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 95

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 95

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Speeches were made by Colonel Cobb, Senator Harvey, Gov. J. P. St. John, Gov. George A. Crawford, Gen. J. A. Halderman, Hon. T. C. Bowles, Hon. John K. Wright, Hon. L. J. Worden, Judge Williams, Hon. W. J. Buchan and others. Letters and telegrams were read from other parties, among them Hon. J. J. Ingalls, Hon. J. R. Goodin, Hon. Byron Sherry, Governor Osborn, George W. Veale, Chancellor Marvin, Hon. John Frazer, P. I. B. Ping, Esq., and H. P. Dow.

The following extract is from an address by Col. S. A. Cobb :

"The terminus of one great trunk line of railroad, the Kansas Pacific, her trade extends westward beyond our limits to the mining camps of Colorado, and the grazing fields of New Mexico. On the north of this line of railroad, her sup- plies and goods minister to the wants of the settlers in the counties of our State lying west of the district drained by the Central Branch Union Pacific and the St. Joseph & Denver Railroads, until she reaches the neighborhood of the Bur- lington & Missouri River Railroad of Nebraska. Then extending westward under the advantages of the pro rata bill passed at a recent session of Congress, by way of Denver and Chyenne, her influences are felt, as the competitor of Omaha, on the plains of Wyoming and the valleys of Utah. On the south of the Kansas Pacific Railroad she has practically no competition in the field of trade, and her business men solicit and receive exchanges over the whole expanse of country southward to the northern boundary of Texas, and westward to the limits of settlements this side of the Rocky Mountains. Confining the question to

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our own State, the railroads which extend westwardly from the mouth of the Kansas River drain every section of Kansas, except the Counties of Leavenworth, Atchison, Doniphan, Nemaha, Brown, Marshall, Jackson and portions of Jeffer- son, Pottawatomie and Washington. The Republican Branch of the Kansas Pacific, which extends northward up the valley of the Republican River to Clay Center, in Clay county, takes the trade of the northwestern counties, which would otherwise go to the Central Branch or St. Joseph & Denver Roads to the line of the Kansas Pacific. The Kansas Midland Road between this point and Topeka, and the line between here and Ottawa, are the lines over which the trade of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and the Leavenworth, Lawrence & Galveston Roads will respectivdly pass with the same facility with which it will pass to Atchison or Leavenworth.

The people of Wyandott county contend that the mass of trade carried by these roads will follow the valley of the Kansas River to its junction with the Missouri. They contend, other things being equal, that the companies owning these roads can afford to deliver freights cheaper at the month of the Kansas River than at any other point on the Missouri, because the grades of the roads are uniform and decending after they touch the valley of that river, while to carry their freight to the original terminus requires them to pass over elevated tracts of country with heavy gradients. But things are not equal. Any great city in the Missouri Valley will be tributary either to the greater cities of St. Louis or Chicago. The State of Kansas is by nature tributary to St. Louis. To re-distribute passengers and freight bound to St. Louis from the principal portion of Kansas northward of this point, is to take them out of a direct line for re-dis- tribution. But the mass of the producers of Kansas will not engage in the busi- ness of re-distribution. They will dispose of their products where they can find the buyers and seldom go further from home in quest of them than to the Mis- souri Valley. The people of this county contend that they will go there where the greatest competition may be had, and that to-day no man can question that the grain elevators, the packing houses and the stock yards at this point all dem- onstrate that the buyers of the staple products-of grain and cattle-are far more numerous here than anywhere else on the Missouri River. They contend that the mouth of the Kansas River is the natural site for the metropolis of the Missouri Valley, and that all efforts to build it elsewhere will be futile. They be- lieve that the failure of other places to become the metropolis is owing to no mis- take on the part of the citizens of those places, but they simply lacked the thou- sand and one natural advantages that this spot so happily possesses. It is said, "facts are born, not made." So of these great marts that spring up in the march of civilization across the continent. The people of Kansas would gladly have made their metropolis elsewhere, but this spot was born to be it, and they must accept the fact.

In all I have said I have not spoken of the eastern connections of railroads with this point. To name them is sufficient. The Missouri Pacific and the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern furnish rival lines and some competition to St. Louis. The Hannibal and St. Joseph and the Kansas City and Northern to Mo- berly, and then the Missouri, Kansas and Texas supply the like facilities to Chicago. Keeping in view these competitive lines alone, no other place in the valley of the Missouri approaches these advantages.

