USA > Missouri > Clinton County > The History of Clinton County, Missouri : containing a history of the County, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Clinton County in the late war, general and local statistics, portraits of early settlers and prominent men etc > Part 18
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· The amount of stock was fixed at $50,000. They also elected their offi- cers and directors. Their officers were: Walden Kelley, President ; George W. Davis, Cashier ; J. C. Piersol, Secretary ; Directors-G. W. Davis, Berryman Shaver, J. C. Piersol, A. C. Cook, James E. Young, H. A. McCartney, E. C. Hale and Lloyd Leach. The bank, however, never went into practical operation, and the idea of its establishment was soon afterward abandoned.
HOTELS.
The first regular house of entertainment erected as a hotel was kept by Joseph Hunter, on the corner of Main and Broadway Streets, where the Laclede now stands. The building was constructed of logs, and was a fair sample, both in style and the manner in which it was operated, of the hotels of that day. Hunter was succeeded by Thomas Palmer, who performed the duties of a landlord in the same building.
Long & Whittington opened a hotel upon the ground where the Christian Church now stands, a log and frame building.
Robert Greer, at one time sheriff of Clinton County, kept a hotel on the southwest corner of Main and Maple Streets, on the present site of the millinery store of Mrs. Morris.
William Morris succeeded Greer at the same stand, and Morris was succeeded by William Trickler, Samuel G. Biggerstaff and Colonel John Steel.
The Clinton House was afterward erected where it now stands, and was occupied by different parties, among whom were Colonel John Steel, N. L. Ford, Mrs. N. L. Ford and J. S. Baker.
J. W. Bowlby and John W. Vallandingham ereeted the Laclede, are now (1881) the proprietors of the Laclede and Clinton House, which are adjoining buildings. These houses are frame, and two stories high.
The St. Cloud was erected about 1869, by George Moore, and operated as a carriage shop, tin shop, etc., and finally fitted up and run as a hotel. It has passed through different hands, and has been man- aged by Colonel John Steel, Henry Cline, J. S. Baker, W. L. Lyons, and others. The present owner of the house is Moses Shoemaker, and its present landlord is R. Malone. It is located on the southeast corner of Main and Broadway, built of frame, a portion of the main building being three stories in height.
MILLS AND MANUFACTORIES.
The first steam saw mill built in Plattsburg was about the year 1857. A carding machine was erected in 1859 or '60, by Samuel Blocker. In the spring of 1866, Lawson & Shoemaker commenced the building of a saw, woolen and flouring mill. Lawson soon after sold his interest to
177
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Gilky, who sold to Lincoln & Spangler. Henry R. Holland purchased the interest of Lincoln & Spangler, and finally Daniel Thomas succeeded Shoemaker & Holland. The establishment was destroyed by fire in 1877 or '78. About the year 1876, the " Little Mill" was built by John Rus- sell, and is now operated by him. Some time previous to the year 1876, W. E. DeVall erected a small machine shop, adding thereafter a saw and grist mill, which is still running.
Graham put up in 187 , and is now operating, a steam flouring mill.
In 1859, W. W. Scutt opened a carriage and wagon manufactory on Walnut Street, which was burned in 1862. He began again in 1866, and continued till 1875, when it was again destroyed by fire. In 1875, he opened another shop on Main Street, where he now (1881) carries on business.
Jones & Dyrle commenced operating a carriage and wagon manu- factory in 1877, and were afterwards succeeded by Dyrle & Ward, who now continue the business.
In 1877, W. E. Steck established a cigar manufactory, and is now (1881) still running it.
12
CHAPTER IX.
PLATTSBURG CONTINUED.
MOOT LEGISLATURE-DEATH OF DAVID TRICE-EARTHQUAKE-PLATTSBURG MARKETS- GRASSHOPPERS-A BEET-INDIAN SUMMER-PLATI'SBURG CORNET BAND-SCHOOL EXHIBITION-DEATH OF JUDGE CULVER-DISASTROUS FIRE-BASE BALL CLUBS- MASONIC INSTALLATION-THE STORM OF 1870-DEATH OF JOSIAH BROWN-ORGANI- ZATION OF FIRE DEPARTMENT-BUILDING AND COMPLETION OF THE BRICK BLOCK-CANE PRESENTATION-DEATH OF TYRE THORP-COLD WEATHER-DEATH OF JUDGE JAMES H. BIRCH-BUSINESS REVIEW FOR 1880-MEMORIAL SERVICES- POSTMASTERS.
