Johnson County, Missouri - Chapter 3: - Washington Township, 1881

Chapter 3: - Washington Township

God provide^ the good things of the world to serve the needs of nature, by the labors of the plowman, the skill and pains of the artisan, and the dangers and traffic of the merchant. * * * The idle person is like one that is dead, unconcerned in the changes and necessities of the world; and he only lives to spend his time, and eat the fruits of the earth; like a .vermin or a wolf, when their time comes, they die and perish, and in the meantime, do no good.

Room for wealth and enjoyment brought the pioneers to this new coun¬ try full fifty years ago; but when they came .their attention, in many instances was turned more to the latter than the former. Here wealth could only be obtained through the slow process of hard and enduring toil. The trees were to fell, roots to dig up, and the prairies to break before the pioneer could even realize a stinted livelihood. It required a strong man to meet all the hardships that surrounded these old settlers. On the other hand the enjoyment of the chase was quite enticing every day. At that time wild game was here in abundance. Deer, turkey, elk, antelope, and bear, could be found at any time on the wooded strearps or in the tall grass of the prairies.

The early settlers were plain in dress, devoted in religion, and honest in their ways. In the school-room and the church service they gave alike praise to both teacher and preacher for their work in mental and moral improvements. The excellent citizens of to-day are the offspring of those honest old pioneers. The praying men and women in the several churches of this township tell the story of their early training and the character of their fathers and mothers. The Cross of Christ is a light burden to the devoted Christian who loves -

The early pioneers were not careless in their family devotions, as some may suppose. In those rude old log cabins, the kind-hearted Christian

In our sketch of Washington township, we shall endeavor to give the reader such facts as have come within the scope of the historian. The name, location, physical features, and sketchs of old settlers will be briefly touched. The towns will be noticed in connection with the township details. The religious history of the township is one of which the people should be proud, and which we will give as elaborately as we can gather facts in rela¬ tion to their origin and growth.

JVame. - Washington township was created by an order of the county court, and named in honor of Gen. George Washington, general-in-chief of the Americans during the revolutionary war, and the first president of the United States, May 4, 1835. The first four townships of the county were named for presidents whom the people at that day regarded as model statesmen.

It is due that we should give a short sketch of him who was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen," but space forbids.

George Washington, an illustrious American patriot, general, and states¬ man, and first president of the United States, was born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, February 22, 1732, and died at Mt. Vernon, Virginia, December 14, 1799.

Washington township, of Johnson county, Missouri, is bounded on the north by Simpson and Grover townships, on the east by Pettis county, on the south by Jefferson and Post Oak townships, and on the west by Warrensburg township, and contains an area of eighty-one square miles. It is the same size of Jackson township. These are the two largest townships in the county.

This township was established by an order of the court, May 4, 1835. And is well situated in the eastern part of the county, midway north and south. Its western boundary is three miles from the county seat, while the eastern boundary is upwards of twelve miles.

The Physical Features. - The surface of the township is quite rolling, and in some places very abrupt and hilly. The surface is well drained by Clear Fork, Long Branch, Walnut Creek, and Bear Creek, the principal streams of the township. Limestone and sandstone rocks are found in different parts of the township, and the soil generally partakes of the nature of the rocks in that locality. Clear Fork, the principal stream, has its source in the southern part of Post Oak township, and flows northeast, cutting off the northwest corner or Jefferson township, i. e ., section 24, and entering this township in section 13, township 45, range 25 ; thence nine miles almost due north, leaving the township in section 6, township 46, range 25; passing through the southwest corner of section 31, township

47, range 25, of Grover township, it runs three miles northwest, in Simp¬ son township, to the place where it unites with the Blackwater. In an early day, water-mills were successfully run on this stream. In section six, near the Drinkwater ford, stood the old Gallaher mills, once so well known to the pioneers. In those days, this stream contained abundance of fish. This is the only stream in the county which has in its forests butternut, or white walnut, - timber. The white walnut of this stream grows luxuriantly, and there are some large trees of it. These trees yield heavy loads of mast every year, from one of a dozen years to the one of a century's growth. This stream, although it does not vary a mile, either to the right or left, in its course, is very crooked, forming many short turns and angles, as it descends from the broken and hilly section of Bristle Ridge. Fine peacock coal is found in drift beds in many places on this stream, near the northern brow of Bristle Ridge.

Bear Creek is the next stream in size of the township. It is formed by rills from Bristle Ridge, of Warrensburg township, entering this town¬ ship at the southeast corner of section 15, township 46, range 25, at the bridge on the Warrensburg and Montserrat public road, forming a deep channel though rich alluvial soils; keeping close to the western part of the township, it leaves it at the northwest corner, and runs one-fourth of a mile and unites with Blackwater in Simpson towmship. The channel of this stream is deep and the bottoms are swampy, malarial-producing land. Walnut Creek, in the eastern part of the township is the third stream in size. It has its source in the prairie east of Knob Noster, leav¬ ing the township in the eastern part of section 4, township 46, range 25. This stream furnishes abundance of stock water through the whole year. In some places the water is quite deep, and the stream is required to be bridged. Long Branch is in the southern part of the township and flows just south of the beautiful country residence of L. C. Littlefield. Huff branch has its source on the summit of Bristle Ridge and flows west into Clear Fork. Wolf Branch heads near Montserrat, and flows northwest.

The soils of this township, although quite various, are all productive. In an early day hemp and flax did well here. At present corn and wheat are the staple productions. The soil of Bristle Ridge is quite thin, but by proper cultivation, potatoes and sorghum do well. The soil on the knolls is of an ash or mulatto hue, considerably mixed with a tough clay. The whole surface is underlaid with coal. From the rich, fine land on which Montserrat stands the soil is very fertile over the whole rolling sur¬ face, including about all the land north of the excellent stock farm of Capt. E. W. Dawson, east of Bear Creek, south and west of Clear Fork. A few miles east of Clear Fork the land is of a deep, rich loam, on the prairies, and a light sandy soil in the timber, especially on Walnut Creek. North of Walnut Creek around the beautiful stock farms owned by W. D. Carpenter and Simeon Blackburn, the land borders on black limestone soil, and is very productive. All of the prairie land north of Knob Noster varies in its composition; however, it is all fair farming land. In the southern part of the township, principally on Long Branch, the land is underlaid with marl, which is very valuable for subsoiling. In the future, it will be worth hundreds of dollars to farmers. In .the vicinity of Knob Noster the land is made up of sandstone ridges on the southwest, and on the east it constitutes a beautiful rolling prairie of fertile farms.

