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 89

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 89

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" Most of our churches have been prosperous, and now have commodious houses of worship. In the "good work " of Sunday-schools, the rising genera- tion are gathered from Sabbath to Sabbath; and those churches that have been the most efficient in Sabbath-school work, have been the most prosperous.

" Besides the organization of many new churches, and several associations in the surrounding counties, as the result of missionary work, hundreds of valuable members have immigrated to Texas, Kansas, California, Oregon, etc.

"With Baptists, education and ministerial support, as in times past, have . become an object of prime importance. They feel and realize the mighty issues their ministers have to meet, and that the ministerial mind, trained, not only in scien- tific lore, but also in schools of systematic theology, and in the laws of logic, is, and will be required, by the highest calling ever vouchsafed to man, to lead and in- struct an educated people."

A brief account of a meeting of this Association in September, 1869, is an- nexed :

The annual meeting of the Blue River Baptist Association was held with the Blue Ridge church, in Jackson county, on the 24th, 25th, and 26th of September. Thirty-five churches were represented, reporting over 500 received by baptism ; total membership over 3,000. The principal subjects discussed at the meeting were, Domestic and Foreign Missions, Sunday-schools, Colportage, etc. Har- mony prevailed throughout the meeting. On Sunday, the 26th, Rev. J. V. Sco- field, of St. Louis, preached to a large and attentive congregation, after which, Rev. Mr. Brooks, representing the Widows' and Orphans' Home of Mississippi, made some remarks, and took up a collection of $110. In the afternoon, Revs. Buchner and Roan spoke in behalf of the young men of William Jewell College, preparing for the ministry.

Between $600 and $700 in, and pledges for, money were raised for mission- ary purposes in the bounds of this association.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF INDEPENDENCE.

Prominent among the churches of Jackson county is the Baptist. The Six Mile Baptist church, which is on the road to Sibley, is said to be the first relig- ious organization in the county. There are now eighteen Baptist churches in this county, a greater number than of any other denomination. They are as fol- lows: Antioch, at Buchner, Besonia, at Raytown, Blue Springs, Calvary, at Kan- sas City, First Church, at Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Lone Jack, New Liberty, near Blue Springs, New Salem, northeast from Independence, Oak Grove, Six Mile, Sni-Mills, Greenwood, West Fork, Westport, and Willow Springs. These churches, together with those of Cass county, belong to what is

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known as the Blue River Baptist Association. The association, composed of delegates from each church, meets once a year. The church at Independence was organized January 25, 1851, with the following original members : George Neat, S. Ruffner, C. C. Rice, F. T. Meador, James Ruffner, Sanford Ruffner, William Lacy, Ann E. Christopher, Malinda Neat, Ann Beckham, Emeline Mea- dor, Jane Rice, Martha Christopher, Martha Ruffner, and E. A. Beckham.

The present neat brick church was built in the year 1856, the lot costing $850 and the edifice $3, 216. It is about sixty feet long and forty feet wide, and contains a good bell, a fine Estey organ, communion set, baptistry, and neat pulpit and platform. It is situated on Rock street, only one-half a block west of the public square. This church, like all others, suffered considerably during the civil war and from that shock it has not yet fully recovered, though at present it shows signs of greater prosperity. Pastors have occupied the pulpit as follows : H. H. Tilford, G. W. Foster, G. W. Rogers, J. R. Phillips, C. Blood, W. R. Rothnell, D. D., A. Machette, A. C. Rafferty, R. S. Jones, H. K. Dixon and J. M. Wise the present pastor. The number of the present membership is 110. The Sabbath-school meets regularly at 9:30 every Sabbath morning with an atten- dance of sixty-five. The Sabbath-school was organized May 9th, 1858 and M.

Runyan was superintendent. Since that time several have filled that office, among them, H. G. Goodman, James Norvel, L. F. Franklin and H. E. Marsh- all the present superintendent. During the history of the church there have been several religious awakenings, still none very marked. In July, 1877, there were twenty-nine additions, twenty of whom were by baptism. In September, 1878, there were about ten additions, and in March, 1880 there were twenty-six additions. During the last year of the pastorate of Rev. Joseph K. Dixon, which closed last August, there were received into the church twenty-seven persons, twenty-five of whom were by baptism. There were 334 periodicals and papers taken on subscription by the church and Sabbath-school last year. For the year ending August, 1880, the pastor had delivered eighty six sermons, sixty- two addresses, attended forty-six prayer meetings, forty-six Sabbath-school sessions and sixty-four revival meetings. The following words by the pastor, on the anniversary occasion, briefly express the condition of the church :