MOOT LEGISLATURE.
Plattsburg, like all other towns, had her literary clubs and debating societies, the membership composing the best talent, being generally, largely made up of attorneys, both old and young. These meetings were held regularly, once a week, and were always well attended pre- vious to, and after the war. In February, 1867, the then existing debating club changed its society into a moot legislature, with the fol- lowing enrolled members :
B. F. Craig, for Clinton County ; Charles Ingles, for St. Louis County ; Thomas J. Porter, for St. Charles County ; J. G. Preigel, for Clay County ; E. W. Musser, for McDonald County ; W. L. Birney, for Jackson County ; J. W. Smith, for Vernon County ; James M. Riley, for La Fayette County ; A. J. Everly, for Buchanan County ; M. Shoemaker, for Mississippi County ; J. F. Harrington, for Greene County ; Winslow Turner, for Callaway County. Colonel Winslow Turner was elected speaker, and Mr. Harrington clerk and treasurer. Mr. Scott, of the Register, was elected permanent reporter and public printer.
The Register in speaking of the first meeting of the moot legisla- ture for business after its organization says :
"The Missouri legislature," so called, convened at the court house on last Saturday evening, the speaker, Hon. Winslow Turner, from Cal- laway in the chair, and we must say it was the most honorable legisla- tive body that has met in this state since the days when old Missouri was in her pride-the people represented by honest men, whose pockets were not big enough to hold two or three railroads, and whose con- sciences did not stretch from "Bangor way deown tu Bosting."
Owing to the unpropitious state of the weather, and the roughness of the roads, all the representatives were not present, and the lobby contained but few citizens.
179
HISTORY OF. CLINTON COUNTY.
The speaker, after being conducted to the chair, made a few remarks, in which he set forth the duties of the members. He said that he should be speaker not only in name, but in fact, and would perform the duties which devolved upon him impartially and to the best of his ability. Upon concluding he was greeted with applause.
Mr. Craig, of Clinton, offered a bill for the abolishment of cap- ital punishment in the State of Missouri, substituting imprisonment in the penitentiary not exceeding ninety-nine years, as a punishment for the commission of crimes which have heretofore been attended with the penalty of death.
The House then went into committee of the whole, and the bill was debated by Messrs. Craig, Turner, Musser and Porter. It was finally concluded to make this bill the subject of consideration at the next meeting, which takes place this evening. The House then adjourned.
April 2, 1867 .- David Trice, (colored), ninety-nine years of age, for- merly a slave of S. S. Trice, died on the 2d instant. He was a faithful old servant, and notwithstanding his freedom was given to him many years ago, he remained with his former master, contented and happy to the day of his death.
THE EARTHQUAKE.
April 29, 1867 .- About half past two o'clock, on Wednesday even- ing last, while engaged in our office duties, our attention was arrested by a heavy, rumbling noise, which soon developed itself into a positive earthquake shock. It continued for the space of a minute and a half. So positive and continuous was the shock that fears were entertained that it would result in something serious. The house trembled and shook to such a degree, that the cases and stove of our office gave evi- dence of great uneasiness. Upon transferring ourselves to the street, we found that the citizens of the town were actuated with like impulses, and the excitement was very great. It passed off without damage, except to the nerves of the citizens. In the stores, the crockery ware, and other similar goods, were in a state of great perturbation. The old- est inhabitant was much nonplussed by this unseen and unwelcome visitor.
PLATTSBURG MARKETS.
It may be interesting to merchants, farmers and traders, to know something of the prices which were paid in Plattsburg, in 1867, for some of the necessaries of life, especially as this (1881) is one of the years when everything used on the table is said to be high.
