The history of Johnson County, Missouri : including a reliable history of the townships, cities, and towns, together with a map of the county; a condensed history of Missouri; the state constitution; an abstract of the most important laws etc, Part 30

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Kansas City Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1056

USA > Missouri > Johnson County > The history of Johnson County, Missouri : including a reliable history of the townships, cities, and towns, together with a map of the county; a condensed history of Missouri; the state constitution; an abstract of the most important laws etc > Part 30

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BENJAMIN W. GROVER was the fifth sheriff of Johnson county, but as his life is more extensively given in another part of this work, we will only reveal a few leading events. He was a leading man in whig politics, a firm business man, and a talented speaker. It was through his influ- ence that the Missouri Pacific railroad came through this county. He was a member of the state senate from this district, and very popular. Mr. Grover served as sheriff from 1848 to 1852, and during all this time was very efficient in the discharge of the duties of that office. He was made Colonel of the First regiment raised in the county, of union forces, and was mortally wounded in the battle of Lexington, 1861.

PHILLIP S. Houx, the sixth sheriff of this county, was born in Ken- tucky, and emigrated to this state early in life, becoming one of her pio- neers. He was of German descent, and a leading member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church. He was elected sheriff of Johnson county in 1852, by the democratic party, and re-elected in 1854. During the four years he served in that capacity he faithfully and conscientiously dis- charged his duty.

G. WILSON HOUTS was the seventh sheriff of Johnson county, and was born in 1809 in the state of Kentucky. He removed to Missouri when about 12 years of age, going first to Scott county. £ He came from Scott to this county, and has now been a resident of this county about 40 years. He was a farmer by occupation. His political history may be regarded a popular and successful one. He was first made assessor. He was elected sheriff by the whig party, and served four years. He has also been deputy sheriff, county clerk, and has served one term in the legisla- ture. He is now engaged in farming in this county. He remained in this county during the war, but took no active part, though his sympa-

246

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

thies were with the north. He has now two children living in the county and two in Texas.

JONATHAN GRAVES, the eighth sheriff of Johnson county, was a native of Kentucky, and was elected to the office of sheriff by the whig party in 1860, but on the breaking out of the war, Mr. Graves, being a strong southern man, was compelled to give up his office, having served only a little over a year. Mr. Graves is now living in the northern part of this state.

MR. CHARLES E. CUNNINGHAM was appointed by the governor to fill Mr. Graves' place. Mr. Cunningham was a native of Delaware, and a farmer by occupation. After serving out the unexpired term of Mr. Graves, Mr. Cunningham moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he now lives.

A. M. CHRISTIAN was the next sheriff of Johnson county, being elected by the Republican party in 1862. He came from Kentucky originally. His conduct during the time he served was not very acceptable to a very large class of citizens; but that was in the midst of war, and great indulgence must be shown towards those who acted under the heat of passion and prejudice.

THOMAS W. WILLIAMS succeeded Mr. Christian as sheriff of this county in 1864. He was a native of this state, born in St. Louis county. He served with credit to his constituents for two years. Mr. Williams then retired to his farm, where he lived until a few years since, when he was killed by his horse. He was riding a horse that was in harness, and his foot becoming entangled in the harness he was thrown from the horse and killed. He leaves a respected family to mourn his loss.

B. F. GRIFFITH was born in Muskinghum county, Ohio, in 1836. He went to Iowa in 1854, was educated at the Ohio Weslyan university, and taught school in Ohio about a year. He came to this county in 1859, and taught school about two years, and then went to Iowa in beginning of the war and joined the first Iowa cavalry and served three years. He came back to Missouri in 1864, and was appointed deputy clerk under Emery Foster. He had charge of that office till 1865 and was married in the spring of the same year. He bought a farm in the fall of 1865, and from that time farmed till he was nominated for sheriff in 1868. He was elected by the radical party and served two years. He also served as deputy two years under J. H. Smith, and since that time has been engaged in farming and is now in the employ of the Wabash and Panhandle rail- road. .

J. H. SMITH was born in Virginia, November, 1832. From there he moved to North Carolina in 1834, thence to Virginia again in 1844, and from Virginia to Ohio in 1848, and from Ohio to Harrison county, Mis-

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

- 247

souri, in 1859. He moved from that county to Johnson in 1863. He started in the beginning of the war as captain in the union army. After the war he was elected treasurer of the county and after that served two years as deputy sheriff under B. F. Griffith. He was elected sheriff in 1871, by the republican party, and served two years. He also served one year as mayor of the city of Warrensburg. He still resides in Warrensburg. His wife is an esteemed Christian, and is of the first families of the place.

