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 62
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know you when you are caught again," then set him at liberty.
this time, the Kansas clan of robbers set on fire great number of the dwellings of the county. A person that was a witness says: "I counted one evening, while standing on Brushy Knob, one hundred and sixty houses on fire." Slaves were ravished by these desperadoes in the pres- ence of their master's family, and women and children were driven from their homes without a morsel of bread in the world, or money to buy food. On account of southern feeling, Mrs. Nancy Longacre and her daughter were taken prisoners and sent to St. Louis. Gen. Wm. King, the father of the King family, went south and did not return till the close of the war. To heap fuel upon the already kindled flames of the war, the unionists burned him, on the public streets, in effigy. When peace and quiet was being restored throughout the length and breadth of the land, and no one was dreaming of trouble, at the early dawn on May 7, 1865, about two hundred bushwhackers under the daring leaders, Arch Clemments, Dave Pool and Bill Anderson, swept down upon the quiet lit- tle village and commenced fire on the citizens that were just emerging from their night's repose. The citizens rallied for their lives with Capt. Leroy C. Duncan as their leader, but were so outnumbered that they could not withstand the assault of the raiders, who soon had possession of the town, which they left in ashes after robbing the families of their money and clothing. On the evening previous to the massacre these vile murder- ers camped on Lause Run, a few miles away, in Cass county, and before they started for Kingsville, disposed of a prisoner by cutting his throat from ear to ear and leaving him on the spot. The following is a partial list of the dead and wounded: James Paul, Abner Ryan, Walton Burris, W. H. Duncan, L. C. Duncan, S. F. Duncan, Wm. Johnson.
B. A. Crain, Wm. Dock, and Hiram Rose were taked prisoners, but released. After this, soldiers were sent here by the governor for the pro- tection of the citizens, but the war caused no further trouble.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
The Cemetery, consists of about five acres, on Chair Knob, close by the village. It was laid out by Gen. King, in 1856. It is divided into three separate parts. On the southern part of the summit, it is the family grave yard of the King's, inclosed by a stone wall and crab apple shrubs planted within the walls.
Here stands a beautiful monument about ten feet high, at the grave of Gen. Wm. M. King and his wife, inscribed thus: " Wm. M. King, born, November 14, 1800, died, July 26, 1870; Frances M. King, born, May 27, 1804, died, March 2, 1876."
" Erected as a tribute of respect to my father and mother and descend- ants, by their son.
C. C. King.".
The peoples' public graveyard occupies about two acres on the north- ern part of the Knob. It is a beautiful lookout. No trees or shrubbery except a cedar now and then, a willow and rose near the monument of Angeline Fryer.
The Catholic burying ground occupies the western slope of this Knob. It was purchased and deeded to Father James Phelan, in the spring of 1881, and now contains already about one dozen graves. It is inclosed by a plank fence, and is destined to be handsomely improved.
The Public School. This was erected in 1868, at a cost of upwards of $3,000. It consists of a two story and a half building. The upper story is owned by the masons. There is two school rooms, and generally two teachers employed. The size of the rooms are twenty-six by forty. About $3,000 worth of bonds were issued for the indebtedness. It is not all paid at present, although a compromise was made. The interest on the debt at present is less than $100. The first board of directors were: A. G. French, Jacob Glasse, James Robinson, A. J. Buchanan, John Hickman, and J. S. Jones. At first the building was fenced and out houses built, the rooms furnished with school apparatus, good seats, globes, cubical blocks, etc., but through carelessness and the disposition of the people to destroy public property, at this time there is no fence about the building, and stock are wont to stand about or come on the approaches of the door. Instead of the beautiful white walls, in many places are spots of dry mud or the superscription of some boy or girl associated as sweethearts. The once beautiful walnut desks are well defaced and rudely marked by the initials of former pupils. The school apparatus is all gone, such as maps, charts, globes, etc. The upper room has 160 square feet of good liquid slate boards, while the lower board is as rough as a sandstone. There is a wood stove in each room. The house is very open and hard to warm, on account of the plastering falling off. In order to keep roughs out, the windows are kept nailed down with spikes. The
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
school has no janitor, and if the children or teacher does not clean up the rooms, it goes undone.
Prior to the war a subscription school was taught in any sort of a building that could be procured. Among the old teachers are Mr. Bel- mont and lady, who taught in old dwellings. J. N. Ferguson taught during the winter of 1859-60, in an old stone building. Miss Martha Givens taught in an old building formerly used as a smoke-house. W. H. Duncan taught one term. For a time during the war there was no school.
