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 90
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THE ST. MARYS CONVENT SCHOOL.
The college under the patronage of the Catholic church is conducted with the same enterprise peculiar to institutes under the patronage of this denomination,
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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.
and this one compares favorably with colleges throughout the country, affording ample facilities for a thorough course of study for which schools of this character have become so extensively known and popular. It was begun October, 1878, established by Father Fitzgerald, the present pastor. It is situated close by the church on the same half-block. The school building is 40x50, two stories, brick, and cost $4,000. It is used both for day school and boarding school, boys attending during the day and young ladies boarding in the building. There are five teachers including the instructor in music. There are now in attendance one hundred pupils. The academic year dates from the first Monday in September and closes on the last day of June, and is divided into two sessions of five months each.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The public schools of Independence were organized September 18, 1866. The first Board of Directors consisted of Messrs. Peter Hinters, U. P. Bennett, Jacob May, William McCoy, William Chrisman, and Jacob Leader. Col. May was elected President, William McCoy, Treasurer, and William Chrisman, Sec- retary. Rev. J. A. Smith was appointed Superintendent of schools, to be assist- ed by four teachers ; this number being increased to ten before February, 1867.
The district being without a house, the Board rented rooms wherever they could be best obtained, and during the first session the schools were put in so good condition that their success was assured. March 30, 1867, the seminary property belonging to Rev. W. H. Lewis was purchased for $11,000, and such alterations and improvements were made as to adapt it, as nearly as possible, to the uses intended. This building is still occupied by the white schools, and with the repairs that have been made from time to time, promises to be adequate to the wants of the present, and possibly of several succeeding generations.
The first levy for schools was 1.2 per cent, yielding a revenue of $10,000. The first enumeration of children showed the number, of school age, to be 1, 152. Supt. Smith was continued in office two years, and was succeeded by Rev. A. Carroll, in 1868, who was, in 1873, succeeded by Prof. A. E. Higgason, the present incumbent.
During the first years of these schools the tendency was to spread them over as much educational ground as possible ; hence we find that the number of teachers was gradually increased to seventeen, including an assistant superintend- ent, and teacher of German. The course of study was expanded until it included . almost as much as is required in some of our colleges.
Until 1876, the white school was divided, two rooms being furnished by the Catholic church and supplied with Catholic teachers. Of course the Catholic children attended these schools. This division of the schools was a virtual divis- ion of the school fund.
This division has now been abolished, and all the white children attend one, thrown into the same building.
Since 1873, the policy of the Board, in its management, has been in the di- rection of simplicity and economy. Latin, Greek, German, chemistry, survey- ing, and all higher studies have been excluded. The course now concludes with geometry, in the mathematical department, rhetoric, in the literary course, and natural philosophy, in the scientific. The course is now so arranged that a child of average ability entering at six or seven years of age will have as much as he can conveniently do for nine years.
There are in the colored school two grades, in the white there are eight, one teacher being assigned to each, and each grade having in it two classes. By this arrangement the time of the children is divided into two equal parts, one being devoted to study and the other to recitation. The lowest grade frequently con- tains more than two classes.
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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.
The expenses of these schools have been reduced at every point until at present their annual cost is about $4, 500, or $7 per annum for each pupil.
With the accumulated experiences of Board, teachers, and superintendent, many of the errors of former years have been rectified. Expenses have been re- trenched, and the best methods of teaching and government have been adopted.
There is no aim made at display, but quiet persistent work is insisted on ; these schools are of the people, and for them. The people select a Board to represent their interests. The Board appoints a superintendent as their educa- tional representative ; he supervises the teachers, and they supervise the chil- dren, thus bringing the circuit of supervision back to the people.
These schools were never more efficient than now, nor were they ever more popular. They must, by virtue of their being public schools, be utterly impartial, but are liberally patronized by the wealthiest citizens, and those of highest social standing, whose children laudably and generously vie with those of the humblest for the highest rank in their classes. Every endeavor is constantly being made to keep them abreast of the best educational methods. They are at all times open to inspection in every department. The frequent presence of visitors is urgently re- quested, and criticism always invited.
