USA > Missouri > Pike County > The history of Pike County, Missouri : an encyclopedia of useful information, and a compendium of actual facts > Part 52
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Below we submit an inventory of the business interests of the town to- gether with its churches. schools, etc .:
Dry goods stores
2 Furniture store 1
Grocery stores 4 Ilardware store 1
Drug stores
Livery stable. 1 Millinery shop- 2 Saddle and harness shop 1 Boot and shoe shop 1 Ilotels.
Butcher shops
Confectionery shops
Marble yard
1
Blacksmith shop
Broom factory
1
Barber shop
1
Carpenter shop 1 Churches
Physicians
Attorneys
Schools
Dentist 1
1000
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
The first store was established in Frankford as early as 1820, by Jerry Stark, long a resident of the town. His clerk was the present venerable and highly esteemed William G. Hawkins, of Cuivre township. The first house built in the town was the log building erected by Captain Mace i! the eastern portion of the town, and which, until within the last year, con- tinned to be occupied by his widow. The first blacksmith in the place wa C. J. T. Mefford, who is still living, and who resides but a few miles fror. the village. The first carpenter and cabinet-maker was Reason Vermillion still a citizen of the town. The early preachers of the town were thos- whose names have already been mentioned as the earliest in the township. Among the first teachers may be named a Mi. Holt. the father of Charle- Holt, the temperance lectorer, and a Mr. Green, who taught about the same time. Following these came Granville MeClare, Polly Herron, Willian .: Bell, and James Bartley.
The first mill was built in 1810. This was a horse-mill, conducted by Micajah Thompson, and was really in the township rather than the tow !.. but was so near the latter as to be called the Frankford mill. As far bae' as 1840 Thomas C'ash, now a resident of Bowling Green, had a carding-mil in operation, cither within or just outside the limits of the town. Unele Enoch Hostetter says he assisted in building this mill in the year 1836.
Reason Vermillion was the first postmaster the village ever had. It is said he served the community faithfully and well, receiving about two let- ters per month. and carrying them in his hat in order that he might delive. them at the first opportunity.
Frankford has, at the present time, two mills in operation. One a flonr- ing-mill, the other a saw-mill. William Gentle owns the former and WE- liam Vanness the latter. The fouring-mill has a capacity of about one hundred barrels per day. Much of this is used to supply the local demand. the balance seeks its market in St. Louis and other cities. This is also a custom mill, grinding eorn as well as wheat, and converting the cereals of the farmer into meal and flour for either cash or toll. The mill is said to be doing well, and the citizens appear to be well satisfied with Mr. Gentle's manner of conducting it. The saw-mill is devoted to the manufacture of every variety of Immber, whether used to meet the varied wants of the farmers, or to prepare suitable material for bridge and other public pur- poses. The bulk of the lumber sawed here is shipped away, especially the walnut, and that character of oak best adapted to railroad use. This mill is a necessity, and could, under no circumstances, be spared for even a season.
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FRANKFORD.
FRANKFORD CEMETERY.
Just west of the town and at a small remove from its corporate limits, the citizens of Frankford have prepared a beautiful place for the interment of their dead. The site was selected with special reference to the purposes of its intention. The land is high. sightly, and easily accessible from the town. It has been neatly enclosed, carefully laid out into lots, and beauti- fied with shrubs and flowers. It contains an area of two acres, a part of which has been set apart as a potter's field, in which the poor or the stranger may find free sepulthre. It is under the control of the "Town Board" and receives that attention which is seldom given to church or private grave- yards.
