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 51
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NEWSPAPERS.
Warrensburg has been blessed with a large number of papers. Some have prospered, others have died. Two exceptionally well edited and widely circulating weeklies are now regularly and promptly issued. The first paper published in this city was conducted by J. B. Stoop and C. C. Chinn in the year 1853 or '54. Mr. Chinn remained' only a short time and Stoop conducted the paper for about two years. John B. Wolfe and N. B. Holden bought it out and Wolfe became the editor. Particular ref- erence to the present editors and their work is elsewhere made, hence, in this connection only a short sketch.
The Western Missourian was established in 1857, with Marsh Foster as editor.
During the civil war no paper was published in Warrensburg, but on June 17, 1865, the first number of the Standard was issued by N. B. Klaine and S. K. Hall. Mr. Hall sold out his interest to R. Baldwin, March 19, 1868, and the Standard was published by Klaine and Baldwin till 1875. R. Baldwin then became the sole proprietor till April 1877, when George A. Richards bought a part interest. The Standard has since been pub -. lished by " Baldwin, Richards & Co.," with R. Baldwin, editor.
In 1865 J. D. Eads established the fournal, which was run about one year and then sold. John M. Vaughn afterwards bought the type and press, and run a paper for some time, also called the fournal. It was sold to a company in 1870, and J. A. Little became its editor for about six months, then James Gilliland and S. P. Cutler each about a year. In June, 1874, David Nation, Clint. Middleton and J. H. Middleton bought the Fournal and conducted it till 1876, when it was consolidated with the Warrensburg Democrat. The Democrat was established April 22, 1871, by J. M. Julian and Norman H. Conklin. In June, 1874, it changed hands, and C. C. Morrow became its editor, assisted by H. Martin Williams. Oct. 20, 1876, the fournal-Democrat was established by consolidating the two
437
HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
papers, with C. C. Morrow and F. C. Farr as editors. Sept. 19, 1879, the Fournal-Democrat was. bought by W. H. and J. R. Davis, with the former as editor till the summer of 1881. July 1, 1881, J. B. Naylor pur- chased the paper and publishes the same, with R. A. Cruce as, associate editor. At various times other papers, both daily and weekly, have been established and run for a longer or shorter period. Among them.we mention the News, a little four column daily, edited by W. J. Bray, com- mencing in 1875, also the Republican, a weekly, by the same editor; the Press, by H. Martin Williams; the Sunday School Record, a quarterly, by A. J. Sparks, in 1880; the Daily Herald, by Will Carr, in 1880, and the Signal, by T. J. Nunan and H. J. Ruthouff.
THE ENOCH CLARK LIBRARY.
" Books are a part of man's prerogative; In formal ink they thought and voices hold; That we to them our solitude may give, And make time present travel that of old."
Churches, schools and libraries are the greatest source of pride and gratification to a growing town. The kind of thought pervading a com- munity shows itself unmistakably in the lives of its individuals. Trashy public press, light literature and aimless and vile conversation are more to be dreaded, especially among the youth, than intemperance or venomous serpents. Books, and when we say books we mean all kinds of printed material, to a far greater extent than is popularly supposed, contain the future lives of those who read them. The bible and libraries of good books should be the daily companion of those who have a character to . mould. The public press of the present day, to supply what they call popular demand, has degenerated into dealing out poison for the youthful mind, of which it is a shame to mention, until the head of well-ordered families with reluctance allows the newspaper within his household.
To guard against these enormous errors, and drive back ignorance, libraries and free reading rooms have been established. With impres- sions like these, Mr. Enoch Clark about ten years ago proposed that if the citizens of Warrensburg would raise $200 he would contribute as much more for a public library. About $75 was promptly subscribed, but building of the normal school, city improvements and railroad enter- prises absorbed the public mind, and the library project died out. Some- time during the year 1875, it was found that Mr. Clark would stand to his first offer and accordingly the citizens raised $200, which with his liberal donation made $400. During the winter of 1875-6, the enterprise was pushed vigorously, till, on January 3, 1876, regulations with consti- tution and by-laws were adopted, when the following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year: President, Warren Shedd; vice-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
president, G. N. Elliot; secretary, G. W. Rayhill; treasurer, J. R. Kelley, librarian, Stanley Rogers; board of managers, Geo. L. Osborne, A. M. Geer, Joseph Brown, C. E. Moorman; book committee: J. J. Cambell, W. F. Bahlmann, W. L. Hedges, James Ward, O. L. Houts.