May, 1867 :-
Apples-Green, per bushel $1 25@@ $1 50 Dried, “ 2 75@ 3 25
180
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Bacon - Sides, ,per pound
II
Hams,
12}
Shoulders,
10
Butter, per pound
25(a
30
Corn, per barrel
2 50(a)
3 00
Eggs, per dozen
15
Flour, best brand, per sack. .
9 00((
9 50
Lard, per pound
12
Oats, per bushel
30@
35
Potatoes, per bushel
1 50000
2 75
Salt, per bushel.
15@
18
Crushed, =
223
Wheat-Prime fall, per bushel.
Prime spring, "
(@ 2 50
Hay-Timothy, per ton .
8 00@@ 10 00
Seed-Clover, per bushel
@ 12 00
Timothy, " "
4 00(@ 4 30
Hides-Dry, per pound.
123
GRASSHOPPERS.
1867 .- Several miles west of this place, grasshoppers are making fearful inroads upon all crops, and it is feared they will leave the farm- ers nothing to live upon. One farmer has lost forty acres of timothy, which they stripped, of every blade and head, and left but the bare stalk. They have cut down considerable corn, and even devoured the potatoe tops in some localities. Corn that is foul with weeds and grass they are very sure to take, while that which is clean, they, generally, do not touch.
A BEET.
November 16, 1867 .- Mr. W. J. Trotter presented us with a bect last Saturday, that beats anything in the beet line, we ever saw or heard of, not even excepting a "dead beat." It is two feet, ten inches long, one foot, nine inches in circumference, and weighs fifteen and one-half pounds. This beet and the fine turnip, weighing nine and a half pounds, may be seen at our office. If anybody can turn-up a bect to beat this beet, or beat the turnip left at our office, last week, by Mr. Garner, they are invited to do so.
INDIAN SUMMER.
November, 1867 .- For several weeks we have been enjoying the most beautiful Indian summer ever experienced in this latitude at this season of the year. The days are warm and pleasant, and if it were not
·
I 50
Sugar -- Best brown, per pound. .
181
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
for the hazy atmosphere which softens the outlines of the distant hills and adds a new beauty to the golden tints of autumn, one would almost think that spring was coming back again. To the poetical, the thought- ful and the lovers of the beautiful this season offers a rare treat.
PLATTSBURG CORNET BAND.
In December, 1868, the Plattsburg Cornet Band reorganized, with the following members: M. W. Dorser, Albert Vance, William Ray, Anthony Craig, John Morris, Carl Weigler, Theodore Culver, T. P. Young, William Whittington, Ed. Temme and P. Biggerstaff.
SCHOOL EXHIBITION.
On the 18th day of June, 1868, the Misses Pepper's school had an exhibition in the Christian Church. These young ladies had about sixty-five pupils, about fifty of whom were girls neatly dressed in white, were formed in a procession at the school and marched to the church ; the cornet band in front of the church striking up a beautiful air as the procession made its appearance at the corner of Main and Locust streets. Entering the chuach, the pupils took their places on the stage where the following programme was carried out:
Music.
Declamation . . " The Backwoodsman," Master Willie Hockaday.
Declamation "The College Picture,"
Miss Sallie Biggerstaff.
Composition-Subject " Never Surrender,"
Miss Bettie Gibson.
Dialogue "The Irish Servant,"
Masters Benjamin Moore and Eddie Hooper.
Composition-Subject " The Seven Wonders of the World," Miss Mary Vance.
Declamation " The Rabbit on the Wall,"
Declamation
Miss Eliza Willis. "Nettie's Wish," Miss Lizzie Musser.
Music.
Composition-Subject "Daily Blessings," Miss Sallie Maupin.
Declamation "The Smith Family,"
Master Sammie Smith.
The Beautiful World,"
Composition-Subject . .
Miss Amanda Jones.
Declamation "My Do'l Rose," Miss Belle Scott.
Declamation
" The End of the Bow,"
Miss Annie Kirk.
182
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Composition-Subject " The Fop,"
Miss Ida Whittington. Music.
