USA > Missouri > Pike County > The history of Pike County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 39
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The people of the township devote themselves principally to farming, though considerable attention is now being given to the raising of stock, in- cluding horses, mules, cattle, and hogs. The first blooded or Short-Horn cattle were brought into the township quite awhile ago by Montgomery Bell, and their introduction has tended very largely to the improvement of the cattle of this section of the county. The horses and hogs have under- gone a like improvement, until now, the stock of Hartford compares very favorably with the other townships of Pike county. So far as the people themselves are concerned they are similar in all respects to those of other portions of the county. They are courteous, polite, and hospitable, atten- tive to their own duties, and industrious and energetic in their different avocations. They have not the same advantages in the way of gravel roads or railroads as some other more favored portions of the county. This is their greatest want at this time -- a way to get away from home and to take their produce to the markets of the country. Their home-life is apparently of a contented and happy character; their surroundings are comfortable; their schools appear to be well conducted and their churches well attended; the people are moral and upright and their intercourse with each other is of the most pleasant character, but they are isolated from their neighbors in Pike by their geographical position, and by the difficult and uncertain man- ner of reaching other portions of the county. Hartford deserves better road facilities than she at present enjoys. and it is to be hoped that in the near future the Ashley Pike may penetrate her borders, and that the contem- plated Clarksville & Wellsville Railroad may pass through the township. With the vast territory comprising the township and with lands whose fer-
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HARTFORD TOWNSHIP.
tility is equal to any within the limits of the county, there is no reason why, with a little help from the county, together with a little effort on the part of her own citizens, Hartford should not come to the fore front among the townships of the county. There is believed to be bothstone coal, and lead underlying the surface of this township, but most likely in such quantities as would not justify working the land for the purpose of developing either.
OLD SETTLERS.
Hartford township appears to have had a few settlers as early as 1819 or 1820, but no general settlement was made until several years after this time. As in other townships the first settlements were generally made along the creeks, and at remote distances from each other. Among the earliest who came to the township may be mentioned Mastin Moore, who came from Vir- ginia in 1819. L. M. Wilson also came to the county in this year, but did not settle in Hartford township until 1838. In 1821 Thomas Moore, father of Robert and W. R. Moore, settled abont five miles east of the town of Hart- ford, on what was called Moore's branch or creek. Levi Moore, James, Robert, and Philip Orr, with John Adams and Daniel Vancil, came about the same time. William and Slade Hammond were from Kentucky, and came abont the year 1819 or 1820, as did Levi S. Moore, who came from Virginia, and settled near the town of Ashley; James R. Keith came with his father, John Keith, from Davis county, Kentucky, and settled in Hart- ford in 1824. John Keith settled the land on the north side of Indian Creek, where a part of the town of Hartford now stands. Harrison Adkins came at the same time with the Keiths and also settled in Hartford township. Others came soon after these, and by 1828 or 1830 the township had largely increased in population.
The first mill in Hartford was built by William Hammond. It was a horse-mill for grinding corn, etc., and was for quite a while the chief depend- ence of the community. After this a water-mill was built by Enoch Mar- tin which did both grinding and sawing and marked a new era in the history of the township. This mill was located about two miles northeast of the town of New Hartford.
The Rev. Mr, Weden, a Cumberland Presbyterian, was the first minister of the township and at first preached at the houses of the early settlers. The first church organized in the township was at Siloam. a Baptist congrega- gation, instituted by Rev. Davis Biggs, about the year 1822. The church house was of round logs and situated near where James Humphrey now resides. Among the first members were: Levi Moore and wife, Willis
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Williams and wife, Lewis Musick and wife, with probably a few others. Among the earliest, and probably the very first school teacher of the town- ship, was Mathias Wilbarger, who taught in a log school-house, with dirt floor and puncheon door, at an early day. This school-house was located on land belonging to the government, not far from the present town of New Hartford.
The first blacksmith was Bemis Lovelace, whose shop was located on sec- tion 14 or 15. He afterwards took in his brother as partner in the business, and for several years it was the only shop of the kind in the township. They long continued to work at their trade, and were well patronized by the people of that part of the county. The first carpenter was John Parsons who came from Virginia in 1830, and commenced to follow his trade in Hartford township. He was a superior workman and was never without employment; he succeeded in accumulating considerable property, having about 600 acres of valuable land, besides other property of considerable valne. Recently he fell on the ice, from the effects of which he died the next day. He was a good citizen and had the esteem of all who knew him.