The Knobs are two prominent knolls, from which the town derives its name. They are both far above the surrounding country, and present a beautiful appearance in the midst of an almost level plain, from which these grotesque mounds stand out in striking contrast. We clip the fol¬ lowing from the Gem , a weekly paper of Knob Noster, under date of November 28, 1879:

Just northeast of Knob Noster are two hills known as the Knobs. On one of them is the residence of Mr. I. V. Dudley. On the other is nothing except a rank growth of grass and weeds. For some time there has been talk of the probable contents of this knob, but almost everybody laughed at the idea of it containing anything more than the surrounding land. However, there were a few who still thought there was a bonanza in the hill if it could only be got out. Last Saturday W. L. Shockley and R. H. Carr shouldered a pick and struck out for the knob. After a few hours' digging they were rewarded by finding the skeletons of several human beings, together with other curiosities, which were buried with the Indians, or mound-builders, or whoever they were.

The early settlers, for many years, regarded these knobs as prominent land-marks. Indian tradition states that once a great battle was fought here, and that valuable treasures lie buried about these mounds. The true account will never be known, of that conflict, even if the shining gold, so long hid away, is unearthed. The bones exhumed from their last burial tell the story that they were human beings. To say anything further on this topic would be mere supposition.

The Pioneers. - The old settlers of any country deserve to be remem¬ bered. They first raised the pole of liberty, and all the hardships of a pioneer life were to them enjoyed with freedom. They felt the results, but could not tell why -

The early settlements were made close along on the creeks, and often in the timber. Col. Jehu Robinson, an old and respected citizen of Wash¬ ington township, when it indued all of Grover township, and about onefourth of the county, states the following:

" In about 1828, John Leeper, son-in-law of Peter Fisher of Pettis county, settled in the woods, in section 22, town 47, range 25, and improved five or six acres which is now grown up in fine timber. Just northwest of him in section 16 of same town, settled Wm. Cheek about the same time, and in 1831, built the old Gallaher mill in section 6, on Clear Fork. This mill was the place of voting till Knob Noster was built. Whiskydrinking and fighting was the order of the day at the polls. A black¬ smith shop was kept here by Joel Cox; a grocery store was kept and owned by James A. Gallaher.

"John Mayes, an esteemed citizen, residing near Montserrat, departed this life Friday, March 4, 1881, at the venerable age of 89 years, 2 months and 15 days, having lived near four score and one-half years. He was born in the state of Pennsylvania, December 19, 1791. While in boyhood his parents moved to Rockbridge county, Va., and from there to Green (now Taylor) county, Ky., where he married Miss Nancy H. Berry, on his birth day, December 19, 1817, and in the fall of 1834, moved to Lafay¬ ette county, Mo. In the following spring, 1835, he pitched his tent in the then wild country, but now prosperous and busy little village of Mont¬ serrat. Here he entered government land and improved a very handsome farm, where he continued to reside, with the exception of a brief interval, until the day of his death. He settled at Montserrat before the present county organization. In 1838, leaving his farm, he built and conducted the first wool carding machine in Warrensburg, and also kept the first hotel for two years, and about the expiration of that time went back to his farm where he engaged extensively in agriculture and stock raising, until the breaking out of the war in 1861. During those trying times, although prosperity had ceased in Missouri, and devastation was stalking like a demon through the land, yet he remained unmoved at his old homestead, a quiet citizen. 'Father Mayes,' as he was often called, became a convert and follower of Christ at the age of eighteen, uniting with the Presbyte¬ rian church, and in 1842, joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He became a charter member of old Bethel congregation (now Knob Noster), and was selected as one of the ruling elders, which place he filled with Christian zeal and fortitude. At that time persons often went ten to fifteen miles to church on Sundays in ' Father Mayes" neighborhood. Becoming fully impressed with the wants of his vicinity, in 1858 he assisted in erecting Mary's Chapel, a neat and handsome chuch edifice, which has since been moved two miles southeast to a conspicuous site in the village of Montserrat. During all this time he remained a pious, con¬ sistent member of Mary's Chapel congregation, laboring prayerfully for the good of his children and all around him to the end of his life. For many years his house was the home of the missionary and circuit-rider. His family consisted of eleven children, seven boys and four girls. At present seven boys and one girl are living. His eighteen grand-children, and thirteen great-grand-children were present at his death. He and his wife lived dutifully together during the long affianced life of sixty-one years and two months. She passed to the spirit land, January 29, 1878, and was laid to rest in the private burying-ground on the old homestead. Mr. Mayes, after the death of his beloved and cherished companion, gave much thought to the future. One of his first acts was to surround his wife's grave with a substantial fence with his own aged hands. He cut locust posts, charred the ends to make them lasting, and then set them in the ground and nailed substantial boards to them. After this was done, he remarked, that he was prepared to die at any time, and all he asked was a place beside the grave of his departed wife. In business transac¬ tions Mr. Mayes ever lived up to the golden rule. About eight years prior to his demise, he gave over all his property to his children, and lived with his youngest son, A. S. Mayes, on the old home place the remainder of his days. His funeral discourse was preached by the Rev. J. Cal. Littrel, on the day following his death, to a large number of friends, among whom was the deceased's time-honored friend, Col. Jehu Robin¬ son. In the afternoon of the obsequies his body was interred in the family cemetery beside his wife, as he had requested, in the presence of many tear¬ ful eyes. He had only been sick a short time of plurisy, a disease which troubled him in his younger days, when the angel of death passed by with his dark pinions extended and in haste bid the pious Christian soul fly to the other world. Truly it may be said of John Mayes -