The present board of directors are A. G. French, A. D. Johnson, S. Morris, James Ruff, W. H, Mayo, and John S. Smiley.
The following is a partial list of the teachers: W. P. Baker, Henry Harmon, J. Cline, J. Johnson, Rev. Isaac N. Newman, Maggie M. McCarty, Abigail Whitson, Rev. R. G. Thompson, Wm. P. Hunt, G. G. Valentine, Dora Douthit, A. C. Jones, Mollie Johnson, Maggie Duncan, Lizzie Hamshaw, Carrie Maynard, Mrs. Mattie George, Addie Johnson, Laura A. Glasse, Geo. B. Longan, Mrs. Emma Longan, F. E. Meigs, John Moran, Sallie King, J. D. King Miss Adelia S. Boswell, and A. J. Sparks, the present efficient teacher.
The school building has been let, prior to the last term, to preaching, Sunday schools, and various public amusements, hence the bad condition of the building. The following is an exhibit of the last term report: Term taught by A. J. Sparks, commencing April 11, 1881, and ending July 1, 1881. Number of days taught, 60; No. of males enrolled, 26; females 37; total 63. Whole number of days attended by all pupils, 1928; average daily attendance, 32 2-15. Average number of days attended by each pupil, 30 38-63. The cost per day of each pupil is upwards of three cents, sixty-five per month, and about two dol- lars per term. At present the school-room needs repairs, a deeper inter- est on the part of parents, so that the incorrigible roughs who have injured the school may be brought to justice. This school averages seven months in the year.
Masonic .- The Mason's own a hall over the public school building. February 6, 1869, District-Deputy Grand Master I. W. McDonald organ- ized and set to work Kingsville Lodge, A. F. & A. M., under dispensa- tion. Officers appointed: R. T. Fryer, W. M .; N. G. Cooley, S. W .; Horatio Cox, J. W .; C. C. King, treasurer; Samuel H. Hammonds, sec- retary; W. P. Gibson, S. D .; Moses Ferguson, J. D .; John Sheton, tyler. December 18, 1869, Rt. W. D. D. Grand Master, Dr. Geo. R. Hunt organized and set to work Kingsville Lodge, 313, A. F. & A. M. under charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Missouri, October 12, 1869. Officers: R. T. Fryer, W. M .; N. G. Cooley, S. W .; Horatio Cox, J. W .; D. B. Reavis, treasurer; Wm. P. Hunt, secretary; B. F. Miller,
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
S. D .; Moses Ferguson, J. D .; and Henry Miller, tyler. The present officers are W. P. Gibson, W. M .; G. C. Valentine, S. W .; B. F. Miller, J. W .; D. K. Hobbs, treasurer; R. T. Fryer, secretary; Millard Hobbs, S. D .; T. C., Creal, J. D .; and H. C. Seaman, tyler.
The Odd Fellows organized after the close of the war, and continued till 1880, when the lodge became defunct.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Blackburn, Elisha, blacksmith; Blackburn, Fannie, teacher; Carpenter, W. H., physician; Douthit, Dora, teacher; Douthit, Molly, teacher; Dunn, L. H., engineer; French, A. G. & Bro., general merchandise and drug- gists; Gloyd, Ira, proprietor Ellas House; Greave & Ruff, proprietors flour mill; Glasse, Jacob, carpenter and builder; Glasse, Laura, teacher; Jones, John L., justice of the peace; King, Edgar, general merchandise; McKnight & Lampkin, grain dealers; Monroe & Son, groceries and hardware; Monroe, G., postmaster; Mayo, W. H., wagon maker; Milis, S. W., blacksmith; Miller, B. F., carpenter and builder; Miller, Mrs. Fannie, proprietor Miller House; Phillips, H. E., railroad agent; Reed, T. A., physician; Starkey & Christian, lumber dealers; Ligfried, John H., shoe and boot maker; Stevenson, Wm., U. P. minister; Valentine, G. G., book-keeper; West, F. M., Baptist minister; Woods Bros., car- penters; Wilson, Jas. M., miller; Wilson, M. H., organist; Wilson, Mrs. Rebecca, music teacher.
CHAPTER V .- CENTERVIEW TOWNSHIP.
The Name-Centerview as the County Seat-Physical Features-Statistical-Pioneer Settlers' Prayer in the Hunter's Camp-Names of Early Settlers-Organization of the Township-First Justices of Peace-Concealed Records-The Railroad-Centerview . Town-Churches-Schools-Masonic Lodge-Cemeteries-Business Directory.
"Adieu, the city's ceaseless hum, The haunts of sensual life, adieu! Green fields and silent glens! we come To spend this bright spring day with you."