The first justier of the peace was Slade Hammond, who was appointed at a very early day. He served for some time, and until the office was made elective, when Barney Lovelace was chosen by the people, the first, justice ever elected in the township. Mr. Lovelace died in Hartford about the year 1870.
The first election in the township was held at the house of the father of the two Lovelaces before mentioned. This occurred just after the organiza- tion of the township in 18 -.
The first marriage in Hartford township was Chappell Gregory to Miss Ellen Moore, both of whom were old settlers, having come into the town- ship as early as 1819. The impression is that Rev. Davis Biggs officiated as minister on this occasion.
The first murder ever committed in the township was by a negro, who killed his master, a man named Tanner, in the year 1829. Tanner was sit- ting by the fire in his own house when he was shot by the negro, who was standing outside and near the chimney, which was but five feet high, and down or through which the negro fired. He was arrested, tried, confessed the killing, and was hanged in Montgomery county a short time afterwards. George Davis, a son of Judge A. J. Davis, was shot and killed by Horace Reed, at the church door in New Hartford, about the year 1877 or 1878. They were both young men and the act was greatly deplored by the entire com- munity. Reed was arrested, lodged in jail, finally tried, and acquitted.
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HARTFORD TOWNSHIP.
The third killing occurred in 1580, when one brother killed another. The dispute appears to have grown ont of a division of some property belonging to the Show family. The parties became excited and incensed at each other, which resulted in Paren Show being shot and killed by his brother Morgan. Morgan Show after the killing gave himself up, was tried before a justice and committed to jail on the charge of murder in the first degree. After a long time he was admitted to bail, and returning to the neighborhood where the fratrieide had been committed, he visited his brother-in-law's house for the purpose of spending the night, where he met his brother Marcus Show, who for some cause shot and killed Morgan. Marcus was arrested, tried before a justice, acquitted, and at once left for Virginia, where itis supposedl he still resides.
The first suicide known to have been committed in the township was that of Andrew J. Davis, son of Judge A. J. Davis, an old and respected resi- dent of Hartford. The young man had not been well for several months prior to the unfortunate occurrence, and there can be but little doubt that . his mind was seriously impaired at the time of the suicide. He had been speaking of going to California, where he had a brother and sister residing, but, on account of his physical and mental condition, his friends dissuaded him from the undertaking. Shortly after this he shot himself in his fath- er's mill. The ball entered the head just below the ear and passing entirely through it, came out en the opposite side. Death was alinost instant.
INCIDENTS.
The first surgical operation was performed by James Keith, who set a boy's leg, and so successfully did he bring the parts together, and so splint and bandage it, that there was a perfect bone union, and in a short time the boy was well and walking again. The splints used were made from corn- stalks, and the box employed made of clap-boards. The name of the boy was George Anson, and his leg was broken while sliding down a hill, or coast- ing, as it would now be called.
The first regular hotel in the township was kept by Marion Motley, at New Hartford, though stopping places, where travelers and their horses could be cared for, were established some time before any hotel was opened for their reception. Perhaps the first house of entertainment was kept by Mrs. Keith, the mother of James R. Keith, on what was then called the Louisiana and Jefferson City road.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
WEATHER INCIDENTS.
It is said that in November, 1824, it turned cold so suddenly that a man, who resided in Callaway county and crossed the Mississippi in a ferry boat, in less than three days recrossed to the Missouri side on the ice, the river having blocked in that time. When he crossed on the ferry no ice was to be seen in the river, nor was the weather extremely cold. Thi, is reported to have been one of the most sudden and radical changes on rec- ord. Nothing like it has ever occurred since.
In 1830 a snow fell, followed by a sleet, and that in turn by another snow, and so alternating until together the snow and sleet had reached the depth of three feet. During the time it remained on the ground many deer and wild turkeys were found starved to death, or killed by the severe cold. Mr. Keith reports having a three-year-old steer which was found leaning against something and frozen dead. This snow went off during a rainy season which. lasted eleven days, and the whole country is said to have been sub. merged.
