USA > Missouri > Cedar County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 51
USA > Missouri > Dade County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 51
USA > Missouri > Barton County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 51
USA > Missouri > Hickory County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 51
USA > Missouri > Polk County > History of Hickory, Polk, Cedar, Dade, and Barton counties, Missouri > Part 51
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SCHOOLS.
First Schools .- The pioneer school in Barton County was taught by William Seals, in 1854, two miles south of Lamar. The school-house was of logs. Its floor extended over only half of the floor surface. Its desks, seats and other furniture were of the most primitive kind. One who was an attendant upon its daily sessions states that its apparatus consisted of an assortment of switches of various sizes and varying degrees of pain-producing and terror-inspiring power. The second school was taught in a vacant house in the western part of Lamar, as the town is now bounded, by A. R. Randall, now a photographer at Jerico Springs, Cedar County. The first regular school-house erected in the county was a little frame building, about a block from the public square in Lamar, which was built in 1866. It was aban- doned in 1871, and the site is now occupied by a private residence.
General Progress .- For years the cause of education lagged in Barton County, owing in no small degree to the deplorable social conditions following the great internecine struggle, espe- cially noticeable along the border; but new life was infused into
1
573
HISTORY OF BARTON COUNTY.
it about twenty years ago through more careful organization, more systematic classification of studies, and more thorough instruction and official supervision. The school laws of the State are wisely calculated to encourage and foster schools everywhere within its borders, and its most potent benefit is conferred through the public school fund, which arises from the following sources: The proceeds of all lands that have been or may be hereafter granted by the United States to the State of Missouri, and not otherwise appropriated by the State or United States; all moneys, stocks, bonds, lands or other property now belonging to any fund for the purposes of education, except wherein the vested rights of townships, counties, cities or towns would be infringed; the net proceeds of the State tobacco warehouse, and of all sales of lands and other property and effects that may accrue to the State by escheat, or for sale of estrays, or for unclaimed dividends or distributive shares of the estate of deceased persons, or from fines, penalties or forfeitures; any proceeds from the sales of public lands which may have been or hereafter may be paid over to this State, if Congress will consent to such appro- priation; all other grants, gifts or devises that have been or here- after may be made to this State, and not otherwise appropriated by the terms of the grant, gift or devise. This fund is invested under the direction of the State Board of Education, either in bonds of the United States or bonds of the State of Missouri, and its income, together with twenty-five per cent of the State revenue, is applied annually to the support of public education throughout the State. Of this fund Barton County received in the past year something more than $5,000; and this, with an income of ten per cent from the common school or county fund, and the several township funds, constitutes its annual available school fund. The common school fund, and the interest thereon, amounts to $95,500.05. The township fund is divided as follows among the various school townships:
Township.
Amount.
Township.
Amount.
Township.
Amount.
31 of Range 29 $ 330.00
33 of Range 30 $3,432.00
32 of Range 32 $5,666.20
32
29
2,041.00
31 "
3I
2, 124.00
33
32
4,395.00
33
29
853.80
32 "
66
31 372.00
31
33
5,218.00.
31 "
30
831.00
3.3 ℃
31
2,585.00
32
33
5,072.80
32 "
30
430.00
31
32
5,704.00
33
66
33
320.00
574
STATE OF MISSOURI.
From the above figures, it will be seen that the amount available for the year for school purposes from this combined fund is ten per cent, or about $140,000. This is a permanent fund, the interest only being used in paying teachers' salaries, and some districts have a large surplus after employing teachers eight or ten months in the year. Those who have families and are disposed to seek homes in Barton County need not think they are making a sacrifice of their educational advantages in forsak- ing their trans-Mississippi homes. They will find that this county fully appreciates the blessings and benefits arising from a well-directed public school system.
The first school after the war was taught in Lamar, in the winter of 1866-67, by Reeson Bovard. Other early teachers in Lamar were Messrs. Chadsey, W. L. Mack, A. J. and A. K. Wray, and Pettibone. The Milford, Golden Grove, LeRoy,. Nashville and Rocky Mountain schools were established 1866-69, about in the order named.
The first superintendent of public schools for Barton County was W. H. Avery, who was inducted into office soon after the close of the war. His successor was J. A. Albright. A. J. Wray was elected in 1870, and A. D. Pittinger in 1872. The latter soon resigned, and A. J. Wray was appointed to fill the vacancy thus occasioned in 1873. In 1874 A. K. Wray was elected, and served until 1875 as superintendent, and after that as school commissioner, until succeeded by A. J. Wray, who was elected in 1881. The latter resigned, and was followed by W. E. Tipton, who was appointed to fill the vacancy, and elected in 1883. A. J. Wray succeeded him by appointment, and was elected in 1885, and re-elected in 1887. The present school com- missioner, John Beam, was elected in 1889.
