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 43
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It was about a half-score of years from this time till the efficacy of this work was visible, and by 1820 the church began to be sufficiently strong to establish schools and academies.
Evangelists of the church established societies in many of the states. These congregations grew rapidly, and their progress has no parallel in the evangelical history of the world. From the two apparently feeble congregations of Washington county, Pa., in 1810, the congregations have grown to the number of upwards of 5,000, with a membership of some- thing more than 600,000 souls in America, besides many societies in other parts of the world. This church expends annually upwards of $12,000 for foreign missions, besides a greater amount for home missions. The church has several well endowed educational institutions in the United States.
This church was established in Missouri, cotemporary with other prot- estant denominations, and was rapidly advancing in numbers and wealth, up to the time when the civil war of 1861, like a Babel of confusion, scat- tered its members-separating frequently the pledged fraternal ties of brethren-so that they stood for five dark years, as blood-thirsty belliger- ent foes.
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362
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
In 1866, after the dark cloud of war and strife had rolled away, a few preachers of this denomination were drawn together by Christian ties, in a state meeting to discuss what future course to take, and before that body adjourned, they had pledged $12,000 for the mission work of the state, which was successfully raised, and appropriated, and henceforth from this little state meeting of these zealous ministers, we see the present annual state conventions of the church and Sunday school workers.
The history of the Church of Christ, of Johnson county, cannot be complete in this limited sketch, for the want of proper church records, however, we give such information in regard to the church history as we have received from reliable sources.
Since each society and congregation will be treated more fully under the head of the township where it exists, we only give a very brief nar- rative of the churches of the county in general.
At present there are twelve congregations in the county, with a mem- bership of about 1,500. Ten church houses are owned, which are of frame material and are valued at about $20,000. The reports show seven Sunday schools with about 900 scholars enlisted. Until of late but few societies conducted and favored Sunday schools, fearing that they would be avenues in which unsound doctrine would creep into the church.
The church of Columbus antedates all others of this denomination in the county. Since this point was a sort of nucleus around which immi- gration gathered, here was formed one of the pioneer Christian churches which was perpetuated till 1861, when it ceased to assemble till the close of the war.
Many disciples are scattered over the country, in parts where there is no organization. Preaching is still conducted as in the early days of the church, in school houses and dwellings, where the communities are in iso- lation.
The Church of Christ, which commonly bears the sobriquet of Camp- bellite, is no longer to be classed or regarded among the insignificant denominations of the world. The time was once when these people looked upon instrumental music and costly church furniture as a species of idolatry. Then they regarded simplicity as the handmaid of Christianity. The following passage from Coll. iii, 16, consoled them in their early wor- ship: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teach- ing and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts."
Strictly speaking, the disciples are orthodox. They have no creed but the Bible. They profess to believe and practice all the doctrine taught by the Saviour and the apostles.
363
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
When the early settlers came here they found a wilderness. The Indians, the only human beings met, were not strictly a religious people, however, profanity was less known among them than among their pale faced brethren. The pioneer preacher first sought no church building to teach the cause of righteousness. He gathered his congregations in fam- ilies or in the groves. The family is a little monarchy and in it on Sab- bath days children were taught to observe that day. Ere churches were organized or Sunday school societies formed, the family circle took the place and became the most delightful place on earth. In the religious families the " children are like olive plants round about the table." It was in keeping with the scripture teaching. The Lord said of Abraham: "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judg- ment." The pious mother of the amiable Timothy, esteemed it her duty to train him in the knowledge of the Holy scriptures. Small things make up the chain of life. Sometimes one little fault completely destroys its usefulness.
" A pebble on the streamlet scant Has turned the course of many a river; A dew-drop on the baby plant Has dwarfed the giant oak forever."
A brief history of the Sunday schools of the county would no doubt, be interesting to those who now teach in well organized schools of modern methods.
In Washington township as early as 1843, was organized the first Sun- day school at Bethel church, in the neighborhood of Judge George Gal- laher, who became the first superintendent. Col. John Robinson was . , one of the teachers, and Rev. J. B. Morrow was pastor of the congrega- tion.
