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 55

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 55

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Bank of Holden .- This bank was organized May 15, 1872, from the firm of I. M. Smith and Louis Cheney, private bankers. It started with a paid up capital of $50,000, but in 1878, another $50,000 was added, making the present capital stock $100,000. Their building is situated on the corner of Market and Second streets. It is a large brick structure, 48x80 feet, two stories high, with an elegant stone front. The officers are, I. Starkey, president; John G. Cope, cashier; J. E. McClure, assist- ant cashier; and F. B. Hawes, secretary. The directors are, John G. Cope, I. Starkey, F. B. Hawes, T. J. Allison, Ira B. Smith, C. C. Tevis,

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

J. E. Clark, W. H. Liddle, J. E. McClure, A. Plessner, J. P. Orr, J. H. Blewitt, and M. V. Johnson. They do a general banking business of dis- count and deposit, and engage in no outside speculations. They buy and sell exchange and government securities, make collections and execute financial orders here, in St. Louis, and in New York. This bank started in 1872, passed through the great panic of 1873, as well as all other finan- cial crises without failing to honor every check that was presented to it. Since 1878, they have declared annually a dividend of from 14 to 15 per cent after paying all expenses. Their stock is worth thirty per cent pre- mium, and is difficult to be obtained at that price. They have on hand deposits of nearly $400,000, and their business constantly increasing.

The gentlemen engaged in this bank have long been before the public, and are thoroughly known as men of first-class business qualities. Their future efforts in this business cannot fail to continue to bring the desired reward.

The Firemens' and Commercial Bank .- This bank commenced opera- tion, March 17, 1881. It started with a paid up capital of $25,000, and will increase it in a short time to $50,000. They have a large brick build- ing, located on'the corner of Main and Second streets, and fitted up with all the necessary conveniences, including a burglar proof safe. Their officers are, W. M. Steele, president; George S. Young, vice-president; Z. T. Miller, cashier.º They have nine stockholders, composed of the fol- lowing: W. M. Steele, G. S. Young, Z. T. Miller, D. C. Quick, J. S. Johnson, Richard M. Simpson, H. D. Smithson, J. C. Creighton, and S. H. Farrar. They have on hand deposits to the amount of $75,000. Their stock nominally at three per cent premium, is not for sale at all. Their business is rapidly increasing and bids fair to rival the old bank in a few . years. These gentlemen are business men of long standing in the com- munity, and will gain its hearty support.

SOCIETIES.

Holden, though distinguished in many other important particulars, is, perhaps, the most noted of all towns in the state for the number and size of her secret societies. Many of her most popular and public spirited citizens are members, in many cases of three or four different societies. Great energy and industry have been shown by the people of this place in carrying out and enforcing the principles which their several societies embody. Many of these societies have been under headway nearly from the beginning of the town, while others have just lately been organized, but in either case they are both prosperous as societies and beneficial to the public at large. We have been unable to obtain a detailed account of these societies, and in a history of this breadth and comprehension, such an account would be too minute. Hence, we aim only to give a few lead-

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

ing facts about their organization and progress, and then the present officers of each society as well as number of present membership.

Masonic Lodge, No. 262 .- This lodge was organized in October, 1867, with a charter membership of 28. This order has been very successful here, having increased its membership from 28 to 65, besides this, many of its members have risen to higher orders. This lodge meets the Thurs- day on or before the full moon in every month. Their hall is situated between Main and Market on Second street. Their officers are elected in June every year. The officers elected in June, 1881, are the following: M. Roberson, W. M .; William Steele, S. W .; Joseph Johnson, J. W .; W. C. Smith, S. D .; J. S. Hewes, Sec .; Louis Berthold, Treas .; S. H. Mosley, Tyler.

Haggai R. A. Chapter No. 65 .- This is a higher order of Masons, and the fact that Holden has an order of this kind with such a membership, speaks in the highest terms of the progress she has made in this direction. This order was organized in 1870, with twelve members. . Since then its membership increased to 38. This order meets the Tuesday in each month on or before the full moon, and uses the regular masonic hall. .

The officers are elected every year, and the following are those elected in 1881:

M. Roberson, H. P .; R. F. Bolton, K .; H. Cox, S .; I. Starkey, C. of H,; O. R. Rogers, P. S .; H. C. Conner, G. M. of 1st V .; W. C. Smith, G. M. of 2d V .; E. P. Barrett, G. M. of 3d V .; John Gibson, R. A. C .; J: H. Hewes, Sec., Louis Berthold, Treas., Richard Bell, Sen.