William Gaut, one of the old and esteemed citizens of Johnson county, was born in Kentucky, and emigrated to Missouri and settled in Johnson at an early day. He died at his home near Montserrat, in his 63d year, April 1st, 1881. He came to this state with his father, Cornelius Gaut, and settled near Columbus, in this county, about forty years ago, and has ever since borne a conspicuous part in the interest of the county. In pol¬ itics he was a democrat, a man of fine intelligence, of a free and social disposition, and was familiar to a remarkable extent, with all the impor¬ tant transactions and events of the county. He, through life, kept up the old custom of visiting and spending a day or night with his old friends. At one time he was a large land-holder, and wielded considerable influ¬ ence in the politics of the county. Joseph Lapsley came here in 1837, from Russell county, Ky., and died in the year 1854; John Coy came here from Ky., in 1833, and died in 1850; Spence Adams came here in 1835, from N. C., and died in 1867 ; Ambros Brockman came here from Rus¬ sell county, Ky., in 1837, and died in 1848; James A. Gallaher was one of the first settlers here (q. v.); for a brief account of him see the biograph¬ ical sketch of John A. Gallaher, his son; William Cheek came here from Tenn., in 1834, or earlier, and died in 1868; Vally Hall came here from Ky., in 1835, and died in 1868; John Stewart came here from Ky., in 1834, and died in 1843; Samuel Graham came here in 1834, from Ky., and died in 1840. In 183T, Thomas M. Ramsey came and settled in sec. 14, township 46, range 24, and built his present home in 1859. He is an excellent citizen, and has brought up a family of dutiful children. Sam¬ uel McKeean settled here at an early day, on sec. 22. Jonathan Butler improved the old Carpenter farm in 1838. Alexander and William Gregg, James Ray, George Gallaher, were some of the old pioneers. Mr. Strickner, a German, settled here in 1836, on sec. 12, but when settlements began to be formed he said "too thick settled for me, I go further south, " and moved away. W. A. Williams, Jacob Knaus, Samuel Workman, W. H. DeArman, James Brown, Richard Combs, Henry Hayes, Fred Houx, John Reed, Andrew Thompson, George Thorton, Smith McCor¬ mack, Benj. Howard, Wm. Box and W. R. McCart were here prior to 1840. Rev. Robert H. Lea was born in N. C., moved to Tenn., and thence here in 1845. He has been a minister in the M. E. church (south) over fifty years, and now resides in Henry county, in his 87th year. Dr. Thos. S. Lea came here in 1844, from Tenn., and subsequently moved to Texas, where he died in 1879. Judge J. B. Mayes emigrated from Green county, Ky., to this county, in September, 1834, while this part of Johnson county was wild and unsettled. The Kaw Indians were quite numerous here yet, but had changed their residence to Kansas, and would come back in hunting squads. He was married to Miss Gillum, January 11, 1844, in this county. When he "set up" to house-keeping, the nearest mill was at Dover, on the Missouri river. He states the following: "It took six pair of oxen to break the prairie land; now, two horses can do the work. Then, deer, bear, and many kinds of wild animals were here in abundance, and people were happy and all loved one another, and neighbors were well known who lived five miles apart. In those days, I never knew a man to charge another, even a stranger, for staying all night, nor never knew a bushel of potatoes sold. If one neighbor raised more than he wanted, he told his fellow to come and get what he wanted. One man would kill a beef and send for his neighbors to come and get what they wanted, 'without money and without price.' It is not so now."

At a general election held in Knob Noster on the first Monday in August, 1858, A. Hargraves, Samuel McKeen and Jacob Knaus were judges, and J. C. Corum clerk, all sworn in Aug. 2, 1858, by J. B. Mayes. J. P. At this election 250 votes were cast. At present the township is divided into two voting precincts, one at Knob Noster, and the other, Mont¬ serrat.

Gailaher Mill was built about 1830, by Wm. Cheek, it subsequently and in succession passing into the hands of James A. Gailaher, Montville Huff and Col. Morton Thompson. A store, gun shop and a mill made this a favorite resort for the pioneers.

Adam Carpenter, one of the worthy citizens of the township, was born in Casey county, Kentucky and moved here in 1851. He was an excel¬ lent man, and a devoted member of the Christian church. He departed this life when about 74 years of age. His wife, Mrs. Mary A. Carpenter, a lady with a good share of common sense, is living on the old place. Around her reside her children, doing for themselves.

Knob Noster

was first laid out in "Old Town." It is picturesquely situated upon beautifully rolling land, on both sides of the Missouri Pacific railroad. The business part of town is south of the railroad. The road passes through a deep cut just east of town, and, in fact, continues west¬ ward in a defile. The town has several handsome residences. That of Samuel G. Kelley is an elegant structure. A large number of the busi¬ ness houses are constructed of brick, and are commodious.

The following are the civic and religious societies of Knob Noster. Prior to the war (1861) the Masons were organized, but became scattered during the conflict.

The civic societies of this township were organized quite early. It has always been a question of forethought that men assembled in private council. The history of secret societies dates back to the remotest ages, yea, many of which ante-date all records.

A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 14.1. - This order was organized June 19, 1879, with the following charter members and officers: W. J. Workman, M. W.; P. O'Sullivan, financier; C. B. Littlefield, receiver; A. O. T.

B. P. Taylor, J. W. ; Isaac V. Dudley, treasurer; John A. Collins, secre¬ tary; John G. McKeehan, S. D.; James Langston, J. D.; John N. Kinzey, S. S.; A. O. T. Pennington, J. S. ; John McKeehan, tyler. Meeting on every Friday evening previous to or on full moon. Present member¬ ship, 76. The commodious brick hall and lodge property is estimated at about $2000. The first lodge of Masons was held in Col. Jehu Robin¬ son's house, near the present site of Montserrat, and the colonel was one of the charter members.