MASONIC.
Palestine Commandery, No. 17, K. T., organized October 4, 1871, with the following charter members : S. M. Kerr, John Westmoreland, Tarbert Entrikin, Walker Buckner, Marion May, Tandy Westmoreland. Meetings are held the first and third Thursdays of each month, at the Masonic Hall. The present offi- cers are : E. J. Nickerson, E. C .; John S. Mott, Generalissimo; William Ran. dall, Capt. General ; J. A. Westmoreland, Prelate; H. Morrison, S. W. ; M. R. Wright, J. W. ; I. N. Rogers, Treasurer ; Samuel Wilson, Recorder; S. A. Sul- livan, Warder; Jacob Vernon, Capt. Guard.
Independence Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., organized October 14, 1846, with the following charter members : Richard Rees, Harrison Robinson, Daniel C. Woodall, and others. Its meetings are held in Masonic Hall on the second and fourth Saturday evenings of each month. Present officers : J. A. Westmore- land, W. M. ; W. A. Cunningham, Secretary.
Independence Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M., was organized October 13th, 1848, with the following charter members : Richard Rees, H. P. ; Samuel H. Wood- son, King; John Heard, and others. Meetings are held at the Masonic Hall on the first and third Fridays of each month .. The present officers are : M. R. Wright, High Priest ; King ; Scribe; H. Morrison, Capt. of Host; J. Westmoreland, P. S. ; John S. Mott, Royal Arch Capt .; James Adams, M. 3d Vail; Hezekiah Holland, M. 2d Vail; S. A. Sullivan, M. Ist Vail; I. N. Rogers, Treasurer ; Jacob Leader, Secretary.
M'DONALD LODGE 324, A. F. AND A. M.
This lodge was organized October 12, 1869, with the following charter mem- bers: James C. Riggs, James Peacock, Porter McClannahan, and others. Their regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month, in the Masonic Hall. Harry Wait, W. M .; Jacob Leader, Secretary ; Wm. Sullivan, Treasurer; Bailey Strode, S. W .; Silas Hillard, J. W .; are the pres- ent officers.
CHOSEN FRIENDS LODGE, I. O. O. F., NO. 21.
Met and organized March 12, 1847. The first charter was destroyed by fire, and another was issued in June, 1857. Their meetings are held every Tuesday night, in the Jones building, on the north side. The hall is neatly furnished. The present officers are S. A. Sullivan, N. G .; R. D. Wort, V. G .; H. H. No- land, Secretary ; Horace Sheley, Treasurer. The present membership numbers 85.
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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.
OCCIDENTAL ENCAMPMENT NO. 9, I. O. O. F.
This encampment was organized June 1, 1857, and their regular meetings are on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month, at the Odd Fel- lows' Hall. There is a present membership of 25, and the present officers are H. H. Noland, C. P .; H. Sheley, S. W .; John A. Westmoreland, H. P .; Samuel A. Sullivan, J. W .; John S. Swearingen, Scribe.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, INDEPENDENCE LODGE NO. 3.
The lodge was instituted in 1868, with the following charter members : C. D. Lucas, John P. Duke, L. F. Franklin, James L. Gray, J. C. Leftwich, A. J. Liddil, Peter Dick. The first Chancellor Commander was C. D. Lucas, and James L. Gray, Vice C. C.
Meetings every Friday evening, at Odd Fellows Hall. Present officers: H. H. Noland, C. C .; David Waldo, Vice C .; Peter Dick, P. C .; Newton Williams, Prelate; M. W. Anderson, Master Exchequer; John Leftwich, Master Finance M. H. Halderman, K. of R. and S. Present membership numbers 22.
A. O. U. W. NO. -.
This order was organized July 19, 1879, with the following charter members : Geo. D. Schultz, P. M. W .; D. G. Parker, M. W .; C. R. Haller, G. F .; John Hutchinson, Overseer; Chas. H Clark, Financier ; J. C. Pendleton, Receiver ; A. L. McCoy, G .; James M. Nicklin, I. W .; M. H. Halderman, O. W. Meet- ings every Monday night, at Odd Fellows Hall. Present membership, 28.