· Alma Lodge, Knights of Pythias .- This ancient order was organized in 1872 with ten charter members. It has rapidly but gradually increased in membership until now it has enrolled 162 members. The organization meets every Monday night at Castle Hall and their elections are semi-an- nually, being in June and December. The following officers were elected in June 1881: J. B. Beebe, P. C .; S. J. Seaman, C.C .; J, E. Strode, V. C .; William B. Simpson, P .; W. Hartzell, K. of R. and S .; J. D. Bridendolph M. of E.,H. M. McCoy, I. G .; F. R. Ragle, O. G .; W. C. Smith, D. G. C.

Endowment Section, No. 346. - The organization was established in this city in October, 1879. It started with fifteen members, now has 35. This society has an insurance of $3,000, and meets the last Friday in each month, at the Knights of Pythias Hall. Their officers are elected once a year, and those for the year 1881 are as follows: W. C. Smith, President; W. B. Simpson, vice-President; Walter, H. Mosley, Chaplain; J. Strode, Sec. and Treasurer; John S. Bebee, Guide; J. H. George, Guard; James Roberts, Sentinel.

Vincil Lodge, No. 73, A. O. U. W .- The Ancient Order of United Workmen was established in this city in August, 1879, with forty charter members. Since then their membership has not increased much, being

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

only forty-five, but they have done well, and may be considered a flour- ishing lodge. The organization has an insurance of $2000, and meets every Wednesday night in the Knights of Pythias hall. Their elections are annual, and present officers are: J. S. Bebee, M .; J. W. Stride, O .; J. N. Anderson, F .; J. H. Smith, R .; D. J. Harlan, F. R .; Henry Harver, recorder; W. C. Smith, G .; T. S. McClellan, P. M .; J. D. Bridendolph, O. W .; W. C. Smith, D. G. M.

Beacon Lodge, Knights of Honor, No. 2320 .- This lodge was organ- ized in Holden in November, 1880. They commenced with a member- ship of 42, and have now increased to 52. This is a very flourishing order. They meet every Friday night. Their elections take place semi- annually, their present officers being the following: John Taylor, D .; Chas. D. Smithson, V. D .; John Gibson, A. D .; J. W. McFarland, R. E. P .; Thos. Kennedy, F. Rep .; W. C. Harlan, treasurer; Joseph Huber, I. G .; H. H. Still, O. G .: Wm. Steele, P. D .; W. C. Smith, D. G. D.

Holden Lodge, I. O. O. F ..- The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in Holden in February, 1868. At their organization the following were their charter members: I. S. Swearingen, Dr. M. V. John- son, B. A. Crane, S. H. Mosley, M. L. Gray and J. C. Richards, the offi- cers of which at the time were: B. A. Crane, N. G .; I. S. Swearingen, V. G .; Dr. M. V. Johnson, secretary; J. C. Richards, treasurer. This organization starting with 6 members, has now 47. They own a building, the lower part of which they rent to the public school, and the upper part of which contains their hall. . This is a well furnished hall, 24z60 feet. This order meets every Friday night, and elects their officers in April and September. The following are their present officers: A. VanMatre, N. G .; T. M. Templeton, V. G .; W. W. Gaunt, secretary; Robert Long, treasurer.

Holden Lodge, I. O. G. T .- The Independent Order of Good Templars was established here in February, 1880. They started with 40 charter members, and since that time, in the space of a little more than a year, have increased their membership to 69. They meet every Thursday night at the Knights of Pythias Hall. It has been the object of this organization to rid the place of all drinking saloons, and thus confer a lasting benefit upon the town. We. give below the officers of the lodge elected in May, 1881: Mrs. E. P. Tompkins, P. W. C. T .; W. C. Black, W. C. T .; Miss Anna King, W. V. T .; E. P. Tompkins, W. Treas .; J. M. Moore, Jr., W. Sec .; Thomas Halsey, W. M .; Rev. I. P. Patch, W. C.

Order of Mutual Protection, Enterprise Lodge, No, 19 .- This society was organized July 26, 1880, with 45 charter members. The first officers . were: Robert A. Long, president; A. M. Steinberg, vice-president; R. A. Cruce, past president; John H. Hughes, secretary; F. A. Houck, treasurer; Wm. H. Craig, chaplain; J. T. Simpson, guide; M. Redinburn,

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

inner watchman; J. D. Beeman, outside guard. The present membership is 49. The lodge is in a good financial condition, there being a surplus of capital over the assessment. The meetings are held the second and fourth Monday evenings in each month. The present officers are: A. M. Steinberg, president; R. A. Cruce, vice-president; Robert A. Long, past president; John H. Hughes, secretary; F. A. Houck, treasurer; J. C. Oliver, chaplain; John Page, guide; E. O. Affield, inner watchman; J. D. Beeman, outside guard.

