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

Chapter 2: - Holden

Introduction - Present Prosperity and Future Promise of Holden - The Early Beginning - The Town Laid Out - Its First Settlement and Early Growth - The Additions to the Town since its Commencement - The Incorporation, Including its Charter and Ordi¬ nances - History of the Various Churches - History of the Establishment of Holden College - Public Schools, Including a List of Their Teachers - Newspapers - Railroads - Depot - Engine-House - Bridge and Building Department - Mills and Elevators - Hotels - Post-Office - Banks - Societies - HoldenJCemetery - Nursery - Streets and Walks - Business Directory - Madison Township.

History by all writers upon this subject is divided into various depart¬ ments, and these are again subdivided into smaller divisions, for it is only by the separation of a subject into its various branches or parts that the human race is enabled to make any progress toward the attainment of knowledge. History implies growth, movement, or change, for if any¬ thing should remain the same through any series of years, during that length of time it would have no history. Then we have as many kinds of history as we have subjects upon which history treats; that is, when we speak of history in its broadest sense. We may say there are as many kinds of history as there are departments of human investigation. We speak of the history of the earth and its geological formations, the his- tory of the human race upon the surface of the earth, or even of a single man in his career through life. Every bird that wings its flight in the air, every fish that swims beneath the crystal waters, nay, even the despised worm that crawls beneath our feet, has a history; and no doubt in many cases a history full of interest and instruction to man. But of all histo¬ ries that comes within the ken of human knowledge, none are fraught with more mighty results, none involving more vital questions to man¬ kind, and none more profoundly the object of man's thoughts and inves¬ tigations than the rise, progress, and decline of civic communities. Its political and social relations are generally so intricate and yet so vital that they at once command the study, and at the same time diversify the opin¬ ions of the whole human race. But next in importance to the history of a state must be ranked the history of cities and towns. To tell the appa¬ rently trifling circumstances that sometimes lead to the location of a town or city, or tell some little incident that influenced the originator of the city to change its place of location; to narrate the various struggles it had to go through in its incipiency ; or to record the mighty impetus it has received from unforeseen cause; and in general to relate the vicissitudes of fortune that have tossed it from shore to shore in the great ocean of time, are ' events that are read with profound interest by all who arc connected with its history. Many of the great cities of Europe owe their origin to mere chance; and could we penetrate the darkness of pre-historic times with the light of modern times, the cities of Asia in their early growth would present us a history so full of richness and beauty that the oriental splen¬ dor of her more modern life would be eclipsed. But in the progress of the human race, as the star of empire wends its way westward we come to the history of another class of cities.

The growth of our western cities has been so rapid and so marvelous in many respects that little in the history of the cities of any other country can be found to surpass it. Wild uncultivated prairies have been con¬ verted into beautiful cities within the space of a single decade. And in the growth of this grand old state that rears her head aloft with pride, and bids fair in a few years to be the rival of any state in the union, the county of Johnson and the people of the city of Holden need never be ashamed of the part they have taken to make this state what it is destined to become, but, on the other hand, they must always be animated with feelings of personal pride, and be ever ready to recount to their children and their children's children, the arduous toils and the severe trials which they underwent when building up and developing the resources of this favored spot. All who enjoy the civil and social advantages, and the many other blessings of an enlightened and refined community, should ever cherish the most profound and sincere gratitude toward those noble pioneers who bore all the toil and braved all the danger that others might reap the fruits. Holden may congratulate herself upon securing such a thrifty and enterprising class of citizens as she has had to contribute to her rapid growth and development. At the close of the war and the disband¬ ing of the armies a very large class of men found themselves out of em¬ ployment and many of them without homes. It was then the great immi¬ gration to the west began. The class that first ventured out frorti the ties of home and the association of friends, were those that were the most ambitious to succeed in the world, make for themselves and families homes, and be honored men and women in the community in which they lived. Holden at this period had just thrown open her gates and an invi¬ tation was extended to all who intended to add to her material wealth. While the early settlers of this place have never been wanting in their efforts to build up the town and make it a city that would be an ornament to the county^ and to the state, it is a compliment to their judgment and their foresight, to choose this spot, so especially formed by nature, for their future homes. In the midst of such a vast extent of fertile lands whose resources were just begining to be developed, and whose promises and prospects have seldom been surpassed by other tracts of land of equal extent. Holden was peculiarly favored in being central in its loca¬ tion, and elevated in its position. The iron horse, the great civilizer of modern times, has just been introduced, bringing with him communica¬ tion and means of transportation with all the east.

Yet within the space of fifteen years what bard of eastern inspiration what poet of Shakespeare's genius could have foretold or described the marvelous and unparalleled changes which have taken place ? Holden is a city, if not in name yet in all the attributes of its business relations and facilities, and still more in promise. The massive churches that lift up their heads in one perpetual prayer to God, tell in an unspeakable language of the present dignity and importance of the " city of Holden," and at the same time give divine premonition of her future greatness.

The frequent whistle of the locomotive as it rushes into the city from different points of the compass at almost every hour of the day is an unmistakable sign of the growing importance of the city. The neat and commodious dwellings, and the large and elegant mansions with yards and barns ornamented with exquisite taste, all bespeak for the youthful city a prosperity for the present seldom surpassed, and promise for the future rarely rivaled.

The continued streams of wagons loaded with the various products of the farm that pour into this place during the business season of the year, are visible proofs of the richness of the surrounding land, of the thrift of the farmers, and of the trade that is annually conducted at this point.

These advantages are not transient or uncertain, but are fixed features in the characteristics of a people ,and unchangeable elements in the constitu¬ tion of the soil.

In the summer of 1857 the present site of Holden was a wild, unculti¬ vated waste of rolling prairie belonging to the government. This land was sold by the government for 12 J cents an acre, and in the fall of 1857 a tract of about 160 acres was bought from the original patentee by Isaac Jacobs. At this time the Pacific railroad was built as far as Jefferson City and a bill had been passed through the legislature, laying out the road through this section of land. And hence it was with a view of locating a town at this place that Isaac Jacobs bought this tract of land. This was a very favorable site for a town for many reasons. It was a very promi¬ nent point on the open prairie, commanding a very wide view of the sur¬ rounding country, including some of the most beautiful scenery to be seen in this portion of the world. It was the most southern point on the pro¬ posed railroad, and hence would command all the trade in the southwest¬ ern part of the state, while the Missouri river in those days commanded the trade from the counties bordering upon it. And again, this was a very favorable place for building a city, because it was at considerable distance from any large town. Some time after the purchase of this tract of land, Mr. Jacobs associated with him Sanford Cummings, and hence the town of Holden was said to have been laid off by Jacobs and Cummings. Major W. B. Holden being a prominent citizen at this time, and having been largely instrumental in bring the railroad through this county, since he was a member of the legislature at the time, obtained the honor of having the new town named for him, and soon after became identified with her interest and rapid growth. The town was laid off into lots 72 by 144 feet and sold for I^>50 apiece. A plat of the town was made and recorded in the recorder's office, April 27, 1858, by Isaac Jacobs. This gentleman seemed to be very enterprising and did every thing in his power to add to the growth of the new town. August 12, 1858, he had a sale of lots, and in order to show the enterprising spirit which animated him, as well as some other interesting particulars connected with the sale of lots, we give below in full an article contributed to the Western Missourian and pub¬ lished in Warrensburg, and bearing date of July 31, 1858:

A few days since I attended a sale of lots in this newly laid-out town, and i% may not be uninteresting to some of your readers, if I give a brief description of it, and the surrounding country. It is generally admitted, I believe, that John¬ son county is one of the best agricultural counties in the state. The rapidity with which it is being settled and improved is evidence of this. The town of Holden is located in one of the very best parts of the county; the fertility of the soil cannot be excelled. It is directly upon the line of the Pacific railroad, and arrangements have already been made with the directors of that road by which a depot is to be established at the town. Without intending to disparage any of the other towns in our county, I must say, that no place could have been selected better suited for the building up of a flourishing town than this. It is situated in the very center of as good a farming country as can be found in the world, at a distance of some 15 or 20 miles from any other town of any size. With these advantages it must become, in a very short time, a prominent busi¬ ness place. In the way of fuel and water, it is peculiarly favored; good water can be had by digging about 25 feet, while excellent springs are abundant, and excellent coal is obtained within one mile of the place.

The enterprising and public spirited proprietor, Mr. Isaac Jacobs, has adopted a plan, which cannot fail of bringing to the town, a sober, industrious, and intel¬ ligent class of citizens. In each deed a condition is ' incorporated, that no spirituous liquor shall be made or sold upon the premises, except for medical purposes, on violation of which, the iot is to be forfeited to the trustees of the town, by them sold, and the proceeds applied to the support of schools. To some this condition may be an objection, but one thing is certain, it will secure a sober, temperate and orderly community, and afford full protection against the evils resulting from liquor establishments. Mr. Jacobs has also agreed to expend in the building up and improvement of the town, all the proceeds arising from the sale of the lots. This will be an additional inducement for persons to settle in Holden. On the day I was present, some thirty of the lots were sold, at prices ranging from $25 up to $80, and I understand that most of the purchasers intend improving at once. A post-office has already been established there, and coaches running from Jefferson City to Independence pass through daily. Men of every trade have strong inducements held out to them to settle in if olden. Work at good prices can readily be obtained and persons who wish to settle can purchase lots at private sale, on good terms. Success to the new town, and to its enterprising proprietor.