It has often been said that there is nothing in a name, but no one ever acts upon such a belief. Many times a name carries with it not only an idea but often a whole story or history, bringing at once to the mind the most cherished recollections. The sound of a name or its technical mean- ing often furnishes the only reason for its application in particular instan- ces. In the case of the use of the name Centerview as applied to this township and the beautiful little post town situated near its center, none other could have been more appropriate, and none could have con- veyed to the mind so much meaning in its correct position and appear- ance, both at home and from a distance.
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
The name of the township was derived from the name of the little sta- tion on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and the name of the station was given by Jane Roop, wife of Elhanan Roop. Previous to this time it had been called Graham in honor of Mr. Samuel C. Graham, who formerly owned so much of the land adjacent.
No name could have been more appropriate for this township than Centerview, since it is located in the geographical center of Johnson county, and from its high points of rolling prairie a vast scope of sur- rounding country can be seen. North, south, east, and west, the grand- est panorama of natural scenery meets the eye of the beholder. Cen- trally located and commanding the most exquisite view an admirer of nature can desire. Centerview township is preeminently the queen among her sister townships in Johnson county. Why this point was not selected for the county seat is a mystery which the writer of this sketch will not venture to unravel. The broad fertile acres, the elevated posi- tion and the general advantages offered for a town site here in the midst of Centerview are so superior it becomes a matter of great surprise that the fathers ignored it and located the county seat on its present site. Shall we not hope for the day to come when the county seat taking a movement westward may find its proper location.
Physical Features .- Centerview, as now constituted, was defined by an order of the court, Nov. 17, 1870, and is bounded north by Columbus and Hazel Hill, east by Warrensburg and Chilhowee, south by Chilhowee, west by Madison and Columbus townships. It is ten miles long and six miles wide, and contains 60 square miles, 38,400 acres. The creeks are, Blackwater, North and South forks of the same, Honey Creek, West Fork of Post Oak, and Briar Creek. Blackwater is formed in the north central portion of the township, by the union of the North and South Forks of the same. It pursues an easterly course, passing into Warrens- burg township, thence toward the north-east through Simpson and Gro- ver into Pettis county, and ultimately finding its way into the Missouri river, a short distance above Boonville. Briar and West Fork of Post Oak unite in the south-east and flow north-east into Blackwater. Honey Creek flows through the north-east section of the township. Brush Creek, near whose banks the county records were concealed four years during the civil war, flows north near the west line of the township and empties into South Fork of Blackwater. This township is well watered, and the surface is sufficiently rolling to produce the most complete natural drainage. This is the most beautiful prairie township in Johnson county, there being however, some timber in the north and south along the creeks and water courses. The central portion, including an extent of land through the entire township north and south, contains land unsurpassed in fertility and beauty. Near the Blackwater the land is quite low, and
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
gently slopes back, becoming a half mile or so from the river, the rolling prairie previously spoken of.
Statistical .- In the year 1840 there were only fifty souls within the lim its of what is now Centerview township, but in the year 1850 they had increased to more than four times as many. In 1860 considerable popu- lation had settled here, but immediately after the war the land was taken up faster than ever before, till in 1870 a new township was formed with voting place at Centerview. The population, according to the United States census of 1880, was 1,683, four years previous being 1,493. In the year 1877, among the personal property of the township, was the follow- ing: Horses, 772; mules, 296; cattle, 1878; sheep, 1039; hogs, 3,306; bushels of wheat, 32,200; bushels of corn, 252,780; bushels of oats, 24,421; barley, 355; rye, 1,746; pounds tobacco, 233; pounds wool, 2,451; tons hay, 1,085; gallons molasses, 829. According to the assessors' list for 1881, we have the following amounts of stock: horses, 713; mules, 290; cattle, 2,276; sheep, 1,683; hogs, 4,349; total valuation of personalty, $158,116. -
. Early Settlers .- Samuel C. Graham built a cabin on the prairie in the year 1840, but on the skirts of timber there were dwellings several years before this. Before many settlers had made homes here, hunters often set fire to the prairies to frighten out deer and other game, thus rendering it extremely dangerous to live there. Some of the early settlers provided themselves with their winter supply of meat from among the deer, elk and bear. It is related that Father McFarland, his sons and sons of his neighbors, every fall engaged in a great hunt for the purpose of getting a supply of meat for the coming winter. Being a strictly religious man, wherever in the forest the camp was pitched there he also erected an altar to the worship of Almighty God, and every morning before the chase, and every evening at the camp fire, there in nature's solemn temple was heard the reverent tones of Father McFarland ascending to high heaven from among the dark trees of the forest, while the bowed he id of each comrade betokened the conscientious though strong spirit of those hardy men.
