Johnson County, Missouri - Chapter 1: - History of Warrensburg, 1881 (part 2 of 2)

governed by a board - of directors, consisting of seven members of the stockholders. The following are the members at present: Dr. G. R. Hunt, W. P. Hunt, F, M. Trussing, Fred Hoberling, H. Rosenthal, W. H. Hartman and B. Loebenstein. Dr. G. R. Hunt is president of the association and W. P. Kinseller, secretary; the by-laws providing that the secretary shall not be a member of the board of directors. This asso¬ ciation meets the second Tuesday in each month, and at this meeting pays up all fines and dues. Their officers are elected at the regular meeting in April. The association at its regular meetings makes provision for invest¬ ments during the following month. The association is conducted on strictly business principles, and has been a great benefit to Warrensburg.

The first agricultural fair held at this place was on the ground now occupied by the residence of Mrs. B. W. Grover, in the year 1857. But in the following year, twenty acres, one half of a forty, was bought by the agricultural association, just south of New Town, and near the pres¬ ent corporate limits. The fair was run with success financially, till the commencement of the war. It was then suspended till about 1867, when it was reorganized by the same old company. After giving one exposition it was very much improved in the following year; $15,000 was spent in erecting a large amphitheater and floral hall. The result of this was that the directors did not make enough money to pay the expenses of these improvements. Hence, after a few years the fair grounds had to be sold and were bought by the creditors. These' grounds are now owned by Drummond & Bros., who are doing an extensive business in manufacturing sugar and molasses.

The first hotel in Warrensburg was built in 1837, by Young E. W. Berry. It was located on the north side of the public square in Old Town, on the site of the residence now owned by D. R. Smith. It was a small log house of six or seven rooms, just such houses as were built in those days. Mr. Berry kept this hotel several years, but about the year 1840, he sold it to John Mayes. Mayes acted as proprietor of this hotel two years and then rented it out to Joseph McLeary. But McLearv run it for only a few years. It was finally bought and improved by John D. Smith in 1856, and under his management was known as the " Mansion House." But at the commencement of the war John D. Smith died and the hotel was closed out. The next hotel was owned and run by Zacheriah T. Davis, the father-in-law of W. H. Anderson. The house was at first a private residence made of logs and owned by Henry B. Mayo. When Mr. Davis bought it for a hotel in 1841, he took the building which was a double, two-story log house, and weather-boarded the logs and annexed a frame addition, making a good-sized house of about eight or ten rooms. - After Mr. Davis had run the hotel six or seven years, he sold rented it to Daniel Rentch, who run it as a hotel two or three years. It was finally sold by Mr. Anderson to Thomas Ingle, and kept by him as a hotel all during the war. Col. J. D. Eads bought it at the close of the war and for several years rented it to private families. About 1876 it was bought from Col. Eads by the Germania Club and is now known as the Germania Hall. It is situated southeast of the public square in Old Town, and is still a substantial building. The third hotel established in Warrensburg, was built by James Bolton in 1857, and was known as the " Bolton House." It was located on the south side of public square in Old Town.

This was a large building, with ten or twelve rooms in it, and was the best hotel at the time in the city. In 1861 the soldiers took possession of this and made of it a hospital and guard-house. All during the war this house was the home of sick and wounded soldiers. Gen. Brown'bought the building at the close of the war, and after keeping it a short time, sold it, and it was taken to pieces and moved off and put into other buildings. Such was the end of the Bolton House. This was the last hotel built in Old Town. In 1865 the Redford House, as it was called, was built south of the Missouri Pacific depot, where now stands the Simmons House. This was a large frame building, and contained about fourteen rooms. But in 1868 the hotel was burned and the Simmons Hotel built in its stead. This hotel is much the largest hotel in the city, and affords very fine accommodation for the travelling public. The only other hotel now car¬ ried on in Warrensburg is what is at present known as the Eads House. The building now known as the Eads Hotel was built in 1870 as a church of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination; but in 1875 it was bought by A. W. Ridings & Company and enlarged for a hotel. It has since been bought and is still owned by Mrs. J. D. Eads, and hence the name, Eads Hotel. This hotel does an extensive business and is in every way first-class.

Stone- Quarries - Man always depends for his substance upon what grows upon the surface of the earth; and to a great extent the materials for the improvement of his lands and the erection of his houses are obtained from the surface of the earth. But when men can go down into the earth and bring out material that is useful in developing the sur¬ face of the earth and in making him more comfortable, this is a great and positive gain; and the more there is found in the depths of the earth that is useful to him, the more has been gained for the world at large. Thus when the bowels of the earth have been opened and rich beds of all kinds of ore have been dug out, the whole human race is materially enriched; and it seems to be the characteristics of civilization that the more it advances, the more the mining resources of the earth are devel- oped. Among the earliest possessions Mother Earth gave up to man's use were her mighty beds of stone. These, from the first records of his¬ tory, have been used for making a habitation for man. It was of stone that the Tower of Babel was built. In this natural gift of earth to man Johnson county is perhaps the most bountiful of all the counties of the west; and it is not in this brief article that we would give an account of the history and resources of those quarries located near Warrensburg. These quarries are located two miles north of Warrensburg, on the Lex¬ ington road. The first and nearest quarry is called the St. Louis Quarry, and is owned by Jacob Pickle & Brothers. This quarry was for many years open for the use of the public, those getting stone who needed it, and no one in particular working the quarry. But in 1871 Joseph Pickle & Brothers bought the quarry and a portion of the adjoining land and have worked them ever since, developing them more than any quar¬ ries in this county. Jacob Pickle & Brothers have long been engaged in this business, having worked quarries in Germany. These gentleman came from the " Old Country " only a few years before they commenced working here. They have shown great energy, industry, and perse¬ verance in working these quarries, as the reader will see from their descrip¬ tion and management.

