Grundy County, Missouri - Miscellany, 1881

Miscellany

County Map - Cydone, 1880 - Political - Population and ifb- Increase - Census of 1880 - Comparison - Official Vote of Grundy County, 1880 - Tenth District for 1880 - Valuation of Property - Assessment by Totrnships, 1874 - Assessment, 1879 - Valuation, 1881 - Immigration - Grundy County's Advantages.

County Map

The first attempt at a map of Grundy county was one giving the route of the proposed Hannibal & St. Joseph Raih-oad, which was sometime in the year 1858, and several lines had been run, but not then located. In 1875 Messrs. John C. Moore & Co., of Quincy, Illinois, proposed to publish a map of Grundy county complete, but they failed to perform their self-allotted task. On their failure Mr. B. F. Thomas took the work in hand and finished the same, giving, with the exception of a slight error in Madison township, a very complete and correct map of Grundy county, giving districts, townships and town lines, and locating the farms and residences of the county as occupied at that time.

Cyclone

Saturday, April 2'1, 1880, will be a day somewhat memorable in the history of Grundy- county. It was a day of sunshine and storm, of gladness, of fear and trembling. The storm king had risen in his wrath and swept the earth with vengeful hand and a giant's strength. The gnarled and rugged oak of centuries bowed before his majesty, the lightning shed its baleful ray and lighted up his pathway, and the thunder rolled in unison, making hearts leap with terror.

The morning had been clear and bright, but along about ten o'clock the wind began to rise and its moaning voice gave token of an approaching storm. The dark clouds began to gather in the southwestern sky, and as they arose they grew dark, and black, and more dense. All at once the wind died away, the air was stifling in its closeness, the lightning grew more vivid and appalling in its intensity and brilliancy, the deep tone of the distant thunder came nearer and nearer, seeming to shake the very earth in its onward way. Then again arose that moaning sound - the storm king was coming, and death and destruction marked his pathway. The clouds suddenly became agitated, then began to assume a rotary motion and a funnel shape, and the awe-stricken citizens saw that ominous cloud move swiftly forward, gathering within its folds, by its whirling motion, all things in its destructive path. It was mid-day, but the darkness began to gather, the gloom to deepen, and the people of Trenton stood spell-bound. The city was directly in the course of the cyclone and nothing but a merciful providence saved a large portion of the town from instant destruction. The faces of the people assumed a ghastly whiteness, and they stood in a stupor as the whirling clouds came rapidly toward the doomed city. They saw no way of escape. Thus standing awe-stricken, the people gazed at the wonderful sight as though fascinated. They could not turn their gaze away, and they seemed powerless to move. All at once the circular mass careened and broke, that part nearest the earth rising as if being drawn to the larger and blacker clouds above, and passed over the northeast corner of the city, deluging it with a heavy fall of rain. The city escaped, but the clouds again united, taking a northeasterly course, and destruction marked its pathway wherever in its ricochettino; motion it touched the earth.

It first struck the farm of John B. Gass, who lived about four miles northeast of town, and he became the first victim of its terrible power. His orchard was nearly destroyed, the trees, being either torn up by the roots or twisted oft', went flying through the air. Two of his children and a farm hand were caught and wounded by flying missies before they could reach a place of safety. The outbuildings were blown away and his residence lifted from its foundation and turned partly around, but fortunately without being broken. It was a narrow escape for the family. His brother, Lycurgus, had his house partially unroofed and met with some other damage, but nothing very serious.

The storm-cloud again arose and was heard of at other places. It struck near Edinburg, destroying orchards and fences, carrying away farm implements and wagons, nobody knew where, making a pathway bare of every semblance of living things, ]^o lives were lost, but the escapes were sometimes marvelous.

There was a feeling of relief, and a prayer of thankfulness went up from all hearts when the storm swept by and the bright noonday sun appeared, and was welcomed with joy. Some damage was done at Jamesport, Daviess county, just over the county line. Quite a number of buildings were blown down, the fair grounds seriously damaged, and one man severely wounded. This closes the record of the only cyclone which ever visited Grundy county. Other wind-storms have come and gone, have done some damage, but the storm of April 24, 1880, will be known as the only original cyclone ever seen and felt in this section of country, and there is a unanimous hope that it may be the last.