LETTER FROM HON. BYRON SHERRY.

LEAVENWORTH, Sept. 21st, 1875.

MESSRS. H. W. Cook and others, Wyandott, Kansas.

GENTLEMEN :- Your invitation of the roth inst., inviting me to visit your city on the 23rd September was duly received, and in reply, beg leave to say, I regret very much that I cannot on account of professional engagements, be pres-

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ent at the time indicated. While I am not unmindful of the many difficulties at- tending the building up of a metropolis within the State of Kansas, I cannot but wish you God speed in the great and important undertaking. You have the ad- vantage of location, and I believe that it would insure to the benefit of the whole State to assist in making Wyandott the commercial center.

With my best wishes for the prosperity of your city.

I am, very truly, yours,

BYRON SHERRY.

LETTER FROM HON. J. R. GOODIN.

HUMBOLDT, KAS., September 22, 1875.

H. W. Cook, John B. Scroggs, R. B. Taylor, Sandford Haff and V. J. Lane, Esqrs., Wyandott, Kas.

GENTLEMEN :- Until this morning I had expected to be with you at your meeting to-morrow, but an urgent business engagement calls me in another direc- tion at that time. I am exceedingly sorry to be deprived of the pleasure of mingling with the citizens of Wyandott, with whom my relations are so friendly, and to interchange views, in a spirit of true devotion to the interests of our State, as to the future commercial metropolis of this growing Commonwealth. As a citizen of Kansas I never hear of the prosperity of one of her cities without feel- ing within me proud emotions, and a desire, in some humble way, to aid in promoting still greater growth. From my first settlement in Kansas-nearly a score of years ago-I have confidently looked forward for the time when some- where within our boundaries there would spring up, out of the irresistible neces- sities and laws of commerce and trade, a business center, which, while it would serve as a commercial mart, and, by the contribution of revenues largely diminish the high taxes usually incident to a State during its early years of development, at the same time awaken just pride among the people who would ever be found willing helpers in its advancement.

The same desire I yet feel; and I confess my gratification when I see that at Atchison, Lawrence, Topeka, and at other cities in the State, the people are coming together with the earnest endeavor to meet face to face the stern logic of the times, and devise some practical plan to invigorate their growth. Kansas has to-day quite a number of growing towns and cities, which, with the speedy de- velopment of her own resources, will continue on in the march of permanent improvements and commercial consequence.

But it is hardly to be anticipated that all of our towns are to become com- mercially great ; yet every one admits the possibility of a city within our borders of fifty or seventy-five thousand inhabitants, and just now the mind of the wide- awake Kansans, peering into the future, is bent on discovering the situs of this coming city, which is to cast its lengthened shadows far out upon the peaceful prairies of the State.

Now where shall it be built

By "your invitation I observe that the leading men of the State," who are to be the guests of your city, will have pointed out to them the advantages pre- sented at the mouth of the Kaw for building the commercial metropolis, not only of Kansas, but the Missouri Valley."

For several years I have not doubted that Kansas City, in the not distant future, would become one of the leading cities of the west in population, as it now is in point of business importance ; and the close proximity of Wyandott to it, may justly arouse the assurance that the two cities may yet " clasp hands across the Kaw bottom," and, like two loving souls, peacefully blend in one.

The rapidly increasing business of Kansas City, and the steady, substantial growth of Wyandott, show the demand for more territory ; and while the rugged hills, frowning upon both cities, seem repulsive to the eye of civilization, the quie

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plain sandwiched so willingly, awaits the heavy tread of the advancing metropolis, and, like the youthful Isaac of biblical renown, is ready to be offered up as a sac- rifice to metropolitan ambition.

I do not feel, gentlemen, like attempting to advise you what course you should pursue at your meeting. If you could " resolve" Kansas City over into Kansas, I should certainly suggest that you do it, for surely nine-tenths of her business men would be pleased with such a result, while Kansans everywhere would rejoice at it. But I fear that the transaction will be fraught with many difficulties, if ever accomplished, and while not absolutely dispairing of a change in State boundaries, whereby she may become one of us, I am far from being sanguine of it.

In conclusion, gentlemen, permit me to say, that I trust a large number of the "leading men of the State," from other cities, may be with you to-morrow ; that your deliberations may be marked by wisdom; that your expressions and actions may be broad-gauged and generous, and that the result of your meeting may ultimately work advantage to the State of which we are all proud.