Knob JVoster Grange, No. 18. - Was organized in November, 1872. The first officers were: John A. Collins, Master; Henry B. Coffey, Secre¬ tary. The present officers are: P. H. Shafer, Master; H. B. Coffeys Secretary. The grange hall and property was consumed by fire during the year 1877. The charter members were: J. M. Mitchell, Will. D. Carpenter, Dr. Martin, A. A. Case, W. T. Gough, C. Bondurant, Thos. M. Ramsey, and their wives. Now there are about thirty members. Once this was a very prosperous grange, and its meetings were both profitable and interesting to farmers.

Good Teinflars. - Necessity Lodge, No. 558, I. U. G.'T. was organ¬ ized at Knob Noster in August, 1881. The following are the officers and charter members: G. W. Lutz, W. C. T.; Aggie Larkin, W. V. T.; Gordon Hardy, secretary; Mrs. J. A. Collins, F. S.; Wm. Carmichael, treasurer; Robert Chester, marshal; Miss Phronie Galdfelter, D. M.; Mrs. Thos. Melvin, I. G.; W. Woodin, sentinel; Rev. J. S. Portbr, chap¬ lain; Eld. B. C. Stephens, P. W. C. T.; C. Cobb, lodge deputy. The officers are worthy the positions they fill. This lodge meets Friday night of each week. Long may they prosper is the wish of the writer.

Knob Noster Cemetery Association. - Was incorporated in June, 1878. The original trustees are A. M. Coffey, P. B. Shafer, Chauncy Cobb, and J. M. Mitchell. Since then Gordon & Hardey have been added. The cemetery inclosure contains eighteen acres, ten of which have been laid off into lots 12x30. The first lots were sold in March, 1868. The first person interred was a boy who lost his lif$ by falling on a knife. Wm. Dunn, who was shot at the depot by B. J. Ingle, was the first man buried here. The land upon which the city of the dead is located is a beautiful rolling spot, about one mile east of Knob Noster. In general appear¬ ance it presents one of the pleasantest views for a cemetery in the county.

Here are some elegant and substantial monuments, besides many beautiful slabs. The managers of this place of the dead deserve considerable praise for their taste in beautifying the grounds.

The educational interests of the town were promptly attended to imme¬ diately after the close of the war, and just as soon as the people began to put up business houses in the village. In improving, sometimes it hap¬ pens that men go beyond their means; it may be that the people of this village, although they felt the need of education and educational appli¬ ances, went ahead of what the citizens were able to bear by taxation. Hence the bonded indebtedness. It has always been a source of pleasure to the industrious man that he has spent his earnings for the mental, moral, and social well-being of himself and others. No idle or thriftless man ever became great. It is among those who never lost a moment that we find the men who have moved and advanced the world, by their learning, their science, or their invention. Happiness cannot exist with¬ out true home culture. That higher education which only parents and teachers can give, should be early sought, ere the child is lost from the family care. The true happiness, which the human family needs, can be fostered by parents and teachers, and be perfected by self-culture. The poet Chaucer says:

The present substantial brick school building was erected in the year 1869, by William Lowe, at a cost of $18,000. The following were the school board at the time: J. R. Cordell, L. C. Littlefield, C. Larkin, Jas. S. Rogers, J. J. Cushing. The present (1881) officers are: A. Case, Gordon Hardey, A. M. Coffey, J. C. Winkler, and C. Cobb. At present, under the successful management of this board, the school is doing quite well. The school-room is well furnished and ventilated, and shows the high appreciation the citizens have of good schools and education. These people believe with the poet Young -

The early settlers fostered a religious spirit, and it was not long after they came here before they held preaching and prayer meetings in their rude log cabins. They brought Christianity with them and planted its seed-truths in the hearts of their children, whom we find now to be the supporters and pillars of the churches. These good old " soldiers of the cross " wrere thrifty economists. They saved what money they could for building churches and spreading the gospel. Their thrift and hard work was not to wrong measure. With them it meant economy for the purpose of securing independence. Thrift required that money should be used, and not abused - that it should be honestly earned and economically employed -

Through the kindness of the pastor, Rev. J. T. A. Henderson, we are enabled to give an elaborate sketch of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Bethel congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian church under the care of the Lexington Presbytery; was organized in the house of Col. Jehu Robinson, by Rev. J. B. Morrow, on the 26th day of November, 1842, with the names of twenty-seven members, viz:

George Gallaher was chosen clerk of session, and Rev. J. B. Morrow served as supply, or pastor of the congregation from its organization until October, 1855. The congregation was supplied by Rev. Warren Comp¬ ton, B. F. Thomas, and R. S. Reed, until October, 1862. The troubles of the war then caused a cessation of regular service, and the congregation was vacant until about 1866, when Rev. J. B. Morrow again took charge. From 1842 to 1862, there had been added to the congregation, from time to time, until the congregation numbered more than 100. During the war troubles, the congregation became so scattered and demoralized that on the 27th of May, 1866, it was found necessary to reorganize the congregation. All who desired of the old members had their names re-entered on a new book, the old one having been misplaced or lost. There were forty-one who thus recorded their names. Since then, from time to time, the church has received by letter and examination 187 mem¬ bers. There are at this time (July 26, 1881,) 110 members. Many have moved away, and still many more have died, and some few have joined other churches. The following named ministers have supplied the con¬ gregation with the Word and ordinances since the reorganization, viz.: Revs. J. B. Morrow, Warren Compton, David Barnett, David Hogan, James H. Houx, and R. S. Reed. For the last three years the Rev. J. T. A. Henderson has served the congregation one half of his time. In 1866 the name was changed from Bethel to Knob Noster. The old build¬ ing stood about four miles north of town. It was a log house. The present building was erected since the war and cost about $900. The present elders are Andrew Thompson, James McKeehan, Wm. R. Brown, James R. Gallaher, P. P. Embree, Chas. G. Oglesbey, and W. C. Wells. The house is well furnished with bell, chandeliers, comfortable seats and carpet, besides a good organ. Prayer meeting is held every Wednesday evening. Walter McMillin is Sunday-school superintendent, and Wm. Collins, secretary.

