Jasper County, Missouri - Chapter 24: Joplin, Religious and Social, 1912

Chapter 24: Joplin, Religious and Social

First M. E. Church - ^Methodist Church South - Temperance Revival - ^PiRST Society op Christian Endeavor - ^Young Men's Christian Association - ^Mtte Societies - ^Among the Lodges - 0. P. Morton Post, No. 14, G. A. R. - ^Knights op the GoiiDEN Eagle - Odd Fellows' Anniversary Day - Southeast Kansas Pythian Excursion - Germania Society - First Observance op Labor Day - Knights of Pythias Ball, 1889 - Chautauqua Societies - ^Founders' Day - Joplin's Society - ^In Honor op Ex-Mayor Williams' Bride - Visit of General Sherman.

In our chapter of the 'seventies we treated at length the organization of the churches and their early work. In this and succeeding chapters we will treat the church as a whole, mentioning only the more important happenings of the several congregations and noting, from time to time, the organization of other denominations and the extension of the church work.

In 1880 a very eloquent man. Rev. Philip Krohn from New York, was sent to the Joplin field and during his pastorate a new church was built at Fourth and Wall streets. The building was for its day a handsome edifice and was furnished with modem church furniture.

In 1882 Rev. Campbell of Neosho came to Joplin and took charge of the Joplin church. During his pastorate the church in East Joplin was sold to the Baptists and a neat frame chapel built on West Fourth street, just across the alley from the North church. This building was, during the early 'nineties sold to the Colored Methodists and a pretty frame church built at the comer of Seventh and Moffet.

The old East Joplin church was sold by the Baptists to the Christian congregation at Diamond Grove and in 1885 torn down and rebuilt in that historic grove, which, during the war and early 'seventies, was the scene of great activity.

ment gained a strong foothold in Joplin and like the campaign of 77-8 when the Red Ribbon movement swept the county, created great excitement. The renewal of- 1884 was under the auspices of the State Christian Temperance Union and had for its emblem the blue ribbon^ denoting loyalty. The movement resulted in the organization of the Joplin Temperance Union (non-;sectarian). The Woman's Christian Union and the Temperance Cadets, an organization of boys and girls pledged to the cultivation of good manners and good morals.

The officers of the Joplin Temperance Union were as follows : President, A. B. Furgison; vice president, J. E. Sackett; secretary, Jennie Broadley; treasurer, Mrs. J. B. Sergeant.

The Christian Endeavor movement, which was popularized during the later 'eighties and early 'nineties was first organized in Joplin by the Rev. J. Wesley Johnson of the Congregational church. The society, which at first was a Union Endeavor, included the young people of all churches and was fully organized February 26, 1886, with the following officers: President, Rev. J. Wesley Johnson; vice president, Emma Sellars; secretary, C. P. Johnson; treasurer. Grant Jones; organist, Miss Frances Blair, and editors of the Y. P. S. C. E. Advocate, Thomas Dolan and Mamie McClaren.

This popular and useful organization, like the Endeavor, had its birth in the old Tabernacle. A preliminary meeting leading to the organization was held at the Tabernacle December 1, 1888, and well attended by the young men of the city. At this meeting a membership committee was appointed and arrangements made for the perpetuation of a young men's organization. The society did not at first maintain a reading room, but later a meeting was called at the residence of A. H, Waite, where some fifty or more men met Geo. T. Coxhead, who explained the system and workings of a Young Men's Christian Association, and here the permanent organization was planned. The real work of the Young Men's Christian Association may be said to date from this meeting.