Composition-Subject " Not dead, but Sleeping," Miss Lizzie Randolph. " The Freed Bird,"
Dialogue. Misses Sallie Scott and Artie Hooper.
Declamation "The Parting of Marmion and Douglas," Master Willie Clay. Music. Debate-Question. . . " Is the Mind of Woman Inferior to that of Man?" Affirmative-Miss Annie Ingles. . Negative-Miss Dora Hockaday. Music. Colloquy " Mrs. Caudle's Lecture," Misses Ingles, H. Hockaday, and C. Zook.
Declamation "Never Again," Miss Anna Dunham.
Composition-Subject "Character, the Best Monument," Miss Martha Biggerstaff.
Declamation "The Child's Creed,"
Declamation
Miss Mattie Hooper. Happy Boys and Girls," Miss Emma Clay.
Declamation "George Washington," Master Willie Willis.
Music.
Declamation " Mrs. Prindle's Soliloquy," Miss Sallie Alexander.
Declamation "Let there be Light," Miss Mary Bean.
Colloquy-Representing thirteen little girls on their way to and from school-Miss Maggie Stone, Elma Funkhouser, Hattie Davis, Sallie Hughart, Jennie Hockaday, Emma Clay, Cora Funkhouser, Eliza Willis, Lizzie Musser, Julia Dunham, Mattie Hooper and Belle Scott. Declamation Nobody's Child,' Miss Mary Birch.
Composition-Subject. "The Fairy's Two Gifts," Miss Mary Bassett. Music.
Declamation "Life is Sweet," Miss Elma Funkhouser.
Dialogue " Difference of Opinion on Woman," Misses Julia Denham and Julia Hockaday.
Declamation " My Chickens," Miss Ruth Birch. Music. Representation of the Seasons.
Winter
Miss Ida Whittington
December Emma Willis
January Annie Ingles Clara Zook February
183
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Spring
Helen Hockaday
March April .
Sallie Birch
May Sallie Scott
Summer
Miss Lizzie Randolph Mary Bean
June
Luelah Brown
August
Susie Gibson
Autumn .
Dora Hockaday
September
Martha Biggerstaff
October
Mary Vance Logie Steel
November
We give the above programme in full, as it contains the names of many persons, both male and female, who are to-day (1881) honored and respected citizens of Plattsburg. Our school days are generally the hap- piest which brighten our existence here, and those of our citizens who read the above programme, having participated in the exercises of that (to them) eventful evening, will doubtless recall the pleasant circum- stances which attended the school exhibition here mentioned.
JUDGE CULVER.
At a special communication of Plattsburg Lodge, No. 113, A. F. and A. M., on the 30th day of December, A. D. 1868, A. L. 5,868, the follow- ing preamble and resolutions were adopted :
WHEREAS, We have learned that our worthy brother, George Wil- liam Culver, who, for many years, has been a member of Plattsburg Lodge No. 113, and during that time was frequently Master of the same, has, through an inscrutable decree of our Divine Master, been called from his labors of earth, to partake of his rest in the invisible world, there- fore,
Resolved, That, in the death of our worthy brother, the craft has lost one of its most faithful members, whose bright teachings, sterling integrity, and exemplary conduct, will be long cherished and remem- bered by the brethren with whom he has been so long associated, and society a member, whose life and reputation was without spot or blemish.
Resolved, That we will wear the usual badge of mourning, in memory of our departed brother, for thirty days; and, that we tender to his widow our sympathy and condolence in her bereavement ; and that the Secretary of our lodge present a copy for publication to the Clinton County Register, and the "Free Mason," St. Louis, Missouri.
J. O. EATON, W. M.
H. S. FOREE, Secretary.
DISASTROUS FIRE.
On the 4th day of January, 1870, occurred one of the most disas- trous fires ever witnessed in Plattsburg. The loss sustained by the bus- iness men and citizens, was estimated at the time to be $35,000. The Register of that date says :
July
Sallie Alexander
184
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
On Wednesday night last, the 4th instant, about II o'clock, fire was discovered in the warehouse of C. W. Porter, immediately in the rear of his banking house, but before assistance could be summoned, nearly the entire population of the town having retired for the night, the flames burst out of the roof of the building and in a few seconds the entire structure was enveloped in a sheet of flame.
