Dade County, Missouri - Chapter 16, 1917 (part 3 of 6)

E. L. Blevans was born in Cass County, Missouri. He served under Col. Irvin, in Rain's division of Price's army. He is now in his 71st year. He has made Dade County his home for some years.

J. M. Carlock was of Co. G. 16th Missouri Infantry. He served under Col. Stemmons in Rains 's brigade of Price's army. He is now 69 years of age and has spent much of his life in Dade County.

A. J. Mills was of Co. A 3rd Missouri cavalry, Shelby's brigade. He is now 68 years old, but "don't look it." Tic has spent 64 years of his life in Dade County and his neighbor's would be glad to have him spend 64 more here.

K. F. Poindexter was also of Co. A 3d Missouri cavalry, Shelby's brigade. He is "To the manor born" being not only a native Missourian, but also a native Dade countian. He is now 68 years of age and one of the handsomest and youngest looking in the group.

E. D. Coble was of Co. I 3rd Missouri cavalry, Shelby's brigade, and Cooper regiment. His age is 77 and lie has never claimed any other place home excepting Dado County, Missouri.

Joe Ren fro is a younger brother of Commander Lewis Ren fro and possibly the youngest of the group above. Tie is also a native of our county.

Lewis Renfro was of Co. A 3rd 'Missouri cavalry and served as lieutenant under Col. John M. Stemmons, for whom the local camp of U. C. V. was named, and at its organization was elected commander. He has constantly served the camp in that capacity with the exception of one year, when the late Sam Howard was honored with that position. He was born in Dade County, which has always been his home, and is now 65 years of age.

James R. Jeffreys was a member of the 2nd Tennessee, 1st division, Wheeler's corps. He was born in Tennessee, but spent more than half a century in Dade County, Missouri. He is now a 71-year-old boy.

II. R. Thomas is one of the original Co. A boys of Price's batallion, and though 67 years of age still an allround. He came to Dade County, Missouri, some time in the '70s.

M. J. Sooter, now of Miller, Lawrence County, Missouri, spent many of the years of his life in Dade County. We have not Mr. Sooter 's war record, but one look ar his handsome picture will convince any reader that it is 0. K. and that he is probably somewhat younger than his reputed age.

We have no doubt but this was quite as fine a bunch of soldiers as they are citizens, and Dade is sorry that she cannot claim them all as her own.

There are also a number of others of t'sesc ''Old Boys" who are still Dade Countians and whom we should have very much liked to have in the picture, but they were not present and we will have to endeavor to get them at some future time.

Greenfield During The Civil War

The following paper, read by Miss Bessie Hobbs at the high school commencement exercises, will be of much interest to many of our people. An unusual sr.bject has been handled in a most interesting manner:

Long, long ago when savage panthers reamed the wilds of the western part of Greenfield, and wolves might be seen at any time showing their cruel teeth as if guarding some hidden treasure; when thr1 deer lurked here and there trying in vain to slum the fatal blow of the hunter; and even in the outskirts of the little city, the blood-

In the northwestern portion of the town where now the high school, with its beautiful campus, and the residences with their smooth, grassy lawns are located, in 1861 there was seen nothing but a great field of corn.

There was no negro town; instead there was a huge thicket which proved to be an excellent place for the concealment of bushwhackers during the war. The block on which the M. E. church is situated was one great mass of briers, hfizel bushes and campbellite weeds, through which a path ran obliquely from the present site of the parsonage to the Dade County Bank site. One can imagine from this picture that the busy little city was at that time indeed very small. The dwelling houses were few and far between. Mr. Latham, one of the quite prominent citizens, lived in the house just south of H. D. Sloan's, but at that time this residence was located where Dr. Weir's house now stands. It has been but slightly remodeled, and is perhaps one of the oldest houses of the town. R. S. Jacobs resided near the public square in the house which is now a part of the Ed Shaw home. An old residence and one which has been but very little altered since it was built is that north of the home of D. R. White. During a portion of the war this house was the residence of Col. Coffee, probably the most influential man of the whole county. He was one of the leading lawyers of the town and his popularity gained for him the position as speaker of the Missouri house of representatives. At the beginning of the Civil war he enlisted in the Confederate army and became captain of a ccmrpany. An old-time house which witnessed all the events of the war is the Barber house, which is now owned by Mr. Xewell Cates, the father of Will Cates, who resides near Pennsboro. The present residence of 1). R. White was occupied by William (Jriggs and it looked very much as it does now. Perhaps one of the best houses of the town was the home of the Misses Eastin, daughters of the former

When you view the present substantial business houses of the town did it ever occur to you what were once in their places? In 1861, there were only two brick buildings on the square. In one Mr. Shields had a hotel; now many times enlarged the Delmonico hotel. In one of the rooms of the other brick structure was a store which J. T. Rankin, Uncle Jeff Montgomery and Rev. W. J. Garrett owned. The firm was humorously nick-named "Wisdom, Strength and Beauty," the first being "Wisdom," Mr. Montgomery "Strength" and Mr. Garrett "Beauty." In the other room Dr. Bowles had a little store and also kept the postoffice. This building was replaced a number of years ago by the Merril-Jopes block. In addition to the Shields hotel there were two others, one owned by Mr. W. H. Holland and the other under the management of W. H. Younger. Mr. Holland's establishment was a twostory frame structure across the street from D. W. Edwards' dwelling and now, though somewhat enlarged, known as the "Green House." Mr. Younger 's hotel was also a two-story frame building, standing where Mr. Carr's meat market now is.

The grocery and dry goods stores were never separated. There were four of just such stores besides those above mentioned. Where the Washington hotel stands a small frame building was occupied by John G. Riley and Captain John Howard, the latter a far-seeing man arid one of the foremost in the history of our city.

It might be interesting to note that Mr. Brewer's little store building formerly located at the present site of the Greenfield Dry Goods company store, is the only business house in town which has survived the ravages of the years without having been remodeled. In 1861 R. S. Jacobs there had a little store, the contents of which were worth about five or six hundred dollars. Mr. Jacobs, too, is fresh in our minds as a man, who, despite hard times, was ever successful in a financial way and whose influence was felt over all the county. The store of Buster & Bryant was in a two-story building located where the Jacobs bank stands, that of Mr. Rufus Gates in the front part of a little two-roomed building where Eastin's store is. These same rooms, but so very much changed that they could never be recognized now from the front part of the residence of W. M. Holland.

There were two saddle shops when the war began; that of Newell Gates was located in the room just back of his brother's little store, and that of Charley Beal & T. E. Bell was on the north side, where the Mead building is situated.

places. Elilm Martin's saloon was in a small building somewhere near the place where I. B. Tarr's warehouse is. Mr. Bender, a well known doctor had a little drug store where that of C. H. Bennett is now near this, perhaps where the furniture store is was the drug store of Xewt McCluer, one of the quite prominent men of the town. John Baugh had a little saloon where you now see the Dade County Bank. By this general survey around the square one can imagine what great spaces were between some of the buildings. Now compare the business portion of Greenfield of 1861 with that of today and what a great difference is found.

The court house, the second constructed in our city, vras a brick building about the size of the one we have now,- and located in about the same place. David Eastin was at that time county clerk, W. W. Holland, treasurer, Arch Lonir, circuit clerk and recorder and Mr. Hastings, sheriff.

The jail was a rude structure of logs two stories high, the walls containing three thicknesses. The timbers of the outer walls occupied a horizontal position while those of the middle wall were perpendicular. In the lower story the walls were1 lined on the inside with oak lumber one inch thick and into every square inch a ten-penny nail was driven. This rough looking old building was, how- ever, about as safe for the keeping of prisoners as any we have ever had. It was located in the hollow on the east side of Greenfield and remained there until 1862 or 1863, when after the decree was issued that it was to be used as a guard house some of the Union soldiers enraged because they had been thrust into jail, burned it down immediately after the order had been made.

In 1861 there was but one church in the city, the old Presbyterian edifice which stood where the manse now stands. Of all the number who were present at the dedication of this church, only one remains. P. L. Montgomery, of this city. Some of the others are sleeping in the beautiful cemetery in the eastern portion of the town, while others lie in the War graveyard a mile from Greenfield. Although the church was Presbyterian, it was used by all denominations and it seems perfect peace reigned among them. Rev. Fulton, the regular pastor of the church, was much beloved by all who knew him.

