Clinton County, Missouri - Chapter 6: Cities and Towns, 1923

Chapter 6: Cities and Towns

Cameron. - In 1867 the town of Cameron was incorporated. Maj. A. T. Baubie was chosen mayor. It is the largest town in Clinton County and has a population of 3,248, census of 1920. Its location is the north¬ east corner of the county.

The original owners of the land included in the site of the town, when first laid out, in the fall of 1855, were Edward M. Samuels, of Clay County, and Samuel McCorkle, of DeKalb County. This land, which they had entered in an early day, included the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 23, Township 57, Kange 30. These gentlemen, with Blair H. Matthews, George M. Smith and Col. F. M. Tiernan, constituted the town company.

Immediately after the first sale of lots, in the spring of 1856, McDaniel resigned his trust. Judge A. T. Baubie was appointed his successor, and remained such till the controlling interest of the town was sold to Joshua Gentry, president of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company, who conveyed the same to Forbes, Duff & Brooks, of Boston, Mass., they com¬ prising the Missouri Land Association. This corporation controlled all lands immediately along the line of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad owned by that company between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. They, obtaining this controlling interest, deeded the town site to John Lathrop, then president of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company, in trust.

Cameron was laid out in view of the expected completion of the rail¬ road to its limits, a result which its founders lived to se consummated in the fall of 1856. The town, was named in honor of Colonel Cameron, of Clay County, the father of Mrs. McCorkle, whose husband, with E. Sam¬ uels, laid out the town. The first building erected in the town of Cameron was put up by A. T. Baubie. This was a frame store house, which he moved from a point a mile east, called Somerville, at the old Mormon cross roads from Far West to Council Bluffs, where an attempt to start a town, as above stated, had been made about 1855. He located this build¬ ing on Lot 1, in Block 44, on the corner of Walnut and Third streets. It was afterwards destroyed by fire.

The first building constructed in the town, a frame dwelling, was in the spring of 1856, also erected by A. T. Baubie. This was on the corner of Main and Third streets. It was a one-story house of four rooms, with 12-foot ceilings. It was subsequently moved several blocks west. William G. Elliott, of St. Joseph, and his partner, Taylor, did the work, and thus achieved the distinction of being the first carpenters to pursue their calling in the town of Cameron.

The first store opened in Cameron was by A. T. Baubie, in the building above referred to as moved by him to the town site. He continued to sell goods here till the breaking out of the war.

One of the earliest settlers of the town was Col. F. M. Tiernan, de¬ ceased. He took a lively interest and active part in the building of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, being one of the party who made the survey with R. M. Stewart, afterwards Governor of the state : M. Jetf Thompson, and others who subsequently developed celebrity.

The first child born within the limits of Cameron was Mike Adams, in 1851, a son of Mrs. Catherine Adams, above referred to. His father joined the army at the breaking out of the war, and, as he never more returned, is supposed to have been killed.

The first physician to settle in Cameron was Dr. John F. King, a native of Tennessee. Dr. King built the second, dwelling erected in Cam¬ eron in the fall of 1856.

In 1858 D. W. Matthis started the first livery stable in the town. It was located on Main street, between Second and Third streets. The first to work at the carpenter business there were Taylor & Elliott, of St. Joseph, who built Major Bauble's first residence in the town of Cameron, as above stated. They afterwards built several other houses in the place. A man by the name of Neff started, in 1867, the first bakery in the town. He afterwards moved away. The first druggists established in Cameron were H. F. and J. A. Conway. Their store, on Walnut street, north of Third, was destroyed in the great fire of 1871. It was a frame building. They subsequently erected, on the site of this structure, a brick building.

The first attorney at law to locate in Cameron was Col. F. M. Tiernan, one of the first settlers of the town. The first law office built in the town was put up by Capt. C. C. Bassett, in 1859. It was a frame building, on Walnut street.

In 1857 there was a postoffice three miles north of the site of the present town of Cameron, and another three miles south. In view of the prospective importance of the new town, these were abolished, and Cam¬ eron postoffice was established in their stead, with A. T. Bauble as first postmaster. Major Bauble served till 1867, when he resigned in favor of Thomas Hambaugh. During the period of his absence with his command during the Civil War the duties of the office were discharged by his deputy.

In 1858 the first hotel in the town, a frame building, was built, at the foot of Walnut street, near the railroad depot. It was first kept by Charles Marsh.

The first mill built in Cameron stood on Walnut street, south of the railroad, was erected in 1868, at a cost of $12,000, by H. Lyon and R. C. Packard. It then operated two run of burrs.

Howenstein & Tiley, who opened in 1869 the first furniture store in Cameron, established in the spring of 1880 a furniture factory in the town.

In October, 1871, there were 45 buildings destroyed in the town of Cameron, Clinton County, by fire. The estimated loss at the time was about $150,000.

The first school building erected in the town was a small one-story frame structure, built by private subscription, in 1851. This stood on Third street, near the corner of Pine, and here was taught the first public school of Cameron. The first teacher was Thomas Harris, and the first session of the public school opened in the fall of 1859. Previous to this, however, Mrs. Dundan had taught a private school, the first in the town. She continued to teach several years in a frame building on the northwest corner of the public park.

The directors, at the period of the organization of the first public school in Cameron, were William G. McDaniel and Miles C. Bragg, and a third whose name is not available.

The public school of Cameron was organized under the village act, Dec. 4, 1871, with a board of trustees, of whom ex-Governor George Smith was president. Judge Thomas E. Turney was treasurer, and Dr. A. 0. Risley secretary. The other directors were L. E. Burr, W. W. Perrine and Richard Riggs. W. Angelo Powell, of St. Joseph, was the architect who supplied the plans and specifications for the building. The contract was let to A. F. Ely, of Gallatin, Mo., for $22,500. The building was com¬ pleted early in the summer of 1873, and in September of the same year was opened with a full corps of teachers. These included the Rev. Carter Page, A. M., a minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church, principal, and Corydon F. Craig, assistant principal. The others were Mrs. Siler, Miss M. E. Bullock, Miss Inez Ward, Miss Lillie Page, Miss Roland and Prof. 0. F. Allen. Miss Roland resigned in December, and was succeeded by Mrs. Allen. Over 300 pupils were enrolled during the term of the first session of this school.

Fountain In City Park, Cameron

The first sermon preached in Cameron was in 1857, by the Rev. W. C. Barrett, a minister of the Baptist Church. He preached at Keiffer's dwell¬ ing. It is probable, however, that Bishop Hogan, of St. Joseph, had, prior to this, preached at the section house to the railroad hands. For several years previous to the erection of a church building in Cameron different religious denominations held services in the town, at times in the old school house, and at others in the railroad depot. Up to May, 1865, how¬ ever, there had been but one resident minister in Cameron. He was a Baptist, by the name of Arterburn. He preached at stated intervals, laboring as a section hand on the railroad to provide the means of sup¬ port for his family.