No name is signed to this contribution, but it serves to give the reader an idea of the estimation in which the people of Johnson county, at that early day, held their county, and, at the same time, how zealous they were to build it up, and develop its resources/ This effort, on the part of Mr. Jacobs, as we shall now see, did not fail to bring about the desired results. In the latter part of the year 1858 Jacobs & Cummings erected a small box house, on the corner of Second and Olive streets, and in this building started a store containing all kinds of articles needed by farmers. Next, John Spiess, the first carpenter in the new town, built a small frame house, similar to the first, on the corner of Lexington and Market streets. About this time Dr. C. F. Carter bought two lots, on Second and Olive, and erected the first frame building used as a residence in Holden. In the winter of the same year a frame hotel was erected by Joseph T. Mason & Son, where the hardware store of H. C. Betts & Louis now stands. This hotel was consumed by fire during the late war. In the same year Horatio Cox built a blacksmith shop. Dr. C. L. Carter was the first prac¬ ticing physician in town, and had the first doctor's office erected. In the spring of 1859 the first school-house was built, on First and Livingston streets, E. N. Cooter being the first teacher. This school-house, for a number of years, was also used as a church, in which William Roup, of the Protestant Methodist denomination, preached a large part of his time.

though preachers of other denominations preached in the same building. In the summer of 1859 M. W. & H. H. Mize built a house for general merchandise, and began business soon after. This store had a Masonic hall above it. Among the first carpenters, besides John Spiess, already mentioned, were Perry Harris and M. W. Marquess. W. C. Painter had the second blacksmith shop, and Dr. Bolton built the second doctor's office, in 1860. A one-story brick was built by James Bradley, in the year 1860, and burned down just at the commencement of the war.

This brief sketch contains the outlines of the progress made by Holden before the war. The town had a population of about one hundred, mak¬ ing in all sixteen families.

During the war Holden had to undergo a very severe shock, and, for some time, it seemed that she would go back to the starting point, but she finally struggled through, having lost, in the war, several of her largest and best buildings by fire. Soon after the close of the war, in 1866, Holden began to get on her feet again. Hubbard & Coventry com¬ menced an extensive dry goods business, and about the same time H. C. Bettes began his hardware store. In a short time W. J. Lee started another dry goods store, as did also Jas. S. Peel & W. B. Nichols. I. Starkey and William Christian commenced in the lumber business in the same year. By this time Holden was thoroughly under way, and since then has made such progress as has been seldom equalled by the grow¬ ing towns and cities of the state. Men from the east, many of them with wealth, began to flock to this and other states of the west in pursuit of homes, and many found Holden the most attractive town in the west in which to cast their fortune.

In 1868 the town organation was perfected with the following officers: J. M. Hubbard, mayor; George L. Wells, J. O. Parish, Abe Metzler, andj. C. Richards, councilmen; Ed. Stearns, marshal; D. Nation, attor¬ ney; and J. W. Mack, clerk. By the year 1873, the town had grown so much that the charter had to be amended, but this matter will be more particularly mentioned in the article devoted to the incorporation of the town. The town had been first incorporated in 1861. In 1876, the popu¬ lation of Holden had swelled from one hundred in 1861, to 1,800, and at present 1881, it has a population of nearly 3,000, and during the present year over a hundred new residences have been erected besides many busi¬ ness houses, including a new hotel, a large grain elevator, a woolen mill, a new bank building and a college structure.

Until the year 1867, the plat of Holden as it was originally laid out» remained unchanged. This plat embraced all that tract of land included between the railroad and Sixth street on the north and south, and between Gay and Lexington on the east and west. August 6, M. W. Mizes' addi- tion was made to the town. This addition was south of the original plat, and consisted of a narrow strip of land included between Sixth and Tenth streets. North Holden was added to the town on the 21st of October

1867. This portion of the town is just north of the depot. In November, W. M. Coventry made his first addition. This was next to Mizes' addi¬ tion on the east, and embraced likewise, between Sixth and Tenth streets. Cooke's addition was made, April 14, 1868. This is south of Mizes' addi¬ tion, and extends beyond Thirteenth street.

1868. This lies entirely between Cooke's and Mizes' additions, and is much smaller in extent. West Holden was added to the town, May 11, 1868. This now forms a large part of the town, embracing the tract extending from Lexington, to some distance beyond St. Charles street, and bounded on the north by Second, and on the south by Sixth streets. Mize and Coventry made an addition together, April 22, 1869. Wilderman's first addition was made May 15, 1869. Wheeler's addition, Novem¬ ber 3, 1869. Kelley's addition, November 10, 1869. Coventry's second addition, February 17, 1870. Cheney's addition was made June 11, 1870. Sanders addition, May 31, 1870, and W. M. Coventry's third addition was made July 28, 1881. This latter is the last addition recorded. Many of these additions are small, but when they are all put together they make a large area for a town.

Incorporation

The charter and ordinances of the town of Holden, as printed by Mittong & Cruce, Enterprise office, make up a good sized pamphlet of sixtyseven pages of close reading matter. As the charter and ordinances of a town are a good index of the business qualities of the town officials, as well as of the needs and wants of the town in general, and since they show the decided attitude which is taken against crime and the violation of law, it will be of importance to take a brief survey of this charter and the ordi¬ nances, touching only upon a few vital points. The charter contains eight articles which are composed of eighty-eight sections, while there are thirtynine ordinances, and in these altogether are 304 sections. The town organization being completed in 1868, from that time forward we have a complete list of the officers of the town.

Official Directory

In the list of officials we see that W. C. Smith served as mayor seven years, while George V. Hall was serving his eighth year as treasurer, when the hand of death removed him from the post of duty.

An act to amend and consolidate into one act, an act entitled, " an act toincorporate the town of Holden, in Johnson county," approved February 21, 1861, and amendments thereto approved March 19, 1873. Be it enacted by the general assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section 1. All that district of country lying and being in the county of Johnson, embraced within the following description, according to the United States survey, to-wit: Commencing at the northeast corner of section eleven, thence vvest to the northwest quarter of section ten, thence south to the south¬ west corner of the northeast quarter of section fifteen, thence east to the south¬ east corner of the northeast quarter of section fourteen, thence north to the place of beginning, in township forty-five, range twenty-eight, together with such additions outside of the above limits, as may hereafter be laid out, mapped and recorded according to law, is hereby declared to be within the corporate limits of the town of Holden.

Sec. 2. Tbat the inhabitants of said town of Holden be, and they are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic by tha manner and style of the town of Holden, and by that name shall base perpetual succession, and may have and use a common seal, which they may change and alter at pleasure.

The charter provides that there shall be a mayor and four councilmen, who shall constitute a town council, of which the mayor shall be ex-officio president.

Beit ordained by the council of the town of Holden: General elections for town officers shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April* in every year. The officers, besides the mayor and four councilmen, are town attorney, clerk, marshal, treasurer, and street commissioner, the duties of which are similar to those of any other town or city.

The thirty-nine ordinances of the town of Holden are thorough and complete. Most of them were passed in the year 1880, hearing the name of W. C. Smith, mayor, and attested by James Steele, clerk, but some of the ordinances bear date of 1870, and from that year up to 1880.