M. E. CHURCH SOUTH.
The first preaching by the Methodists in Peno township occurred as early as 1817 at the house of Lawrence Killebrew, who was himself a local preacher, and sometimes conducted the services. Not only was this pio- neer preacher ever ready to administer to the spiritual wants of the com- munity, but he was, at the same time, a root and herb doctor, and was pre- pared to prescribe for physical ailments as well. In this he was not much unlike the founder of Methodism himself who kept a medical dispensary for the benefit of the poor. It was at the house of Killebrew that J. G. B. Gerry, who came in 1819, first attended the preaching of the Methodists. William Spencer, who came in 1817, with his father Thomas, corroborates the same statement as to the introduction of Methodism. Though a child himself at the time he still remembers these early religious services at the house mentioned. Rev. Jesse Walker was the presiding elder, and ander his supervision a clase was formed at Killebrew's house and regular services at once commenced. Very soon afterwards this class was transferred to the house of Isaac Wilson about one and a half miles north and west of the present site of Frankford. To this class-and perhaps the original elass- belonged Lawrence Killebrew and wife, sisters Wilson and Phillips, Timothy Ford and wife, sisters Thomas. Spencer, and Catharine Gerry. For some time there were regular services at Wilson's school-house, noar his residence. Though not a church member himself, he took great interest in both the school and the church.
MINISTERS.
In the year 1823 a talented young man by the name of Frederick B. Leach ministered to this society, followed by Rev. Thomas Ashley in 1524.
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THISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
or 1825. Rev. Benjamin Ashley preached from abont 1826 to 1-28, fol lowed by Rev. Jacob Lannius in 1829. or 1530, while Rev. George Bewies did not travel the cirenit uatil 1832 or 1833. Such is the list as furnished by memory of the older inhabitants. in the absence of records.
FIRST CHURCH BUILDING.
About the year 1829, Capt. Fisher, grandfather of Adam Fisher, a de. voted Mason, married to a Christian lady, took it into his head to be liberal and further the interests of the church, and hence donated two or three lots for a church site for the different denominations. The Arians or Christians (New Lights) were to have a one-fourth interest: the C'inberland Presby- terians, one-fourth; the Methodists, one-fourth: and the United Baptists, one-fourth. But the Baptists refusing their fourth he determined that the world should be represented, and accordingly bestowed on them the rejected part, and appointed Gabriel Phillips, the father of the late county treasurer of the same name, trustee. In the spring of 1831 the logs were ent, the building erceted and covered with clapboards, but the chinking and paint- ing were left for a subsequent season. As late as 1833 the house was still unfinished, for during that year Rev. Robert Jordan held his protracted meeting in it while in this state. This building is still doing duty, being now occupied by the colored people both as a school and a church.
THE TOWN SOCIETY.
The erection of this building marks the time when the M. E. society was transferred from the country to the town. In 1837 Reve. W. Patterson and Robert B. Jordan served as ministers, followed in 1>35 by Rev. George Thacher, who remained until the fall of 1839. Rev. W. Wilbur, who had been laboring at St. Louis for sonie time, commeneed preaching in the spring of 1-40. Rev. Jesse Sutton came in the fall of 1842. followed in 1844 by Ker. Roland, who was sent as a supply by the elder. Rev. Daniel Penny served three years. Rev. W. D. Cox preached in 1854; Rev. Jesse Sntton again, in 1857; Rev. Markley, in 1859: Rev. S. Mason. in 1860; Rev. F. Fowler, in 1861: and Rev. W. Newland, in 1862. During the war the ser- vices were more or less irregular, but never wholly discontinued. The mem- bership never varied much from thirty, which is to-day a near approxima- · tion of the numerical strength of the society. Rev. Loving was pastor in 1866: J. Sutton, in 186s; A. P. Linn; in 1872: F. Savage, in 1st4: Sher man, in 1876: Dr. Nichols, in 1877-78; J. Holland, in 1579 1850; Rev. Babeock, in 1881; and Rev. Hepier is the pastor in 1982-83.
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FRANKFORD.