The schools, at the beginning of the war were very much inferior to those of the present day. A brick school building had been begun by the Masonic lodge on the lot where the school for the grades now stands, but unfortunately had not been completed. The old white frame building consisting of two rooms above and two rooms below, had been moved back far enough to make room for ,the new building. School was taught in the old house by Mr. Williams, until after the winter of 1861, when the war rendered its continuance impossible. The school resembled an academy somewhat, some of the higher branches of study, such as Latin, Greek and mathematics, being taught along with the common subjects. Here Mrs. Shafer, widow of the late Judge Shafer, Mrs. Henry Merrill and Mrs. Will Champlin spent their school days. Out in the woods near the place where the mill pond in the western part of Greenfield is found, there was also a little district school taught by Mr. John Wilson. This was a type of the real old-time "Deestrict Skule" upon which so many modern entertainments have been based. Taking the schools as a whole, they were exceedingly poor. Do

The population of Greenfield in 1861 was about 300, 71 of whom were slaves. The negro, as usual, delighted in having fine clothes and pretty ornaments. Mr. Newt McCluer owned a slave, Reuben, who was especially noted as a lover of fine dress. His master permitted him to hire to other people when he was not needed at home and allowed him to keep the money which he earned. Reub accumulated enough wealth to purchase a very costly watch and chain, a gold-headed umbrella, broadcloth suit, stiff hat, and fine shoes, so that he made a more stylish appearance than any other man in the town, black or white. Reub one day did not anticipate a storm when he started from home on the way to town, and did not take his umbrella with him. Just as he was passing the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Allison (among the old settlers of Greenfield and the grand-parents of Mason Talbutt) it suddenly began to shower. Reub, dreading to get his hat wet, took it off and put it under his coat, when Mr. Allison exclaimed: "Why, Reub, don't you know you oughtn't to let the rain pour down on your head that way? You are liable to take cold and die." Reub, who could generally think of the right thing to say at the right time, replied: "A man has a right to take care of his own property. This head belongs to Mr. McCluer; this hat belongs to me."

Some of the negroes now residing in Greenfield who were slaves prior to and during the war are: Lucy Rutledge, Henry Griggs, Henry Stephenson, Bill Long, Manuel and Ellen Dicus, and Aunt Lilah Hoyle.

When the war began several Union companies were organixed in Dade County. Companies "A" and "D" of the Sixth Missouri cavalry completed their organization on July 4th, IHG'l. Clark Wright, who was the first captain of Company "A," became colonel and T. A. Switzer captain. I. T. Sloan and John Scroggs of this city were members of this company.

Late in the spring or early in the summer of 1862, a Union militia company was organized in Greenfield, and on the day that the officers were elected and sworn into the service by Enrolling Officer, John B. Clark of Dadeville, it was reported that a Confederate force under Joe Shelly and John Coffee were advancing upon the town. At this instant, the faithful enrolling officer, knowing that he was the one most desired and likely to receive the hardest treatment by the enemy, went +o the home of W. K. Latham and asked the lady of the house to hide him. This she did by putting him into a hole under the buildingthrough a trap in the floor, over which she quickly spread a carpet. The enemy, who, however, proved not to be Shelby and Coffee, rushed into the town and captured all but a few of the new company, and searched in vain for Capt. Clark. All of the captured ones were sworn not to take up arms against the confederacy. Afterwards, upon being exchanged, nearly all of them volunteered into the U. S. service. Mr. N. S. McCluer in 1862 became the first captain of Company "M," of the Eighth Missouri cavalry; Alfred Kennedy, first lieutenant, and Mr. Mc- Dowell, second. Mr. Raleigh J. Shipley was a member of this company.

In 1863, Company "I" of the 18th Missouri cavalry was organized with John Howard captain and W. K. Pyle one of the lieutenants. Here Mason Talbutt and Abe Carr served during the following two years as soldiers for the Union.

In addition" to these companies all the other men of Greenfield between the ages of 18 and 45 were compelled to enroll in the home militia and were known as the "Home Guard," but their work was very light and they were never passed into actual service. Although most of the men of the town sympathized with the north, there were a few who believed in the cause of the Confedaracy; Lewis Renfro of this city, John M. Stemmons and two of his brothers, and Colonel Coffey (as has been noted) were hearty supporters of the south.

One Sunday morning during the early part of the war when 'Rev. Fulton was preaching, 60 or 70 unexpected guests arrived at the church. They rushed into the room and the people were horror stricken. The weapons which some of the congregation chanced to have were taken, but nothing valuable as money or jewelry. The bushwackers then forced all to take an oath that they would not take up arms against the confederacy. The sermon was not finished, as pastor and flock went straight home as soon as they could get away.

The enemy then hurried to the store of R. S. Jacobs and robbed it. A safe which contained something less than a thousand dollars of the county money was blown open and its contents taken. After the bushwhackers thought they had damaged the town enough they departed, perhaps to ravage some other unsuspecting and unguarded village.

At most any time were such men lurking about in the forests or hiding behind some old building ready to plunge the fatal knife or fire the fatal shot into the bosom of some innocent man, but to do so was considered no crime in those cruel war times, and many foul murders went unpunished. Another time during the early part of the war a band of Guerrillas made a raid upon the town. The Union State Militia and the Sixth regiment, under the leadership of Major Wick Morgan, were at that time quartered in the Shields hotel, and from the windows of the building the bullets whizzed out through the air to the enemy, causing one to meet death and the remainder to fall back. They fled . southward and burned the houses of many Union men on their way.

Probably one of the most well known raids through Greenfield during the war -was that of October 6, 1863, when the town was captured by Confederate troops under command of Gen. Joe Shelby. It must have been previously known that the court house was to be destroyed for Colonel Coffey, who, being a land owner, was probably looking out for his own interests, had ordered the public records to be carried out arid piled in one of the houses nearby. When he himself arrived, the structure was one great mass of flames, the like of which many in town had never seen. When- the fire had abated, the soldiers departed from this part of the country, leaving the little county seat in a great uproar.

A second alarm, which served to increase the terror of the people, spread over the town when during the night after Shelby's raid news was received that Austin King had taken possession of the town. But when the second message was sent over the little city that King was a Union leader who had come to defend the place, the inhabitants once more were relieved. Guards were placed in all the most important roads leading to the town and again the county seat was at rest.

Although only a very small portion of the great civil war took place in Greenfield, the people nevertheless suffered at times exceedingly; Once in a 'while the wealthy person could obtain from the town market no more than he who didn't have a penny for there was absolutely nothing to buy. At one time, the nearest market to Greenfield was Osceola and it was even difficult to obtain provisions there for the trip was a dangerous task on account of the dreadful work of the bushwackers.

From the market of Springfield where things were considered the cheapest, one could carry ten dollars worth of sugar in one end of a common size meal sack and ten dollars worth of coffee in the other. Corn bread, bacon, hominy and game formed the -staple diet during the war and often even they were considered a treat,

The many cruel depredations, the killing of individuals and other atrocities committed around Greenfield during the war period, and the hard times which all went through, would furnish material sufficient to fill a volume.

Time, however, has served to mitigate these evil effects and those who oiice fought as enemies, divided by bitter prejudice, have long since ceased to harbor illfeeling and now work side by side, united in sentiment, with one sincere ambition of promoting public good.

Kincheon West

In writing a history of a county and its people, living and dead, good, bad and indifferent, it sometimes becomes necessary to insert a page here and there which appears upon its surface more or less dark and gloomy, and especially when the incidents relate to circumstances which have their foundation in the days that tried the hearts of strong men, and caused even the foundations of our government to tremble.

With malice toward none and charity for all, I will try to relate the story of "Kinch West" perhaps the most notorious, intrepid and fearless man that ever lived in Dade County.

His boyhood was similar to that of any other country boy growing up in the environment of forest, field and woodland, living very close to nature and enjoying a freedom wiiich comes only from the hills. Like the Shepherd Boy of old who came from the Judaeian hills to the court of a king and afterward became a famous warrior, the life of Kinch West was transformed in a single day from that of a quiet, unassuming country boy to an armed desperado by the enactment of a tragedy which would seem impossible in a civilized community.

On the 5th day of April, 1863. a company of men whose identity is unknown to the writer of this article, visited the home of Billy West, the father of Kinch West, about eight miles east of Greenfield, killed the father, burned the house and contents, and presumably the same parties a few days later killed two of his infan; sons, about the age of ten or twelve years, respectively. Billy West had sons in the Confederate army. Kinch being one of them, and this fact is supposed to bo the cause of the tragedy.

When this appal'ing news reached the ears of Kinch, IK- became so enraged that he immediately resigm-d his j-osition in the Confederate anr.y, came back to th" vicinity of his old home and organized an independent hand to \ isit ven^enee upon the he-ids of the perpetrators ( f this vile deed.

Kinch and his followers claimed to know the names of <he guilty parties, but the concensus of opinion at that rime was that his evidence rested largely in suspicion.

His anger and wrath was fanned into a fierce flp.me by i eason of the exingencies of the war and the peril of the limes. As soon as his band was organized they coraenced a merciless warfare against the supposed guilty parties, <md extended it to every party that interfered or m any way opposed his plans. Houses were burned, live;, were taken, property destroyed and a perfect reign of terror existed in the community. Doubtless many deeds were done and crimes committed which were laid at the door of Kinch West; of which he was innocent, but his name was a terror and h'.s threats a thorn iu the flesh to ail who opposed him in the tloody warfare upon his enemies.

His company was an independent one and unconnected in anyway >iTJth the Southern Confederacy although made up of southern sympathizers and ex-Confederate soldiers. They alone were responsible for the enormity of their deeds.

Kinch West never returned to Dade County after the war. The West family was one of the oldest and most respected in the county and were early pioneers. Many of his relatives now residing in the county are among our very best people.

