The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county, Part 88

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1068

USA > Missouri > Jackson County > The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county > Part 88

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1860

1877 E. A. Hickman.

1862 Geo. R. Hotsenpiller.

1879 W. A. Cunningham.

1864

1874 Robert Weston.

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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.

We say it advisedly, from careful observation, that there cannot be found upon the route of the proposed boulevard, for three miles out from Independence, a space of 200 feet upon either side of the road but presents the most attractive building spots to be found anywhere upon this continent. Nature has formed and fashioned these grounds especially for the erection of elegant houses, where a grand panorama of beauty can be viewed from every doorway.

There is another feature in the surroundings of Independence that is worthy" of special mention in this connection :

In 1858 a magnificent turnpike or macadam road was built by machinery, by the citizens of Independence, a distance of two and a half miles, to the ware- house upon the bank of the Missouri River for the accommodation of the immense river traffic of that day.

This road passes through the most grand and beautiful country, being appar- ently set apart by the Creator, for the erection of magnificent residences, and the grounds for ornamentation. For a distance of over a mile upon either side of this highway is one continuous orchard, embracing all the varieties of fruits known to the horticultural list susceptible of successful cultivation in this latitude.

Upon leaving the macadam road, as it makes its descent to the river, a drive of a quarter of a mile, terminates upon a bluff, which rises abruptly 400 feet above the Missouri River, from which one of the grandest sights comes in view the eye has ever looked upon.

As far as the vision extends, up and down the river, can be seen a magnifi- 'cent country dotted over with farm houses, forest trees and meandering streams rippling onward to empty their waters into the Missouri.

Here also, can be distinctly seen, Kansas City, Wyandott, Liberty and In- dependence, with their towers and church steeples glistening under the rays of an unclouded sun. At the bottom of this grand bluff, which we will call Prospective View, the old Missouri makes a horse-shoe bend, resembling the great bend on the Alleghany Mountains, crossed by the Pennsylvania Rail Road.

About a quarter of a mile south of this bluff is located grounds owned by Mr. Charles S. Crysler, Esq., a prominent and rising young lawyer of Indepen- dence. These grounds embracing 55 acres, will in the near future, present attractions, that will surpass any spot upon the Hudson River, the banks of which have been made famous for the exquisite taste in shrubbery and ornamenta- tion, in front of the palatial residences, viewed from the steamboats plying between New York and Albany.

From the highest point, on his land, Mr. Crysler will erect a palatial resi- dence from which he will not only have the grand view from Prospect Hill, but in addition thereto Harlem, Orange and other villages near Kansas City, and the magnificent railroad bridge which crosses the river at the latter point.

The choicest variety of apples, pears, peach, plumb, apricot and cherry trees, and a great variety of useful and ornamental trees, such as chestnut, butter- nut, maple, etc., are to be found upon these grounds.

There are also found quarries of very superior variety of blue limestone, and one of dark gray marble susceptible of very high polish. These stones are used for building purposes.

Many beautiful dwellings are in contemplation to be erected on these splen- did sites, and ere another decade shall have passed away, and with modern im- provements in buildings, and more cultivated taste in ornamentation, the muddy Missouri, will present upon her banks, grander views, and representations of cul- ture and refinement than is now the boast and pride of the dwellers on the Hudson. The son will improve upon the tastes of the father, and profit thereby, having at command a higher order of architectural and mechanical skill for the erection of houses and palaces, and a wider experience in landscape gardening.

These magnificent building sites, being located upon the highest point of land between the Alleghany and Rocky Mountains, excel all other localities-

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the valleys of the Mississippi and Missouri in salubrity of climate, and pure, fresh air, thus precluding the possibility of miasma, or being afflicted with diseases peculiar to low lands and flat prairies.

Independence is now connected with Kansas City by river and three rail- roads, and the completion of a grand boulevard connecting the two cities, will greatly enhance the value of real estate, and complete all desirable connections with Kansas City.