Statistical .- According to the last published report of the county commissioner of public schools, the statistical showing of the schools of the county was as follows: Number of male pupils enrolled, 2,654; female, 2,622; total, 5,276. Number of male teachers employed, 30; female, 72; total, 102. Average salary, $39.70 per month. Number of rooms occupied, 102; seating capacity of all rooms, 5,025. Number of white schools, 90. Cost per day per pupil, 60 cents. Value of school property,
575
HISTORY OF BARTON COUNTY.
$68,095. Amount paid teachers, $29,472.13. Amount paid for incidentals, $6,595.18. Amount paid for sites, buildings and furnishing, $2,645.43. Total expenditures, $39,944.66.
The county now contains nearly a hundred modern school- houses, all supplied with the latest improved school furniture and appliances.
CHURCHES.
The development of religious sentiment in Barton County is no less marked than educational evolution.
Early Church History .- The first religious services ever held in the county were in the old court house, which later did service as a restaurant. As there was then no minister in Lamar, the congregation selected one of their number to read a sermon; and there are some persons living in Lamar to-day who insist that the most enjoyable meetings they ever attended were those in the old court house. A Baptist Church house, erected in 1870, was the first church building in the county; and before and since then religious organizations in different parts of the county have met at school-houses, thus made to serve a double purposes.
Christian Harmony and Extension .- The pastors of the various creeds labor zealously in the holy cause they are striving to perpetuate, and the fraternal relations of these workers indi- cates the prevalence of brotherly love among them. Through their efforts the aggregate church membership in the county is increasingly large.
Different Organizations .- The First Baptist Church of Lamar was organized November 10, 1867, with the following constituent `members: Thomas J. Finley, M. N. Wills, J. W. Dunn, Christopher C. Finley, Benjamin Harmon, George W. Lampkins, William J. Lovell, Lawson Sharp, Demas D. Wills, Alexander J. Rodgers, William Sharp, A. H. Joyce, Moses Cole, Marriette Humphrey, D. Humphrey, Ferdinand Cornman, Alex- ander James, Newton Griffin, William Stinnet, Thomas B. Grubbs, Jesse Stinnet, William C. Howard, A. J. Joyce, Leah B. Finley, Susannah Wills, Delilah J. Dunn, Catharine Hartman, Mary E. Lampkins, Nettie Lemarr, Martha M. Lemarr, Emma Brown,
576
STATE OF MISSOURI.
Ann Lovell, Mary P. Sharp, Permelia F. Wills, Huldah Rodgers, Sarah J. Lemarr, Elizabeth Sharp, Sarah J. Joyce, Mahala Le- marr, Mary James, Mary Griffin, Kate Robinson, Mary Treat, Ketura R. Joyce, Letitia A. Boss, Ruth A. Joyce, Alice M. Sleeth and Mrs. Moses Cole. Its present house of worship was erected in 1888, and is one of the largest and best appointed in the county. Its first was the one previously referred to as the pioneer church building. Rev. C. C. Young is the pastor.
The Christian Church of Lamar was organized soon after the war, and its house of worship was built less than ten years ago. " Father " Ryan, as he was familiarly known, was one of its early and one of its most useful pastors. The present pastor is Rev. W. P. Summers.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Lamar was one of the earliest organized there. Peyton Cockrell was an influential and helpful early member. Its house of worship was built five or six years ago. Rev. C. V. Criss is the pastor at this time.
The Presbyterian Church of Lamar was organized about 1883, through the instrumentality of H. R. Davis. Rev. Mr. Price and Rev. J. W. Heagen (who is also the present pastor) were among its early pastors. The house of worship was built about ten years ago, at a cost of $2,500. J. T. Dunwoody, William Noel, Mr. Dysart and W. Mack were among its most helpful early members and promoters.
The Congregational Church of Lamar was organized about 1873, and its house was built about a year later. Rev. H. G. Murch was its first pastor. Among those who have served since have been Revs. R. B. Bull, D. D., and P. B. West. The pres- ent incumbent is Rev. H. M. Cole.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Golden City is one of the oldest organizations there. Its house of worship, built in 1871-72, was the first erected in the town. Though it has been refitted and enlarged at different times, it is insufficient for the accom- modation of the congregation, and a new building is contem- plated. Among the prominent members of this church are some of the Joslins, Stemmonses, Thompsons, Bests, Wyatts, Fords, Hankinses, Coovers, Jewells, Bernards, Woods, Hollidays and Nightingates. The pastor is Rev. W. T. Wright.