The St. Louis quarry is by far the largest of the three, and a description of the manner in which that is worked, will suffice for all three, as there is little or no difference in the modus operandi. The chief instrument they have for getting out the stone, is a small engine of six horse-power, which runs along over the stone on a track that can be moved when necessary. This engine has a shaft that runs down into the stone, and saws as it were, the engine moving slowly all the time. By this means, they can saw into the stone, to the depth of five or six feet. The track of the engine is about fifty yards long, and hence, when the engine runs the full length of this track, it saws a strip of stone about that long. These strips are four feet wide. The ends of the strips are separated from the adjoining stones by means of picks. The stone is soft and easily broken in small pieces in all the damp places below the earth. Then, by means of the engines, and picks, and steel wedges, stone blocks are taken out, ten feet long, four feet wide, and two feet thick. This is the size, generally, but of course, the stones are cut oft' of different sizes to suit the purpose. Probably about the most wonderful part about the working machinery at the quarry, is their manner of loading. After the stone blocks have been loosened, they are taken hold of by immense derricks, run by horse power, and placed under the great lifting machine. Of these derricks, they have three at this quarry, and it may be mentioned here, that the engine for cutting stone, and the water tank, as well as track, are moved by the derricks. We will now attempt to give the reader an idea of the machine they have for lifting the stone and putting it on the cars. There are two tracks, somewhat like railroad tracks, sep¬ arated from each other about four feet, and running above the ground about ten feet. This arrangement extends from the railroad track all the way across the quarry, a distance of 200 yards. Upon this track runs all the machinery for lifting the stone, consisting of an engine of fifteen horse power, and all other parts needed in the work, such as the coal to feed the engine, the engine house and pulleys, ropes, etc. By the engine, this machinery is moved along on its track till directly over the stone left by the derrick, and then the machine is stopped, and by the same engine the stone is picked up and carried along up the track till it is over the car, when it is let down on the car and is ready for transportation. Stone of enormous weight are thus loaded by this means. -

Mr. Pickle informs us that he ships yearly, at least 500 car loads, and that in 1874 he shipped 900 car loads, and since that year he shipped 3,000 car loads from his quarry. This stone has been used in building some of the finest edifices in the United States. We have not a complete list of the large structures made with this stone, but will giveswhat we have. In St. Louis alone, this stone was put in the following buildings: Chamber of Commerce, Lindell Hotel, Allen's building, fifth and Locust, besides fifty other large buildings. The State Normal, located at Warrensburg, a hundred and fifty thousand dollar building, was made of this stone. The Chicago Union depot, several large buildings in Quincy, Illinois, and in Louisville, Kentucky. To many other points in this state have the rock been shipped, and its reputation is known all over the United States. It is also used in making tombstones and grindstones.

The sandstone as found here is of a soft gray color, and, though a large portion of the county is underlaid with sandstone, that part which has this gray color and is alone fit for building purposes, is probably a little less than 300 acres. This stone has been quarried to the depth of 55 feet and below that it is not good for building purposes. Mr. Pickle has in his possession part of an elm tree petrified in the sandstone. In 1874 Jacob Pickle & Bros., had a branch road built from the Missouri Pacific railroad to their quarry. This road is two miles and a half long, and was built at an expense of $20,000. The railroad track, as we have pre¬ viously intimated, runs under the scaffolding upon which the lifting machine runs, so that the cars may be loaded directly b}^ the machine. These cars are taken away about twice a week, averaging about fifteen cars at a trip. From this we may have some conception of the quantity of stone hauled from this place.

The second quarry, known as the Warrensburg quarry, was first worked in 1871 by William Bruce & Company. This quarry was owned by Senator Cockrell and leased to these gentlemen for a number of years, but their term of lease expired in 1880, and the quarry was then sold by Senator Cockrell to Jacob Pickle & Bros., who now own two of the three stone quarries. This quarry is worked in the same way as the others are, but it has no railroad running to it, and hence the stone is hauled on wagons. This quarry has not been as extensively worked as the first mentioned.

The third stone quarry has just been opened. When Bruce & Com¬ pany gave up their old quarry, they bought another spot of land containing good building stone, a few hundred yards northeast of their old quarry. This they commenced to work in the spring of 1881. This quarry hasn't the advantage of the railroad either, but it is being vigor¬ ously worked, and may, in a few years, be a very extensively known quarry.

Mineral Springs. - In many localities there is a peculiarity in the mineral springs of the county, most of which are strongly impregnated with car¬ bonate of iron. These springs are very numerous and are principally found in the sandstone region of W arrensburg. Some of these springs are impreg¬ nated with sulphur and other minerals, none of which have been correctly analyzed. None of these springs are very deep or large, but they con¬ tinue to flow the entire year. The drought has no effect upon the flow of water. The water is quite clear and contains considerable sulphurettedhydrogen gas. One spring, belonging to Geo. W. Colbern, is situate just north of town, breaking out under a sandstone, and flowing at the rate of about ten gallons per minute. The depth of this spring is ten feet, and the water is strongly impregnated with mineral substances, principally carbonate iron, bromide magnesia, and sulphate lime, besides other sub¬ stance. This spring, during the summer of 1881, was considerable of a health resort. Many physicians and invalids claim that the water has great healing properties, and acts admirably in all diseases of the stomach and bowels. In one of the caverns in Cave hollow, a beautiful spring bursts out and flows both winter and summer incessantly, and does not often freeze over. The water is said to be strongly impregnated with bromide magnesia, and sulphate of lime. It is the spot, where anchorite like, the health-seeker may drink and live without the public knowing any¬ thing about it.

