USA > Missouri > Johnson County > History of Johnson County, Missouri > Part 13
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First Postoffice .- The first postoffice in the township was estab- lished at Basin Knob and John Winfrey served as postmaster there for eleven years. 'Later the postoffice was removed to Pittsville.
Official Records and Statistics, Justices .- The justices of the peace of Jackson township. as far back as the records go, with the dates of
I90
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
their election, are : 1842, Joseph W. Henderson, Baldwin H. Fine. William C. Baker; 1844, Tompkins Bradley. Dennis Dunham: 1846. Mumford Smith, William C. Baker; 1850, Peter H. B. Drace, Daniel W. Ragan: 1856. Finley E. Barnett, John B. Chapman; 1860, Isham Reece : 1862, Richard B. Bradley, William Tucker: 1870. Joseph Pat- terson, J. MM. Martin: 1878, J. B. Murray, R. S. Phillips: 1886, Fred A. Myers, Meredith Rice; 1890, Meredith Rice, Sam C. McGlathery ; 1894, V. Price, G. H. McGlathery : 1896, John Burns; 1898, T. A. Ed- wards Pat Lawson; 1902, C. C. Smith, Pat Lawson; 1906, C. C. Smith, R. L. Howard; 1908, T. J. Haile; 1910, T. J. Haile, C. C. Smith; 1912, Robert H. Peery; 1914, R. L. Howard, C. Sam Smith: 1916, William A. Merrill.
County Officers .- The following are the county officers who have been elected from the township since 1882, with the dates of their elec- tion :
Jasper Ferguson ( Democrat ), surveyor.
1886-Hardin Long (Democrat), county judge.
1906-08-William B. Pemberton ( Democrat ), county judge.
1910-Dr. Alex. C. Crank (Democrat), representative.
1916-R. L. Howard ( Democrat ), treasurer.
Personal Property and Products .- Agriculture and personal prop- erty statistics for Jackson township as given by Missouri State Reports for 1877, and Johnson county assessors' lists for 1896 and 1916, are:
1877
1877
1896
1916
Wheat, bushels
28,839
Horses
937
1,319
1,431
Corn, bushels
37.033
Mules
391
419
566
Oats, bushels
7,869
Cattle
2,101
2,2951/2
2.453
Barley, bushels
82
Hogs
4,795
3.310
2.403
Rye, bushels
18.029
Asses
18
53
Sheep
1,362
556
540
1
14,553
Wool, pounds
3,275
Hay, tons
980
Molasses, gallons
7,017
1896
1916
Notes and money
$ 30.610
$ 47.675
Other personalty
25.815
32,890
All personalty
138,085
214.450
1 1
1
Tobacco, pounds
F 1 1
1
Road Improvements .- County road improvements made by the town-
I9I
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
ship, since this system was established in 1911, were up to January 1. 1918, twenty-three in number and aggregated $1,263, furnished by the citizens of the township, and $1,255 furnished by the county. In amount of this work Jackson ranks fifth among the townships of the county.
Population .- Population of Jackson township, by United States. Census, was:
-1850-
-1860- -1870-
White. Col. Total. White. Col. Total. White. Col. Total. 2,082 311 2,393 2,960 477 3,437 2,150 50 2,200
1880
1890 1900 1910
2,168 2,190
1,913
1,680
Organizations .- The following is a complete list of all organizations of every kind in Jackson township. Full details of each organization are in separate chapters on the different organizations.
Churches-Baptist, Pittsville ; Baptist, Elm Springs; Methodist, Mt. Zion ; Methodist, Woods Chapel : Methodist, South, Baskin Knob ; Metho- dist, South, Blackwater.
Fraternal Organizations-Masons, Blue Lodge, Pittsville : Odd Fel- lows, Pittsville; Modern Woodmen, Pittsville; Royal Neighbors, Pitts- ville.
1917 War Organizations-Red Cross, Pittsville Branch.
Total number of organizations in township, exclusive of schools, is eleven.
There are two villages in the township. Pittsville and Elm. Chapel Hill, site of old Chapel Hill College, is just half a mile from the north line in Lafayette county.
See chapters on Organizations and Families for much township his- tory.
PITTSVILLE.
