USA > Missouri > Pike County > The history of Pike County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 28
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It has been steadily growing in numbers, receiving into its ranks mem- bers from Prairieville, Edgewood, Ashley, Curryville, Frankford, and Lou- isiana. Provisions are made for insurance to both ladies and gentlemen be- tween the ages of eighteen and fifty-five in amounts of from $500 to $5,000, the cost being in proportion to the age and amount of insurance. The ex- aminations are exceedingly severe, none but the best risks being taken. As a result of this rigid fule almost one-third of all who apply are rejected. This makes the cost very light, while at the same time the order, with its 6,000 members, is no longer an experiment. The principal officers at pres- ent are: S. P. Griffith, P. Com .; W. II. Campbell, secretary; and I. W. Basye, commander and distriet deputy.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
This organization took place November 10, 1879. The charter members were: Jno. Appleton, J. W. Buchanan, I. Walter Basye, John Creighton, John Farrell, J. D. Friar. John W. Hendrick, M. W. Keenan, Z. T. Lati- mer, E. P. Matthews, G. W. Morris, W. B. Me Alister, H. G. Mackey, New- ton T. McDannold, P. P. Parker, C. E. Porter, S. J. Reynolds, S. S. Robin- son, R. W. Unsell. John R. Wise. and J. W. Rodgers.
At the organization A. C. Sheldon, afterwards grand dictator, and Ed- ward Price, of Hannibal, officiated. P. P. Parker was elected dictator; John Farrell, vice-dictator; J. W. Hendrick, reporter; R. W. Unsell, finan- cial reporter: I. W. Buchanan, P. dictator; II. G. Mackey, E. P. Matthews, and John Appleton, trustees.
The dictators have been : P. P. Parker, John Farrell, John Creighton, I. Walter Basye, and H. G. Mackey.
The present membership, composed of the best and most substantial citi- zens, is thirty-eight. In respect to good material no lodge in the city is superior to it. During the three years of its existence there have been but two or three suspensions. The lodge at present is in a healthy and vigorous condition. It has been represented in Grand Lodges by S. P. Griffith, John Farrell, and I. W. Basye. The average cost of insurance on 82,000 for three years, to those under forty-five years, is $14 per annum. John W. Hendrick has served faithfully as reporter since its organization, and John R. Wise, as treasurer. Meetings second and fourth Thursdays.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
This order is represented in Bowling Green by a thriving lodge known as Imperial No. 66. In the summer of 1SS1 Messrs. I. W. Basye, John Far- rell, R. J. Hawkins, M. S. Goodman, and other leading citizens petitioned the Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, Jurisdiction of Missouri, to grant a dispensation for the institution of a subordinate lodge of this order at Bowling Green. Accordingly, on the 31st day of August, 1581, with the aid of one hundred and twenty Knights from Hannibal, Louisiana, and St. Louis "Imperial No. 66" was ushered into existence with a mem- bership of twenty-eight, as follows: I. W. Basye, P. C .; John Farrell, C. C .; R. J. Hawkins, V. C .; G. D. Bowman, P .; W. B. McAlister, M. of E .; C. Lindenberger, M. of F .; C. C. Edwards, K. of R. & S .; F. R. Littlefield, M. at A .; I. B. Kirkland, I. G .; Jolm Hughs, O. G .; S. E. Pugh, P. M. McNelly, H. G. Edwards, George H. Green, M. S. Goodman, J. G. Ruds, John Porter, C. G. White. George W. Wylie, Charles E. Porter, Lucien M.
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Edwards, Thomas Reid, J. J. Kincaid, J. S. Danley, S. P. Griffith, W. II. Mitchell, R. W. Unsell, and W. H. Pollard.
No lodge in the country can boast of better material, and as will be seen from the roll, the majority of its members being young men who can render personal aid at the sick bed of a brother, thus obviating the necessity of for- nishing fraternal help or extending charity " by proxy."
In the last report of the lodge, December 31, 1882, the roll of members had swelled to forty-seven, indicating a gain of nineteen since organization. The additional members are: Joseph B. Purnell, James T. Davis, W. W. English, Ferdinand Winkle, Gabriel Phillips, V. Pugh, John Hettick. ... A. Dixon, J. E. Gibbs, Robert Sampson, Harrison Hendrick, John Hughs, B. F. Edwards, F. G. Martin, George Steaclings, Hal. Steaclings, W. J. Rowley, W. E. F. Humphrey, and B. F. Hawkins.
