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 57

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 57

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The Knobs are two prominent knolls, from which the town derives its name. They are both far above the surrounding country, and present a beautiful appearance in the midst of an almost level plain, from which these grotesque mounds stand out in striking contrast. . We clip the fol- lowing from the Gem, a weekly paper of Knob Noster, under date of November 28, 1879:

Just northeast of Knob Noster are two hills known as the Knobs. On one of them is the residence of Mr. I. V. Dudley. On the other is nothing except a rank growth of grass and weeds. For some time there has been talk of the probable contents of this knob, but almost everybody laughed at the idea of it containing anything more than the surrounding land. However, there were a few who still thought there was a bonanza in the hill if it could only be got out. Last Saturday W. L. Shockley and R. H. Carr shouldered a pick and struck out for the knob. After a few hours' digging they were rewarded by finding the skeletons of several human beings, together with other curiosities, which were buried with the Indians, or mound-builders, or whoever they were.

The early settlers, for many years, regarded these knobs as prominent land-marks. Indian tradition states that once a great battle was fought here, and that valuable treasures lie buried about these mounds. The true account will never be known, of that conflict, even if the shining gold, so long hid away, is unearthed. The bones exhumed from their last burial tell the story that they were human beings. To say anything further on this topic would be mere supposition.

The Pioneers .- The old settlers of any country deserve to be remem- bered. They first raised the pole of liberty, and all the hardships of a pioneer life were to them enjoyed with freedom. They felt the results, but could not tell why-

" Time, space, and action, may with pains be wrought,

But genius must be born, and never can be taught."

The early settlements were made close along on the creeks, and often in the timber. Col. Jehu Robinson, an old and respected citizen of Wash- ington township, when it inclued all of Grover township, and about one- fourth of the county, states the following:

" In about 1828, John Leeper, son-in-law of Peter Fisher of Pettis county, settled in the woods, in section 22, town 47, range 25, and improved

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

five or six acres which is now grown up in fine timber. Just northwest of him in section 16 of same town, settled Wm. Cheek about the same time, and in 1831, built the old Gallaher mill in section 6, on Clear Fork. This mill was the place of voting till Knob Noster was built. Whisky drinking and fighting was the order of the day at the polls. A black- smith shop was kept here by Joel Cox; a grocery store was kept and owned by James A. Gallaher.

"John Mayes, an esteemed citizen, residing near Montserrat, departed this life Friday, March 4, 1881, at the venerable age of 89 years, 2 months and 15 days, having lived near four score and one-half years. He was born in the state of Pennsylvania, December 19, 1791. While in boyhood his parents moved to Rockbridge county, Va., and from there to Green (now Taylor) county, Ky., where he married Miss Nancy H. Berry, on his birth day, December 19, 1817, and in the fall of 1834, moved to Lafay- ette county, Mo. In the following spring, 1835, he pitched his tent in the then wild country, but now prosperous and busy little village of Mont- serrat. Here he entered government land and improved a very handsome farm, where he continued to reside, with the exception of a brief interval, until the day of his death. He settled at Montserrat before the present county organization. In 1838, leaving his farm, he built and conducted the first wool carding machine in Warrensburg, and also kept the first hotel for two years, and about the expiration of that time went back to his farm where he engaged extensively in agriculture and stock raising, until the breaking out of the war in 1861. During those trying times, although prosperity had ceased in Missouri, and devastation was stalking like a demon through the land, yet he remained unmoved at his old homestead, a quiet citizen. 'Father Mayes,' as he was often called, became a convert and follower of Christ at the age of eighteen, uniting with the Presbyte- rian church, and in 1842, joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He became a charter member of old Bethel congregation (now Knob Noster), and was selected as one of the ruling elders, which place he filled with christian zeal and fortitude. At that time persons often went ten to fifteen miles to church on Sundays in 'Father Mayes" neighborhood. Becoming fully impressed with the wants of his vicinity, in 1858 he assisted in erecting Mary's Chapel, a neat and handsome chuch edifice, which has since been moved two miles southeast to a conspicuous site in the village of Montserrat. During all this time he remained a pious, con- sistent member of Mary's Chapel congregation, laboring prayerfully for the good of his children and all around him to the end of his life. For many years his house was the home of the missionary and circuit-rider. His family consisted of eleven children, seven boys and four girls. At present seven boys and one girl are living. His eighteen grand-children, and thirteen great-grand-children were present at his death. He and his