Independence approached by an inclined plane from the four points of the compass, is finally reached at an elevation of 1,075 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and 338 feet above the level of the Missouri River, being the highest point of land between the two great mountain ranges; hence, for salubrity and healthy climate it is not excelled upon the American continent. The surrounding country is gently rolling lands, underlaid with a limestone formation ; the soil being rich, very fertile, and of an alluvial character. Springs of pure crystal water are found gushing out from every hillside, and groves of the finest quality of timber of all kinds, add to the magnificence of the scenery of the valleys covered with a fine quality of blue grass.

Stone is found in abundance for building and all other purposes where it may be required.

The public highway between Independence and Kansas City, at an outlay o a nominal sum of money, can be made the grandest drive or boulevard in the world, not excepting the one so famed in Paris, upon which so much wealth has been expended. This magnificent road passes through a strip of land within a few miles of Kansas City, containing about 1, 000 acres that apparently has been fashioned by the Creator for a park, that with the expenditure of less than half the money already laid out upon Central Park, New York, can be made to eclipse in grand- eur and beauty any other resort upon the face of the globe.

The forest trees abound everywhere, and the gentle, rolling grounds are not surpassed as building sites. Were Independence divested of all other attractions, and remote from Kansas City or any other commercial center, she has mineral springs within two miles and only a few rods from the proposed boulevard, that with a reasonable expenditure of money will make it the great watering place of the country. Although fifty-three years has rolled away into the vista of time since Independence became the county seat of Jackson county, these springs have been silently discharging their waters down a deep ravine unnoticed and undisturbed, except by the red men of the forest, of whom tradition (recently un- earthed) says, made them a resort for the cure of chills and fever.

It is only within the last three or four years their wonderful qualities have attracted the attention of the citizens of Independence. The following chemical analysis made by D. H. Bliss, M. D., shows their medicinal qualities. " One gallon by measure," says Dr. Bliss, "shows the following ingredients in grains as it leaves the springs :

Chloride of Sodium 31.20 grains.

Chloride of Potassium.

1.94 66

Sulphate of Potassium

2.01

Nitrate of Sodium . 6.05 66

Carbonate of Iron 4.II

Carbonate of Calcium 20.95

Arsenicum. 0.50

7.00 66 Silica

Organic matter.

0.40

Total number of grains of solid . 74.16

Temperature of water at bottom of spring fifty-six degrees Fahrenheit. The combination of the salts of iron with alkaline carbonates causes the precipitation

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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.

of ferrice hydrate (while in contact with the acids of the stomach), and carbonic acid gas is produced."

He also made a thorough examination of the strata of the earth and masses of stone overlying the course of the water above the spring, and found it to contain mineral in a free state in the form of magnetic oxide of iron, which is a surety of the value of this as a mineral spring."

The spring is within a half mile of the Narrow Gauge Railroad, and about the same distance from a point on the Missouri Pacific, eight miles from Kansas City as we have above stated, two miles from Independence.

The grand plateau of grounds surrounding these springs can be made to far excel in beauty the drives and elegant surroundings for which Saratoga is cele- brated. Capital and enterprise will be required, and in our judgment the day has come when a move should be made to make the Cussenbary springs one of the live attractions of the present generation.

As yet, but few experiments have been made as to the value of their medic- inal qualities, outside of a number being speedily cured of chills by their use ; but the above chemical analysis will doubtless lead to a critical examination by our scientific men and the medical faculty. The water flows from the reservoir pure as crystal. It is inodorous, and no medicinal properties are detected by drinking it.

What astonishes more than anything else is, that after the close of the Mex- ican war down to 1857, Independence was the great out-fitting post for those engaged in the freighting business to Mexico, and subsequently to California, when Kansas City was merely a steamboat landing. Notwithstanding this won- derful prestige, the tide of fortune and unforseen events has made Kansas City the great inter-ocean railroad terminus and prospective commercial center of the west. These facts demonstrate that enterprise and geographic prestige can accomplish wonders in a few years.

Nevertheless Independence has men of large wealth, and a number of enter- prising business men who have located here since the close of the war, from the Eastern and southwestern States, who are now waking up to the advantages their location possesses. The "old fogy" element is rapidly dying out and leaving to their children the means to enable them to recover the advantages lost by their ancestry.