Again expressing my regret at the necessity which deprives me sharing the hospitality of the large hearted people "at the mouth of the Kaw,"

I Remain, Very Respectfully Yours, JOHN R. GOODIN.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WYANDOTT.

The first record of this society was made July 7, A. D. 1858, and reads as follows : " In pursuance to a call, all persons desirous of organizing a Congrega- tional Church in Wyandott city, Leavenworth county, and Territory of Kansas, met at the Methodist Church, North, in said Wyandott.

"The meeting was called to order by the Rev. S. D. Storrs; opening prayer by Dr. J. P. Root. On motion of Brother Samuel Crosby, Rev. S. D. Storrs was made chairman, also by vote, D. A. Bartlett was made secretary of the meeting. On motion of Brother D. C. Collier, a committee consisting of Broth- ers D. C. Collier, Samuel Crosby, Dr. J. P. Root and W. F. Downs were ap- pointed by the chair to draw up and present to our next meeting a constitution for a church, articles of faith and covenant. After singing and closing prayer by Rev. S. D. Storrs, adjourned."

Among the earliest members were the following: W. P. Winner, S. F. Mather, Dr. J. P. Root, Rev. S. D. Storrs, W. F. Downs, D. A. Bartlett, Sam- uel Crosby, D. C. Collier, J. S. Stockton, Mrs. Mary Walcott, Mrs. Frances E. Root, Mrs. Mary E. Stockton, Mrs. M. Louisa Bartlett, Mrs. Louisa K. Downs, Mrs. M. A. Mather, John Furbish, Mrs. R. B. Taylor, A. D. Downs, E. T. Hovey and wife, Mrs. C. M. Downs, O. S. Bartlett, Jesse Cooper, Mrs. Hester A. Garno (now Mrs. Halford).

The present membership of the church is 83, and in a prosperous condition. The names of the pastors are as follows: Rev. S. D. Storrs, 1858; Rev. R. D. Parker, 1859, and continued eight years; then succeeded Rev. E. A. Harlow, 1869, and remained three years; then the church was without a pastor for over one year, and Rev. James G. Dougherty was called, and served the church and congregation for three years. The present pastor, Rev. R. M. Tunnell, came to this charge in the fall of 1875, and has since discharged the duties of spiritual adviser and pastor in a most acceptable manner.

The present church is a large and commodious frame structure built in 1860, at a cost of about $2,500, and will seat 300 persons. The church was dedicated August 1, 1860, and the services were conducted by Rev. R. D. Parker, the pastor, Rev. J. G. Roberts, of Kansas City, Rev. J. D. Liggett, of Leaven- worth, and several other Congregational ministers of the State of Kansas. The

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sermon was preached by Rev. R. Cordley, of Lawrence, and the dedicatory prayer by Rev. S. D. Storrs, of Quindaro.

There has always been a good Sabbath-school connected with the church. The present average attendance is one hundred, with C. E. Wilcox as Superin- tendent, and W. B. Spencer, Secretary.

The early history of this church was very happily prepared by Rev. R. D. Parker, January 9th, 1860, who was at that time the pastor. It was embodied in a report of the church committee, at their second annual meeting January 9th, 1860. The report says :

