Johnson County, Missouri - Chapter 10: - Grover Township, 1881

Chapter 10: - Grover Township

Indroduction - The Name-Sketch of Col. B. W. Grover - Location - Physical Features - Creeks - Fences - Roads - Bridges - Statistics of 1877 and 1880 - Assesements of Per¬ sonal Property for 1881 - Township Officers - Dunksburg - Postoffice - Churches - Cemeteries - Schools - Agriculture - Incidents - Facts - Reminiscences.

As age after age rolls on man feels the need of the records contain¬ ing the events that have marked the eras of the past. What we shall attempt to narrate in the following pages of Grover township may be fresh in the memory of the few remaining pioneers, but they shall pass away as others have gone to swell the innumerable army of the dead, while these pages remain to tell their story. It may be that much history of the early pioneers is already lost. This, then, we should cherish the more, that other generations coming in our footsteps may profit by the laudable results, and be better able to steer clear of the rocks on the sea of life.

In the location and physical features of the township we will confine our readers mainly to the surface, soils, rocks, and general trend of the ground. Sandstone exists in fine quarries in a few places. James mar¬ shall, on Blackwater, has an excellent quarry of brown sandstone, also fine stone is found on the farm of W. E, Chester. The water supply, although not treated elaborately, is in common with other townships that lie immediately on creeks. This township has the advantage, however, in the size of the streams. On Blackwater, stock may find water in the dryest weather.

The statistical tables are not exhaustive, by any means, but sufficient tables are given to show that the township has kept pace with the world of progress, and that the people are greatly blessed in natural resources which reward them for all their toils.

half a century to the habits and surroundings of the men who ventured to turn the wild land into use. Many of those hardy pioneers have lived to see the beautitul waving golden grain where once grew the forest or waved the sea of prairie grasses, and instead of the puny hamlets, flour¬ ishing towns, as if by magic, have sprung up at their thresholds. The mail boy with his scanty half dozen letters per week has been exchanged for the daily mail trains that distribute hundreds of pounds of mail matter daily over the west.

We have amplified at length, very appropriately, however, on the name and its associations which the township bears. That the wisdom of the court may have due weight, we ask the reader to patiently study the con¬ nective links of the. successive steps that have so rapidly enhanced the value of lands, opened up trade, and apparently developed the inexhaustible natural resources that everywhere await the hand of civilization to stir them from their terrestrial slumbers.

The township officers prior to the township system were but few. The roads were roughly managed and but little work was done until of late years. One village and postoffice have existed in the township for several years.I Its convenience to railroad towns in adjoining townships and counties will for a long time cripple the progress of township villages.

The township is well supplied with churches, cemeteries, and schools. County Line Church has been* located, for a few years back, in Pettis county, and what history it has will be found under the general head of Baptist Churches in the county.

The literary societies, although meagre, have at times been productive of excellent results. The lack of both public and private libraries is some drawback to the township. Dr. B. F. Dunkley and Johnson Wheeler have some books, and the intelligence of these families have wrought a good work. For the public or the family, money invested in good books, always pays. In whatever business a man is found, he has pleasant con¬ verse with authors, in the same line of duty. Our sketch, although not full, as no history can be, has been carefully studied, that it may always be a relic ot pride to all those who are to live in the future.

Name. - This township was christened Grover, as a tribute of respect for Col. B. W. Grover, who once lived in Warrensburg. No other place bears the name, except a postofRce in Simpson township. It would not be out of place to give, in connection with the history of the township, a brief sketch of him who lived with the feeling:

B. W. Grover was born of Welsh ancestry in Green county, Ohio* October ?7, 1811, and died in the city of St. Louis, of wounds received in the civil war, October 30, 1861. His wife, Mrs. Gfrover, was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, October 8, 1816, and is now living at her beautiful home on Gay street, in Warrensburg. Col. Grover resided a few years in Madi¬ son, Indiana, then came to St. Louis for a short time, but seeing great inducements to settle in a rich, undeveloped country, on what he expected to be the line of railway, he pushed westward, and permanently settled in Warrensburg in the year 1844. He and his wife seem to have been born for each other. Their affinity and mutual taste made their conjugal union a most happy one. Johnson county found in Mr. Grover a man of no ordinary ability, and, although a whig in politics, he could safely count on two hundred democratic voters in his support. For four years, he served the county as sheriff, and afterward was elected to the state senate, from the district composed of Lafayette and Johnson counties. He served the people four years in that capacity. During his public career in the senate, he was the leading spirit and agitator in securing the loca¬ tion of the Pacific railway through Johnson county. To show the high appreciation in which the Masonic fraternity held him, in 1850, he was elected Grand Master of the state. When the troublesome internecine war broke out in 1861, he volunteered to defend the union. In the service he became lieutenant-colonel of the 27th Missouri volunteers, one of the first regiments raised in the state. Some of his true and tried fellow sol¬ diers lived in the township that now honors his name. He was mortally wounded in the battle of Lexington, where he was commanding his regi¬ ment. The battle began Thursday evening, of the 12th of September, 1861, and continued, until afternoon of the 20th, when Col. James A. Mul¬ ligan and his forces, were obliged to surrender the fort to the enemy, Gen. Sterling Price, of the Confederate forces. Col. Mulligan said of him in a letter to Mrs. Grover: "Your husband rendered me constant aid during the dark days of Lexington. I remember him with pride." In another letter: "No man did his duty more nobly. I will not forget him." Col. Grover was brought up a merchant, but relinquished that avocation when he came west, for agriculture and politics. He was a great lover of poetry, history, and a man. of fine literary taste. When he was a candidate for the senate, he made but one speech during the campaign.

Grover township is situated in the northeast corner of the county, and at one time embraced what are now known as Grover and Simpson town¬ ships. The voting place is Lowland school house. It is bounded on the north b}^ Lafayette county, on the east by Pettis county, on the south by Washington township, and on the west by Simpson township. It embraces all of the congressional township 48, in range 24, besides a por¬ tion of township 48 of the same range, six miles long and two miles wide, jutting three-eights of a mile further west than the other portion of the township. The township is eight miles long from east to west, and six miles wide, and contains forty-eight square miles. It is about ten miles at the nearest point, and twenty at the furthest point, from the county-seat, while by wagon road it is twelve miles at the nearest, and twenty-five miles at the furthest place from Warrensburg, and is about equal distances from the towns of Knob Noster, Concordia and Browns¬ ville. The only post-office, Dunksburg, (Sigel) is in the extreme eastern part.

Physical Features. - The land surface of the township is quite varied in its character. North of Blackwater the land is a beautiful rolling prai¬ rie, except the bordering slopes of Peavine Branch, which are somewhat rolling and brushy. The greater portion of the western half of the township is almost a level tract, with the exception of some small eleva¬ tions along the Blackwater bottoms, the uneven slopes of Walnut Creek,, and the portion in the extreme southwest where Clear Fork cuts through the land, forming some ugly places. The central portion lies between Big Walnut and Brush Hill creeks, and contains some of the choice land of the township. This rich and fertile slope begins with the head waters, on the east bank of Walnut Creek, and contains a large area of fine farms, extending due north from the farm of R. Therrington, in section 36, to the residence of S. S. Feagans in section 14; thence diagonally west to the fine black limestone and marl land, on a beautiful eminence overlooking the valley, owned now by M. W. Tyler, improved and set¬ tled in 1835, by Mont. E. Huff. The land extending from this eminence to Blackwater is called "lowland," on account of its flatness, in contrast with the surrounding highlands, and the soil also is of a different nature. The land known as " brush-hills " is very uninviting to the traveler on account of the rough knobs and bad roads. East of this brushy land some nice farms lie along the line of the county. The township has three beautiful elevations. The one that has the most extended horizon is the Cook Mound. Upon this summit Elijah Cook has his residence, and from it one can plainly see as far as the eye can penetrate. Warrensburg is plainly seen on a favorable evening . In the days when the wild red man could live at home in his savage state, he looked from this mound both morning and evening, as the sentinel would watch for the enemy.

The beautiful mound upon which " Cottage Home," the residence of M. M. Tyler stands, has a fine lookout. The most imposing and pic¬ turesque elevation is in section 25, and owned by V. H. and W. G. Thorn¬ ton, and upon this plateau is " Highland Home," the handsome residence of the latter. It is by far the most attractive and far-seeing building in the township.