Political

There is but little to be said of the politics of Grundy county. Previous to the war it was very close as between Whigs and Democrats. The "VVhigs "Claimed a very small majority, but popular Democrats like Geo. H. liubbell and John C. Gi-iffin were generally elected. The first election which was of general interest was in 1860, and in that memorable triangular contest the divided Democracy and the "Whigs generally avoided the Eepublican candidate, Lincoln, and voted for Douglas, Breckenridge and Bell. Lincoln received but eighteen votes in the county. This all changed in the presidential election of 1864. November of that year began to show serious signs of the downfall of the Confederate States, and the votes of that year were as decidedly in favor of President Lincoln's second term as they had solidly oj^posed his first. The vote stood as follows: For Lincoln, 817, for McClellan, seventeen.

From that day until the present, Grundy county, according to her population, has been the banner Republican county of the State. Now and then a Democrat would succeed in getting some unimportant county office, but it often enough to cause any material change in the general result.

Sometimes this great majority would be cut down in congressional elections. When a citizen of Grundy county got the nomination, local pride had something of a force in the vote.

The elections for 1876 and 1880 tell of a Eepublican majority which may be said to stand. The excitement and animosities of the civil war had, in a great measure, subsided, and thus is shown its true political proclivities. The vote of 1876 was 1,810 for Hayes and 1,113 for Tilden. Li 1880, for Garfield 1,917, and for Hancock 1,102.

From this vote it is clear that Grundy county is likely, for several years at least, to remain a strong Republican county, or whatever name the party may take. There are but few counties in the State which have been so steadfast in their political faith as Grundy, and the outlook is that that faith will abide with her people during the present generation.

Increasing Population

The county of Grundy having been organized in 1841, the census of 1850 gives the first record of her population as a county. This was put down at 3,006. Daring the next decade the gain in population became more rapid, and in 1860 footed up 7,887, a gain of over 150 per cent. This had proven satisfactory, but the dark cloud of civil war now began to spread over the country, and chaos reigned supreme. Grundy county, like all others, had met with demoralization among her people and stagnation in business. At the end of the M^ar, in the spring of 1865, the county could hardly boast of the population of the census of five years before, that of 1860. Peace had, however, thrown the mantle of her wing over tlie country. Grundy county took new life, and the car of progress moved more rapidlj' within her borders. The winter of 1865-66 brought quite a large influx of new settlers, and the remaining four years of the decade, ending 1870, were years of prosperity, and the increase of poj^ulation over 1860 proved to have been 2,680 - the census of 1870 being 10,567. This increase had nearly all been received within the four 3'ears mentioned. The following are the census returns of 1870, by townships:

Trenton (town) had a population in 1870 of 920. It was not until the Kovember term of the County Court of 1872 that the county was re-districted into thirteen municipal districts in place of the seven above named. The law known as the township organization law had been passed at the adjourned session of the Twenty-sixth General Assembly of the State of Missouri, adopted by the people at the following general election, held November 5, 1872. By order of the (bounty Court at the February term of 1876, the township assessors were required to take the population of their several townships in addition to their duties as assessors. They did so, and in March, 1876, returned to the County Court the following:

From the census returns of 1880 the jwpulation of Grundy county, towns and townships, has been returned to the United States Census Bureau at Washington, and the following received is the official report of the United States census for 1880:

Comparison State Of Missouri For 1880

The official figures give nearly forty-six per cent as the gain the past decade; Grundy county, thirty-four per cent. Taking the gain then for the last thirty years, and Grundy county has far more than kept up her average in comparison with the State. Or, in other words the State has gained in population in the past thirty years over the population of 1850 about 318 -per cent. Grundy county for the same time has increased her population 506 per cent.