To a distant view of the city of Holden, nothing adds more to its beauty and attraction, than the many churches whose tall spires rise up in such simple grandeur and loveliness. The eye of the observer is pleased with the variety in their forms and sizes, and the mind is filled with thoughts of the fair flowers of youth and beauty that may be found within, thoughts of the mighty moral influence that is wielded within the sacred walls, and with thoughts of the immortal truths that are promulgated from the pul¬ pits. The churches of Holden are the great reservoir of all the moral influence exercised over its people. Her ministers are men of great dig¬ nity, of austere morals, and unapproachable in all the qualities that make up a citizen, and a minister of the word of God. Many of them have long been identified with the church work in this city, some of them young men of fervid zeal in the cause, and others have grown gray in the toils and labors of their Master.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in Holden, Missouri, was organized in the summer of 1867, by Rev. G. H. Reed. The church known as "Coventry Chapel" was begun in June, 1869, and was completed and dedicated in August, 1871, by Rev. Dr. Dant, of Kansas. The church is a neat frame, with a fine sightly spire, by far the highest in town. It is well furnished, and has one of the best toned bells of the country. The church has had the fol¬ lowing pastors: G. H. Reed, M. Mitchell, J. E. Gardner, A. N. Fields, J. H. Lease, N. Jewett, R. R. Pierce, J. E. Tuttle, Wm. Stevens, S. H. Mortland and I. P. Patch. There is also a small but commodious parsonage attached to the church. The church is valued at $5,000, parsonage, $400. The first Sunday school of this church was organized by Mrs. J. E. Gard¬ ner in her own house in 1868. At this date the church membership is over 300. The average attendance at Sunday school is 153, with O. R. Roger, superintendent, and Thomas Long, secretary. Too much can hardly be said of the liberality and untiring efforts of Mr. William Cov¬ entry, in the erection of the church. Several revivals of considerable interest have marked the history of the church, but the revival under the labors of Rev. I. P. Patch, during the winter of 1880-81, has been, the most extensive and, perhaps, far-reaching in its influence. More than 200 professed religion and united with the church. No church in the county has a more promising future than this one. Among the pas¬ tors of this church, Rev. W. Stevens has been the longest identified with the church work, and is, perhaps, the most widely known minister of his denomination in the county. He is a native of New York, born July 13, 1834, appointed to Holden in 1877, served two years as pastor. In 1879 he was appointed presiding elder of Kansas City district, which office he has filled three ytars. In 1880 he was chosen delegate to the general conference which met in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Evangelical Association. - This church is situated on the corner of Fourth and Vine streets, and is a commodious frame building, 26x44; has a steeple on top, and in every respect is well seated. This church was organized, as it now stands, in the year 1879, by Rev. Koepsell and Rev. Schaefer, and in the same year the church was built by its members. The original members were: William Koch, Lizzie Koch, Philip Ulrich, R. Ulrich, H. Hagemeyer, C. Hagemeyer, E. Henzy, J. Miller, Chas. Hagemeyer, S. Hagemeyer, E. Scheer, F. and R. Witzell, F. Winkenhoepner, H. Rorman, M. Spath, R. Markley, J. Rorman, and several others whose names cannot now be obtained. In the following year, 1880, this church was dedicated by Rev. G. Pfeefer and Rev. Koepsell. The building cost, when complete, $1,800, and the following pastors have officiated in it since it was built: Reverends Falgeht, Emmell, Harter, Koepsell and Schaefer. Presiding elders being J. Wurth, G. Pheifer and H. Matill. The average number of attendance at Sunday-school during the present year (1881), is fifty, and the superintendent is H. Hagemeyer. Preaching commenced by the above association in the year 1872, with two ministers. In the year 1880 they had a very good serial meeting, conducted by Rev. F. Schaefer. Their present membership is 21, and their prospects for the future seem very good. When they first com¬ menced preaching they had to move from one place to another, but now they are blessed with the privilege of worshiping under their own " vine and fig tree. " No power of darkness can hinder them from serving their Master. The character of their ministers stands very high, and they are loved by all their members. These people are very plain and simple in their worship, but at the same time very devout and highly respectable.

The First Baptist Church. - This church is situated on the corner of Sixth and Market streets. The church was organized March 23d, 1878, by C. N. Webster, and the building in which they now worship was built in the year 1879, by I. N. Newman. It is a large brick building, one of the best in town, and cost the church about $4,500. Rev. C. N. Wester served as pastor in 1878, and Rev. I. N. Newman in 1879 and

1880, but on the death of Rev. Newman, in March, 1881, Rev. Wester again succeeded him as pastor of this church. The original membership of this church consisted of the following members: C. N. Webster, Wil¬ lis Tefft, Sarah Tefft, Seth Cook, R. B. Johnson, Rebecca Lane, Jacob Parkhurst, T. J. Allison, Mecca Miller, Mary S. Johnson, Lizzie E. Mil¬ ler, T. H. Miller, Mamie Johnson, Mary Garnet and Millard Parkhurst. This church, starting with only fifteen members at its organization in 1878, has shown such zeal in the propagation of its faith, and given to the world such an example of a pure and spotless life, that its membership has been increased so rapidly until they now sum up a hundred and ten. Their average attendance at sunday-school is one hundred, which speaks in glowing terms of a church whose membership is only 110. Their present superintendent is Mr. M. W. Rodman, and their secretary Mr. Charles McClure. Here, as in all other countries of the world, simplicity in their manners and in their worship, and a pure, unaffected faith in the truth of their principles, animate them in all their daily life, and push them forward to the extension of their influence and their religious views, until now they stand the equal of any church in America.

1 he First Christian Church. - This church is situated on the corner of Main and Third streets. These faithful followers of Christ were organ¬ ized as a church at this place in 1865, by Elder Stout, and their church building was erected by order of the congregation by carpenters Wise & Andrews. The church is a large frame edifice, which cost the members $3,750. The church is painted white, has a large belfry and a spire on top, and presents to the eye a very attractive appearance - nothing gaudy, nothing superfluous ; on the inside it is plainly, but neatly furnished. The following are the pastors wo have served in the church since its organi¬ zation: Elders Stout, Todd, Smart, Randall, and J. A. Lord, the present pastor. The original members who formed the organization are: J. W. C. Huls, L. U. Barnes, Mrs. B. A. Barnes, W. F. Flynn, Paul Huls, Mrs. E. M. Huls, Mrs. T. A. Huls, A. H. Stout, C. F. Wili kerson, and Mrs. Maria Wilkerson. These devout Christians, starting with ten members in 1865, have now attained to a membership of about 150. Under the superintendence of their pastor, Elder J. A. Lord, they have a well conducted and popular Sunday school, having a regular attendance of eighty. The secretary of the Sunday school is W. P. Baker. The most successful revival ever held in this church was at a meeting held soon after its organization, by Elders Longan and Todd, when eighty members were added to the church. These zealous work¬ ers in the service of the Lord aim to restore religious worship to its for¬ mer simplicity and truth and pay homage to God with the same rites and in the same spirit as did the primitive Christian. They recognize no dis- tinction of sects, and hence call themselves " Christians," giving to all other people the same right to be and to call themselves the followers of Christ. This church like its brethren all over the country, is steadily and surely gaining ground over all who hear their plain statement of gospel truths.

The First Presbyterian Church . - This church, situated on the corner of Fifteenth and Main streets, was built in the fall of 1867, by the mem¬ bers of that congregation. The following are the first minutes of the church at its organization in 1866:

" On the 4th of November, 1866, a meeting was held, at which the Rev. S. G. Clark presided. The meeting was opened with prayer, after which the following persons were examined by Mr. Clark: Jonas Houghton, Mary Jane Houghton, his wife; Wm. Powell, Anna C. Powell, his wife; Janett E. Powell, J. R. Peet and Nancy W. Peet, his wife; for the pur¬ pose of organizing a church, and calling it the First Presbyterian Church of Holden, Missouri. The next day, it being the first Sabbath in Novem¬ ber, (the above mentioned persons being found worthy) the church was duly organized. Rev. S. G. Clark preached an appropriate discourse, and the following persons were chosen officers of the church: Jonas Houghton, elder ; William Powell, deacon; J. R. Peet, clerk; after which the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was celebrated with impressive exhortations by Mr. Clark. The above persons were all received by letter from other churches. J. R. Peet, Clerk .

Their first minister, as we see from the above minutes, wasS. G. Clark. Mr. Clark was at the time also engaged with a church at Warrensburg, but in April, 1868, Rev. Hiram Hill was employed in this church, and continued to devote his services to her cause till October, 1872, when he resigned. He was succeeded by Rev. William J. Lee, of Indianapolis. Mr. Lee is still minister of this church, and has served with them so long that it would be difficult to part with him. Their membership is at pres¬ ent 246, while their average Sunday school attendance is 133. Superin¬ tendent, W. J. Lee; assistant, Dr. M. V. Johnson. The church is so well known and so popular that nothing need be said in its praise.

This church has just commenced what will be the finest church edifice in central Missouri. The size of the building is 80x64 feet, facing the north and west. Its height is forty-five feet to the court, with a tower, eighty-five feet to the apex, on the northwest corner. On the outer corner of this tower is another octagon tower, 36 feet to the apex. This building has an ell on the south, divided into three rooms, and so arranged with sliding doors, that they may all be opened into one vast room Behind the pulpit is a large, triple window, 18x12 feet, with stained glass . On each corner, and on each side of every entrance, connected with the main wall, are buttresses, thirty-six inches square, of brick, capped with Warrensburg sandstone. The building is lighted by three large cathe¬ dral windows, 12x20 feet. The large tower has six gothic windows, 7x3 feet. In the tower is the belfry, with a 1,500 pound bell. In the base¬ ment is a large furnace for heating the building. The pews, of walnut, are made and placed in a circle, with aisles on the side. The architect is Mr. J. H. Maurice, of St. Louis, a man of reputation for church building.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church. - This church is situated on the corner of Fifth and Olive streets, and was organized in May, 1869, by Father M. G. Maskin and in the same year the church edifice was erected. This church not being of brick or stone, has not been dedicated, but was simply blessed, by Rev. Philip Brady, of St. Louis, Missouri. This church, of frame, cost the members $2,400. The building is 60x30 feet, and contains forty-five pews, and also a gallery, for the use of the organ and for the choir. The following pastors have served in this church since its organ¬ ization: Revs. M. G. Mackin, M. S. Brennan, and James Phelan. The original members consisted of the following: John Churchill, T. E. Cole¬ man, A. Ward, T. A. Conrad, and others, whose names have not been given. Their present membership is 314. They have an average attend¬ ance at Sunday school of eighty-six. Miss Susan Hengy is the superin¬ tendent, and Miss Maggie McMullen, secretary. Like all other Catholic Churches, this church is very zealous and prosperous.