" The Lord of Hosts has truly smiled upon us. The members have been united and harmonious, filling their obligations with cheerful promptness and earnest fidelity. The prayer meetings and Sabbath services have been marked by a large attendance and interest. The Sabbath-school flourishing, each Sabbath marks a period of growth and interest. A glorious revival has crowned the year's labor, and many souls have been brought into the Kingdom, and we trust also seed has been sown which will fall into good ground and bear much fruit. It is

the general verdict of all connected with the church that this pastoral year closes leaving the church in a more prosperous and healthful condition than for many years. All the glory be to our God, and may the present gratifying condition of the church only be the prelude to a much larger growth, higher spiritual attain- ments, stronger zeal, greater extension, deeper, more unaffected piety, and a still deeper and more blessed realization of the presence and power of the Great Head of the church."

The present pastor, Rev. J. M. Wise, enters upon his work with earnestness and zeal, and success will surely reward his labors. There is preaching every Sabbath morning and evening, prayer meeting on Wednesday night. The deacons are W. H. Franklin, G. D. Schultz, Elias Ellis and H. Hale. Clerk, H. E. Marshall; chorister, John T. Ross ; organist, Everett Blood.

THE METHODIST CHURCH SOUTH.

This church was organized in the year 1835 by the Rev. J. P. Hulse. The names of original members were : Henry Ruby, Rebecca Ruby, John

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McMurry, Jane McMurry, S. Noland, Nancy Nolan, Angeline Nolan, Jesse Nolan, Reuben Wallace, Mary Wallace. This was probably the first Methodist society organized in Jackson county.

A church building was commenced in 1837, but was not completed until 1840, at a cost of about $1,000.

In 1859 the present church was completed. The building is of brick 50x70 feet and two stories high. The lower story is divided into minister's office, class room and lecture room. It is very substantially built, has an excellent bell, and in all respects well arranged for the purposes for which it was built.

In 1835, we see Independence for the first time in the list of appointments, Lexington and Independence forming one pastoral charge, and was served by Rev. R. H. Jordan as senior, and W. P. Hulse, junior preacher. In 1836, N. Henry was appointed ; 1837, Thomas Wallace ; 1838, Hugh L. Dodds ; 1839, Benjamin R. Johnson ; 1840, C. F. Dryden ; 1841, D. Kinnear and J. Dines ; 1842, E. B. Headly ; 1843, W. P. Nicholds; 1844, R. F. Colburn ; 1845, J. R. Bennett ; 1846-this year Independence is made a station, it heretofore having been a circuit, J. R. Bennet is returned as pastor and is the first minister appointed to this pastoral charge for two years in succession; 1847, Thomas Wal- ace was appointed-he having been stationed here at a former time ; 1848, T. T. Ashby ; 1849, N. B. Peterson ; 1850, Wm. H. Lewis ; 1851, B. H. Russel ; 1852, T. T. Ashby. During this year the parsonage, still standing in the rear of the church, was built. The pastor for 1853, was J. Dines ; 1854, J. F. Truslow ; 1855, Joseph Boyle; 1856, J. T. Peery; 1857-8, W. B. McFarland, who remained two years; 1859-60, B. T. Kavanaugh, pastor for two years; 1861, W. M. Leftwich ; how long he remained we do not know. The difficulties, etc., arising from the war were such that he felt justified in leaving his pastoral charge. The church was now without any regular pastor till 1865, when M. M. Pugh was appointed to the work. He remained two years and was succeeded in 1867-8 by S. S. Bry- ant, who remained to the close of the latter year. 1869, G. H. Williamson had charge ; 1870, W. F. Camp; 1873, M. J. Law; 1874-5, C. H. Briggs ; 1876-7, W. B. McFarland; 1878-9, R. A. Hollaway ; 1880, Rev. J. Spencer, who is the present pastor.

The present membership is 112. The church is in a healthy and prosperous condition. The Sunday school meets every Sunday with an average attendance of about 100. J. G. McCurdy has been the superintendent for about thirty years.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

This is one of the foremost denominations in Jackson county, its membership and influence is large, and many of the most highly respected citizens of Inde- pendence and vicinity are members of this church. In various parts of the county and in Kansas City the Christian church has been long established. The present house of worship in Independence is large and elegant, and the congre- gation worshiping there is the largest in the city.