Book cases were immediately made, a large number of books donated by citizens of Warrensburg, and a good selection of books purchased. The library was located in a building on the northwest corner of Holden and Pine streets. On the night of the 10th of January, 1877, it was totally destroyed by fire.
The property being amply insured, the book committee which con- sisted that year of J. J. Campbell, W. F. Bahlmann and A. M. Geer, immediately proceeded to select another library, and, with the experience gained while selecting the previous list of books, a considerable improve- ment in quality and quantity resulted. The library is now located over the store of Cord Bro's., where the accommodating librarian is found every day from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M., ready to furnish the free use of books and papers to all who may come. The present list of books includes 552 vol- umes, well selected and arranged, besides daily and weekly papers. Books may be taken from the library at the low rate of five cents per week for each volume. The present officers of the library association are: President, Dr. T. J. Wright; vice-president, Rev. G. V. Ridley; secretary, R. Baldwin; treasurer, Prof. W. F. Bahlmann; librarian, Miss Sue Brown; book committee, Prof. J. J. Campbell, Prof. Geo. L. Osborne and Prof. W. F. Bahlmann. This short sketch of Warrensburg library association could not be complete without recording a few words in strong commendation of the present librarian. Her kind and philanthropic acts have not only been manifest in keeping the library, but the needy and unfortunate throughout the city, have been constrained to bless her acts in the cause of temperance, religion, missionary and relief societies. As of one in olden times, it may also be said of her, " She hath done what she could. "
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Ashton, George P., dentist.
Ailor, James, restaurant.
Bryson, W. A., druggist.
Brinker, W. H., prosecuting atty. Berry, W. L., sch com Johson Co. Bank Warrensburg, J. H. Kinsel. Bryson, J. C., dentist.
Barton, John, sewing machines.
Brammer, G. C., barber.
Brock & Steele, blacksmiths.
Anderson, W. H. & Son, grocers. Albertson, L. L., florist.
Bunn, W. H., ins. and real est agt.
Bowen, W. R., assessor Johnson Co. Beitling, Charles, harness shop. Barbee, Mrs. Lucy, milliner. Burnett, S. J., claim agent.
Brown, John W., post master.
Betichec, F. A., furniture.
Baldwin, R., ed Wg Standard.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Brooks, E. W., . R. R. sec. boss. Burrington, Sam, veterinary surg. Brick kiln, William Lowe, Bahlmann, W. F., prof. nor. sch. ' Bibb, Rev. M. L., pastor Bap. ch. Cockrell, J. J., attorney at law. Cheatham, John T., groceries. Cruce, R. A., ed. Fournal-Dem. Cord, John & Chas. groceries. Cress, H. A., dentist. Christopher, J. H., dry goods, Cord, H. C., groceries. Cemetery, G. B. Lannom, sexton. Campbell, J. J., Prof. Nor. 'sch.
Cutler, S. P., physician. Crittenden, Hon. T. T., gov. Mo. Drew, Mrs. M. A., book store. Dunbar, Nelson, physician. Dunn, Robert N., principal schools 1881-2.
Crews, Rev. C., pastor Bap. ch. (col.) Cockrell, Rev. A. M., Bap. ch.
Eckard, John, photographer. Everhart, L. D., jewler. Eureka Mills, Land, Fike & Co. Furgeson, J. N., surv. Johnson Co. Fitch, H. R. & Co., mill and elevator. Fuller, Rev. C., pastor Presby. Ch. Gilbert Bros., groceries. Gaty, John U., real estate agent. Griggs, A. C., dentist. Griffith, Mrs. M. E., milliner. Giehl, August, blacksmith. Gilbert, Porter A., marble works. Houts, O. L., attorney at law. Heberling & Bro., boots and shoes. Harwood, R. B., county clerk. Hunt, W. P., abstract office. Hedges, W. L., phys. and mayor. Hagerty, C. C., tailor. Heberling, W. H., meat market. Harris & Son, hides and wool. . Hayes, William, barber. Hunt, Geo. R., physician.