Present officers : C. R. Haller, P. M. W .; Chas. H. Clark, M. W., C. Jack- son, Financier; M. H. Halderman, Overseer.
JACKSON CHAPTER, NO. 59, O. E. S.,
Was organized March 13, 1875, with the following charter members : Jennie Wal- lace, Palmyra E. Parish, Nannie Wallace, Mollie L. Burns, Bettie Adams, Mary Dill, Nannie McClannahan, Hattie McCormack, Ettie Westmoreland, Lucy Moreland, Gegia Holland, Mattie Baker, Lettie M. Kelley, Mary C. Reynolds, Fannie Morris, and John A. Westmoreland. Meetings are held on the evenings of the first and third Wednesdays in each month.
Present officers: S. A. Sullivan, Worthy Patron; Mrs. Jennie Wallace, Worthy Matron; Mrs. Cunningham, Associate Matron; Mrs. Rie Fletcher, Con- ductress; Mrs. Bettie Adams, Assistant Conductress; Mrs. Nannie Wallace, Sec- retary ; Mrs. Wm. Franklin, Treasurer; Mrs. E. J. Silvers, Ada; Mrs. Rogers, Ruth; Mrs. Strode, Esther ; Mrs. Hope, Martha ; Mrs. Waite, Electa.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Anderson-Chiles Banking Co. Anderson, M. W., banker. Armstrong, J. F., tailor.
Alexander, J. P., pastor African M. E. church.
Beatty, C. E., editor weekly Crisis.
Bryant, W. L., druggist.
Bryant, John, doctor.
Bryant, John, Jr., doctor.
Blau, Antone, shoemaker.
Bone, William L., attorney at law.
Beatty, A. L., jeweler.
Brown, J. T. & Bro., druggists.
Brown, J. T., physician.
Barnhardt, J. D., boots and shoes.
Bullard; Daniel, Missouri Pacific Rail way agent.
Buckner, W. A., president Woodland College.
Carroll, A., pres. Female College.
Crysler, Cornell, post-master.
Crysler & Moore, real estate.
Crysle, Charles S., attorney at law.
Cunningham, W. A. & Co., groceries.
Chrisman-Sawyer, Banking Company. Comingo & Slover, law firm. Comingo, A., attorney at law.
Chiles, C. C., banker.
City Hotel, Mrs. Carmody, prop'ss. Clark, Charles H., correspondent Kan- sas City Journal.
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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.
Caldwell, D. I., superintendent schools of county.
Dick, Peter, tailor.
Davidson, Mrs. B., milliner.
Embree, Mrs. dressmaker.
Franklin, George, livery stable.
Fann, J. W., gunsmith.
Russell & Forbis, hardware.
Forbis, J. B, Jr., Hardware.
Fitzgerald, Thomas, pastor Catholic church.
Gates, Wallace & Sea, law firm.
Gates, E. P. attorney at law.
Grange Store, groceries and queens- ware.
Guthrie, T., meat market.
Gabathuler, John, saloon.
Gregg & Smart, meat market.
Green, J. M., county collector.
Goodin, James, railroad timber con- tractor.
Gray, Gabriel, pastor African Baptist church.
Holmes, Benjamin F., county treas- urer.
Hickman, W. Z., county clerk.
Herson, T. W. & Co., coal and feed. Herson & Son, James, groceries.
Hartman, D. F., harness, saddles, bridles, etc. Hockaday, J. H.
Henry, J. P., physician.
Hotsenpiller, G. R., books and sta- tionery.
Head, William, meat market.
Higgason, A. E., Supt. city schools. Helf, Fred, barber.
Hinters, J. F., barber.
Holland, H. H., deputy marshal and jailor.
Hill & Humphry, blacksmith & wagon shop.
Henzt, Fred, blacksmith.