In May, 1865, Rev. Marvin Leffingwell, a Congregational minister, came to Cameron, under commission from the American -Home Missionary Society. At that time the old schoolhouse was so nearly destroyed as to afford poor shelter, and services were held in the passenger room of tHe old depot, at the foot of Walnut street. The only church which had an organization in the place was the Methodist Episcopal, and the Baptists were the only other which held religious services. There were, however, not only in the village, but in surrounding country, a number of religiously disposed persons of different denominations without any organization. These Mr. Leffingwell conceived the idea of persuading to unite in a union organization. He was so far successful as to induce several families to accept his suggestion, and, by a vote taken Aug. 18, 1865, the name "Union Congregationalist Church of Cameron" was adopted. The following named persons associated themselves in the organization: Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Howard, Charles E. Packard, Mrs. Nancy Shirts, Mr. and Mrs. Leffing¬ well, Miss Helena Leffingwell, Miss Sarah J. Saddler, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Saddler, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Evans, Mrs. Jane Hockenberry and Mrs. Mahala Kester. The several denominations represented in this organiza¬ tion were: Congregationalists 2, Presbyterians 1, Methodists 3, Campbellite Christians 8. September 5, 1876, occurred the death of Rev. Mr. Leffingwell. From this period till July 18, 1867, the church was without a pastor, and no regular services were held. Rev. W. A. Waterman then filled the pulpit till Nov. 27, 1875, when he preached his farewell sermon, in which he reviewed the history of the organization. Through the efforts of the pastor and members, with the liberal aid of outsiders, the means for building- a church edifice were raised in the fall of 1867, and by the 25th of December following, the yet unfinished building was so far com¬ pleted as to permit the holding, within its walls, of a church festival, the first ever held in the town of Cameron.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in Cameron in 1865. The original members were Isaac Kirkpatrick and wife, D. B. Adams, M. D., and wife, Hugh Torbit and wife, W. D. Corn, Esq., and wife, S. S. Hare and wife, and Rev. M. T. Klepper, M. D., and wife. The first minister was Rev. B. C. Allen.

The First Baptist Church of Cameron was organized August, 1866, by Samuel Matthis. At the period of the organization of this church they held services in the dilapidated schoolhouse.

The Christian Church was one of those incorporated in the original Union Church organized in 1865. Its separate and distinct organization was effected in 1867, with 15 members, and J. G. Encell as pastor. These original members were Caleb Schreve and wife, W. Shutt, C. Saddler and wife, C. E. Packard, Mrs. Corbin, Joseph Kester, Miss Maggie Pepper, James W. Hockenberry, J. G. Encell and wife. The first permanent elders were R. W. Orvis, C. E. Packard and R. N. Williams.

The First Presbyterian Church of Cameron was organized Oct. 24, 1867, by Rev. N. H. Smith, stated supply. The first elders were Peter Fisher, Samuel Hall, Rebecca Fisher, Maria A. Hall, Mary Frame, Nancy Shutts, and Mary E. Harwood.

The first Roman Catholic Church of St. Munchen in Cameron was built in the fall of 1867. The first priest of the church who preached in Cameron was Rev. J. J. Hogan, afterwards bishop of St. Joseph.

St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church was organized in Cameron in 1869. The original members were : B. P\ Bassett, and Mrs. S. B. Tiernan, Miss M. Bell, Mrs. George R. Willis, Mrs. Willis, Mrs. H. B. Stokes, Mrs. S. Barker, and S. Barker. The church edifice, a neat Gothic frame, on the corner of Eighth and Pine streets, was erected in 1876, at a cost of $1,859. Nov. 11, 1880, it was dedicated by Right Rev. C. F. Robertson, bishop of Missouri. The first Epsicopal service ever held in Cameron was conducted Nov. 28, 1868, by Bishop Robertson.

Cameron Lodge No. 296, A. F. & A. M., was instituted under dis¬ pensation Nov. 10, 1874, and set to work by James Y. Whitset, D. D. G. M. of the Thirteenth Masonic District of Missouri, with the following officers : Milton Helwig, W. M. ; William McCullum, S. W. ; E. T. Walker, J. W. The following officers were then chosen: Solon Hyde, treasurer; Jarvis S. Rogers, secretary ; Chester D. Combs, S. D. ; Alvan Harriman, J. D., and- James McKee, tyler.

Signet Council No. 19 of Royal and Select Masters was set to work, under dispensation, Oct. 12, 1872, with the following officers: James Thompson, Th. Ill. G. M. ; John M. Lindsay, deputy T. 1. G. M. ; Robert Hall, P. C. W. ; Fred Henshaw, treasurer; E. Fist, recorder; Joseph Truex, C. of G. ; John L. Nelson, C. of C.; T. W. Moore, steward; I. G. Willis, guard. On the granting of a charter by the Grand Council, Oct. 9, 1874, the same officers were retained.

Kadosh Commandry No. 21, Knights Templar, was organized in Ham¬ ilton, Mo., under a dispensation granted by the Grand Commandry, April 25, 1872.

Adah Chapter No. 17, of the Eastern Star, was chartered in the winter of 1874, with the following officers: Mrs. Sarah Snyder, W. M. ; George A. Willis, W. P. ; Mrs. McCullom, treasurer, and Miss Fannie Reid, secre¬ tary. The original membership was sixteen.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows are, in order of time, the sec¬ ond secret benevolent body instituted in Cameron. Star of Hope Lodge No. 182, 1. 0. 0. F., was organized by them under authority of N. M. Smith, D. D. G. M., Feb. 20, 1868. The first officers were E. R. Saulsberry,

One of the attractive features of the town of Cameron is its public park. This elegantly improved spot occupies the square bounded on the north by Fourth street, on the south by Third, on the east by Chestnut, and on the west by Cherry street. It was set apart on the laying out of the town for the special purpose to which it is now devoted. Though for a long period remaining unimproved, in subsequent years it was planted in shade trees and otherwise improved and embellished. Its present appear¬ ance is eminently attractive. On the north side of this park the stately structure of the Cameron public school rears its elegant proportions.

Among other elements of enterprise, the citizens of Cameron deserve especial credit for the inauguration and subsequent maintenance, for sev¬ eral successive seasons, of fairs, which were held on a piece of ground directly north of and adjoining the town site of Cameron, and, conse¬ quently, in DeKalb County. From the circumstances of this ground being and lying within the limits of that county, its charter was derived there¬ from; and, though to all intents and purposes a Cameron enterprise, it was styled the "DeKalb County Agricultural and Mechanical Association." Commonly known everywhere, however (as it properly was), as the Cam¬ eron Fair. The first president of this association was Judge Thomas E. Turney, and the first secretary, W. D. Corn, esq. This was in 1867.

