USA > Missouri > Nodaway County > The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens > Part 18
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HOPKINS.
Hopkins is located one-half mile east of East Fork of the One Hun- dred and Two River. It was partially laid out in 1870 and completed in the spring of 1871. William Brady, of Jefferson Township, was the surveyor.
The first railroad car came to Hopkins December 12, 1870. The town was named in honor of A. L. Hopkins, who was Superintendent of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad when the town was located.
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HISTORY OF NODAWAY COUNTY.
Hopkins was laid out by a company, which consisted of Roseberry & Morehouse, the Railroad Company, Col. Strong, of St. Joseph, and S. McFarland.
It was incorporated October 21, 1872.
The first board of trustees was composed of W. W. Kennison, chairman, Judge E. Donlin, William H. Cochrane and B. S. Martin. There was one vacancy.
The first edifice erected in Hopkins was a boarding house, which was built by Thos. Gladman.
Donlin & Bros. were the first business firm in Hopkins. They com- menced business in 1871.
Porter, Girard & Hughes erected a drug store about the same time and commenced business.
Goodsell & Brothers had the first lumber yard.
Finch & Stone had an agricultural house about the same time.
Soon after, Mr. Robison erected a building and commenced selling dry goods.
Mr. Linville put up a building in the same block and went into the hardware trade.
Mr. Dobbins, a non-resident, caused a building for a drug store to be erected in the same block, and Mr. Latcher was put in charge of it.
Mr. DeHaven also ran a restaurant in the same block.
Martin & Stewart also had a grocery store west of the railroad.
The block spoken of above was on the west side of the railroad, but the business, owing to the nearness of the railroad and the liability of teams becoming frightened by passing trains, was transferred about this time to the east side of the railroad.
Mr. Edward Wolfers, about this time, erected a brick building on the east side of the railroad and went into trade in dry goods and groceries.
Randolph & Goodsell put up a brick and commenced selling hard- ware and furniture.
C. Martin also opened a hardware store on the east side.
Mr. Riggs opened a grocery house, but afterward sold out and went to California.
In 1871, William R. Johnston built the Johnston House, on Roseberry Street, and commenced keeping hotel. About the same time, Mr. Couch commenced building the Hopkins House, but soon sold out to David Bender, who continues to keep the hotel. A little later Mr. Kinison put up the Central House, and kept it awhile, and sold out.
The first bank was started by Plants Brothers.
F. Gladman was the first settler in Hopkins.
Rev. Mr. Morton, as he was accustomed himself to say, in a humor- ous manner, "preached the first sermon, married the first couple and traded the first horses in Hopkins." He afterward moved to Kansas.
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A son of Mr. Merrick was the first child born in Hopkins, and the Town Company gave him a lot.
The first school was kept by Miss Emma Rose, from Michigan, and she taught an excellent school and gave universal satisfaction.
The first church was erected by the Methodists, the second by the Presbyterians, and the third by the United Brethren, who afterward sold their building to the Baptists.
THE HOPKINS SCHOOLS.
That the citizens of Hopkins appreciate the value of good schools will be apparent to the most casual observer who will take the pains to inquire into the history of the growth and development of her educa- tional interests. In order that we may the better understand the educa- tional spirit of her people, we will go back a few years for the purpose of turning a few pages in the records. It is found upon inquiry, that before the City of Hopkins was laid out, the residents of what is now the Hopkins Independent School District, had erected a building on the suburbs of the now flourishing city. We are not advised as to the size of said house, but understand it was sufficiently large for the purpose intended, and was well furnished-withal a comfortable school building -quite pretentious for those days. I have been unable to ascertain the names of teachers until Miss Emma Rose, of Wisconsin, wielded the birch, metaphysically speaking. I am informed that this was in 1871, and is remembered as a successful school.
After the City of Hopkins was laid out, the inhabitants feeling the need of a more commodious building, and desiring to have it more cen- trally located, decided to move the house into the block north of the Tremont House. An addition was built, thus making two rooms and necessitating the services of two teachers. Mr. A. W. Florea, of Adams County, Ohio, and Miss Rose, were the teachers elected. The school was now, 1872, a fixed institution. Both teachers rendered the best of satisfaction and the term was a very profitable one.