This was, also, one of the early church organizations in Independence, hav- ing been established in the year 1836, a church building being erected about the same time. Among the early and prominent members were : Amos Allen, Oliver Caldwell, James Smart, Eli Glascock, Alexander Collins, F. R. Greenwood, F. R. Palmer, Henry Barker, Adam Fisher, J. H. Eaton, N. J. Hockensmith, Asa Hedges, Benjamin Thompson, Samuel Shortridge, with their wives and families.

The present church edifice was built by William Huston, in 1854, and re- modeled in 1874. Mr. E. A. Hickman, one of the building committee, estimates the cost of the present brick edifice at about $6,000. Elder F. R. Palmer was one of the early pastors. Elder Alexander Proctor, who now presides over the services of the church, has been pastor for more than twenty years, and this short sketch would be entirely imperfect without a few words in reference to the life of one who has dwelt in the hearts of his people so long. He was born in Fayette

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county, Ky., April 1, 1825. In 1836 removed with his parents to Randolph, Mo. He graduated at Bethany College in 1848, and was ordained as a Christian minister, first taking a charge at Lexington, this State. He removed to Glasgow in the fall of 1850 and there remained till 1856, when he went to St. Louis. In 1860 he came to Independence, where he has since resided with the exception of a short time during the turbulent days of the Civil War. He was married to Miss Caroline M. Trewitt, August 29, 1859, and their family consists of four children, Mary, Rowland, Stella and Emma. The members formerly worshiped in an old church northeast of the present one. The Sunday-school is large and prosperous, and Jno. A. Sea is Superintendent.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The First Presbyterian church, Old School, at Independence was organized November 21st, 1841, by Rev. J. L. Yantis, assisted by Arthur G. Young, a ruling elder of the church at Lexington. The members thus organized were James Patton, Joseph O. Boggs, Cincinnatus W. Boyers, Mrs. Mary Patton, Mrs. Sarah Irwin, Mrs. Henrietta Mauir, Mrs. Elizabeth Lee, Miss Nancy M. Patton, Mrs. Phoebe Boggs. At this original organization no officers were set apart, nor were there any officers of said church till November 4th, 1842, when C. W. Boyers and J. O. Boggs were duly elected, and on the 5th day of said month (Sabbath) were regularly ordained as the first ruling elders thereof. Said church had no house of worship of their own till about 1852, when the present house was erected.

Present membership 130. Rev. J. E. Wheeler is present pastor. Sunday- school every Sunday, with John McCoy, superintendent.

THE METHODIST CHURCH.

This church was organized in the year 1867, when the present brick church was erected. The cost of the church was about $8,000. It was dedicated by Rev. B. F. Crary, D. D., of St. Louis, editor of the Central Christian Advocate.

The following named pastors have served the church: J. N. Pierce, S. Griffin, H. R. Miller, Rev. Boucher, W. Stephens, D. A. Pierce, Rev. Carring- ton, Rev. Mortland and the present pastor, R. R. Pierce, who is now in his third year. The present membership is 75. Since the re-organization of the church in this city there has been some opposition manifested toward it, but a better feeling is now growing. The M. E. Church, South, of this city, Kansas City and many other places, are beginning to drop the word "South," and are simply known as the " Rock Street M. E. Church," the "Walnut Street M. E. Church," etc. There is also a Sabbath-school in connection with the church. The present pastor, Rev. R. R. Pierce, is a man of rare talents and peculiarly adapted for his high calling. His distinguished social qualities, as well as his high moral and religious teachings, have endeared him to his parishioners and the public in general.

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This denomination of Christians, when compared with the age of many others, is yet in its youth. It originated in America. About the year 1799 and 1800 a remarkable revival of religion swept with its hallowed influences among the people inhabitating that district of country then known as the Cumberland country, which included that beautiful region through which meanders the Cum- berland River, and extended from the Green River in Kentucky on the north to the Tennessee River on the south. Out of this revival, and in this district of country, sprang the Cumberland Presbyterian church. It was organized on the 4th day of February, 1810. Its first Presbytery was, owing to its locality, called Cum- berland Presbytery, and this is why this Presbyterian church is called Cumberland Presbyterian.

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This church is perhaps the largest Presbyterian body in the State of Missouri, the membership being near twenty thousand in this State. Their numerical strength in the United States is about one hundred thousand. Their academies, colleges and universities, and also their books and periodicals though not as nu- merous as older denominations have, are of a high character, and will not suffer when placed in comparison with those of others.