Plattsburg, the county seat of Clinton County, has a population of 1,719 and dates its beginning with the organization of the county when that loca¬ tion was selected by the commissioners delegated for that purpose.

Everett. This they did, in the spring of 1833, the town being named Con¬ cord, In January, 1834, the name was changed, by order of the county court, to Springfield, and, in January, 1835, it being ascertained that there was another town in the state bearing the same name, by act of the Legislature, the town was called Plattsburg, taking its name after Plattsburg, in Clinton County, New York.

In November, 1833, the county court appointed Henry F, Mitchell commissioner of the seat of justice, and at the same term made the fol¬ lowing order.

"Ordered, that the commissioner of the seat of justice proceed as soon as practicable to lay off the said seat of justice into lots, streets, alleys, squares, etc., upon the same plan as the town of Liberty is laid off."

Mr. Mitchell gave bond as commissioner and immediately began his labors. Associated with him, as co-worker in this important undertaking, were Orval H. Searcy, who surveyed the town site, Bartholomew Thatcher, Daniel Thatcher John Livingston and Littleton Roberts, assistants and chain-bearers. For their services in thus localizing and defining the spot whereon was to be reared the future town and seat of justice, these gentlemen received from the county treasury the following sums:

Mr. Mitchell, having finished the work of laying off the town, he pre¬ sented a plat of the same to the county court on Jan. 13, 1834, which was received and approved by that body. The court thereupon "Ordered, that lot No. 110 be, and the same is hereby reserved for the purpose of erect¬ ing a court house thereon; and funther, it is ordered, that all those lots on the blocks round the public square, except the one reserved as above in No. 47, on the plat aforesaid, be offered for sale by the said commis¬ sioner, on the following terms, to-wit: To be sold to the highest bidder, on the days of sale, payments to be made as follows: one-fourth of the purchase money to be paid at the time of sale, and one-half of the residue to be paid on or before the expiration of twelve months from the day of sale, and the balance to be due eighteen months after date. Bond and approved security required of purchasers. The sale to commence on the premises, on Monday, April 7, 1834, and to continue for three days."

The commissioner was ordered to publish the sale of lots in the Liberty Enquirer, a weekly newspaper, published in Liberty, Clay County, by giv¬ ing six insertions, and also by five written handbills, put up in different portions of the county.

The first deed upon record of the sale of lots in Plattsburg, was made by Henry F. Mitchell, commissioner, as grantor, to John M. Evans, grantee, conveying lot 28 for $24.25, and recorded November 18, 1835.

"This day, the citizens of the town of Plattsburg presented to the court a petition, praying to have the tract, lying within the following bounds, incorporated, and a police established for their local government, to-wit : Beginning at the southwest corner of the town tract, and running thence east 80 rods ; thence north 80 rods ; thence west 80 rods ; thence south 80 rods, to the beginning. And it is thereupon ordered by the court, that all the tract of country contained within the bounds aforesaid be, and it is, hereby incorporated, and the inhabitants are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate, by the name and style of the inhabitants of Plattsburg, and by that name they and their successors shall be known in law, have perfect real succession, and do and perform all and every¬ thing which a body politic and corporation may of right do by the laws of the land ; and it is further ordered that John M. Evans, James M. Long, Shadrach B. Taylor, Elijah P. Howell and James Smith, be and they are hereby appointed a board of trustees, for the government and manage¬ ment of the same, and are hereby vested with all the powers and author¬ ity to which they and there successors are by law entitled."

The city obtained a charter under an act of incorporation passed by the general assembly in 1861, approved February 8th of that year, and also approved March 24, 1870, under which the city government was

Among the early settlers of Plattsburg, was Richard R. Rees, who was appointed the first circuit and county clerk in 1833. Mr. Rees was originally from Kentucky, but came from Clay County to Plattsburg. He continued his clerical labors, as an officer of the courts until 1836, when, obtaning a license from the Supreme Court of the state, he resigned and began the practice of law. In about 1836, he moved to Leavenworth, Kan., where he continued the practice of his profession, filling in the mean¬ time many prominent offices, among which was that of probate judge of Leavenworth County. He died in 1879.

John Livingston came about the same time from Kentucky (1833), and had the honor of building the first house in Plattsburg (then called Concord) . This building was a pole cabin, and was used for a court house and clerk's office. It was located southeast of where the court house now stands. Mr. Livingston was fond of hunting, and during his first winter here, he killed 48 black bears; 22 of these were killed on a large elm tree, which stood upon the present site of the court house. Mr. Livingston died in Plattsburg in 1867.

The first business house was that of Edward M. and George W. Samuels, who began business as early as July, 1834. The Samuel brothers were from Kentucky, but came from Clay County to this place. They had business houses at that time at several other points in Clay, and afterwards in Platte, Buchanan and Andrew counties, of this state. Ed¬ ward M. was at one time Receiver in the United States Land Office, in Plattsburg. The next business firm, general merchandise, was J. and J. Long, who came in 1835, from Woodford County, Kenutcky, and opened their store in- June. Anthony Miller located here in July, 1835, and operated a grocery store. Shadrack B. Taylor, came also in 1835, and opened a grocery store. Mr. Taylor was afterwards sheriff of the county.

In 1836, E. P. Howell located here, and commenced business. He was from Clay County, and remained in Plattsburg till 1849, when he went, with others, to California. Solomon Kinsey began business in 1836. He was some four years a prominent man. Besides being a merchant, he was a minister of the Gospel, and was one of the first sheriffs of the county. In 1836, W. J. Moss & Company, from Liberty, Mo., opened a store, which was operated by Nathan M. Vance, who afterwards became the sole owner. Mr. Vance was from Garrett County, Ky. James Smith, the first blacksmith, came during this year, also Anthony Miller, who was the first tailor. The first hotel in the town, was opened and operated in 1836, by Joseph Hunter, a Kenutckian. The hotel was a log building. Willis Long, brother of James Long, came in 1835. He died in California. During the same year, Hiram Smith, and A. S. Gunter, began business here.

In 1837, there were nine licenses issued to business men, among which was a peddler's license, granted to Alvin L. Howell, who was the first peddler in the county. George Funkhouser came in 1837, from Virginia, and soon began merchandising. Dr. Henry Essig settled here in 1837, coming from Center County, Pa. He immediately began the practice of his profession, to which he devoted himself exclusively until 1866, when he retired from practice. Reuben Randolph and his son, William, located here in 1837. They were the first carpenters in the town, and constructed some of the earliest residences. They were from Clay County. Dr. Noah F. Essig came, in 1837, from Center County, Pa. He was the father of Dr. Henry Essig, above mentioned. The doctor was one of the first treas¬ urers in the county, which office he filled for many years. He died here in 1859.