Concerning The Present Court House

In a copy of the Vedette, in June, 1868, while the present court house was in the course of construction, had the following, on its local page:

"The new court house and jail is advancing all right. W. L. Scroggs, superintendent of public buildings, today filed in the office of the Clerk of the County Court, his report stating that he has examined the material of the bricks for the new court house and jail and pronounces them of good material and well burned, and receives them as made according to contract.

The jail spoken of in this clipping was in the southwest corner of the present court house, the space now used by the circuit clerk. The old jail was abandoned some fifteen years ago at the time the new one was completed. The new jail stands a little to the east of the southest corner of the public square. At some seasons of the year the old jail held open doors for weeks at a time.

Appearance Of Early Newspapers

In looking over the files of the Greenfield "Vedr-tte" from its inception in August, 18G6, to the early and middle seventies, it is found that this publication was sure abreast with the times in which it was published. It was ably edited by Origgs and Talbutt, also by Talbutt and Barker, and when the late Charles W. Griffith took the ownership in the early part of the seventies, it appears that he put forth his best effort in giving the people a good local newspaper. He believed in the editorial page and he devoted the best of his energies in discussing local, state and national interests.

A little over a quarter of a century ago the Griffith home in Greenfield was destroyed by fire. The old files of the "Vedette" were consumed in the flames. But few copies of the early issues are extant. Fortunately while cleaning the old vaults at the court house in recent weeks a bundle of these old papers was found that had been placed on file in the office of the County Clerk. An early copy of the Dade County Advocate, Vol. 1, No. 28, was found at this time. Attorney Vohiey Moon was then the editor and publisher. He was a Greenfield attorney and is well remembered by the older class of citizens. This was in 1875. The initial number of the Advocate presents a very cred- liable appearance, but it remained for the present owner and publisher, William R. Bowles, to make it the paper its mission required. For many years Mr. Bowles has had charge of this paper, and it is truly one of the best and ablest Democratic newspapers in Missouri, published in the country districts. Mr. Bowles is an educated man and he loves the Advocate. See article on Greenfield newspapers from their inception on another page. It is mighty interesting history to Dade County people.

Cumberland Presbyterian Pioneers

The early history of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Dade County is shrouded more or less in tradition, but there are a few well-established facts which I desire to submit to the Dade County History.

Among1 the early ministers of this church I will mention Rev. A. A. Young-, who visited Dade County and later settled in Lawrence County on Honey creek about eight miles northwest of Aurora. Rev. J. D. Montgomery and Rev. TV. J. Garrett both settled in Dade County. Rev. Garrett in Greenfield and Rev. Montgomery on a farm four miles northeast of Greenfield now owned by the Scott family. Rev. James Tucker was also among the very early preachers of the state to settle in this county. He settled on the farm now owned by John Stockton near the Ed Dicus farm northeast of Greenfield. He was the father of Mrs. Scott, who lived and died on the Emerson Scott farm. She was 9(5 years old at the time of her death, and the mother of James, Hambleton, Ab. Perry, Price and Emerson Scott and Mrs. Narcissus Winkle.

South Greenfield Camp Ground

The South Greenfield Camp Ground was located before the Civil War. The ground was donated by Jacob Cox, father of our lamented Sam Cox. The ten acres where the Camp Ground is no\v located was set apart by the donor for a perpetual camp ground for the use of the South Meth- odist Church. The meetings that were held before the war differed from those of later date. Instead of tents, the campers built camps made of small logs. Those camps were built around the shed on the four sides, each camp owned by some liberal person who expected to bear his or her part of the expense of feeding the great multitudes of people who attended. For people went a long distance to attend those annual gatherings. The camps were usually double, with a space between. The rooms were usually about 12 or 14 feet square, one room set apart for ladies and the other for gentlemen ; the space between was for social use, where people would find shade and shelter during the time between services. The campers erected cook sheds and long tables, where free-for-all meals were served except for those who preferred to go in the covered wagons, prepared to take care of themselves. Pastures were provided by the liberal farmers for the horses and oxen, that were used for the conveyance of all the people.

The services usually commenced on Thursday night and continued until about mid-week, making the series about a week long. The preaching and singing was ol the old-rime type, and religious awakenings usually followed from the first service. Among the ministers was the wellremembered James McGehee, a man of great power and a s \veet singer in Israel. I remember but few of his co-laborers ; will mention only Rev. Joe Davidson, another conse crated, faithful servant of the Lord. Ministers of other churches were also faithful helpers. Rev. J. D. Montgomery was among the early day assistants. Those meetings always resulted in great good, and all the churches usually received a part of the converts, as everything connected with those meetings was in perfect union and God honored and blessed them all. It was long after the close of the war before the fires were rekindled on those sacred grounds. During those days the railroad was built and South Greenfield was located. I think it was about the year 1880 that the grounds were once more cleared of briars and rubbish and the meetings re-established, continuing for only a few years, during which time the South Methodist erected a neat church just north of the shed, where they worshiped until the congregation constructed and carried out their plan of moving their House of Worship to the new town, now South Greenfield. Soon after the erection of the church on the camp ground, there was a Cumberland Presbyterian church organized by Rev. "VV. E. Shaw, consisting of thirteen members, known as the South Greenfield congregation of Ozark Presbytery. The new organization was heartily welcome to use of the house, where they worshiped with perfect unity, and both churches prospered and worked together until the time when the South Methodists were ready to move their house, when the ten-acre piece of land that constituted the camp ground was sold to the Cumberland Presbyterian. The congregation that then worshiped there now own and worship in a house built soon after, on or near the spot from which the other house stood. Soon after the transfer of the property the new owners set about re-establishing the camp meetings. Rev. "VV. E. Shaw preached for this new Cumberland Presbyterian church for three years, with a degree of success, after which Rev. J. F. Daughtrey and Rev. George Harbor were pastors. Under their labor the church became so much strengthened and encouraged that they reorganized the camp meetings under the present plan of renting tents and buildings, a restaurant, and setting a time limit of 10 days for said meetings. I failed to remember now which of those brethren, Dauglitrey or Harbor, was first after myself to take charge of the church, but the Lord blessed and prospered the work, and soon the encampment became a great annual gathering where a threat deal of good was accomplished, when the question of fraternity and union with the Presbyterian church was accomplished in 11)0(5, the programs having already been made. The divided parties went forward, and the encampment was for that year under the direction of the union element, but the ownership of the property was legally in the hands of the Cumberland Presbyterians, who submitted to the tamp meeting plan already made, Rev. George Harbor being Superintendent in the year 1907. The Cumberland

Presbyterians claimed their right and took possession of the grounds. Sam W. Cox, the leading member and elder, having wisely made the conditions of the purchase, making each donor a granloi and beneficiary to the pi'operty, to hold in trust for their own use as a place of worship. Since taking hold of the grounds, the management has continued each year to go forward with perfect unity, guaranteeing to all people protection, and great gatherings have annually met and worshiped God, and great and lasting u'ood lias been the result. The large crowds of people have been estimated at from five to eight thousand on the Sabbaths and most popular days. May the Lord continue the great work.

Tt was early in the year 1855 that that great man, Rev. W. J. Garrett, came to make his home in the little town of Greenfield, where his memory will ever be loved and held sacred in the hearts of her citizens. Here it was he started a boarding school which resulted in Ozark College and finally in the High School of today.

But while the people were prospering in many ways, they were in one sense very poor, for they had forgotten the promise in that great Book which says, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (earthly comforts) shall be added unto you." However, it was not the will of God that the Evil One should have so much influence in this locality, so Rev. Garrett was sent to preach to them the "Whosoever will Gospel" loved so much by every true Cumberland Presbyterian.

Rev. Garrett for some time preached in the court house, but at last a house was furnished where the present Presbyterian Church stands. Here they worshiped for about eight years. They finally decided with the help of God to build a new church and sold the old building to the Presbyterians.

Rev. Garrett, Dr. Bowles, Eliot Young and Peter Van Osdell were a few of the leaders who helped to push this enterprise to a complete and victorious ending. To get the lumber to build this church much donation work was done, the logs were cut and brought to town from the great forest which then stood just north of town.

It was in September, 1868, that the new temple was ready to be dedicated to the full service of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Rev. J. N. Edmiston and P. J. Reed conducted the Dedicatory Services. A revival had been going on for some weeks in a brush harbor just north of town. This was moved into the new church directly after completion. The power of God seemed to fill the congregation at every meeting. The Christians were comforted and filled with a great joy, while the sinners fell down and wept bitterly. In this revival, which lasted several weeks, many, many precious souls were brought to feel the pardoning love of our Heavenly Father.

There were now one hundred members enrolled. The following are some of the early preachers : Rev. Garrett, who preached about thirty years ; Rev. B. F. Logan, ten years ; Rev. Dunlap, Rev. Brown and Rev. R. L. Venice, four years. The first year Rev. Venice was pastor, he held revivals within which about seventy professed. Most of these were young men from the college, who afterward united with the church. Following Rev. Venice was Rev. J. P. Campbell, who preached two years; Rev. George Harbor, one year; Rev. Lowe, six months; Rev. Cheek, one year; Rev. Fly, eighteen months, and Rev. Pitts, a few months.