577
HISTORY OF BARTON COUNTY.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Golden City has among its members and supporters some of the Halls, Garretts, Pattisons, Butlers, Stones, Andrewses, Fants, Kiddoos, Phillipses and McGowans. Its house of worship was built in 1881. Rev. W. H. Stevens is pastor.
The Baptist Church of Golden City includes among its mem- bers and supporters some of the Websters, Pattisons, Catletts and Eccases. Its church house was built about six years ago. It has a good membership, but no regular pastor at this time.
The Presbyterian Church of Golden City is a small congrega- tion, which includes members of the Trent, McMinn, Harrison and other well-known families. Rev. H. R. Lewis is pastor, and services are held in the Methodist Episcopal Church building.
The Methodist Church, South, of Golden City, is a growing organization, which is now erecting a neat house of worship that will be ample for the congregation. Some of the Calverts, Davises, with others, are members. Rev. J. G. L. Mitchell is pastor.
The Christian Church of Golden City has an active organiza- tion, but no building, its services being held in Opera Hall. It has (as have the other churches of the town) a Sunday-school. Rev. J. M. Claypool is pastor.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Nashville is an organiza- tion dating back some years. Its house of worship, which cost about $2,000, was dedicated in March, 1886. The pastor then was Rev. D. B. Johnson. His successors have been Revs. C. E. Evans, G. R. Anderson, N. Bell, and the present pastor, Rev. H. V. Hammill, who is also presiding elder of his district.
The Congregational Church of Denison was organized about 1883 in Liberal, and subsequently removed to Denison. A frame. church house was built in 1885. Among the members of this congregation are some of the Hendrickses, Delissas, Boulwares, Moores and others. Rev. Mr. Marlow was an early pastor.
The Christian Church of Denison was organized in 1887, and its house of worship was built in the same year. Among its members and supporters are some of the Delissas, Hollands, Sandfords and Fowlers. It is a growing organization.
The Presbyterian Church of Iantha erected its house of
.
578
STATE OF MISSOURI.
worship at a cost of $1,000, in 1876. This organization includes some of the most prominent families in that part of the county.
There is a Roman Catholic organization in Lamar, and a church house was built there some years ago; but there is no resident pastor, and the congregation is small.
A society of Spiritualists was formed at Liberal in 1883. Among its members and attendants are Mrs. J. K. Belk, Mrs. D. P. Greeley, J. B. McGuffin, M. B. Andrews, D. P. Greeley, and Mr. and Mrs. Stowe.
There are churches at Milford and Nashville, and one or two remote from towns within the borders of the county. There are, too, small societies which meet in school-houses, or other con- venient places, for worship. The people, generally, have not advanced sufficiently in material wealth to insure the erection of church houses in every neighborhood; but it is believed that the next two years will witness a great advance in this respect.
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BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
HICKORY COUNTY.
Frederick Bandel was born in Prussia, Germany, March 21, 1824, being a son of Christian and Johanna (Summer) Bandel, also natives of Germany. The father died in Germany at the age of sixty-one years, and his widow and children afterward emigrated to America, reaching the United States in the spring of 1856. They first located in Davis County, Iowa; then moved to Hickory County, Mo., where the mother died in 1876, aged eighty years. Both parents were members of the Lutheran Church, and he was in the war with Napoleon Bonaparte, and was a participant in the battles of Leipsic, Waterloo, and others. He was a tiller of the soil throughout life, and, like the majority of farmers, was honest, sober and industrious. His union resulted in the birth of six sons and two daughters, the latter being residents of Prussia. The second son, Godfried, came to the United States in 1852, and located in Burlington, Iowa, and about 1857 four more brothers came to the United States and located in Davis County, Iowa. Frederick Bandel received his education in his native land, and, when a young man, learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked until he came to the United States, when he turned his attention to farming, but was taken sick soon after his arrival, and the most of his capital was spent to pay his physician. After recovering, he began chop- ping and sawing wood, and, by perseverance and industry, has become the owner of a valuable farm of 310 acres in Hickory County, which is finely improved with good build- ings, his barn being 56x60 feet, and furnished with all the latest improvements. He gives considerable attention to the propa- gation of stock, and ranks among the successful citizens of the county. When twenty-eight years of age he was married to Emma Waggoner, who was born in Prussia in 1825, and died in Middle- town, Iowa, soon after arriving from the old country. Two
580
HICKORY COUNTY.
children survive: Augusta and Frederick. Another child, named Frank, nine months old, died the same day of its mother's death. In 1859 Mr. Bandel wedded Louisa Brookmeyer, who was born in 1834, also in Prussia. Seven children are the result of this union: Charles J., Frederick William, Zennie, Lissie, Nancy, Pauline and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Bandel are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and he is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Agricultural Wheel.