In 1838, Thomas McMichael, from Ohio, settled in Plattsburg. Shortly after coming, he engaged in the mercantile business, and continued therein at different intervals until 1863, when he retired from business. In 1838, Judge Charles Young, from Bath County, Ky., located here. Judge Young built the first house in Kansas City, Mo. Nelson 0. Hopkins, David R. Gallaway, and William Hughes came in 1838. The latter was a merchant, and was the first man buried in the Plattsburg cemetery. W. P. Gibson, a tailor, located here in 1839 ; John Patton and Joseph Young, both shoe- makers, about the same year, Young preceding Patton. Hervey Whitting¬ ton came from Woodford County, Ky., in 1840 and was the pioneer saddler and harness maker of Plattsburg. He followed this business for some years, and then engaged in other pursuits. Winslow Turner came in 1840, from Liberty, Clay County. He was formerly from Massachusetts, and came to Clay County from Fort Leavenworth. Colonel Turner was, for many years, circuit and county court clerk. John Steel came in 1840, and began work with Hervey Whittington as a saddler. He was from Pennsylvania, and made the first saddle that was manufactured in Clinton County. The above named parties, who settled in Plattsburg between 1833 and 1840, were among the very earliest pioneers of the town.

Soon after the year 1840, came Judge James H. Birch, a Virginian by birth and education, who moved to Missouri in 1826, and located in Platts¬ burg, Clinton County, in 1841. Judge Birch was for many years register of the land office in Plattsburg. In 1848, he was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of the state, and in 1866, began the publication of the Clinton County Kegister, a weekly newspaper. The Judge was a leading politician in this portion of the state, and was one of the best informed men of his day.

Gen. James W. Denver, was also an old citizen, and resided here several years, engaged in teaching school and the practice of law. He went to California from Plattsburg, and was afterwards appointed gov¬ ernor of Kansas; was a representative in Congress, and filled other im¬ portant positions both civil and military. The city of Denver, Colo., was named after him. Thomas E. Birch, brother of Judge Birch, came after 1840, and was appointed register in the land office here, under General Taylor's administration.

Among other prominent men who resided here at an early day, were Gen. Bela M. Hughes, who later lived in Denver, Colo., and practiced law, and Allen McLane, register of the land office. Then came B. 0. Bean, from New Hampshire; Dr. William Evans, from Ohio; Joel Funkhouser, from Virginia; Charles W. Porter, from Vermont; Joseph B. Biggerstaff, from Kenutcky; Moses Shoemaker, from Pennsylvania; Isaac N. Hocka^ day, Benjamin Craig and James M. Craig, from Kenutcky; Charles Ingles and W. W. Scutt, from New York, and Andrew Meininger, from Germany. At a later day came Judge T. D. Phillips, W. P. Hooper, J. H. Bennett, A. Doniphan, E. M. Lyons, W. H. Conner, James Stonum, D. H. Lindsay,

The first school taught was by that old pioneer, Richard R. Reese, who was the first county court and circuit clerk and the first lawyer in Plattsburg. The building in which he taught was a small cabin. This was as early as 1834, and at a period when there were but a few inhabitants. Mr. Reese left here about the year 1840.

The next regular school kept (by subscription) in the town of Platts¬ burg, was in 1841, in a log house, located east of the public square on the bluff. The teacher was Dr. Cyrus Hubbard, a graduate of the Uni¬ versity of Maine, and a brother of Governor Hubbard of that state. The doctor was not only a thorough physician, but a man of fine classical and literary attainments, and successful as a teacher. After teaching a term of five months, he married a Miss Ward, and thereafter devoted himself exclusively to the practice of medicine for several years, when he moved away. Among his pupils were: Charles C. Birch, James H. Birch, Jr., C. C. Jones, Brazelton A. Jones, William Quinn, Anthony Pal¬ mer, C. C. Palmer, Jane Palmer, Delia Randolph, Virginia Funkhouser, McDonald boys and E. S. Randolph.

The third teacher was, probably, Moses H. Simonds, from Ohio, a graduate of the Ohio University, and a man of excellent scholarship. He taught for some time after his arrival, and until the breaking out of the Mexican War, when he went to Gentry County, in 1846, where he raised a company of volunteers for the service. Then came John Cavenaugh, who was a graduate of the University of Oxford, England, and at one time a fellow of one of its colleges. He taught a short time, in Plattsburg, and also joined a company of volunteers, for the Mexican War, and lost his life at Chapultepec. The next teacher was William H. PTitchard, who was a graduate of the University of Virginia. After teaching one or two years, he returned to Virginia, and died there. After Pritchard, William E. Emory, a graduate of the Ohio University, was employed as a teacher for several years. He returned to Ohio. George W. Osborn, then taught several terms, was county surveyor for several years, and died near Cam¬ eron, Clinton County. Thomas D. W. Yonley, taught a number of years and was afterward attorney general of Arkansas. J. M. DeFrance also taught a private school in Plattsburg. Lavinus Transu and Moses Shoe-

Among the early women teachers were Miss Anna Patton, later the wife of Colonel Vance; Miss Cynthia Harris and Miss Frances Davis. Among the last to open a private school in the town were Miss Aletha A. and Yucy Pepper from Kenutcky. They were highly educated and taught with great success. After remaining here some length of time, they left for San Francisco, Cal., where they resumed teaching.

The M. E. Church, South, was organized at Plattsburg, in 1841, by Rev. Thompson Peera, at the residence of Thomas Palmer, with four lady members, viz: Mrs. Hannah McMichael, Mrs. Israel Johns, Mrs. Isabelle Palmer and Mrs. Barbara Palmer. Public wlorship was con¬ ducted sometimes at Mr. Palmer's residence, and often at the court house, until a small log church was built, in 1846, by Thomas McMichael. The first preacher in charge was Thompson Peera.

M. E. Church. - Rev. T. H. Haggerty, of St. Joseph, Mo., a represen¬ tative of the M. E. Church, preached the first sermon in Plattsburg in November, 1863. On the 20th day of February, 1865, he organized the first society of that church in the town after the division of 1844. Be¬ tween the date of his first sermon, and the organization of the society, he and Rev. E. Brookman held occasional services, but no regular services were maintained until after the conference of 1865. The names of the first persons organized into a class were J. Y. McAdams, L, P. ; Mrs. Mc¬ Adams, N. L. Osborn, C. L. ; Mrs. Osborn, George R. Shepherd, Letitia Shepherd, Samuel Shepherd, E. Shepherd, F. D. Phillips, Mary E. Phil¬ lis, Joe Funkhouser, Barbara Funkhouser, Harrison Funkhouser, Kate Funkhouser and Ann Funkhouser.

The original rhembers were Samuel H. Smith, Henrietta Smith, Wil¬ liam L. Ferguson, Frances A. Ferguson, James E. Young, Louisiana Young, Thomas J. Patton and Edith Patton.