In May, 1855, a terrible hail storm prevailed in this part of the county. The ground wa .: covered to the depth of four inches with hail-stones, from the size of a buckshot up to a partridge egg, with many of them even larger. Vegetation was beat into the ground, and the little corn that had come through the ground was entirely destroyed. Much stock was seriously in- jured, and the result was considerable loss to quite a number of the citizens of the township.
GAME.
Game is said to have been extremely abundant in Hartford township at an early. day. Decr, elk, bear, and turkeys were plentiful, while an occa- sional panther could be found by those who had curiosity enough to look for one of them. Mr. Keith reports having seen as many as sixty deer at one sight, and not less than thirty elk in a single herd. Mr. Keith states that he once camped within 200 yards of a structure resembling a hay- mow, which was built out of brush and prairie-grass, and that he walked around it several times without once suspecting its true character. Soon afterwards there was a snow-fall, and a bear hunt was arranged for. The company crossed bruin's track about three hundred yards from this stack- looking structure, and upon following the back track ascertained that he had quitted the quaint-looking hay-mow, which was in reality his house, and had gone out in search of food, or with a view of changing winter quarters. The bear was followed by the party and finally killed in Ralls county.
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HARTFORD TOWNSHIP.
A THRILLING INCIDENT.
In the early settlement of Hartford township James Llewellen started out on a bear hunt with a friend from Spencer township, who was then visiting near the present town of New Hartford. When they had gone but a short distance the two men separated, and after a little while Llewellen discovered and shot a three tined back. Abunt the same instant he heard the report from the rifle of his friend, followed by the cracking of the brush and an unearthly ery from his fellow-hunter. Hurrying in the direction of the noise he saw Uncle Joe, partially covered with blood and much excited, standing in an attitude of self-defense, with a tomahawk in one band and a large knife in the other, and an enormous bear lying dead at his feet. His shot had not proved fatal and the bear bad made a rush for the hunter, but he had been severely weakened by the bullet, and though he rose and clinched with the man his strength was not sufficient to bear him to the earth, and the trusty knife had finished what the well-aimed ball had failed to accomplish. Unele Joe was terribly frightened, but remained unhurt, evincing uo disposition, however, to be again compelled to wrestle with a bear.
WEST PRAIRIE CHAPEL, M. E. CHURCHI.
This church was organized in 1861 by Rev. T. G. Owen, at the Union school-house, with the following members: E. C. Cluster, wife, and daugh- ter; Drusilla Butler, Amanda Donaldson; Stephen C. O'Byrne and wife, and a few others. In 1876 the present church, a frame structure, thirty-two by fifty feet, was built at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars. The church is a substantial edifice. with good seats and suitable platform and pulpit. It was dedicated in July, 1876, by Rev. N. Shumate, now of Bowling Green. The church has at this time a membership numbering about sixty commu- nicants. This church is located in section thirty-four, on the Middletown and Ashley road. Rev. II. B. Barnes is the present pastor, and James Van Me- ter the class-leader. S. C. O'Byrne is the church clerk. The church appears to be in a prosperous condition, and is situated where it is possible for it to do an incalenlable amount of good.
BAPTIST CHURCH AT NEW HARTFORD.
This church was first organized as Smyrna Church in January, 186s. Green B. Smith was the first pastor, and James R. Keith one of the deacons. The first members were Samuel Pollard, Malinda Pollard, Ann Pollard, Permelia H. Keith, James M. Keith, Mrs. Jennie Keith, and Mrs. E. Collins.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
They continued for a while to worship in the Smyrna Church, with the e in- sent of the Cumberland Presbyterians. They then transferred their meeting- to New Hartford, where, for a short time, they met and held services under the shade of the forest trees, until their church-house was erected. The house was built in the town of New Hartford in 1871, at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. At this time Rev. Green B. Smith was acting as the pas- tor. In 1873 Rev. Robert S. Duncan was called to the charge of the church and continued to serve the congregation for about three years. Rev. Mr. Giveus is the present pastor, and Lucien Martin is deacon. There are be- tween forty and forty-five members at this time, and the church is said to be possessed of much zeal and spiritual strength.