The M. E. Church {colored'). - This church is situated on Seventh street, and was built by the colored people of Holden in the year 1879. Their minister at this time being Rev. R. Rush. The church had been previously organized in the year 1874, by Rev. William Wheeler. It is a frame building 28x34 feet, and has never been dedicated. The pastors who have served in the church are as follows: A. Abanatha, William Wheeler, William E. Wilson, J. J. Dyere, W. H. Sampson, A. Lee, A. Rush, and J. D. Evans. Its present membership amounts to fifty-five, while the average number attending Sunday school is forty-five. Their present Sunday school superintendent is Josey Larden, and their secretary is Alex. Jacobs. The church has had a building of its own but a few years, yet it has made substantial progress in religious worship.

The African Methodist. - This church is situated in the southwestern part of Holden, and, as its name indicates, belongs to the colored people of the town. It is a substantial frame structure, and cost the colored brethren about $500. This church was organized by C. R. Runyon, Sep¬ tember, 1876; but the building was not erected till September, 1878. It was built by Rev. P. D. Yocum, but has never been dedicated. This church has an ample supply of comfortable seats, and two chairs for the ministers. The original members are as follows: Alice Bell, Maggie Stewart, George Bell, Laura Carter, William Ford, Minta Ford, Emily Hughes, Eliza Bony. The following have served as pastors in this church: Rev. A. R. Runyon, Rev. Peter North, Rev. P. D. Yocum, Rev. J. R. Loven, and Rev. Moses Dixon, present pastor. It has at present twenty-eight members, and has an average attendance at Sunday school of thirty-one. Present superintendent, Miss Maggie Stewart; sec¬ retary, Miss Emma J. Violett.

Holden College - This institution, wEich opened its first term September 12, 1881, is located in Holden, Johnson county, Missouri, and is the out¬ growth of the generosity of the citizens and private enterprise of Prof. W. White, a gentleman recently from Canada, of wide experience in col¬ lege work.

While we cannot give an account of past years' work, we can give great promise of future success. Two acres of ground were purchased for the college site in the most elevated part of town, overlooking a tract of coun¬ try twenty-five miles in extent. Each way the eye may view a country that is not excelled in any state of the Union. The town of Holden has 3,000 inhabitants. Few cities or towns have the same qualities for building up good society, known for its morality rather than untold wealth. Having good churches and plenty of them, good markets for agricultural products, live, energetic business men, it offers inducements, to those seek¬ ing new homes, seldom met with. The majority of its people are from the east, that left the ruts of a past generation to enter new fields of labor. They have come with the energy and pushness of youth ; they have left behind them their prejudices, and replaced them with bright smiles. This determination to make oneself agreeable is the secret of good society in Holden.

The building is three stories high, with a good basement, is built of brick and sandstone, has sixty-five rooms, is heated by steam, well venti¬ lated, and has all modern improvements. Has three departments - col¬ legiate, art and musical. The collegiate department is under the super¬ vision of a live principal, Prof. J. N. Prince, of Jacksonville, Illinois, assisted by Miss E. Bush, of Montreal, Canada, and other assistants.

The preparatory department has Miss Sadie Crisp, of Santa Rosa, Cal¬ ifornia, as principal, and, under her kind and sympathetic treatment, will be a grand success.

The art department is ably represented by Miss G. Brandt, of Portland, Maine, and Miss Carrie Smith, of Jacksonville, Illinois. Here is taught oil painting on canvas, silk, satin; velvet, both cotton and silk; wood.

shell, etc.; drawing in crayon, pencil and perspective wax work; embalm¬ ing flowers; fancy needle-work, in silk and wool; hair work, lace work, silk and linen. The musical department is under the direction of Prof. C. H. Waterhouse, a graduate of the justly celebrated school at Leipsic, Ger¬ many, and Prof. White takes great pleasure in introducing such a mastermusician to the people of the west. Mrs. Mertie H. White is teacher in voice culture. After having years of training by the best masters of the United States and Canada, she is well fitted for the position which she occupies.

Prof. White is the president of the college, and will also teach the class singing and theory ot music. Students who desire to make music a special study will find here advantages equal to any west or east. The college is non-sectarian, open to both sexes (lady boarders only), with strict adherence to morality. We bespeak for Holden College a brilliant success and future.

Public Schools. - The public school of Holden was placed under its present organization in 1868, and since that time has continued its work up to the present with great acceptability to the people, the attendance con¬ stantly increasing with the growth of the town.

A brick building two stories high, and containing four rooms, was erected in 1870, but in a few years this was found too small, and then a small frame house of one room was built in the yard of the other building. But this again became too small to accommodate the number of pupils in attendance, and from that time to the present, a room over the Odd Fel¬ lows' Hall has been used for the smallest primaries now under the efficient'' management of Miss Anna Stark. The school house yard contains about three acres of land well set in blue grass and interspersed with beautiful maple trees, making altogether a very lovely yard. We furnish below a complete list of the teachers from 1870 to the present time:

In the above list the principal of the school leads in the list for each year. The principal is always a male teacher, and is paid as we see above, $65 to $100 a month, while all the other teachers are females, their salaries ranging from $35 to $50 per month. The financial business of this school was badly managed for a number of years, running the school deeply into debt, but under the present efficient management the debt is being rapidly paid off. The $1,500 which it now owes, it is thought, will be paid by the close of the present year.

In order to show the present condition of the school, we furnish below the report of Mr. W. C. Taylor, secretary of the board, to the county commissioner for the school year ending in the spring of 1881: Number of white persons in the district between 6 and 20 years - male, 270; female, 319; total, 589. Number of colored persons in the district between 6 and 20 years - male, 27; female, 29; total, 56. Number of white chil¬ dren in attendance during the year - male, 200; female, 215; total, 415. Number of colored children in attendance during the year - male, 27 ; female, 29; total, 56. Total number of days attended by such children - white, 36,032; black, 3,650; total, 39,682. Average number of days attended by each child - white, 99; colored, 65. Number of days taught - white, 140; colored, 110. Number of children attending each day - white, 292; colored, 33. Number of teachers employed during the year - white: male, 1; female, 5; colored, 1; total, 7. Salary of teachers per month - white: male, $80; female, $60; colored: female, $30. Average cost per day for tuition of each child, 6£ cents. Number of children may be seated, about 300. Value of property in the district, estimated at $7500. Rate levied for school purposes on assessment - general, 40 cents; interest, 60 cents. Cash in hand at beginning of year - white, $487.89; coloredj $16.09; total, $494.98. Public funds and railroad taxes of county treas¬ urer - white, $1002.00; colored, $85.26; total, $1087.26. Teachers' wages during the year - white, $2116.00; colored, $165.00; total, $2281.00. Fuel during the year - white, $184.31; colored, $14.80; total, $199.11.

There are several other incidental accounts in the report, not necessary to mention in this history; but this will show to the reader the present condition of both the white and colored schools. The colored school has never had more than one teacher at a time. This school has been in oper¬ ation since 1868. It is under the management of the same directors as the white school, and is supported by the town of Holden.

Newspapers. - The first paper established in Holden was published by E. Giles, the first copy being issued on the 29th of August, 1867. It was a large seven-column paper, and was called the Holden Enterprise. In the spring of 1871 Mr. Giles sold this paper to Mr. G. W. Richards, now of the Warrensburg Standard. About the year 1872 Mr. W. Sankey bought this paper from Mr. Richards, and continued the management of it till the spring of 1 877. Mr. F. R. Kirkpatrick, who had started the Republican in 1876, then bought this paper, and merged this and his Republican into what was known as the Advance. This paper was edited h>y Mr. Kirkpatrick until October, 1879, when it was sold to Mittong and Cruce. In June, 1881 , Mr. Cruce sold his interest to Mr. Mittong, and became -editor of the ^Journal- Democrat, Warrensburg, Mo. The Enterprise is by far the oldest paper established in Holden; in fact, it may be consid¬ ered about the only paper that has lasted for any length of time. Yet this paper, for a number of years, could scarcely be considered a successful paper, since it changed hands a number of times within a few years.

But when it passed into the hands of Mittong and Cruce, they, by their -energetic, faithful and enterprising labors in behalf of the Enterprise , made it what its name signifies - a paper devoted to the interests of the county and to the upbuilding of Holden ; taking a firm and decided stand in its political views, being a strong advocate of Democratic principles, and at the same time truthful and conscientious in the discharge of its duties.

The popularity of this paper has so increased that it stands to-day sec¬ ond to none in the county. It has a circulation of 1,200, and is now regarded as the leading paper in the county. Its pages are read not only in this and* adjoining counties, but it has an extensive circulation outside of the State.