Fifty years back the old settlers say that the creeks and especially Blackwater overflowed its banks to such an extent that no one thought of making the adjacent lands tillable. That time has passed. The lakes and ponds that once supplied the pioneer's table with Buffalo, cat and drum fish, now grow luxurient patches of wheat and corn. The bottoms and lakes have been drained by plowing a deep furrow to the creek, which in a short time was sufficient to render the bottoms and lowlands arable. It may be said that the township that once, contained consider¬ able swamp land, along the northern shore of Blackwater, now is well drained. The broken land of the township lies principally in brush hills and along the little creeks. The township has but little sterile surface, unless it be along the rocky bluffs on the south side of Blackwater. The principal stream of the township is Blackwater, which enters at the south west corner of section 6, township 47, following closely to the line on the south side of said section until it reaches section 5, thence north and a little west until it gets near township 48, where it takes an easterly course for a short distance, then due north into section 32, township 48, making many turns and meanderings through section 33 and to the center of 34, thence back to township 47, entering the northeast corner of section 4, it con¬ tinues an easterly direction until it leaves for the last time, entering section 35, township 48, running directly northeast it leaves the county at the northeast corner of section 36. This stream flows all the year except in extremely dry seasons. At an early day the deep water contained fine fish; but year after year, through trapping and netting the finny tribe has been growing less. The next largest stream of the township is Big Wal¬ nut; enters Grover from Washington township and flows in a northwest¬ erly direction joining Blackwater in section 32, township 48. It is a little stream, quite sluggish and only a few "water holes" are found in the channel of a dry season. Little Walnut and its branches have their source in the southeastern part of the township. Little Walnut empties into Big Walnut on the line between sections 21 and 16. Brush Hill creek has its source in the hills northwest of S. S. Feagan's, winding among the hills and knolls rich in coal beds, it enters Blackwater in sec¬ tion 2. Flagstaff' is a small sluggish stream coming in from Simpson township, flowing through section 6, and entering Blackwater at what was formerly called swamp lands. Peavine is a little stream in the north¬ ern part of the township. It has its source near the Lafayette county line, entering section 29, township 48, flowing closely to the county line, till it reaches near the northeast of section 28, thence southeast and unites with Blackwater very close to the line of section 34. Several little ravines of some brush on the banks intervene and flow into the creeks already men¬ tioned. In brief, the topography of the township is indeed beautifully diversified with hills, dales, uplands and valleys, woodland and prairie; some places the hills present a bold, picturesque aspect and others are in contrast very tame. The three soils are black limestone, gray marl and sandy soil. The first is found principally along the southern slopes of the elevated regions, and is the very best of corn land. The gray soil is found in the lowlands and by subsoiling yields an abundant crop of wheat. The sandy soils are found along the upland ravines and is the very best of fruit and sorghum land. The fertility of the soil is truly wonderful. Here the agricolist is well paid for his toils. The soil appears to be inex¬ haustible. There are fields which have been cultivated in corn continu¬ ously for upwards of fifty years, and yet yield from forty to seventy-five bushels to the acre.

The beautiful residence of James K. Tyler, " Summit Home," is on an elevated limestone ridge, in section 10, town 47, overlooking the lowlands. His land, at times, produces very good wheat. Here, the farmer and horticulturist may be well paid, and on account of the various soils on his land, which grades through all shades of very fair tillable land, his large crops of wheat, corn, and grasses, have amply rewarded him for his labors. A. J. Sparks was U. S. census ennumerator for 1880. In 1877 the popu¬ lation was 1,076, of that number 43 were negros. In the same year the census stood as follows: Number of voters, 219; horses, 669; mules, 250; cattle, 1,365; sheep, 1,050; hogs, 3,433; bushels of wheat, 50,548; corn, 223,680; oats, 9,236; rye, 532; pounds of tobacco, 6,064; wool, 2,621; tons of hay, 801, gallons of wine, 100; sorghum molasses, 2,775. The assessed personal property for the year 1881 was as follows: 591 horses at"$20, 395; 2 jacks, $125; 266 mules, $14,705; 1695 cattle, $18,787; 964 sheep, $1446; 3754 hogs, $5366; notes, $29,510; all other personal property, $54,473; total, $154,325.