One of the most delightful Sunday School gatherings occurred August 18, 1885, when the Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist and Congregational Sunday schools joined in a visit to the Sunday schools of Baxter Springs, Kansas. Five extra coaches were put on the regular morning ** Memphis" train, making eight in all, and these were loaded to the guards with Sunday school children and workers. The excursionists were royally treated by the Baxter people and the day was spent on the banks of Spring river where, after an exchange of welcomes and

History Op Jasper Coxjnty 275

During the entire 'eighties the Christian and Congregational churches had among their auxiliaries a mite society that provided most excellent social entertainment for the members, and also were the means of bringing a considerable sum of money into the church treasuries. The plan of the mite society was as follows : The society met once a week either in the church parlors, or at the residence of some one of the members. At these meetings the church members, with their friends, gathered for a literary and social session. A program, consisting of recitation, debates and vocal and instrumental music from the best local talent, was carried out, after which the plate was passed and each put in his '*mite" - so called in commemoration of the '* widow's mite." After the program and collection, games and other amusements were indulged in. These mite societies were exceedingly popular, brought the church people closer together and materially strengthened their friendships.

The Christian Mite Society was the first one formed, being organized at the residence of W. B. Lamkin, on November 7, 1879, with the following officers for the winter of 1879-80 : Dr. E. A. Wills, president ; Mrs. L. Z. Burr, vice president; Emma Shorters, secretary and Mrs. Susie Blakey, treasurer.

The following were its first officers: President, J. P. Martin; vice president, Mrs. O. H. Bender; secretary. Olio Harrington; program committee - Clara Craycraft, Anna Young and Janette Houghton; editor literary paper, Col. D. A. Preston.

The fraternal field was extended in Joplin during the 'eighties by the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Patriotic Order Sons of America, Sons of Veterans, Woman's Relief Corps, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Knights and Ladies of Honor and the American Legion of Honor - ^the last two insurance societies. The Masonic field was enlarged by the organization of the Royal Arch Chapter and Ascension Commandery No. 39, Knights Templar. Odd Fellowship was strengthened by the mustering of Canton Lincoln No. 16, Patriarchs militant, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen by the organization of a Legion of Select Knights.

We mention here a few of the fraternal happenings of the 'eighties with the view of showing the extent and nature of the operations of the several orders.

The Grand Army of the Republic brought together in a closer bond of comradeship the Union veterans of the Civil war. It inaugurated in Joplin the public observance of Memorial day and by its exercises on flag day and other patriotic demonstrations taught a truer love of country.

0. P. Morton Post No. 14, G. A. R., took a prominent part in the planning and carrying to a successful end the celebration of the 4th of July, 1885. It entertained General Sherman, on the occasion of his visit to Joplin, in 1883, and on the day when the great soldier, U. S. Grant, was laid to rest the post conducted in Joplin a special memorial which was participated in by patriotic and military societies of Joplin and by the great majority of the people.

The following were the Post Commanders during the 'eighties: W. H. Fairbanks, W. W. Pate, Galen Spencer, E. W. Beach, F. M. Redburn, Henry Phelps and J. L. Briggs.

Ascension Commandery made its first trip to a biennial conclave of the Knights Templar in 1886, when it went to St. Louis, seventy strong, to participate in the parade and exercises of that great gathering. John Gillis, then captain general of Ascension Commandery and later grand commander of the state, drilled the organization for the conclave and the white plumed knights made a most excellent appearance as they marched down main street en route to the railway station. A heavy downpour of rain at St. Louis, on the day of the grand parade, greatly marred the exercises and the pleasure of the trip.

The Joplin Legion of Select Knights, Ancient Order of United Woodmen, won many laurels during the 'eighties on account of their splendid drilling. At the Sarcoxie fair in October, 1886, the Twelfth regiment of Select Knights held its annual encampment and in the drill contests Joplin Legion No. 2 won the first prize. The following were the members of the victorious team : Captain, A. P. Hoyt ; Ira Creech, John C.

Faulkender, I. Zamboni, J. L. Davenport, A. L. Pairbrother, H. C. Sutton, S. A. Underwood, John Bauer, Charles Dorrize, H. H. Jennings, H. L. Chickering and I. M. Dennis.

At the meeting of the grand lodge, A. 0. U. W., February, 1888, S. A. Underwood of Joplin Lodge No. 34 was elected to the ofl&ce of grand foreman and two years later Philip Arnold of the same body was similarly honored, the city having been thus twice distinguished in a decade by the five hundred delegates who annually attend these state conventions.