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

wife lived dutifully together during the long affianced life of sixty-one years and two months. She passed to the spirit land, January 29, 1878, and was laid to rest in the private burying-ground on the old homestead. Mr. Mayes, after the death of his beloved and cherished companion, gave much thought to the future. One of his first acts was to surround his wife's grave with a substantial fence with his own aged hands. He cut locust posts, charred the ends to make them lasting, and then set them in the ground and nailed substantial boards to them. After this was done, he remarked, that he was prepared to die at any time, and all he asked was a place beside the grave of his departed wife. In business transac- tions Mr. Mayes ever lived up to the golden rule. About eight years prior to his demise, he gave over all his property to his children, and lived with his youngest son, A. S. Mayes, on the old home place the remainder of his days. His funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. J. Cal. Littrel, on the day following his death, to a large number of friends, among whom was the deceased's time-honored friend, Col. Jehu Robin- son. In the afternoon of the obsequies his body was interred in the family cemetery beside his wife, as he had requested, in the presence of many tear- ful eyes. He had only been sick a short time of plurisy, a disease which troubled him in his younger days, when the angel of death passed by with his dark pinions extended and in haste bid the pious christian soul fly to the other world. Truly it may be said of John Mayes-

With humble ambition and nourishing fare, Contented, though toiling, he traveled abreast, Till the kind hand of death took his burden of care, And he sank, in the faith of the christian, to rest. -A. J. S.

William Gaut, one of the old and esteemed citizens of Johnson county, was born in Kentucky, and emigrated to Missouri and settled in Johnson at an early day. He died at his home near Montserrat, in his 63d year, April 1st, 1881. He came to this state with his father, Cornelius Gaut, and settled near Columbus, in this county, about forty years ago, and has ever since borne a conspicuous part in the interest of the county. In pol- itics he was a democrat, a man of fine intelligence, of a free and social disposition, and was familiar to a remarkable extent, with all the impor- tant transactions and events of the county. He, through life, kept up the old custom of visiting and spending a day or night with his old friends. At one time he was a large land-holder, and wielded considerable influ- ence in the politics of the county. Joseph Lapsley came here in 1837, from Russell county, Ky., and died in the year 1854; John Coy came here from Ky., in 1833, and died in 1850; Spence Adams came here in 1835, from N. C., and died in 1867; Ambros Brockman came here from Rus- sell county, Ky., in 1837, and died in 1848; James A. Gallaher was one of

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

the first settlers here (q. v.); for a brief account of him see the biograph- ical sketch of John A. Gallaher, his son; William Cheek came here from Tenn., in 1834, or earlier, and died in 1868; Vally Hall came here from Ky., in 1835, and died in 1868; John Stewart came here from Ky., in 1834, and died in 1843; Samuel Graham came here in 1834, from Ky., and died in 1840. In 1837, Thomas M. Ramsey came and settled in sec. 14, township 46, range 24, and built his present home in 1859. He is an excellent citizen, and has brought up a family of dutiful children. Sam- uel McKeean settled here at an early day, on sec. 22. Jonathan Butler improved the old Carpenter farm in 1838. Alexander and William Gregg, James Ray, George Gallaher, were some of the old pioneers. Mr. Strick- ner, a German, settled here in 1836, on sec. 12, but when settlements began to be formed he said "too thick settled for me, I go further south," and moved away. W. A. Williams, Jacob Knaus, Samuel Workman, W. H. DeArman, James Brown, Richard Combs, Henry Hayes, Fred Houx, John Reed, Andrew Thompson, George Thorton, Smith McCor- mack, Benj. Howard, Wm. Box and W. R. McCart were here prior to 1840. Rev. Robert H. Lea was born in N. C., moved to Tenn., and thence here in 1845. He has been a minister in the M. E. church (south) over fifty years, and now resides in Henry county, in his 87th year. Dr. Thos. S. Lea came here in 1844, from Tenn., and subsequently moved to Texas, where he died in 1879. Judge J. B. Mayes emigrated from Green county, Ky., to this county, in September, 1834, while this part of Johnson county was wild and unsettled. The Kaw Indians were quite numerous here yet, but had changed their residence to Kansas, and would come back in hunting squads. He was married to Miss Gillum, January 11, 1844, in this county. When he "set up" to house-keeping, the nearest mill was at Dover, on the Missouri river. He states the following: "It took six pair of oxen to break the prairie land; now, two horses can do the work. Then, deer, bear, and many kinds of wild animals were here in abundance, and people were happy and all loved one another, and neighbors were well known who lived five miles apart. In those days, I never knew a man to charge another, even a stranger, for staying all night, nor never knew a bushel of potatoes sold. If one neighbor raised more than he wanted, he told his fellow to come and get what he wanted. One man would kill a beef and send for his neighbors to come and get what they wanted, 'without money and without price.' It is not so now."