.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The remote beginning of what is now the Christian Church at Frank- ford can readily be traced to the missionary labors of Stephen Ruddeil (Riddle), whose eccentric habits and roving disposition are accounted for by those who still remember him as the result, partly, of his having spent his young manhood among the Indians, for it is well known that when a boy he was captured by the wild men of the forest and marked as their own property by passing a knife around cach car, following the line of the rim and allowing the partially severed part to hang down as an appendage from the lowest point. Those among whom he was accustomed to tarry affirm that he took pride in this evidence of his early captivity, and rejoiced all the more in the freedom he now enjoyed in going from point to point as a herald of the Cross, establishing here and there a little flock, but never re- maining long as a shepherd. Among other societies that he organized was one at the house of Isaac Hostetter, father of Enoch Hostetter. to whom we are indebted for much that is contained in this article. The former was at this time residing about three miles northeast of Frankford, and here it. was -- about 1825-that a small church was organized under the name of The Christian Body. This hand of believers was sometimes known as the " Stoncites, " being followers of Barton Stone, of Kentucky, and sometimes as "New Lights." With respect to the Trinity they differed but slightly from the Arians, but as Baptists they believed in immersion and adoptedl the New Testament as the only rule of faith and practice.
In the course of time the followers of Alexander Campbell commenced preaching in the same community -- perhaps at the same house -and as a result there was a strong leaning toward this new denomination. Among the more influential of this church was Sandy Jones, who was instrumental. November 5, 1536. in organizing at Frankford the Christian Church. The constituent members were mainly those who had' first been organized by Stephen Roddell. The old record has the following names: Isaac Hos- tetter, William: Fisher, Thomas Pitt, Thomas Cash. John Steele. Rob. Bra- shear -. Mary Hostetter. Martha Pitt. Naney Pickett, Cyntha Ann Hostetter. William Pickett, W. Pitt. Jos. Pitt. Ammon Hostetter. John O'Rear, Jas- per Shotwell, Elizabeth Fisher, Margaret Pitt. and Sallie Shotwell, of whom the only surviving members are Elizabeth Fisher and Martha Pitt. In March, 1535, William Pitt and John O'Rear were set apart by ordination as deacons, and the following July W. Pickett was elected to the same office. In July. 1839, Timothy Ford and Jasper Shotwell were ord dited! elders and Arch. Cash became a deacon. In 1853 R. A. Thornton. W.
1
1004
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Pitt, and Nathan Shotwell were chosen elders and Gabriel Hostetter dea con.
CHURCH BUILDING.
It was not until Jannary, 1819, that measures were taken looking to the erection of a house of worship. Timothy Ford, R. A. Thornton, and W Pitt, constituted the committee whose duty it was to secure subscriptions for this purpose. The building was to be of brick, 40x50 feet, one story high, and was finally erected at a'cost of about $1,500. From the best informa. tion at hand, in the absence of all records, Elder Brown served as pastor from 1850 to 1860. Afterwards the church was served by Elders Hatchett, Errett, and Allen. In 1876 the ruling elders were Thomas Cash, G. W. Brown, Nathan Shotwell, T. II. Coleman, W. Pitt, R. A. Thornton, and Albert Shotwell. The regular pastor was Elder John B. Corwin. The re- port for 1876 shows that there was a membership of 214, the increase being during the year forty-seven, while the decrease was five. In 1877 the mem- bership had increased to 300, and a salary of $1.200 per annum was voted for the support of the pastor. The sabbath-school was also receiving con- siderable attention. The present membership is 248. The present elders are: Albert Shotwell, Nathan Shotwell, T. H. Coleman, R. A. Thornton, and G. W. Brown; while Gabriel Hostetter, Adam Fisher, John Hayden, Warren Woosham. W. S. Glasscock, and A. Fields, are serving as deacons. At this time no regular minister is in charge of the congregation.
MASONIC ORDER.