Bosaker, J. M., builder. Bruce, William, stone quarry. Brinkerhoff, Geo. S., vineyard. Barr, Rev. A. L., pastor C. P. ch.
Cockrell, Hon. F. M., U. S. Sen. Christopher, G. K., book store. Crissey, W. E., abstract office. Colbern, G. W., pres. s. bank. Cottrell & Rand, music store. Cheatham Bros., furniture. Carpenter, M. B., tinner. Cooper, Wilson, blacksmith. Carhart, Ida M., teacher Nor. sch.
Crutchfield, J. M., attorney at law.
De Garmo, E. L., woolen mills. Dunn, Alfred, assist. postmaster.
Eads Hotel, Mrs. Eads prop. Eads, J. D., druggist.
Faulkner, D. T. auction store. Fike, H. C., Eureka mills.
Groves & Donaldson, blacksmiths. Geer, A. M., attorney at law. Gilkeson, A. H. & S., dry goods. Gross, Phillip, brewery. Grimes, Henry, saddler. Gossett & Floyd, builders. Hornbuckle, W. L., probate judge. Hooker, Miss Jennie, milliner. Hawkins, O. D., pub. administrator. Hughes, H. Y., pres. bank. Hale, H. C., agricultural imp. Houts, G. Will, attorney at law. Hathaway, J. J., marble works. Hirsch, Jacob, groceries. Hout, Geo. W., lumber yard. Hatton, W. H. H., vineyard.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Hughes, Rev. J. H., pastor Chris. ch. Hyer, J. J., attorney at law. Johnson Co. Savings Bk., M. Young. January, Rev. B. F., M E. minister. Kelley, J. R. county recorder. Kinchlow, Wm., restaurant. King, E. W., carpenter. King, Thos., Blacksmith. Lobban, G. A., groceries. Land, Garrett C., attorney at law. Loebenstein, B. & Co., clothing. Lowe, Wm., builder. Land, Moses, Eureka Mills. Littrell, Rev. J. C., minister. Miller, John G., druggist.
McManigal, J. H., furniture. McGoon, C. A., hardware.
Moser, Mrs., milliner.
Magnolia Mills, Hartman & Co. Moody, W. B., family groceries. Miller, Oll, painter.
Mikel, W. S., vineyard.
Nickerson, E. A., attorney at law. Neill, Henry, attorney at law.
Nathan Bros., ready made clothing. Opp, Geo., carpenter. Pinkston, W. D., physician. Putcamp, H., billiards.
Pennington, E. T., agt. M. P. R. R. Prottsman, W. M., past. M. E. ch. S. Rowland, W. C., attorney at law. Reeves, Reuben, boots and shoes. Reading Room, Miss Sue Brown. Roberts, Redford & Hale, agricultu- ral implements. Randall, Amos, restaurant.
Reiter, George, vineyard. Redford, A. O., family groceries. Stauver, J. D. jeweler. Smith, W. V., physician and surgeon. Stewart, J. A., hardware.
Houx, Rev. J. H., C. P. minister. Harris, W. F., transfer express. Johnson, N. B & Son, druggists. Jacobs, B. F., groceries. Kinsel, J. H., cashier Bank of W. Kelley, Edward, nursery. Kinsel, J. H., Lumber Yard. Knapp, W. E., livery stable. Laupheimer Bros., restaurant. Logan, A. B., attorney at law. Lee, W. H., agricultural implements Land, Nathan, Eureka Mills. Lemmon, George W., vineyard. Little, A. J., K. C. Hist. Co. Moody, W. B., dry g. groceries. McConaughay & Ulrich, barbers. Marlatt, W. C., justice of the peace. Miller, Joseph, tailor. Mears, Robert, blacksmith.
Middleton, J. I., telegraph operator .. Mccullough, H. C., painter. Matthews, P. A., city marshal. Naylor, J. B., pub. fournal-Dem- ocrat.