The heat becoming so intense, it was but a short time until (J. N.) Forsee & McWilliams' drug store was also on fire. From this building the fiery element was speedily communicated to the shop occupied by J. P. Myers, for the manufacture and sale of boots and shoes, and from here to the brick building of Judge Birch, occupied by the Messrs. Shep- herd, dry goods merchants. In less time than it takes us to chronicle the affair, Judge Willis', Colonel Turner's and Doctor James' properties, and Ford's hotel, were wraped in the devouring and seething element.
Judge Willis' house was occupied by Mason Hord, who had a heavy stock of dry goods on hand. The lower room of Colonel Turner's house was occupied by A. Doniphan, liquor and grocery dealer, the upper story by Turner, Porter & Turner, as a law office. Dr. James occupied his own house.
The wind at the time of the conflagration was blowing from the southwest ; had it veered, the whole of the business part of the town would now have been in ashes.
C. W. Porter's brick store house, occupied by himself and George P. Funkhouser, dry goods merchant, has been considerably damaged. It was several times on fire, but indomitable effort saved it.
George P. Funkhouser removed his entire stock of goods, but in a damaged condition.
The new bank building, just erected by Messrs. Funkhouser & Clay, has also been damaged by the intense heat, being cracked from bottom to top.
Dr. Smith's new building, recently sold to Mason Hord, and Vance's corner house, occupied by Wm. Ray, were saved by the indom- itable efforts of John Spangler, T. C. Foree, John Nichol and others, who stood at their posts gallantly and heroically, amid the blinding, suffocat- ing smoke and falling cinders, fighting the progress and mad fury of the devouring fiend.
C. W. Porter, loses $1,500, no insurance ; George P. Funkhouser, damage to goods, $4,000, insured ; Forsee & McWilliams, $8,000, no insurance ; Judge Birch, $3,000, no insurance ; the Messrs. Shepherd, $2,000, no insurance ; Judge Willis, $800, no insurance ; Mason Hord, $2,500, insured ; Col. Turner, $1,200, no insurance : A. Doniphan, $600, no insurance ; Messrs. Daniels & Stearns, lumber dealers, $2,000, fully insured ; Dr. James, $6,000, no insurance ; N. L. Ford, $5,500, partly
185
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
insured ; Funkhouser & Clay, $1,500, fully insured. Total loss in the neighborhood of $35,000, the bulk of which is uninsured.
So great a calamity has not visited our city for years, and as a result, many of our citizens are thrown out of business and must remain so for months, as there is not a vacant house or store room in the place. Our friends Forsee & McWilliams, have lost all they had, and, being uninsured, it is a severe misfortune to them. Dr. James' loss has also been heavy, with no insurance.
In their efforts to save what property they possibly could, Mr. J. N. Forsee and Charles Shepherd were severly burned, and for a time were in a very precarious condition. We are gratified to learn that they are now out of danger.
How the fire originated, is a mystery ; whether from carelessness or the act of an incendiary, is not known."
Plattsburg, like other towns, had her base ball clubs at an early day. Among the earliest of these were the "O. K.," composed of M. H. Smith, William Hahn, Jonathan Mitchell, John Fryer, Charles Pennoyer, Braz. Biggerstaff, James T. Hughart, G. C. Bean, John Eggleston, and the "Rounders," composed of W. A. Rogers, M. B. Riley, Frederick Rogers, Edward Whittington, Frank Young, Henry Essig, Henry Riley, George Maupin and T. N. Riley.
MASONIC INSTALLATION CEREMONIES.