In those days, the organization had no house of its own wherein to worship, and held their meetings at different places - in other churches and private residences, and often at the old court house, until after the war, when the subject of building a church edifice was dscussed. This was determined upon in 1868, when a brick building was commenced and finished, in 1869, at a cost of $3,000.

The pastors of the church since the organization have been Rev. W. C. Batchelor, Rev. I. T. Williams, W. C. Barrett, W. A. Croucn, B. G. Manard, F. J. Leavitt, R. H. Jones, G. W. Rodgers, Lee Harrell, J. N. Bowling, W. L. Dorgan, T. M. S. Kenney, B. D. Weeks, W. F. Robbins, L. V. Edwards, C. H. Eyman, J. S. Cossairt, A. H. Webb.

The small building was torn down in 1902 and a splendid edifice of red brick erected in 1903, upon the same site. Some of the best musical talent of Plattsburg is found in this congregation, Mrs. Ingles James, Mrs. P. J. O'Malley, Mrs. R. L. Eberts. Rev. W. A. Crouch, the pastor in 1881, is living at Turney, still powerful in his mentality and dean of the Baptist preachers of the county.

Christian Church. - The first preacher of this denomination that labored in Plattsburg was Elder Duke Young, of Andrew County, Mo. He preached in 1842-3, and for several years afterward. The church was organized under his ministry in 1843 or 1844, with a membership of not more than twenty-five or thirty persons. Elder Young was an earnest and successful preacher, of good natural gifts, but without a liberal edu-^ cation. The early meetings of the church were held in the court house. After Elder Young, there was a succession of preachers, more or less gifted in ministerial power and usefulness. Among these we may name as especially worthy of mention. Elder S. S. Trice, Elder W. D. Jourdan, Elder G. R. Hand and Elder A. H. F. Payne.

The Presbyterian Church was organized April 5, 1861, with Mrs. C. M. Hooper, R. R. Turner, Mrs. Emily Turner, James W. Trimble, Esther E. Trimble, Mrs. M. Smith, Matilda Edgar, Mrs. R. S. Morgan, A. A. Morgan, W. P. Hooper, Mrs. L. L. Hooper, Mrs. Hughart, Ira Dunham, Mrs. H. E. Snowdon, Mrs. M. E. Smalley, Q. Q. Smalley, H. C. Smalley, N. H. Whitehead, James Burr, Mrs. J. L. Burr, and Cynthia Smalley. The minister officiating at its organization was the Rev. C. A. Wiley. The first house of worship, a frame building, was erected in 1871, on Locust street, at a cost of about three thousand dollars.

St. Mary's Protestant Episcopal Mission. - Bishop Hawks visited Plattsburg sometime in 1855, but there was no effort made to organize a church. In 1959, the Rev. Johnson preached in the district school house, but no effort was made at organization until the Rev. A. Batte came in 1870, and began to hold occasional services. The Right Rev. C. F. Robertson made his first visit in 1871, but there were no confirma- tions until his second visit, in 1872, when three persons came forward. The first person baptized by a clergyman of the church (the Rev. A. Batte) was Miss Florence May Turner, in 1872. In 1873, Rev. J. H. Water¬ man organized a mission, and called it St. Mary's, and held the first stated services in the Methodist Church, South, but removed in a few months to the residence of Col. James H. Birch.

In August, 1876, Rev. John Bennett held service in the Presbyterian Church, and arrangements were made with him for one service each month, and the Presbyterian Church was rented for one year. In 1877, the members built a church at a cost of about $1,500.

Catholic Church. - In 1866, Father Leonard Kemp, of St. Joseph, Mo., came to Plattsburg at regular intervals, and held services at private houses, until 1867, when a church edifice was built, a frame building, cost¬ ing about $2,000. Father Abell, another priest from St. Joseph, took charge of the church and remained one year, till 1868, at which time he was succeeded by Father O'Riley, who continued his pastoral relations with the church, until 1876, and then went to New York. Father Ahern succeeded Father O'Riley, remaining in charge for one year, when Father Hanley came.

Plattsburg Lodge No. 113, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. - First meeting of the lodge, under dispensation, was held October 2, 1848. Ofificers: George W. Culver, W. M. ; Winslow Turner, S. W. ; Bela M. Hughes, J. W. ; Noah F. Essig, Treasurer; H. Whittington, Secretary; A. McClintock, S. D. ; F. C. Hughes, J. D. ; John Steel, Tyler. The first person ini¬ tiated in the lodge was Martin L. Embree, Nov. 6, 1848. The char¬ ter was granted May 9, 1850. The charter members were: Winslow Turner, Noah F. Essig, George W. Culver, A. McClintock, F. C. Hughes, John Steel, Bela M. Hughes, W. R. Powe, John Harsel.

Plattsburg Lodge No. 64, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. - Organized August 30, 1853, by Thomas McCarty, District Deputy Grand Master, of Liberty, Mo. The early records of the lodge were destroyed by fire, and no correct data could be obtained earlier than 1865, when the following were the officers: W. L. Ferguson, N. G. ; John M. McMichael, V. G. ; W. S. Jordan, Secretary ; W. P. Hooper, P. S. ; B. 0. Bean, Treasurer.

Star Lodge No. 93, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was instituted December 17, 1878, by District Deputy G. M. W., William R. Shaw. There were ten charter members whose names are as follows: Charles

Ruch, William C. Martin, J. S. Baker, W. E. Steck, W. W. Scutt, George N. Harrison, Joseph H. Bennett, A. A. Bostick, J. 0. K. Gant, and John Vallandingham. Charles Ruch was elected Master, and A. A. Bostick, Recorder.

1860, this paper, a weekly, was changed to the Northwest Reporter, and continued its existence until the civil war, under the control of John Bourne. In 1861, Turner & Young, continued the publication of the same paper until 1862, when it was destroyed by fire. After Turner & Young, W. J. Marion started a newspaper, which lived about one year, the press and type being thrown into the street by soldiers. William L. Birney then commenced the publication of the New Constitution, Republican in politics, which was sold in 1866, at which time the Clinton County Register, Democratic, was established by Judge James H. Birch. In 1870, James A. Millan, started the Reflector, Democratic. In 1873, John M. McMichael began the publication of the Lever, Democratic. In 1878, M. P. Cassidy established the Defender, a Greenback paper, which lived through that campaign. In 1880, the Purifier came into existence, under the manage¬ ment of C. J. Nesbitt and Thomas G. Barton. During the summer of 1881, the Daily Evening Register was issued by Capt. E. C. Thomas. This was the first daily that was ever published in the town.

The first that did a banking business in the town of Plattsburg was the Clinton County Life and General Insurance Company in 1857, with a capital stock of $15,000. Its original stockholders were, H. Whittington, Isaac N. Hockaday and G. W. Culver. It continued to do business until

1861, or until the breaking out of the civil war, when the stockholders, deeming it unsafe, discontinued their business. In 1860, Charles W. Por¬ ter and Isaac Hockaday organized the Clinton County Savings Bank, and operated it until 1863, when the bank was incorporated under a law more general in its character. In November, 1864, the charter was transferred to Joel Funkhouser, who continued the business until January 1, 1878, when James M. Clay became a partner, the firm thereafter being called Clay & Funkhouser.