The methods of teaching were unlike those of to-day. The school opened with reading and prayer, and song from the old church collection of hymns. A few tough questions were asked, and the scholars required to memorize and recite verses of scripture. Sunday school songs, lesson leaves, etc., were unknown to this pioneer school, yet the determined energy of these pious Sabbath school workers planted many a divine seed-truth in the young hearts of that day, and their fruits and labors are living monuments of their piety and wisdom. At first the growth was slow, but it continued to progress till the war in 1861, when family and church ties were broken for half a decade. The political strife was a bitter blast to the christian institutes. Many of those wounds are not healed yet, nor can time erase them.
After the war, in the spring of 1865, the refugees returned to repair
364
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
their wasted homes. About this time immigration began to pour in from the older states. The land bore a good price, schools and churches were organized, and general prosperity in business of all kinds continued till the panic of 1873.
The changes after the war were abrupt and full of enthusiasm. By the close of the war, the Missouri Pacific railroad was completed tbrough Johnson county and the little towns along the road filled up rapidly. The old town of Knob Noster was moved one mile south to the railroad, and old Bethel church and Sunday school were resuscitated in the new town.
The second school was organized in a log school house near where R. C. Mayes now resides, in 1857. In 1858, hard by, Mary's chapel was built, and the school taught there until the civil strife of 1861, when it became defunct and was not resuscitated till 1877, when the church build- ing was moved to Montserrat, where it has been successfully managed by Judge J. B. Mayes.
Schools were organized in Columbus township, also about ten years prior to the war. The Cumberland Presbyterian church was the leading factor in these early organizations. Some of the pioneer ministers that urged this cause, were Rev's. J. H. Houx, (then quite a young man,) B. F. Thomas, J. G. Dalton, Finis Witherspoon, Dr. J. L. Yantis, and J. B. Morrow.
In the year 1866, Sunday-schools began to grow up all over the country, so that by 1870, the county had a fine corps of schools. The leading men of the county in the good work, were A. W. Ridings, David Nation, H. C. Fike, Rev. J. W. Lee, Wm. Stephens, M. Shryack, Rev. S. H. McElvain, Rev. S. Finis King, J. A. Bridges, J. H. Carmichael, A. J. Sparks, Rev. I. P. Patch. Hon. F. M. Cockrell is well known in this county as one of our warmest Sunday school advocates.
Since the state Sunday school organization was effected, this county asso- ciation was also organized in 1876. The first annual meeting was held in Warrensburg. The second annual meeting was held in Holden, Septem- ber 24, 1878, with Rev. J. W. Lee, president, and A. J. Sparks, secretary pro tem. The session continued two days, and was very successful. Some of the workers present were Revs. J. E. Sharp, J. W. Wright, W. P. Paxson, Wm. Stephens, Chas. Fuller, J. W. Mouser, C. N. Wester, W. H. Reed, James Randall, Frank Russell and O. M. Stewart.
The next session was held in Knob Noster during two days, beginning March 13, 1879, with Rev. O. M. Stewart, president, and J. W. Wright, secretary. This was a profitable convention and was largely attended. The reports show an increase over the preceding year of 2,900 scholars.
The fourth annual convention convened in Warrensburg in January, 1880, with Rev. S. Finis King, president, and James Steele, secretary.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY
The convention lasted two days; although the weather was unpleasant, a lively interest was kept up during the entire session. At this session the following officers were elected: Elder J. H. Hughes, president, Rev. S. H. McElvain, vice-president, A. J. Sparks, county secretary. During this year the progress of the schools continued to flourish. O. M. Stewart, S. H. McElvain and A. J. Sparks, were delegates to the state convention® that convened in St. Joe that year.
During the year 1880, the county secretary sent out blanks and received prompt returns from most of the schools, so by January, 1881, he had all the schools in the county listed. In January, he issued the first number of the Sunday School Record, in which he laid before the people the con- dition of the schools.