The beautiful young city grew amazingly, so that in the year 1873 the need of increased and better facilities was felt to such an extent that it was determined to build a new house for educational purposes. A fine site was selected in the eastern part of the city on what is now known as " Science Hill," from which a splendid view may be had of the city and much of the surrounding country. The cost of grounds, build- ing site, furniture, house, &c., was about $3,000. The rooms were well furnished with patent seats, blackboards and other necessary appliances, so that everything augured well for a successful series of schools. Prof. Florea was elected Principal and Miss Rose, assistant. The school was all that could be desired and long strides were taken in the educational
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HISTORY OF NODAWAY COUNTY.
field. Mr. Florea was again made principal, but the public sustained a great loss in the person of Miss Rose, who is remembered to this day as one of the most successful teachers ever in the Hopkins Schools. Her place was supplied by Miss Ella Redmond, ef Maryville, who, with Mr. Florea taught the next succeeding term. Both schools gave universal satisfaction. I have not the exact number of pupils in attendance, at hand, but in 1874 there were upwards of 200, (estimated.)
I have now to deal with the Hopkins Independent School District which was organized and established under the new law, on the 17th day of October, 1875, as appears from page 9, of the District Records, with plat of district annexed.
It will be observed, that under the new law there are required in independent Districts under the control of a corporate administration, a board of education composed of six members. The Board at this time consisted of the following named gentlemen, viz : Luther Stewart, President ; Geo. H. Hotaling, Secretary ; John A. Stewart, Treasurer ; Harry Meyers, Philip Dale and S. W. Gerard. I have now reliable data at hand and find from an inspection of the records that the Board were obliged to rent a room and to secure three teachers for the ensuing year. The Board was peculiarly fortunate in securing the services of Prof. L. E. Wolf, of Atchison, Kansas, as principal. Misses Anna Jack- son and Kate Stewart were the assistant teachers. The school com- menced October 4th, 1875, for a term of five months and ended Feb. 6th, 1876. Prof. Wolf did all that was expected of him and the youth of the fair young city made marked progress under his able instruction.
He is remembered by many of our best citizens as a courteous, affa- ble gentleman, of splendid abilities, and as a teacher he was thoroughly alive to his work. The number of persons in the district of school age, was, as appears from the enumeration returns made May 1, 1876, as follows: Males, white, 141 ; colored, 2; total males, 143. Females, white, 146. Total number of persons in the district between the ages of 5 and 21 years, 289. From the records it is found that of this num- ber there were in attendance at the several schools, males, white, 123 ; colored, I ; total males, 124. Females, white, 106. Total number attending the public schools of the city, 230. Total number days attendance of all children, 13,894. Average number days per child, 60.
Value of property owned by the district, including building and furniture, $3,419. In consequence of an election a new board was organized September 13, 1876. S. W. Gerard, President ; George H. Hotaling, Secretary ; John A. Stewart, Treasurer ; Harry Meyers, Philip Dale and Luther Stewart.
The teachers this year were: Miss Mary J. Latschar, principal, and Misses Anna Jackson and Abbie Stewart, assistants. Miss Kate Stewart succeeded Miss Jackson December 4, 1876.
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HISTORY OF NODAWAY COUNTY.
From what has been ascertained it does not appear that the schools this year were quite so satisfactory as heretofore, but nevertheless they were quite successful. The above mentioned term was of six months duration, commencing September 11, 1876, and closing March 9, 1877.
The records show that on the first day of May, 1877, there were in the district, of the requisite school age, males, white, 151; colored, I ; total, 152. Females, white, 163 ; colored, 1 ; total females, 164. Total number in the district entitled to school privileges, 317.
Of this number there were attending school during tho year males, white, 110 ; colored, I ; total males, III. Females, white, 120; total, 231. Total number of days attendance of all childern, 15,362. Aver- age number of days attendance of each child, 663.
It is worthy of note that, during the year, the snug little sum of $800.00 was paid out for improvements. At this time the value of school property owned by the district was $3,214.00. Rate per cent. levied for school purposes, $1.80.
It will be seen by comparing the values of school property for the years 1876 and 1877, that the value of 1877 was $205.00 less than in 1876.
How this could occur when $800.00 were expended in making improvements, does not seem to be very clear.
The above figures are taken from the district records for the years named, and if explanations are called for, it would be well for the proper parties to respond. My solution of the problem-for problem it is-is the depreciation of values.