"For some six months previous to the organization, Rev. S. D. Storrs, of Quindaro, had preached here, doing missionary labor to an audience of from twenty to thirty persons. Our place of worship was Kirk's Hall, on Nebraska avenue. In April, 1858, we removed to the M. E. Church, North, on Washing- ton avenue, and here our church was organized July 18th, 1858, with twelve members. Rev. Storrs continued our only supply, though from the date of our organization commenced our efforts to secure a pastor. The place was growing rapidly, everybody seemed engaged in the one great project, money-making, indeed the "Old Guard " was threatened by the. "Arch Enemy." The efforts of a few, from the various societies of the place, to sustain a union prayer meeting proved almost abortive, though it is hoped that some good fruits remain. With a population variously estimated from 2,000 to 2,500 souls there were not more than 150 persons attending the various services on the Sabbath. With such an existing state of things we felt that we must have a pastor. The interests of the church and the people demanded pastoral labor. In August following we again moved and for about two months worshipped in the store room of R. S. Leavett, corner of Kansas avenue and Third street, from which we removed to Overton's brick building on Third street, between Kansas and Minnesota avenues. Here we occupied a room which, a portion of the time, was used as a sleeping room and storage room, and we were compelled to find another room because of the quantities of barrels, boxes, etc., which rendered our occupying the room an im- possibility. We next took possession of Chestnut's old store room on Washington avenue, where we remained until July, 1858. The congregation here very materially increased, but we were yet without a pastor, several names had been suggested and the Home Missionary Society had proffered us missionary aid. The secretary of the church had a somewhat lengthy correspondence with Rev. Christopher Cordley, of Randolph, Mass., but had learned from him that he could not accept a call from this church, on account of the health of his family. Spirit- ually we were famishing for want of a pastor. During the period of more than one year and a half we had seen Bro. Storrs once in our families, he would have been much oftener welcome, but his duties and labors were arduous, the two fields, Quindaro and Wyandott, were entirely more than could be expected of one pastor to take charge of, hence arose the cry for a pastor. Many and earnest were the prayers offered for this one object, and happily we trust have they been answered. In July, 1859, we again removed to the room we now occupy on Nebraska avenue, this room is the most commodious and convenient of any we have before occupied, but yet we want many necessary comforts. In January last a society was organized in connection with this church. A board of trustees chosen, a legally constituted body who immediately considered the subject and took measures for the raising of means necessary to build a house of worship, their efforts have been crowned with partial success. Dea. Samuel Crosby spent some six months east and returned with some twelve hundred dollars, in cash and pledges.

In June a weekly prayer meeting was organized and has been well sustained by the church. In September the society extended a call to Rev. R. D. Parker, of Leavenworth, to become pastor, which call was accepted, and he commenced his

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labors in October following. This church is now composed of thirty-one mem- bers. During the year which has passed there have eight united with the church by letter and two on profession of their faith. There have been six baptisms of children. As a church, we have ever had great cause of thankfulness, in that we have been blessed with exceeding great blessings. Our number has not been diminished by death. Peace and prosperity reigns. Truly, the promise has been ours-" The Lord will be around his people henceforth and forever."

The third annual report January 14th, 1861, contains among other historic matter, the following : Divine service has been held by this church on each Sabbath of the year with preaching morning and evening. The Wednesday evening prayer meeting has been maintained with an attendance varying from eight to twenty. Two have been received on profession, three children and one adult baptized. The pastor has been called to attend five funerals, all chil- dren. W. F. Downs last September resigned superintendency of the Sunday- school and D. A. Bartlett has been elected in his place.

The congregation met in their new church July 22d, the house having been built by the blessing of God during the year. Work was commenced on the church in March and was completed about the middle of July, cost, $2,000. During the year ending January 13th, 1862, regular services were maintained. The National Fast appointed for September 26th, 1861, was observed by this church and congregation, and on that day the Third Iowa Regiment landed here from the battle of Blue Mills, and many of them were at the meeting. On the following evening 250 officers and soldiers held a prayer and conference meeting of intense interest. The ladies of the church ministered to the wants of the wounded for some weeks. The church has steadily prospered in their labors, in good works to the present time, and has, and is considered one of the most useful organizations in the county.

ST. PAUL'S EPISCOPAL PARISH.

This was the first parish organized in what is now the State of Kansas, it then being the Territory of Kansas ; it was organized in the year 1858 or '59 by authority of Right Rev. Jackson Kemper, the first missionary bishop of the Protest- ant Episcopal church in the United States. Among the original incorporators were Dr. Fred. Speck, Col. W. Y. Roberts, A. C. Davis, W. L. McMath, James Chestnut. The first rector was Rev. Rodney S. Nash, now living at Lexington, Mo. Rev. Hatton and Dr. A. Beatty succeeded. Rev. L. L. Holden became rector in 1869 and remained till 1871, then Rev. Nash was called a second time to the parish. In 1872 Rev. J. Godfrey Jones was called to the rectorship and remained one year. Rev. Thos. Betts was rector in 1874, the Rev. A. Batte, of Kansas City, having supplied a short interregnum before the coming of Mr. Betts. Rev. Betts. was rector three years and then the field was without a rector for a time, Rev. F. R. Holeman officiating during summer months, spending the winter in Florida. Rev. John Bennett was called to the rectorship in April, 1880, and entered upon his duties on the first of May, and has been in that capacity since that date. His first anniversary sermon was preached to the parish on May 1, 1881, in which he says: " The rector performed two marriages, nine funeral services, one hundred sermons and discourses, parochial calls made on ninety-five families, communion sixteen times, the offerings of the parish $600." There are now thirty-eight communicants belonging to the parish. The present church edifice was built about the time of organization, at a cost of about $1,000. The Sabbath-school meets every Sabbath with an average attendance of about sixty. Mr. Charles Ericsson is the present superintendent.