M. E. Church , of Knob Noster, was organized by Rev. C. E. Car¬ penter in 1865. The handsome brick church edifice was erected in 1870, when Rev. Sanford Ing was pastor, at a cost of $5,000, and was dedicated by Bishop Bowman. The house is 38x60 and the walls 20 feet high. The room is well furnished with comfortable seats, good organ, chairs and blackboard. Some of the original members were Sam'l Workman, Sarah Workman, Geo. W. Lutz, and Christina Lutz. The following is the list of pastors: Revs. C. E. Carpenter, Geo. McKee, W. W. Powell, J. R. Sasseen, Sanford Ing, T. S. Benefield, John H. Leas, Wm. DeMott, C. J. W. Jones, and Jas. S. Porter. The present member¬ ship is eighty-five. Average number attending Sunday-school is eightyeight. The present superintendent is John A. Collins, and Miss Julia Lutz, secretary. In connection with the above church the congrega tion have built a comfortable parsonage on the same lot, which has five rooms, three chambers above and two good rooms below. The build¬ ing is frame. A well and stable are also on the lot, and all is enclosed by a substantial fence, and the church is out of debt.

Christian Church , of Knob Noster, was organized by Elder James H. Randall, in 1866, and the present frame building was put up in 1870, and cost $2,300. The building is comfortable but very plainly furnished. The following pastors have served: James H. Randall, O. Spencer, C. A. Hedrick, Robert Dorsey, Charles Laycock and J. H. Vance. The original members were: Dr. J. H. Warren, Sarah Warren, Geo. Court¬ ney, Sarah Courtney, Polly A. Carpenter, Col. R. Wells, Lucinda McAdoo, Sarah Wells, Margaret Oglesbey, Mrs. M. Southey and Margaret Carpenter.

The church now numbers about 100. The average attendance of the Sunday school is sixty. The superintendent is Mr. Shultz. The church has preaching twice a month and social service every Sabbath and Sunday school at 3 p. m., and prayer meeting Thursday evenings. B. C. Stephens and J. P. Wallace are the leading workers. The first elders were: H. C. Coffman and Absalom Stephens, and J. W. Dennison, dea¬ con. The first trustees were: J. Dennison, James McAdoo and Col. R. Wells. The present pastor, J. H. Vance, is an efficient worker, and the church is prospering under his care.

Baftist Church , of Knob Noster, was organized in 1856, by A. P. Wil¬ liams. The present beautiful church building on corner McPherson street and Jackson avenue, was built in 1869 and dedicated the following year by Elder Charles Whiting, The house is a frame structure, 33x60 feet vestibule in front, 12 feet; well seated, carpeted, two chandeliers, side lamps, good organ, blackboard, charts and maps. This building cost $4,000. Names of pastors: J. L. Cole, R. H. Harris and J. L. Carmichael* Some of the original members were Joseph Bowman, and wife, Joseph Woolsey and wife, John Coram and wife, G. C, Reese (deacon), and wife, Wm. Wortham, Dr. Atkerson, John Pigg, Mrs. B. B. Wyatt, Mrs. L. C. Littlefield and George Young. The membership now numbers about eighty-five. The average attendance of the Sunday school is sixty. The present superintendent is C. Cobb; secretary, R. Chester. On account of the civil strife of 1861-5 the records of the church were lost and much of this history is given from memory. The church was reorganized in 1866 under the ministry of Elder Hudson. This congregation has had several revivals, and the membership was at one time upwards of 125.

Presbyterian Church , of Knob Noster, was organized by Rev. J. H. Byers, September 21, 1867, and during the spring of 1868, the neat frame building, 30x50, that is now used for worship was erected at a cost of $1,500, and dedicated by Rev. J. H. Byers, March 22, 1868. The house is plain but well furnished with Sunday school apparatus. The following is the list of ministers: Revs. J. H. Byers, J. C. Thornton, R. S. Reese,

G. W. Goodale and T. H. Allen. Names of original members: Jno. M. Mahin, Sarah A. Mahin, Wm. T. Mahin, Joseph T. Welshans, Mary E. Young and E. Mahin.

The present membership is seventy-three. The average attendance of the Sunday school is forty. Mr. Gordon Hardy is the present superin¬ tendent.

Besides the churches of the town of Knob Noster, there is one in Mont¬ serrat, one a mile south of that village, and one on the line of this town¬ ship and Jefferson. We can only furnish a brief sketch of each.

Pleasant Grove church is a union building owned by the Cumberland Presbvterian and Southern Methodists. It is situated in this township near the line of Jefferson in the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 17, township 45, range 24.

The C. P. Congregational was organized here in 1853-4 by John B. Morrow. The building was erected since the war (1861) and dedicated by Revs. J. H. Hunt and Young. The house cost $1800. The size is 34x 48 and is well seated.

Pastors of C. P. church and M. E. church (south) are: Revs. W. Gil¬ liam, W. Compton, B. W. Pierce, E. Morgan, J. B. Morrow, J. Whitsett, B. F. Thomas, J. T. A. Henderson and L. H. Davis. Old members were: Wm. Geery and wife, Daniel Adams, Susan Adams, Isaiah Kimzey and wife, and C. P. Phillips. The present membership is about fiftyfive The attendance of the Sunday School is from seventy-five to one hundred. John Lemley is superintendent.

In the fall of 1868 the church convened for a revival and several minis¬ ters were present but not allowed to preach on account of not having taken the test oath required by law. Several successful revivals were con¬ ducted at school houses before the church was built.