By this time, many of the pupils had made that advancement in their studies that called for something beyond that usually taught in the com- mon schools. Accordingly, the board on June 4, 1877, ordered the fol- lowing branches introduced, viz : Algebra, U. S. History, Higher Arith- metic, Philosophy and Physiology. For sometime, the rooms had been filled to overflowing, and, as has been remarked, a room had been rented for the use of the Primary Department.
But as this method was not productive of very satisfactory results, the question of building an addition to the main building began to be freely discussed. Finally, the board, deeming it imperative that something should be done in order to secure the requisite accommodations and to make them permanent, decided to build a suitable room or rooms imme- diately adjoining the (then) present building. This conclusion was reached at a meeting of the board on June 4, 1877. Plans and speci- fications having been previously furnished, the contract was let to Mr. M. H. Gladman, of Hopkins, on the 18th of June, 1877-he giving bond in the sum of $1,500.00, with M. H. Gladman, W. H. Jackson, D. Crenk- lan, G. A. Dawes, A. V. Stewart, C. S. Martin, Henry Schmitt, James Ewing, Hiram Stanker, A. S. DeHaven, L. Durant and W. H. Cochran, as securities.
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The board appointed as a building committee P. Dale, Luther Stew- art and John A. Stewart. As the main building needed repairing, Mr. Gladman was awarded the contract of shingling the west side of same and repairing the belfry for the sum of $55.00.
Upon canvassing the election returns it was found that a majority of twenty-one taxpayers voted for an increase of levy from four mills to ten mills, for school purposes, and the same was ordered as a basis of estimate for the coming school year. It was also ascertained that over a two-thirds majority of all voters was in favor of a tax of five mills on the assessed valuation for building purposes, which was ordered, and the annual estimate made and approved by the board. July 21st, S. H. Spencer was elected principal, and Misses Abbie Stewart, Alice George and Minnie Whittington assistants. School opened September 10, 1877, and closed March 8, 1878. Length of term six months.
The following figures show significant facts :
Number of children in the district of school age, May 1, 1878, males (white), 153; colored, I. Total, 154. Females (white), 172. Total number in the district, 326. Number of children attending school, males (white), 118; colored, I. Females (white), 144. Total number in attendance, 263.
Total number days attendance of all scholars, 22,692. Average number days per child, 80. Rate per cent. levied on valuation of prop- erty, $2.00. Value of property owned by district, $4,600.00. A period was now reached which had never been attained before. The history of her schools shows them to be a grand success, if we except a few short- comings in the year 1876. The district had incurred heavy expense in constructing new buildings, fence, sidewalks, etc. A course of study was adopted, another teacher employed more than before, and every- thing placed on a firm footing. It was hoped that this would prove the most signally successful year of any, but the high hopes and anticipa- tions of the board and patrons were destined to fall most ingloriously. A want of harmony and united action, two essential elements of success, were wanting, and on March 15, 1878, Mr. Spencer was requested to vacate his position by sending in his resignation, which he did, and which was promptly accepted. Miss George also resigned at the same time. Mr. A. W. Florea and Miss Belle Stewart were employed to com- plete the unexpired term, which was in the main very successful. At the annual election of April 6, 1878, a new board was elected, viz : R. M. Simmons, President ; E. C. Wolfers, Secretary ; Wash Downing, Treas- urer ; P. Dale. H. McCoy and H. C. Fleming. The new board was made up of men of sterling character, who were determined to leave nothing undone that would tend to advance the educational interests of the city to their old time prestige. The first thing that occupied their attention was the securing of a competent corps of teachers.
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HISTORY OF NODAWAY COUNTY.
June 28, 1878, Professor D. L. Chaney, of Lenox, Iowa, was elected principal, with R. H. Straub, Miss Ellen Ruttenbur and Miss Maggie Evans, assistants. Upon Mr. Chaney assuming the principalship, he inspected the buildings and grounds, and by his recommendation the black board surfaces were enlarged, so that all the available space in the rooms was covered with liquid slating. This was a move in the right direction, as it gave the teacher increased facilities. At his request a well was dug, and pump placed in it ; also, a new sidewalk laid from the school house to connect with the main walk leading to the city. Fences were repaired and other necessary minor improvements made. From this time a new era dates in the history of the Hopkins Schools, as under the able direction of Professor Chaney, they assumed that position in the educational world, which placed them, at that time, in the van of all the schools in the county.