The Purtle Springs are situate about one-half mile south of town on a line with Holden street. These springs surpass all others about War¬ rensburg in their sylvan retirements. Sunk away in a ravine whose banks are studded with beautiful white oaks, interspersed with American ivy and various underbrush, is to be found the beautiful spring named above. For many years past, this has been known as a chalybeate spring. The main spring is about two feet in depth, and bubbles up from the bot¬ tom knd flows off in a constant stream of clear water. The taste of this water is savory, and is said to be a fine appetizer. During the year 1881, quite a large number of influential citizens made this a health resort, and from some of them who have tested the curative powers of the water, we learn that the action of the water is strongly diuretic. It has exhibited wonderful curative properties in dyspepsia, diseases of the kidneys and urinary organs, and many diseases peculiar to women. The water is limpid and clear, and apparently pure, and has a sweetish taste. The water has never been analyzed by a chemist, although some has of late been sent to St. Louis for that purpose ; however, it is generally believed by those who have tested the curative waters of this spring that some day this will be one of the favorite health resorts of the country. Sur¬ rounded as it is, with beautiful, natural scenery, forest, glade and defile, it is already a quiet retreat during the heated season of the year. This spring and the land belongs to Mr. Zimmerman, who has delivered hun¬ dreds of gallons of this water to the citizens of Warrensburg.

White Sulphur Springs is about two miles northwest of town, a short distance west of Post Oak. The water of this spring is strongly impreg¬ nated with sulphur, which is distinctly felt by the olfactory nerves and by the taste. The water bubbles up from the cavity in the bottom land, and contains a considerable amount of hydrogen gas. A few pleasure seek¬ ers resort thither in the dusky evenings of summer, where they drink and return fully paid by the recreation.

In the vicinity of the town are three excellent nurseries, owned respect¬ ively by Wm. Zoll, Ed. Kelly and W. H. Hatton. Messrs. Zoll and Kelly are among the pioneer nurserymen of the county and stand high as busi¬ ness men. The nursery of Wm. Zoll is about one-half mile east of town; north and east of this is the excellent nursery of Ed. Kelly. The new and elegant residence of Wm. Zoll is beautifully located in the corner of the nursery-ground. Mr. Hatton's nursery is a few miles south of town. Besides these nurseries, there are several good vineyards in the vicinity. That of George Reiter is among the best cultivated.

the common schools educate and train the nation's multitudes, fitting them for citizenship and the government of themselves. The eminent J. P. Wickersham says: " The dearest interest of a nation is the education of its children." During the early history of this cityT little attention was 'paid to schools. Now we enjoy the benefits derived from an excellent general school law. One of the first teachers in Warrensburg was Maj. N. B. Holden, who afterwards became one of the prominent men of the county- He was a soldier to Mexico, and received his title for gallantry in that war. He was assassinated September 21, 1862, and a marble monument now marks his resting place in the Warrensburg cemetery.. Maj. Hol¬ den taught during the winter of 1839-40. At that time all schools were managed more or less as private enterprises, the funds raised by public provision being entirely inadequate. These early schools were supported by private subscription, each pupil paying a certain amount of subscrip¬ tion every month. Joel H. Warren was another pioneer teacher at War¬ rensburg. He studied medicine with Dr. William Calhoun, commenced the practice of medicine in Cass county, served in the federal army dur¬ ing the war, since which time he has practiced medicine at Knob Noster. He was a grandson of Martin Warren, in whose honor Warrensburg received her name. In 1842 William H. Anderson taught a select school in Warrensburg, in a private house. He taught arithmetic, geography-, reading, spelling and writing. Mr. Anderson has long been one of the very foremost men of Johnson county, and is now an enterprising grocery merchant in Warrensburg. His school numbered twenty-five pupils, and his pay consisted of a tuition fee of $1.50 from each pupil per month. George W. Johnson, a Baptist minister and graduate of William Jewel college, taught a select school in Old Town for about three years, begin¬ ning in 1857. He was married in Warrensburg, removed to California, entered the rebel army" and served till its close. Rev. Johnson is now president of a female seminary?- at Jackson Tennessee. Miss Eliza Thomas and Z. T. Davis were early teachers. Robert A. Foster and a man byr name Jewel, who was killed in the federal armyT were both teachers in the public schools of the cityq when the war broke out.

The first public school building erected for that purpose was the old brick which still stands in Old Town. The upper story- was owned and occupied by the masons, while the first floor was used for school during week, and religious meetings on the Sabbath. It was erected in the year 1845, at a cost of $1,800. The war put a stop to all well organized schools; but after its close, in 1867, the old Reese building was com¬ pleted at a cost of about $13,000. It was afterwards discovered that the foundation was defective, and the walls commenced cracking, render¬ ing the building unsafe. Accordingly the present, imposing and com- modious structure was finished in 1879, at a cost of $4,500. The Foster building was completed in the year 1870, at a cost of about $13,000. The Reese building is situated on the corner of Market and Warren streets, and the Foster building is situated east of the railroad on the corner of Grover and McGuire streets.