Lea's Chapel. - M. E. church (south) is about one mile south of Mont¬ serrat, near the residence of Dr. J. L. Lea, one of the pillars of the church. A class was organised here about 1840, but no building was erected till 1861, on the eve of the civil war. The neat frame building which is still used cost $500, and was dedicated by Rev. W. M. Prottsman. The fol¬ lowing is the list of preachers: James Porter, Wm. Brown, Rev. Schiloof, T. Tolbert, W. H. Kelly, L. Pulliam (1874), W. S. Woodard (1875), W. M. Bewley (1877-80), M. Duren (1881). The original members are

Mary Hargraves, Robt. H. and Jane D. Lea, W. H. De Arman, Marga¬ ret Robinson, Dr. J. L. Lea and Mrs. Harriet Lea. The present mem¬ bership is about fifty. The church has no Sunday-school.

Mary's Chafel, C. P. church of Montserrat, was organized Nov. 5, 1859, by Rev. J. B. Morrow. The present commodious building origi¬ nally stood a few miles southwest, near the residence of Robt. Mayes, until 1866, when it was removed to the present site. The house was built by John Mayes, Col. Jehu Robinson, J. T. Gillum, J. B. Mayes and others, and was dedicated in 1869, by J. H. Houx, the first one he ever dedicated. The house is a beautiful frame 36x46, 14 feet to ceiling, and cost $2,100. It is surrounded by a substantial fence.

Lea's Cemetery is near Lea's Chapel, one mile south of Montserrat. Thos. J. Lea, the first, was interred here January 2, 1859. One acre is here set apart by an order of the court, consisting of two lots, one for the church, the other for the cemetery, which was donated by Rev. R. H. Lea, for these purposes.

A log school house was built in section 23, close to the present residence of Mr. McCart, in 1838, and James Cochran was the first teacher. He came from Tennessee. The house had one log left out for a window. A few boards were nailed up for writing desks. The seats were made of puncheons. The room was warmed by a large fire-place.

Another log house was built about 1835, size 11x16 in northeast quar¬ ter of section 10. One log was cut out for a window. The clapboard roof was held on by weight poles, the door swung on wooden hinges, and fastened by wood latch. Two years after this building was erected another log school house was erected, on southeast quarter of section 11. The^first building was put on government land, and that was the reason for a new house. In this house Jesse Trapp and James Ford taught. This house then was moved to the Carpenter land where it remained two years, at the expiration of that time it was moved back to the sane place. Soon after this the old log house was abandoned, and a new one erected on the Bivens land; it remained here one year, and then was moved to the old camp meeting ground. Then a house was erected south of the Tay¬ lor place in 1856, after old town of Knob Noster had started. The next house was erected in old town of Knob Noster and stood there until 1866, when it was moved two miles southeast on the south half of section 12, where it now stands, and it is the identical house now owned by Oak Grove district, No. 10, which was organized in the year when the house was moved. The old rickety frame house is said to have cost the people $5000.

The following are the teachers who have taught here since the organi¬ zation of the district, and we are under obligations to Miss Maggie Ram¬ sey for this list:

Quail Traff is the name of an old school building in district No. 8, erected in 1866, in section 3 4, township, 45, range 24. The house became unfit for use, and in 18T9, when L. C. Littlefield, Wm. Ruffian, and Thos. Jones were directors, the present handsome frame school building was erected at a cost of $700, and was christened Prairie Home on account of its beautiful location on the rolling prairie. We are under obligations to Miss May Littlefield for favors shown in collecting the followingnames of teachers of this school :

Samuel Zimmerman, Harvey Zimmerman, Miss M. Brown, B. C. Stephens, Thos. H. Jones, Miss Nellie Zimmerman, Chas. B. Littlefield, Miss Laura Lutz, Miss Alice Wharton, Frank P. Langston, Davison Groves, Peter Lynch, Miss Sallie Zoll, Miss Bettie Duffield, Miss Myra Houts, and Miss Mollie Guihen. The average wages of this school are $43 per month. School is usually kept here from eight to ten months in the year. The present directors are L. C. Littlefield, Wm. Harvey, and John Stephens.

Montserrat school is in the village of Montserrat, located upon a beau¬ tiful eminence overlooking the valley north. This is a substantial frame, erected in 1868, and an addition made to it in 1 880. The building cost about $600. The present directors are J. B. Mayes, John A. Gallaher, and L. C. LaRue. The following teachers have taught here: John Mc- Keehan, Mrs. D. A. McCormack, J. P. Wallace, A. J. Sparks, and John Byrne.

The other schools are the " Hayes," " Dawson," "Hanna," " Brushy," " McAdoo," "Young," and " Graham." County Line school, No. 13, is now taught by Miss Lillie M. Witherspoon.

The town of Knob Noster was laid out by Wm. A. Wortham, and part of the northeast quarter of section 16, township 46, range 24, in 1856, and consisted of eight blocks. The land was owned by R. B. Dawson. In 1868, during the railroad excitement, additions were made; also, after the ante helium days in 1867-8, other additions were made. This town is a " hive of commerce and a city fair to see," as has heen expressed by the Journal- Democrat, a leading paper of Warrensburg. It is a place of business and is peopled with business men, all of whom are wide awake and alive to the interests of their fast growing village. The town has a population of about one thousand inhabitants. This is a very desirable location for a village, an account of the fine fertile agricultural lands sur¬ rounding the village. The people of this town are kind-hearted, pious, and energetic. The dwelling houses are exceedingly substantial and com¬ fortable buildings, pleasantly ornamented with beautiful shrubbery. The store rooms are generally large and commodious. In general, a fine reli¬ gious sentiment prevails among the inhabitants, and they are all kind, whole-souled, and hospitable people.