The Knights of the Golden Eagle, a fraternal society having for its object the teaching and practicing of friendship and loyalty, was organized in Joplin in February, 1886, with George W. Payton as the executive officer. This society became very popular and numbered in Joplin more than two hundred members. In 1887 representatives of the order from Carthage, Webb City and Joplin (the order in the state was first founded at Carthage) met in Joplin and organized a grand lodge. Geo. W. Payton was the first presiding officer of that body and as the representative of the supreme commander visited New Orleans and introduced the order there.

At the meeting of the grand lodge, April 18, 1888, now having extended to some twenty southwestern Missouri cities, the following grand officers were elected, Jasper county being greatly honored upon the occasion : John Foster, Carthage, grand commander ; C. W. Evans, Webb City, vice commander; Herman Ecart, Joplin, representative to the supreme lodge.

This camp was formally mustered January 20, 1888, with the following officers: Ira Creech, captain; John H. Enrichs, lieutenant; N. J. Street, ensign. Eighteen members were present at the muster-in. G. W. Koehler of Joplin was honored by the lieutenant general commanding by an appointment as major and adjutant general on the general staff.

On April 26, 1888, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Joplin and vicinity celebrated the sixty-ninth anniversary of the founding of the order.

A parade participated in by three hundred Odd Fellows was a feature of the day. The Carthage Light Guard band, the Joplin Military band and the Galena Fireman's band enlivened the line of march, on which occasion Canton Lincoln made its first public appearance and by its splendid manoeuvres won the applause of the spectators. Hon. J. W. Halliburton of Carthage and Hon. J. W. McAntire of Joplin were the orators of the occasion. The celebration was concluded by a ball at

During the summer of 1887 the Knights of Pythias of Parsons, Kansas, conceived the idea of an excursion to Joplin, having in mind the strengthening of the bond of friendship between the members of the order of southwest Missouri and southeast Kansas. The Ancient Order of the United Workmen lodge of that city was invited to join in the outing and when the joint committee of the two lodges met to discuss arrangements it was reported that other lodges in southeastern Kansas would like to go ; and so it was determined to make the excursion a southeastern Kansas affair and extend an invitation to all of the lodges of Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of United Workmen in the six southeastern counties of that state.

August 15, 1887, was the day chosen and it was a red-letter day for Joplin, for the City of Lead was fairly alive with brave men who wore the red, yellow and blue and with the members of the then great fraternal insurance society.

The Joplin lodge of Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of United Workmen had invited the members of the two fraternities of Jasper county to help entertain and make Jasper county the hosts of the day. The Kansas special of ten coaches was literally jammed with men, women and children. They brought with them two fine brass bands, which with the Joplin band furnished plenty of music during the day. In uniform from Kansas were the Select Knights, A. O. U. W., of Parsons, numbering thirty men ; the Erie Division Knights of Pythias, twenty men ; and the Parsons Division Knights of Phythias, thirty men. These with the different uniformed orders of Joplin formed a handsome procession. Mr. Frank Williams delivered an address of welcome at Fairbanks hall after which everybody ** struck out" for dinner. The afternoon was spent as the visitors saw fit. At two o'clock the Erie Division K. of P. gave a drill on the street in front of the Joplin hotel, which was one of the finest drills ever put up by a civic order in the southwest. It was the admiration of every one. After this the ball game between Webb City and Joplin was the center of attraction. At six o'clock Main street was again a lively scene. The bicycle contest and tournament, in which some twenty expert wheelmen of Joplin and Galena, among whom was the famous Tom Hardwick, gave exhibitions of fancy riding and hill climbing. The Henderson and Lewis hose companies made three runs of a hundred yards each and gave very good exhibitions of their skill. Then the Joplin Zouaves gave one of their splendid drills, which was a most pleasing close to the day's sports. The captain of the company was out of town and the boys had not intended drilling, but Lieutenant Lowderback got eight men together and put up a drill that captivated the vast crowd. About three o'clock something like one hundred and fifty ladies and gentlemen had assembled in the lodge room of the two orders, and were having a delightful time in conversation and music, when the assemblage was called to order and IVIr. John Gillies, on behalf of the Select Knights of Joplin, presented to the Sigel Legion No. 36 of Parsons, a most elegantly arranged and designed cross, emblematic of the order, made entirely of specimens of Joplin lead and zinc ore.