Nelson, J. R., Chicago cheap store. Osborne, Geo. L., pres. Nor. sch Prussing, F. M., groceries. Phelps, J. T., Simmons House. Pickle Bros., stone quarries. Phelan, Rev. Father, past. Cath. ch .. Rose & Zimmerman, druggists. Rogers, A. W. & S. T., attorneys: at law.
Robertson, R. M., attorney at law. Rosenthall, Henry, hardware. Richards, G. N. Standard.
Ruess, Joseph, groceries and bakery. Reese, Rev. R. S., pastor M. E. C.
Robinson, C. W., physician.
Suber, M. K., dry-goods. Sack, G. H., attorney at law. Sparks, S. P., attorney at law.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
Shryack, M., family groceries. Shepherd, J. M. & W. S., attorneys. Stepper, George, druggist. Stafford, C. N., merchant tailor.
Smith & Kauffman, boots and shoes. Simmons House, Phelps & Williams Simmons, E. K., elevator. Stone, John W., livery stable. Schriecker, William, groceries. Shryack,J. A., groceries.
Schneiglesepen, J. W., gunsmith. Steele, Rev. J. C., U. P. minister. Sparks, A. J., teacher.
Sams, Walter, jeweler.
Tyler, J.K ., treasurer Johnson Co. Trego, E. O., wagon maker.
Taylor, Rev. John, pastor U. P. C. Upton, Bros., family groceries. Wagner, F. X., billiard hall. Worden & Bryson, druggists. Wood, W. W., attorney at law. Wallace & Fitch, Mrs., milliners. Ward, M. T., boots and shoes. Williams, James, Simmons House. Wilkins, Charles, transfer express. Young, M. cashier bank. Zimmerman, J. A., druggist.
Sams, Edward, meat market. Stepper & Eads, druggists. Spiess, A. & William, grocers. Sperling, William, barber.
Sanburn, William, prof. N. school.
Starr, Prof. J. F., prin. pub. school. Shockey, J. E. groceries.
Shaw, J. A., sheriff Johnson county. Talbott, J. E., merchant tailor.
Tomlinson, Charles, vineyard.
Vernaz, P., vineyard.
Welch, Aikman, attorney at law.
Witherspoon, H. S., clerk cir. court Williams, S. P., collector county. Wadell, A. J. and R. E., photo. Wright, T. J., physician.
White, S. T., attorney at law.
York, R. fish market. Zoll, William, nursery.
WARRENSBURG TOWNSHIP.
Warrensburg township is so intimately connected with the city of the same name, which stands near its center, that the history of the former is blended with that of the latter, and much equally applicable to the town- ship will also apply to Warrensburg City. The township derived its name and geographical position from the county seat, and is one of the oldest in the county, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison and Washington being only eighteen months older.
Warrensburg township, as at present constituted, is bounded on the north by Hazel Hill and Simpson townships, on the east by Washington, on the south by Post Oak and Chilhowee townships, and on the west by Center View township. It is more centrally located than any other town- ship except Center View. It is exactly midway in the county, north and south, but a little east of the geographical center. Technically defined its limits are as follows; beginning at the northeast corner of section 4, township 46, range 25; thence west to the northwest corner of section 4, township 46, range 26; thence south to the southwest corner of section 16, township 45, range 26; thence east to the southeast corner of section 16,
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
township 45, range 25; thence north to the place of beginning. Its length north and south, is nine miles, width east and west, seven miles, and con- tains 63 square miles, or 40,320 acres.
Among the early settlers who came to this township previous to the year 1840, we mention the following names, with the remark that in obtaining them we were compelled to rely wholly upon the memory of men, as no list from records could be obtained. Those who have resided in Warrensburg township since 1840 are remembered by many now living, and to them must devolve the task of enrolling their names on the pages of history: Martin Warren, Abram Adams, Benjamin Granger, Isaac Granger, Thomas Granger, A. B. Granger, Madison Warren, Calvin Adams, John Adams, Jas. Fletcher, Jacob Perman, Archibald Thistle, William Perry, Elijah McCrary, Adam Fickas, Davis B. Wood, Andrew Blevens, Thomas W. Pace, Marcus A. Turner, Joseph P. Henshaw, James Cochran, James Marshall, James H. Marshall, G. Wilson Houts, Theo. F. Houts, Richard F. Page, James Hollowell, William S. Purtle, John G. Gibbons, Martin Greer, John Cox, James Taylor, James W. Potts, James Guynn, Daniel Lanier, Harrison Lanier, Adkins Powell and William Rupe.