The Press . - The town supports two newspapers. The oldest paper si the Gem. This paper made its first issue May 31, 1878, with Harris and McFarland as proprietors. On July 5 of the same year, J. P. Johnston and Will D. Carr took charge, and January 18, 1879, J. P. Johnston sold his interest to E. B. Farley, and on April 25 of the same year E. B. Farley sold and Will D. Carr became sole proprietor. On February 5, 1880, Will D. Carr sold out to Ed. D. Crawford, when the paper was run par¬ tially as a republican organ. On November 1, 1880, E. D. Crawford retired, and Will D. Carr and brother took charge, and have continued ever since with good success. The paper was started as a five-column folio, but on April 30, 1880, the issue was changed to a five-column quarto. We credit the Geyn under date, March 12, 1880, with the following:

"The press on which the Gem is printed is not the best in the world, but still it has a history. It was originally purchased and owned by General Fremont * * * * and was carried by him throughout his famed Rocky Mountain tour, on which was printed his discoveries, bulletins, and incidents of camp life. Like Mary's little lamb, wherever General Fremont went this little Foster was sure to go. * * This little press is venerable with years. It began its work ten years before we were born, and like its original owner, it is badly used up, and rarely ever makes a good impression. * * Had General Fremont been

The Farmer was started here in 1872, during the grange excitement, by Jacob Cordell and A. D. Huntington. It soon became defunct. The press was moved to Boonville, thence to St. Louis.

The Review was first issued during the spring of 1881, under the auspices of Littlefield and Tompkins. B. R. Tompkins was editor till September of that year, when C. B. Littlefield took the editorial chair. The Review is a neat paper published on a new press and is devoted to Knob Noster and its interests. This paper has not been in existence long and therefore cannot have much history.

The Knob Noster depot is a common frame building north of the busi¬ ness part of town. A. O. T. Pennington, ticket agent, is a kind, accom¬ modating and worthy gentleman, and Charles Pennington, baggage-mas¬ ter, is also a clever fellow.

Knob Noster mills were built in 1870, by E. G. Gilbert, millwright, and cost $12,000. The mill has a corn sheller with a capacity of 300 bushels per hour. It has three burs. The wheat burs grind 250 bushels of wheat per day. Ben Dennison is miller, and J. N. Dennison & Sons are pro¬ prietors.

Knob Noster Savings Bank was organized in 1869. Judge Curtis Field was the first president, and T. F. Melvin, cashier. In 1872 the bank was organized as the First National, and in October 1875, again reorgan¬ ized and continued to be the Bank of Knob Noster. John N. Kinzey is president and C. B. Littlefield cashier. It carries a cash capital of $10,- 000; authorized capital, $50,000. The average deposits are $65,000. This is said to be one of the safest banks of the county. It went through the panic of 1873 without the loss of a cent, and has steadily increased in business and popularity ever since, and is a great convenience to the people of eastern Johnson county.

Post Office. - The first office was established here about 1850, at the residence of Andrew Thompson, first postmaster, prior to the laying out of any village. The following is the list of postmasters: Andrew Thomp¬ son, James Morrow, John Satorios, Charles Vantillman, Robert Dawson, Wm. Mayes, John A. Pigg, Wm. Chester, Miss Jennie Chester, and C. Cobb. The post office at this place has of late become of some promi¬ nence. The old settlers, who have stood the storms of the last forty years about the "Knobs," can see a striking contrast in the mail matter of to-day and that of the pioneer age, when the mail boy arrived once a month bringing a dozen letters.

Knob Noster Directory Montserrat Village

is on the line of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, about three miles west of Knob Noster, in a rich mining district. It is properly located in the south half of section 13, township 46, range 25. It was laid out by John A. Gallaher, August 24, 18T0. At present the village is one of the most thriving places of its size in the county. It is located on the southern slope or terminus of Bristle Ridge, with drift beds of fine coal among the hills to the south; and to the north, fine agricultural land. On the summit, of a beautiful eminence, tending westward and to the north, is the attrac¬ tive residence of John A. Gallaher. A view in his lawn will be noticed elsewhere. Those doing business in the village are as follows.

Anderson, W. H., carpenter and justice of the peace; Baker, C. B., saloonist and postmaster; Boyd, Thomas, coal operator and merchant. Cooper, J. C., (colored), blacksmith; Fitch, P. D., engineer; Gallaher, John A., president of a coal company; Gibson, John, saloonist; Gallaher, John W., physician; James, Geo., saloonist; Lea, J. L., physician; Lea & Gallaher, druggists; Lea & Mayes, grocery store; La Rue, S. J., grocer; McCracken, H. B., drayman; Penn, Geo., saloonist, Winters, Frank M., Missouri Pacific Railroad ticket-agent; Williams, D. S., butcher.

Montserrat Coal Fields. - Properly this belongs to the physical feature of the township, but we give it in connection with the village of Mont¬ serrat. These vast fields of coal were discovered, and partly developed, about the year 1863. It was worked first in the drifts in Clear Fork. In 1865-6 the business was improved on a small scale. In the year 1866 the Missouri Pacific Railroad Coal Company, a large organization, sunk the first shaft. They operated successfully for four or five years, when, owing to a change of management on the railroad, they lost their patron¬ age, which at once rendered their business unprofitable, and the mining business was suspended for a time. This interval lasted four or five years. During this time Mr. J. A. Gallaher was operating in fine smith¬ ing coal, and did a good business on a small scale.

In 1877, during the great riots in the east, " strikes " had almost become a mania everywhere. In this year the miners and coal-diggers employed by the Montserrat Coal Company made a " strike," lasting thirty days, costing the company above $10,000. The company then contracted with the manager of the state penitentiary, and put into the mines 300 convicts, where they worked successfully for three years, with profit to the state and the company. In those days Montserrat was a quiet village, without saloons or carousing. Then the debauchee looked to other fields for the poison that makes men mad. Rev. J. Cal Littrell, of Warrensburg, preached the gospel to the convicts on Sundays.

The depth or average distance of this great coal-bed, from the surface, is about one hundred feet. The thickness of the coal vein, or stratum, varies from three to six feet, with an average thickness of about five feet.

For domestic use this c<|al ranks with that found in the mines of Lex¬ ington, Rich Hill and Leavenworth. It is classed as superior for railroad purposes, producing immense heat.