Our present pastor, Rev. W. E. Shaw, was ordained in the old church in October, 1884. Rev. J. F. Daughtrey preached one year, beginning in 1893. There were about twenty conversions recorded in this year.

Rev. Johnston was pastor when the union question came up. He went union and preached at the present Presbyterian Church until his death. The Unionists not only took many members with them, but they also took the parsonage, which was then worth about $800.

When the few true members that remained had somewhat recovered from the shock which this calamity had laid upon them, they found that they were about fifteen strong, for "as with Gideon's army, God can accomplish much with little."

It is here that much praise should be given to Rev. R. S. Ramsey and Rev. J. F. Daughtrey, who came to the rescue of the little congregation in Greenfield. They stood firmly for the Cumberland Presbyterian cause, and used all their influence to hold the church together until Rev. W. E. Shaw could be employed as pastor at the fall meeting of Presbytery.

Rev. Shaw took up the shattered work beginning in August, 1906, and ending the middle of the year 1908. Rev. Carr then took up the work for two years, or until Rev. Shaw could come back to carry on the work up to the present time. In the revival which Brother Shaw held in 1907 nearly all the young people were converted, who are members of the church today.

In the spring of 1913 the two churches, the Presbyterians and Cumberland Presbyterians, compromised, the Presbyterians getting $1,000 and the Cumberlaiicls getting the old church and grounds.

The church has just now come through another great struggle, that of building the present new brick church. Rev. Shaw, with his little handful of workers, not only worked for this, but they also prayed much to Him who knows no such a thing as failure. The new church was

"With the dedication of the church, a new era is upon us, with new duties, new conflicts, new trials and new opportunities ; start on the new journey with Jesus Christ, to walk with Him, to work for Him, and to win souls to him. Know "that if God shuts us in at one door, it is only to bring us out at another." The fact that the church in Greenfield is still alive and prospering is a sure proof that God has some work awaiting it.

Obituary Of Rev. William Ramsey

Died, at his residence in Greenfield, on Tuesday, the 8th day of February, 1876, of acute tuberculosis, Rev. "William Ramsey Bennington, in the fifty-third yea" of his age.

The subject of the above notice was well and favorably known to most every citizen of Dade County. During a residence of nearly ten years here he had endeared himself to almost every person with whom he came in contact.

He became a Christian at an ^nrly age, and had preached the gospel for more than twenty years. At the time of his death he was an industrious teacher in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In this cause lie was earnest, fervent and devoted, doing more than his failing physical powers would justify. Among his last requests was this: "That the ministers should teach more industriously if possible." Many will long remember him as one who was always ready to give religious instruction and to preach the gospel of salvation to his fellow men.

lie was married to Priscilla Wall on the 4th of September, 1S42, near Xenia, Greene County, Ohio. They had eight children, six of whom are living, five daughters in this county, and a son living in Joplin.

He removed from Ohio to Knox County, Missouri, and settled at Edina in 1855, where he published a paper called the Knox County Argus, for a short time, taught in the high school in the town eight years, and was elected Superintendent of public schools three terms.

At the breaking out of the late Civil War he was a strong Union man, and enlisted in the army and served over three years. He saw much hard service under Generals Grant and Sherman during the western campaigns. He received several severe wounds, the effects of which hastened his death. He came out of the army like many other gallant, patriotic, honest soldiers, broken in health and fortune. He brought his family and settled in Dado County in the year 1866, where he had been engaged in teaching school and preaching the gospel until shortly before his death, when he was compelled to give up his labors from the effects of the disease which had been preying upon him for some six or seven weeks before.

He was the County School Commissioner at the time of his demise, and by his loss the schools of the county are deprived of an earnest, faithful and efficient laborer in the cause of education.

He was a member of the Masonic bodies of Greenfield, and requested to be buried according to the rites of the order. In his death the lodges lose a good man. This community is deprived of a valuable citizen, the churches of an earnest and faithful teacher, and his family of a kind and indulgent husband and parent.

In these times of selfish greed and unprincipled rush to acquire wealth, it does the soul good to contemplate the character of one so pure and disinterested as was that of the deceased. And dying in the triumphant hope of life eternal, he thought to exhort his ministerial brethren to more earnest work, to ask his friends and relatives to live so as to meet him in that land from whose bourn no traveler returns.

The Burial of Professor Bennington. - Professor Bennington was buried by the Masonic bodies of Greenfield. There were a very large number of Masons present, and the Knights Templar turned out in uniform. The procession repaired to the late residence of the deceased and escorted the body to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where Rev. Mr. Garrett preached the funeral discourse. The church was jammed full of the school children and citizens from all parts of the county, and fully one-half could not even find standing room inside. After the funeral discourse the procession repaired to the cemetery, where the body was deposited according to the rites of Masonry. After returning to the lodge appropriate resolutions were adopted, a copy of which are given below.

Whereas, It has pleased the Supreme Architect of the Universe to remove from our midst to that undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns, our beloved brother, William R. Bennington; therefore, be it

Itcsolve.d, That in the death of our brother the community has sustained the loss of an honorable, upright and exemplary citizen, the church has been deprived of a pillar and ornament, the cause of education an intelligent, energetic and zealous worker, the fraternity an esteemed and dearly beloved brother, whose example has ever guided in the paths of virtue and truth. Be it further

Hcxolrcd, That we tender to his bereaved family our sincere condolence in this, their hour of great tribulation, and accord to them our heart-felt sympathies, as a token of respect to the memory of our deceased brother, that the lodge and jewels be draped in mourning, and that we wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Be it further

Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records, and a copy duly certified under the seal of the Lodge be furnished the family of our deceased brother.

This church, the oldest of its denomination in Southwest Missouri, was organized June 4, 1842, with twentyeight members. When the Rev. J. W. Bell, who presided at the organization, asked the members what name they desired to call their church, John M. Rankin arose and in a voice trembling with emotion said, "Let it be Ebenezer, for hitherto the Lord hath helped us." The church then belonged to what was known as the old school branch of the Presbyterian family.

The charter members were John and Polly Rankin, Margaret Rankin, Nathan Wilkerson and Nathan Wilkerson, Sr., Rebecca Wilkerson, Jane Wilkerson, Nancy Morris, John Tarbot, Mary Tarbot, Jacob Montgomery, Rachel Montgomery, Anna Montgomery, Nancy S. Davidson, W. W. Rankin, Margaret Oerdner, James Sharp, Alfred Cowan, Hannah, a negro slave, Mary Weir, Betsy Wilkerson, Sarah Wilkerson, Nancy Bokers, Thomas Ross, Sarah C. Ross, Margaret "Rutdledge and George Rutdledge. The first families composing the membership were mostly from Virginia and Tennessee.

The first elders were Nathan Wilkerson, Sr., Jacob Montgomery and John M. Rankin. The church was without a pastor the first two years of its existence, and the elders exercised care over the congregation, maintaining regular services.

years. He was also employed as principal of the Greenfield Academy, one of the oldest schools in the entire country for higher education. He was a charter member of the Washington Masonic lodge at Greenfield. On leaving here he went to Illionis, where he died in 1849 at the early age of thirty-eight years. Mr. Pentzer was a very able man, a good sermonizer, a splendid teacher, and he did much for the cause of education while here.

Mr. Pentzer 's successor was the late Rev. John Mc- Farland, a man of deep piety and sterling worth, who came to the church in 1848 and remained its pastor until 1860. Mr. McFarland had a great influence in moulding early Presbyterianism in the entire Southwest, and there are many still living who delight to speak of the man and his work to this day. During his ministry the first house of worship was erected in 1854. It was built of brick and it stood on the same lot the present building stands, but it was back farther from the street. The erection of the firstchurch building was made possible by the generous gift of $600 from Elder James M. Mitchell. Another liberal giver was ''Aunt Hannah" Cowen, an old slave. The pioneers were mostly poor and there seems to have been a scarcity of money at that time. Hearing the solicitor of the building fund speak to her master of the difficulty in raising money, "Aunt Hannah" walked into the room with a half dollar in her hand, which she had saved from her scanty wage, and handing it to the solicitor, she said, "Will this buy a brick?"

Mary McFarland, the minister's gifted and devoted wife, was an important active factor in the work of this period. She was not only interested in the work of the local church, but in the wider field of missions, and she was one of the first advocates of the Woman's Presbyterian Missionary Society. She was educated at the famous school of Mary Lyon, Holyoke, Mass. When Mr. McFarland retired from the pastorate of the Ebenezer church, a little log school house was built on their farm, two miles north of Greenfield. This school was sometimes called Brush College.

It is said it was the only school in the Southwest that survived the Civil War. When some of the soldiers who have been her students at the beginning of the war returned to their homes, they went back to Mrs. McFarland's school. It is said they found being spelled down by the smaller students was about as disagreeable a sensation as being shot down by the enemy. Thomas A. Miller, now mayor of Aurora, was a one-time student at Brush College. Both Mr. and Mrs. McFarland are buried in the Weir cemetery, near the home in which they lived for thirty-seven years. These most excellent people, people of culture, true religion and patriotic service, will never be forgotten by the people whom they served. Mrs. McFarland was loved by young and old alike, everybody delighted in her companionship, everybody held her in the very highest esteem. She was one of the sweetest mothers of Israel.