This office was burned down January 10, 1872, but all the material was spared and moved into the Daniels' building. In a few months Mr. Will¬ iams had to close out his office under a mortgage held by E. Roop, of Centerview, and under the management of Captain A. Raga the Hol¬ den True De7nocrat made its appearance and was conducted in the inter¬ est of Centerview, to bring the county seat there. In a little more than a year the material was moved to Houston, Missouri. In the meantime Mr. Williams had procured other material and resumed the publication of the Holden Democrat and continued it till July 31, 1872, when it was entirely destroyed, two of the printers barely escaping with their lives. Since then this paper has never been resumed.

In 1878, S. R. Whiting started the Herald , a kind of a family journal, that took no decided stand in politics, but that paper was discontinued in less than a year.

Until recently the newspapers of this town seemed to have the same fate. They were either sold out or discontinued, but the present pros¬ pects of the Holden Enterprise are such that all feel it will continue in every way to be a first class paper. Its present public-spirited proprietor, Mr. John W. Mittong, will not fail to do his part in building it up and making it such a paper as the people of Holden will be proud of.

Railroads. - The various struggles that had to be made, and the great sectional animosity incurred in many cases when the people of this county were working for the location of the Pacific railroad at this place, have been narrated in another part of this history. Mayor N. B. Holden, the man for whom the town of Holden was named, was in the legislature of the state at the time and did perhaps more than any other man in the county toward bringing the road here except Col. B. W. Grover, of Warrensburg. The state legislature located the road in this county about the year 1852, but it was nearly thirteen years before the road was built to Holden. The road had reached some point this side of Jefferson City when the war came on, and suspended all work upon it till near the close of the war. The railroad reached Warrensburg in the summer of 1864, but did not get to Holden till May 1865. But from that time on, the war being over, the work upon the road was prosecuted with vigor until its completion in 1869, when the Atlantic and Pacific were brought into close connection with each other. The present depot of the Missouri Pacific was, at the time the railroad was completed to this point, an old boarding house, and was soon after turned into a depot, and has remained the only depot at this point to the present time. But a new depot is now being erected which, in a short time, will take the place of the old one. This new building is much larger and more commodious, being of frame 85x24 feet, and much higher than the old one. The depot ever since it was established in 1865, has been under the management of Mr. M. L. Gray. At this depot, including the night and day operator, seven hands are employed to manage the business. Extensive freighting and shipping keep them employed at all hours of the day.

In 1870, the Holden branch road, as it is called, was completed to this point. The township of Madison, including its private subscription, gave $72,000 to have this road built here. This road runs southwest from Holden, passing through Harrisonville, Cass county, and thence to Paola, Kansas, its final termination being Junction City, Kansas. This road has been a great benefit to the town of Holden, adding largely to its business and giving encouragement to its citizens. This branch road, now known as the Kansas and Arizona division, makes connection both morning and evening with the Missouri Pacific trains. The morning passenger bring¬ ing communication from St. Louis and all points east, arriving at Holden at 6 o'clock, a. m. The passengers on it for the Arizona division, stop and take their breakfast, while the main train passes on, arriving at Kan¬ sas City at 9 o'clock, and thence takes passengers to all parts of the great west, since at Kansas City trains pass out to all points of the compass. The train on the Kansas and Arizona division leaves here at 6:15 A. m., and passing southwest it makes connection with the Lexington and South¬ ern division at Harrisonville, and from this point passengers can go any¬ where in southern Kansas, the Indian territory or Texas.

Again at 6 o'clock p. m., a passenger train on the Missouri Pacific, arrives at Holden bound for the west, and after waiting twenty minutes for supper, passes on to Kansas City, reaching that destination at 8:05 p. m.

Then again at 8:50 p. m., the second train for the east comes in to Hol¬ den. This train makes connection with the eastern bound train of the Arizana division which arrives a few minutes before it. From this it can readily be seen that Holden is getting to be a railroad center. Several efforts are being set on foot to bring other railroads to this place, and it is the ambition of the people to make Holden a railroad center second to none between Kansas City and St. Louis.

Freight trains are run, coming in at almost all hours of the day, and there is so much shipping and switching, that six tracks have been built for that purpose, three on each side of the depot. When in addition to all this Holden has the engine house and turning table. The engine house was built here in 1867. It is located about a hundred yards northwest of the depot. The engine house is about 30x60 feet, and has several small additions to it for offices and other purposes. Every night three or four engines are kept in this engine house. Between the engine house and the depot is the turn table. This is made of very large and stout timbers, and so well balanced that a few men can turn the engine or any car that is put upon it. Also between the turning table and the depot are kept large quantities of coal from which the various engines are loaded as they start from this place.

Bridge and Building Department. - In connection with the railroad department of this city, we have the bridge and building department, being a branch of that department in St. Louis. This under the manage¬ ment of James Stannard, assistant superintendent of the department at St. Louis. J. W. Scott is at the head of the painting department, and J. M. Finney is foreman of the yard at this place. The warehouse of this department was erected in January, 1881. It is a neat, commodious frame building, 25x30 feet. They build and keep up bridges, tanks, turn tables, and all other wood work needed in over four hundred miles of road, besides doing the painting for the same. One hundred men are con¬ stantly at work for this department. They have under their control the Kansas & Arizona division, Lexington & Southern division, the Neosho division, and the Ottawa branch of the Missouri Pacific. Their jurisdic- * tion extends west 215 miles, and south to Carthage. Immense piles of lumber are seen at all times on either side of the warehouse, extending many paces in either direction.

Holden Elevator and Mill. - This elevator and mill is situated about one hundred yards east of the Pacific depot. It is a large, brick building 35x70 feet, and is four stories high. This mill was erected in 1876 by J. H. Smith and W. H. Stark, but soon after the erection W. H. Stark sold out to J. C. Conner, and since then it has been under the management of Conner & Smith. The mill and elevator is run by a large 80-horse power engine. Their mill contains five run of burs and two set of rolls* They have a large corn-sheller run by a separate engine. The sturdy farmers from all parts of the neighboring country come flocking into this mill to sell their grain, and they generally find a ready market. They manufacture daily over a hundred and ten barrels of flour, and this besidesselling to the surrounding farmers they ship to St. Louis. They ship over 300 car loads of wheat a year from their elevator, and between 300 and 400 car loads of corn, besides making up into meal a large portion of the corn they buy. This elevator is in a very convenient place for ship¬ ping, being situated just north of the Missouri Pacific railroad, and hav¬ ing a switch passing by the elevator so that the cars can be loaded from the door. This also connects immediately with the branch road running into Kansas, so that the mill is in direct communication with a large part of southern Kansas. The proprietors have been doing a very successfu business, and at present are busily engaged in making many important mprovements. They are putting in a new engine, and enlarging the capacity of the mill and elevator both. They have now the largest busi¬ ness of any similar firm in the city, or even in this part of the county. These gentlemen have been engaged in the business for many years, and thoroughly understand their work, and will no doubt in a few years do as large a business as any other mill in the county.

Bluhm & Boxmeyer' s Elevator . - These gentlemen are carrying on a very prosperous trade in the grain business. They have a large grain elevator situated a few steps east of the Pacific depot, on the south side of the railroad. Their building has the lower part made of brick and the upper of wood. It is 100x36 feet and is 3 stories high. These gen¬ tlemen commenced business in 1874, in this building, though previously they had been engaged in the same kind of work elsewhere. Their ele¬ vator is kept constantly at work during the season for grain delivery. They have a 16-horse power engine to run the elevator. The cars pass by the building so that the grain may be loaded from the door of the granary. They ship very extensively to St. Louis and sometimes to New York. Their trade has hitherto been very profitable and argues for a better success in the future.

Holden City Mill. - This mill was erected in 1868, by J. H. Reed and A. L. Daniels, the present proprietors. It is situated in the eastern part of Holden, about three-eighths of a mile from the depot, on second street. It is a large, frame mill, on the edge of a branch, which dammed up, sup¬ plies it with water. The mill is three stories high and has three run of four-foot burs. The mill is run by a fifty-horse power engine. They are extensively patronized by the farmers of the surrounding country. They bring in from all sides their wheat and corn, and exchange for flour and meal. This mill turns out daily, about 200 bushels of flour, besides grinding, generally, a large quantity of corn. These gentlemen are doing a very good business, and both as millers and artizans have won the respect of the community in which they live. Their gentlemanly deportment toward all strangers who call upon them on any business is in the highest degree commendable. In the future they cannot fail in whatever they undertake.

The Herman house was built in June, 1865, and has been conducted from that time to the present by Mrs. John Doran. The building has been enlarged since its first establishment as a hotel, and as it now stands, contains thirty-two bed rooms, has one hundred and twenty feet front, and is three stories high. It is made entirely of frame, but is a very substan¬ tial one. It is situated opposite to the depot and affords meals to passen¬ gers, at twenty-five cents per meal. It has an extensive patronage and is full nearly all the time. This house is well conducted by its proprietress, Mistress John Doran, and has always been prosperous.