August Bandel, a successful farmer and stockman of Stark Township, Hickory County, Mo., was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1826, and is a son of Christian and Johanna (Summer) Ban- del, who were born in Germany in 1705 and 1706 respectively, the father having been a farmer by occupation. He served in the Franco-Prussian War against Napoleon for six years, and died on his home farm in 1863. August Bandel came to the United States in 1856, and in July of that year located in Burlington, Iowa. After residing here for some time, he located at Bloomfield, and ten years later (in 1866) came to Missouri, settling on his present property, which consists of 195 acres of land. While residing in Iowa during the war he served in the Home Guards, and was married in that State to Miss Susannah Rutz, a native of Switzer- land. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in his political views he is a Republican. He and wife have no family, but have reared a nephew, Frederick William Bandel, since he was nine years of age. The latter is now sixteen years old, and assists his uncle in tilling the farm.
William S. Barnett is a native of Benton County, Mo., where he was born, January 27, 1853, but is now connected with Heath, Noland & Co., merchants, of Cross Timbers, Hickory County, Mo., where he has been a resident since twenty-two years of age. He received his education in Benton County, and, after farming one year, came to Hickory County, as above stated, and bought an interest in the steam mills at Cross Timbers, which he continued to operate two years; then sold out and bought his father's old homestead in Benton County. This farm he sold two years later, and purchased property near Cross Timbers; but, after farming here three years, sold out to Heath, Noland & Co., and at that date became a member of their mercantile firm, and also owns an interest in their mill and real estate. He is now occupied in superintending the mill at Cross Timbers. When starting out in life for himself, it was without means, but he put his shoulder to the wheel, and has labored faithfully and intelli- gently, and is now in a fair way to become one of the wealthy citizens of the county. On the 14th of February, 1879, he wedded Miss Minnie Ida Rubey, daughter of Dr. A. Rubey, of Cross Tim- bers. She was born in Iowa, in 1858, and died April 5, 1889, leav- ing, besides her husband, the following children to mourn her loss:
581
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
Lester, Lemuel R., Ernest O., Zula and Ada, the latter dying when an infant. Mr. Barnett is the third of eight children born to William H. and Letha (Jenkins) Barnett. The former was born in Kentucky, in 1816, and came to Missouri during the early settlement of Benton County, and was there engaged in farming and stock trading, but lost heavily during the war. He was killed in Benton County, Mo., by a runaway team, in 1879. He served in the Mexican War, but was exempt from service in the Rebellion. He was a Democrat politically, and he and wife were members of the Christian Church. The latter was brought by her parents (from Indiana, it is supposed) to Missouri when a child, and spent the remainder of her life in Benton County, dying at the age of forty-two years.
William Y. Bennett, stockman and farmer of Hickory County, Mo., and native of the same, was born in 1860, being a son of Ceborn and Lucy (Hollenbeck) Bennett, and grandson of Van Ransler Bennett, the latter a native of York State. He was an early resident of Ohio and afterward moved to Iowa, but spent his declining years in Missouri; his death occurring two miles north of Wheatland, in 1884. He was a carpenter by trade. His wife was a Brandenberg, her grandfather having lived and died in Germany. The maternal grandfather was born in York State, March 4, 1801, and died in Iowa in 1889. Ceborn Bennett was born in Athens County, Ohio, October 14, 1835, and was there reared to manhood on a farm. He located in Jefferson County, Iowa, near Fairfield, and was there married. In 1859 he located in Hickory County, Mo., and resided here until his death, in 1876. He was a Republican in politics, and during the Rebellion was a member of the Missouri State Militia. His wife was born in Ohio, and is yet living. William Y. Bennett is their only child, and was educated in the common schools of Hickory County. He was married at the age of twenty years to Miss Cora Hickman, who was born in 1863, and by her has three children: Orlan, Zula and Earl. Mr. Bennett has been engaged in merchandising, in partnership with E. T. Condley, at Cross Timbers, for four years, but since the fall of 1888 has been occupied in farm labor. He and wife are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South. Mrs. Bennett is a daughter of William C. and Martha J. (Hicks) Hickman.