Under the general statutes of the state, approved March 20, 1866, Warrensburg City was " organized into and established as a single school district, " April 18, 1866. Special privileges were granted cities, towns, and villages, thus organizing for school purposes. It having been decided by the legal voters of the town of Warrensburg to organize, directors were elected and qualified. Their name were as follows, constituting the first Board of Education in this city: A. W. Reese, president; Melvill U. Foster, secretary; Jehu H. Smith, treasurer; Elias Stilwell, John L. Rog¬ ers and Nelson Dunbar. Among the first acts of the above named direc¬ tors was the securing of teachers and providing more ample accommoda¬ tions for the children, both white and black. Rev. Matthew Biggar, S. L. Mason, and Rev. M. Henry Smith were the principal teachers selec¬ ted, the two former were placed in charge of the schools for white chil¬ dren, and the latter was principal of the colored school. From 1866 to 1875, in accordance with all other professions, teachers received a much larger salary than they do at present; the superintendent during a con¬ siderable portion of that time receiving a yearly salary of $1500, and subordinate teachers from $40 to $60 per month. The colored school was conducted in the Howard building, situated on Culton street, between Old and New Town, also in a building formerly used as a Baptist church. The Howard school was named in honor of General Howard, an officer of distinction in the Union army during the war of the great rebellion. The Howard building is a small, one-story frame structure, 32x24, and cost $800 besides the lot on which it stands. Through the untiring and self-sacrificing exertions of Mr. Smith, the colored people of Warrens¬ burg and vicinity were provided with educational advantages never before enjoyed; for this and many other philanthropic acts, the blacks and whites, too, will hold him in grateful remembrance. He was sent here as a missionary, under the auspices of the Congregational church, in the fall of 1865, but when it became apparent that his particular denominational following was not sufficient to support a regular pastor, he gave his atten¬ tion to teaching, for which he was well qualified. Rev. Smith is a native of New York, and was educated at Oberlin college, both in the collegiate and theological courses. In 1871 he was called from Warrensburg to take charge of Lincoln Institute, at Jefferson City, a school for the edu¬ cation of colored teachers. He now resides on East Market street

Large sums of money were expended in the construction of the two large and commodious brick school buildings now in use, the Reese building and the Foster building. The principals who have served in Warrensburg schools since the spring of 1866, are given below, with date of administration: 1866 to Jan. 1, 1868, Rev. Matthew Biggar; 1866, S. L. Mason; 1866 to fall of 1871, Rev. M. Henry Smith; 1868, Jan. 1, A. L. Pierce; 1869, September 1, M. Babcock; 1870 to 1875, Prof. J. J. Campbell; 1875 to 1877, Prof. J. Reynolds; 1877, Mrs. M. V. Neet, Foster building; 1877, Miss P. S. Sites, Reese building; 1878, no princi¬ pal or superintendent; 1879, two years, Prof. J. F. Starr; 1881, Sept. R. N. Dunn.

The schools are in a flourishing condition, maintaining a high standard of discipline and scholarship. During the two years past Prof. J. F. Starr has been superintendent, but having received a call to a more desirable position at Butler, he has declined to accept the position here for a third

Report for the year ending May, 1881: whole number enrolled 718, whole number of whites enrolled 603, colored 115; average daily attendance 600. The enumeration of youths between six and twenty years of age in April, 1881, was: white males 502, females 479; colored males 78, females 80; totfil, 1,139. Present teachers: Robert N. Dunn, superintendent; Foster school, No. 1, Miss L. F. Grover, No. 2, Miss Eula Tracy, No. 3, Miss Maggie Wilson, No. 4 Miss Mary Emerson, No. 5 Miss

One of the most important factors of the educational system of the town of Warrensburg is the normal school located here. While a State insti¬ tution and supported by the State, Warrensburg derives exceeding great benefit from it. Many families have removed to the town on its account.

and its influence upon the order and intelligence of the community is largely felt. Hundreds of students gathering into it from various parts of the State, enliven the streets of the quiet little city and dispense no small amount of money through business circles. The school building is situated in the southern part of the town within a large and well laid out campus. Its architecture is plain and massive. It has lately been com¬ pleted and now furnishes ample accommodations for from five to six hun¬ dred students. The school was organized in 1871 with forty students in attendance. Its progress has been gradual from that time until the pres¬ ent, and now the yearly attendance is about four hundred. The present building was first occupied in 1873, the first story only having been fin¬ ished at that time. The first principal appointed was George P. Beard, assisted by E. A. Augell. Mr Beard was superceded at the close of the session of 1871 - 2 by James Johonnot of New York. At the close of the annual session of 1874 - 5 Mr. Johonnot was succeeded by Geo. L. Osborne of Louisiana, Missouri, who continues as president at the present time. The appropriation made by the State for the maintenance of the school was in the original bill of incorporation $2,500. This has been increased grdually, until at the present time the amount is $10,000.

The object of the school as is indicated by the name normal, is to edu¬ cate teachers solely. The methods of instruction and course of study are bent to this purpose alone. All pupils are required to assume a pledge to teach. A slight incidental fee is charged, but as it is believed that the masses are directly benefited, the state, as before stated, fosters the cause, and the school is essentially free. A model school has lately been attached and it is but justice to say that no school in the west of the character of this one is better equipped to carry out the purpose for which it was designed. The course of study occupies four years and is divided into elementary and advanced. While the sciences, mathematics, literature, and philosophy receive a large attention, the principle and practice of teaching precede all else. Students are graduated in the elementary course in two years and given a certificate of scholarship. After four years satisfactory work in all the various branches of the curriculum, a diploma, conferring the degree of bachelor of pedagogics is awarded. Students board in private families in the city and are allowed extended freedom, though subject to certain rigid rules, and always subject to the orders of the president or some professor. This plan works well, and there is great harmony between citizens and students. Two sessions are held daily ; study and recreation hours are prescribed by the faculty. Com¬ mencements occur at the close of each school year, i. e. in June; the closing exercises occupying about one week. At these large numbers of visitors are present. The present efficient faculty consists of the following named teachers, all standing high in the profession in this state: George L. Osborne, president; J. J. Campbell, Wm. F. Bahlmann, C. H. Dutcher, Ida M. Carhart, Arthur Dodd, Jeanette S. Perry, and Prof. Conable.