Physical Features .- A range of sand hills on which the city of War- rensburg is situated extend about four miles north and south, and about three miles east and west, near the center of the township. The two nor- thern tiers of sections are mostly composed of bottom lands, through which flows Blackwater; but the bottom lands on Post Oak and Bear creek are narrower and less marked.
Blackwater enters the township near the north-west corner pursuing an easterly and north-easterly course till it leaves the township, very near the north-east corner. The bottoms on Blackwater frequently open out into broad level plains, now under cultivation or covered with grass. Post Oak flows north through the western portion of the township, uniting with Blackwater in section 11, township 46, range 26.
Much timber formerly skirted Post Oak, but during the war vast quan- tities were cut off by the soldiers, a seconed growth, however, has taken its place, covering the uneaven knolls and breaks for miles in extent, north and south. Bear creek, the third stream in size, in this township, rises in the southeast, flows in a northeasterly direction, and empties into Blackwater, just over the line in Simpson township. The banks are high above the water, hence no fords where loaded teams can pass. Walnut creek, a small stream from Hazel Hill township, enters Blackwater a short dis- tance above the mouth of Post Oak, but on the opposite side. West fork of Post Oak enters this township from Centerview, and unites with the main current three miles southwest of Warrensburg.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
The boundary sections all the way around within the outer rim of the township, are generally better land for agricultural purposes than the central portions. While this township is by no means so rough broken and interspersed with sand hills, as to be considered in any sense worth- less, yet through large portions stunted oaks cover knolls with thin, and not extremely productive soil. North, south, east, and west, as one approaches the limits of the township, he sees beautiful rolling prairie stretching out into surrounding townships, and furnishing advantages for the finest farms in the world. Probably the finest farms in the township are found in the southeast and northeast, though other localities are exceedingly highly favored. For stock raising, this is the banner town- ship of Johnson county. Enough timber at intervals, covering little hills, to furnish wind-breaks for feeding, pure springs and running streams in every locality, proximity to a good shipping point, and sufficient gravel and sand in the soil to prevent deep mud in the feeding lots during wet seasons. Warrensburg township seems to lack no essential quality in con- stituting it pre-eminently fitted by natural resources for feeding and fatten- ing stock.
Sandstone exists underneath the soil, and in many places it crops out to the surface. The sandstone quarries, two miles north of Warrensburg, are sketched more fully in the city history.
Indian Mounds .- An old Indian burial place has recently been discov- ered on the farm of Mr. H. Spiess. The present indications are three large mounds within a radius of a few rods. These mounds are sup- posed to have been the work of the ancient mound-builders, who inhabited all this portion of North America, long before the Indian of more recent day had made the conquest of the Mississippi valley. The mounds have been dug into, and various relics found, some of which are preserved in the collection of curiosities at the normal. The writer made an examina- tion of these mounds, and found, among other things, a large molar, rib, and piece of a cranium, all of which bore unmistakable evidence of great age, and that they were the remains of an ancient Mound Builder. The larg- est mound is twelve yards in diameter, and six feet high. It contains a cell or vault 10x12 feet, built up with flat stones, brought from the creek, one half mile distant. In this narrow house the bodies of the chiefs were interred. The other two mounds are similar to the first, but smaller.
Oak trees, from one to two feet in diameter, are now growing on and about the mounds.
It is supposed that, at the time these mounds were built, great numbers of that race dwelt in this locality. Warrensburg may have been the center of a great settlement of Mound Builders.
White Sulphur Springs, about three miles north of Warrensburg, on
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
the farm of Mr. McFarland, boils up from the bottom lands, one-half mile west of Post Oak. The taste and odor of sulphur is very strong, and it leaves a deposit of the same mineral upon debris over which the water flows. curb has been placed in the excavation, and it is rendered easy of access for all who desire its valuable medicinal waters.