Early Settlers. - The early settlers must have a place in the history of the country where they settle, above all else. To them we owe more than we are willing to give. They stood the fiery test and passed through the ordeal of hardships and a pioneer life, that their offspring might fondly remember. Many of those sturdy old men have lived to see a vast prairie teeming with waving golden grain, and instead of the elk, deer and buffalo, domestic animals roaming at large upon a thousand hills, and many of those worthy old settlers have realized with the poet Campbell, in "Pleasures of Hope:"

The Ingram family came to Missouri in the year 1852. Mrs. Malinda Ingram, a widow, with her five children, two boys and three girls in sec¬ tion 18, town 47, where Geo. W. P. Ingram and his two sisters now reside. Mrs. Malinda Ingram was born in Knox county, Tennesse, in 1805, and died November 6, 1875, and buried in TebbsT cemetery. She was a noble and good woman, a consistent and devoted member of the Southern M. E. Church. Wm. T. Ingram, her son, was born in Knox county, Tennessee, August 31, 1843, and died at his home very suddenly of heart disease, January 8, 1881. He was a man well liked. He served in the confederate service during the late war, and when he returned home, gave his attention to farming. He was among the very best farmers of the township.

Larkin Hocker, Sr., was born in Lincoln county, Ky., near Standford, November 20, 1811, and came to Johnson county just after its foundation, and settled near where he now resides in the fall of 1835. On account of no house, he camped out for several weeks, until he could builcl. At first he put up a few shanties of round, rough logs. This sort of tenements was abandoned in about , two years for a more commodious log house. The old house still stands, a relic to be prized, on his son's land. The logs were nicely hewn, and for that day presented the appearance of a hand¬ some dwelling. The old settlers spoke of it in the most flattering terms, and declared it the best house in the country. It was covered with walnut shingles, and although the pelting rain has beat upon that roof for fortyfive years, yet it remains a good shelter. During the first winter fifty acres were enclosed, and the next spring he commenced farming. By industry and care he has owned upwards of 1,200 acres of choice land, all except 720 acres of that has been given to his children. He reared a family of three girls and one boy. His wife, Mrs. Eliza Jane Hocker, nee Miss Thornton, was born in the same neighborhood with her husband, May 29, 1813. They have both led a most happy, conjugal life, together, and are now living in easy circumstances, and enjoying moderate health. They now reside in a substantial brick dwelling, erected in 1848, (section 14, township 47,) ever since they left the old log cabin. Many recollec¬ tions of that once neat cottage, are fresh in the memory of this aged pair. In politics, Mr. Hocker is an unswerving democrat. In religion, the whole family are adherents to the Christian church.

Charles Thornton came here in 1835, in company with his sonin-law, Larkin Hocker, and improved, with the assistance of his negroes, a handsome farm. He died at the residence of L. Hocker, October 12, 1843. He was among the earliest members of the Christian church, and highly respected by all who knew him.

Dr. Grandison Thornton, son of Charles Thornton, was one of the ear¬ liest physicians of this part of the county. He had a very extensive prac¬ tice. At one time he kept an apothecary shop, ordering his drugs from St. Louis. During the war he went to Jasper county, and on his w^ay to this county, he died near Ft. Scott.

Wm. Thornton came here in 1830, a native of Virginia, but subse¬ quently of Kentucky. He was a worthy member of the Baptist church, a charter member of the congregation, and a leader and supporter of the faith till his death, which occurred since the war.

resides, in the year 1846. He is of English extraction, born in England, but reared in Washington City, D. C. He commenced the regular prac¬ tice of medicine when the county was thinly settled, even so much so that it would often take him a whole day to visit a single patient. In that day there were no roads, and he traveled by course over the vast prairies and through the brush thickets.

At an early day the doctor entered land, and commenced to improve the prairie where the grass grew four feet high. His dwelling was one of the first houses in that section of country. His prairie was broken with four yoke of oxen. The doctor said, " I found malarial fever very prevalent, from the simplest chill to the most violent congestive forms of fever. As the county settled up the malarial fever became milder. I used to keep two good horses fat and in trim, for the malarial season, which generally began with August, and lasted through September and October. I would ride to see my patients on one side of the creek one day, and visit those on the other side, the next day." For much of the time the doctor had all the practice of the surrounding country. By slow, steady work, coupled by diligent practice and industry, upwards of 1,000 acres of choice land have fallen into his hands. As he did in his early practice, order his drugs from St. Louis, so he continues to keep his shop supplied with choice drugs. Drs. Joe Wheeler and R. S. Tyler were his students, both of them are doing well. He has always been a democrat, and the first vote he cast was in the city of Baltimore for Andrew Jackson, in 1832, when he ran the second time for president. He always stood prominent among the pioneers, and is a member of the State Medical Association. As a citizen and neighbor he has the esteem of all intelligent acquaintances. He married Miss Martha Jane Porter, in 1845, and he has brought up one child, Mrs. Mary Smith. The doctor and his wife are growing feeble with age and toil. They have about their home some beautiful and tasteful shrubbery and flowers, which make their home sweet and attractive. The doctor is a man of rare genius, intelligent and every way worthy to long be remembered among the early pioneers.