At a general election held in Knob Noster on the first Monday in August, 1858, A. Hargraves, Samuel McKeen and Jacob Knaus were judges, and J. C. Corum clerk, all sworn in Aug. 2, 1858, by J. B. Mayes. J. P. At this election 250 votes were cast. At present the township is divided into two voting precincts, one at Knob Noster, and the other, Mont- serrat.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

Gallaher Mill was built about 1830, by Wm. Cheek, it subsequently and in succession passing into the hands of James A. Gallaher, Montville Huff and Col. Morton Thompson. A store, gun shop and a mill made this a favorite resort for the pioneers.

Adam Carpenter, one of the worthy citizens of the township, was born in Casey county, Kentucky and moved here in 1851. He was an excel- lent man, and a devoted member of the Christian church. He departed this life when about 74 years of age. His wife, Mrs. Mary A. Carpenter, a lady with a good share of common sense, is living on the old place. Around her reside her children, doing for themselves.

In order to give the reader an idea of some of the pioneer landlords, we copy the following original land entries:

" John Stewart, Dec. 13, 1833, nw qr, ne qr, sec 31, tp 46, r 24; William Cheek, Jr., Nov. 30, 1832, e hf lot 2, nw qr, sec 6, tp 46, r 24; William Gragg, Oct. 8, 1834, e hf, se qr, sec 11, tp 46, r 24; James Ray, Sept. 29 1837, ne qr, sw qr, sec 2, tp 46, r 24; Geo. Gallaher, Oct. 25, 1836, e hf, ne qr, sec 9, tp 46, r 24."

KNOB NOSTER

was first laid out in "Old Town." It is picturesquely situated upon beautifully rolling land, on both sides of the Missouri Pacific railroad. The business part of town is south of the railroad. The road passes through a deep cut just east of town, and, in fact, continues west- ward in a defile. The town has several handsome residences. That of Sámuel G. Kelley is an elegant structure. A large number of the busi- ness houses are constructed of brick, and are commodious.

The following are the civic and religious societies of Knob Noster. Prior to the war (1861) the Masons were organized, but became scattered during the conflict.

The civic societies of this township were organized quite early. It has always been a question of forethought that men assembled in private council. The history of secret societies dates back to the remotest ages, yea, many of which ante-date all records.

I. O. O. F .- Paola Lodge, No. 147 .- Was organized and a charter granted bearing date May 22, 1861; John Doniphan, G. M., and Charles C. Archer, G. Sec. The present officers are: A. Weidman, N. G .; J. P. Vanausdoll, V. G .; J. C. Winkler, secretary; A. P. Winkler, P. secretary; Peter Shultz, treasurer. This lodge has a nicely furnished hall, which cost about $2000. Hope Encampment, No. 32, received the charter under date May 18, 1877; L. T. Minturn, G. P., and C. C. Archer, G. S.

A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 141 .- This order was organized June 19, 1879, with the following charter members and officers: W. J. Workman, M. W .; P. O'Sullivan, financier; C. B. Littlefield, receiver; A. O. T.

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

Pennington, recorder; B. C. Stephenson, P. M. W .; P. Shultz, foreman; W. W. Rhodes, A. C. Spake, J. W. Carr, J. W. Taylor, J. C. Miller, Dr. J. P. Walker, Simeon Blackburn, E. A. Strickland, Timothy Brosnahan, A. A. Case. This order meets in the Masonic hall.

A. F. and A. M., Knob Noster Lodge, No. 245 .- The present charter was granted May 26, 1865, to James B. Harris, J. H. Warren and Lewis H. Huff. The present officers: C. L. Cribbs, W. M .; (S. W., vacant;) B. P. Taylor, J. W .; Isaac V. Dudley, treasurer; John A. Collins, secre- tary; John G. McKeehan, S. D .; James Langston, J. D .; John N. Kin- zey, S. S .; A. O. T. Pennington, J. S .; John McKeehan, tyler. Meeting on every Friday evening previous to or on full moon. Present member- ship, 76. The commodious brick hall and lodge property is estimated at about $2000. The first lodge of Masons was held in Col. Jehu Robin- son's house, near the present site of Montserrat, and the colonel was one of the charter members.

Knob Noster Grange, No. 18 .- Was organized in November, 1872. The first officers were: John A. Collins, Master; Henry B. Coffey, Secre- tary. The present officers are: P. H. Shafer, Master; H. B. Coffey, Secretary. The grange hall and property was consumed by fire during the year 1877. The charter members were: J. M. Mitchell, Will. D. Carpenter, Dr. Martin, A. A. Case, W. T. Gough, C. Bondurant, Thos. M. Ramsey, and their wives. Now there are about thirty members. Once this was a very prosperous grange, and its meetings were both profitable and interesting to farmers.