Frankford Lodge No. 192, A. F. & A. M., was organized under charter granted by the Grand Lodge on May 25, 1839. The names of the consti tuting members could not with accuracy be obtained, but the first principal officers were William Penix, W. M .; William M. Milburn, S. W .; and B. B. Gordon, J. W. This lodge was incorporated on the 10th day of August, 1870. The present officers are Dr. J. E. Henry, W. M .; Dr. R. P. Talia -. fero, S. W .; Dr. Ferdinand Smith, J. W .; J. L. Martin, treasurer; and S. J. Dunknm, secretary. The lodge has long worked in harmony, has at pre- sent forty-five members, and is in a very satisfactory condition in every re- spect.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
Frankford Lodge, Knights of Honor, was organized March 25, 1SS0, with twenty-seven charter members, as follows: T. B. Ford, Dr. Ferdinand Smith, T. B. McConnell, W. M. Little, E. S. Merritt, J. T. Adams, S. J.
1005
FRANKFORD.
Dunkum, A. Fields. W. T. Kirtles, J. T. MeClure, J. M. Mace, J. H. Orr, I. R. Fields. Charles Moritz, G. B. Ilooc, JJ. T. Hutchinson, G. S. Hurd, S. W. Jones. J. T. Glassock. R. H. Wagoner. J. W. Johnson, H. F. Tepper, John Tucker, William Vanness. J. G. Harley, J. S. Pennywell, and W. S. Glasscock. The lodge organized by electing the following officers; S. JJ. Dun kam. P. D .; R. Il: Wagoner. D .; T. B. Ford, V. D .; Charles Moritz, A. D .; J. II. Orr, R .; E. S. Merritt, F. R .; J. T. MeClure. T .; J. G. Harley, C .; J. M. Mace, G .; L. R. Fields, G .; S. W. Jones, S .; Dr. Fred Smith, M. E. The present officers are J. M. Mace, D; John Tucker, V. D .; J. A. McCarty, A. D .: W. F. Tepper, G .; W. W. Mantiply, T .; J. II. Orr, R .; E. C. Jackson, F. R .; A. Harvey, C .; L. R. Fields, G .; A. R. Jones, S .; Dr. J. E. Henry, M. E. The lodge has thirty-three members at this time. and is represented as being in a prosperous condition. There have been three deaths since the organization of the society, and the policy in each instance has been promptly and fully paid.
A. O. C. W.
Frankford Lodge No. 65. A. O. U. W., was organized July 29, 1878. The charter members were: John E. Henry, P. M. W .; J. H. Orr, M. W .; W. C. Thomson, G. F .; J. T. McClure, O .; John J. Bucks, S. J .; S. J. Dun- kum, F .; T. B. Ford, R .; N. W. O'Haver, G .; Anderson Fields, I. W .; HI. F. Tepper, O. W .; J. J. Steele. J. T. AAdams, E. C. Jackson, John Tucker, Daniel Tucker, and others to the number of twenty-one. The present offi- eers are Dr. Fred Smith. P. M. W .; J. J. Steele, M. W .; W. S. Worsham. G. F .; W. Becth. O .; J. I. Bucks, R .; W. C. Thompson, F .; W. W. Man- tiply, R .; Jerry Smith, G .; G. B. Brown, I. W .; W. Fuqua, O. W. There are but twelve members of this organization at this time, but the members are by no means despondent, as the society is national in its character as well as noble in its purposes, and besides there is promise of considerable increase at an early day.
SCHOOLS OF FRANKFORD.
Frankford takes a considerable interest in ber public schools, and at this Eme supports two quite liberally; one for the white population, the other for the colored. The former occupies an excellent frame building, ou a location that commands a fine view of the town and surrounding country. It is a two-story structure, 40x60, supported by a durable stone foundation, and was crected in 1864, at a cost of about 82,750, including furniture. The colored school occupies the historic oldt log church elsewhere described.