Holden Cemetery .- For a number of years after Holden was built there was no regular cemetery laid out and established by law. The inhabitants and neighboring farmers buried their dead in what is known as the old burying ground. This was on the ground now occupied by the public school building in the southern portion of the town.

But when the cemetery was laid out all the dead in the old buring gound were removed to this cemetery. There were 125 graves removed from this ground and put in the "potters field," and in addition there were many moved by their friends, enough probably to make 150 graves alto- gether that were moved from the old ground. The cemetery was laid out and platted May 17, 1869, by Luther Wagner, civil engineer.

We give below the wording found on the plat of the cemetery, which both locates it and describes the manner in which it is laid out.

This cemetery is located on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section No. 10, township No. 45, range 28, Johnson county Mo., and contains 476 lots, each of which is 12x25 feet, excepting lot Nos. 57 and 58 in blocks A. and B, and Nos. 1, 2, 109 and 125 in blocks C. and D., which are fractional. All the alleys running north and south are 6 feet in width, excepting the alleys on the border lots, which are 8 feet. All the streets are 17} feet in width, and the main avenue is 30 feet. All the alleys running east and west in blocks A. and B. are 10 2-3 feet, and in blocks C. and D. are 5 feet in width. The alleys on south side are 5 feet, and on the east and west sides they are 5 feet, and same on the north side. The streets and alleys are dedicated to the pub- lic use. The town of Holden agrees to keep a good board or hedge fence around said cemetery, and to keep the same neat and clean, and to orna- ment same in good and substantial style. The said town also retains jurisdiction over said cemetery, and all lots therein, and also to extend the jurisdiction of said town' over the same as far as permitted by law. This cemetery is situated southwest of town about a mile and a quarter from the depot. It contains ten acres of land. It is in a perfect square 640 feet each way, and is divided, as may be implied from the above arti- cle, into four sections called respectively, sections A. B. C. and D. In the center of the square is a small circle 160 feet in diameter. This circle is densely set in beautiful trees, such as silver poplars, maples, pines, cedars,

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

etc. In addition the entire cemetery is set in trees of many varieties presenting a very varigated and beautiful view to the observer. It is sit- uated upon a high point and the whole cemetery may be seen from some distance, and as the marble tombs and monuments rise up in lovely pro- portion, the traveler cannot fail to be struck with its exquisite beauty and unaffecting simplicity. The Marshal of the town has always been the cus- todian of the cemetery, and at present the accommodating gentleman, Mr. H. H. Still, is it's sexton, and has been for a number of years, being town marshal during that time. When the cemetery was laid out, a space of twenty-five feet wide and extending all around the square was reserved for the burial of the poor. This has been largely used for the burial of those moved from the old burying ground.

The cemetery as it now stands contains ten acres, but at the last meet- ing of the Town Council it bought five acres more on the north, adding a strip of half the present size to the north side. It is estimated that at least 650 graves have been made in this cemetery. From block A. forty-eight lots have been sold, from block B. fifty-six lots, from block C. forty-two lots, and from block D. twelve lots, making in all 156 lots already sold. This cemetery has many elegant monuments and tombstones, made of the finest and most polished marble.

The town has exercised great taste in selecting the site of their ceme- tery, and no doubt in after years when the trees have grown larger and the grounds have been ornamented a little more, this will be the finest cemetery in the county. Great care and respect have been shown by all who have friends or relatives buried here, both in erecting suitable monu- ments and in decorating the graves. A beautifully arched gateway leads to the cemetery on the south, and nice drives will soon be had through all parts of the grounds.

Holden Nurseries .-- These nurseries were established in 1868, by W. H. Liddle & Bros. These gentlemen continued to conduct this business with constantly increasing patronage until 1877, when Mr. W. H. Liddle sold out his interest, and now the nurseries are under the exclusive man- agement of Mr. J. F. Liddle. Mr. Liddle is located one mile east of Holden. He has 130 acres of land but only about 50 acres are devoted to the nurseries. They keep constantly on hand the largest and best selected stock of apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry and other kinds of fruit, ornamental, shrub and shade trees; grape vines and evergreens, hedge plants and flowering shrubs, etc.

Mr. Liddle has had large experience in this business, and has deserved , the reputation he has won in this line of business.