. O. D. WILLIAMS was born on the 30th day of April, 1826, in the state of New York. He moved from New York to the territory of Michi- gan, and thence to Indiana where his father died in 1840. He left Indiana in 1845 and went to Memphis, West Tennessee and thence to Vicksburg, Mississippi. He then went to Louisiana, then to Mobile, Alabama, working there till 1849, and left for California in March, 1849, by the plains on the route via. Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Santa Fe, California. Followed mining in New Mexico five or six months and then, went to Old Mexico, to Chihuahua, Durango, Mazattam and remained there six or seven months. He remained in California three years, and came to Missouri in 1854 and then went back to Califor- nia and stayed two years more and then came back again to Missouri and settled down, marrying in 1857. He was elected sheriff of this county by the democrats in 1872 and served till 1874. He was an excellent officer.

Z. H. EMERSON, Johnson county's fifteenth sheriff, is one of the men of whom all men speak with pride- a very clever gentleman-a man who by birth, is a perfect man in everything that is worthy of manhood. He was born in Warren county, Kentucky, on the 15th day of May, 1824, came to Mis- souri in 1849, and has continuously resided here since with the exception of three years spent in Illinois during the war. He was reared a farmer; his father owned a great deal of fine stock. No wonder that the young Zach of those days became a fleet horseman and a cool, courageous man. It was in the old state of Kentucky that he first drew breath, a land noted for brave men and beautiful women. Living amid the exciting scenes of those times; and being of an adventurous disposition, he early became known as a kind, courteous man, but with such a high sense of honor that it was well known that Z. H. Emerson would speedily and surely avenge an insult to his honor. In 1844, he was married to Sarah A. Moore, which union proved a very excellent one. There were born of the mar- riage, four children, three of whom are now living: Mr. J. H. Emerson, now in Rich Hill, Bates county; Mrs. Claunch, of this county, and Miss Mary Emerson, a teacher of Warrensburg. In 1854, Mr. Emerson was elected constable of Warrensburg township; was appointed deputy sheriff

248

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

under O. D. Williams for four years, aud then succeeded him in office and served four years as sheriff, and all unite in saying that he made one of the best officers that the county ever had-energetic and honest, ever watchful and careful over the interests of those who had business with him. In criminal business he was a complete success, being kind, but extremely firm with his prisoners.

During the time he served the people of Johnson county as sheriff, Mr. Emerson was called upon to officiate at two legal executions, the execution of John W. Daniels, March 1, 1878, and the execution of Frank Davidson, July 9, 1879.

Mr. Emerson, to-day, although on the western slope of life, with twilight fast gathering her shades about him, stands over six feet in height, and is as straight as an Indian, brave in every movement, one can see that energy and ambition are still with him, and time will not have an easy struggle to master his spirit.

Mr. Emerson now resides in Warrensburg, at his old home, loved and respected by all who know him.

JOHN A. SHAW. There are men in this world that rise above political pat- ronage; men that rise and are popular from inherent virtues, notwith- standing the prejudices that arise from political failures or favors. John A. Shaw, the present and sixteenth sheriff of Johnson county, is such a man. Born of poor, honest, and humble parents, he has, by industry and natural abil- ity, made himself a man, respected for his kindness, his honesty, and a man who made himself under very adverse circumstances. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 10th day of October, 1835. He moved from this state with his parents, at an early age, to St. Louis, at which place they resided several years, and from there moved to Illinois. They moved from there to Johnson county, in 1866. Here, Mr. John A. Shaw became engaged in farming and stock-raising, and, in connection with that was largely interested in the hardware business. At the time of his elec- tion he was engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Shaw was nomi- nated on the republican ticket almost unanimously, but at that time he declared that he was not a candidate for any party or faction, but if elected he would be sheriff of Johnson county, and not a republican or a democratic sheriff. He was elected by something over 300 votes major- ity, against Mr. Halley, the democratic candidate, a true and honest man, and very popular. This was a great surprise to many, and a great honor to himself. One of the strongest evidences of Mr. Shaw's popularity is, that he was supported by his neighbors, and they unite in saying John A. Shaw is one of the few men who understands the meaning of true friend- ship. He is a man that has a heart, and truly an honest man, one who is willing to lend a helping hand to any in distress. He moves as sunshine

249

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

among a large circle of friends, and all who come in contact with him realize that he is above the ordinary man-performing the most difficult duties with honor to himself, and to the great satisfaction of those having business with him. Some men are peculiarly fitted for certain positions in life, and Mr. Shaw seems to have all the requisites for the position he now occupies. Possessed of an even temper, and courage beyond ordi- nary men, he handles the worst of criminals with ease, and always with extreme firmness and kindness. He inherited from his father a strong desire to have an education, and to-day few men in the common paths of life are better posted than he. Modest and unassuming, he merits and receives the respect of all his friends and constituents.