Lathrop. - Among the first pioneers to make their homes in the vicin¬ ity of the present town of Lathrop were I. N. Rogers, from Tennessee, who arrived in 1840. Samuel T. Brooking, who came from Woodford County,

Ky., in 1845, Lewis Rogers, of North Carolina, who settled in 1848, Daniel Allnut, in 1854, Edward Brooking, in 1856. Among others were John Tillery, Abner Webber, John Bedford, Spencer Tuggle, Smith Pope, James Cheek, William Hobbs, John Combs, John Saint John, Samuel Tipton, Edward Parks, Ensley Cooper, of North Carolina, and Samuel Seaton. The first farm in the immediate neighborhood of what is now Lathrop city, was settled in 1857 by James Leake. In the following year, his brother, Edward, settled the adjacent quarter. The first school in Lathrop Town¬ ship was taught by Charles Ingles at the Brooking school house, five miles east of Lathrop city. This was in the fall and winter of 1856.

At the time of the building of the Cameron and Kansas City Branch of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, the present site of the town of Lathrop was designated as a station on the same, and the place laid out by J. S. Harris, land commissioner of the road. This was in the fall of 1867. At that period, the only sign of human occupancy in that wide expanse of waiving verdure was the smoke that arose from a primitive farm house, about a mile south of the prospective depot. This was the home of James Leake, to the northern limits of whose farm the southern boundary of the subsequent town of Lathrop afterwards extended. Deer abunded in the neighborhood, and frequently appeared in the tall grass that then grew on the town site. The first building erected in the imme¬ diate neighborhood, in consequence of the construction of the road, was a section house near the southern limits of the town site.

The first actual settler in what is now the town of Lathrop was J. 0. Daniels. About November, 1867, he arrived, with James Murdock, who afterwards erected a frame building for a store house, and each purchased a lot. They came from Utica, Mo. Returning home on the 22nd of the same month, Mr. Daniels again arrived on the train, bringing a carload or two of pine lumber. He was accompanied by P. H. Brace, his clerk, after¬ wards the first postmaster and express agent of Lathrop, opening their offices in the lumber office of J. 0. Daniels, which also was used as a rail¬ road depot before the company built one. Scarcely a visible stake in the rank prairie grass marked the location of the town when this lumber was unshipped. Before evening, however, a pedestrian, wading through the over-topping verdure, made his appearance at the new lumber yard. This was D. E. Main, a farmer of the neighborhood, and afterwards a merchant in the town, and to him the pioneer dealer made the first sale of mer-

James Murdock, in January, 1868, erected for a grocery store the first building ever put up in Lathrop. This was kept by Henry Murdock, his brother. It was on lot 12, in block 25, on the northwest corner of Oak and East streets. The first train of cars that ran through the town of Lathrop was conducted by Daniel L. Patch, a native of Vermont. The first railroad station agent at Lathrop was George A. Patch. He was for many years a railroad engineer, and afterwards kept a coal yard at Lath¬ rop. Shortly after the erection of Murdock's grocery house, Daniels put up his lumber office and residence, and others speedily followed.

was sold to J. F. and J. M. Young, lot in block 25, on which the former immediately built the Lathrop House. It was the first hotel building erected in the place. Its first landlord was William Middaugh.

The first physician to locate in Lathrop was J. 0. K. Gant, who settled there in February, 1868. A second physician. Dr. B. J. Burk, was induced to settle there in the following August. In March, 1868, John T. Beard opened, on E street, the first tin shop and hardware store in the place. The first man to sell agricultural implements in Lathrop was George Patch, the first appointed railroad station agent in the place. S. B. Miller, about the same period, opened the first drug store there. His place of business was in block 25, on Oak street, where he remained five or six years.

May 21, 1868, H. M. Freeman, of New York, purchased lot eleven, in block 24, on the same street, where he built and opened the first black¬ smith shop in Lathrop. In the same year, John R. Kirby, of St. Joseph, started a harness shop. Aaron Charles was the first carpenter to settle in Lathrop. August 3, 1868, P. H. Brace, above referred to as the first post master in the town, purchased a lot and commenced building. B. W. Skinner, formerly of Wisconsin, started the first cabinet shop opened in the town. The first sermon preached in Lathrop was delivered in this house in 1868, by Rev. W. W. Roberts, a Methodist minister from Illinois The first shoemaker to settle in the town was George Reiffert. The first tailor who worked at his trade in Lathrop was John Farnam. The first lawyer in the place, was D. B. Keeler. He only remained a few months, when he returned to the east. Jackson & Stevens, in the spring of 1869, opened the first livery stable in the place. The first negro to effect a per¬ manent settlement in the town was Henry Black. He was among the early settlers.

The first banking house in the town was the private organization of L. L. Stearns and Frederick Edwards, established in a building on the corner of Oaks and Centre streets, March 23, 1869. In 1871, Stearns died, and the business of the bank continued to be conducted by his partner up to the period of his death, in 1879, when the bank closed. The Lathrop Bank, the second establishment in the town, commenced business September 22, 1879, James M. and W. H. Bohart, both natives of Buchanan County, proprietors. In August, 1879, E. Dudley erected in the town, at .a cost of $7,000, the first elevator in the place. The first grist mill in Lathrop Township was built in the town of Lathrop, by McCumber, Good¬ man & Co., in 1871.

The first marrige in the town of Lathrop was in 1869. The parties were James Justice and Miss Margaret Keller. The first birth in the town occurred in 1868. The child was a son of John Hall, and only survived a few months.

The very first woman to settle in Lathrop was Mrs. J. 0. Daniel, who came Nov. 1, 1867, lived here until 1919, when she removed to Kansas City, Mo., with her daughter, Mrs. Kate Courtwright. Mr. Daniel, her husband, passed away years ago, but Mrs. Daniel is still living.

Lathrop was organized Feb. 2, 1869, with James M. Young, John 0. Daniels, George A. Patch, David E. Main, and Lamar W. Lee as a board of trustees. The first officers of the board chosen were David E. Main, president ; Lamar W. Lee, clerk ; and H. C. Murdock, treasurer. This gov-^ ernment continued till April, 1881, when the town was chartered as a city of the fourth class, with A. J. Orem, Mayor. James M. Bohart, D. H. Maret, A. H. Logan and Dennis Whitford were nominated trustees. J. M. Bohart was appointed treasurer, Robert Chonstant was first appointed secretary. He was shortly after succeeded by J. R. Pope. J. A. Boring was appointed marshal. Not until the summer of 1871, that the first brick building was erected in the place. This was the structure of the public school. The first brick business block was put up in the summer of 1880 by Bohart & Fitzgerald, on the north side of Oak street, between East and Center streets.