Streets and Walks .- Holden being a town of very recent origin, has its streets laid out in right angles to one another, all running north and south or east and west. They are very broad and well regulated. The

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

streets running east and west are numbered from the railroad, First street beginning with the railroad. Second street is the main business street in Holden. Strangers would think that was Main street, but like many other towns, the streets are named before there is much business, and it is not known upon which street the most trade will be carried on. Pas- sing from Second, the streets are numbered up to Thirteenth street. But this street takes us to the suburbs of the town on the south side. The streets running through the main part of the town, east and west, are over a half mile long. Of the streets running north and south, Main street is the most important. It passes across Second at the eastern end of the line of business houses on that street, being the second street west of the depot. From Main, on the east, we have first, Pine, and then Vine and Gay streets; beyond this there are no streets of any importance. On the west side of Main we have in succession, Market, Olive, Lexington, Buf- falo, Niagara and St. Charles streets. In the north-western portion of the town, and beyond the railroad, we have a number of streets running east and west and extending some distance in the country. Counting from Second street, we find in order, McKissock, Car, Maple, Walnut, Chestnut, Locust and Elm streets, the last five of which are beyond the railroad and west of Lexington street. The most beautiful street in town is Main. It is lined on both sides with a row of fine maples, and is the most popular resort in the evening for the young folks. It extends about a half mile from the railroad, and beyond Sixth street is called Stonewall Avenue. Among the most popular streets may be mentioned Market, Pine and Olive. These streets are but little inferior to Main in point of beauty. They are also well shaded with beautiful trees, and make elegant drives in the evening. Holden is well supplied with good plank-walks on all her principal streets except on part of the business portion of Sec- ond, which is paved with brick or stone. The streets and side-walks are always kept clean and neat; little trouble is ever had keeping the streets and walks clean, from the natural habit of cleanliness on the part of the citizens. Nothing speaks more praise of the people of Holden than the orderly manner in which they conduct themselves on the streets, and the quiet, unpretending mode of dress which characterizes them.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

Affield, E. O., restaurant; Arnold, J. S., restaurant; Armstrong, S. J., barber; Barnes, A. H., physician; Burris & Bostic, furniture dealers; bank, farmers and commercial, cashier, Z. T. Miller; bank of Holden, cashier, John G. Cope; Brunn, H. merchant tailor; Berthourd, Louis, jeweler; Bolton, R. L. & Kyger, J. W., physicians and surgeons; Bluhm & Boxmayer, grain dealers; Baker, W. P., carriage maker and imple- ments ; Bridendolph, J. D., plasterer; Belmont, Miss E., milliner ; Bettes, W.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

H., dealer in harvesters and reapers; Bates, H. J., carpenter; Beebe, John, tinner; Carpenter, A. F., Attorney atlaw ; Carpenter, G. D., insurance agt .; Carter, C. L., physician; Crane, H. B., liveryman; Conner & Smith, mil- lers; Carpenter, H. P., grocer; Clark & Craig, grocers; Cottrell & Rand, dealers in pianos and organs; Carver, Henry, painter; Cooter, J. M., blacksmith; Clothier, Miss Ida C., teacher; Campbell, J. M., stockdealer; Day, Samuel, physician; Doster, J. F., restaurant keeper; Doran, Mrs. J. proprietress of Herman House; Dick & Johnson, dry goods merchants; Daskam, Geo. & Mathews, painters; Etter W. H., dry goods merchant; Everett, J. M. jeweler; Elliott, N. B. Blacksmith; Estelle Mrs. S. E., mil- liner; Flowers, B. L., physician; Fitzgerald, J. J., proprietor of Bell house; Fry & Son, blacksmiths; Gray, M. L., depot agent; Golladay, D., drug- gist and book dealer; Gibson, John, butcher; Gillis & Tackitt, carpen- ters; Hornsby & Willoughby; grocers; Hartman, A., saloon keeper; Heinish, Jos., restaurant keeper; Huber Jos., saloon keeper; Hengy Jacob, tailor; Hagemeyer & Graber, grocers; Hawes, F. B., real estate agent; Harlan, D. J. & Minnick, James, mechanics; Higgins, H. W., mechanic; Hast, O., city express agent; Hartzell & McMullen, express- agents; Houck, F. R., tinner; Hengy, Miss Eva, teacher; Hopkins, Miss M. E., teacher; January, J. H., attorney at law; Johnson, E. P., butcher; Johnson, M. V., dentist; Johnson, John, blacksmith; Jurden S. W., lumber dealer; Jewell & Ausman, carpenters; Jones, A. C., principal of public school; King, Benjamin, physician; Kennedy Bros, & Co. grocers; Long, R. A. Druggist; Lowry, J. W., physician; Lucas & Son, carpen- ters; Lee, W. J., minister Presbyterian church; Lord, J. A., minister Christian church; Miller, T. H., Dealer in boots, shoes, hats, caps etc .; Mittong, J. W., editor and publisher of Holden Enterprise; Murray & John- son, druggists and book dealers; Mack, J. W., post master; Murray, L. F., physician; McMullan, P., cigar manufacturer; Miller, Z. T., cashier of F. & C. bank; McClure, J. E., Ass't cashier of bank of Holden; Miller, Jno., shoemaker; Miller, W.m., telegraph operator; McClellan, T. S., liv- eryman; McCoy, H. M., tailor; Morgan Bros., harness dealers; Morrison, & Bro., clothiers and dry goods; Manheimer, A., clothier and dry goods; Mortland, S. H., minister M. E. Church; Murray, C., teacher; Nicholson, T., carpenter and builder; Newman, T. G., shoemaker; Orr, & Tevis, hardware dealer; Orr, J. P., attorney at law; Orr, J. S., teacher; Peak, A. B., dentist; Page, J. W., carpenter; Pleasner & Son, dry goods merchants; Patch, I. P., Minister M. E. church; Phelan, James, Catholic Priest; Reed & Daniels, millers; Rogers & Bro. grocers; Rodman & Sheidler, furniture dealers and undertakers; Randall, I. P. homeopethist; Ropp, Geo. E., teacher; Rhodes & Evans, painters; Roberts, Luke F., stock dealer; Strode, J. U., barber; Smith, W. C., attorney at law; Still, A. T., physician; Still, H. H., town marshal; Summers & Stanfield, grocers;