Among the early settlers who came to the locality which is now included in Centerview township, we mention the following: Solomon Cox, a native of Kentucky, came to this township in 1832; Jeremiah Gregg, also a native of Kentucky, came here in 1832. James Fisher, a native of Mis- souri, came in 1835, but went to Texas in 1847. John Conway, a native of Tennessee, came in 1833, and died in 1842. James Sterling, a native of Tennessee, came in 1833, and died here. Jacob Tyler, a native of Tennessee, came in about 1835, and died many years ago. William Con- way came from Tennessee about 1833, and after living here some time, removed to Texas, where he died. James Carmichael, a native of Ten-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
nessee, came here in 1833, and has since died. William Cocke, an ative of Tennessee, came in 1833; he removed to California where he now resides. Isham Reese, came from Tennessee about 1834; he went to Kansas, where he died. Philip S. Houx, a native of this state, came to this township about the year 1838, and died here about the year 1858. John Keeney, a native of Tennessee, came in 1838, and died very soon thereafter. John G. Graham, a native of Virginia, came in 1838, and died here in 1878. Samuel C. Graham, a native of Virginia, came to this state about the year 1834 and settled in Centerview township in 1840, near the present post- office. Mr. Graham has seen the new country settle up about him, has taken an active part in the affairs of his town and county, and still lives on a farm which is the reward of honest purpose and diligence in business. Samuel T. Thistle, a native of Virginia, settled here in 1840; he now lives in Rose Hill. Gideon Harrison, a native of Alabama, came in 1842, but returned again south.
Matthias Houx, a native of Kentucky, came to this county in 1833. He is a large farmer and stock raiser, owning one of the best tracts of land in Johnson county, including both bottom land and up land. No man who comes under the hospital roof of this old pioneer and hunter but feels the influence of a generous and kind spirit. Mr. Houx is nearly three score years and ten, but continues in good health, having one of the strongest constitutions in this whole region. He crossed the plains and mountains during the gold excitement of 1849. He still owns a large cal- iber muzzle-loading rifle, with which he has shot nearly every species of animal found between here and California, including buffalo, elk, deer, panther, grizzly bear, and Indian. He has also a double barrel shot gun with which he has killed hundreds of deer and wolves in this county.
James J. Graham, a native of Virginia, came to this township about 1850, and still lives here.
Solomon Cox, who was a native of Kentucky, came to Centerview township in 1832, and being a thorough pioneer settler, could not long live in the region where settlers had become so numerous, and hence in 1848 or 1849, removed to oregon, where he resided a long time. This peculiar old man, before disposing of his land preparatory for his Pacific slope journey, owned four hundred acres situated one mile south of Center- view depot, and lived in a log house situated on the east side of Briar creek, section 1, township 45, range 27. Uncle Solomon, as he was called, came to this territory long before Missouri became a state. Sometimes the hos- tile Indians drove the settlers into the forts, which, in those early days were a necessary defense against the red man. One man was kept on constant watch, while the others worked in the field or constructed their cabins. Solomon Cox was a quiet, unassuming, honest man. He was careful and somewheat retiring, and no one would take him to be of a roving, -
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
adventurous disposition. He sold his large tract of fine land at ten dol- lars per acre, but now a portion of the same land would readily bring from $70 to $100 per acre.
George McFarland was born in Tennessee in 1793, and died in Chil- howee township, Johnson county, in 1862.
Samuel McFarland, Sr., was a native of Tennessee, and came, with all his father's family, to Missouri territory in 1816, and settled in Cooper county, near Otterville; then in about four years thereafter removed to the Sni-a-bar creek, in Lafayette county. He came with his family to Centerview township in 1843, and settled about two miles east of the present depot at Centerview. Here he purchased about 400 acres, and resided thereon till the year 1850, when he removed to Texas. He died in the year 1861.
George McFarland, the brother of Samuel, came to Centerview about the year 1843, and settled about two miles south of the present village of Centerview. He died there some time before the war. He was given to quaint, dry expressions, which were wont to produce great merriment among his friends.
Moses G. Mullins was an early settler in this county, and for many years last past has resided in this township, two miles southwest of Center- view depot. Mr. Mullins is one of the most prominent men in his township.
Isaac Carmichael, a native of Tennessee, who came to this township in 1833, still lives here.