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF INDEPENDENCE.

This church was organized in the spring of 1832, with the following original members :

Gan Johnston, Wm. W. Kavanaugh and three or four members of his family, Mrs: Margaret B. Cambers, John Lewis and wife, Samuel D. Lucas and wife. The frame church was built in 1831 at a cost of $1,200, and was dedicat- ed by Rev. Wm. W. Kavanaugh. Names of pastors were: W. M. Kavanaugh, Robert Sloan, Barnett Miller, Rev. Kennedy, J. H. Houx, Rev. Woods, I. T. A. Henderson, Levi Henshaw, Rev. Givens and several others, not remembered. The present church is a neat and commodious brick, erected in 1840, and im- proved and enlarged in 1848. The present membership is about 40.

PLEASANT GROVE REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH OF INDEPENDENCE

Was organized some 45 years ago. The names of the earliest members can- not be obtained with any degree of accuracy.

The first church edifice was of logs situated where Lewright's slaughter house now stands. Some of the early preachers were: Joab Powell, Gabriel Fitzhugh, Revs. Stayton, Henry Hill, James Savage, Thomas Rule, and Fewel.

Some of the more modern names which have occupied the pulpit are those of George Stout, J. D. Gossett. The present house of worship is brick, 80x45, furnished suitably. It cost about $3,500 and was built sometime before the Civil War. There are now fifty members.

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS.

This church was organized May 25, 1873, by Elder E. C. Brand. The names of the original members were H. Etzenhouser, Hannah Etzenhouser, Ru- dolph Etzenhouser, Daniel Etzenhouser, Mary C. Noble, Albert E. Noble, Lor- inda M. Noble, Louisa Noble, Orwin S Noble and Peter J. Hale. The present brick church was built in the year 1880, at a cost of $1,375. Elder Joseph Luft is present pastor, and Elder A. J. Caster is presiding elder of the Independence District.

This branch of the church belongs to the Independence District. This dis- trict includes Jackson and Cass counties, Missouri, and Wyandott county, Kan- sas. The district includes 200 members, and was organized by Elder James Caf- fall, in February, 1878.

The present membership of this branch of the church is 142.

THE AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH.

This church was organized January 13th, 1864, by Rev. C. A. Bateman, with the names of William Tadlock, Madison, Mosby, Thomas Hale, Gibson Smith, Ann Mosby, Vinia Tadlock, and Jannie Hale, as original members. They built a frame church in 1867, at a cost of $1,000, which was dedicated by Revs. Clark, Moore and Johnson.

Names of pastors: Clark, Moore, E. S. Carnn, Granderson Roberts, J. H. Hornesley, O. P. Simes, and G. Gray. The present membership is 145. This is known as the Second Baptist Church, of Independence. Five pastors have served the church, all of whom were paid fair salaries. The society have bought a little brick house of worship formerly owned by the German Methodists. It cost $650. The church is now free from debt.

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THE AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH.

This church organization was gathered into the fold of Rev. William Doane, in 1865, and the names of the original members were Benjamin Smith, Mauda Smith, Hartwell Tucker, William Stone, G. W. Ricker, Thomas Scott, Violet Hair. The new brick church was built in the year 1879, at a cost of $2,000. It is 36x50 feet, situated on East Lexington street. The present membership is 125. The names of pastors who have preached for this church are William Doane, W. B. Owsely, two terms, John A. Fouchee, Henry Triplet, Daniel Oaks, G. W. Grey, Joseph P. Alexander.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH OF INDEPENDENCE.

This was first called the Church of the Holy Cross. The first baptism oc- curred February 11, 1849, and was performed by the Rev. Father Bernard Don- nelly, who, for several years, was pastor of the church before he removed to Kansas City. There were only a few families who united in the first organiza- tion. About that time, the society bought a wagon shop about 24x36, built of brick, for a place of worship. An addition was made to this first church, and continued in use till 1866, when the present building was erected. The first church cost about $250.

The present church building, 92x44, of brick, was commenced during the Civil War and finished at about the close of the war, and cost $1, 100. It is fur- nished with all the conveniences of worship, including vestments, pews, chande- liers, organ, bell, and other things used in a well-supplied Catholic church. The present membership is 800. The names of the pastors who have served the con- gregation here are Father Bernard Donnelly, Father Dennis Kennedy, Father Patrick M. O'Neil, and Father Thomas Fitzgerald, the present pastor. Father Fitzgerald received this charge April 16, 1875, and has since filled the office of pastor. During the year ending October, 1880, there were thirty baptisms and four marriages. The average annual revenue, besides money from festivals, etc., amounts to $900.