June 24, 1870, St. John's day), the Masonic Order of Plattsburg had its installation ceremonies. Below will be found a full account of that interesting occasion :
At the appointed time, the brothers of the order of A. F. & A. M. formed for procession, the tyler in advance with drawn sword, stewards with rods, apprentices, fellow-craftsmen, and masters of different degrees, the oldest of which carried the Bible before him on a black velvet cushion, the master, secretary and treasurer closing the procession. They pro- ceeded to Second Street, thence to South, thence to Main, thence to Middle, and again to Second, where they formed a hollow square, and passed into the M. E. Church, South. One rap of the gavel in the hands of Past Master, Colonel Turner, brought the meeting to order. At his request, the choir, 'consisting of the following ladies and gentlemen : Mrs. L. Atkinson leading at the organ, Miss Hattie Allgaier, Miss Mollie Bean, Miss Emma Willis, Mr. M. W. Dorser, Mr. T. H. Moreland, Mr. J. T. Hughart, opened the imposing ceremony by singing the beautiful hymn, "Praise the Lord, for He has Spoken," etc., etc. Then followed prayer by the chaplain, A. B. Jones, of Liberty. Deputy, Mr. Reed, then collected the jewels from the past officers. Past Master, Colonel Turner, called the Master elect, Mr. J. Eaton, forward, and after administering the
186
HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
obligations and charges, presented him with the appropriate jewel and badge of office.
Mr. J. Eaton then installed the following gentlemen : Senior Warden, Dr. A. W. Eskridge ; Junior Warden, M. N. Jones ; Treasurer, N. L. Ford ; Secretary, V. R. Porter ; Senior Deacon, H. S. Foree ; Junior Deacon, Dr. N. F. Essig ; Tyler, N. Maupin.
Hymn by the choir-"There is a glorious world of light beyond the starry skies," etc.
After a few preliminary remarks, Hon. J. H. Birch, Jr., delivered the oration, and a masterly effort it was, of which our limited space permits only a short synopsis. He said :
This day, among Masons everywhere, is held sacred on account of its being the birth day of John the Baptist, who, with John the Evangelist, are the patron saints of the order, and who (as Masonic tradition says) were both members of the craft in their life time, and have since been a bright pattern and lasting example of conduct and practice to the Masonic brotherhood. Its influence is felt wherever they are found-they are a mystic power. Improvements, education, science, moral elevation mark their presence and receive a marked impetus through them.
The origin of Masonry loses itself in the dim ages of the past in the remote scenes of Judea, among the Israelites and the people of Tyre and Sidon. Tradition extends their existence even still further back. But at the building of Solomon's Temple we have the first positive fact of a regular and permanent organization.
The connection of operative and speculative Masonry consists in the fact that no other science, art or employment presents such a splen- did array of symbols and emblems for instructions and lessons in moral, social and scientific truths as architecture does. Every single detail of its system offering to the student and initiate a lesson of sublime truths. It teaches that every mind should be, and is guided and directed by a still higher reason-the eternal mind of the Great Architect of the Uni- verse.
Masonry is destined, in unison with religion, to instruct mankind in everything that is noble, great and good, to be a sentinel of moral recti- tude to society, a promoter of scientific progress, a shield and rescue to the persecuted and a comfort and relief to the unfortunate. It will keep on filling the earth with wisdom and knowledge, light and truth till the earth is covered with them ; till the capstone of universal brotherhood all over our globe finishes the resplendent temple on which Masonry is at work, and accomplishes the glorious task for which they have united.
The history of Masonry is rich with stirring events and interesting antecedents. The ancient heroes and conquerers, especially the Romans, had members of the brotherhood permanently attached to their armies, with many privileges and honors, although the membership among the contractors or builders was a high distinction in itself. They accom- panied the Roman legions to Gaul, and the rest of Europe, and so became a fruitful seed .in these barbarous and idolatrous countries. Many are the splendid monuments they left behind them in the shape of cathedrals, monasteries, and other edifices, which fill now- centuries after their erection-the spectator with wonder, surprise, and
187
IIISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
delight, impressing his mind with the fortitude, energy, skill, and wis- dom of the builders and sculptors of these stupendous monuments of art and science of the dark ages. These are the stones which proclaim the moral power of masonry with trumpet voice.
Thus architecture has brought religion and science together into every known country and lifted slowly and gradually the dark clouds of idolatry, ignorance, and superstition from their benighted horizon.
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