Pittsville was laid out in 1858 and named in honor of Rev. William M. Pitts, a prominent Methodist devine. He was a native of Kentucky of English ancestry and was born January 6, 1810. He came to Jack- son township in 1848. Pittsville was quite a flourishing village when the Civil War broke out. During the war a part of the town was burned by guerillas. Now it is the center of a very progressive com- munity. It has stores, blacksmith shop, physician and good church and school house.
CHAPTER XVII .- WARRENSBURG TOWNSHIP.
ORGANIZATION, NAMING -GEOGRAPHY -SOIL - EARLY SETTLEMENTS - EARLY CHURCHES - EARLY SCHOOLS -PERTLE SPRINGS - WARRENSBURG QUAR- RIES-JUSTICES-COUNTY OFFICERS-POPULATION-PERSONAL PROPERTY AND PRODUCTS-COUNTY ROAD IMPROVEMENTS-ORGANIZATIONS.
The first township to be created after the four original townships of the county-Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Jackson, was War- rensburg.
Warrensburg township was organized October 3, 1836, about one year after the organiation of the county. It was named for Martin Warren, one of the early settlers.
Geography .- Area, about sixty-four square miles, or 40,960 acres. Geographically, Warrensburg township is on a sand ridge between Post Oak creek on the west side and Bear creek on the east, with both creeks and the ridge itself all running north to Blackwater.
Soil .- According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Soil Survey of 1914, the upland is chiefly "sandy" soil (Boone silt loam), between these two creeks, with patches of "black limestone" soil (Sum- mit silt loam) along the east and west sides of the township, and ordi- nary bottom (Osage silt loam) along the streams.
These soils in detail are :
Boone silt loam: upland, composes about twenty-seven square miles or 42 per cent. of the township. It is the chief upland soil between the creeks, and also lies immediately next to the bottom soil in a strip about one-fourth mile wide, between it and the patches of Summit silt loam.
Summit silt loam : upland, about twelve and three-quarters square miles or 20 per cent. This lies chiefly in (1) an irregular patch of about one square mile beginning about one-half mile southeast of War- rensburg; (2) in another patch of about two square miles touching the east side of the township and running west to within about one-half mile of Bear creek: (3) a third larger but very irregular patch extend- ing from the northeast city limits of Warrensburg northeasterly to
193
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
Blackwater bottom; and (4) about square miles east of Bear creek on the east side of the township.
Boone fine sandy loam: upland, about three and three fourths square miles ; similar to the Boone silt loam, but with more sand; about 6 per cent. of the township. This covers chiefly the southwest half of Warrensburg town and extends to south of Pertle Springs lakes and about three-fourths mile east and west of the lakes. It also forms the bluff along the east side of Post Oak creek from Warrensburg town clear north to its entrance into Blackwater and the bluff, thence down Blackwater on the south side for about three-fourths mile. The sand- stone quarries north of town are in this area.
Bates silt loam: dark, gray-brown soil, about 3 per cent .; lies in small scattered patches, about two square miles.
Crawford silt loam: upland, "red limestone" soil about one and one-fourth square miles or 2 per cent., in scattering patches over the township.
Osage silt loam: ordinary bottom, about sixteen square miles or 25 per cent. of the township. It lies along the creeks, chiefly Blackwater and Post Oak.
Miscellaneous: about one and one-fourth square miles or 2 per cent., upland soil of Pettis silt loam. First bottom soil of Osage silty clay loam and lower second bottom soil of Robertsville silt loam; all in small patches.
Of the foregoing, Summit silt loam, Crawford silt and Pettis silt loam are ranked as the best three common upland soils in the county and the Osage silt loam the best bottom soil.
For further soil details see chapters on Agriculture and Soils.
Early Settlements .- One of the early settlers of Warrensburg town- ship was Martin Warren, from whom the township takes its name, who came from Kentucky about 1833 and settled on the present site of the city of Warrensburg. He built a log cabin and reared a large family here. He is described as having been a "plain, old fashioned, conservative farmer and honest man; corpulent in person; without beard; in poli- tics a Whig, though he never sought office." He lived to an advanced age and died here in 1850. Other early settlers who located in this township prior to 1840 were: Abram Adams, Benjamin Granger, Isaac Granger, Thomas Granger. A. B. Granger, Madison Warren, Calvin Adams, John Adams, James Fletcher, Jacob Perman, Archibald Thistle,
(7)
194
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
William Perry, Elijah McCrary, Adam Fickas, David B. Wood, Andrew Blevins, Thomas W. Pace, Marcus A. Turner. Joseph P. Henshaw, James Cochran, James Marshall, James H. Marshall, G. Wilson Houts, Theo. F. Houts, Richard F. Page, James Hallowell, William S. Pertle, John G. Gibbons, Martin Greer, John Cox, James Taylor, James W. Potts, James Guynn, Daniel Lanier, Harrison Lanier, Adkins Powell and William Roop.