The Bell House is much the largest and best hotel in Holden. It was built in 1868 by Richard Bell, of this city. It is a very large, three story brick building, running back 132 feet, with a fifty foot front, and has twenty-four sleeping rooms. Mr. Bell first leased the hotel to Mr. Judy, for three years, and when Mr. Judy's time expired it passed into the hands of Stephens & Bro., and after being conducted a short time by these gen¬ tlemen, Mr. Bell took it and ran it one year himself. Then Johnson & Hall kept it a few years, when it was put under the management of Geo. W. Rose. It then passed from him to Mr. R. P. Hall, and thence to Mr. E. B. Barrett. Mr. Barrett took the proprietorship in July, 1880, and on the first of August, 1881, he gave up the hotel to J. J. Fitzgerald, the present popular proprietor. Mr. Fitzgerald supplies from his hotel, meals for four trains each day. On the Arizona division the six o'clock morning train and the eight twenty-five evening train take their meals here; and in the evening, the six o'clock train on the main road stops here daily for supper. First-class meals are supplied here for customers, at fifty cents a meal. This hotel is very largely patronized by the travelling public, and under the management of its present accommodating proprietor will, no doubt, continue to increase in the public estimation, and be an honor and pride to the city of Holden. This hotel is abundantly supplied with water, having two cisterns and three wells. Water is conducted by pipes to the kitchen and wash rooms, and it is the intention of the proprietor to have pipes supplying all the rooms in the house. All the bed rooms are supplied with fire escapes, according to the provisions of the law. The whole yard is paved with brick, 'and is arranged so as to draw all the water off. In connection with the hotel is a complete laundry establish¬ ment, under the supervision of the same proprietor. In the building is a large reading and writing room, containing journals from all the leading cities in the union. Mr. Fitzgerald is improving the building and in a short time will refurnish it and make it in every respect as attractive as the public could desire. Mr. Fitzgerald seems to be well qualified in every particular for the important position he now fills.

Postoffice. - For several years before the town of Holden was laid out, there was a postoffice northeast of its present site, a few hundred yards on the line of the stage route running from Jefferson City to Independence. This postoffice was kept by Mr. Isaac Jacobs, and when Holden was laid out and Mr. Jacobs' store put up, the postoffice was moved there. This little store was located on the corner of Second and Olive streets, and the postoffice was placed in it in the year 1859. Mr. Jacobs had a small sup¬ ply of general merchandise and attended to this in connection with the postoffice, till the commencement of the war. During the war all busi¬ ness was suspended and little or no mail came to this place, but this store continued to be the postoffice, in connection with his store, but in the fall of the following year Mr. Jacob Peer moved it to his store. This was a small store of general merchandise, located where Carter's blacksmith shop now stands, In the spring of 1866 William Coventry started a general dry goods store in this place, at the place now occupied by Clark & Craig's grocery store, and had the postoffice moved into his store, tak¬ ing charge of it as postmaster and running it till sometime in 1868. Mr. Coventry then let Mr. T. J. Tygart, take charge of it. Mr. Tygart moved it to where McClellan's stables now stand, and did in connection with the postoffice a real estate business. In 1869 at the commencement of the administration of President Grant, the postoffice was placed in the hands of J. W. Mack, the present postmaster. Mr. Mack has had the entire charge of the postoffice ever since. It has been located during this time in Murray & Day's drug store. Mr. Mack has proved a thoroughly efficient and popular postmaster, and since the postoffice has been in his hands, the mail business has very rapidly increased. For sometime Mr. Mack has been compelled to have an assistant. This office has recently been raised to the third class of postoffices, and the postmaster is appointed by the president and employed at a fixed salary. The present salary of the postmaster is $1,500 a year. Mail from all points come to this office. From the east on the Missouri Pacific, mail arrives here at 6:15 a. m., and 6:15 p. m., while from the west on the same road, mail arrives at 9 o'clock in the morning and at 9 o'clock in the evening. Then on the Kansas & Arizona division, mail comes in at 8:35 p. m. In addition to the daily mail that arrives from almost every point of the compass, mail arrives twice a week from Pittsville, twice a week from Garden City, and three times a week from Clinton. For this reason a large quantity of mail is handled at this place, which is not distributed here, but is sent out by the stages running to these points.

Since Mr. Mack has had charge of this department he has sold 13,638 money orders, and this line of business is increasing at a very rapid rate. Every three months Mr. Mack sells $600 worth of postage stamps, and about 8,000 postal cards. Nearly 600 letters pass through the office daily and over 800 newspapers come to this office every week. There are registered at this office every year upwards of 4,000 letters. In the last year Mr. Mack has paid out of the office on money orders $26,724! Noth¬ ing can more clearly show the present business status of the town and the advance it has made in the last few years than the postoffice report. When the office was started and for many years following, it had to be run in connection with a store, and afforded little or no pay to the postmaster. Now it affords a handsome income and bids fair in a few years to be raised to an office of the second class. The people of Holden may con¬ sider themselves fortunate in having the services of so efficient a post¬ master, so long and may continue to rely upon its successful management as long as it remains in the same hands.

Bank of Holden. - This bank was organized May 15, 1872, from the firm of I. M. Smith and Louis Cheney, private bankers. It started with a paid up capital of $50,000, but in 1878, another $50,000 was added, making the present capital stock $100,000. Their building is situated on the corner of Market and Second streets. It is a large brick structure, 48x80 feet, two stories high, with an elegant stone front. The officers are, I. Starkey, president; John G. Cope, cashier; J. E. McClure, assist¬ ant cashier; and F. B. Hawes, secretary. The directors are, John G. Cope, I. Starkey, F. B. Hawes, T. J. Allison, Ira B. Smith, C. C. Tevis,

J. E. Clark, W. H. Liddle, J. E. McClure, A. Plessner, J. P. Orr, J. H. Blewitt, and M. V. Johnson. They do a general banking business of dis¬ count and deposit, and engage in no outside speculations. They buy and sell exchange and government securities, make collections and execute financial orders here, in St. Louis, and in New York. This bank started in 1872, passed through the great panic of 1873, as well as all other finan¬ cial crises without failing to honor every check that was presented to it. Since 1878, they have declared annually a dividend of from 14 to 15 per cent after paying all expenses. Their stock is worth thirty per cent pre¬ mium, and is difficult to be obtained at that price. They have on hand deposits of nearly $400,000, and their business constantly increasing.

The gentlemen engaged in this bank have long been before the public, and are thoroughly known as men of first-class business qualities. Their future efforts in this business cannot fail to continue to bring the desired reward.

The Firemen s' and Commercial Bank. - This bank commenced opera¬ tion, March 17, 1881. It started with a paid up capital of $25,000, and will increase it in a short time to $50,000. They have a large brick build¬ ing, located on'the corner of Main and Second streets, and fitted up with all the necessary conveniences, including a burglar proof safe. Their officers are, W. M. Steele, president; George S. Young, vice-president; Z. T. Miller, cashier.' They have nine stockholders, composed of the fol¬ lowing: W. M. Steele, G. S. Young, Z. T. Miller, D. C. Quick, J. S. Johnson, Richard M. Simpson, H. D. Smithson, J. C. Creighton, and S. H. Farrar. They have on hand deposits to the amount of $75,000. Their stock nominally at three per cent premium, is not for sale at all. Their business is rapidly increasing and bids fair to rival the old bank in a few years. These gentlemen are business men of long standing in the com¬ munity, and will gain its hearty support.

Holden, though distinguished in many other important particulars, is, perhaps, the most noted of all towns in the state for the number and size of her secret societies. Many of her most popular and public spirited citizens are members, in many cases of three or four different societies. Great energy and industry have been shown by the people of this place in carrying out and enforcing the principles which their several societies embody.^ Many of these societies have been under headway nearly from the beginning of the town, while others have just lately been organized, but in either case they are both prosperous as societies and beneficial to the public at large. We have been unable to obtain a detailed account of these societies, and in a history of this breadth and comprehension, such an account would be too minute. Hence, we aim only to give a few lead-

Masonic Lodge , JVo. 262. - This lodge was organized in October, 1867, with a charter membership of 28. This order has been very successful here, having increased its membership from 28 to 65, besides this, many of its members have risen to higher orders. This lodge meets the Thurs¬ day on or before the full moon in every month. Their hall is situated between Main and Market on Second street. Their officers are elected in June every year. The officers elected in June, 1881, are the following: M. Roberson, W. M.; William Steele, S. W.; Joseph Johnson, J. W.; W. C. Smith, S. D.; J. S. Hewes, Sec.; Louis Berthold, Treas.; S. H. Mosley, Tyler.

\ Haggai R. A. Chapter JVo. 63. - This is a higher order of Masons, and the fact that Holden has an order of this kind with such a membership, speaks in the highest terms of the progress she has made in this direction. This order was organized in 1870, with twelve members.' Since then its membership increased to 38. This order meets the Tuesday in each month on or before the full moon, and uses the regular masonic hall. -

Endowment Section , JVo. 34.6. - The organization was established in this city in October, 1879. It started with fifteen members, now has 35. This society has an insurance of $3,000, and meets the last Friday in each month, at the Knights of Pythias Hall. Their officers are elected once a year, and those for the year 1881 are as follows: W. C. Smith, President; W. B. Simpson, vice-President; Walter, H. Mosley, Chaplain; J. Strode, Sec. and Treasurer; John S. Bebee, Guide; J. H. George, Guard; James Roberts, Sentinel.