The fraternal visit of the Kansas Ancient Order of United Workmen and Knights of Pythias was returned by Joplin August 23, 1888, when 575 Joplinites reinforced by some 200 citizens of Gkdena visited Parsons, Kansas. The excursion was under the auspices of the Ancient Order of United Workmen lodge of Joplin and was managed by the following committee : S. A. Underwood, 0. B. Hamlin and H. C. Sutton. A round-trip fare of one dollar to Parsons and return was secured and a special train of nine coaches left Joplin at 7:30 A. M., returning at midnight.

The following organizations with their wives, daughters and sweethearts, participated in the day's pleasures: The A. O. U. W. lodges of Joplin; Joplin Legion Select Knights; Canton Lincoln, I. O. 0. P.; Patriotic Order Sons of America ; Knights of the Golden Eagle ; Joplin Zouaves; the Joplin Fire department and the Joplin Military Band, together with the A. O. U. W. lodge of Galena and the celebrated Galena Boom Brigade, a most excellently drilled organization of Galena belles under the command of the prince of drill masters. Col. L. C. Weldy.

At Parsons the guests were welcomed by the Rev. Elerby, in behalf of the citizens and lodge men of that city, and after dinner exhibition drills were given by the Select Knights, Canton Lincoln, and the Zouaves, the last one of which brought from the Kansans round after round of applause.

A contest between the hose companies of Joplin and Parsons resulted in a victory for Joplin - ^the time of the two companies on a 200-yard run, laying 100 feet of hose and throwing water, being : Joplin 1 :30, Parsons 2:02.

The Joplin Germania Society has since its organization given an annual ball to which the friends who are not members of the organization are invited.

The annual ball of 1887 was given on Valentine's day and the guests and dancers appeared in fancy dress and masks. Two hundred and fifty dancers were on the floor for the grand march and the immense throng thoroughly enjoyed the evening, the famous Carthage Light Guard band furnishing the music.

Labor day was first observed in Joplin Monday, September 6, 1886, under the auspices of the Knights of Labor which, in the middle 'eighties was a strong organization in Joplin and Jasper county.

At 10 o'clock in the morning a parade was had and participated in by the following organizations: J. C. Petitt, grand marshal, and staff; Joplin Military Band ; fire department ; dram corps ; Knights of Labor ; carriages with orator of the day ; reception committee and city officials.

The exercises were held at Castle Rock, and after dinner G. P. Garland, chairman of the day, introduced the orator of the occasion, Hon. Jesse Harper, of Danville, Illinois.

We clip the following from the Herald of February 2(). 1^89. as it will give an idea of the character and popularity of the annual Knights of Pythias ball, which occurred on the natal day of the order, February 19: **The annual ball of the Knights of Pythias, an event that is always a central point of interest in society circles for weeks, came off last night at the Havin Opera House. The present ball, like its predecessors, was a realization of all that was anticipated by the most sanguine notaries of social pleasure. The attendance was large and comprised the creme de la creme of Joplin society, with a generous representation from neighboring towns.