CHAPTER VIII.

FINANCES.

Introductory-The Assessment of 1835-Orders of the Court- Delinquent Tax List of 1836-The County Treasurer's Reports-The Panic of 1873-Expenditure of 1855- Township Bonds-Railroads-Tax Levy of 1881-The Annual Report of the County Clerk.

The financial history of Johnson county bears a direct relation to its wealth and gives a correct view of the general prosperity.

In earlier days its financial policy was certain, and there was no trouble with bonds or county debt. Then every thing was kept square, every official performed the functions of his office to the best of his ability, and but few had the bitter epithet of dishonesty thrown upon them.

In the earliest reports on the finances, the business covered so little ground that it took but little effort to keep the books in a condition easily understood.

In 1835, when the population was scattered over the county, it was no small task to be a county collector. This officer not only had headquar- ters at the county seat, but was obliged to call upon all tax-payers at their residences in order to collect their assessments.

But few sought office for the salary, in those days, since the remunera- tion was by no means adequate to the toils. It was reserved for a later day and another generation to seek office for its spoils, in which Johnson county has had her share. In former years, political contests, while excited.so far as regards state or national issues, had nothing in common with them when matters of local nature came up for suffrage. Personal vituperation and insidious attacks upon character were not then so preva- lent as now. Then persons were sought to fill offices. Of late years the temptation to use funds belonging to the public for private ends has been

250

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

too strong for all of our officials to withstand, and it is said that the county treasury contributed more often to the funds of private individuals, after the close of the war, than to its legitimate use.

We herewith append some useful statistics of the county finances. By these may be seen how, from a small assessment in the year 1835, the county finances have grown to an enormous business, one which troubles the people of the county more than all others beside.

. On the 16th day of July, 1835, the county court accepted the first assessor's list. The following order was also made:

Ordered by the county court of Johnson county, that one hundred per centum be assessed on the amount of the state taxes, for the use of the county.

AMOS HORN, President.

At a special term of court, in September, 1835, the county treasurer was ordered to pay John H. Townsend, clerk of court, the sum of thirty- two dollars and eighty-eight cents, for his services, being the first salary received. .

At the same term of court, John Beatie received fourteen dollars and eighty-one cents, for books, etc., furnished court.

The following is the first financial report made by the clerk of the court at the same special term and final settlement:

County received six dollars and fifty cents of state tax on deeds; also five dol- lars of P. L. Hudgins for grocer's license.

The first county assessor did his work in thirty-two days, at one dollar and fifty cents per diem, amounting to forty-eight dollars. His name was James Carmichael.

The first collector, Richard Hancock, for the year 1835, had the follow- ing delinquent list of taxes presented to the county court, Tuesday, November 3, 1835:

State taxes, $8.05. County taxes, $8.05.

At his final settlement of the same year, he paid over to the county, three hundred and seventy-six dollars and eighty-five cents, in full of all taxes collected by him, merchants' and grocers' licenses included. He was allowed as commission for his services, thirty-two dollars and eighty- one cents.

P. L. Hudgins, first treasurer, received ten dollars as his salary for the year 1835, and twenty dollars as commissioner of school lands; six dollars as expenses of printing, in Clay county papers.

The following is the delinquent tax list that appeared in open court, Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1836:

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

NAME OF DELINQUENTS.

State Tax.

County Tax.

NAME OF DELINQUENTS.

State Tax.

County Tax.

James Adams

.03

$ .06

Wm. Lynch.

$ .421|$

.424

James Arnold.

.40

.40₺

John A. Lewis

.43%

Nancy Anderson

.06

Benj. Mathews.

.25₺

1.25₺

James Arterman

.46

James D. Oglesbey .

.41

Geo. Bradshaw.

.05

Andrew Partrick.