Vincil Lodge , JVo. 73, A. O. U. W. - The Ancient Order of United Workmen was established in this city in August, 1879, with forty charter members. Since then their membership has not increased much, being only forty-five, but they have done well, and may be considered a flour¬ ishing lodge. The organization has an insurance of $2000, and meets every Wednesday night in the Knights of Pythias hall. Their elections are annual, and present officers are: J. S. Bebee, M.; J. W. Stride, O.; J.

Beacon Lodge , Knights of Honor , No. 2320. - This lodge was organ¬ ized in Holden in November, 1880. They commenced with a member¬ ship of 42, and have now increased to 52. This is a very flourishing order. They meet every Friday night. Their elections take place semi¬ annually, their present officers being the following: John Taylor, D.; Chas. D. Smithson, V. D.; John Gibson, A. D.; J. W. McFarland, R. E*

Holden Lodge , /. O. O. K.. - The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in Holden in February, 1868. At their organization the following were their charter members: I. S. Swearingen, Dr. M. V. John¬ son, B. A. Crane, S. H. Mosley, M. L. Gray and J. C. Richards, the offi¬ cers of which at the time were: B. A. Crane, N. G. ; I. S. Swearingen,

V. G.; Dr. M. V. Johnson, secretary; J. C. Richards, treasurer. This organization starting with 6 members, has now 47. They own a building, the lower part of which they rent to the public school, and the upper part of which contains their hall. This is a well furnished hall, 24z60 feet. This order meets every Friday night, and elects their officers in April and September. The following are their present officers: A. VanMatre, N. G. ; T. M. Templeton, V. G. ; W. W. Gaunt, secretary; Robert Dong, treasurer.

Holden Lodge , /. O. G. T. - The Independent Order of Good Templars was established here in February, 1880. They started with 40 charter members, and since that time, in the space of a little more than a year, have increased their membership to 69. They meet every Thursday night at the Knights of Pythias Hall. It has been the object of this organization to rid the place of all drinking saloons, and thus confer a lasting benefit upon the town. We. give below the officers of the lodge elected in May, 1881: Mrs. E. P. Tompkins, P. W. C. T.; W. C. Black,

Order of Mutual Protection , Enterprise Lodge , No, /p. - This society was organized July 26, 1880, with 45 charter members. The first officers were: Robert A. Long, president; A. M. Steinberg, vice-president; R. A. Cruce, past president; John H. Hughes, secretary; F. A. Houck, treasurer; Wm. H. Craig, chaplain; J. T. Simpson, guide; M. Redinburn, inner watchman ; J. D. Beeman, outside guard. The present membership is 49. The lodge is in a good financial condition, there being a surplus of capital over the assessment. The meetings are held the second and fourth Monday evenings in each month. The present officers are: A. M. Steinberg, president; R. A. Cruce, vice-president; Robert A. Long, past president; John H. Hughes, secretary; F. A. Houck, treasurer; J. C. Oliver, chaplain; John Page, guide; E. O. Affield, inner watchman; J. D. Beeman, outside guard.

Holden Cemetery. - For a number of years after Holden was built there was no regular cemetery laid out and established by law. The inhabitants and neighboring farmers buried their dead in what is known as the old burying ground. This was on the ground now occupied by the public school building in the southern portion of the town.

But when the cemetery was laid out all the dead in' the old buring gound were removed to this cemetery. There were 125 graves removed from this ground and put in the "potters field," and in addition there were many moved by their friends, enough probably to make 150 graves alto¬ gether that were moved from the old ground. The cemetery was laid out and platted May 17, 1869, by Luther Wagner, civil engineer.

This cemetery is located on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section No. 10, township No. 45, range 28, Johnson county Mo., and contains 476 lots, each of which is 12x25 feet, excepting lot Nos. 57 and 58 in blocks A. and B, and Nos. 1, 2, 109 and 125 in blocks C. and D., which are fractional. All the alleys running north and south are 6 feet in width, excepting the alleys on the border lots, which are 8 feet. All the streets are 17^ feet in width, and the main avenue is 30 feet. All the alleys running east and west in blocks A. and B. are 10 2-3 feet, and in blocks C. and D. are 5 feet in width. The alleys on south side are 5 feet, and on the east and west sides they are 5 feet, and same oh the north side. The streets and alleys are dedicated to the pub¬ lic use. The town of Holden agrees to keep a good board or hedge fence around said cemetery, and to keep the same neat and clean, and to orna¬ ment same in good and substantial style. The said town also retains jurisdiction over said cemetery, and all lots therein, and also to extend the jurisdiction of said town' over the same as far as permitted by law. This cemetery is situated southwest of town about a mile and a quarter from the depot. It contains ten acres of land. It is in a perfect square 640 feet each way, and is divided, as may be implied from the above arti¬ cle, into four sections called respectively, sections A. B. C. and D. In the center of the square is a small circle 160 feet in diameter. This circle is densely set in beautiful trees, such as silver poplars, maples, pines, cedars.

etc. In addition the entire cemetery is set in trees of many varieties presenting a very varigatcd and beautiful view to the observer. It is sit¬ uated upon a high point and the whole cemetery may be seen from some distance, and as the marble tombs and monuments rise up ill lovely pro¬ portion, the traveler cannot fail to be struck with its exquisite beauty and unaffecting simplicity. The Marshal of the town has always been the cus¬ todian of the cemetery, and at present the accommodating gentleman, Mr. H. H. Still, is it's sexton, and has been for a number of years, being town marshal during that time. When the cemetery was laid out, a space of twenty-five feet wide and extending all around the square was reserved for the burial of the poor. This has been largely used for the burial of those moved from the old burying ground.

The cemetery as it now stands contains ten acres, but at the last meet¬ ing of the Town Council it bought five acres more on the north, adding a strip of half the present size to the north side. It is estimated that at least 650 graves have been made in this cemetery. From block A. forty- eight lots have been sold, from block B. fifty-six lots, from block C. forty-two lots, and from block D. twelve lots, making in all 156 lots already sold. This cemetery has many elegant monuments and tombstones, made otthe finest and most polished marble.

The town has exercised great taste in selecting the site of their ceme¬ tery, and no doubt in after years when the trees have grown larger and the grounds have been ornamented a little more, this will be the finest cemetery in the county. Great care and respect have been shown by all who have friends or relatives buried here, both in erecting suitable monu¬ ments and in decorating the graves. A beautifully arched gateway leads to the cemetery on the south, and nice drives will soon be had through all parts of the grounds.

Holden Nurseries. - These nurseries were established in 1868, by W. H. Liddle & Bros. These gentlemen continued to conduct this business with constantly increasing patronage until 1877, when Mr. W. H. Liddle sold out his interest, and now the nurseries are under the exclusive man¬ agement of Mr. J. F. Liddle. Mr. Liddle is located one mile east of Holden. He has 130 acres of land but only about 50 acres are devoted to the nurseries. They keep constantly on hand the largest and best selected stock of apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry and other kinds of fruit, ornamental, shrub and shade trees; grape vines and evergreens, hedge plants and flowering shrubs, etc.

Streets and Walks. - Holden being a town of very recent origin, has its streets laid out in right angles to one another, all running north and south or east and west. They are very broad and well regulated. The streets running east and west are numbered from the railroad, First street beginning with the railroad. Second street is the main business street in Holden. Strangers would think that was Main street, but like many other towns, the streets are named before there is much business, and it is not known upon which street the most trade will be carried on. Pas¬ sing from Second, the streets are numbered up to Thirteenth street. But this street takes us to the suburbs of the town on the south side. The streets running through the main part of the town, east and west, are over a half mile long. Of the streets running north and south, Main street is the most important. It passes across Second at the eastern end of the line of business houses on that street, being the second street west of the depot. From Main, on the east, we have first, Pine, and then Vine and Gay streets; beyond this there are no streets of any importance. On the west side of Main we have in succession, Market, Olive, Lexington, Buf¬ falo, Niagara and St. Charles streets. In the north-western portion of the town, and beyond the railroad, we have a number of streets running v east and west and extending some distance in the country. Counting from Second street, we find in order, McKissock, Car, Maple, Walnut, Chestnut, Locust and Elm streets, the last five of which are beyond the railroad and west of Lexington street. The most beautiful street in town is Main. It is lined on both sides with a row of fine maples, and is the most popular resort in the evening for the young folks. It extends about a half mile- from the railroad, and beyond Sixth street is called Stonewall Avenue. Among the most popular streets may be mentioned Market, Pine and Olive. These streets are but little inferior to Main in point of beauty. They are also well shaded with beautiful trees, and make elegant drives in the evening. Holden is well supplied with good plank-walks on all her principal streets except on part of the business portion of Sec¬ ond, which is paved with brick or stone. The streets and side-walks are always kept clean and neat; little trouble is ever had keeping the streets and walks clean, from the natural habit of cleanliness on the part of the citizens. Nothing speaks more praise of the people of Holden than the orderly manner in which they conduct themselves on the streets, and the quiet, unpretending mode of dress which characterizes them.