The Rev. W. R. Fulton was a third pastor of this church. His pastorate was the longest in its history, extending from 1861 to 1878. Under his faithful ministry, the church survived the ravages of the Civil War better than any other Presbyterian Church in the entire area of South Missouri. In 1866 this church had forty members and it was the strongest church in the Presbytery in this section of the State. The old Fulton home is still standing. It has been remodeled and repaired, yet it is where the Fultons lived, and in that house Elizabeth Parkinson, the noted singer, was born. That home is now owned and occupied by Wood Edwards and family.

The Rev. George H. Williamson was pastor of this church from 1882 to 1885. During this period of pastorate the main building of the present edifice was constructed under his charge. Mr. Williamson is well known in nearly every section of the Southwest. He is a strong, forceful pulpit man, and during his real working days he never knew when to stop. He had built many monuments to his memory in the Southwest.

was that of John R. Gass, who was with the church from 1891 to 1898, seven years. On account of Mrs. Gass's health he resigned and went to New Mexico for a change of climate. He is now Synodical Superintendent of Missions for that State. Mr. Gass is one of the deepest and most profound thinkers in his church, and his sermons and lectures are gems of rich thought supported by a devotion to truth and a desire to reach the highest ideals. His character is strong, his knowledge of matters and things keen, and ever ready for use. He is devout, sincere - just all man.

Other ministers who have been with this church for over a year are Benjamin F. Powellson, 1879 to 1882; Willis G. Banker, 1887 to 1890; William G. Moore, a most excellent and devoted man, 1889 to 1902; Rev. J. E. Johnson, 1905 to 1909. The latter took charge of the joint congregations of the Ebenezer and Cumberland Presbyterian churcnes, a relation that was terminated by his death. The present pastor, Rev. Edmund S. Brownlee, has been in the field since the first of September, 1909. Mr. Brownlee is a man of strong character and fitness for all his work. He is a man who knows how to meet other men and to give each man that which is justly due him; he is a great strength to his church and a strong, active citizen. Since its organization, the church has given eight of its sons to the ministry. W. M. Mitchell, S. W. Mitchell, J. N. Rankin, Joseph W. Scroggs, L. M. Scroggs, W. A. McMinn, Joseph Johnson and Samuel F. Wilson.

In this historic church the Presbytery of Ozark and the Women's Presbyterial Society have had their birth, the former September 29, 1870, the latter 1876. Here, too, at the reunion of the Presbyterian and Cumberland Presbyterian churches, the new Presbytery of Ozark was organized June 18, 1907.

Greenfield Christian Church

field and hold a religious debate with Rev. George W. Brown of the Cumberland Presbyterian faith. The debate was held in the Cook Pool Hall, and some of the preaching was held there, too. The Presbyterian people tendered their church to the new faith members, for a part of the time.

Elder Morgans was considered one of the strong men of the ministry in his day, and he was a very forceful speaker There were but few people in Greenfield and adjacent country at that time who were of that faith, and religious prejudice was rife. The organization of the church was completed on January 1st, 1882. It was perfected by the late Elder AY. B. Cochran, who did much evangelistic work in this section prior to and after the organization was completed. Elder Cochran deserves much credit for what he accomplished during the early years of the church in this section of Missouri. His effective work at Greenfield, Cave Spring and Dadeville will live with time.

The present church building was erected in 1884. Too much credit cannot be given to William Mayes, who at that time was one of the most active and effectual workers for the church. His ability to advise ways and means, and his ability to raise funds, enabled the young congregation to accomplish much. He is still living. He lives at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Lawrence, at Sarcoxie. Though pretty feeble, he still retains a good memory, and he delights in the fact that he had an integral part in the early history of the church in Greenfield. The late Joel T. Hembree, Sarah J. Hembree, his wife, J. F. Ackers and wife, J. K. Grider, Lovis Depee and wife, Mrs. Mary Pyle, Miss Syra Pyle, Mary E. Bailey, E. D. Hamner, AY'. T/Hamner and Mrs. N. X. Higgins were the charter members.

The memory of the Hamners still lingers in the minds of all who were connected with the church up to the time of their death. Air. Hamner was a long-time elder in this congregation and he was a great, good and grand old man. Mother Hamner was considered one of the noble women of the community. Her memory will never wane in this congregation of the church. They are now sleeping in the silent, yet talkative, city a few paces to the east of the church they helped to found and the church they loved. Their son, Prof. Thomas Hamner, a bright educator and one of the strongest in character the town ever produced/ sleeps beside his parents. His death occurred only recently, in another country, and his body was brought here for burial. The life of Prof. Thomas Hamner wras one of true devotion to principle and to high ideals. His educational worth, both in Greenfield and in Texas, as well as in other districts, will stand for a long time as a monument to his splendid abilities.

It was expedient for the young congregation to send for Morgan Morgans to dedicate their new church building. It was dedicated in June, 1884. That was a great day for the now church, which, at that time, had a promising future. It has passed through many changes, yet it has become stronger and better each year. On April 1st, 1891, the editor of this history was called to this church, from his home at Fort Scott, Kansas, to hold a short meeting. The meeting began that night and continued three weeks, resulting in several additions to the church. The next year Mr. States was called to the pastorate, to hold the place until a suitable pastor could be obtained. During that year many more took membership with the congregation. He was followed by Elder McQueary, a very able man, a man who thoroughly understood the plea of the church, and he did a great deal of good. lie was followed by Elder Adcock, who held the place a little over a year. After him came Elders McLaughlin, George Williams and Cochran. The present pastor is Rev. E. (). Sweaney. He is a capable minister, strong intellectually, broad in scope and true at heart. The church never had a better young minister than Rev. E. O. Sweaney.

Elder Warren was the pastor during the first year of the ninties. His work was very effectual for good. His congregations were always large. The people love to hear him. Then there was Rev. Sam I. Smith, perhaps the most brilliant young minister who ever delighted a Greenfield audience. He did a good work. The very first ministers

This church has been unfortunate in not having very Jong pastorates. It is a conceded fact that where there are long pastorates more and greater good can be accomplished, but the church is gradually growing up to that standard of churches that recognize merit, and is willing to sacrifice, if necessary, to support the church in all of its work. The present membership is one hundred thirty-three. The present Board of Elders and Deacons is as follows :

Dadeville Christian Church

The first congregation of the church in the Dadeville district was at what is still known as Pisgah. There is an old cemetery near where the old church stood, in which rest many of the first settlers of Dade County. Some of the headstones are dim with age. The second congregation was at Cave Springs.

The oldest Christian Church is the one at Dadeville. It was organized in 1839, three years before there was a Dade County. James Hembree and wife, and Xancy Ilembree, were among the charter members. Matilda Hembree was also one of the first members. The congregation was organized by Elder Hazelton, an old-fashioned, old-time minister, who sowed seed that is still bearing fruit.

The new membership did not believe in any kind of a musical instrument in the house of worship, and no instrument was allowed in that building, or in the building succeeding the first one, until recent years, when many of the younger portion of the church sought to be a little more modern. The organ is now used in both church and Sunday School services. This church, desoite its various struggles, has accomplished much good. One of the chief characteristics connected with this church was a strong desire for public debate. Many of the strongest intellects in the church have met the strong of other churches in debate at Dadeville. The early fathers of that congregation believed strongly that the best way to get the plea of their church before the people was through the channels of controversy. That idea is still manifest among many of the present membership.

There is no question but what these friendly contentions accomplished much in those early days in the formation of the various congregations of this church in Dade County, and, at one time, no congregation of this church thought a minister really orthodox unless he was ready to affirm or deny at any moment, and unless he was willing to meet a minister of another church in public convention. Happily that age is fast passing, and ere long the matter of religious debate will only be a matter of history.

This old mother church has had some of the best ministerial talent the church could supply. Many of the old fathers have stood in that pulpit and proclaimed the gospel of truth. It has been a power for good in all relationships that have entered into the religious and social makeup of the community.

After the year 185,3 the congregation at Dadeville decided to build a house of worship. It was a frame structure. In I860 they built a log meeting house at Cave Springs, and in 188G they built the present structure, in which they have worshiped all these years. The present pastor is J. R. Crank. The early pastors of the church were Hlders llazelton, Mcl>ride, Harlam, Mulkey, Xathanial Fisk, \V. P>. Coehran, Davis and Randall.

I.Xthkk And Mot Hi K.

The first meeting house was constructed out of logs, and it had a huge fireplace on one side of the room that gave it the necessary heat in winter for the comfort of the people. Elder Harland Mulkey was one of the pioneer ministers of this congregation. He was a most lovable disciple of the Christian faith. His voice was one of the sweetest ever heard in song, and his life was filled with precious acts and noble deeds. Elder Allen Scott was another pioneer minister, and there are a few still living in that vicinity who remember his good work and his splendid character. Elder Willis was also one of their early ministers. In this community is where the Stampers, Saters, the Willises, the Gambles, the Mallorys and the Funks lived. All these families have much to do in the making of the early history of that portion of Dacle County.