PRAIRIE MOUND CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1874 by James Thornberry, who came from Kentucky to Illinois, and from there to Missouri. The constituting mem- bers were Samuel Hinton, wife, son, and two daughters; E. H. Hopke and wife, with their daughters, una, Lonisa, and Augusta; Robert Hopke; Jona- than Davis, wife, and daughter; George Staton and wife; Hiram J. Hum- phrey, Mary Wilson, M. P. Davis and wife, and August Kaufman. The above named persons became members while the meetings were held at Hopke school-house. The present church-house was built in 18-, since which time others have united with this religious body. The following ministers have been in charge: Revs. William Sallee for two years, Henry Branstetter for two years, and Revs. Hoffman and Thomas, whose term of service is not known. From a combination of unfortunate circumstances the meetings were for a while suspended and the church stood idle. In 1882 the church, with one acre of ground, was sold to Rev. Shumate, of Bowling Green, who bought it for the use of the Northern Methodists, for the sum of two hundred and forty dollars, although the first cost had not been less than $750 or $800. Of its present condition, either financially or spir- itually, almost nothing could be learned.
INDIAN CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized in September, 1831, by Rev. Walter McQuic with the following named members: I .. Duncan (elder), Harriet Duncan, Levi Moore, Nancy Moore, Thomas Weatherford, Matilda Weatherford, James Shaw, Julia A. Shaw, Robert Shaw, Catharine Shaw, and Margaret Reeds. The first meetings were held at the school-house which stood at or near the site now occupied by the church. In 1855 a committee was ap-
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HARTFORD TOWNSHIP.
pointed to select a suitable site for the church, and a piece of land belong- ing to one of the Hammonds was chosen, but this was reconsidered and in 1556 another, and the present site, was selected, and in 1857 the church- house, a-frame structure thirty by forty feet, with a twelve foot story, was built. The church was rebuilt in 1575, a neat frame building thirty by fifty feet, with fourteen foot story, succeeded the old church edifice, being placed upon the site occupied by the former .. The cost of the last house was $1,800. The following are some of the pastors who have ministered to this congregation: Revs. Walter MeQuie, Louis Duncan, Isaac MeGlos- son, T. T. Johnson, William Kidd, W. F. Shuck, W .. J. Patrick, J. F. Smith, M. P. Matheny, and T. R. Bowles, the present preacher in charge. This church has one hundred and fifty communicants and appears to be in a healthy and flourishing condition.
CATHOLIC CHURCH OF HARTFORD.
This church was organized in 1871 with the following members: James Hughs and wife, Mary Ann Hughs and six children, B. W. Hayden, Dinah E. Hayden. S. J. Hayden, F. H. Hayden, Margaret Hayden, Francis Roht, T. L. Mudd and wife, Ellen Mudd and four children, R. P. Mudd and wife, Marcus Mudd and five children, William T. Mudd, and George B. Mudd. The church building was completed in the fall of 1871 at a cost of about one thousand dollars. The size of the house is twenty by forty feet, and is lo- cated on a lot in the town of New Hartford. Fathers Kane, Ilead, and Gleason had all been chaplains or pastors of this church. Father Brock- myer was sent by the Bishop on the second Sunday in December, 1882, and is still in charge and serving the church with very general satisfaction. There are at this time about fifty communicants connected with this religious organization. Among the members are to be found some of the best and most substantial citizens of this portion of the county. The church is reported as being in a prosperous condition, and is the means of accomplish- ing much good in the neighborhood where it is situated.
SMYRNA CHURCH.
This congregation was organized under the auspices of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on the 30th day of July, 1853. by the Rer. George Rice. Darius McDonald and Adam F. Trainer were chosen ruling elders. the former having been previously ordained. At the organization there were but seven members, but in less than a week the number increased to nineteen. The names of the original seven constituting the church were the
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HISTORY OU PIKE COUNTY.
following: Darius MeDonald, Elizabeth McDonald, E. A. Coffman, Winfre! A. Coffinan, Adam Trainer, Cyrus MeDonald. and Cornelia A. Trower.
The following twelve joined during the first five days: Wesley B. Trower. Margaret Trower, Catharine Butler, Rachel MeDonald, William Dum- Darius E. Wright, Elizabeth MeDonald, Permelia Ware, MI. L. Henderso: . Sarah King, Robert King, and Richard L. Wright.