The revulsion of feeling from that of indifference as to the character of her schools, to that of a well defined interest in their welfare, was slow, but sure, so that at the close of that year the Hopkins Schools ranked second to none in Northwest Missouri. The High school was graced by the presence of quite a number of young men and ladies from the country, who were seeking to " climb up higher." The term was of six months duration, and at its termination Professor Chaney opened a select school, which was very successful.
March 19, 1879, the levy was raised from four tenths of one per cent. to one per cent, and on the 3d of April the board reorganized, with R. M. Simmons, president ; P. Dale, secretary, and Wash Downing, treas- urer. Twenty-five hundred dollars of bonds had matured, and on the 22d of May the same amount of refunding bonds were issued to liqui- date the out-standing matured bonds. Said refunding bonds were to bear six per centum per annum, and not to be discounted more than one- fourth per cent.
At the same time Prof. Chaney was granted the use of the building for six weeks to hold a Normal school, which was a pronounced success from the start. Many teachers and many preparing to engage in the profession attended.
The enumeration of 1879 showed the number of males (white), 153; females (white), 170. Total number in the district, 323. Number attending schools, males, 125 ; females, 115. Total, 240. Total number of days attendance of all children, 21,210; average number of days attendance of each child, 883. The same good sense which had char- acterized the retiring board attended their successors above named. Therefore, for the year 1879 they were prompt to again secure Mr. Chaney as principal, Mr. H. W. Hull, of Hopkins, succeeded Mr. Straub in the grammar department, Miss Flora Maxwell, of Clarinda, Iowa, suc- ceeded Miss Ruttenbur, and Miss Evans was re-elected. It was felt all
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HISTORY OF NODAWAY COUNTY
along that the term of six months was entirely too short, and in order to increase it a proposition was submitted and carried on the 22d of April to increase the levy sixty cents on the one hundred dollars. The school of that year was much like that of the preceding year as to results, unless there was increased confidence felt in teachers and board. Prof. Chaney was again re-elected principal, with Mr. George E. Flemming, of Oberlin, Ohio, teacher in grammar school, Miss Maxwell again held sway in the second intermediate department, and Miss Evans was retained in the primary department. Owing to ill health, Miss Maxwell resigned her position December 13, 1880. On January 3, 1881, Mrs. R. H. Shadrick, of Kansas City, was named as her successor. For this year the schools were not only the pride of Hopkins and the county, but they had attained that position in the educational world entitling them to be ranked second to none. A great work was done during the year, many non-resident pupils attended, most of whom pursued a course in the higher branches ; not a few of them were teachers, some coming from adjoining counties. At the close of the spring term in June, the pupils and teachers met in their respective rooms, and at about 9:30 A. M. repaired to Kennedy's Park, which lies in the northwest suburbs of the city, marching down the western hillside through the streets of the city, and thence to the park, being preceded by the Hopkins Cornet Band, which furnished excellent music for the occasion. In the afternoon many of the prominent business men of the city lent their presence, closing their respective places of business for that purpose. This little incident is mentioned to show that a deep interest was felt by the patrons.
In April, 1881, F. A. Buck and Jacob Speidel were elected members of the board to succeed H. C. Fleming and Wash Downing. The board organized with R. M. Simmons, president ; F. A. Buck, secretary, and P. Dale, treasurer. The tax was increased twenty cents on the one hun- dred dollars, and the term was increased from four to nine months, by reason of a proposition having been submitted and carried to that effect. The returns for 1880 show the number of children to be, males, 167 ; females, 188. Total, 355. The records do not show the number in attendance, but the teachers' reports at one time gave the number in attendance as being 297, which undoubtedly is correct.
At the regular meeting of the board, held in Dale & Jeffers' office, June 7, 1881, the following described bonds were canceled and burned in the presence of R. M. Simmons, P. Dale, E. C. Wolfers, H. McCoy, Jacob Speidel and F. A. Buck, members of the board, and T. W. Porter and H. C. Fleming, witnesses, viz .:
Bond No. 1, of five hundred ($500) dollars, dated July 1, 1873, and due July 1, 1878.
Bond No. 4, of five hundred ($500) dollars, dated July 1, 1873, and due July 1, 1878.
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HISTORY OF NODAWAY COUNTY.