As a distinctive feature of the town of Warrensburg its value cannot be over-estimated. It is upon a sound footing, and will always remain one of the leading attractions of the place to those who are seeking good homes. It demands and receives the hearty co-operation of all the good citizens of Warrensburg, and sheds a lustre upon the name which no other enterprise can possibly equal.. As this chapter shows, the public school system is excellent and with a normal school (the cap-stone of the educa¬ tional system) also, Warrensburg as an intellectual center rivals any city in the state.

Warrensburg has been blessed with a large number of papers. Some have prospered, others have died. Two exceptionally well edited and widely circulating weeklies are now regularly and promptly issued. The first paper published in this city was conducted by J. B. Stoop and C. C. Chinn in the year 1853 or '54. Mr. Chinn remained only a short time and Stoop conducted the paper for about two years. John B. Wolfe and N. B. Holden bought it out and Wolfe became the editor. Particular ref¬ erence to the present editors and their work is elsewhere made, hence, in this connection only a short sketch.

During the civil war no paper was published in Warrensburg, but on June 17, 1865, the first number of the Standard was issued by N. B. Klaine and S. K. Hall. Mr. Hall sold out his interest to R. Baldwin, March 19, 1868, and the Standard was published by Klaine and Baldwin till 1875. R. Baldwin then became the sole proprietor till April 1877, when George A. Richards bought a part interest. The Standard has since been pub¬ lished by " Baldwin, Richards & Co.,'' with R. Baldwin, editor.

In 1865 J. D. Eads established the Journal , which was run about one year and then sold. John M. Vaughn afterwards bought the type and press, and run a paper for some time, also called the Jozirnal. It was sold to a company in 1870, and J. A. Little became its editor for about six months, then James Gilliland and S. P. Cutler each about a year. In June, 1874, David Nation, Clint. Middleton and J. H. Middleton bought the Journal and conducted it till 1876, when it vtfas consolidated with the Warrensburg Democrat . The Deinocrat was established April 22, 1871, by J. M. Julian and Norman H. Conklin. In June, 1874, it. changed hands, and C. C. Morrow became its editor, assisted by H. Martin Williams. Oct. 20, 1876, the Journal- Democrat was established by consolidating the two papers, with C. C. Morrow and F. C. Farr as editors. Sept. 19,1879, the 'Journal- Democrat was. bought by W. H. and J. R. Davis, with the former as editor till the summer of 1881. July 1, 1881, J. B. Naylor pur¬ chased the paper and publishes the same, with R. A. Cruce as associate editor. At various times other papers, both daily and weekly, have been established and run for a longer or shorter period. Among them. we mention the JVews, a little four column daily, edited by W. J . Bray, com¬ mencing in 1875, also the Republican , a weekly, by the same editor; the Press , by H. Martin Williams; the Sunday School Record , a quarterly? by A. J. Sparks, in 1880; the Daily Herald , by Will Carr, in 1880, and the Signal , by T. J. Nunan and H. J. Ruthouff.

The Enoch Clark Library

Churches, schools and libraries are the greatest source of pride and gratification to a growing town. The kind of thought pervading a com¬ munity shows itself unmistakably in the lives of its individuals. Trashy public press, light literature and aimless and vile conversation are more to be dreaded, especially among the youth, than intemperance or venomous serpents. Books, and when we say books we mean all kinds of printed material, to a far greater extent than is popularly supposed, contain the future lives of those who read them. The bible and libraries of good books should be the daily companion of those who have a character to mould. The public press of the present day, to supply what they call popular demand, has degenerated into dealing out poison for the youthful mind, of which it is a shame to mention, until the head of well-ordered families with reluctance allows the newspaper within his household.

To guard against these enormous errors, and drive oack ignorance, libraries and free reading rooms have been established. With impres¬ sions like these, Mr. Enoch Clark about ten years ago proposed that if the citizens of Warrensburg would raise $200 he would contribute as much more for a public library. About $75 was promptly subscribed, but building of the normal school, city improvements and railroad enter¬ prises absorbed the public mind, and the library project died out. Some¬ time during the year 1875, it was found that Mr. Clark would stand to his first offer and accordingly the citizens raised $200, which with his liberal donation made $400. During the winter of 1875-6, the enterprise was pushed vigorously, till, on January 3, 1876, regulations with consti¬ tution and by-laws were adopted, when the following officers were elected to serve for the ensuing year: President, Warren Shedd; vice-

Book cases were immediately made, a large number of books donated by citizens of Warrensburg, and a good selection of books purchased. The library was located in a building on the northwest corner of Holden and Pine streets. On the night of the 10th of January, 1877, it was totally destroyed by fire.

The property being amply insured, the book committee which con¬ sisted that year of J. J. Campbell, W. F. Bahlmann and A. M. Geer, immediately proceeded to select another library, and, with the experience gained while selecting the previous list of books, a considerable improve¬ ment in quality and quantity resulted. The library is now located over the store of Cord Bro's., where the accommodating librarian is found every day from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m., ready to furnish the free use of books and papers to all who may come. The present list of books includes 552 vol¬ umes, well selected and arranged, besides daily and weekly papers. Books may be taken from the library at the low rate of five cents per week for each volume. The present officers of the library association are: President, Dr. T. J. Wright; vice-president, Rev. G. V. Ridley; secretary, R. Baldwin; treasurer, Prof. W. F. Bahlmann; librarian, Miss Sue Brown ; book committee, Prof. J. J. Campbell, Prof. Geo. L. Osborne and Prof. W. F. Bahlmann. This short sketch of Warrensburg library association could not be complete without recording a few words in strong commendation of the present librarian. Her kind and philanthropic acts have not only been manifest in keeping the library, but the needy and unfortunate throughout the city, have been constrained to bless her acts in the cause of temperance, religion, missionary and relief societies. As of one in olden times, it may also be said of her, " She hath done what she could. "

Business Directory

Brooks, E. W., . R. R. sec. boss. Burrington, Sam, veterinary surg. Brick kiln, William Lowe, Bahlmann, W. F., prof. nor. sch. Bibb, Rev. M. L., pastor Bap. ch. Cockrell, J. J., attorney at law. Cheatham, John T., groceries. Cruce, R. A., ed. Journal-Deni. Cord, John & Chas. groceries. Cress, H. A., dentist.