Darius MeDonald was chosen elder, July 3, 1853, and served the chure! faithfully for eight years, when he died at his post. A. F. Trainer w ... ordained and served six years, and then for some reason ceased to act in thit capacity. Henry Trainer was chosen in 1865 but never entered upon the duties of elder. William Dums, who was ordained in 1558, continued in office until 1872, when he, too, ceased to act. Robert M. Vannoy, who was also ordained in 1558, remained in office until 1877. George Wagner, who was ordained in 1865 is still faithfully serving the church. Cyrus MeDor ald, ordained July 15, 1872, is still discharging the duties of his office. 7 .. B. Blackmore, ordained February 3, 1877. is also one of the present deacons and an active member of the church.
This congregation remained in a prosperous condition for a number of years, and was instrumental in doing much good, but finally about thirty members withdrew and organized a church at Trower's school-house, some three and a half miles distant. As a result the Smyrna Church found it somewhat difficult to maintain their organization with another church in such close proximity.
In the course of time, perhaps 1$69, the society that met at Trower's school- honse removed to what is know known as Bible Chapel, some four miles from the school-house, and about seven from the location of Smyrna Church. The church building for the Smyrna congregation was ereeted in 1853 or 1854, and repaired in 1876 at a cost of $300. As but two sessions have any recorded minutes, until within the last six months, it is impossible to give exact dates or minute particulars. The minutes of October 21, 1882, indi- cate that greater care will be taken in the future to guard the interests of the church. Among the rules adopted were these:
"1. We will hold monthly session meetings.
" 2. Each officer shall report at every meeting of this kind.
"3. A congregational meeting shall be held at the close of each. session meeting."
At this meeting Rev. J. B. Patton was moderator, and Elders Z. B. Black- more and G. B. Wagner were present to participate in the business of the session, Z. B. Blackmore serving as clerk.
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HARTFORD TOWNSHIP.
SMYRNA CEMETERY.
This cemetery was laid out in the year 1835 upon ground donated by Wesley Trower. It embraces an area of three acres, is the largest in the township, and the first public burying ground established in Hartford. It is substantially inclosed, and kept in reasonably good condition. The first interment ever made here was the body of Fraucis Jones, many years ago.
WEST PRAIRIE CEMETERY.
This cemetery was laid out in 1868 upon ground purchased of H. C. Gibson. It embraces two acres of land, including the church lot, and is substantially inclosed with a good plank fence. There is some ornamenta- tion in the way of evergreens, immortelles, etc. The first person buried here was a child of H. C. and Maud Gibson.
SCHOOLS.
The schools of Hartford township differ in no essential partienlar from those of other portions of the county. They are public schools, and aro for the most part well and successfully conducted. The persons in charge are generally teachers of considerable experience, and the work done is credit- able, and illustrative of the energy and laborious efforts of the teachers. The course of study is generally such as is prescribed by the law, and a good English education is the result of the pupil's efforts. In one or two of the districts the curriculum exceeds the provisions of the law, and some of the higher branches and more abstruse sciences are taught. They are all good preparatory schools, and the industrious student can here fit him- self for admission into the academies and higher schools of the county and state. The people are sufficiently liberal to vote funds enough to conduct the schools for the greater part of the scholastic year, and the outlook in that part of the county for the education of the youth is extremely flattering.
NEW HARTFORD BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
D. W. Motley & Bro., dry goods and groceries.
Thomas Il. Savage & Wells, dry goods, groceries, and drugs.
Martin Brothers, blacksmiths.
C. D. Cameron. cabinet-maker.
W. II. Clark, physician.
Thomas H. Savage, postmaster.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HARTFORD TOWNSHIP.
Edwin Bedell, farmer; post-office Middletown; was born in Ohio. Jut. 24, 1833, where he was reared and educated. After leaving school he . gaged in farming until 1539, when he left Ohio and came to Pike county Missouri, where he has since resided, continuing the business of farming He owne a farm ef 240 acres of well improved land. He has a handson ... residence, well finished and furnished, beautifully located on a site com. manding a fine and extensive view of the splendid country surrounding i -one of the finest natural locations in the county. Mr. Bedell was married in Ohio, May 17, 1855, to Miss Louisa Stacy, a native of England. They have seven children: Francis C., Annie W., Charles B., George L., and Lottie M., living; John Il. and and infant, dead.
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