.44

John H. Cowan.

.37%

.372

Joel Riddle

.06

Geo. N. Douglass

.414

L. H. Renick

.373

.37₺

Thomas J. Duncan

.48

John Sears. .

.42

John Demasters.

.48

Thos. W. Tabor.

.47

James R. Duncan

.38}

.37%

Miller Thornton

.37}

.37₺

Abraham Davis.

.414

.41号

Wm. F. Hoas

.47毫

.47&

Harvey Davis.

.06

George Wade

.372

.37₺

William Ford.

.393

.39층

Josiah Trebble.

.372

.37%

Drucilla Hayslip

.05

Jehu Cox.

.423

Lewis Jones .. .

.372

.373

Isaac Cox

.40

Jno. Kelly, Black Jack

.11}

TOTAL AMOUNT

$11.68 $11.68

Other licenses from same year paid county collector were as follows:

ROAD. COUNTY. STATE.

James A. Gallagher, merchant.

$ 1.50|$ 15.00

$15.00

J. H. Beatier, merchant

1.50

15.00

John Evans, merchant ..

1.50

15.00

Wm. H. & A. Tombs, grocers.

.75

1.121

7.00

John Evans, grocer ..

.56

.63

5.00

Wm. H. & A. Tombs, grocers

.90

4.00

5.00

Guyn Dudley, grocer

.90

4.00

5.00

James A. Gallagher

.50

.44

5.00

In the spring of 1837, at the February term of court, the collector, Richard Hancock, made the following financial report:

Collections made for state, $55.00; county, $53.00; duty, $72.00; road, $5:30; a balance not reported at previous term. The following order in the final settle- ment:

Be it remembered that Richard Hancock, collector of Johnson county, made a settlement, and being allowed by the court the sum of $23.04, commission on $334.46, at 7 per cent; and the sum of $3.23, commission on merchants' license, and grocers $1.51; and on the amount of $25.91 as a road commission, on the same 11 per cent; leaving a balance in the hands of the collector of $487.49, which is ordered to be certified to the county treasurer.

The expenses of the county were light the first few years, as what have appeared from what have been stated.

During the early history of the county, revenues were light, although the rate of taxation was very little, if any, less than at present. During the first four or five years the county expenses ranged from three hundred

252

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

and fifty to one thousand dollars. The books were not kept in a very systematic manner, and it is difficult now, even as it must have been then, to so far understand the system of book-keeping as to be able to determine accurately the exact condition of the county finances. This much we know, that with the very limited resources at their command, the persons whose duty it was to manage county affairs, kept the machinery in opera- tion, and no large debts were contracted. The heavy burden of county debt has been created of comparatively recent years. Prior to the war, no one felt heavily taxed, to pay interest on bonds. The bonds that the county now has out will soon become due, and the people will, no doubt, feel relieved when the payment has been made.

A complete history of the finances of the county would, of itself, make a large volume, and the facts necessary for such an authentic account are not at hand, even if we desired to record them. There are to be found certain records in the county, from which we have been enabled to form some idea of the financial affairs from the organization of the county to the psesent time. In this treatise, it is our object, to give a brief, clear, and concise report of the financial operations of the county, before and after the war, so that the reader may have an insight into some of the more salient features of the Johnson county finances. To many of the older settlers these reports will appear homelike, while to the immigrant it will be interesting because of its novelty.

We see that the county, during the first twenty years of its history, had but little need of revenue except for public building and the pay of its officers. For more than a score of years, prior to the war, the county affairs were economically managed, and the taxes, though not every year very light, were somewhat less than at present, while the valuation was many times smaller than now.

But from 1873 to the present time the financial interests of the county have been in a precarious condition. During the early part of 1874, Mell Foster was indicted by the grand jury of Johnson county, for attempting to defraud the county out of large sums of money under the role of "Hugh Boulder." He was confined for a while in the county jail, and finally sent to the penitentiary, but now has his liberty. It was thought by many that Mell Foster had plenty of company in the steal, and that there are some other "Boulders" lying around loose in Warrensburg that ought to bear Mell Foster company.

Through the successful management of the Missouri Pacific railroad scheme, the county secured the desired road, which was completed through the county during the summer of 1865, and at present the county has paid every cent of the $100,000 they provided. At first it appeared that the taxes of the time prior to the war were sufficiently high for all

253

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

purposes, but of these late years the burden has been increased many times. High tax-bonded indebtedness, and the mismanagement of the county finances have all had a bearing in making the people more careful in the future.