The Chrismans, Sawyers, Woodsons, Comingos, Wilsons, Pendletons, Reeses, Vailes, Seas, Chiles, McCoys, Mercers, Nichols, Wrights, Morrisons, Mays, Slacks, Motts, Hickmans, Smiths, Hills, Gates, Cryslers, Andersons and others, are beginning to realize and appreciate the opportunities time and events have de- veloped, and with most commendable zeal are investing their wealth in forwarding the enterprises of the times.

These business men and capitalists, by a concert of action will in the near future make Independence the central focus, from which northwestern Missouri will take high rank among the brightest constellations in the galaxy of States, and become the central attraction to the emigrants from the East, as well as those from Europe who are seeking homes upon the western continent.

While this section of Missouri sustained serious draw-backs during the war, and bands of desperadoes made it a terror throughout the land, a more serious damage to the growth of this section of the State after the close of the war, was occasioned by unfavorable reports as to the feeling of hostility upon the part of the inhabitants and old settlers toward their northern and eastern brethren. This state of affairs was believed to be true until men from the north and east came to Independence, Kansas City and Jackson county, to learn from a careful observation and investigation that those rumors, in fact were false, and no foundation for their circulation. The ruffian element that existed in this lo- cality for a time has entirely disappeared, and has left the substantial, honorable

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citizens in the enjoyment of their homes, who are offering every inducement and facility for emigrants from all the States to settle among them, and share with them the rich inheritance of one of the most beautiful sections of country upon God's footstool. Independence can boast of as high a type of honorable and in- telligent citizens as can be found in any town of its size in the United States.

RELIGIOUS HISTORY-CHURCHES.

Somewhat different from many sections of the State, the people in Jackson county early cherished a good religious sentiment. The Baptists established a church near Ft. Sibley as early as 1830, and soon other denominations with their churches followed. By no means were all the first settlers religiously inclined, still, perhaps, a greater percentage in this immediate vicinity had received relig- ious training in their early homes in Kentucky than in many other localities.

The Six Mile Baptist Church, on the road from Independence to Sibley, is said to be the first one organized and built in Jackson county. It was constructed of logs and its capacity was small. Before the church was built meetings were held under a walnut tree in the summer and in private cabins or the Fort during the winter. Three years ago last September occurred the 47th anniversary of the organization of that church. Only one of the original members, an old lady, had survived, and she was brought to the church in a chair. It was called the Six Mile Church because it stood within the limits of a district six miles square which was reserved by the United States Government for agriculture around Ft. Sib- ley. The early log houses of worship gave place to frame buildings and the frames, in many instances, have been succeeded by substantial brick edifices, for instance the New Salem church has passed through all three of these stages of progress. Rev. Joab Powell was one of the first pioneer preachers in this county, James Savage, Gabriel Fitzhugh, James Lovelady and William White were also pioneer preachers. Father Powell was a peculiar man, a most fitting type of his class. He was very ignorant and it is stated by good authority that he could not read. One time in coming before his congregation he stated that they would find his text in the "two-I'd chapter of the one-I'd John." At another time he took his text from "the 4th chapter of General Matthew." Rev. Durham (William) White, sat in the congregation near him and noticing his mistake said : "You are mistaken my brother. It is not 'General' Matthew. It is St. Matthew." "Oh! Yes," was Joab's reply, " my poor stammering tongue is always making mistakes."

At an association of Baptist ministers in one of those pioneer days, it became the duty of Father Powell to preach the annual sermon. It has long been the custom with this denomination to appoint one of the best preachers sufficiently ahead to prepare carefully the introductory sermon, for it is considered, in some sense, a model for the rest of the brethren. Brother Powell saw the responsi- bility of his position, and he thought and prayed over it much. He could not write it out, nor gain much from books. for, as has been stated, he could scarcely read at all. He went into the pulpit, as he said, "trusting in the Lord." Some- times he could preach as if by divine inspiration; at other times he would make an entire failure. Of this he was conscious himself. This time, when he hoped to make the best effort of his life, he utterly failed, and he imagined that he had brought eternal disgrace upon himself and upon the cause he advocated. After service they all repaired to the house of one of the members of the church for dinner ; but when they sat down Father Powell was missing. They became un- easy about him, and when search was instituted, they found him rolling about in the chaff and dust on the barn floor, in great distress. Brother White addressed him in the following language: "What is the matter, my dear brother Powell ? Are you sick?" " Yes, sick unto death," he replied. " I want the Lord to kill me. I don't want to live any longer. I have disgraced myself." It was with difficulty that his brethren could persuade him to enter the house and dine with them. He was a man of large proportions, over six feet tall, and weighed two