Cockrell, Hon. F. M., U. S. Sen. Christopher, G. K., book store. Crissey, W. E., abstract office. Colbern, G. W., pres. s. bank. Cottrell & Rand, music store. Cheatham Bros., furniture. Carpenter, M. B., tinner.

Knapp, W. E., livery stable. Laupheimer Bros., restaurant. Logan, A. B., attorney at law. Lee,W. H., agricultural implements Land, Nathan, Eureka Mills. Lemmon, George W., vineyard. Little, A. J., K. C. Hist. Co.

Mears, Robert, blacksmith. Middleton, J. I., telegraph operator.. McCullough, H. C., painter. Matthews, P. A., city marshal. Naylor, J. B., pub. Journal- Dem¬ ocrat.

Wood, W. W., attorney at law. Wallace & Fitch, Mrs., milliners. Ward, M. T., boots and shoes. Williams, James, Simmons House. Wilkins, Charles, transfer express. Young, M. cashier bank. Zimmerman, J. A., druggist.

Simmons House, Phelps & Williams Stone, John W., livery stable. Schriecker, William, groceries. Sanburn, William, prof. N. school. Starr, Prof. J. F., prin. pub. schooL Shockey, J. E. groceries.

Warrensburg township is so intimately connected with the city of the same name, which stands near its center, that the history of the former is blended with that of the latter, and much equally applicable to the town¬ ship will also apply to Warrensburg City. The township derived its name and geographical position from the county seat, and is one of the oldest in the county, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison and Washington being only eighteen months older.

Warrensburg township, as at present constituted, is bounded on the north by Hazel Hill and Simpson townships, on the east by Washington, on the south by Post Oak and Chilhowee townships, and on the west by Center View township. It is more centrally located than any other town¬ ship except Center View. It is exactly midway in the county, north and south, but a little east of the geographical center. Technically defined its limits are as follows; beginning at the northeast corner of section 4, township 46, range 26; thence south to the southwest corner of section 16, township 45, range 26; thence east to the southeast corner of section 16, township 45, range 25 ; thence north to the place of beginning. Its length north and south, is nine miles, width east and west, seven miles, and con¬ tains 63 square miles, or 40,320 acres.

Among the early settlers who came to this township previous to the year 1840, we mention the following names, with the remark that in obtaining them we were compelled to rely wholly upon the memory of men, as no list from records could be obtained. Those who have resided in Warrensburg township since 1840 are remembered by many now living, and to them must devolve the task of enrolling their names on the pages of history: Martin Warren, Abram Adams, Benjamin Granger, Isaac Granger, Thomas Granger, A. B. Granger, Madison Warren, Calvin Adams, John Adams, Jas. Fletcher, Jacob Perman, Archibald Thistle, William Perry, Elijah McCrary, Adam Fickas, Davis B. Wood, Andrew Blevens, Thomas W. -Pace, Marcus A. Turner, Joseph P. Henshaw, James Cochran, James Marshall, James H. Marshall, G. Wilson Houts, Theo. F. Houts, Richard F. Page, James Hollo well, William S. Purtle, John G. Gibbons, Martin Greer, John Cox, James Taylor, James W. Potts, James Guynn, Daniel Lanier, Harrison Lanier, Adkins Powell and William Rupe.

Physical Features. - A range of sand hills on which the city of War¬ rensburg is situated extend about four miles north and south, and about three miles east and west, near the center of the township. The two nor¬ thern tiers of sections are mostly composed of bottom lands, through which flows Blackwater; but the bottom lands on Post Oak and Bear creek are narrower and less marked.

Blackwater enters the township near the north-west corner pursuing an easterly and north-easterly course till it leaves the township, very near the north-east corner. The bottoms on Blackwater frequently open out into broad level plains, now under cultivation or covered with grass. Post Oak flows north through the western portion of the township, uniting with Blackwater in section 11, township 46, range 26.

Much timber formerly skirted Post Oak, but during the war vast quan¬ tities were cut off by the soldiers, a seconed growth, however, has taken its place, covering theuneaven knolls and breaks for miles in extent, north and south. Bear creek, the third stream in size, in this township, rises in the southeast, flows in a northeasterly direction, and empties into Blackwater, just over the line in Simpson township. The banks are high above the water, hence no fords where loaded teams can pass. Walnut creek, a small stream from Hazel Hill township, enters Blackwater a short dis¬ tance above the mouth of Post Oak, but on the opposite side. West fork of Post Oak enters this township from Centerview, and unites with the main current three miles southwest of Warrensburg.

central portions. While this township is by no means so rough broken and interspersed with sand hills, as to be considered in any sense worth¬ less, yet through large portions stunted oaks cover knolls with thin, and not extremely productive soil. North, south, east, and west, as one approaches the limits of the township, he sees beautiful rolling prairie stretching out into surrounding townships, and furnishing advantages for the finest farms in the world. Probably the finest farms in the township are found in the southeast and northeast, though other localities are exceedingly highly favored. For stock raising, this is the banner town¬ ship of Johnson county. Enough timber at intervals, covering little hills, to furnish wind-breaks for feeding, pure springs and running streams in every locality, proximity to a good shipping point, and sufficient gravel and sand in the soil to prevent deep mud in the feeding lots during wet seasons. Warrensburg township seems to lack no essential quality in con¬ stituting it pre-eminently fitted by natural resources for feeding and fatten¬ ing stock.