Uncle Bud Scott, the man whose death, a little over a year ago, was mourned by all the people, was a member of this congregation. He was a great good man. The Greenfield Advocate published an extended account of his life history, a few weeks before his death. The Antioch church has been a builder of history. In a very early day, about the time of the inception of the church, the Antioch people decided that they would hold a home coming meeting during the month of August of every year. This they did until recent years, and, it wac; very much regretted when the church decided to discontinue these annual functions. Their yearly affairs used to bring people from other states and the people of the entire southern part of Dade and the northern part of Lawrence, counties, attended to almost the entire of the population. Usually a good and efficient minister was employed to conduct these services. A huge brush shed was built near the church building in which the daily meetings were held. Every member and citizen of that entire country would bring- a basket well filled at every session during the week. They, indeed, observed a real feast, hungry for something to oat, and hungry for the preaching and practice of the Gospel. After the old log meeting house there came a very commodious frame church building a little after the Civil War, which stood until recent years, when it was remodeled and improved, making it one of the most sightly and most modern country buildings in all the country. This church was also rather opposed to any sort of musical instrument for a great number of years, but, at the present time they have an organ in their church and it is used at every service. The late (Uncle) Charlie Sater, and Perry Karris deserve a special mtnt:on in connection with the Antioch Church. The former was always ready to lend a hand and the latter took great Interest in the music. His family were nearly all musicians. The widow still lives in Greenfield.

Woodward was one of the sweet singers of Israel and he took great interest in the yearly meetings. One of the sweetest singers ever heard, one whose voice was full of sweet melody without a single discord, was the late David D. Pottenger of Ash Grove. He often went to Antioch and lead the song service. He was known all over the southwest as the leader of song, and though dead for many years, still lives in the memories of hundreds of people.

Antioch Church Record. - Mrs. Tosie Scott at Pennsboro found an old Antioch Church record which she loaned to the editor of this history from which we quote:

"A list of the membership names of the people, who comprise the membership of the Church of Christ at Antioch Meeting House, Dade County, Missouri. This church was organized the second Lord's Day in May, 1884. (iiven under my hand and seal this, the 7th day of November, 1868.

This congregation proceeded a< once to build a church house, tlu- day it was organized and the church appointed Charles Cox and John Adams to receive and hold the deed to ono acre of ground where the church now stands. These commissioners having removed from the vicinity of the church John Gamble and Charles Sater were appointed successors of Cox and Adams.

During the late war the original membership list was partly destroyed and a complete roll of membership from the beginning until the present is not obtainable. The record was the property of the late Uncle Bud Scott, one of the early members, and it was found in his belongings soon after his death a year ago. Elder Willis was one of the first pastors of this congregation.

The Church at Arcola. - The late Rev. AY B. Cochran organized a church at Arcola or, January 1, 1882. S. H. Bales and wife, AY. P. AYhitley and wife, William Lewis and wife, Ebev E. White and wife were listed among the first members. The late John G. Sloan was an early member of this congregation as was his wife. Mrs. Bales is now a member of the Greenfield congregation.

The present church building was erected and dedicated during the year of 1885 Rev. W. B. Cochran preached the dedication sermon. Some of the early ministers: Elder W H. Watson, who now lives at Everton; Elder John AY. Randall, one of the true saints of his time; Elder AY. H. Bryan. This church holds regular services most of the time.

Dr. R. M. Crutcher, one of the leading citizens and physicians of Dade county, has been a member of this congregation for a- long time, and he has devoted his time and means to its upbuild much to the credit of the church. He is still very active in church work, his good wife has been a support to the church in an unpretentious way. There are no better women than Mrs. Crutcher.

There is great need of church federation in Arcola. AYhen once this is accomplished they can be in position to employ a good minister and have preaching service every Sunday, with their minister living in their midst. The Arcola District is peopled with the right sort of folks and when once they are convinced that church federation is for their good, it will not be very long until that very thing will be accomplished. Some of the very best citizens, in other Dade county districts used to live in the Arcola country. Many of them still remain there ready to adopt any good measure that comes their way. Elder W. PI. Watson deserves much credit for the upbuild of the Arcola church. Pie is one of the oldest ministers in south Missouri.

The Church at White Oak. - One of the strongest memberships of the church was at one time over at White Oak School House some three miles north and a little east of Seybert. The membership as high as one hundred and eighty.

This congregation was organized in 1871 by Elders E. Goodnight and William Pyle. Elder Goodnight was the father of the late James Goodnight who is well remembered in both Dadeville and Greenfield districts. Elder Goodnight and William Pyle were pioneer ministers of this faith, and they accomplished much for the cause they represented. The White Oak congregation worshipped in the school house until recent years when there was erected a beautiful little church building at Seybert. This gives the congregation a permanent home.

Back in the early nineties Elder Aaron D. -States held a revival meeting for the White Oak congregation that resulted in adding many new members to their church roll. It is said to be one of the best and most effectual meetings that congregation ever enjoyed. At that time Ed. Montgomery, l\ II. Montgomery, Cal. Wilson, W. L. Grisham, James A. Fox, and many others devoted their time and energy to the success of the church. P. PI. Montgomery has been a citizen of Greenfield many years and Ed. Montgomery has been a citizen of Canada for the past ten years. p]lder William Watson had much to do in building the White Oak congregation.

The Church at Bona. - In May, 1868 a congregation of the Christian Church was organized at Bona some six miles north of Dadeville, by Elder W. L. George, S. H. Perkins, J. Cyrus Lindley, Samuel Baker, J. A. Freeze, John Long and W. R. Allen as charter members.

Mr. Allen was one of the pioneer settlers of that section of Dade county and one of the most devoted men of the church. He lived in the Cane Hill district. and in after years there was a church organized at Flint Hill, near the Allen home. He became identified with the new congregation soon after its organization. Mr. Allen was truly a great, good old man, one of the strongest and most beloved of that entire community, both at Bona and Flint Hill. He is remembered by a multitude of people until this day though he has been dead a number of years.

The name of J. Cyrus Lindley will never fade from the history of the Bona Church and district. His life was too full of good deeds and acts to ever be forgotten. A man of large affairs, a tender heart and a devotion to both church and to his fellow man made him an ideal citizen. The Bona church is sometimes called the Lindley church in his memory. It is true he had much to do in the organization and the uplift of that congregation from the day of its inception until the day of his death. When he died an entire district, irrespective of party or creed, went into mourning and many of them are still sad on account of his going. (See biographical note.)

In 1887 a church building was erected and it still stands. The early pastors were: W. L. George, II. Drennon, J. W. Randall and Peter Shick. Elder Drennan is still living though very old at his home in Seymour. Webster county, Dade, as well as other counties in the southwest will never appreciate fully the great good this man accomplished during the active part of his life. Peter W. Shick was a unique character, rather of the "racoon" John Smith order. He was unique in his preaching as well as in his common association with the people. He was exceedingly conscientious and deeply in earnest and he did a great good. The old timers at Dadeville, among them

In the fall of 1894, Elder States was employed to hold a meeting for Bona congregation. In some respects that meeting was one of the most effectual. It is there where J. C. Shouse, at that time one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of the Cane Hill-Bona district united with the church along with a score of others who are still faithful. The music at that meeting was purely congregational and it was led by former Judge Rook, now of Ernest township. Former Judge King, Mrs. King and a hundred others, were the sweet singers of Israel. Their singing filled the church to overflowing at every service and at times there were more people on the outside of the church building than there were inside, they came from a distance of fifteen and twenty miles.

This congregation is known throughout the country on account of its good deeds and its splendid services to humanity. It is a humanity church, filled with brotherhood and true Christian service.

Origin Of First Baptist Church Lockwood

The first services of Baptist people were held at Tabernacle School House, a brush arbor being built in the grove about one and one half miles west of where Lockwood is now located. This was about the year 1880. These meetings were held by Rev. Iline, who was leader of the organization. About two years later this organization was moved to Lockwood, and was greatly strengthened by the addition of a number of new members. Services were held for some time in different church buildings of other denominations, the Baptists having no place of their own in which to worship. These services were conducted by Rev. Young, Collins, Smith and Crabtree. About 1893, Rev. Greer was called as pastor, which position he held for about three years. Sometime later Rev. Z. T. Eaton was called to take charge as pastor. Not having a building of their own, Brother Eaton began to lay plans for the erection of a church and by the assistance of the few brethern and taking upon himself a great portion of the responsibility, they soon had the present building under good headway. It was completed and dedicated January 9, 1898. Rev. L. E. Martin, of Mayview, this state delivered the Dedicatory address, followed in solemn prayer by Brother Eaton, who held the pastorate for two years. Rev. W. F. Parker, W. C. Armstrong, Taylor and Rev. Helm, each of these holding pastorates for one year. We were without a pastor for a short time until Dr. R. K. Maiden of Kansas City, was called. He served as pastor over two years and did some good sound preaching. He resigned as it was too far to come. Rev. E. J. Barb of Lamar, Missouri, held the pastorate nearly two years, and did a great deal in getting out people in working order. During his stay, we had with us Evangelist W. F. Frazier, of Van Buren, Missouri. He did some great work. Our membership gained in a short time from thirty to one hundred and fifty members. Du.ring the year 1916 we had Rev. Tom Proctor of Miller, Missouri. At present we have no pastor but will soon call 'one. We have a live wire prayer meeting on Wednesday nights. The average attendance is sixty and we are proud of this as we believe

By the efforts of Rev. George H. Williamson, the First Presbyterian church of Lockwood, Missouri, was organized in December, 1883 with nineteen members who were :

Howard Pierce and James B. Woods were chosen and installed elders for the church. In 1884 a good frame building was erected and dedicated as a place of worship.