Early Churches .- Among the early church organizations in War- rensburg township outside of the city of Warrensburg, the Regular Baptist church was the oldest. It was organized in 1842, four miles south of the city of Warrensburg, and was one of the oldest church organizations of the county. It was built by Adam Fickas and was said to have been largely sustained by him.
The Union Prairie Baptist church was located two miles northeast of Warrensburg in this township. It was organized December 8, 1865, by Elder E. H. Burchfield and the building was erected in 1867. The following ministers served this church during the early days: Elders Jonathan Gott, John Letts, P. J. Collop. J. E. Welch and F. M. West. The following are the names of the first members of this organization: Jonathan Gott, William Adams, Elizabeth F. Adams, Martha Adams, Samson Adams, Eliza J. Knight and Susan Granger. This church was disbanded in May, 1881, and at that time united with the Warrensburg Baptist church.
The German Baptist church of Dunkards was organized August 3, 1880, and was situated two miles south of Warrensburg. The original members of this congregation were A. W. Reese, minister; John Bow- man, deacon; Joseph E. Lightner, William Mohler, Thomas Adams, Nancy J. Roop, Alice Hall, M. Gibson, Sarah L. Baile, Minnie C. Chris- topher, Susie E. Reese, Lizzie D. Mohler, Lucinda Bowman, Anna Bowman, Lizzie Fickas and Anna Lightner.
Early Schools .- The schools of Warrensburg township were chiefly the schools of Warrensburg town and are given in the history of the town. Some of the teachers, after the organization of the district schools, were: J. W. McGiven, D. S. Redford, Miss Rosa Hooker, W. R. Delaney, T. P. Reid, A. F. Dunbar, Ed. H. Gilbert, W. R. Nelson, A. J. Sparks, Gus Coleman, Miss Rebecca Granger, G. M. Shanton, Miss Mary Emerson, Miss Sallie Zoll, Miss Josie Smith, Miss Sallie Smith, Harvey T. Williams, Miss Frankie A. Miller, Miss Nellie De
195
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
Garmo, Miss Mattie Zoll, Miss Lizzie Logan, Miss Kate Logan, Mrs. M. D. McCormack, Miss Lizzie McCluney, Miss Nannie Williams.
Pertle Springs .- Pertle Springs, which is located about one-half mile south of the city limits of Warrensburg, is one of the most desir- able health and pleasure resorts in this section of the state.
The land originally belonged to Mr. Pertle, from whom the resort takes its name. Before the advent of the white settlers in Johnson county, Indians often visited this place and recognized the medicinal properties of the water here.
The following is an exact analysis of the water made by Prof. P. Schweitzer, professor of chemistry in the University of Missouri, in 1885.
"One U. S. gallon left on evaporation a residue weighing when ignited 36.8 grains. This residue contained 2.04 grains silica, 0.56 grains alumina, 7.01 carbonate of lime, 0.67 grains oxide of iron. 6.82 grains magnesia, 16.61 sulphuric acid. Total, 33.71 grains. The differ- ence between this weight and the weight of the total residue amounting to 4.09 grains, consisted of alkalies, carbonic acid, chlorine, and prob- ably some other constituents in small quantities. The water on standing and on boiling deposits all its iron in the form of ferric oxide, and is true chalybeate water."
The Pertle Springs grounds comprise eighty acres, of which thirty- six are now owned by Messrs. Gray and Baker. There are nine lakes here. One is devoted exclusively to bathing purposes. One covers sixteen acres and furnishes the water supply for the city of Warrens- burg. The other smaller lakes are well stocked with fish and afford excellent fishing places. There is a large and commodious hotel. It has a well-earned reputation for the excellency of its service. Garages and other conveniences for guests are supplied. In addition to the hotel, there are a number of cottages and flats on the grounds for the accommodation of those who prefer their more home-like life. The grounds are beautifully shaded, and there are various amusements for children and adults.