Some time elapsed between the founding of the town of Lathrop and the period of the establishment of a public school in her midst. In the mean time, the first to open a private school in the place was Miss Thalia Smith. Professor Van Natta, assisted by Miss Louisa Peck and Miss Eva Styles, aftei'wards taught a private school in the town. They were succeeded by Professor Hill, assisted by his daughter. Miss Eleanor, Professors Hammond and Samuel Bay, and Mrs. Kinney.

A public school was afterwards instituted, but the same had no fixed location till the erection of the elegant structure of a graded school completed in the summer of 1871. This was the first brick building put up in the town. A more extensive history of the Lathrop schools will be found in another chapter.

The first church established in Lathrop was the Methodist Episcopal. It was organized in 1868, with eight members: A. W. Willard and wife. Dr. B. J. Burk and wife, James Stiles and wife and B. J. Logan and wife. The first pastor was the Rev. W. W. Roberts, who preached his first ser¬ mon as above stated, in Skinner's cabinet shop in 1868.

The First Presbyterian Church, of Lathrop, was organized by Rev. E. Sherwood, of Saint Joseph, April, 1868, with sixteen members: A. Monroe and wife, L. W. Lee, James Templeton and wife, Stewart Gil¬ christ and wife. Barber and wife, Mrs. Sarah Byers, T. H. McKee, Mrs. Jenny James, Mrs. Welch, Alexander Service and wife. The first min¬ ister of the congregation was Rev. J. E. Fisher, by whom the church was dedicated.

Dec. 7, 1869, the first steps towards the organization of the Plymouth Congregational Church, at Lathrop, were taken, the following persons meeting at the residence of H. C. Paige: Thatcher B. Dunn, Harlow M. Freeman and wife, Mrs. S. H. Macomber, Mrs. H. A. Jackson, Mrs. H. C. Paige, Mrs. Louisa Fish, Miss Dora Baker, W. W. Middaugh and wife, Charles C. Gustin.

The Christian Church of Lathrop was organized on the second Sun¬ day in June, 1870, by Elder Joseph Waller, with the following members: James T. Gordon, Miss Mittie Gordon, Miss Anna Winn, Miss Jennie Winn, A. W. Harsel, Elizabeth Harsell, Phebe Porter, H. H. Williamson,

James P. Brock, J. P. Norris, William A. Miller, Evaline Miller, Lucy Williamson, Maggie Blankenship, Royana Smith, Thalia Smith, J, W. Tapp, H. P. Tapp, Taylor Hulm, James A. Chennoweth and Miss A. C. Chennoweth. The permanent organization was effected in the spring of 1874, with Alexander Newby, William Miller and J. H. Chennoweth, elders. W. P. Brown, A. G. Rogers and D, W. Osborn were appointed deacons.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was organized in the fall of 1875, with Rev, Jesse Bird, pastor in charge; Dr. 0. D. Fitzgerald, classleader; John L. Brooks, steward; Mrs. Julia Brooks, Mrs. Sarah B. Fitz¬ gerald, Miss Elizabeth M, Fitzgerald, Mrs. Mary Wilson, Miss Lizzie Wilson, Miss Lou Wilson, Mrs. Jane Kelsey, Miss Salle Maupin, Miss Mary V. Maupin, John Currell, Mrs. Elizabeth Currell, Mrs. Mary Smith and Mrs, Emmaline Waful, The Sunday School of this church was organized on the fourth Sunday in August, 1881, with Professor A. B. Carroll as superintendent, and H. E. Paige, secretary,

Lathrop Missionary Baptist Church, - The first minister of this church was Elder William T. Flenor. The first deacons recorded of the church are L. V. Smith, James Leach, James Burke, Charles Downey, Thomas Downey, Daniel Leabo, and R. B. Barrett, the first clerk of the congregation.

"Lovely Lathrop" was an expression used by Baxter Waters in a sermon on aspirations nobly set, and nobly struggled for, and in very many respects the propriety of the alliteration could not be questioned, for there are lovely people, lovely homes, lovely streets and trees and churches. She has had the towns share of the business of the greatest horse and mule market in the world, mentioned elsewhere.

There are but few really unlovely spots in the town, the approaches from each direction of the cardinal points of the compass is through clean farm land abutting clean outskirts of a clean town, and this by rail or by the country road.

The modern idea of oiling the streets was accepted abou+ 1919, and put into practice, keeping down dust and mud. Electric lighting comes from Excelsior Springs by way of Plattsburg. Burlington park is a stretch of shaded ground two blocks in length and one in width, kept up by the city and is a lovely spot for camping, for picnics and other assemblies, where friends from great distances across country meet in the summer seasons and renew the pleasures of their relationship.

The most beautiful bungalow in town is owned and occupied by Miss Kate Carver. Frank Guyton owned a beautiful home, remodeled from the Ross Chennoweth home on Centre street, which is lately owned by S. W. Shoemaker, of Brownton, Mo. G. B. Porter has a beautiful home and yard, drive and walks, very complete.

There are very many good, substantial, attractive homes ovei* the town, of different sizes, shapes, and construction according to taste, needs, and ability, a number larger than our space would accomodate.

Lathrop reached her zenith in financial interests, in population and in stirring enterprise during British occupancy during the World War. Every room was filled, and temporary housing quarters, tents and mere sheds were put up on every available spot during the rush. Men came from every where, some with families, many without, facinated by the stories of work to be had here among the horses and mules.

The streets had the appearance of a wild west town with the many horsemen in the garb of their pursuit. There were beautiful thoroughbred saddlers for the officers and men in charge, and for the ladies attached to the Commission, reviving this exercise again very popularly.

There were droves of hundreds of horses and mules being driven from one field to another, but always someone thoughtful enough to politely pro¬ tect a lady driving or riding on the same road.

There were many inland young men who got their first sight of salt water as attendants of horses or mules out to Newport News down to New Orleans, to New York, and out to India and Africa during the Boer War and others during the European War until the Commission closed upon the entrance of the United States into the World War.

Immense sums of money were handled here during these wars - the largest checks, the biggest telephone and telegraph bills, farms rented or sold at high prices. Lathrop was known wherever the horse and mule industry was known, was written up, photographed into post cards, maga¬ zines, newspapers. Horses and mules died by the hundreds and their burial or destruction was a problem. A lot of sentiment attached to the sale of farm horses to be shipped to Europe for war, but this paled into insignificance when our boys were called out to make the world safe for democracy.

Stretches of railroad spurs were set on, great chutes and lots built, pumping stations manned. Much of this has been torn away, the great bams remain, ghostly with the memories of the busy days with troops of men and thousands of horses and mules filling up the town and the lanes leading thereto.