Holmes, A. T., photographer.
Hallar, C. R., groceries.
Independence Agricultural Works.
Independence Woolen Mills, J. Mc- Coy agent.
Joseph, William, saloon.
Jackson, C., city physician.
Kenney, P. B., millinery and fancy goods. Keller, Mrs. F., general dry goods. Lentz, Martin, photographer.
Lewis, E. E., druggist.
Larkin & Son, livery stable. Lewright, Jerome, ice cream.
Lewright & Bro., meat market. Leftwich, J. C., saloon.
Lucas, C .D., county recorder.
Laws, Wallace, circuit clerk.
Luff, Joseph, pastor Church Latter Day Saints.
Modie, J. W., harness, saddles, etc.
Morrison, J. H., druggist.
McCoy, William & Son, bankers.
McDonald Lumber Company.
McClanahan, William, groceries.
Merchants' Hotel, R. K. Morgan proprietor.
McCurdy & Son, blacksmith and wagons.
May, J. & Son, dry goods, boots and shoes.
Mott, J. S., merchant.
Nichol, G. M. & Bro., hardware.
Ott, C. & Son, furniture and under- takers.
O'Reilly & Son, shoemakers.
Oliver, L. R. painter.
. Pierce, R. R , pastor M. E. Church. Proctor, Alexander, pastor Christian Church.
Peacock, James, tailor.
Parker, B. F., dentist.
Paxton, J. G., attorney at law.
Pendleton, J. C., druggist.
Pendleton & Bros., furnishing and dry goods.
Parker, Henry, barber.
Perry, J. W., livery stable.
Payne, J. E, editor Sentinel.
Peacock, C. G., prop. Pacific House.
Peiser, M., restaurant and saloon.
Reynolds, Joseph, justice peace.
Roberts, B. F., groceries.
Rogers, T. J., hardware.
Spencer, J., pastor Methodist church, South.
Schulenberg, John, cigars and confec- tionery.
Slack, A. T., groceries.
Sawyer, A. F., cashier bank.
Sawyer, Sam'l L., banker.
Sea & Vernon, real estate agents.
Sea, John A., attorney at law.
Slover, J. H., attorney at law.
Sheley, H., attorney at law.
Sheley, J. H., attorney at law.
Southern, J. N., attorney at law.
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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.
Staley, Geo. W., attorney at law.
Sullivan & Sons, boots, general dry goods.
Stahl Simon, bakery.
Strode, B. P., blacksmith.
Sampson, Moses, dry goods, etc.
Saurbier, S., blacksmith.
Todd, Mrs. S. A., Jones Hotel.
Tindall, Robert, general store.
Wagner & Gates, flour mills.
Wilson, J. W., Chicago & Alton R'y agt.
Wise, I. M., pastor Baptist church.
Wilson, J. M., physician.
Young, Hiram, ox yokes, and wagon material.
Yeager, F. F.
Weitzel, John, shoemaker.
Wheeler, Rev. J. E., pastor Presby- terian church.
Wells, J. T., saloon.
Walker, E. G., editor Sentinel.
Wilson & Emanuel, real estate.
Wilson, C. E., groceries.
Weston, R., blacksmith and plows.
Wood, Walter, saloon.
Thompson, N., jeweler.
Torpey, John coal dealer.
Wright, M. R., boots, shoes, hats, caps and clothing.
Wallace, Wm. H., county prosecuting attorney. Woodson & Sheley, law firm.
Zweifel, John, jeweler.
THE BLUFF AT WAYNE CITY.
Several different elevations in the county have been noticed elsewhere in this work, but the one under present consideration deserves special attention.
The St. Louis directrix is 362 feet perpendicularly above the level of the Gulf of Mexico; the level of Independence, Mo., is 610 feet above St. Louis, and the bluff north of the city is 52 feet above that, making the highest point in the county 1,034 feet above gulf level. The highest point in Kansas City is 510 feet above the directrix (362 feet) making 882 feet total height. G. C. Swallow is author of the height of directrix, and G. C. Broadhead for the height, by rail- road surveys, of the elevation of the point above the St. Louis zero. The height of bluff above low water mark is 321 feet, which, taken from bluff height, will leave 341 feet water ascent from St. Louis to Wayne City.