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

Steele, Wm., president of F. & C. bank; Starkey, I., president of bank of Holden; Sheidler, Mrs., milliner; Stevens, W. S. B., saloon keeper; Shri ver, A. L., restaurant; Stevens, W. J., presiding elder M. E. church; Smithson & Robertson, dry goods merchants; Schoenwelter, A., barber; Stearns & Liddle, dealers in hardware and implements; Sherlock & Co., marble workers; Snead, R., harness maker; Starkey & Christian, lumber merchants; Seaman, Samuel, blacksmith; Simpson, W. B. Jeweler; Sparks, Miss Maggie M., teacher; Stark, Miss Anna, teacher; Schaeffer, Rev. L., minister German Evangelical church; Scott, Valentine, stock dealer; Taylor & Jones, real estate agents; Tompkins, E. P., photo- grapher; Tackitt & Roughton, dealers in musical imstruments; Tatlow, R. H., grocer and confectioner; Taylor & Bettes, dealers in hardware and implements; Tackett, Miss Josie, teacher; Van Matre, Abner, mayor, attorney at law; Van Matre, Mrs. S. E., milliner; Violett, Andrew, black- smith; Wann & Jaqueth, manufacturers of boots and shoes; Wilson, L. T., attorney at law; Wright, J. J. & Castle, F. M., grocers; Wills, Geo., tinner; Wester, C. N., minister Baptist church; White, W., president of Holden college; White, Mrs. M., teacher Holden college; Wise, Miss Clara E., teacher; Young, G. S., vice-president of F. & C. bank.

MADISON TOWNSHIP.

One of the smallest geographical divisions we have in this country is that of townships. This word, as may be readily inferred, was origi- nally used to represent that portion of country just adjacent to and under the immediate influence of a town. But this word, like many other words in the English language, has taken some departure from the original sig- nification and application and is now applied to a division of territory next in size to a county, and is thus named whether it contains a town or not.

But in regard to the township under consideration it may be correctly such according to either interpretation of the term.

Madison township derives its name from that distinguished American citizen and President, who has given his name to no less than eighteen counties in the United States, one State capitol, and numberless small cities and towns.

In the fertility of her soil, in the strength and endurance of her citizens, as well as their energy and perseverance, and in the blessing of favorable weather and good climate, Madison township may have reasons to aspire to something above the common level of township history. Her growth and development from this time on will be identified with that of her only city, and in the course of time these may all be blended into one. But the people of this township need no extravagant eulogium on their merits for these are seen in the substantial fruits of their toil.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

Madison township is situated in the western portion of the county. Hol- den, its only town being seven and one-half miles from the Cass county line, but Kingsville township intervenes between it and Cass. It is about midway between the northern and southern boundaries of the county. It is a perfect rectangle and very near a square, being a little longer north and south than east and west. From its original size other townships have been cut off till now it is one of the smallest in the county, containing only forty-two square miles.

The south fork of the Blackwater runs through the northern part of the township. The entire township is drained by this stream and its tributar- ies. The general slope of the township is toward the north. The Mis- souri Pacific Railroad runs through its central portion.

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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 55

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