The present officers of the lodge are R. J. Hawkins, P. C .; C. Linden- berger, C. C .; S. E. Pugh, V. C .; J. G. Ruds, P .; L. M. Edwards, K. of R. & S .; J. B. Kirkland, M. of E .; V. Pugh, M. of F .; John Hettick, M. at A .; J. T. Davis, I. G .; B. F. Edwards, O. G. Regular meetings at Phce- uix Hall on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Visiting brothers always receive a hearty welcome from this fraternal body.
CHURCHES.
The church records in many instances having been lost, and in others poorly kept, it is almost impossible to get materials that are at all reliable. The record best kept is that of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and is one of the many fruits of painstaking labor on the part of Rev. J. W. Camp- bell. This record commences with the year 1838 and is quite valuable. The record of the M. E. Church seems to have been lost, leaving us no alternative but to resort to the recollections of the "oldest inhabitant." Some other records are so meager as to furnish but little data for a history. It is well, however, to compile what facts are still in reach of the historian, although some of them are furnished as matters of tradition.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This congregation was organized in the year 1835 by Rev. James W. Campbell. The old record contains the following names: James W. Campbell and Sophia A. Campbell, David Me Alister and wife, Kinzie Mc- Millen and wife, John McCune and wife, and Elizabeth Crow. The record itself intimates that there were some others whose names did not appear.
David McAlister was elected and ordained a ruling elder at the organiza-
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
tion. From time to time additions were made in these earlier years among which are the names of Rev. W. F. Watson and wife, Rev., B. B. Bonham and wife, Rev. J. Dickey Henderson and wife, Geo. Marzolf and wife, Rev. Johnson and wife, William Watts (Uncle Billie) and wife, and one Miller. Rev. James W. Campbell supplied the church with preaching continu- ously until the year 1852 when he went to California. Like most other churches this has had its seasons of prosperity and times of adversity. After 1852, for want of regular preaching, the congregation gradually de- clined until it was left with but few members and but one elder, W. C. Downing.
In February of 1870, in a meeting conducted by Revs. James W. Camp- bell and E. D. Pearson, the congregation was greatly revived and new mem- bers added to the church, and Wm. M. Basye, Valentine Hendrick, and P. Parker, elected and ordained ruling elders. At this re-organization the communicants numbered forty-two.
After this revival Rev. James W. Campbell preached once a month for the congregation for one year. The following year the presbytery sent Rev. Robert O. Elmore who preached once a month for that year.
After this time the congregation had no regular ministerial supply until in March, 1877, when a revival was had in a meeting conducted by Revs. J. W. Campbell, E. D. Pearson, Robt. O. Elmore, and Dr. John W. Watts, of Oregon, who was the son of W. Watts, one of the early members of the con- gregation. At this meeting fifty new members were added, forty-one by profession and nine by letter. Dr. Watts did the most of the preaching and perhaps a greater interest was manifested in the cause of religion than in any other meeting ever held in the town. At this re-organization the communicants numbered eighty-eight. A. R. McAllister was elected ruling elder March 30, 1877, and was duly ordained on Sunday, April 1.
After this revival Rev. Robert Elmore supplied the congregation with preaching from once to twice a month until October 1881, when he re- signed his charge, and Rev. James W. Duvall was employed and still con- tinues to preach for the church twice a month, and has proved to be an able minister and good pastor.
The Old Brick Church .-- The house in which the congregation worships was built in the year 1845 by W. Watts, the brick work being done by W. W. Blaine. The edifice was intended as a house of worship for all denomina- tions alike, with provisions in the title that the house should be free for the use of all denominations of Christians; that the sect contributing the most to the building fund should have charge of the building; that it was to be
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used exclusively as a church, with the further provision that when this stip- ulation should be disregarded the title should revert to Major Oury.
These terms were complied with until 1863, when the court-house in the town was burned, soon after which the church was used as a court-house. It was thus utilized until 1868, when the new buildings at the county seat were erected. It was also used as a kind of public hall, all lectures, many "shows," ete., being held in it during this period.
At one time, in 1866, when Rev. J. G. Rodgers, had charge of the house, an agent applied to him for the privilege of using it for a great "moral ex- hibition." Permission was granted, but just a little previous to the time of beginning the entertainment it was discovered that a band of negro min- strels were about to occupy the sacred precincts of this house of worship, whereupon Dr. Rodgers refused to admit them and they left the place deeply incensed. The building having been used for such promiscuous purposes, the property reverted to Major Oury, who afterwards deeded it to the trustees of the Cumberland congregation at this place. This transfer having been made, the house was still used by all denominations indiscriminately until 1869, when the Baptist church was built.