Bond No. 5, of five hundred ($500) dollars, dated July 1, 1873, and due July 1, 1878.
More room being required, the furnishing committee contracted for the Austin building for school purposes. For the year 1881, the follow- ing named teachers were employed: Prof. D. L. Chaney, Principal ; George E. Flemming, Grammar School ; Miss M. Ellie Dale, First Inter- mediate Department ; Miss Maggie Evans, Second Intermediate Depart- ment ; and Miss Ella A. Glass, Primary Department.
The number of persons of school age in the district May ist, as gleaned from the returns found in the records, was, in round numbers, 424. The number in attendance, average attendance, for the year 1881, cannot be furnished, as they, the returns, will not be completed until May, 1882. That the schools will be fully up to the prescribed standard of excellence during the year 1881, there is no reason to doubt.
To conclude with, Hopkins has an able and efficient corps of teach- ers and appreciative students, and that the high position she now holds may be maintained in the future is the wish of the citizens of the beauti- ful young city and of the public in general.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The Methodist Episcopal Circuit of Hopkins was organized in 18 -. The names of the original members were as follows : Samuel McFarland and wife, Speidel and family, T. M. Cole and wife, John Townsand and wife, Rev. Jesse Herbert and family, J. B. Townsand and wife, E. V. Willard and family, John Lytle and family, Robert Hook and wife, N. H. Herbert and wife, and Margaret Boatman.
The church has been supplied by the following pastors: William Early, 1871-2; E. V. Roof, 1873-4-5; Isaac Chivington, 1876; Robert Devlin, 1877-78, and John Moorhead, the present pastor.
The church, 32x50, was erected in 1872, at a cost of $2,000.
The present membership is about sixty. In the Sabbath School there are 125 on the roll, and an average attendance of seventy-five. Mr. Moorhead has three other regular classes outside of Hopkins, and spends half his time in supplying them. The present church edifice is worth about $2,500. The church has had some revivals, and is in a fair condition. Mr. Moorhead is now finishing his third year in Hopkins.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
During the early growth of Hopkins there arrived, from the east and north, a number of families, who had been reared in Presbyterian and Congregational Churches. These, for a time, worshipped with the Methodists, who early held services and erected a house of worship in
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HISTORY OF NODAWAY COUNTY.
the village. As their number increased, it was thought best to organize themselves into a church for the purpose of securing services after their own order.
With this object in view, Rev. E. B. Sherwood, of St. Joseph, Mis- sionary of the Presbytery of Platte, having been informed of these facts, wrote desiring to know if it was their wish that he should visit the place, and if the way was clear, to organize a church. Receiving an affirm- ative reply, he came to Hopkins, and two days were spent in canvassing the town, and obtaining the names of those who desired an organiza- tion. On the first Sabbath day of May, 1873, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered according to the Presbyterian form, and notice was given that on Saturday, May 31st, those who desired to enter into covenant relations should meet to present their letters or be examined preparatory to a public profession of their faith. On Friday, May 30th, Mr. Sherwood again visited Hopkins, and on that evening a prayer meeting was held, and on Saturday the meeting previously announced took place. There were present Rev. E. B. Sherwood, assisted by Elders George H. Hotaling, of Bedford, Iowa, and John M. Bell, of Maryville.
At that meeting the following persons presented letters which, being found in order, were received : George H. Hotaling and Mrs. Mildred Hotaling, Wm. K. Adams and Mrs. Mary Adams, Mrs. Clarissa Bradley, Mrs. Jennie Heald, Mrs. Martha A. Walters, John W. Walker, Mrs. Mary E. Martin, Henry P. Dryden and Mrs. Sarah L. Dryden, David L. Latschar, Mrs. Sarah Bender, Mrs. Mary Green. Mr. Mark B. Bradley was examined and received on profession of faith.
On Sunday, June 1, 1873, the organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Hopkins was consummated. At this time George H. Hot- aling and William K. Adams were elected ruling elders, and David L. Latschar and H. P. Dryden, deacons. From the time of its organiza- tion till January, 1874, Rev. E. B. Sherwood continued to act as stated supply. During this period bi-monthly services were held in the M. E. Church. It being thought that the work could be more effectively per- formed, Union Hall was secured as a place of worship, and was so occu- pied until the completion of their first house of worship, which was entered and used for the first time on the first Sabbath of January, 1876.
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