1000
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
A visit to both of these schools in company with one of the directors, (i. B. Brown, reveals the fact that the teachers are doing good work and that the pupils are making commendable progress. This of course is expected of the schools belonging to the white population, but what is of special note is the remarkable progress that is now making in the school for colored pupils. This is largely due to the exceptionally well qualified teacher who has charge of the school, in the person of Mrs. Eliza Martin. A stranger who will take pains to examine her school record, will be convinced that system and order of a high degree here prevail. The copy-books of the pupils also indicate that the neatness and accuracy of the teacher are not without their propei influence. It is not strange, therefore, that the people of Frankford, rising above the prejudice with which southern people have been charged, point with pride to what is being done to educate alike all the children of the community, without respect to " race, color, or previous condition."
The board of directors who are doing so much to promote popular educ- tion in the town are the following: J. D. Pitt, S. J. Dunkuin, G. B. Brown, J. B. Goldsberry, and J. B. Hawkins. The school report for May 1, 1877, is as follows: Male whites 65, females 58, total 124; male pupils (colored) 22, female pupils (colored) 19, total 41; thus giving as a grand total 163.
The present showing is: No. of pupils (white) 110; No. of pupils (colored) 62; total 172.
At this time R. H. Nichols and Miss Ida Vermillion have charge of the schools for whites, and are rendering excellent satisfaction.
FRANKFORD C. P. CHURCH.
This church was first organized in Peno, at the house of Samuel Realing. by Rev. Caleb Weden, one of the earliest preachers of Pike county. Among some of the earliest ministers who preached to this congregation may be mentioned Revs. Sloan, Kirkpatrick, Lonergan. Samuel Pharr, Samuel Briggs, and the venerable James W. Campbell. Among the constituting members were John McCune, Samuel Realing and wife, Lewis Realing. Nathan Mefford, Isaac Hostetter. James Shohoney and wife, and Jacob Rollins and wife.
About the year 1830 the church was moved to Frankford, and for quite a while worshiped in the old log-house now occupied by the colored people for church and seltool purposes. This house was built by the Presbyterians. Christians, Methodists and non-professions, and was designed to be used by any and all denominations. The church reorganized in Frankford in 1550, and about the year 1556 the present church building, a substantial brick
1007
BloGRAPHICAL. SKETCULS.
structure, about 40xGo feet, was created and dedicated during the same year by Rev. James W. Campbell. Among the first members of the church at Frankford were James Clark, Isabella Clark, George Ford. Rebecca Ford. Margaret Cleaver, Cynthia Clark. Samnei Realing, Mary Realing, Charles Seanland, Margaret Seanland, Samnel C. Alison, Joseph MeCune, Gabe Phillips. Rebecca MeCune. Sr., Rebecca Med'une, Jr. and Rebecen Briscoe.
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The first minister employed after the reorganization of the church was Rev. James W. Campbell; Gabriel Phillips, and Joseph MeCune were the first elders. They were chosen or elected in 1854. The following ministers have served the church since its reorganization: Revs. James W. Campbell, W. D. Mahan, M. M. Tucker, James W. Duvall, Taylor Bernard, and Alonzo Pearson, the present pastor. There are at present six elders and four deacons, while the membership is composed of 120 communicants.
There has been a regular Sunday school kept np at this church, and the attendance has generally been very good. Joseph McCune is the present clerk, and has served the church in this expacity, and in unbroken succes- sion for almost thirty years. The church is in a prosperous condition, and gives promise of great future good to the people in whose midst it has so long been situated.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ---
PENO TOWNSHIP.
G. W. Brown. Among the old pioneers of Peno township who have long been identified with the growth and prosperity of the county, is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Kentucky. His parents were John and Agnes Brown, his father of Irish descent and his mother of Welsh de- scent. Our subject was the ninth child of fourteen children. His parents came to this county in 1918, with a six-horse team, bringing with them cat- tle, sheep, and swine. They were on the road some seven weeks. They first settled on Mud Lick prairie, where they remained some three months, when they came to Peno township. Our subject's early life was spent in working on the farm and attending school. Mr. B. was united in marriage. September 1. 1532, to Miss Irene Merritt, who was a native of South Carolina. This union was blessed with two daughters and four sons, of whom five are
1008
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
living. Mr. B. and all of his family are worthy members of the Christian Church.