Statistical .- The county seat was selected in May, 1836, and the follow- ing September the township boundaries were defined. At that time it con- tained a great area, having since been reduced several times. The population was very small. Warrensburg township, including the city, in 1870, con- tained a population of 4,804; in the year 1876, it had 4,400, and according to the United States census of 1880, it had a population of 5,778, while the city contained 4,049. In the year 1877, an abstract of the agricultural products, etc., stood as follows: voters, 902; white persons, 3,742 ; colored persons, 658; horses, 768; mules, 236; cattle, 1,718; sheep, 494; hogs, 2,903; bushels wheat, 8,532; bushels corn, 252,100; bushels oats, 9,925; rye, 350; pounds tobacco, 25,590; pounds wool, 1,275; tons hay, 1,319; gallons wine, 1,370; gallons molasses, 4,995. According to the assessor's list, for 1881, we have the following: Horses, 958, value, $31,795; mules, 252, value, $11,870; cattle, 2,383, value, $28,158; sheep, 1,309, value, $1,309; hogs, 4,780, value, $7,977; total value of personal property, $315,- 811.
Organization .- The order of court first establishing the boundaries of Warrensburg township, bears date October 3, 1836.
Schools .- This township is furnished with the best school facilities, both for teacher and pupil, of any in Johnson county. The Normal, city high school and numerous elementary schools are superior both in quality and convenience of access. The schools outside the city continue in ses- sion from five to eight months a year.
The following are among the teachers of Warrensburg township: J. W. McGiven, D. S. Redford, Miss Rosa Hooker, W. R. Delaney, T. P. Reid, A. F. Dunbar, Ed H. Gilbert, W. R. Nelson, A. J. Sparks, Gus Coleman, Miss Rebecca Granger, G. M. Shanton, Miss Mary Emerson, Miss Sallie Zoll, Miss Josie Smith, Miss Sallie Smith, Harvey T. Wil- liams, Miss Frankie A. Miller, Miss Nellie De Garmo, Miss Mattie Zoll, Miss Lizzie Logan, Miss Kate Logan, Mrs. M. D. McCormack, Miss Lizzie McCluney, Miss Nannie Williams.
German Baptist Church .- This church is sometimes called "Dunkard." It is situated about two miles south of Warrensburg, and had a member- ship of twenty. It was organized August 3, 1880, and the church edifice was soon erected at a cost of $700. Among the original members are: A. W. Reese, minister; John Bowman, deacon; Jos. E. Lightner, Wm. Mohler, Thomas Adams, Nancy J. Roop, Alice Hall, M. Gibson, Sarah
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
L. Baile, Minnie C. Christopher, Susie E. Reese, Lizzie D. Mohler, Lucinda Bowman, Anna Bowman, Lizzie Fickas, Anna Lightner. The present pastor is Rev. A. W. Reese.
Union Prairie Baptist Church .- Two miles north-east of Warrens- burg, in this township, there stands a little Baptist church, called Union Prairie. It was organized December 8, 1865, by Elder E. H. Burchfield, and the house was built in the spring of 1867, by Luther Price, at a cost of $1,500. The edifice was 45 feet long, 30 feet wide and 14 feet high, and furnished with board seats and pulpit. The divines, who from time to time broke the bread of life to this little flock of believers, were Elders Jonathan Gott, John Letts, P. J. Collop, J. E. Welch and F. M. West. Seven devout and faithful believers first entered the organization. Their names are as follows: Elder Jonathan Gott, William Adams, Elizabeth F. Adams, Martha Adams, Samson Adams, Eliza J. Knight, and Susan Granger. Under the pastorate of Elder Gott, as also at a later date, there was a considerable revival. On the 7th day of May, 1881, the church numbered 30, but seeing themselves weak and unable to support regular preaching, they resolved to disband and unite with the Warrens- burg church, which they did.
The Regular Baptist Church .- This church is situated four miles south of Warrensburg City. It was organized in 1842. They now have a frame church edifice well furnished, forty feet long and twenty-four feet ยท wide, built by one of its enterprising members, Adam Fickas, at a cost of one thousand dollars. This is one of the oldest church organizations in Johnson county. Adam Fickas is one of the main pillars in this church, and its success is greatly due to the liberal contributions of time and money by him.
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