Gower is a progressive town located in Atchison Township on the Buchanan County line. Daniel Smith laid out the to^vn, in August, 1870, about the time the St. Louis & St. Joseph, now Santa Fe, was built to that point. The town was named in honor of A. G.' Gower, division superin¬ tendent of the road. The place has a population of 419.

The first building erected in the town was a storehouse, which when first built, was known as the old Woodward store. In the fall of 1870, it was moved to Gower from across the line where it formerly stood in Buchanan County. The second building erected in the town, was a large two-story frame dwelling by James H. Harrod, which was, for several years, used by him as a hotel.

The first school house erected in Gower, was for the accomodation of a private institution. Miss Mollie Tillery, an enterprising and able teacher of the county, built this at her own expense. In this she taught successfully several sessions. The building was subsequently occupied as a dwelling.

The first postmaster of Gower was Ben. 0. Weller. He was appointed in 1870 while clerking in the store of Daniel Sanders, the first established merchant of the place. The first meeting of the town board after the incorporation of Gower was held June 21, 1873. E. T. Smith was presi¬ dent ; R. T. Dusky, M. Duncan and John Westbrook, trustees. The board, in 1881, included John Westbrook, Dr. W. F. Stark, Jno. W. Hall, N. G. Cummings, W. B. Sanders and William Hammett.

One of the earliest physicians established in Gower, was Dr. San¬ ders, and Drs. Stark and Hutchinson were located there in 1881. B. F. Poe, at that time, was teaching the public school.

Osborn. - In the northeast corner of Platte Township, on the Burling¬ ton and Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City railroads, is the prosperous town of Osborn, with its population of 369. The town was laid out by the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad Company, in 1857. The first house in the place was built by Col. Henry Baker, a civil engineer employed in the construction of the road. The town was named in honor of Col. William Osborn, of Waterville, N. Y. From being, at the period when first built.

a terminal point in the then incomplete road, it early developed a con¬ siderable importance. The first shipment from this station was made by S. C. Duncan, in 1858, and consisted of several car loads of cattle shipped to Chicago. In 1859, the young town of Osborn was a live business cen¬ ter. At that time, there was a line of Concord Coaches passing from its station to Kansas City, by way of Plattsburg. Roberts & Company owned and operated this line. It continued to carry, besides passengers, the mail and express, each way, daily, for a period of two years. At that time, in the embryo town of Kansas City, not a steam whistle was to be heard, and the only sound of a steam engine that woke the echoes of its unsightly bluffs, was by the passing steamboat. In 1860, S. B. Hitt opened the first lumber yard in Osborn. He continued to do a large business till the breaking out of the Civil War, The first to sell goods in Osborn were Ferguson & Harbor, who opened a general store on Baker street, in 1858. The first blacksmith in the place was Ed. Alair, who opened his shop in 1862. Mrs. C. A. Perry opened the first milliner shop in the town - this was in 1868. One of the early settlers of Osborn, and for years an emi¬ nently representative business man of the place, was Asa Daniels. Major Robert Hill, at one time his partner in business, also an early settler and enterprising citizen of the town, died in 1874. Nannie Harbor, daughter of T. B. Harbor, was the first child born in Osborn, March 12, 1858.

Andrew Bunton kept the first eating house in Osborn. The first hotel, the Young American, was managed by Richard Wheeler. E. Goldsmith subsequently put up a hotel, which he kept many years. This was de¬ stroyed by fire in 1878. The first physician to locate in the town was Dr. I. B. Garrison, who came in 1859. The first sermon preached in Osborn was delivered in the railroad depot by Rev. Jesse Bird, of the M. E. Church, South, in 1860. The first flouring mill in the town was started in 1870 by Millbank & Cox. It was a steam power mill, furnished with two run of burrs. The first postmaster of Osborn was T. B. Harbor, appointed in 1859. The first railroad agent appointed for Osborn station was W. L. Ferguson, in 1858. Cattle were driven to this station for shipment from points as far south as Cass County.

The second church organized in Osborn was the First Presbyterian. This was effected June 6, 1868, by Rev. E. B. Sherwood, William E. Coring, Sidney J. Brownson, T. J. Edie, Mrs. Nancy Edie, by letter, they them- selves not being' present; Mrs. Harriet W. Higgins, Miss Carrie W. Hig¬ gins, Mrs. Alice A. Loring. William E. Coring was, by ballot, chosen elder, and Rev. C. W. Higgins, acting pastor, was appointed clerk. The first minister was Rev. C. W. Higgins, of New York.

The Missionary Baptist Church of Osborn was organized by Elder Robert Livingston, Dec. 1, 1870, with the following members: Joseph Truex and wife, C. Hoffman and wife, Mrs. A. Peach, Silas H. Murray and wife. Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas L. Brown and wife, Emery Sheak and wife, Mrs. J, L. Chapman and L. Toby. The first minister of the con¬ gregation was Rev. Robert Livingston, who organized the church.

The first Sunday school organized in Osborn was in 1867. It was a union school, held at the residence of Abel Lee. The superintendent, at the period of its organization, was N. J. Harvey. The assistant teachers were Mrs. Harvey, Mrs. Charles McPherson, Miss Fanny Howard and Mrs. Abel Lee. The Sunday school was a success.

Turney is a town of 212 population on the line of the Burlington Rail¬ road. It is in Lathrop Township, five miles due north of the town ot Lathrop, and includes in its site the east half of Section 25, Township 56, Range 31, its northern limits extending to the line of Shoal Township. It was laid out in 1869, when the first house in the place was erected by William H. Moore. This combined a store house and dwelling. James Murdock was the first to sell goods in the village. The first railroad sta¬ tion agent in Turney was Hugh Sturdy, and the first appointed postmaster Ben Byers. E. Dudley, in 1870, built in the place the first hotel, and a grain elevator, which he subsequently moved to Lathrop. He also at one time kept the railroad station. The first church built in the village was the M. E. South. Rev. Mr. Grimes was its first pastor. In the following year the Methodist Episcopal Church erected an edifice of similar dimen¬ sions and corresponding cost. Rev. William Hanley was the first minister in charge.

Grayson has a population of 121 and is located in the northern part of Hardin Township, on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. The town was laid out in 1871, on land formerly owned by H. B. Baker. The town was called Grayson after Mrs. Baker, whose maiden name was Gray¬ son. The first business house was that of Eaton & Baker, succeeded by Mr. Jacobs.

Perrin, on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, located in Platte To-wmship, is an old town, having been established in 1873. It has a population of 155.

Converse, located in Jackson Township, on the Burlington Railroad, has a population of 73. It has been a lively trading and shipping point for many years.

Hemple, located in the northwest part of this county, in Lafayette Township, on the Burlington Railroad, is another town well worthy of mention. It has a population of 132.

There are a number of other villages and railroad stations in the county, making shipping and trading easily accessible to every part of the county.