Business Directory

Steele, Wm., president of F. & C. bank; Starkey, I., president of bank of Holden; Sheidler, Mrs., milliner; Stevens, W. S. B., saloon keeper; Shri ver, A. L., restaurant; Stevens, W. J., presiding elder M. E. church; Smithson & Robertson, dry goods merchants; Schoen welter, A., barber; Stearns & Liddle, dealers in hardware and implements; Sherlock & Co., marble workers; Snead, R., harness maker; Starkey & Christian, lumber merchants; Seaman, Samuel, blacksmith; Simpson, W. B. Jeweler; Sparks, Miss Maggie M., teacher; Stark, Miss Anna, teacher; Schaeffer, Rev. L., minister German Evangelical church; Scott, Valentine, stock dealer; Taylor & Jones, real estate agents; Tompkins, E. P., photo¬ grapher; Tackitt & Roughton, dealers in musical instruments; Tatlow, R. H., grocer and confectioner; Taylor & Bettes, dealers in hardware and implements; Tackett, Miss Josie, teacher; Van Matre, Abner, mayor, attorney at law; Van Matre, Mrs. S. E., milliner; Violett, Andrew, black¬ smith; Wann & Jaqueth, manufacturers of boots and shoes; Wilson, L. T., attorney at law; Wright, J. J. & Castle, F. M., grocers; Wills, Geo., tinner; Wester, C. N., minister Baptist church; White, W., president of Holden college; White, Mrs. M., teacher Holden college ; Wise, Miss Clara E., teacher; Young, G. S., vice-president of F. & C. bank.

One of the smallest geographical divisions we have in this country is that of townships. This word, as may be readily inferred, was origi¬ nally used to represent that portion of country just adjacent to and under the immediate influence of a town. But this word, like many other words in the English language, has taken some departure from the original sig¬ nification and application and is now applied to a division of territory next in size to a county, and is thus named whether it contains a town or not.

Madison township derives its name from that distinguished American citizen and President, who has given his name to no less than eighteen counties in the United States, one State capitol, and numberless small cities and towns.

In the fertility of her soil, in the strength and endurance of her citizens, as well as their energy and perseverance, and in the blessing of favorable weather and good climate, Madison township may have reasons to aspire to something above the common level of township history. Her growth and development from this time on will be identified with that of her only city, and in the course of time these may all be blended into one. But the people of this township need no extravagant eulogium on their merits for these are seen in the substantial fruits of their toil.

Madison township is situated in the western portion of the county. Hol¬ den, its only town being seven and one-half miles from the Cass county line, but Kingsville township intervenes between it and Cass. It is about midway between the northern and southern boundaries of the county. It is a perfect rectangle and very near a square, being a little longer north and south than east and west. From its original size other townships have been cut off till now it is one of the smallest in the county, containing only forty-two square miles.

The south fork of the Blackwater runs through the northern part of the township. The entire township is drained by this stream and its tributar¬ ies. The general slope of the township is toward the north. The Mis¬ souri Pacific Railroad runs through its central portion.

The township in its physical features is similar to the remaining portions of the county, being alternately dotted with woods and prairie. The northern part of the township has most timber and it has the most water.

This was one of the first townships organized, being the last one of the four that included all the county in 1835, but it may be said it is about the latest township in the county, for, of all the improvements and general wealth, none, comparatively speaking, existed before the war. No set¬ tlers crossed the Blackwater previous to 1830, and the family of Fergu¬ sons were about the first to cross and settle in what is now the western part of Madison township.

In 1855 there were no settlements between the present site of Holden and Isaac Hanna's, which latter place is about fifty or a hundred yards south of the southern township line. Most of the settlers lived north of the present site of Holden and a few west. These settlers lived near the two branches of Pin Oak and were very few in number.

In 1835 Johnson county was composed of four townships: Washing¬ ton, Jefferson, Jackson and Madison. Madison township included all of what is now Kingsville and Rose Hill townships and most of Chilhowee and Centerview for a number of years after the late civil war. Madison

The boundary lines of Madison township remained as they were estab¬ lished in 1836, until 1868, when Chilhowee was formed from it and Jef¬ ferson. In the following year this township was divided into two voting precincts by the order of the court.

In 1858, when Madison was still a very large township, containing all that part of the county on the west and south that forms Kingsville and Rose Hill, and a large tract of land on the north and east, the town of Rose Hill was the voting precinct of the township, as she was by far the oldest town in that part of the county.

In this year an election was held at this place, and below we furnish in full the poll-book of this election, which contains a list of all who voted, as well as the candidates for office and the number of votes each received :

" A poll-book for a general election held at Rose Hill, in Madison town¬ ship, in Johnson county, Missouri, on the first Monday in August, A. D. 1858:

We, Dennis Dunham, Alfred White, T. Drake, do solemnly swear that we will impartially discharge the duties of judges of the present election, according to law and the best of our ability, so help us God.

We, John Baker and John H. Baily, do solemnly swear that we will faithfully discharge the duties of clerks of the present election according to law and the best of our abilities, so help us God.

We, the undersigned judges of an election begun and held at the town of Rose Hill, in Madison township, in the county of Johnson, on the 2d of August* 1858, do hereby certify that the following candidates held and received the number of votes attached to the name of each as follows, (viz.:

For Congress, Samuel H. Woodson 78 votes, John W. Reed 92 votes, George R. Smith, 40 votes; for State Superintendent, Wm. B. Starks 106 votes, J. G, Province 36 votes; for State Senate, M. G. Goodlett 126, S. L. Cornwell 58; for Representative, Robert Shaw 115, Aikman Welch 78; forCounty Court Judge,

Morton Thompson 9, W. C. Baker 49; Samuel Craig 116; for Sheriff, G. W. Houts, 188; for County Treasurer, Wm. S. Hume 70, W. H. Anderson 110; for County School Commissioner, Alexander Mars 40, John Gibbons 130; for Coro¬ ner, Henry H. Dobyns 42, A. Morgan, 112, Ruee Brown 8* for Justice of the Peace of Madison township to fill thq vacancy of Wm. Dishager, Samuel S. Smith 81, Wm. C. Duncan 34, Silas N. Copeland 37; for Constable of Madison township, Wm. H. Camden 49, Wm. Payne 53, Wm. S. Hughes 79, David Dav¬ enport 9.

The reader will pardon us for giving this document in full, but it con¬ tains a rather complete list of the voters that lived in this township before the war, and also affords some important political history. Many of the men whose names are found in this list, are now living, and, in many cases, the most respected citizens in the county. In many cases, their children and their grandchildren are men and women now, engaged in the various pursuits they then followed, and living it may be, on and around the same old homestead. These, then, cannot fail to be proud to see their fore¬ fathers names recorded in this history, and to also see with what great political leaders their names were enrolled.

The population of this township in 1876, according to census, was 2,1.70, and in 1881 it had increased to 2,931. Since then the population has increased still more rapidly, especially in Holden, giving to this town a population nearly equal to the whole town in 1880.

We give below some statistical reports in regard to stock in this town¬ ship in the year 1880, and the reader must bear in mind that Madison is a very small territory, containing as we have said only 42 square miles of land. In Madison township there were 719 horses, valued at $25,100, 2 asses valued at $50, 191 mules valued at $8,590, 2,539 cattle valued at $17,093, 849 sheep valued at $849, 2,833 hogs valued $4,096. Money notes, bonds, and other credits, $114,582. All other personal property $83,794, making a total of $254,254. This is a very large sum of money to be owned by the inhabitants of 42 square miles of land, very little of which being occupied by a town.

The Missouri Pacific railroad passes very nearly through the center of the township. After crossing the township line it passes in a southwestern direction, until it gets to the suburbs of Holden, when it turns and passes through this place, a little north of west, and thence continues in its general course, unchanged, till it runs into Kingsville township.

The most southern point on the railroad is about two and a half miles from the southern township line. The Arizona and Kansas division runs northeast through a small part of the township on the west, and makes

Holden its eastern terminus. These two roads have done, perhaps, more than anything else to build up the township and its only city, Holden.

The wagon roads in the township are among the best to be found in the county. Bridges or good fords are found at all points where the roads cross the streams. In many cases the roads are shaded partly by good hedge fences, and in all places the fences found in this part of the county are made of the very best material and kept in the best possible condition. All the roads are very largely traveled, especially in the seasons of grain delivery. Roads pass through the county in all directions and little or no difficulty is experienced by the people in going from one place to another. The roads in general lead toward Holden, though there are plenty of roads leading through the country. A large part of the history of this township belongs to the town of Holden, and hence much that would be given in an ordinary township history is here reserved for the history of Holden, it being a place of so much importance as to require a separate history.

The church history of this township extends back as far as its organi¬ zation, but reliable records have been very difficult to obtain, and hence, only a few meagre facts are given. There are only two church organiza¬ tions outside of Holden, that worship in the township, and only one of these have a building set apart for the sole use of the congregation.