The highest point of land in Jackson county is near the river where Mr. Z. S. Ragan lives, on the bluff overlooking the great Missouri. It is 321 feet above low water in the Missouri River, and commands one of the grandest views in America. Surrounded by extensive orchards of the finest fruit trees the country can afford, the grandest panorama of natural and artificial scenery meets the eye on every hand. The great Missouri, meandering at your feet, beneath the bluff can be seen stretching through the green hills for twenty miles away, its banks fringed with a beautiful growth of walnut, oak, elm and hickory. Passenger steamers and freight boats are frequently passing up and down so near the bluff that the conversation of passengers, the rush of the steam through the exhaust pipes and the splashing of the paddle wheels can be distinctly heard ; while from either side of the river in the distance the rush and rumble of the passing trains on seven different railroads reverberates through the valley, and the white wreathes of smoke show the course of the iron horse. The spires and houses of a half dozen cities and towns on both sides of the river greet the eye of the beholder, among which are Independence, Kansas City, Wyandotte and Liberty, while near at hand the precipitous and rocky bluff, the macadam road to Independence Land- ing, the highly cultivated farms and gardens, the shrubbery, the clumps of timber, and the thousands of fruit trees make this, above all others, the most attractive spot in the State of Missouri. Apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums, quinces, grapes, and a great variety of small fruit are grown in great profusion on this bluff. As might be inferred from the desirableness of the locality, land here commands a very high price, and its value is constantly increasing. When the cities of Inde- pendence and Kansas City shall have spread out toward each till they meet, and are included in one vast central city, this bluff, overlooking Wayne City, will become
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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.
the site of the most magnificent mansions and villas in America, and the rock road which now leads to Independence will become one of the most fashionable boule- vards in this country.
H. M. Vail's residence, commenced in the summer of 1880 and completed in the summer of 1881, one of the most beautiful and costly residences in Jackson county, is situated on the west side of North Liberty street, one mile north of the public square of Independence. The length of the mansion is 109 feet, width is 48 feet, height is two stories and a mansard roof, making 48 to the top of the roof, 56 to the top of the chimney, and 80 feet to the tower. The view from this tower is magnificent beyond words to express.
INDEPENDENCE IN 1871.
The following valuable correspondence appeared in the Sentinel, June 24th, 1871, with its comments :
" A special correspondent of the St. Louis Republican is visiting and 'writing up' the various cities, counties and towns of the State. He has been at Indepen- dence, and the result of his observations while here may be seen in his letter, which we publish elsewhere.
" His information in regard to this city and county is somewhat meager, but his conclusion must be conceded nearly correct. The picture he gives of the trade and enterprise of Independence is dismal enough ; that it is in the main a faithful likeness, is too true ; that it is in the power of the citizens to change its features is also true-even 'Headlight' sees life and prosperity for Independence in the future, if she will only develop her resources. We ask an attentive perusal of his letter.
THE OLD TOWN OF INDEPENDENCE.
" INDEPENDENCE, Jackson Co., Mo., Į June 10th, 1871.
" While I have visited a great many live and go-ahead towns in Missouri, I have also occasionally come across some that are retrograding, and I think in many instances unnecessarily so. These towns are usually located from ten to fifteen miles near larger and greater commercial cities, which they complain have carried off their trade, and. might add their energy and ambition also. These towns are mostly staid old places, and contain a great deal of wealth, but seem to have lost their desire to push on in the age of improvement, so necessary in the great commercial battle of cities and towns. Their dull and quiet streets and loss of energy are the first things that attract the attention of a stranger, and your correspondent being in quest of 'whys and wherefores' of everything, naturally put the question as to the reason of such dull times that characterized these locali- ties. The answer was invariably 'We are under the shadow of such and such a city, and cannot do anything,' though sometimes it would be varied by a mer- chant telling me that ' he had no chance.' Now, if people think and settle down upon such mottoes, they never will have chances, while if they use their faculties, and only enfranchise them, they will find opportunities for advancement abun- dant. All of us have plenty of chances every day falling under our eyes, if we only had eyes to see them and hands to pick them up.