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hundred and fifty pounds. Often after repeating his text he would straighten himself to his full height and say: "Well, brethren, this is a great big text, and Joab is a great big man, and he ought to preach a great big sermon." He was a very successful revivalist, and many times, when men of more education failed, he could make the hardest sinner seek the cause. The following anecdote will illustrate: A Cumberland Presbyterian camp-meeting had been in progress for several days at a point about ten miles east of Independence, and there seemed to be no indications of a revival. Day after day the sinners were invited to come forward, but to no purpose. One day Father Powell happened into the camp- meeting, and some of his friends expressed a desire to hear the illiterate though honest old preacher. At first the proposition met with disfavor in the committee, they considering him too far out of date. Finally, however, since he could do no particular harm, they consented to allow him one sermon. He took his text, and made one appeal after another with all his power, though in his homely but characteristic manner. At the close of his discourse he pathetically invited sin- ners to the anxious seat, and forthwith forty collected around him, and a great revival ensued. He was always dressed in a butternut suit, his ways were plain and simple, and he won the hearts of the people he served. After the county became more settled, and the people more educated and refined, he felt that his mission among them was fulfilled; accordingly, he removed to Oregon, where he served his Master faithfully till his death, which occurred five years since. He was an honest, old-fashioned preacher, with superior native ability, and more than ordinary perseverence. We give herewith one stanza from a poem written to his memory, by an early settler in Jackson county, who knew him familiarly :

'Tis said that the age and world are progressing, That old-fashioned preachers are needed no more; That nien of more learning, more knowledge possessing, Must now take the places of those gone before. Ah well, with the world I must not be condemning -- Perhaps it is so, but there's one thing I know,

While the greatest D. D's. are their tenets defending I think of the preacher of long time ago : That ignorant preacher, that plain simple preacher, The old-fashioned preacher of long, long ago.

Rev. J. J. Robinson, who now lives at Raytown, was also one of the pioneer preachers of this county. He is a good man but possessed of strong prejudices, intense in his views and unique in character.

Elder F. R. Palmer, a Christian minister, came to this county in 1836, and is said to have been the first preacher of that denomination. He preached in Independence for twenty-four years, and on account of his strict Puritanic principles the boys gave him the sobriquet of " old straight edge." He died at Liberty in 1875, in the eighty-third year of his age.

The first church in Independence was built by the Old School Baptists. It was constructed of logs, 35x30 feet with one door, and two large open fire places. The pulpit was in the center of the opposite side from the door. An old man by the name of Moses Staton preached there, and when the weather was warm and he became enthused with his theme he would take off his coat and dispense the gospel with great force and loud sounding words.

The early preaching services of all denominations except, perhaps, the Presby- terian consisted mainly in reading a chapter from the Bible and running com- ments thereon, accompanied by exhortations. The Old School Presbyterians who as a rule were better educated, usually took a text and preached under divisions of the subject similar to the present custom. The services were far more demonstrative and emotional in character, frequently their shouts could be heard the distance of a mile. The preachers never used notes, and even now in some sections of

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the State the congregations could not be induced to listen to a preacher who reads bis sermon. There were no salaried preachers in the county for many years after it was first settled ; those who broke the bread of life looked in other directions for their pecuniary support. Many of them were farmers and during week days worked in the field from morning till night. The Methodist circuit preacher of later years, was allowed one hundred dollars, if single, and two hundred dollars a year, if he had a family. The Baptists seemed to take the lead in this county, and have maintained it ever since, the Cumberland Presbyterians, Methodists, Christians and Old School Presbyterians following.

