. J. Prater, S. W .; Conrad Mooter, J. W .; A. G. Hale, Tyler; Joseph Webb, Treas .; T. B. Walker, Sec .; Wes- ley Cardiff and J. Green, Deacons. The organization was kept up for a period of five or six years, but owing to deaths and removals the charter was surrendered at the end of that time.
Odd Fellowship is represented in the village by Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 269, instituted about the year 1870. The membership at this time is quite small, the records showing the names of only twelve belonging. The elective officers are D. J. Cumming, N. G .; H. S. Wilkinson, V. G .; J. D. Roberts, Sec. ; and O. J. Shoemaker, Treas.
Bradshaw Post, No. 201, Grand Army of the Republic, was estab- lished in September, 1885. The organization has enjoyed great pros- perity, and now numbers over sixty-five members. The officers for
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1887 were as follows: D. J. Cumming, Com .; G. W. Allen, S. V. C .; William Dodd, J. V. C .; O. J. Shoemaker, adjt .; A. T. Shaffer, O. D .; Joseph T. Milner, O. G .; John Ball, S. M .; John Misner, Q. M. S .; L. B. Blount, Sent.
Ridgeway is a thriving town of about 400 inhabitants, situated twelve miles northeast of Bethany on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, of which it is an outgrowth. The land upon which the vil- lage stands was purchased about 1880, by C. C. Perkins, an official of the road, who in June of the same year secured the services of "A. B. Smith, county engineer, and had the same laid off into lots. The site occupies part of Sections 3 and 4, Township 64, and Sections 33 and 34, Township 65, Range 27, and includes thirty-two blocks traversed by the following streets: Maple, Locust, Walnut, Vine, Cedar, Pine, Spruce and Poplar, running east and west, and Main, First, Second and Third, north and south. 'Soon after the completion of the road the village became a good shipping point for grain and live stock, and within a short time after the station was located several business men purchased and improved a number of lots. The first building in the village was a small frame structure erected on Main Street for the purpose of a meat market, and its first stock of goods was brought to the place by S. D. Rardan, who is still identified with the business interests of the town. Stanley & Co. engaged in merchandising soon after the village was surveyed, as did also M. Bennett, W. J. Cole- man, J. H. Ray, J. B. Eads, J. T. Dixon and others. Additional to the foregoing, the following men and firms sold goods from time to time: J. Stanley & Son, G. W. Brewer, Fowler & Son, Coombs & Cole, J. H. Goodwin, Ray & Pritchard, Carmen & Masden, J. A. Nelson, Milligan & Stanley, Hubbell and Richardson, Gillidett & Co., and J. R. Maxwell.
The first hotel, Central House, was opened in 1880 by Mrs. Drug, and the City Hotel was erected the following fall by William Earl.
The town was incorporated in August, 1881, with the following municipal officers: Richard Hayworth, O. D. Wilcox, John E. Opdyke, Frank M. Monroe and James S. Hayes, trustees; George T. Kirk, clerk; John S. Rarden, marshal and street commissioner, and A. J. Milligan, collector. The officers at this time are the following: Board of trustees, M. Burris, J. C. Baker, David Elliott, M. Bennett and George Dunbill. George T. Kirk is clerk and assessor, E. T. Waddi- love, marshal, street commissioner and assessor, and W. A. Miner, treasurer.
The first postmaster was A. B. Barnes, and A. J. Henry was the
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HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY.
first station agent. W. E. Yeoder, W. C. Elder, and M. D. Sham- blin have held the latter position at different times, the last named having charge of the railroad office at the present time. The present postmaster is S. D. Rardin. The physicians who have practiced their profession in the village from time to time have been the following: C. W. Robertson, A. Williams, A. B. Barnes, Dr. Burgin, A. A. Col- lier, S. B. Guild and Charles Conway.
Ridgeway District Fair Association was organized in the fall of 1882. It was chartered with 501 shares and 100 members, and was established for the purpose of promoting an interest in agriculture, and stimulating the stock ,interests of the neighborhood and county. The first officers were H. S. Burgin, president; James M. Hughes, treasurer; George W. Brewer, secretary, and J. W. Reaksecker, super- intendent. A forty-acre tract of ground one and three-quarters miles south of the village was purchased, and the necessary improve- ments erected thereon in the summer of 1882. These consist of a fine half-mile race track, several wells, a large pond, a floral hall 36x80 feet, a large booth 24x80 feet, and 117 stalls for the accom- modation of stock entered for exhibition. The first fair was held on the 9th of October, 1882, and continued very successfully for four days. A fine lot of well bred live stock was on exhibition, and the display of agricultural and mechanical industries would have done credit to a much more pretentious association. Fairs have been held every year since the organization went into effect, and the interest in the association continues to increase. The association was reorganized in May, 1886, and the number of stockholders reduced to fifteen. The officers last elected were as follows: H. J. Herring, president; J. L. Kelsey, vice-president; T. J. Freeman, treasurer, C. W. Robertson, secretary, and J. C. Baker, marshal; J. L. Kelsey, E. Munson, T. J. Freeman, D. H. Burgin and C. W. Robertson, executive committee. The directors are J. L. Kelsey, E. O. Neff, H. J. Herring and J. H. Burgin.
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