Sandstone exists underneath the soil, and in many places it crops out to the surface. The sandstone quarries, two miles north of Warrensburg, are sketched more fully in the city history.

Indian Mounds. - An old Indian burial place has recently been discov¬ ered on the farm of Mr. H. Spiess. The present indications are three large mounds within a radius of a few rods. These mounds are sup¬ posed to have been the work of the ancient mound-builders, who inhabited all this portion of North America, long before the Indian of more recent day had made the conquest of the Mississippi valley. The mounds have been dug into, and various relics found, some of which are preserved in the collection of curiosities at the normal. The writer made an examina¬ tion of these mounds, and found, among other things, a large molar, rib, and piece of a cranium, all of which bore unmistakable evidence of great age, and that they were the remains of an ancient Mound Builder. The larg¬ est mound is twelve yards in diameter, and six feet high. It contains a cell or vault 10x12 feet, built up with flat stones, brought from the creek, one half mile distant. In this narrow house the bodies of the chiefs were interred. The other two mounds are similar to the first, but smaller.

It is supposed that, at the time these mounds were built, great numbers of that race dwelt in this locality. Warrensburg may have been the center of a great settlement of Mound Builders.

the farm of Mr. McFarland, boils up from the bottom lands, one-half mile west of Post Oak. The taste and odor of sulphur is very strong, and it leaves a deposit of the same mineral upon debris over which the water flows, curb has been placed in the excavation, and it is rendered easy of access for all who desire its valuable medicinal waters.

Statistical - -The county seat was selected in May, 1336, and the follow¬ ing September the township boundaries were defined. At that time it con¬ tained a great area, having since been reduced several times. The population was very small. Warrensburg township, including the city, in 1870, con¬ tained a population of 4,804; in the year 1876, it had 4,400, and according to the United States census of 1880, it had a population of 5,778, while the city contained 4,049. In the year 1877, an abstract of the agricultural products, etc., stood as follows: voters, 902; white persons, 3, 742; colored persons, 658; horses, 768; mules, 236; cattle, 1,718; sheep, 494; hogs, 2,903; bushels wheat, 8,532; bushels corn, 252,100; bushels oats, 9,925; rye, 350; pounds tobacco, 25,590; pounds wool, 1,275; tons hay, 1,319; gallons wine, 1,370; gallons molasses, 4,995. According to the assessor's list, for 1881, we have the following: Horses, 958, value, $31,795; mules, 252, value, $11,870; cattle, 2,383, value, $28,158; sheep, 1,309, value, $1,309; hogs, 4,780, value, $7,977; total value of personal property, $315,- 811.

Schools. - This township is furnished with the best school facilities, both for teacher and pupil, of any in Johnson county. The Normal, city high school and numerous elementary schools are superior both in quality and convenience of access. The schools outside the city continue in ses¬ sion from five to eight months a year.

The following are among the teachers of Warrensburg township: J. W. McGiven, D. S. Redford, Miss Rosa Hooker, W. R. Delaney, T. P. Reid, A. F. Dunbar, Ed H. Gilbert, W. R. Nelson, A. J. Sparks, Gus Coleman, Miss Rebecca Granger, G. M. Shanton, Miss Mary Emerson, Miss Sallie Zoll, Miss Josie Smith, Miss Sallie Smith, Harvey T. Wil¬ liams, Miss Frankie A. Miller, Miss Nellie De Garmo, Miss Mattie Zoll, Miss Lizzie Logan, Miss Kate Logan, Mrs. M. D. McCormack, Miss Lizzie McCluney, Miss Nannie Williams.

German Baftist Church. - This church is sometimes called "Dunkard." It is situated about two miles south of Warrensburg, and had a member¬ ship of twenty. It was organized August 3, 1880, and the church edifice was soon erected at a cost of $700. Among the original members are: A. W. Reese, minister; John Bowman, deacon; Jos. E. Lightner, Wm. Mohler, Thomas Adams, Nancy J. Roop, Alice Hall, M. Gibson, Sarah

L. Baile, Minnie C. Christopher, Susie E. Reese, Lizzie D. Mohler, Lucinda Bowman, Anna Bowman, Lizzie Fickas, Anna Lightner. The present pastor is Rev. A. W. Reese.

Union Prairie Baftist Church . - Two miles north-east of Warrensburg, in this township, there stands a little Baptist church, called Union Prairie. It was organized December 8, 1865, by Elder E. H. Burchfield, and the house was built in the spring of 1867, by Luther Price, at a cost of $1,500. The edifice was 45 feet long, 30 feet wide and 14 feet high, and furnished with board seats and pulpit. The divines, who from time to time broke the bread of life to this little flock of believers, were Elders Jonathan Gott, John Letts, P. J. Collop, J. E. Welch and F. M. West. Seven devout and faithful believers first entered the organization. Their names are as follows: Elder Jonathan Gott, William Adams, Elizabeth F. Adams, Martha Adams, Samson Adams, Eliza J. Knight, and Susan Granger. Under the pastorate of Elder Gott, as also at a later date, there was a considerable revival. On the 7th day of May, 1881, the church numbered 30, but seeing themselves weak and unable to support regular preaching, they resolved to disband and unite with the Warrensburg church, which they did.