The fifth annual convention was held in Knob Noster, Thursday, Feb- ruary 10, 1881. Rev. S. H. McElvain, president pro tem, and A. J. Sparks, secretary. The inclemency of the weather forbid a large attend- ance; however, the session was full of business and zeal for the Sunday school cause. The workers present were Dr. W. M. Prottsman, C. Cobb, J. S. Porter, J. K. Byers, John Dennison, J. S. Carmichael, B. F. Stephens, J. A. Collins, T. H. Allen, J. E. Sharp, J. A. Lord, I. P. Patch, J. Cal. Littrell.
The following is a list of the present officers: President, Rev. S. H. McElvain; vice-president, H. C. Fike; secretary and treasurer, A. J. Sparks, of Warrensburg. The following is a list of the township vice- presidents: Centerview, T. Wells; Chilhowee, J. A. Bridges; Columbus, C. A. Potterf; Grover, Henry Brant; Hazel Hill, Wm. McMahan; Kingsville, B. F. Lewis; Jackson, A. Van Ausdol; Jefferson, Sidney Jar- vis; Madison, I. P. Patch; Post Oak, R. L. Cathey; Rose Hill, Mr. . Stilt; Simpson, James McCulery; Washington, John A. Collins; Warrens- burg, M. L. Bibb.
:
The sixth county convention will convene in Holden on Thursday before the third Sunday in April, 1882. The present officers are efficient work- ers and will do much to advance the Sunday school interest of the county. By the influence of the church and her Sundays, the county has a bright future. Strip her of this and a dark veil will be drawn over her face, and hide all her better qualities. Life is so precious that time lost is never gained. Life in childhood is the seedtime, and every grain sown ought to be a pious deed or a virtuous thought.
The following is a statistical report of the Sunday schools of the county:
1
1
366
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
and
Name of School. -
Superintendent.
Address.
Officer s
No. of Scholars.
Months School Open.
Chilhowee Township.
Chilhowee, Union .
J. A. Bridges
Chilhowee
15
132
12
Lone Jack, Union. .
Mrs. W. H. Stark.
40
6
Locust Grove, Union . .
J. M. Taylor
Warrensburg .
12
63
12
Borthick, Union
C. C. Little.
Holden .
10
81
12
Columbus Township.
Henry C. Potterf
Columbus
12
80
12
Columbus, Christian. : . .
G. W. Houx.
86
12
Rockford, M. E. S ..
Thomas Renick.
Pittsville
8
38
4
Centerview Township.
Rev. S. H. McElvain.
Centerwiew .
12
102
12
Fairview, M. E. S ...
Robert Graham
66
6
40
5
Masonic Hall, Union ..
Timothy Wells.
30
Presbyterian, U. P ..
Matthew Duff
35
5
Grover Township.
Union Chapel, M. E ....
D. Fisher
Knob Noster. .
12
52
12
Hepsidam, Union.
C. G. Oglesbey
66
11
100
6
Dunksburg, M. E ..
N. Porter.
Siegel
30
6
Hazel Hill Township.
W. Griffin.
Hazel Hill
10
50
4
Mt. Moriah, C. P.
R. D. Brandon
9
50
12
Hazel Hill, Christian
Dr. A. McDonald.
8
87
12
Salem, C. P.
E. T. Coleman
66
30
6
Walker, Uuion.
James M. Meyers
Warrensburg .
3
25
3
Kingsville Township.
James Ruff
Kingsville .
11
93
12
Kingsville, Union
George G. Valentine
66
7
60
6
Loss Creek, Union.
Mrs. Julia Goodson.
40
5
Rolston, Union.
T. J. Longacre.
10
55
4
Jackson Township.
A. J. Longacre
Chapel Hill.
7
40
4
P. M. White
Pittsville
8
73
5
Brush Creek, Union ....
G. V. Moseley
Knob Noster. .
40
5
High Point, Baptist. . Madison Township.
Hon. W. P. Greenlee.
Henrietta.
70
6
Holden, M. E .. .