CEMETERY.

This old and revered place of the dead is located about three-quarters of a mile southeast of the public square, and contains about twenty acres. It was the first burial place in this part of the country. The oldest ground is east of the new, but all in the same inclosure. There are in the old and new many graves, and several fine monuments adorn the grounds. The Catholic cemetery is im- mediately south of the Independence city cemetery, and in this, also, there are a large number of graves. Additions from time to time have been made to the In- dependence cemetery, which is under the control of the city council.

COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS.

There are three colleges that are contributing largely in popularizing a liberal education.

The "Woodland College," of which further mention is made elsewhere in this work, established in 1869, is one of great promise, and its annual cat- alogue shows evidences of success. The grounds, containing seven and a half acres, are most admirable adapted to the purposes for which they are used, and expenditure of a few hundred dollars in shrubbery and ornamentation, will make a most inviting and pleasant resort, that adds so much to the fascination of our institutions of learning. The building for the present is ample for the wants of the pupils, and the faculty is composed of professors of unquestioned ability as educators. The curriculum embraces all the studies known to our larger and older colleges ; and a very respectable chemical and philosophical apparatus, for an institution so young has already been secured. Both sexes are educated here, and we predict, under the present efficient management, the day is not far distant

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when " Woodland College " will take high rank among the prominent and popu- lar institutions of learning in our country, and the necessity of new and larger buildings will claim the attention of the trustees and those interested.

INDEPENDENCE FEMALE COLLEGE.

If the quantity of iron used by a people is an index to their material pros- perity, so the character of its schools is an index to their moral development. Closely interwoven with the history of our city must be that of her institutions of learning. To our social, religious and educational facilities is due, in large measure, the prosperity and popularity of the Orchard City. Outstripped by. Kansas City in the race for commercial pre-eminence, the lovely suburban city presents a most delightful retreat from the noise and bustle of that great future metropolis of the Missouri Valley.

The corner-stone of Independence Female College. bears this inscription : "Laid A. L., 5871. July, 1871." The names of its founders are set forth in the following extract from the records of the Circuit Court, under date of June 26, 1871 :

" Whereas, William Chrisman, Abram Comingo, William McCoy, John Mc- Coy, John T. Smith, Geo. W. Buchanan, George P. Gates, John Wilson, Charles D. Lucas and John H. Taylor have filed in the office of the Circuit Court their articles of association in compliance with the provisions of an act concerning corporations, approved March 19th, 1866, with their petition for corporation under the name and style of Independence Female College ; they are therefore declared a body politic and corporate by the name and style aforesaid, with all the powers, privileges and immunities granted in the act above named."

[ Signed. ] SAMUEL L. SAWYER, Judge."

These names are in themselves a guarantee of success. An idea may be formed of the energy with which they carried their plans into execution, from the facts that the incorporation was completed in June, the corner-stone was laid in July, their liberal contribution of twenty thousand dollars was expended in the completion of the work, and the school was successfully opened in the fall.

As to the manner in which their purpose has been carried out, the teaching talent employed, the patronage enlisted, and the good accomplished in the way of female education, its success which has been so great, fully attests.

FACULTY OF 187 1-72.

Rev. M. M. Fisher, D. D., president, and professor of mental and moral science ; Miss Margaret T. Henderson, teacher of belle-lettres, natural science, and mathematics; Miss Sallie A. Allen, principal of intermediate department ; Miss Kate Buchanan, principal of primary department; Henry E. Schultze, professor of vocal, piano, and organ music; Mrs. M. W. Lucas, matron.

FACULTY FOR 1880-81.

P. F. Witherspoon, president, mental and moral science ; Rev. A. Carroll, supreintendent, literary department, ancient languages, science, mathematics ; Mrs. Witherspoon, history, physiology, and botany; Mrs. Helen M. Nash, modern languages, and English literature; Miss Lydia Carroll, primary depart- ment ; Miss Evelyn Westlake, vocal and instrumental music; Mrs. Helen M. Nash, pencil drawing ; Miss Pauline Witherspoon, instrumental music; Mrs. H. C. Crysler, oil and portrait painting; Mrs. Witherspoon, wax flowers, hair flowers, photocrome, and Grecian painting.

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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 89

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