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HISTORY OF WYANDOTT, KANSAS.

M. E. CHURCH.

Organized in 1843 as the Wyandott Mission, for the purpose of giving the Indians the advantages of religion. Among the early members was Silas Arm- strong.

Silas Armstrong was one of the leading members of the M. E. church among the Indians while they were in Ohio, and married the daughter of the missionary among the Wyandotts, the lamented Russell Bigelo. Mr. Armstrong was a half- breed and died while on business to Ohio, about 20 years ago. Their first church was built on Washington avenue, it being the first church edifice in Wyan- dott. This church was found too small after the city had increased in popu- lation, accordingly in 1875 there was erected a large brick church on the corner of Kansas avenue and Fifth street at a cost of $5,000. It will seat about 600 in the main auditorium. There is also a large basement for the Sunday-school and other meetings which will seat 350, and class rooms and stairways. The church is neatly furnished with pulpit, carpet, organ, and other conveniences. There at present 135 members of the church with a Sunday-school of 175. The present superintendent is Mark B. St. John, and Frederick Soper, librarian.

The pastors of this church have been Dr. Dickinson, recently died, J. Law- rence, H K. Muth, S. P. Jacobs, now a missionary in India, William Smith, John Cook, C. L. Shackelford, E. R. Brow, the present pastor.

This church belongs to the Kansas Conference, which includes the whole of northern Kansas. This church is in a good, prosperous condition, probably in the most prosperous condition of any period during its history. During the past year there have been 35 additions.

M. E. CHURCH SOUTH.

This church was organized in the year 1845, and was originally composed principally of the "Wyandott Tribe," the Indians in greater numbers having united with the southern branch when the division occurred in 1844. The pres- ent brick church edifice was erected in 1873, at a cost of $3,000, but is not yet quite completed.

Names of pastors : E. T. Peery, B. F. Russel, Daniel Dofflemayer, J. T. Peery, Nathan Scarritt, William Barnett, H. H. Craig, D. C. O'Howell, Joseph King, D. S. Heron, E. G. Frazier, T. H. Swearingen and J. W. Payne, present pastor.

The present membership is forty-five. The Sabbath-school is in good con- dition, numbering one hundred and fifty scholars and well supplied with books and papers. Henry Nye is the present superintendent.

GERMAN M. E. CHURCH.

This church was organized August 24, 1859, with the following persons as original members: Frank Weber, Maria Weber, Louise Feisel, Maria Feisel, Adelhaid Holzbeierlein, Catherine Schatz, Margaret Ortmann, Henry Helm, Au- gust Gabriel, Carl Gabriel, Henriette Gabriel, Gottlieb Knoepfer, Margaret Knoepfer.

The church was erected in 1866, being a brick structure and costing about $4,000, and was dedicated in September, 1866, by Rev. M. Schnierly.

The present membership numbers one hundred and sixty. Two years ago the church built a parsonage containing nine rooms.

Names of pastors : Gottlieb Widmann (1858-9), George Schatz (1859-60), Chas. Stückemann (1860-2), Jacob Feisel (1862-4), A. Holzbeierlein, (1864-5), Philip May (1865-7), W. Meyer (1867-8), M. Schnierly (1868-70), W. Meyer (1870-1), Jacob Feisel (1871-2), Wm. Kleinschmidt (1872-5), J. A. Reitz (1875-8), J. G. Leist (1878-81).

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SAINT MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH,

Organized in 1858 with about thirty members. They met at John Warren's about six months, then built a church on Ann street, between Fourteenth and Fifteenth streets, the church being 25x50 feet. They worshiped there till 1865, when they built the present house of worship on Ann street, between Fifth and Sixth. The present church is a convenient and well built church, cost- ing $9,000. The pastors have been William Fish, Dr. McGee, Casper Miller, A. Kuhls, the present pastor. Father Kuhls took charge of the parish in 1865, with thirty families; sold the old church and has since built the present church parsonage, convent and parochial school, and now the church includes two hundred; two parishes having since been taken off. These church buildings were erected largely with funds contributed by the denomination in eastern States ..

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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 95

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