There has been a wonderful advance in religion and churches. From 1845 to 1855, then again during the years immediately succeeding the civil war, the development of Protestant churches in Jackson county was most rapid. At first they were found more in centers, but now every corner of the county has one or more church organizations. For example, at one time there was only one Chris- tian church in the county, being located at Independence, and containing over 400 members. Now there are fourteen churches of that denomination, but none have a membership of over about one half that number. The growth from 1845 to 1855 was extremely denominational. Every one sought his own church. Sec- tarian feeling ran high, and the preaching was of a polemical character. During the civil war the cause of religion suffered greatly. Divisions and dissensions were perhaps greatest in the Methodist church, though the Presbyterians, Chris- tian and Baptist churches were by no means free from the demoralizing effects of civil war. The Baptists, with perhaps one or two exceptions, were able to control the dividing prejudices of political sentiment and keep the churches together. There has been a wonderful change in Christian charity and forbearance since the war, and especially within the past few years. The minds of men, losing sight of the influences that Breed discord, and taking hold of the great principles that underlie all religion, seek to promote its interests in the truest Christian spirit. There are two churches for colored people in Independence-one Baptist and one Methodist. In Kansas City there are four for the same class of people. In- dependence has one Catholic church and Kansas City several, with a large membership in both places. The Mormon element, or "Church of the Latter Day Saints," has been distinct, having very little influence upon other denomina- tions. They have a church in Independence and maintain regular services.

More rapid advancement has been made in the Sabbath-schools of this county than in any other department of religion. Early Sabbath-schools were few outside of Independence and Kansas City, now they are scattered all through the county, and even where there is no church building, or even organized re- ligious denomination, the Sunday-schools meet in school-houses and they are conducted by Sabbath-school workers who love the cause. In Lexington and Independence Sabbath-schools were conducted as early as 1848, but outside these towns, in the country, they were almost wholly unknown till 1856.

THE BAPTIST DENOMINATION IN JACKSON COUNTY.

The following was contributed by Rev. J. J. Robinson, an old and highly respected pastor in the Baptist church :

" Among the early settlers of Jackson county were many Baptists ; and peo- ple in sympathy with their sentiments. They came from Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Our first churches were organized as United Baptist churches, and became associated in a United Baptist Association, Fishing River. Blue River 'Association was also organized as a "United Baptist Association." But about the year 1841 or 1842 an opposition to " Missionary Societies " resulted in a di- vision among some of the churches. Those that went with Fishing River Asso- ciation (like the Pleasant Grove church in Independence) ultimately changed their name from "United" to " Regular " Baptist. But the churches that continued with Blue River Association did not change their name.

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"Among the pioneer preachers of our first churches, were Elders Joab Pow- ell, Moses Stayton, James Kimsley, Henry Bowers, Gabriel Fitzhugh, Henry Hill and Lewis Franklin. In "the split about Missionary Societies," Elders Hill, Bowers and Fitzhugh became "Regular Baptists." (This name, like some others, is found far back in Baptist history, and is claimed both by mission and anti- mission Baptists.) The writer was never acquainted with Elders Stayton and Kimsley ; but those who were, speak well of them. Elders Powell and Franklin were both men of ability-above an average. Elder Franklin had a fair educa- tion. He had, before entering the ministry, once represented Jackson county in the Missouri State Senate. He was a man of great energy, kind-hearted, and did much for the cause of Christ.

"Joab Powell possessed a giant mind and a thrilling voice. He was a pow- er for good in any community in which he lived. He moved to Oregon, where, after preaching a number of years, he died, beloved and regretted by a vast num- ber of friends. With these men I have labored in many precious meetings. In many of our churches their works follow them-to be, like them, transplanted to the "shining shore."

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The History of Jackson county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens, Jackson county in the late warhistory of Missouri, map of Jackson county, Part 88

Author: Union Historical Company Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company Number of Pages: 1068

Author: Union Historical Company
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Union historical company
Number of Pages: 1068