The extent of this vast coal area covers several acres, -as far as devel¬ oped. As far as known, it lies in a field three to five miles wide, east and west, and ten to fifteen north and south.

Census and Statistics . - The tenth United States census of Knob Noster precinct was taken by R. B. Tompkins, and that of Montserrat by Dr. J. W. Gallaher. This census for 1880 shows a population of the town¬ ship, including the villages, of 3,166; Knob Noster, 689; Montserrat, 255. The state census and statistical report for the year 1877 is as follows:

The assessed value of the land in this township averages about $8.50 per acre, which is about one-third the price for which the best agricultural lands sell. About twelve to fifteen dollars per acre is the average selling price of land.

The township system which was in successful operation from 1873 to 1877, pleased the people of this part of the county, and many of them believe there was great injustice done them when that law was repealed.

The following is the list of township officers: Thos. F. Melvin, trustee; W. H. Anderson, justice of the peace; W. J. Walker, justice of peace; W. Zink, clerk.

During the spring of 1881, small pox broke out among the mining pop¬ ulation; but, by the watch-care of Dr. J. W. Gallaher, the disease did not spread, and by the middle of the summer the excitement had passed. In this township, especially within the limits of the coal mines, the habit of daily bathing is generally practiced. This is one reason of so much good health among this class. Water, air, and exercise form the remedial agent that promotes health and longevity, in this, as well as other com¬ munities.

The agricultural and horticultural lands of this township are among the best in the county. Wheat and corn are the staple products. In many localities on Bristle Ridge the natives raise sufficient tobacco for home use. Besides tobacco, this ridge produces fine sorghum cane, sweet potatoes, early Irish potatoes, black-eyed peas, and artichokes. In a few localities on this ridge hoop-poles are gathered, and hauled to W^arrensburg, and sold to the coopers.

In the valley of Bear Creek, and Clear Fork, north of Montserrat, are the fine farm and stock lands. Here are raised large crops ol wheat, corn, hay, and' oats, most of which, except the wheat, is fed out on the farms, by the stock-feeders.

Along on Clear Fork are to be found many "patches, owned by the miners principally. From these 44 patches they raise sweet corn, turnips, tomatoes, and peas, for culinary purposes. Grape culture is very profit¬ able all along these ridges. The eastern and southern part of the town¬ ship is very fine for agricultural purposes. L, C. Littlefield has a beauti¬ ful stock-farm, and handsome brick residence, about four miles southeast of Knob Noster. He has been classed as one of the largest land-holders of the county. He owned, at one time, upwards of 3,000 acres. He now owns about 1,200 acres of well-improved land. At his home residence he has 250 acres in cultivation. His is the fourth brick residence of the rural homes. He has a very fine blue-grass pasture of about fifty acres, which affords a good stock pasture much of the year. He raises fine timothy. His wheat yield this year (1881) was thirty bushels per acre. This soil is underlaid with marl, which, in time, will be utilized, and yield a handsome income to the farmer. Jacob Shoemaker is one of the largest faimeis of the township, and never fails of success. Frequently, he can count his wheat crop alone by the thousands of bushels, bringing him several thous¬ and dollars annually. He is German extraction, and as that class gener¬ ally do, sticks close to business, and makes a success of farming. He owns a fine brick residence, and several hundred acres of good land.

This township has some excellent land for the horticulturist. Grapes and all small fruits are doing well. At present no one is especially engaged in growing fruits. In the past a few enterprising men have paid some attention, and at one time this township was an equal with Warrensburg in the manufacture of wine.

little orchard and vineyard. On Dr. J. L. Lea's place are fine thrifty apple trees twenty and thirty years of age. The scions were taken from a home nursery in Lafayette county. The soil of this township appears to be adapted to agronomy, and the successes of the past warrant us in predicting that this township will some day have her fine agricultural and horticultural land developed.

Stock-raising, until a few years past, has attracted but little attention. However, stock-feeding has been carried on successfully here for several years with good success. At present the best farmers have taken a deep interest in the improvement of their stock. The following farmers are classed among the enterprising farmers, stock-raisers and feeders: L. G. Littlefield, J. Shoemaker, Will D. Carpenter, T, M. Ramsey, Sim. Blackburn, R. H. Utley, Geo. Souther, S. S. Brown, S. Hall, John Lemley, P. B. Shafer, Isaiah Hanna, J. T. Gillum, W. S. Mayes, E. W. Daw¬ son, Neal Gaut, James G. Goodnight, A. S. Mayes, and M. Butterfield. Many of these farmers have fine blooded stock, or stock of a high grade.

An odd gendeman by the name of James Brown resides here. He is a clever man, and attends to his own affairs. He was born in New Jer¬ sey, March 24, 1801, and came here and settled in the year 1832. We learn that he never voted, never sued anyone or was sued at law, and belongs to no order but the " stone-masons." He has not a single belief concern¬ ing the origin and destiny of man. He holds the idea that man first came from the ground and will only get to Heaven by doing good deeds.

In 1837, during the Mormon war in Missouri, Lieut.-Col. Jehu Robin¬ son commanded a battalion. James Warnick was captain. The follow¬ ing constitutes a list of his privates: Wm. Thornton, Jerome B. Greer, Henry Hayes, Daniel Marr, Elmer Marr, Wm. Marr, Joe Dixon, James Borthick, Charles Oglesbey.

An old legend has it that while a company of wealthy Spaniards were traveling on their way to St. Louis, that a party of savage Indians pur¬ sued, and the Spaniards buried their gold dust near the noted Knobs.

Col. Jehu Robinson vouches for the following story: He states that a man by the name of Macum Gragg urged him to go and see a fine silver mine that he had found, which was near the line of Pettis and Johnson coun¬ ties, east of a little knoll called Pilot Knob, on the headwaters of Fisher Creek. Macum Gragg had some of the ore tested at Boonville, and it was found to be very rich. Mr. Gragg died without showing the spot, which he minutely described to Col. Robinson, to any human being.