The Regular Baptist Church . - This church is situated four miles south of Warrensburg City. It was organized in 1842. They now have a frame church edifice well furnished, forty feet long and twenty-four feet wide, built by one of its enterprising members, Adam Fickas, at a cost of one thousand dollars. This is one of the oldest church organizations in Johnson county. Adam Fickas is one of the main pillars in this church, and its success is greatly due to the liberal contributions of time and money by him.

Miscellaneous Events

On Saturday evening, November 29, 1873, a distructive fire broke out in the city of Warrensburg, consuming the Ming hotel, Johnson county saving's bank, besides several stores and offices, and three persons burnt to death.

"About ten o'clock, the proprietor and several guests were seated by the office stove, when a crash, as the breaking of a glass in the dining room, started Mr. M. E. Mulverhill, the landlord, to his feet, who exclaimed, 4 That sounds like an exploded lamp,' and rushing to the scene of the disaster, followed by several others, they found dense volumes of smoke and flame issuing from the lamp-room. Mr. Mulverhill immedi¬ ately proceeded to alarm the sleeping guests, but was never again seen alive. Virgil Pinkston, a daring young hero of this occasion, found Mrs.

Mulverhill in her bed room door, apparently bewildered with fright, refus¬ ing to make any effort to escape from the gathering conflagration, when Mr. Pinkston seized her in his arms and conveyed her safely through the stifling flames and gases, landing her securely in the street, and proceeded to rescue others. Miss Fannie Smith appeared in the third story window; escape by the stairway being cut off by the flames, she jumped into the arms of Mr. John Cheedy, on the porch below, and thus saved her life. Thomas C. Higgins, a boarder at the hotel, was in the office when the alarm was given, and immediately rushed to his room in the top story for his baggage, but he had no sooner gained the upper floor, than he was cut off and retreat seemed impossible, but having great caution he drew his hat over his face, and sped down the dining room stairway, only los¬ ing his beard and hair, which were singed off in his downward flight. David Holden, of the quarry company, was sleeping in the fourth story, when the alarm. was given; he had only time to partially dress when he found the smoke and furious flames beating against his door; he passed out through the dormer window on the steep roof and crawled to the front eave, thence bounded a distance of thirty feet to the porch, without breaking any bones. W. D. Ordendrake and wife had retired for the night, in the third story, above the porch, and their only chance of escape was through the window to the porch below ; he let his wife down as far as he could reach with his hands, when Mr. Crone, the clerk, caught her from the balcony.

Charred and burned remains of the dead were found the following day. Mr. M. E. Mulverhill, the landlord, made all due haste to arouse the inmates, and in attempting to make his exit, it is supposed became suf¬ focated. A burned and charred form was taken from the debris, at about ten o'clock the next day (Sunday morning), and identified as the body.

The next body taken from the ashes was supposed to be J. W. Poland, a photographer, who arrived from Kansas City, the previous Thursday. This body was in a crisp, though partially natural form. The third vic¬ tim was a young man by the name of J. L. Prouty, of Clintonville, Mis¬ souri, who arrived that evening, with the expectation of attending the Normal school. He occupied an upper room, and was repeatedly urged to jump from the window, and probably from fear and consternation, utterly failed to escape the fiery elements that were fast bearing upon him. A portion of a body was taken out, supposed to be that of this unfortu¬ nate young man."

The Ming Hotel stood on the east side of Holden street, opposite Step¬ per's drug-store. It was a four story pine building erected in the spring of 1865, and owned by I. M. Cruce. It was insured for $9,000. The hotel furniture was all lost. The inmates lost everything except the clothing upon their backs. The hotel furniture and bar-room fixtures were covered with an insurance of $5,000. The hotel safe, containing considerable money, stood the fire and nothing damaged.

A two story brick building adjoining the hotel, owned by H. F. Clark, was consumed. It was insured for $3,700. The upper rooms were used as bed rooms, while the lower room was occupied by J. D. Morris, as a saloon. The bar fixtures and billiard tables were insured for $1,300.

The next building destroyed belonged to the Johnson County Savings Bank. The lower room was used as a bank and the upper part contained offices. Everything was saved. The safe was fire-proof. The insurance was $4,000.

Mr. M. E. Mulverhill, the landlord, located in W arrensburg in Decem¬ ber, 1870, and conducted a hotel to his demise. He left a wife and two children. He had an insurance of $2,000 on his life, which showed his care in providing for the future of his wife and family. Let his epitaph be, " He died to save his fellow man."

Closely following on the great conflagration of the Ming Hotel, another big fire broke out in the post-office building the following week, burning three buildings aud destroying upwards of $50,000 worth of property. No lives were lost. It is said that Dr. W. L. Hedges had a narrow escape.

For several years past Warrensburg has had a loathsome cell, called her jail, where prisoners were confined without safety. An incident is related that on Monday March 2, 1874, the following prisoners were sent to the State's Prison: James Todd and J. M. Combs, each ten years for murder in the second degree ; Dan Fisher, two years for manslaughter in the third degree; Frank Page, three years for burglary; David McConnaughay, two years for breaking jail; Z. Monday, four years for attempted rape on a child under twelve years of age; Jno. Jackson, two years for grand larceny; Younggold, four years for everything villainous grand larceny in particular. A large crowd of citizens assembled at the depot to see them leave, and as they passed "down the streets they sang the following refrain, composed by one of the victims in jail. Here is the original:

During the year 1874 a branch railroad was built to the Warrensburg Stone Quarry. The following damages were assessed for the right of way by the board of commissioners, Messrs. Delaney, Markey and Burford: Will. S. Stone, $150; E. C. Fitch, $200; George Kane, $400; Austin Elliot, $430; R. Baldwin, $625; Jno M. Jewell, $166; total $1,971.

The first annual fair of the Johnson County Agricultural and Mechanical Association was held at W arrensburg during the month of October, 1858. It was a success.