Rev. Sam Jones is perhaps responsible for the erection of the large auditorium at Pertle Springs. While conducting a meeting here he realized and foresaw the possibilities of such a building and started the movement which culminated in the building of the auditorium or "Tab- ernacle."
196
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
Since then many important conventions and religious and political meetings have been held in this building. The Pertle Springs Silver Convention, one of the important political events of the West which began the crystallization of the campaign for free silver in Missouri, was held here in 1893. William J. Bryan and many other notable men have appeared here.
Pertle Springs is connected with the city of Warrensburg by a railroad which runs from the business district of the city, near the Missouri Pacific depot, through the residence district, to the Springs. It is operated during the summer seasons by the management of Pertle Springs. The motor power is both steam and gasoline.
Warrensburg Quarries .- The sandstone quarries of Warrensburg township are far famed. In 1870, Jacob Pickel, associated with his two brothers, Peter and Anton, opened at much expense and hard work the first sandstone quarry in Johnson county about two miles north of Warrensburg. A railroad switch was put in, and a steam channeling machine, the latter alone costing $6,000. The lifting was also done by machinery, run by steam.
The first large contract was for more than $250,000 worth of stone to be used in the Chamber of Commerce building in St. Louis, Missouri, which covers an entire block. All the stone was cut at the quarry and shipped to St. Louis in perfect condition to be placed.
Jacob Pickel furnished the stone for the Kansas City court house, the Southern Hotel, the Barr building, in St. Louis, and many other buildings in these cities, and also the stone used in many of the build- ings in Warrensburg. As many as fifteen hundred cars of stone have been shipped annually, or a train load a day. (See further in the family history of Jacob Pickel.)
The next quarry was opened in 1871 by William Bruce and Com- pany. It was owned by General Cockrell, and leased to Mr. Bruce until 1880, and then sold to Jacob Pickel & Brothers.
The third quarry was opened by Bruce & Company in 1881, when they gave up their old quarry and bought a tract near it. This quarry has been run a long time by James B. Millar and his brother, John W. Millar, ex-sheriff of Johnson county. It is no longer operated.
Justices .- The following are the justices of the peace of the town- ship as far back as the county court records show, with dates of their election : 1842, Nathaniel B. Holden: 1844, Thomas J. Young, Harvey
197
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
Harrison, George A. Roberts, John G. Gibbons; 1850, John Anderson ; 1852, William F. Marshall, John T. Neff, James Borthick, Daniel Rentch; 1856, Aikman Welch, Eli M. Sylvester; William S. Crammer, George W. Campbell; 1860, Daniel Rentch, Nathan H. Owings; George W. Campbell, Alex Marr; 1864, George W. Swan, David W. Reed; 1866, Edward Corder, David W. Reed; 1866, Edward Corder, David W. Reed; 1870, John H. Taylor, J. P. Steele; 1878, S. J. Burnett, O. D. Hawkins, W. C. Marlatt; 1882, W. C. Marlatt; S. J. Burnett, G. Wilson Houts: 1886, G. Wilson Houts, William C. Marlatt. S. J. Burnett; 1890, Henry Neill, Charles Anderson, John W. Brown; 1892, S. J. Burnett; 1894, John W. Brown, George F. Brinkerhoff, William Beleau; 1898, John W. Brown, J. A. Bridges, W. R. Hatfield: 1900, Jacob H. Knaus ; 1902, John W. Brown, John B. Lampkin, J. H. Knaus; 1904, George W. Rayhill; 1906, John W. Brown, W. H. Bunn, George W. Rayhill; 1910, P. B. Robinson, W. H. Bunn, J. R. Rothwell; 1912, John W. McFarland; 1914, John W. McFarland, D. Aber, George W. Rayhill.
County Officers .- The following are the county officers who have been elected from the township since 1882. with the dates of their elec- tion :
1882-90-Pitt William (Democrat), collector.
1882-W. P. Hunt (Democrat), presiding county judge.
1882-84-W. W. Wood (Democrat), prosecuting attorney.
1882-84-86-WV. K. Morrow ( Democrat ), circuit clerk.
1884-86-George W. Lemon (Democrat), prosecuting attorney. 1886-R. M. Robertson (Republican), prosecuting attorney.
1888-90-Robert F. Dalton (Democrat ), treasurer.