A general statement of funds, revenues, and expenditures of Johnson county, for the year ending May term, A. D. 1855.

Balance on hand on settlement $ 222.84

Paid in by collector since 3,240.08 $3,462.92

By amount paid warrants. 2,545.27

By amount jury scrips .. 266.90 2,802.17

Balance in treasury $ 660.75

DEBTS DUE JOHNSON COUNTY.

Interest due on tax book of 1854. $1,725.00

Interest due John Price's bond. 1,203.76

Interest on same till May 10, 1855. 112.22

Cash now in treasury

660.75 $3,701.73

DEBTS DUE BY JOHNSON COUNTY.

Outstanding warrants, May 17, 1855. $ 316.55

Interest due internal improvement fund 1,000.00

Interest on same May 10, 1855 415.00

$1,731.55

Amount in favor of county

$1,970.18

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT FUND.

To amount bonds in treasury, May 17, 1855 $ 328.82

To amount interest on bonds to May 12, 1855 89.80

To cash in treasury, May 12, 1855. 690.21

Add debt due by Johnson county 1,000.00

Interest on same. 415.00

Total amount of fund $2,523.83

The pay of the county officers at present is as follows:

County treasurer's salary, $1500, and ¿ of 1 per cent. of school funds that pass through his hands.

County prosecuting attorney, $750 per annum, and fees.

The county clerk is not allowed to retain upwards of $1500, after this term, and his deputy $750, per annum.

The probate judge is paid out of fees of the office.

County recorder, paid out of fees of office.

The collectors deduct a certain per cent. of collections.

The county school commissioner collects $1.50 from each applicant for a certificate to teach. .

254

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

The three county judges receive each three dollars per diem and mile- age for actual service.

The circuit clerk is paid out of fees of the office.

Coroners are paid out of fees of the office.

Constables are paid out of fees of office.

The county surveyors are paid out of the fees of the office.

Sheriffs are allowed fees for actual work.

The salaries of county officers have been retrenched some during the last few sessions of the state legislature. The present officers' fees and salaries are by no means as great as a few years ago.

During the year 1875, on account of the grasshopper pest, the tax col- lector withheld his work till the time of collecting was extended; how- ever, a small per cent. was added and collected.

As the panic of 1873 continued, one by one mortgaged farms were sold, and by the middle of the "centennial year" no less than one hundred farms had been wrenched from the owners by the iron grasp of hard times.

The failure of the First National Bank of Warrensburg, Oct. 17, 1878, · created no little excitement throughout the county. This bank appeared to be a permanent institution, and many citizens had deposited here their last dollar for safe keeping. When the news reached the depositors' ears the county soon became fired and frantic with indignation. The stock- holders of this institution succeeded, by the first of 1881, in paying off all the deposits, very unexpectedly to the people.

It was shortly afterward, in June, 1879, that the Warrensburg Savings Bank closed its doors of business.

The railroad interest of the county has always paid. The following facts for the year 1873, show the business at that time for the Holden , station: Stock shipped, 385 cars. The rate of charges for stock to St. Louis, is $43 per car, amounting on the above to $16,555. During the months of October, November and December, 1,966 tickets were sold, of which 749 were for passage over the Missouri, Kansas & Texas road; the balance to the Pacific road, making a total amount of sales, $4,087.10. Freights during this year, were as follows to St. Louis: First class, 65 cents per 100 lbs .; second class, 55 cents per 100 lbs .; third class, 45 cents per 100 pounds. Rates to Kansas City, first class, 30 cents per 100 lbs .; seçond class, 25 cents per 100 lbs .; third class, 20 cents per 100 lbs. The stock shipped over the M. K. T. road, from this point, was 125 cars.

The railroad agent did not furnish us with any statistics of the business of Warrensburg at that time, but it is, no doubt, much greater than that of Holden.

255

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

LICENSES,

for the year commencing January 1, 1880, and ending January 1, 1881:

Dram shops Not any

Auctioneers $ 49.06

Billiards 233:22

Wine and beer Not any

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The history of Johnson County, Missouri : including a reliable history of the townships, cities, and towns, together with a map of the county; a condensed history of Missouri; the state constitution; an abstract of the most important laws etc, Part 30

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Kansas City Historical Company Number of Pages: 1056

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Kansas City, Mo. : Kansas City Historical Company
Number of Pages: 1056