In the foregoing sketch it will have been noticed that Rev. J. W. Camp- bell, who organized the church in 1838, was present and assisted in the re- vival and re-organization in 1870 and again in the great revival of 1877, thus extending his sphere of usefulness over half a century, always ready to encourage and assist in the great work to which he had devoted his marvel- ous powers of head and heart. Self-educated he had risen from the com- mon level of the people and never lost his hold on the masses. It is not strange therefore that he is still familiarly spoken of as "Uncle Jimmie," he and Isabella McMillen, known. also as "Aunt Ibbie," being the only surviving members of the flockof 1838.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The records of the Mt. Pisgah Church show that a number of its members left it by letter to form a new church at Bowling Green. This occurred in the year 1851. From Duncan's history of the Baptist Church just from the press (January, 1883) we learn that the Bowling Green Church was organized 1854, by Elders W. Hurly and T. T. Johnson, with nineteen members; and that the pastors have been Elders W. Hurly, M. M. Modisett, L. C. Musick, J. T. Williams, W. T. Luck, J. F. Smith and J. W. Haines. This church seems not to have survived the war, aud hence in the absence of records we now turn to
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH-(REORGANIZED).
The records of the Baptist Church in Bowling Green are full of important details and have been well kept. There is, therefore, abundant material in them for a very complete sketch. A mere summary, however, is all that the limits of this article will admit of. The following is the history since the war: On the 24th day of February, 1866, a meeting was held in Bowl. ing Green for the purpose of effecting the organization of a Baptist Church. At this meeting Elder A. P. Rodgers served as moderator and Thomas Il. Luck as clerk. A sermon was preached by Elder John M. Johnson. The following persons presented church letters, were duly received and became the constituent members at this place: Hendly Roberts, Eliza, William, and Re- becca Roberts, Terrissa and America Metler, W. Johnson, Aley Hawkins, Catharine Tisdale. Mary J. Rodgers, Sophronia Reynolds, Thomas Johnson, Mary Cotton, James P. Dickinson, Amanda Dickinson, Alcy Frier, John Par- sons, O. K. Huntington, Mary M. Penn, Sarah Green, Church Sutton, Eliza- beth Roberts, all of Bowling Green; and A. P. Rodgers, Huldah Rodgers, Thomas H. Luck, and Louisa J. Luck, all of the Baptist Church at Mt. Pisgah. The first regular meeting of the church was held on the fourth Saturday in March, 1866, and a sermon was preached by Elder A. P. Rodgers. Rules for the government of the church were adopted, and steps taken looking to employment of a pastor to serve until the December meeting, which resulted in the unanimous election of Elder M. Johnson. In less than a month. however, he died and the minutes of the next meeting, April 24, show that Elder A. P. Rodgers was elected as his successor in the pastorate.
From time to time additional members were received-many by letter- from Mt. Pisgah, Noix Creek, and Louisiana churches, nor was it long until a house of worship was needed for this gro ving congregation.
New Church .- At the meeting of March 2, 1867, a paper was presented showing that already $1,150 were secured towards a new edifice. A com- mittee was also appointed to select a site and submit plans and specifications. In May, 1867, bids were received, and that of W. W. English to do the brickwork for $1,149, was accepted. According to the specifications the house was to be 30x45, walls 16 feet high, etc., and to be built on a lot of- fered by N. S. Ferguson, being lot No. 24, block 12. The work of building went steadily on and as usual a debt was incurred. The following statement was made September 5, 18GS:
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Indebtedness: Notes $700.00
Interest 50.00
Bills 230.35
Total $980.35
Resources: Voluntary subscriptions $ 63.00
Church fond to end of year 510.00
Total. 8553.00
The house was completed by September 3, 1870, but the indebtedness was not removed until some time later. The pastor, A. P. Rodgers, took great interest in advancing the sabbath-school of his church, and on the 4th day of June, 1868, became its superintendent and at once organized with sixty-two scholars. The following report was made December 31, 1868:
Present number of scholars 100
Present number of teachers
7
Average attendance 70
Number who attend regularly 50
---
Number of teachers who attend regularly. 5
Number of bible classes 2
Number of juvenile classes 4
Number of infant classes 1
This devoted pastor resigned his position April 3, 1869. He remained, however, nominally as pastor until September 4th of the same year, when his resignation was accepted on account of prolonged ill health which inea- pacitated him for speaking in public. His place was temporarily supplied by Elder J. F. Williams, who preached two Sundays in each month.
A protracted meeting commenced February 9, 1870, which resulted in large accessions to the church. The report indicated that thirty-eight were received as candidates and baptized, three received as candidates without baptism, three by letter, and thirteen by relation, making a total of fifty- seven members. In this meeting the services were commenced by holding prayer meetings for one week, when Rev. Randall came and held regular services. A few sermons, however, by Rev. Musick preceded the regular services.