Solomon T. Taylor came here from Cooper county when twenty-two years of age, and was joined in wedlock with Elizabeth Marshall, and improved the farm in section 3, town 47, where his second wife, Elizabeth Zhan, now resides. He was a faithful and consistent member of the Christian church, and in politics a republican. He died February 7, 1870, and was buried in Mt. Zion cemetery. Wm. Cheek came here in 1829, in company with Mr. Lewis, from Saline county. Then the nearest set¬ tlement was Brownsville. Soon after the arrival of the families, Mrs. Lewis became dissatisfied and declared that she would not live in a country where there was nothing but howling wolves, deer and Indians. So to gratify the wishes of his wife, Mr. Lewis sold his farm to Mr. Cheek, taking in exchange a milch cow, and moved back to Saline county. John Leeper came here at quite an eariy day and settled in section 21, town 47, just back and south of C. T. Tyler's farm, in what is now a nice young forest. Here in this forest was the field, and Mr. Joel Cox states that he cut wheat where those beautiful, slender saplings are standing. The fact is, where now stands a forest, once waved the golden grain.

James C. Rothwell came here in the fall of 1839, from Virginia, and built a small log house immediately and commenced improving the rich and beautiful farm he now owns. He was united in marriage with Mary

S. Ramsey, in the spring of 1839. His wife died in the summer of 1875, and her remains sleep in the family graveyard. Mr. Rothwell has been a life long democrat; a gentleman loved and respected with a reputation worthy the highest type of piety. He and his family are members of the C. P. church. He owns a fine farm of the very best land of the township, and his excellent blue grass pasture " took " in grass without sowing a seed.

Charles M. Oglesby came here in 1834, from Kentucky, but formerly from Virginia. He was born August 17, 1801, and died on his farm Sep¬ tember 23, 1861. For many years he was a consistent member of the C. P. church.

T. Oglesby. A thrifty white elm tree which has grown up by the grave, marks the spot where grandma Oglesby sleeps, and to the axman we would say, " spare that tree." Tarlton W. Oglesby, brother of C. M. Oglesby, came here in 1834, and entered land, and the following year brought his family. He was a faithful member of the Baptist church. William Gillum, brother-in-law of C. M. and T. W. Oglesby, came here with them. In politics he was a whig; in religion, a Cumberland Presbyterian.

Thomas Marshall came here in 1832, when there were but three little huts anywhere near, respectively owned by Wm. Cheep, John Leeper, and Wm. Marshall. The last came here in 1830. He was forty odd years of age when he came here from Orange county, Virginia. In the spring of 1850, with Richard, and James, his sons and Thornton Harrison, his sonin-law, he went to join the gold diggers in California, via the plains in ox wagons, and died in the little mining village of Jacksonville, on the McCalama river, fifty-five miles east of Sacramento city, where his remains now sleep. He was a man of energy, kind and generous from his youth, one of the early members of the Christian church. In politics he was a democrat. When he came here he settled in the brush on Walnut creek, and improved ten acres of land the first year. His family consisted, at

Jacob Cox came to this part of Johnson county (then Lafayette), in March, 1833, from Boonville, Cooper county, where he had moved in 1831. He was born in Virginia, of English extraction, January 20, 1806 and came here a young man, twenty-five years of age, and united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Malinda Senor, January 13, 1835. The result of that union was eleven children, four now living. He felled the first tree used in this vicinity to aid in improving a farm. In those days he would go forty miles away to Salt Fork, in Saline county, to mill. He brought with him his blacksmith tools, and opened the first shop within a radius of fifty miles. In 1834 he entered the land in section 28, town 47, near Big Walnut creek, where he now resides with his son-in-law, C. G. Oglesby. He has long been a democrat, and of late has cast his religious lot with the Christians.