Henry G. Bliss, of Hickory County, Mo., is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Guth) Bliss, natives of Lorraine, France, born in 1808 and 1812, respectively. Previous to their marriage the father served seven years in the French army, and, after that event, was engaged in farming until his removal to America, about 1853. He located in Cleveland County, Ohio, and, after tilling the soil there for a short period, he came to Missouri, and resided first in Maries County, and then in Hickory County,
1
582
HICKORY COUNTY.
where he died in 1870, having been an earnest member of the Lutheran Church for many years. The mother is still living, and resides with her son Henry G., who is the elder of her two chil- dren, being born in Lorraine, France, in 1839. He spent his early life with his father until the year 1866, when he came to Hickory County, Mo., and has resided here since. He was married to Miss Lavina M. Marsh, who was born in Dallas County, Mo., in 1850. They have nine children: George, Sophia, Fannie, Nellie, Linnie, Maud, Charles, Florence and Roscoe. Mr. Bliss is one of the wealthy farmers of the county, and is now the owner of 580 acres of land, and is erecting on his farm a handsome dwelling house. He is a Republican in poli- tics, and a member of the Agricultural Wheel. The paternal grandfather, David Bliss, spent his life in Lorraine, France.
William Bradshaw was born in the " Old North State" (Cald- well County), in May, 1843, and, when a small boy, was taken by his parents, Burton and Sarah (Kerby) Bradshaw, to Hickory County, Mo. His parents were born, reared and married in their native State, and died in Missouri, the father many years ago, and the mother about 1881. William Bradshaw is the eld- est of their six children, and about the time he reached manhood the Rebellion broke out, and he immediately joined the Federal forces, serving three years in the Missouri State Militia, and received his discharge at Osceola, St. Clair County, Mo. On the 21st of February, 1864, he was married to Miss L. G. Poe, who was born in Hickory County, Mo., in 1845, and by her has a family of five children: Albert M., Henry C., Mary C., Sarah E., and Eliza F. Mr. Bradshaw owns a fine farm of 185 acres of land, and gives much of his attention to raising blooded stock, having a fine herd of short-horn cattle, and a large drove of Poland China hogs. In politics Mr. Bradshaw is a Republican. His grandfather was Seth Bradshaw, a native of North Carolina, who was an early resident of Hickory County, Mo., and there died. His mother's maiden name was Goolsby, and she was born in Ireland. Hawkins Kerby, the maternal grandfather of Mr. Bradshaw, was a farmer of Caldwell County, N. C. Mrs. Bradshaw's parents, Alvin and Rebecca (Harris) Poe, were born in Kentucky, in 1811, and February 21, 18II, respectively. They were married May 6, 1829, and the father is still living in Benton County, Mo., but the mother is deceased. They were the parents of eight children.
Henry C. Brookshire, M. D., a native of Hickory County, Mo., and one of its eminent physicians, was born on the 12th of March, 1848, and was educated in Boonville College, at Boon- ville, Mo. In 1872 he began the study of medicine under Dr. J. D. Gunn, in Pettis County, and in 1874 and 1876 he attended lectures in the Medical College of Keokuk, Iowa, from
583
BIOGRAPHICAL APPENDIX.
which he graduated in the latter year. In 1874 he located at Hermitage, but after a short period he came to Wheatland, where he has since made his home, and where he has won an enviable reputation as a physician. In 1884-86 he was located at what is now known as Odin, but with this exception he has made his home in Wheatland since 1874. September 5, 1868, he was married to Miss Mildred M. Woolery, a daughter of Andrew Woolery. She was born in Cooper County, Mo., in 1850, and died in Barry County, Mo., May 16, 1886, having borne a family of four children; Rosa L., wife of John Montgomery; Joseph A., Charles C. and William H. Mrs. Brookshire was a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. March 8, 1887, Dr. Brookshire wedded Miss Mollie Dodson, of Greene County, Mo., by whom he has one son. He and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and in his political views he is a Democrat. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity for a number of years. His parents, William L. and Sarah (Varnell) Brookshire, were born in Virginia and Tennessee, respectively, and both died in Missouri, he in March, 1862, when sixty-six years of age; and she, in October, 1886, at the age of eighty-four years. They were married in East Tennessee, and there continued to make their home until 1829, when they located in Cole County near Jefferson City, and in 1841 came to Hickory County. After the father's death the family moved to Cooper County, but after the war the mother gave up housekeeping and began making her home with her children, continuing so to do until her death. She was a lifelong and consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The father was a wagon-maker by trade, and followed this occupation in connection with farming all his life. He was a Democrat politically, and, during the War of 1812, enlisted in the service, but did not see much fighting. His father, William L. Brookshire, was a son of Joseph Brook- shire, of Virginia. He and his wife had ten children: Houston, Joseph, William, Monimo, Arrisa, DeKalb, and one not named (all now deceased). The three youngest, yet living, are Susan V., J. F. and the subject of this sketch.
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