M. K. Brown, former and stock-raiser, post-ofice Frankford. Among those born and reared in Pono township is the subject of this sketch. Hle was born November 22, 1939, and is the son of George W. Brown. Our subject was the fourth child of six children. His early life was spent in assisting on his father's farm and attending school, held in one of the log- cabin school-houses of those carly days. He was married to Miss Maggie P. Lewellen, daughter of I !. M. Lewellen, of this county. They are the parents of three children: George H., James M., and Bida. Mr. Brown is located on a fine farm one mile and a half from Frankford; it is well improved and cultivated in a manner that shows the thrift and industry of its owner. Jle is a member of the Masonic order and of the Christian Church. His honorable dealings have won for him many friends.
James D. Brown. Among the old pioneers of Pike county, who are well known, is the subject of this sketch, who was born October 7. 1807, in Bourbon county, Kentucky, the son of John and Nancy A. (Davis) Brown. They reared a family of fourteen children. In October, 1818, his parents arrived in Pike county while Missouri was yet a territory. His youth was spent working on his father's farm and attending the log cabin schools of those pioneer daye. In 1826 he went to Galena, Ilinois, where he was engaged in lead mining for six years. In the spring of 1822, in company with Sam Cairn, a trader, they started from this county with whisky and bacon for the lead mine trade. When on Rock River, Illinois, within a day's drive of Galena. Black Hawk's Indians murdered a family near to where they were camped. They, themselves, and team were pressed into the service. Our subject remained at Galena during the summer, and in August returned to this county. In the fall of 1833 he started for Charles- tou, South Carolina, alone on horseback, and rode there and back; he was some sixty-four days on the journey. In 1867 he went to Troy, Missouri. where he resided until 1874, engaged in the brick business; then he went to California, but after a short time returned to this county. In 1977 he wert to California, where he lived some two years, and in 1979 returned again to this counts. Mr. Brown was married to Mis, Elinira B. Merritt: she died in November, 1973. Mr. Brown bas six children living; four that reside in California. The names of his children are: Sarepta J., Hi- ram S., George P., James II., Orpha V., and John A. Mr. Brown has been a member of the Masonic order for the last thirty years, and is also a prom. inent member of the Christian Church.
1000
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
.
T. H. Coleman. Prominent among the business men of Frankford, who have long been identified with the interests of the town, is the subject of this sketch. Hle is a native of Virginia, born December 3, 1823, and a son of Samnel and Caroline Rogers, of Norfolk, Virginia. His father served in the War of 1812. In 1836 his father came to Shelby county, Missouri, where he lived until 1542: he then went to Hannibal where he lived until his death at the age of seventy-six. Our subject's early lite was spent on the farm and attending school, walking some four miles. From the age of nineteen to twenty-four he was engaged in the tobacco business. In the spring of 1849 he started for California by ox team. In crossing the mountains he was snowed in and was rescued by Major Rucker and his men, who were sent out by the government for that purpose. He remained in California some four years, engaged in mining and selling goods .. In 1853 he returned to the home of his childhood, and in August, 1853, he located in Frankford, where he has since made his home. The first nine years he was selling goods: then engaged in farming for some five years; then was engaged in the woolen mill business for some eight years; then in general merchandise, which he still continues. He is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Christian Church. In politics, Democratic. He has a good farm of 180 acres, one mile from town; is proprietor of the hotel, and has one of the best residences in town. Mr. Coleman was ma !- ried September 22, 185%, to Mary Jane Pitt, of this county, daughter of William and Martha Pitt. Mr. Pitt is a native of England, and Mrs. Pitt of Virginia. Mr. Coleman is the father of one child, Mattie C.
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