The war record forms an important part in the history of this section. Like all parts of the county this was very much divided in regard to the issues of the war. Often relatives were antagonists, and neighbors were forgotten and treated the more as enemies because of past affiliations. In 1861 the cloud of war had settled over the neighborhood, and although near a score of years have flitted by, yet the stain and sting of that bitter contest is still left, and only age and the effect of public sentiment will be able to dismiss the bitter feelings that have long rankled in the hearts of neighbors. The intensity of both secession and union parties was wrought to the highest pitch. They were so excited by eagerness after the object in view that they were " all agog to dash through thick and thin." A sort of agrarianism sprang up among the lower classes who seized prop¬ erty wherever found, regardless of party or principle. These circumstan¬ ces developed what were in the hearts of men. Here, as it were, men's souls were tried ; and it may be said that but few passed this ordeal with a spotless reputation. Here was realized the language of Shakespeare:

We give below the names of two of those who fell fighting for " south¬ ern rights." John W. Rothwell, son of J. C. Rothwell, a valiant and noble volunteer soldier of Company H., fell in the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, Oct. 4, 1862, at his post. Capt. James W. Selby, who was at one time teacher of Lowland school, became an active soldier in Company H, and died at Iuka, Miss., Oct., 18, 1862, of wounds received at Corinth.

Grover Township was laid off' February 9, 1869, and was changed Jan¬ uary 23, 1875, by cutting off' that part of the township west of range 24 and adding it to Simpson township.

in 1877, was liked by the people very much; especially on account of its bringing the official business home to the people, instead of traveling twen¬ ty-five or thirty miles to the county seat. The following are some of the officers:

James C. Rothwell, trustee; Chas. T. Tyler, clerk; P. Stringfield, asses¬ sor; Johnson Wheeler and C. G. Oglesby, justices of the peace; L. Hocker, Jr., collector; M. W. Tyler, supervisor. All of the above officers were efficient good men, and have the praise of their tonstituents. At present the feeling of the citizens is: " Give us back the township system."

The township has no railroad. The first wagon road was located in 1852, from Knob Noster to Kirkpatrick's mill. Now there are some good roads, but it will take some time before the people will have good roads over the township. The township has two iron bridges, one across Clear Fork, on the Warrensburg road, and the othera cross Black water, on the Knob Noster and Concordia road. Walnut Creek has two wooden bridges. A ferry was kept till the close of the war on Blackwater, near , Dunksburg. Few fords, even on the small streams, are good. The fences, at present, are mostly Osage orange hedge. In general, but little attention has been given to good, substantial fences.

Dunksburg , the only village or hamlet in the township, is on the line of this county and Pettis, in section 1, of township 47. In the year 1858 Dr. B. F. Dunkley opened a store at this place, which was commonly called Dunkley's store. The common chat among the neighbors "are you going to the burg?" was answered by the person who put the question, "What burg? " " Dunkleysburg." Finally, through the joke, the name was con¬ tracted Dunksburg, rather by accident. Soon after this the village began to build up rapidly, so that by 1860 it contained two stores, blacksmith shop, tailor, shoemaker, and a school house. Before the railroad was built the regular stage-route passed through here from Georgetown to Lexington, and also a telegraph line, both of which were discontinued when the railroad was built from Sedalia to Lexington. The following are the business and professional men of the village: James A. Bobbitt, post¬ master; B. F. Dunkley, M. D., physician and surgeon; R. Puckett, gen¬ eral merchandise; L. Perine, blacksmith; Dr. B. F. Dunkley, proprietor flour mills; R. Seaton Tyler, M. physician and surgeon; and James Taylor, wagon shop.

The Post-Ojfice was not established in the township until the pioneers felt a deeper anxiety to hear from their relatives and friends. Grover township never contained but one post-office, and that on the Pettis county line part of the time in the adjoining county. The first postal route was secured through the influence of Dr. B. F. Dunkley. At the time ^1857) Hon. Thos. H. Benton was in the U. S. senate, and ex-Gov. John S. Phelps represented this district in congress. They favored Mr. Dunkley, and the postal route was established from Georgetown to Lex¬ ington. The first post-office was named Bee Branch, from the little creek near by, and Benjamin Prigmore was the first post-master. The office was moved to the village in 1858; and took the name of the village, Dunksburg, by which it is generally known. During the times of high political excitement the name was changed to Sigel, in honor of the " fly¬ ing Dutchman." The latter name, however, has never been accepted and popularized, and matter will continue to be addressed " Dunksburg " for years to come. Dr. B. F. Dunkley was the second post-master, and was followed in succession by L. S. Taylor, John Carmach, Joseph Bobbitt, and James A. Bobbitt. Mail twice a week, carried in a hack.