The services of Rev. Randall having proved very efficient he was unani- iously elected as pastor to serve during his stay, or until the services of a regular pastor could be procured. On the 5th day of October, 1870, A. F. Randall was elected as regular pastor for the ensuing year, but it seems 49
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
that he never accepted, his resignation having been tendered December 31, 1870.
At the meeting of February 11, 1871, Rev. T. N. Sanderson was elected as pastor to preach twice a month; but in October of the same year Rev. A. P. Rodgers was re-elected to serve as pastor, in which capacity he re- mained until July 6, 1877. when Rev. W. H. Burnham succeeded him. fol- lowed in July, 1880, by Rev. J. D. Biggs, who, however, resigned the charge November 12, 1881. Rev. J. F. Cook took charge of the congre- gation March 15,.1882. At the last recorded meeting November 29, 1882, Rev. J. D. Biggs was re-elected to the pastorate.
During most of these years the members of this church have been strng- gling heroically with a church debt. which has been a source of some dis- couragement, but the work of the church is still being prosecuted with vigor.
THE M. E. CHURCHES.
The history of the M. E. Church as far as written in this work will be found in the general history of the county. Generally the histories of the M. E. Church South have been carefully written for each township. the writer, after repeated efforts, having failed to obtain the necessary data for a special chapter on the Church South. But inasmuch as the separation did not take place until 1844 what is said on the M. E. Church prior to that date applies of course to both branches equally well.
Again, the itinerent system of the church. necessitating frequent changes in ministers, and the proverbial carelessness touching the records of indi- vidual churches, conspire to make it very difficult to get reliable materials for a connected history of any particular society. We have, however, done what we could to furnish a complete history.
BOWLING GREEN COLLEGE.
This institution was opened for the reception of students on September 19, 1881. The founding of it was the individual enterprise of Prof. J. D. Meriwether, the owner and principal of the school. The speedy execution and success of the undertaking was greatly facilitated by the encouragement and financial assistance rendered by the citizens of the town.
The situation of the school was chosen with a view to health and freedom from the bustle and temptation of large towns. The building is new and commodious, and was planned expressly for the purpose. The rooms are large, well ventilated, and well lighted. Spacious grounds surround the building affording ample room for exercise and amusement within the
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
inclosure. Since the opening of the institution constant endeavor has been matle to perfect its arrangements for educational advantages and domestic confort. The object aimed at is the development and culture of the mental faculties, rather than the storing of the mind with acquired knowledge. A systematic course of mathematics, classics, and literature has been arranged, which will prepare students to enter advanced classes in the higher colleges of the country. Faithful and efficient teachers devote them- selves exclusively to their respective departments. Students who desire to enter the school for a short period have the privilege of pursuing such parts of the course as they or their friends may think expedient. It is the aim of the school to afford the best opportunties for the study of vocal and instru- mental music. A strict discipline is enforced, such rules being laid down as will best facilitate the moral and intellectual growth of the pupil. Its pat- ronage is a proof of the wise and sound principle upon which the school is conducted.
BIOGRAPHICAL SHETCHES.
BOWLING GREEN.
I. Walter Basve, of Bowling Green, was born on the 25th day of Au- gust, 1845. Mr. Basye is the oldest of six children, and the descendant of one of the pioneer families of the city of Bowling Green, his grandfather having laid out the town. Ile received a liberal education at the city schools. Leaving the school of his native city he then entered Alleghany College, where he pursued his studies vigorously for two years; from there he went to the State Normal of Wisconsin, where he took a regular course of studies, fitting himself for teaching. At the end of three years he quit school and returned to his home and began his career as a teacher, taking charge of the Pike Academy, condueting it for two years. In 1867 Mr. B. erected a building and established what was known as the Normal School, a seminary of higher instruction for the training of teachers, which he run very successfully for a period of ten years. He then took charge of the Bowling Green public schools. This position he held one year, at the expiration of which he retired from teaching altogether, and became connected with the Missouri School Furniture Association. In 1880 he perfected arrangements by which he now devotes his whole attention to the business. He married, in 1867. Laura E. Avery, of Platteville, Wisconsin. They have two children, Otto and Nellie. Mr. B. has always taken an active part in the Sunday-
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
school, and in all moral and religions matters. In politics he has ever es- poused the cause of Republicanism. He and his worthy wife are mem- bers of the M. E. Church. Mr. B. belongs to the order of the Knights of Honor, also the organization of the Knights of Pythias.