Among others we should not omit to mention Elhanan Roop, P. S. Houx and his two sons, James Sterling and his sons, James Chamberlain, T. C. Chamberlain, John R. Whitsett, J. W. Houx, Wm. Marr, Jacob Fetterling, John Combs, G. Burgess and William M. Ramsey.
The order of court creating Centerview township is dated Nov. 17, 1870.
J. S. Gibbons was perhaps the first justice of the peace within what is now Centerview township. He held that office for a long time. John Oliphant was also an early justice of the peace. He served more than fifteen years. Under the township system, which prevailed between 1873 and 1877, Alfred Bruce was the township trustee, which office was con- sidered the highest in the gift of the people of the township. At the same time Dr. J. T. Hull and J. E. Hendricks were respectively collect- ors. Joseph Graham and George Gentry successively held the office of assessor. The supervisor, according to the law of 1872, was the chief executive officer of the township, and, by virtue of his office, at the same time a member of the county court. The law was soon amended, abol- ishing the office of county supervisor. George Washington was the first supervisor from this township, and held the office about eighteen months, and then was elected to the county court. Judge Washington has main-
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
tained a high position in the respect of his neighbors and friends. He is still a prominent man in the township, holding the office of justice of the peace, notary public and postmaster.
Concealed Records .- During the war, from December, 1861, until July 20, 1865, Johnson county official records were concealed in a thick growth of underbrush, situated nine miles west of the county seat. Your histo- rian was furnished the following facts in relation to this interesting inci- dent of the county's history, by two of the party who took the records from the court house and transported them to their hiding place, and although at the present time no one would entertain a feeling of reproach for such a discreet proceedure, their unusual modesty has led us to com- ply with their request, to refrain from revealing their names in this con- nection. Suffice it to be said that they are now and have been for upwards of forty years, prominent and highly respected citizens of John- son county and their names appear frequently in this work in this connec- tion, with the county's growth and developement.
When the civil war broke out Col. James McCown was recorder and circuit clerk of the county; he soon entered the rebel army under Gen. Sterling Price, and was in camp near the Osage river, when he conceived the idea of preserving the records, whose custodian the suffrages ot the people had chosen him. Accordingly he sent A. M. Perry to Warrens- burg, for the purpose of carrying out the project. Mr. Perry, who was deputy circuit clerk, under McCown, left the army and on arriving at the county seat, secretly made known to a few trusty friends, his intention. The plan agreed upon was that Mr. Perry should meet C. O. Silliman and another man still living in Warrensburg, at the court house, between ten and eleven o'clock one Sunday night, where they were to prepare the records for the wagon, which was to be driven out from Centerview town- ship by Silas Cockrell and another man, who still resides in the township. A. Muron Perry and the other man met at the appointed time and place, and packed the county records in a large dry goods box, and the loose court records in two barrels, but Mr. Silliman did not put in an appear- ance. At midnight the two men from Centerview township drove up, the large box and two barrels were quickly deposited in the wagon and driven away. They first drove south, and passing through Cave Hollow, continued a circuitous and zigzag course to prevent tracking, finally hav- ing driven twenty miles to reach the point nine miles distant, just as gray morning began to dawn, arrived at the house of Aunt Polly Hill and deposited the records in the attic. The records remained in Aunt Polly Hill's attic for two or three months, when she becoming alarmed for their safety, in consequence of the marauding bands that about this time com- menced ravaging the rural districts, she instructed her boys to take the records from the house and cover them with boards in a dense running
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HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY.
post oak thicket, about 150 rods northwest of her house. In this thicket the records remained till July 20, 1865. Poles were laid down to keep the box and barrels from the ground, and boards were placed above to keep out the rain and snow. Very few persons knew where these books were. Some thought that a detachment of the rebel army had secretly carried them to Texas; others thought they were concealed in the vicin- ity, and would be brought to light in due time, after the war should close. Aunt Polly and Mrs. Matthias Houx watched over those records during the whole war, often making a tour of observation to see if they were suitably protected from the weather. At one time the covering was blown off and the papers considerably damaged by the rain, when these two women with true patriotic zeal in the cause they believed to be right, which characterized women of revolutionary fame, took out the wet papers and books and having dried them in the sun, made the covering more complete, thus preventing further damage except from small mice. The exact spot where the thirty-five volumes of records, together with the court papers were hid, is now the midst of a large cornfield culti- vated by a colored man named David Farrall; land owned by Ed. B. Conway in the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 21, township 46, range 27. Aunt Polly Hill's house is at the southwest cor- ner of section 22, same township and range as above. The house is a story and half frame, with a log kitchen, and still occupied by Aunt Polly together with Mrs. Jack Hill and family, Aunt Polly's daughter-in-law.
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