The Churches of the township, although few in number, are well attended and cared for. To some extent religion belongs to mankind by nature. The good of all ages have sought a better life, here and in the world to come. With the poet Rowe they have felt -

The recollections of the past grow dearer as age ripens upon them. Memory, without the aid of written records, is not always to be depended upon. The Hebrews were taught to keep their records on stone, and to this day specimens of their art are to be found in many ancient ruins. But few among the early Christians pretended to keep records, and those that have come down to us are events rich in facts without dates. Dates are of great importance in every avenue of life. Strip all our business and documents of dates, and they become a complete jargon of sounds. The church, the society of the best on earth, carries with it a nucleus of sacred history which will be read with intense interest, if not with tearful eyes. The early religious societies of this township were composed of the best citizens, who, in coming to a wild country, sought the " communion of saints " as one of the prime factors of their associations for worthy citi¬ zenship. However rude the tenements, they spent their Sabbaths in wor¬ ship, and sought a 44 tabernacle not made with hands."

Mount Zion Church of Christ is the oldest and most prominent of the religious societies of the township. The following is a verbatim et liter¬ atim report of the first two meetings:

"The Church of Christ, on Walnut creek, Johnson county, Missouri, was this day constituted, on the bible alone, believing it to be a sufficient rule of faith and practice."

The church was organized at the residence of L. Hocker, and for sev¬ eral years worshiped in his house or the grove near by. Thomas Mulky was the first pastor, and visited the congregation monthly. He died on his way to Oregon. A log church building 18x20 was put up in the brush hills, near where Stanton S. Feagans now resides, at an early day. From the association of the surrounding country the church took the name "Brush Hill," instead of "Walnut Creek." The church continued to pros¬ per, and in 1845 it had upwards of one hundred communicants. Prior to 1850 the old log cabin became unsuitable for use, and this congregation and the Baptists worshiped in a house, partly log and partly frame, known as the " County Line Baptist Church," till in 1858, when the pres¬ ent Mount Zion church building was erected. The material was mostly of native lumber. The finishing lumber was hauled from Lexington. The house is about 40x60 in size, and cost about $1200. It is well seated and carpeted, and supplied with pulpit stand, chandeliers, tables, and silver communion set. In winter the room is heated by a large coal stove. The building and about one acre of ground are enclosed by a pine board fence. Once a beautiful grove jutted up in the background, which now grows corn. The enclosed land contains the cemetery, which is covered by a velvety coat of blue grass.

The following pastors have filled the pulpit: Thos. Mulky, Dr. Thos. McBride, Duke Young, Elder Price, Allen Wright, Thos. Hancock, Jas. Randall, Joseph Wright, C. A. Hedrick, B. C. Stephens, and Samuel McDaniel.

The building was considerably abused during the war, by being used as a sort of fortress by soldiers. It is related that the house got an uncom¬ mon volley of shot at one time, from a squad of southern soldiers, who fired on the house, supposing the militia had sought refuge in the house. The militia band, fortunately, had just made their escape from the house. The bullet holes are to be seen in the walls.

A reorganization of the church was effected after the war as follows: " The Church of Christ, organized at Walnut creek on the 31st of May, 1840, having nothing but the Bible alone for the constitution, or rule of faith and practice, and believing it to be a sufficiency to said church for government, and the said church becoming somewhat disorganized by the fratricidal war, the members have on the 4th Lord's day in March, 1866, reorganized at Mt. Zion, in Johnson county, Missouri, by enrolling their names, and appointing John Babbitt, John Park, and Benjamin Prigmore, elders, with John Fisher, Solomon T. Taylor, and G. W. Lee, dea¬ cons." In 1867 Larkin Hocker, Sr., was elected elder and has faithfully served his post ever since. The church has received some additions annually and the whole number of communicants enrolled is 337, but on account of death or removal, the present membership will not exceed 130 communicants. For the last few years the pastors have received $400 for ministerial labors twice a month. The most noted religious awaken¬ ing was conducted by Eld. Henry Earl in August, 1860, when the church received thirty additions. During the war the members were scattered and there was no regular service. The house was often used by the Methodists.