William Montgomery Basye, capitalist, was born in the city of Louis- iana, this county, April 13, 1820. Ile was the youngest of ten children. His father was John Walter Basye, a native of Maryland, and went to Ken- tucky when abont sixteen years of age. He was married to Miss Agnes Belew December 25, 1794. She died in 1814. He married for his second wife Miss Anna Templeton, who was born in South Carolina. She died in 1841. Mr. Basye, father of W. M., came to Missouri prior to 1820, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject. He was a well-to-do farmer. He died at the age of seventy-five years, in 1845. He had never taken a dose of medicine during his life, until his last sickness. William M., who is our subject, was reared on his father's farm, receiving but a limited edu- cation. He commenced farming and dealing in stock when quite young, and has been one of the active and successful farmers of his neighborhood. He now owns the old homestead, comprising three hundred and eighty-five acres, and still has that part of the old house built by his father in a good state of preservation. Mr. B. was married in 1841 to Miss Sarah J. Gaslin, daughter of John Gaslin, Esq. They have raised a family of nine children, five of whom are still living. They are John W., Isaac W., Ann E .. W. M., George W., Mary J., Lanra B., an infant unnamed, and John W., who was accidentally shot. Mr. Basye is the present mayor of the city of Bowling Green, elected April, 1882, on the temperance ticket. He has always lived a quiet life, and is a leading member of the M. E. Church South.
W. T. Burke, of the firm of Burke & Bagby, wagon and carriage manu- facturers. Mr. Burke was born in the city of Alton, Illinois, June 10, 1849; in which city he was reared and educated. When sixteen years of age, hav- ing a taste for mechanics, he entered the large establishment of Thomas Richardson, of Alton, and began the wagon-maker's trade, and worked at it for some time. Hle afterwards worked for a bridge company on the Rock Island Railway. He then went to Milton, Illinois, where he was married to Miss Mintie, daughter of Spencer S. Hudson, in 1871. In the town of Milton Mr. Burke established himself in business, working at his trade, which he followed one and a half years. In 1873 he came to Bowling Green, Missouri, and went to work for A. J. Pugh, with whom he formed a partnership. At the end of two years he disposed of his interest, and estab- lished a wagon and carriage manufactory now run under the firm name of
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Burke & Bagby, which is one of the largest of the kind in the city of Bowl- ing Green. The firm is doing a good business, with a steady, growing trade. Messrs. Burke & Bagby are both good workmen, and have built up an enviable reputation for honesty and square dealing. They also handle, in connection with their other business, all kinds of the best make of farm implements. They have a fine eight-horse power engine and all of the late and improved machinery necessary to carry on a large business.
Hon. David Caldwell, grandfather of David L. Caldwell, was born Sep- tember 10, 1768, and moved from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, where he married Sarah Brice, February 16, 1791, and located in Harrison county near Licking River. and raised a large family. Joseph Caldwell, their son, was born February 1, 1806, and married Mary Bryan MeMurtry, daughter of James McMurtry, December 6, 1831. James McMurtry was born in Virginia, January 14, 1773, and his parents, Joseph and Rosannah Camp- bell MeMurtry, settled near Lexington, Kentucky, when James was a small boy. James McMurtry married Naney, daughter of Samnel and Mary Bryan, who emigrated from 'North Carolina at an early date. Soon after their marriage James and Nancy McMurtry located near Twin Creek, in Harrison county, where he lived more than fifty years, raising a large fam- ily. He was a man of great force of character. Reverencing God and dealing justly, he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his neighbors, and died at the advanced age of eighty years. His daughter, Mary Bryan, who married Joseph Caldwell. was born September 21, 1806. In 1832 Joseph and Mary B. Caldwell moved to Pike county, Missouri. He was a man of in- tegrity, fair intelligence, and great energy, and she was a pure, noble, Chris- tian woman. They were members of the Baptist Church at Noix Creek, and taught their children to love God and obey the commandments. The California gold excitement attracted enterprising men from the states, and . many good men left Pike county for the gold fields never to return. Jo- seph Caldwell crossed the plains in 1849 and exerted all his energies in gold hunting. He met many disappointments and died a poor man at Keruville, California, December 30, 1871. His wife, daughter, and son, Joseph S., went to California. Joseph S. died November 23, 1868. Mary B. Cald- well died July 24, 1870, about seventeen months prior to her husband's death. Mary E. Caldwell married John S. Butler, and they now reside in Kernville, California. David L. Caldwell, son of Joseph and Mary B. Caldwell, was born ou Grassy Creek, Pike county. Missouri. April 23, 1838, and received a common education. At an early age he taught district school, and in 1856 he was employed to teach in the Caldwell district, on
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