I. P. Patch.
Holden
31
169
12
Rev. Wm. L. Lee.
66
18
176
12
M. W. Rodman
9
75
12
Holden Christian.
A. C. Jones
11
80
12
B. S. Hyatt.
9
60
12
D. P. Woodruff
66
9
41
9
Henry Hagiemyer. ...
66
5
40
12
.
. .
. .
..
. .
Basin Knob, M. E. S ... Elm Springs, Union .... Jefferson Township.
40
6
Woodland, Union.
Dr. J. P. Walker
53
6
Pisgah, C. P.
John Kenton
Columbus, C. P .. .
Centerview, C. P.
Hazel Hill, Baptist. .
Kingsville, U. P.
Holden, Presbyterian .. Holden, Baptist.
Rock Spring, C. P .. . Round Grove, M. E. S .. Holden, G: E. A.
Teachers.
367
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS OF JOHNSON COUNTY-CONTINUED.
and
Name of School.
Superintendent.
Address.
Officers
Teachers.
No. of Scholars.
Months ' School Open.
Post Oak Township.
Providence, Baptist
J. R. Robinson
Chilhowee
6
40. 12
Mt. Zion, C. P
W. S. Warnick.
Cornelia
10
56
9.
Shiloh, C. P
W. R. Cully
66
10
55
8
Cornelia, Union.
R. L. Cathey
10
60
5
Rose Hill Township.
Bear Creek, Union.
S. W. Dobson.
Holden .
14
138
8
Pleasant View, Union.
James Hutton
Rose Hill
6
45
5
XĂ©nia, Union.
J. W. Wallace
66
8
46
8
Rose Hill, Union
Joseph Short .
66
50
8
Simpson Township.
Oak Grove, C. P.
James McCluney
Hazel Hill
10
65
6
Eureka, Union.
Thos. O. Sittlington.
Aullville
11
70
8
Kirk's Mill, Christian. Mason, Union.
Thomas P. Reid.
Warrensburg 66
8
81
6
Washington Township.
Chauncy Cobb
Knob Noster.
10
60
12
Knob Noster, M. E. .
J. A. Collins.
66
12
120
12
Knob Noster, C. P ..
W. R. Brown
66
9
80
12
Knob Noster, Christian.
J. N. Dennison
66
10
36
12
Knob Noster, Pres.
Gordon Hardey
66
9
4.1
12
Oak Grove, Union
P. Stringfield .
66
40
Mary's Chapel, C. P. .
George Brown
Montserrat.
38
12
Warrensburg Township
Henry C. Fike
Warrensburg
17
158
12
Warrensburg, Pres ...
Ed. L. DeGarmo
12
145
12
Warrensburg, Baptist ..
Prof. W. F. Bahlmann. .
6
37
12
Warrensburg, Christian M. Shryack.
24
180
12
Warrensburg, C. P ..
W. K. Morrow.
15
155
12
Warrensburg, M. E. S ..
W. H. Anderson
10
43
12
Warrensburg, G. E. A ..
J. Scheidenberger
10
30
12
W'nsb'g, Mission School
T. D. Houts.
14
70
12
Glendale, Union
Philip Day.
13
43
3
1
.
8
50
8
George M. Shanton
Knob Noster, Baptist.
Warrensburg, M. E ..
66
.
24
368
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
CHAPTER XV .- THE REIGN OF TERROR.
Introduction-Frank P. Blair in Warrensburg -- A Tragedy, One Man Killed-The Murder of Sweitzer by Dick Sanders-Vigilance Committee-The Murderers Captured and Swing to a Tree-Bill Stephens, the Desperado, Shot-Jeff Collins Hung-Tom Stephens and Morg. Andrews Swing-Little, Unjustly hung -- Strife in the Vigilance Committee-The Hanging of James M. Sims-Notes From a Diary.
It was in 1866, the clouds arising from the civil conflict had hardly cleared away, and the passions engendered during those stormy days, were still warm. Malice and hatred stalked abroad untrameled and unchecked throughout the land.