The Sunday School of the church has met continuously at 10 o'clock each Sunday morning without (it is said) one exception in more than thirty years.

The Presbyterian Church At Everton

This church was organized February 16, 1885 by the Rev. W. J. Garrett, as a Cumberland Presbyterian church. In 1906, the Cumberland Presbyterian and the Presbyterian churches united, and has since been known as the Everton Presbyterian Church.

The first Board of Elders consisted of John S. Pemberton, William Y. McLemore and George W. Wilson. Mr. Wilson was chosen clerk of the church which office he has held continuously to the present time. The present Board of resident Elders consists of George W. Wilson, William Y. McLemore, William Raubinger, James M. McCall and William R. Dye. Mr. Dye has filled the office as superintendent of the Sunday School for the past twenty-five years.

Jamks R. Jkffrkvs

The first pastor was the Rev. William PI. Stephens. The present pastor, Rev. William R. Russell took charge in 1888, and has served continuously, with the exception of four years, at which time the church was served by Rev. John J. Dunham and Rev. Young W. WUtsett.

The church owns its own house -of worship - a neat frame building, well furnished and maintains regular preaching services two Sundays in each month; a good Sunday School with Plome Department and Cradle Roll; a good wide awake Christian Endeavor Society and an active Woman's Aid and Mission Soci-.-ty. This church has been and is an important factor in the educational, social, moral and religious uplift of the entire community.

This record would not be complete without making mention of old Brother p], C. Harrington who has served so faithfully and painstakingly as janitor for the past nineteen years. Much of the success of the church is due to this faithful and consistent man of God.

Lockwood Methodist Church

A number of the first ministers were Revs. I^rank Lenig, J, R. Wolf, Chas. E. Evans, J. X Buck, J. J. Martin and M. Bell. J. J. Martin is >till one of the most eloquent and most active ministers of this faith; his home is now at Jasper City, over in Jasper county. Mr. Martin has been identified with the church since the days of the Civil War. Pie was one time chaplain of the1 Missouri Prison and it is said he filled that office with greater credit than any of his predecessors. Mr. Martin has held pastorates throughout the south and southwest part of Missouri and it is very doubtful if there is another minister of that faith who is better known or more highly appreciated. His work in Lockwood assisted the young church in laying a foundation for its future good works M. Bell went over into the Golden City district, in after years and was made postmaster of that town during the Taft administration. This church owns a beautiful little building on one of the main streets of Lockwood and its congregation is one of the most wide awake in all the country The Hoels were among the most active members. Their citizenship was most helpful, in fact, the Hoel family will never pass out of Lockwood 's history being imbedded in its moral, religious, material and social achievements from its inception, for over thirty years.

Arcola Methodist Church

Rev. Isaac Routh went over into the Arcola district in 1866 and organized a church about one and a half miles south of Arcola. Rev. and Mrs. Travis, Archibald and Polly Morris, Nancy Ball, Mary Ball, Rev. G. W. Murphy and wife, William and Lewis Murphy, Benjaman and Louisa Appleby, James A. Travis and Jesse Arbogast and Tife as the first members. In 1871 the young congregation built a church edifice. The next year there came one of the most severe storms in that section and demolished the church building.

Two years afterward the congregation decided to Luild a church at Arcola or rather where Arcola now '-tands. This building was dedicated by Rev. J. J. Bently in 1875. James A. Travis was one of the leading members of the congregation both in the country and at Arcola. Tie became a merchant when Arcola was founded and remained there several years, then moved to Greenfield and rntered the mercantile business. He was at one time mayor of Greenfield. There was no better citizen than James A. Travis. His widow still occupies the Green-

The church at Arcola has done a great deal of good for that community. The Underwoods were strong members of that church, the Travis, the Murphys and the Applebys. They have regular preaching service and they sustain a Sunday School. Their church building is one of the neatest structures in that section of the county. The old church was lately remodeled and modernized. It is sure a credit to the town and the community.

Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Some years before the town of Greenfield was known Ihe Cumberland Presbyterians met and formed a church. It was organized by the late Rev. J. D. Montgomery in 1839. The first church was in the vicinity of where Greenfield now stands. A. M. Long and wife, Joseph Lemaster and wife, M. H. Allison and wife, J. L. Allison and wife, Rev. J. Weir and wife, Leann Dicus and Rev. J. D. Montgomery and wife constituted the initial membership.

All these people are listed among the pioneers and many of them left a heritage to their children and the uplift of the community that exists to this day. Rev. J. Weir, father of the late Jonathan Weir and Samuel Weir, who still lives on the outskirts of Greenfield, was one of the leaders of men during his citizenship in Dade County. He was ever alert to the advancement of his country and he was devoted to his church. Many descendants still live in that community and they are all honored citizens. Rev. J D. Montgomery, one of the first ministers, was another leading character in those early days. His work is still bearing fruit, though dead a long time, lie still lives.

A splendid frame church building was erected in 1868 and it stoo^l until recent years when it was replaced by a handsome brick structure, chiefly due to the splendid efforts of Rev. William E. Shaw, who is now the pastor. The new building stands where the old one stood for over forty years. The old church was dedicated by Rev. J. N. Edminston and Rev. P. G. Rea. The ec»rly pastors were, Revs. J. D. Montgomery, W. W. Brown, W. J. Garrett. B. F. Logan, R. L. Venice. Father Garrett is well remembered by every old citizen. He died some two years ago at the home of his son in Springfield and he is now sleep- 'ng in Greenfield's most beautiful cemetery. He was one of the most active men in his church and he did much ir. spreading Christian interest throughout the country. The Greenfield church gave up a part of its membership at the time there was a sentiment in favor of uniting all branches of the Presbyterian faith. Many of the faithful preferred to remain with the old church. This body of Christians are doing a good work in Greenfield. The yearly encampment at South Greenfield is fast becoming a fen day chautauqua each year.

Christian Church, Everton, Missouri

The Christian church WPS organize-, i in Everton in the vpring of V'00 bv District Evangelist, Joseph Gaylor, in the old McLemov<> Hall. Following is a list >f the original officers and charter member^:

A new building was erected the same year at a cost of about $1,000, which was later dedicated by District Evangelist J. II. Jones. Among the ministers who have held pasfor;;tc> with tin- clmroli arc Eklrrs Sain I. Smith, \V. II. Hah-, .J. II. Bloomer, T. II. Wilson and W. II. Watson.

This old church of history and decided action, did not find a home in Dade County until after the close of the Civil war. This was on account of the hostility it received from the principles of slavery. Very soon after slavery was abolished this church established many congregations in the county, and most of them still thrive and all of them are doing an untold good to their respective communities.

It was in 1864 that Rev. William Denby came to Greenfield and successfully started a church of that faith. He gathered about him such old time pioneers as the late William R. Bennington, of school fame, F. A. Cardwell, William and Mary Theoble, M. A. Foster, William, Amanda, Robert and Xancy McBride and Victoria McBride and some fifteen others whose names are unobtainable on account of the missing church records. It might be well to state that the early fathers paid as much attention to recording their individual and congregational acts as the people do now. It is a detriment to the whole social scheme as well as religious, that so little account is kept.

In 1871 the present church home was built. It was dedicated in 1872 by Dr. B. F. Crary, who was then the talented editor of the St. Louis Christian Advocate. There are a few people still living in Greenfield who remember distinctly that splendid sermon. William Denby took up the work in earnest at the very first, and it was chiefly through hTs splendid efforts that the church was organized and the new church building erected. He was a devout disciple of the faith and a most excellent speaker. He was followed by Revs. Isaac Routh, S. R. Recce, F. S. Haughaut, C. L. Howell, T. S. Benifiel, A. R. Nichols, I. J. K. Limbeck, R. AV. McMasters, Frank Lenig, J. R. Wolf, C. E. Evans, X. H. Buck, William Buck, W. J. Simmons. All these were the early pastors. During later years the church has been served by Rev. AV. D. Sichuan, a most de- vout, sincere and well founded disciple. He is now superintendent of the Springfield district and he is doing a great work. Then there was Father French, an old-time Methodist minister, full of faith, with plenty of ambition and good works. Rev. Mr. Terrantine was one of the devout faithful ministers, and though he has been asleep for a fortnight of years his memory is wide awake in the Greenfield congregation and among Greenfield people. Then there was Rev. Mr. Ashley, wrho is so well remembered. Last and not least is the present pastor, Rev. G. M. Foster, one of the most affable, most agreeable and pleasing, as well as competent ministers Greenfield ever had or will have. He is a pleasing speaker, chuck full of good hard sense. His sermons and addresses are enlivened by real native wit and humor and he never fails to interest and please an audience, whether on the platform or at the sacred desk. Mr. Foster's work will never pass out of memory.