INDEPENDENCE.
" This is what might be termed an orchard town, beautifully located, and where the dwelling houses are so hidden by foliage and large clumps of forest trees which have been left standing, that one could scarcely believe at a glance down the green avenues that the place was inhabited ; but when in my rambles I dis- covered the homes, how prettily they looked with their neat porches covered with roses and honeysuckle and all manner of sweet climbing shrubs and flowers; there was presented to my view sweet homes nestled in the trees, where no storm could
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HISTORY OF INDEPENDENCE.
apparently ever reach, but at all times would be blessed with a smooth current of domestic joy and happiness.
"The city is about two and a half miles from the Missouri River, and to which a railroad was constructed, but in r856 a sand bar formed in front of it, and a nearer landing than four or five miles could not be found, which fact seriously interfered with their trade, and even now, with the Missouri Pacific at its door, it takes an omnibus ride of over a mile to reach it. The trade of its palmy days has all departed and gone to more western towns, and Independence is left alone "under the shadow of Kansas City," with only her local trade. No more are the streets thronged with dusky Indians and swarthy Mexicans, as was the case twenty years ago, and the sight of an ox or mule team, or prairie schooner, as the large white covered wagons were called, would be a strange sight there to-day. Thus from a once busy, bustling frontier town it has settled down into a quiet, pleasant place, with a refined and hospitable society and considerable wealth, the proceeds of business in its early days.
" Independence already boasts of a very handsome court-house, and is about remodeling it at a considerable outlay, with the design of making it the finest structure of the kind in the State. In the manufacturing line I notice here a very large woolen mill and three flouring mills. A movement is also on foot to form a stock company with a capital stock of $20, 000 for the purpose of construct- ing factories of different kinds, for which the place is remarkably well adapted, having living springs at four or five different points. One half the amount, $10,000, is already paid in, and the balance partly subscribed.
" In churches I notice several fine buildings, including those of the Catholic, Christian, Presbyterian (old school), Cumberland Presbyterian, Methodist (North and South), Baptist and two colored churches. Episcopalians have an organiza- tion, but not yet strong enough in number to erect a church. There is also a fine, large, brick public school, educating 600 children, and a fine seminary and high school. The sum of $12,000 has recently been subscribed to erecta large college, which is to be conducted under the auspices of the Old School Presbyterians.
" The town has a population of nearly 4,000, and supports two newspapers, the Sentinel and Democrat, both Democratic in politics, on which score the citizens are particularly sound. There is also a movement being made to establish a large and valuable library, which is evidence that the people are advancing in matters of the mind, if not in business affairs.
"Granting that a majority of the citizens of Independence are wealthy, and, like the school-boy who lost his arithmetic, don't care whether school keeps or not, there is an evident disposition upon the part of the rising generation to make a break and be up and doing ; hence I think that Independence may yet regain her past greatness in commercial affairs, and become a flourishing business city, as well as a great manufacturing point.
A SPRINKLING OF MORMONS.
" Independence is the first town in my travels that I have come across where Mormons live, but here there is a settlement of about one hundred and fifty, that a year since removed from Illinois. I took a particular good look at them, and I failed to discover any material difference in them from other human beings. They are, however, a reformed edition, and do not, I am told, either believe in or practice polygamy. They live in close proximity to one another and are de- cidedly clannish, having their own store, a Mormon doctor and a Mormon church. The men wear a kind of a broad brim hat and look somewhat like Shakers. They own two lots in the town, called "Temple lots," where they intend building a temple, believing that the ground is the identical spot that " Prophet Joe Smith" intimated in 1833 on which such structure should be reared, and where the Messiah will descend and make them all religiously happy. HEAD LIGHT."
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