Society had been stranded upon the breakers of the war, and was but slowly recovering from the wreck.
The rights of men were being trampled upon daily. Life was taken time after time with impunity. Murderers and plunderers appeared on the streets of Warrensburg, at all times, insulting and abusing the more civil classes of citizens. It was nothing unusual for them to strike defence- less men with pistols, ride into and through business houses, shooting articles of merchandise from the walls, snuffing lights out of people's houses with pistol shots, or shooting promiscuously into public gather- ings. Religious meetings and political assemblies were ruthlessly broken up. The people were terrorized. All the worst passions of the worst men in the country ran riot, and the civil authorities were either too cow- ardly to resist them, or powerless to do so. Chaos reigned supreme! There were officers of the law, but no law enforced. Men were tried for murder by timid courts, and packed juries. Acquittals were procured 'through fraud, and perjury. Verdicts, turning men loose upon society, who were notoriously guilty of assassination and robbery, were hailed with acclamations of triumph by accomplices.
The courts were no longer a protection to society, or a vindicator of its wrongs. They became the theater of scenes so revolting to the feelings of the people that they were looked upon more as institutions of vindica- tion than of justice. In this state of affairs the first day of June dawned. The day was a fine one, soft, warm, clear, and one long to be remem- bered by our people.
On that day the grand old champion of the peoples' rights, Gen. Frank P. Blair, was advertised to speak at Warrensburg. Extensive prepara- tions had been made for his reception, and the gathering was to be north of and near the spot now occupied by the court house, where a commo- dious stand had been erected for the occasion. The roughs of the county, led by old Bill Stephens, had threatened to kill Blair, in case he attempted to address the multitude that had gathered from all parts of the country
369
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
to hear him. Gen. Blair was waited upon in his rooms at Ming's hotel by a party of friends, who advised him not to attempt to speak, as he would surely be killed. His reply was: "Gentlemen, I will speak this afternoon, and I will explode a shell in this town that will be remembered by these d-d scoundrels as long as they live." At one o'clock Gen. Blair took the stand and began his speech. He was interrupted and insulted time 'after time. About 2 o'clock Bill Stephens ascended to the front of the stand, and gave Blair the d-d lie. He was ejected amid considerable confusion. In less than eight minutes the speaker's stand was thrown down and Stephens again entered it, using the same insulting language to the speaker. He was again ejected. A hundred pistols flashed out in the warm June sun, and the ominous clicking of a hundred triggers were heard on all sides, men stood with cocked pistols leveled on Blair, while others stood with pistols leveled, on them. During this time Jim Stephens, a son of old Bill, had been knifed to death, and another man nearly so. Stephens withdrew with his dead son, followed by his roughs, and Gen. Blair concluded his speech at six o'clock.
The shell had exploded.
" Murder most foul, as in the best it is." But this was most foul, strange and unnatural. It was a cold, stormy night, the 27th of February, 1867; the wind was howling from the north, driving rain and sleet in the faces of those who were so unfortunate as to be at its mercy. A happy group sat in fancied security, around the old-fashioned fire-place, enjoying the blazing hickory that crackled upon the hearth, and cast a cheerful glow of light through the apartments at the residence of David Sweitzer, a farmer living eight miles north of Warrensburg, on the Lexington road.
But happiness and contentment were not to last. The old clock on the mantle struck eight, and hardly had the sound of the last stroke died away, when fiends entered that peaceful family, and left it soon thereafter, bathed in blood, and clouded in gloom.
The facts of the murder are about as follows: Two men called at . the residence or house, which was occupied by two families; that of Mr. Sweitzer, consisting of a wife and five children, and one room occupied by Mr. Younger and wife. One of the men was dressed in soldier's clothes, tall, black hair, and dark complection. The other was heavy, low stature, and dressed in citizens' costume. Both attempted to disguise, but parties that had met them once could hardly fail to recognize that pair.