Good Templars .- Necessity Lodge, No. 558, I. O. G. T. was organ- ized at Knob Noster in August, 1881. The following are the officers and charter members: G. W. Lutz, W. C. T .; Aggie Larkin, W. V. T .; Gordon' Hardy, secretary; Mrs. J. A. Collins, F. S .; Wm. Carmichael, treasurer; Robert Chester, marshal; Miss Phronie Galdfelter, D. M .; Mrs. Thos. Melvin, I. G .; W. Woodin, sentinel; Rev. J. S. Porter, chap- lain; Eld. B. C. Stephens, P. W. C. T .; C. Cobb, lodge deputy. The officers are worthy the positions they fill. This lodge meets Friday night of each week. Long may they prosper is the wish of the writer.

Knob Noster Cemetery Association .- Was incorporated in June, 1878. The original trustees are A. M. Coffey, P. B. Shafer, Chauncy Cobb, and J. M. Mitchell. Since then Gordon & Hardey have been added. The cemetery inclosure contains eighteen acres, ten of which have been laid off into lots 12x30. The first lots were sold in March, 1868. The first person interred was a boy who lost his life by falling on a knife. Wm. Dunn, who was shot at the depot by B. J. Ingle, was the first man buried here. The land upon which the city of the dead is located is a beautiful rolling spot, about one mile east of Knob Noster. In general appear- ance it presents one of the pleasantest views for a cemetery in the county.

Saml Q Spurkg 11

WARRENSBURG

HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

· 495

Here are some elegant and substantial monuments, besides many beautiful slabs. The managers of this place of the dead deserve considerable praise for their taste in beautifying the grounds.

The educational interests of the town were promptly attended to imme- diately after the close of the war, and just as soon as the people began to put up business houses in the village. In improving, sometimes it hap- pens that men go beyond their means; it may be that the people of this village, although they felt the need of education and educational appli- ances, went ahead of what the citizens were able to bear by taxation. Hence the bonded indebtedness. It has always been a source of pleasure to the industrious man that he has spent his earnings for the mental, moral, and social well-being of himself and others. No idle or thriftless man ever became great. It is among those who never lost a moment that we find the men who have moved and advanced the world, by their learning, their science, or their invention. Happiness cannot exist with- out true home culture. That higher education which only parents and

nTEK NAERA &SORBER

KNOB NOSTER PUBLIC SCHOOL.

teachers can give, should be early sought, ere the child is lost from the family care. The true happiness, which the human family needs, can be fostered by parents and teachers, and be perfected by self-culture. The poet Chaucer says:

" Deem no man in any age Gentle for his lineage. Though he be not highly born, He is gentle if he doth What 'longeth to a gentleman."

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

The present substantial brick school building was erected in the year 1869, by William Lowe, at a cost of $18,000. The following were the school board at the time: J. R. Cordell, L. C. Littlefield, C. Larkin, Jas. S. Rogers, J. J. Cushing. The present (1881) officers are: A. Case, Gordon Hardey, A. M. Coffey, J. C. Winkler, and C. Cobb. At present, under the successful management of this board, the school is doing quite well. The school-room is well furnished and ventilated, and shows the high appreciation the citizens have of good schools and education. These people believe with the poet Young-

" The clouds may drop down titles and estates, Wealth may seek us-but wisdom must be sought."

The early settlers fostered a religious spirit, and it was not long after they came here before they held preaching and prayer meetings in their rude log cabins. They brought Christianity with them and planted its seed-truths in the hearts of their children, whom we find now to be the supporters and pillars of the churches. These good old "soldiers of the cross" were thrifty economists. They saved what money they could for building churches and spreading the gospel. Their thrift and hard work was not to wrong measure. With them it meant economy for the purpose of securing independence. Thrift required that money should be used, and not abused-that i it should be honestly earned and economically employed-

" Not for to put it in a hedge, Not for a train attendant- But for the glorious privilege Of being independent."

Elsewhere will be found some account of the early religious meetings and Sunday-schools.

Through the kindness of the pastor, Rev. J. T. A. Henderson, we are enabled to give an elaborate sketch of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Bethel congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian church under the care of the Lexington Presbytery; was organized in the house of Col. Jehu Robinson, by Rev. J. B. Morrow, on the 26th day of November, 1842, with the names of twenty-seven members, viz:

George Gallaher, Sarah Gallaher, Marshall Estes, Martha A. Gillum, Jehu Robinson, Sarah L. Mayes, Cynthia Estes, Elmira T. Huff, Andrew Thompson, Nicholas Houx, John B. Mayes, David Senior, Nancy H. Mayes, John Mayes, William Rutlege, Elizabeth S. Senior, George S. Mayes, Julia A. Robinson, Frederick Houx, Rob't C. Mayes, Wm. T. Gillum, Elizabeth F. Gillum, Eleanor Houx, Vincent Litton, James Hall, Thos. S. Foster, and Mariah T. Gillum.