1888-90-J. W. Suddath ( Democrat), prosecuting attorney.
1888-90-WV. L. Embree (Democrat), collector.
1892-94-Y. W. Whitsett (Democrat), treasurer.
1892-T. C. Hornbuckle ( Democrat ), prosecuting attorney.
1892-94-E. T. Pennington (Democrat), collector.
1892-P. F. McCluney (Democrat ), public administrator.
1894-R. M. Robertson (Republican), representative.
1894-J. A. Houston (Democrat), coroner.
1896-W. Selvidge (Democrat), school commissioner.
1896-Mary A. Pennington (Democrat), recorder, appointed.
1896-1900-S. J. Caudle (Democrat), public administrator.
198
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
1896-98-N. M. Bradley (Democrat), prosecuting attorney.
1896-98-Franklin Miller (Democrat), collector.
1896-98-W. M. Hamilton (Democrat ). representative. 1898-Jason McElvaine (Democrat), school commissioner. 1898-1902-C. A. Boyles (Democrat) county collector. 1898-1902-William H. Henshaw (Democrat), circuit clerk. 1900-02-H. H. Russell (Democrat), treasurer.
1900-1902-C. E. Morrow ( Democrat ), prosecuting attorney. 1904-G. L. Callaway (Democrat), coroner.
1904-06-Ewing Cockrell (Democrat ). prosecuting attorney.
1904-06-10-Wallace Crossley (Democrat). representative.
1906-08 -- T. L. Bradley (Democrat), coroner.
1906-10-James L. Robinson (Democrat), recorder.
1910-14-G. C. Gillam (Democrat), collector.
1910-14-P. D. Fitch (Democrat). presiding county judge.
1912-John W. Miller (Democrat), sheriff.
1912-14-WV. C. McDonald (Democrat), prosecuting attorney.
1914-Theodore Hyatt (Democrat), collector.
1916-J. R. Rothwell (Democrat), prosecuting attorney.
1916-E. A. Williams (Democrat ), public administrator.
1915-R. H. Boston (Democrat), school superintendent.
Population .- The population of Warrensburg township, by United States Census, was :
-1850-
-1860-
-1870-
White. Col. Total.
White. Col. Total.
White. Col. Total.
1,260 191 1,451
1.808 254
2,062
4,151
673 4.824
1880
1890
1900
1919
5,778
6,096
6,251
6.013
Personal Property and Products .- Agriculture and personal prop- erty statistics for Warrensburg township, as given by Missouri State Report or 1877, and Johnson county assessors' lists for 1896 and 1916 are :
1877
1877
1896
1916
Wheat, bushels
8,532
Horses
768
1,318
1,103
Corn, bushels
252.100
Mules
236
271
311
Oats, bushels
9,925
Cattle
1,718
3,150
3,307
199
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
Rye, bushels
350
Sheep
494
1,023
504
Tobacco, pounds
1
25,590
Hogs
2,903
2,654
2,626
Wool, pounds
1,275
Asses
none
3
84
Hay, tons
1,319
Molasses, gallons
4,995
Wine, gallons
1,370
1896
1916
Notes and money
$240,990
$481,735
Bank stock
88,169
195,292
Other personalty
171,825
136.370
All personalty
596,075
939.017
I
County Road Improvements .- County road improvements made by Warrensburg township since this system was established in 1911, were up to January 1, 1918, thirteen in number, and aggregated $753 fur- nished by the citizens of the township and $746 by the county.
Organizations .- The following is a complete list of all organiza- tions of every kind in Warrensburg township. Full details of each organization are in separate chapters on the different organizations:
Churches .- Baptist : Brethren, Warrensburg; Brethren, South, War- rensburg : Catholic: Christian: Christian Science: Cumberland Presby- terian : Episcopal : Evangelical Association: Latter Day Saints; Metho- edist : Methodist, Houts' Chapel; Methodist, South; Presbyterian.
Negro Churches .- Shiloh Baptist church; Methodist; African M. E .: Colored M. E.
Business Organizations .- American Trust Company, Citizens Bank, Commercial Bank, People's Bank, Home Telephone Company.
Homemakers Clubs .- Clover Heights, Good Neighbors, Prairie Home.