Missouri is the fifth State in the Union as regards population, only being exceeded by New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois. In 1850 Missouri was the thirteenth, and in 1860 the eighth. In 1870 the fifth, and she still retains her position of fifth in 1880.

The number of ballots cast in Grundy county at the November election, 1880, taking the vote for governor, showed a total of 3,147; to-wit, Grit-" tenden, Democrat, 1,108; Dyer, Kepublican, 1,915; Brown, Greenbacker, 124. At the same election the following gentlemen were elected to the offices named: "Wesley A. Jacobs, State senator; Thos. J. Taylor, representative; Gavan D. Burgess, circuit judge; Wm. 11. Wilson, sheriff"; county attorney, Melvin Bingham; John E. Carter, treasurer; Isaiah Brainerd, Freeman Dunlap, Isaac Washburn, county judges.

The vote for Congress was between Mansur, Democrat, and Burrows, Greenbacker. The Republicans declined to make a nomination, giving their support solid for Burrows. The vote was as follows:

Tenth District

At the close of the civil strife all values were deranged, and it was not until 1867 that the State Board of Equalization accomplished the work of securing, as far as was practical, a uniform system of valuation. Grundy county was growing quite rapidly, the influx of settlers in the fall, and the winter of 1866 and 1867, was the greatest of any one year. There was evidence that peace would continue and that the development of the rich soil, and the wealth of the coal and mining interests of Missouri would occupy the people for years at least. The State was in debt, and there was need of mone}' to pay the interest of the bonded debt, the redemption of the floating debt, and such uniformities in value of real and personal property of the State as would in a measure assure to the State a certain sum to meet accrued and accruing debts. This was effec ted in 1867, and the rate of taxation for the State and State interest tax arranged.

The assessment of 1870 shows a very fair, and we might almost say a rapid increase for the three preceding years, the total being for real and personal property $2,396,127, an increase of $450,282. In 1872 the assessment of real estate was $1,737,960, and of personal property $844,536; total $2,582,496.

The assessment so far had been uniform, the railroad property forming no inconsiderable part of the amount. From January 1, 1871, to May 1, 1873, the railroad tax had amounted to $46,800. The railroad company paid during the same time a tax of $2,545.04. Total railroad tax collected $49,345.04; of which, after paying accrued interest and warrants, there were left in the treasury to the credit of the railroad fund $5,345.04.

The valuation of real and personal property in 1874, the only year that the assessment was made by municipal townships, as returned, is given below so that the assessed wealth of each township may be known. The assessment was returned on the 23d of April, and entered

From 1874 there has been s ome considerable variation in the assessment of property in the county. Undoubtedly much of the valuation was high, but Grundy county was in debt, yet she was prospering and while crops were good and prices fair, it was sound economy to lessen the debt and save the drain of interest, which is ever a clog to the financial advancement of any business, let it be of a person or a municipal corporation. There is no disputing the point that a public debt is a curse, and the sooner the books can be brought to a final balance-sheet the better for the people in the agffreffate. The assessment of 1875 fell short of that of 1874, being put down at the sura of ^2,728,649, and the same year the assessed valuation of railroad property within the county was $321,393.59. The railroad company could not see the exact justice of that assessment, claiming that it was at least one hundred per cent too high, in fact, they had previously returned a valuation of the same property at about $125,000, yet it was clear to all that they had erred far more than the assessor in giving in that sum. They strove for a reduction of this valuation, and were in a measure successful. The valuation of railroad property per mile having since been reduced.

The year 1879 culminated the high assessment, it being the heaviest ever known, and the present year's assessment (1881) still falling short over $131,000 of the valuation of that year.

In the assessment of 1879 we find that the returns were made in a different form, and we therefore give it in full. The number of acres taxed, as per tax book, was 276,280.27 acres. The real number of acres of land in the county is 273,357.39. The excess taxed being added to from sections which by rivers were cut short in actual acres; the difference in favor of the tax book being nearly 3,000. acres. The stock assessment was placed under the head of "all other property."