They entered the room occupied by Mr. Younger, feigned drunkenness, and asked them if they could stay all night. They were told that the house was crowded, and that no stranger could be entertained. In the
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370
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
meantime, Mrs. Younger became alarmed and called upon Mr. Sweitzer, telling him that there were two men in the house whom she was afraid of. Mr. Sweitzer entered the room, and began a conversation with the stran- gers. They told him that they were from Ray county, and asked him where he was from. He told them that he was from Pennsylvania. They instantly drew their revolvers, and said:
"We want your money," and both fired at the same instant; the first two shots missing their mark. Then came the death struggle.
Sweitzer, grappling with them, and all fell across the bed. The old man seemed to have the strength of three men; straining every nerve, he raised himself from the bed, slinging his assailants either way; when instantly, two more shots were fired, and Mr. Sweitzer sank to the floor, with his life's blood ebbing from a wound in the forehead, and one in the back.
"Is there a crime beneath the roof of heaven, that stains the soul of man, with more infernal hue, than damned assassination."
The robbers and murderers rifled the murdered man's pockets, and fled, leaving them alone, the living with the dead. There came a long night of watching, weeping, and praying.
" You had no children, butchers; if you had, the thought of them would. have stirred up remorse." But they were left with curses: the mother a. widow, the children fatherless; that husband and father lying dead before them, slain by assassins, who had been petted and encouraged in their infamous crimes so long, that they defied the laws of God and man, for- getting that the former had said, "Thou shalt not kill," and that the latter demanded life for life. So the hours wore away-
Who can imagine the horror of that night,
When darkness lent his robe to monster fear:
And heaven's black mantle banishing the light, Made everything in ugly form appear.
Mr. Sweitzer had in his possession about $130, which they succeeded in carrying off; though in their fright they must have been careless of the booty, as $120 dollars of the money taken, was found in the road the next morning near Hazel Hill.
Sweitzer, a short time previous to his death, had purchased a farm in the nation, and was to make a payment on the same about the time of his death. The robbers, no doubt, thinking he had a large sum of money, went to the house for the purpose of securing the same, and, finding they could not obtain it without bloodshed, resorted. to the killing as described above.
We will leave the family of Mr. Sweitzer to their melancholy fate, and follow the murderers. After leaving the house they met Mr. Jack Red- ford, and fired several shots at him, killing his horse, which was found
371
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
dead by the roadside next morning. It is supposed they attempted to take the life of Redford to prevent detection. But "Murder will out.".
Other sins only speak; murder shrieks out; The element of water moistens the earth, But blood flies upwards, and bedews the heavens.
Early next morning the news had spread, and parties were suspected.
Sullen, methinks, and slow the morning breaks, As if the sun were listless to appear, And dark designs hang heavy on the day.
It was the morning of February 28, 1867. The storm was dead; the clouds, one by one, drifted away, leaving the sky mirror-like. The rain of the previous night congealed as it fell, and when day broke all was in ice. The trees were bending under their burdens; millions and millions of icicles hung from every tree, shrub and twig of our great forests; each blade of grass and tiny weed wore a coat of crystal. The rising sun shot its rays through this beautiful glistening mass, and was reflected and thrown back in variagated colors by the millions of glittering beauties that hung so feebly from the trees. Everything wore a glittering coat- the forests resembled trees, shrubs and logs of ice. The ground was clothed -- not in a mantle of white-but a robe of crystal. It was grand, glittering and glorious, but not of long duration-born of night, lived but a day, and vanished. As the sun rose heavenward, and the air became warm, the ice began to melt and fall. In a short time nothing could be heard but breaking and falling ice-everything so tastily robed in gor- geous costume was fast becoming bare and ragged. One could only look on and silently admire the splendors of nature. Amid this decaying beauty rode a solitary horseman, his powerful horse, heavily ironed, plowed up the ice, as he cantered over its smooth surface. The rider sat erect in the saddle, and moved gracefully with every motion of the horse, showing plainly that he was an accomplished horseman. He stood about six feet four inches in height, and weighed about one hundred and sixty- five pounds. He wore a soldier's costume, with a navy revolver at each side.
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