This first congregation of the Methodist church in Dade County has been instrumental in doing a great good for the community. Many of Greenfield's leading citizens have been and are members of this church. It has done much for foreign and home missions, and above all it has aided in building and strengthening the character of its individual membership - thus making better citizens.

The Church Of Christ At Arcola

Was organized about the year 1877 with Eber E. White and William Lewis as the first Elders. Among the early pastors were Clark Smith, John W. Randall, W. H. Watson, J. T. Hargrave, J. M. Jenkins, W. B. Cochran and J. R. Crank.

This congregation owns a comfortable church building and commodious lot. They have never been an entire year without a pastor. Since 188,3 R. M. Crutcher has been an Elder in this church. A large number of converts have been received into the church and it has always been a power for good in the community. This church has also maintained an excellent Bible School since 1883. The present officers are: R. M. Crutcher, chairman; L. 0. Hoiman, secretary; F. B. Davis, treasurer; Matt Crisp and G. W. Decker, associate elders, with the following deacons: 0. E. Whitley, J. J. Whitley, R. W. Whitley, J. T. Scoggin, C. A. Jordan and T. J. Wilkins. Preaching at present every second Sunday in each month, morning and night, by Rev. Plummer of Jerico Springs.

More than thirty years elapsed from the time of the first settlement of pioneers from Tennessee in Eastern Dade County before the prairies of Western Dade County were settled. The first settlements were made in the wooded portions of the county where bright, bubbling springs burst forth from the hill sides and where firewood was plentiful. Children were born, grew to manhood and died without ever dreaming of the splendid possibilities offered by the rich, rolling prairies in their very door yard.

In the year 1881 the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf railroad was completed through the county, thereby offering a means of transportation far in advance of the ox teams of the first pioneers. Upon this railroad the little village of Lockwood was located. A few pine board buildings filled with nondescript stocks of goods, the primitive boardinghouse and the irrepressable real estate agent constituted its excuse for an existance.

On the morning of the 16th day of September, 1881, four Germans from Washington County, Illinois, stepped from the train in Lockwood and looked for the first time upon the broad smiling prairies which stretched for many miles in every direction. These men were William Meyer, Fred Maschoff, Fred Bornpohl and August Kritemeyer. They were scarcely able to speak the American language and were bewildered by the vastness of the territory lying out of doors. They were soon in the custody of Joseph B. Lindsey and William M. Taggart, members of an enterprising real estate firm, and were shown the land which was destined to be their future home. They remained about ten days and each bought land lying south and west of Lockwood. They were delighted with the country and returned to Nashville, Ills., filled with enthusiasm, and so glowing were their accounts of the new found Utopia, that on the 12th day of October of the same year, no less than eight homeseekors boarded the train in Nashville, coming via. Kansas City, arriving in Lockwood on the evening train, October 14th. In this company were some of the most distinguished German settlers of the County. Fred Plies, Henry Bart ling, Herman Rede, Fred Koch, William Roohling, Fred Hinne, John Ossenfort and Gotfried Wormbi-od were among the number. These men all bought land excepting (Jot fried Wormbrod, who had a sweetheart in Washington County who could not be induced to go so far out in the "wild and woolly west" to seek a home. This influx of land-buyers stimulated the real estate agents until in addition to Taggart & Lindsey, Levin W. Shafer and John A. Heady of Greenfield, and G. YV. Ilolliday of Golden City entered the field. Business in Lockwood began to pick up, especially in the hotel line, so much so that improvised beds were made by filling ticks with prairie hay, and the weary homeseekers who obtained a "shake-down" on the office floor was more1 than satisfied. Fred Oris, Henry Bartling, Fred Hinne and Fred Koch purchased what was known as the Thomas P. Abeel tract of land, consisting of 7(i(> acres, lying northwest of Lockwood. This purchase was made through G. W. Ilolliday, Mr. Abeel at the time residing in Texas. The new owners took posession of their purchase February 14th, 1H82, bringing with them their families and all their belongings. The first few years were filled with hardships. The prairie sod was not over productive and green-head flies swarmed by the thousands. Being men of grit, they stuck it out and every one succeeded.

On the 24th day of February, 1882, the third contingent bunch of enthusiastic Germans arrived. These were from Venedy, Ills., and consisted of William Von Stroh, Fred Eggermann, Philip Jung, and Fred Bornpohl. Mr. Von Stroh purchased the Judge Taggart tract of 640 acres adjoining Lockwood ; Fred Eggemann bought 320 acres lying two miles west of town, and Fred Bornpohl bought 320 acres lying south of town. Phil Jung bought 1GO acres northwest of town. In a few weeks another delegation came from Washington County, Illinois. Among them were William Kollmeyer, Fred Volkman, Charley Kahr and Louis Bohne. All of these men bought southwest of Lockwood, in Grant Township, the banner agricultural township in Dadc County. Perhaps the "rawest" bunch of Germans who ever landed in Dadc County came on November 7th, 1S81. They were from Nashville, Ills., and consisted of Christ Bohme, 'William NieholT, Fred ll'edemann, August Kritemeyer, Henry Schepmann, Otto Stark, Herman St river, Krnest Weihe, Christ Vogt and Fred Kollmeyer. On their return they reported the time of their lives. Many of the crowd were unable to speak a word of English, but all could sing "Der Wacht am Reihn," and they certainly made things hum both on the train and at the hotel. These men all bought south of Lockwood. Christ Vogt and Fred Kollmeyer contracted for the Lindsey tract of 840 acres one mile southwest of Lockwood, but the trade fell through by reason of a forty-acre timber tract which the purchasers refused to take.

In April, 1881, Henry E. Rollman came from Wisconsin with his son, William, and purchased the David A. De- Armond tract of 1(>0 acres lying one1 mile north of town. In a few years it was sold to Carl Niemami of Wisconsin, and is now owned by Mrs. Myrtle Arbogast. This is practically the only tract of land bought by the early Gorman settlers which has changed hands more than once. All the rest is owned by the original purchasers or their children.

Among them were Henry Gillman, Sr., and his family, whose biography appears at another place in this history. The majority of the German settlers were members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and very early effected an organization and erected a large frame church in Lockwood, in which was also maintained a parochial school. In recent years they have erected a splendid brick structure, and the old building is still used as a school building. At first the pastor was the school teacher, but now the congregation maintains both a resident pastor and a school teacher. Part of the early German settlers were members of the German M. E. church, and they effected and organization and erected a church in the country some five miles southwest of Lockwood. A Lutheran church was also erected near the town of Minert.

The Germans heretofore mentioned in this sketch were largely farmers, but among those who engaged in mercantile pursuits and have helped to make history for Bade County might be mentioned, Herman Haubein, who in company with Martin Ileiser were among the first merchants in Lockwood. Mr. Ileiser afterward was engaged in the milling business, while Mr. Ilaubein erected a creamery and electric light plant. Both are now deceased. Fred Erye also engaged in the mercantile business in Lockwood many years ago, as also did Herman Schuerman. Both are still in business. It is needless to state that the German-American population of Dade County form a splendid citizenry, which is noted for its industry, frugality, honesty and sterling integrity. Their farms are the best in the land and they are a happy, contented, home-making people.

Insurance Company

Early in the spring of 1S!)2 a body of German-American fanners residing in the vicinity of Lockwood met at the office of A. .1. Young, a lawyer of Lockwood, for the purpose of organizing a Farmers' Insurance Company to be conducted on the mutual plan. A temporary organiza- tion was formed and a committee appointed to solicit subscriptions 1o the capital stock. This committee consisted of Henry l.artlin-, H. A. Xicinan, Fred Schnelle, F. A. Mc- (1aleb and .\. ,!. Youmr. Ii was decided to organize when .4,~)0,000 of insurabie capital stock \vas subscribed. About fifty fanners of Leekwood. Marion and (irant To\vnshi])s became charier members of the organization, and on the 9th day of May, IS!)L\ the coni])any was incorporated. F. A. McCaleb was elected president, A. J. YouiiLr vice president and attorney, 11. A. Xieman secretary and Fred Schncllc treasurer. rl'he enterprise was a success from the start. Little chaimv xv.is made in the organization for foni1- teen years except that A. J. Yonnu' was elected president after the first year. The company insured houses, barns, live stock, hay. uram, in fact all kinds of farm property airainst lire and liuhtninu', on a strictly mutual basis, at a rate of less than 40 cents per ^100, during the first twenty years of its existance, and paid every dollar of its losses in full, cash in hand.

Jt has now irrown until its membership reaches every township in the county and its insured capital is about *:2,.")00,000. It's annual rate1 has decreased as the volume of its business increased. It maintains a permanent office in Lockwood with a secretary in charire and is at present the largest financial institution in the county.

Three Mysterious Murders

Three tragedies which have baffled the skill of the shrewdest detectives and cheated Justice out of her lawful retribution have been enacted in Dade County sinve 1887.

First of these was the mysterious murder of "Luckey" Moriran, a citizen of Dadeville. His body was found in an old well at the rear of his premises with every evidence of foul play, and notwithstanding a searching inquest was held, larii'e rewards offered and competent detectives employed, the murderer was never apprehended.