Fraternal Organizations .- Masons. Blue Lodge: Masons, Mary Commandery; Knights Pythias, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen, Elks. Maccabees, Eastern Star. Royal Neighbors, Degree of Honor, Rebekahs. Yeomen. Knights and Ladies of Security.
Miscellaneous Organizations .- A. B. C. Club, D. A. R., G. A. R., Confederate Veterans, Political Equality Club, W. R. C., Women's Christian Temperance Union, United Daughters of Confederacy. City Mission, P. E. O., Commercial Club, Automobile Club.
200
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
1917 War Organizations .- County Council of Defense; Home Guards Committee; Red Cross, Warrensburg Chapter; Hospital Gar- ments Committee, Knitting Committee; Surgical Dressing Committee; Junior Red Cross; War Funds Committee; Home Guards, Warrens- burg Normal School.
CHAPTER XVIII .- WARRENSBURG.
"OLD WARRENSBURG" (By Mel. P. Moody)-DESCRIPTION, NAMING-EARLY ESTAB- LISHMENTS -MARTIN WARREN'S LOG HOUSE -FIRES OF DECEMBER 24, 1866, AND NOVEMBER 29, 1873-EARLY HOTELS-EARLY SCHOOLS-AFTER THE CIVIL WAR-CHURCHES-CEMETERIES-SCHOOLS AFTER THE CIVIL WAR-MILLS-OLD MISCELLANEOUS INDUSTRIES-POSTOFFICE-INCORPOR- ATION - MAYORS - COUNCILMEN - ASSESSORS - ATTORNEYS - CLERKS -COLLECTORS-ENGINEERS-MARSHALS-ASSISTANT MARSHALS - POLICE JUDGES-SEXTONS-STREET COMMISSIONERS-TREASURERS- EARLY MEN AND THINGS OF WARRENSBURG IN EXISTENCE TODAY: BUILDINGS, MEN, WOMEN - POPULATION - WARRENSBURG, 1910: (Sex, Color, and Nativity), DWELLINGS AND FAMILIES, ILLITERACY. SCHOOL AGE AND ATTENDANCE, -MALES OF VOTING AGE- THE WARRENSBURG COMMERCIAL CLUB.
"OLD WARRENSBURG." (By Mel. P. Moody.)
It is just a little city upon the hills outspread,
With trees and verdure down below and blue sky overhead It has no ancient legends of wonders to relate, No ivy-covered ruins nor mausoleums of the great.
Within its city halls are no battle flags unfurled,
It is the home of common people, the sinew of the world.
Old Warrensburg.
And yet to me is sacred, this little city here,
The scene of happy days, and the Gethsemane of tear,
And here within its borders is the epitome of life, With its sunshine and its shadows, its pleasures and its strife.
Here fond hopes have budded to meet misfortunes frost, Here awhile have sinners flourished, and sadly paid the cost In old Warrensburg.
Here have happy children played who now are far away, Here the blushing bride, has had her wedding day. Here men have deftly schemed to gather in their gold, And here for love of greed have they their honor sold. Here have noble men and women toiled and loved and died And the good and bad together lie buried side by side In old Warrensburg.
202
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
And from this little city have men of worth revealed,
Been called to serve the world in a broader, grander field, And from its halls of learning with torch of knowledge bright, Are missionaries streaming to spread redeeming light. Here are some who may be honored and failures too as well, The hand of fate awaiting, while hopefully they dwell,
In old Warrensburg.
Here upon this little stage, is life's tragedy displayed, Here its flowers are blooming, and here its roses fade, For in every land and clime human nature is the same. In virtue and nobility, in sorrow and in shame.
Here the songs of happiness and of sadness too are sung. And here the harp of life to every tone is strung;
And though you, never venture beyond this little town,
Here you may lose your soul, or here may win your crown, In old Warrensburg.
Warrensburg, the county seat, is a little east of the center of the county, 65 miles from Kansas City.
Warrensburg was made the county seat in 1836. It was named in honor of Martin Warren. (See Warrensburg township history.)
Warrensburg was laid out and platted by George Tibbs, then county surveyor, in 1836, and the plat was recorded May 22, 1837. The lots were 72 feet wide and 144 feet deep, with 14-foot alleys. This was what is now "Old Town."
When the Missouri Pacific railroad was built, the main business district of the town moved east near where the depot was built and now stands.
A number of additions have been officially added, mostly east of the old town until the present area of the city is several times the size of the original town.
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