Valuation, 1881

The valuation placed upon the land and machine-shops outside of the right of way, was $50,000. The total difference in the valuation of the railroad property within the county is as follows for the years 1875 and 1881, thelatter year's assessment being satisfactory: Valuation, 1875, $321,393.59; valuation 1881, $215,979; being a reduction of $105,414.59.

Immigration

To persons seeking homes in the West the county of Grundy offers many advantages over any other portion of the State. Lying in one the northern tiers of counties, the climate is a blending of Northern winters with Southern summers, inviting in its healthful results alike to the new-comer from any portion of this country. Good health and the pleasurable enjoyment of life is the rule in Grundy county.

The soil is rich and fertile, well watered by running streams. The stranger has his choice of acres of rolling prairie or well-grown woodland. The first is unsurpassed as a grazing land, and offers extra inducements to the stock-raiser, whose labor in this direction yields a handsome income. Sheep raising may be attended with a success not attainable in many sheep growing States. The finest breeds may be said to attain their highest perfection in this county, the fleece growing in silky luxuriance, while the meat is firm and solid. Horses and cattle are bred with little trouble. The fine blue-gra(is pasture lands aiding in the superiority of Grundy county stock. Persons wishing to engage in stock raising will find this county very attractive.

All kinds of agricultural pursuits are well adapted to this county, and the farmer may feel reasonably sure of reaping a generous harvest for his labor. All cereal crops grow here in a greater or lesser degree. "Wheat and corn are never failing crops, and as many bushels are produced to the acre as in any part of the State. Oats, rye, barley and buckwheat attain a like success.

rich soil of either hillside or valley are very prolific. Fruit culture is one of the most profitable sources of investment in the county, the soil and climate being naturally suited to the work. The cultivation of the grape may be attended with large profit at a very small outlay. Wine making is exceptionally attractive and the extra quality which may be manufactured from Grundy county grapes finds a sure market at very remunerative rates. The horticultural products of this county stand as high as any in the State.

Coal mining is carried on within the limits of Trenton, the county seat. The best quality of soft coal may be purchased at very low rates. Trenton has direct railroad connections with all the large cities east and west, thus offering extra tacilities for the shipment of any kind of produce. These roads utilize the abundance of oak timber for bridge purposes and for railroad ties, thus making the forests a source of income.

There are good schools in every district. The_ buildings are properly equipped and paid for. The county debt only amounts to $155,000, thus making the taxation light. In fact, all the inducements of splendid farming lands at cheap rates and easy terms, with none of the hardships attendant upon pioneer life are here found. The people are sociable and hospitable, and extend a cordial welcome and helping hand to all new-comers. Your politics and religion are your personal property, and you have perfect liberty to express your opinion on any subject without fear or hindrance. The people are progressive, industrious, and mind their own business and give everybody else the same privilege.

To those seeking homes in the towns or villages, here again Grundj^ county steps forward with superior inducements. Those who wish to engage in commercial enterprises will find an ample field for their capital and talent. Trenton, the county seat, is the commercial metropolis, and is an energetic, bustling little city of some 3,500 inhabitants, always offering liberal encouragement to all worthy enterprises. Opportunities for profitable investment may be found at almost any time. Two railroads, excellent hotels, churches, good schools, three newspapers, all kinds of business, neat residences, with room for more, are among the attractions of Trenton.

Then in the northern part of the county, on the line of the railroad, is Spickardsville, a flourishing village of three hundred and thirty inhabitants. In the eastern portion of the county is situated Lindley, a tliriving town with a population of two hundred and seventy. West of Trenton, Edinburg, the seat of the Grand Rirer College, one of the leading educational institutions in the West, is situated, and has a population of one hundred and seventy-four. Alpha, in the southern part of the county, closes the list, a pretty country hamlet of one hundred and twenty-eight inhabitants.

In conclusion it can be truthfully said that in Grundy county may be found suitable locations with pleasant surroundings for almost any pursuit a man wishes to follow. He has only to come, view the country, investigate its adaptability to his calling, make his choice and settle down to a life attended with many pleasures to lighten his labors and brighten his pathway.