The session of Bethel congregation was composed of Rev. J. B. Mor- row, George Gallaher, Andrew Thompson, and Jehu Robinson, elders,

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

George Gallaher was chosen clerk' of session, and Rev. J. B. Morrow served as supply, or pastor of the congregation from its organization until October, 1855. The congregation was supplied by Rev. Warren Comp- ton, B. F. Thomas, and R. S. Reed, until October, 1862. The troubles of the war then caused a cessation of regular service, and the congregation was vacant until about 1866, when Rev. J. B. Morrow again took charge. From 1842 to 1862, there had been added to the congregation, from time to time, until the congregation numbered more than 100. During the war troubles, the congregation became so scattered and demoralized that on the 27th of May, 1866, it was found necessary to reorganize the congregation. All who desired of the old members had their names re-entered on a new book, the old one having been misplaced or lost. There were forty-one who thus recorded their names. Since then, from time to time, the church has received by letter and examination 187 mem- bers. There are at this time (July 26, 1881,) 110 members. Many have moved away, and still many more have died, and some few have joined other churches. The following named ministers have supplied the con- gregation with the Word and ordinances since the reorganization, viz .: Revs. J. B. Morrow, Warren Compton, David Barnett, David Hogan, James H. Houx, and R. S. Reed. For the last three years the Rev. J. T. A. Henderson has served the congregation one half of his time. In 1866 the name was changed from Bethel to Knob Noster. The old build- ing stood about four miles north of town. It was a log house. The present building was erected since the war and cost about $900. The present elders are Andrew Thompson, James McKeehan, Wm. R. Brown, James R. Gallaher, P. P. Embree, Chas. G. Oglesbey, and W. C. Wells. The house is well furnished with bell, chandeliers, comfortable seats and carpet, besides a good organ. Prayer meeting is held every Wednesday evening. Walter McMillin is Sunday-school superintendent, and Wm. Collins, secretary.

M. E. Church, of Knob Noster, was organized by Rev. C. E. Car- penter in 1865. The handsome brick church edifice was erected in 1870, when Rev. Sanford Ing was pastor, at a cost of $5,000, and was dedicated by Bishop Bowman. The house is 38x60 and the walls 20 feet high. The room is well furnished with comfortable seats, good organ, chairs and blackboard. Some of the original members were Sam'l Workman, Sarah Workman, Geo. W. Lutz, and Christina Lutz. The following is the list of pastors: Revs. C. E. Carpenter, Geo. McKee, W. W. Powell, J. R. Sasseen, Sanford Ing, T. S. Benefield, John H. Leas, Wm. DeMott, C. J. W. Jones, and Jas. S. Porter. The present member- ship is eighty-five. Average number attending Sunday-school is eighty- eight. The present superintendent is John A. Collins, and Miss Julia Lutz, secretary. In connection with the above church the congrega

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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.

tion have built a comfortable parsonage on the same lot, which has five rooms, three chambers above and two good rooms below. The build- ing is frame. A well and stable are also on the lot, and all is enclosed by a substantial fence, and the church is out of debt.

Christian Church, of Knob Noster, was organized by Elder James. H. Randall, in 1866, and the present frame building was put up in 1870, and cost $2,300. The building is comfortable but very plainly furnished. The following pastors have served: James H. Randall, O. Spencer, C. A. Hedrick, Robert Dorsey, Charles Laycock and J. H. Vance. The original members were: Dr. J. H. Warren, Sarah Warren, Geo. Court- ney, Sarah Courtney, Polly A. Carpenter, Col. R. Wells, Lucinda McA- doo, Sarah Wells, Margaret Oglesbey, Mrs. M. Southey and Margaret Carpenter.

The church now numbers about 100. The average attendance of the Sunday school is sixty. The superintendent is Mr. Shultz. The church has preaching twice a month and social service every Sabbath and Sunday school at 3 p. m., and prayer meeting Thursday evenings. B. C. Stephens and J. P. Wallace are the leading workers. The first elders were: H. C. Coffman and Absalom Stephens, and J. W. Dennison, dea- con. The first trustees were: J. Dennison, James McAdoo and Col. R. Wells. The present pastor, J. H. Vance, is an efficient worker, and the church is prospering under his care.

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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 57

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