**The hall was elaborately and tastily decorated with the emblems of the order. Eighty couples participated in the dance. Among the ladies who graced the ball the Herald reporter noted the following: The Misses May Hunt, Helen Rauschenbach, Florence Fillmore, Gorinne Allington, Mattie Campbell, Stella Thurman, Kate Roberts and Ella Lamb, of Carthage; Ida Babst and Dottie Williams, of Neosho; Libbie Palmer and Amy Warren, of Baxter Springs; Laura Cooper, also of Baxter Springs; Frank Broadley, Cora Flenniken and Mina Roberts, of Neosho; Addie Ellison and Kate Conard, of Carthage; Martha Roberson and Mamie Roberson, of Des Moines, Iowa ; Delia Sapp and Jennie Lauderbach ; also the Mesdames J. A. Cragin, G. B. Young, Eva Richardson, J. W. Calvin, J. F. Wise, C. W. Witman, L. C. Hamilton, E. D. Porter, F. E. Williams, Elmer Webster, L C. McCarty, V. L. Petraeus (of Philadelphia, Pa.), H. Weymann, A. Weymann, L. C. Clark, J. G. Huher, E. P. Swift, Laura Reifsueder, D. A. Preston, H. P. Campbell, Dr. Snyder, Will Moore, A. G. Cook (of Oswego, N. Y.), W. S. Paul, Simon Schwartz, Clarence Lambert, J. B. Sherman, H. D. Chickering, H. H. Gregg, Wm. Henrichs, Lewis James, Harry Crittenden (of Fredonia, Kansas), Levi Stauffer, Dila Mitch, D. K. Wenrich, S. C. Hendersen.

The Chautauqua movement, which has of late years become so popular and which annually brought together thousands of the literary- and music-loving people in the 'eighties, had its beginning at Chautauqua lake, New York, and thence spread out over the county, iSrst by the organization of many literary cluVs formed for home culture.

The regular Chautauqua Course of Home Reading was carried out and the essays and discussions which covered a wide range, kept its members in touch with the great thinkers of the day.

This society was the first woman's club in Joplin, and, after completing the regular four years' and post-graduate Chautauqua courses, maintained its organization and, until the later 'nineties, held most delightful and profitable sessions. The Unity Circle changed its name later to tie Unity Club and still holds most delightful and helpful literary sessions.

The Prospectors' Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle organized in 1887 among the younger set, was a mixed club and had for its leader W. P. Roberts, then principal of the high school, and later R. D. Shanmon, superintendent of schools.

On February 22, 1888, the Unity and Prospectors' circles joined in a celebration commemorating the names and deeds of the great characters who figured prominently in the founding and building of the nation. The celebration was called Founders' day.

In carrying out the program, the difl?erent members impersonated the nation's heroes in costumes, telling the stories of their lives and exploits.

Minnehaha, represented by Emma V. Shortess: In this representation Mrs. Shortess recited an original poem which described beautifully the history of the Indian tril>e8. This recitation was greatly enjoyed.

Prospectors' Circle - ^President, W. P. Roberts; vice president, Mollie Robertson; secretary and treasurer, Emma V. Shorters; Misses Johana Becker, Lillian Blair, Gertrude Broadley, Mamie Glover, Caddie Goodwin, Dora Laudauer, Hanna Laudauer, Maude Lopp and Katie Roberts, and Messrs. Julius A. Becker, Millard Conley, Ray Evans, James B. Hogan, Will C. Porter, John Price, T. C. White and Joel T. Livingston.

During the 'nineties club work in Joplin became very popular, some half dozen literary societies flourishing through the decade which will be further mentioned in the pages covering that period.

We mention a few of the social occurrences of the 'eighties for the purpose of giving an idea of the class of people who made up Joplin 's social life and the extent and character of the city's amusements.

One of the most delightful social sessions of the 'eighties and one which included practically all of Joplin 's 400 was a reception given in honor of ex-Mayor Williams' bride. We republish here the Jasper County Democrat's report of the affair: ** Three weddings have occurred in the past two weeks and it is believed this is only the beginning. Since the old veteran, Capt. Prank E. Williams, has yielded his heart we are ready to believe it of anyone, and would not be surprised if in six months hence such a thing as a single man in the town would be looked upon as a phenomenon.

''From the chronic bachelor habits of Captain Williams we had come to look upon him as proof against all such attacks of the heart. For several years past he has made regular pilgrimages to Chicago and on each occasion did Dame Rumor as regularly announce that he would return with a wife, and each time he returned as he went, much to the discomfiture of the old busybody. So when it was rumored this time that he would return a married man the knowing ones just laughed and said 'fooled again.' But when the announcement of the arrival of Captain Williams and bride was made and invitations issued for a recep tion at the residence of Peter E. Blow to the happy pair on the evening of Friday last there w.as no longer doubting.

' ' Captain Williams is one of the oldest citizens and a universal favorite in the community. During his citizenship he has been invested with some of the most important city ofiSces, having served as mayor two consecutive terms, city collector, etc.

' ' The reception given at the residence of Mr. Blow, in honor of Captain Williams and bride, eclipsed anything ever seen in Joplin. The spacious grounds adjoining the residence were brilliantly illuminated with Chinese lanterns. The bride and groom received the guests on the veranda, not under the mistletoe bough but that of the apple tree. The bride was tastefully attired in white with corsage bouquet of natural flowers. She is of the brunette type of beauty, with large and expressive eyes and a face denoting intellect and character. She was a Miss McMurray, of Chicago, at whose home in that city the marriage took place. -

'* After the arrival of the guests, who numbered more than three hundred, came in full dress the Joplin Rifles, of which organization the groom was captain, accompanied by the band which discoursed some sweet music during the evening. In behalf of the Rifles Lieutenant Reavis presented a few congratulatory remarks to the groom to which he responded in a happy and graceful manner after which refreshments were served. As entertainers Mr. Blow and his pretty wife, who is a niece of Captain Williams, proved themselves simply adepts.

"Among the guests noticeable was our popular deputy sheriff with his decidedly pretty bride of a week. He looked the personification of happiness and 'twas difficult to imagine, as one looked at that placid and ecstatic countenance, the rising of a ripple to mar the voyage upon which he has just set out. His bride, nee Miss Ida Miller, who was more fortunate than the others in not being obliged to change her name, was formally a teacher in the public schools. James Crabtree, a clerk in one of the leading dry goods houses, was present with his bride of a few days, formerly Miss Libbie Jarrett ; also a teacher of the public schools. A H. Waite and his bride of a few months offered their congratulations to the newly married couple with the wish that they might be just one-half as happy as they. J. B. Sergeant, who was present with his most estimable wife, remarked 'this carries me back just thirty-five years, a long time for a bride and groom to look forward to, but as I now look back upon it, it seems but a day.'

**The old bachelor friends of the groom were out in full force but seemed not at home, reminding one of a lot of cats in a strange garret. They seem to be querying *How is thist* 'What am It* *Who am It' 'What am I here fort'

*'T. Jones, of the Joplin Hotel, materialized with a pretty girl on his arm. Dr. Howard and James Leonard and other old chums of the groom walked up and congratulated the newly made benedict and his pretty bride and slunk back in a kind of reverie which seemed to imply that they had all at once commenced analyzing themselves. Some one asked 'Where is A. W. Carson, editor and prospective postmaster t' The answer came 'He has closeted himself for the night with Gulliver's Meditation and does not desire either to see or be seen. ' There is evidently a change passing over the spirit of the dream of the old set, and single blessedness is not being landed as it used to be."

On June 13, 1884, General W. T. Sherman honored Joplin, Webb City, Carterville and Carthage with a visit and his coming to Jasper was the occasion of a demonstration in his honor in each of the four cities. On the arrival of the train bearing the distinguished guest at Joplin, Webb City and Carterville, all of the whistles in the mining district were turned loose at once and the noise was heard for ten miles around. General Sherman's daughter accompanied her father. In Joplin the Grand Army of the Republic post, the Joplin Rifles and other semi-military societies escorted General Sherman from the depot to the hotel. C. J. Lewis, A. B. McCarty and P. M. Redbum were delegated by the city to entertain the great soldier while in the city, and he and his daughter were shown through the mines, the lead works and other points of interest.