A Sunday school was organized and conducted by Dr. Ross in 1875, but when the leader left the county it ceased to be evergreen. The school was reorganized in 1881. Mrs. Sam'l Shanks is secretary. L. Hocker, Jr., is clerk of the church and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school- The present pastor, Sam'l McDaniel, has entered his second year of pastoral labors and, with his clear, concise, practical preaching, will add much to the future interest and welfare of the Church of Christ at Mount Zion.

Calvary M. E. Church , in Dunksburg, was built in the fall of 1873- It is a frame building, 24x32, and cost $700. It is seated, supplied with pulpit and tables. The house is surrounded by a beautiful grove. The house was dedicated by J. K. Tuttle. Rev. T. S. Benefield organized the society with the following original members, in 1873, before the house was built: John Current, Martha Current, S. A. Current, Annie A. Cur¬ rent, Albert Current, A. L. Porter, J. S. Porter, Ruth Porter, S. P. Por¬ ter, Nannie E. Porter, Lou. E. Carter, Lewis Hayworth, Elizabeth Hay¬ worth, J. P. Hughes, Mollie Hughes, Mattie Hughes, Wm. Hughes, Noah Briles, Mary Briles, Martha Briles, Ann Lear, Mary Lear, Rob't Lear, W. W. Sitton, Jane Sitton, Philip Wheeler, Frances Wheeler, Sarah Wheeler, Riley Wheeler, James Taylor, L. T. Current, Sallie Current, Delia Current, and A. M. Current. In the following spring, 1874, the first M. E. Sunday school of the township was organized at Calvary church with Lewis Hayworth, superintendent. The school has continued to be evergreen. J. P. Hughes, Wm. W. Sitton, and N. L. Porter have served as superintendents of this school. At present Lewis Hayworth is superintendent, and Mollie Hughes, secretary. The school has four teachers and forty scholars. The following is the list of pastors: T. S.

Knob Noster

Benefield J. S. Porter, J. M. Kelly, S. Jones, C. J. W. Jones, and S. Ing. The church is prospering, and although the membership is not large, nevertheless, the deep religious fervor holds this little society of worship¬ pers to their sacred duty. The present pastor, S. Ing, a circuit rider, visits his flock once a month, and with his native zeal for the cause of religion will do much to build up and perpetuate a- religious spirit in Calvary M. E. church.

Union Chapel M. E. church was organized in 1870 by Rev. Stanford Ing. The building was erected in 1876, and dedicated in 1880, by Rev. J. N. Pierce. It is a frame building, 24x36 and 12 feet to ceiling, and cost $600. The following pastors have served: S. Ing, T. S. Benefield, J. S. Porter, S. Jones, C. J. W. Jones, and now J. S. Porter for the sec¬ ond time. Names of original members: A. Fisher, Martha Fisher, D. T. Fisher, Polly A. Fisher, Nathan Fishel, Eliabeth Fisher, John Maddox, Mahala Maddox, H. Brant, Lyda Brant. The present membership is 70, and the average Sunday school attendance is 60. D. T. Fisher is super intendent and Joseph Johnson, secretary of the school.

The German Baptist or Dunkard church is in section 32, township 47. It is a large brick structure. It is not plastered and very plain. This sect of religionists make but little display.

Tebbs' cemetery is in the western part of the township on the old- Tebbs farm. John M. Tebbs, born, April, 1829; died, March 2, 1848, was the first one buried here. A plain marble slab marks his resting place. His father and mother also sleep here. The following dates appear on their slabs: George Tebbs, born, October 17, 1787; died, August 8, 1854. Elizabeth Tebbs, wife of George Tebbs, born, Novem¬ ber 17, 1795; died, November 23, 1859. Near her father's grave, an affectionate daughter planted a wild cherry sprout, saying, " When these gravestones are stolen or have perished, that tree will tell where my father lies." How considerate and loving was that dear daughter! Soon she saw the twig she had planted growing, 'but it was not long till she had made her home in a distant state; the spot and the young tree, no doubt, lived in her memory to the last. This tree grew till the spring of 1881, when some hard-hearted man felled it to the ground. It had become a beautiful tree, with two bodies spreading out from the ground. If the man who dared to slay this tree had a conscience unseared, it would have said to him -

Hocker cemetery is on the old Hocker farm, now owned by L. Hocker, Jr. The first person buried here was Harrison Hocker, May 1, 1840. Thomas Huff' was the second. It contains about an acre, and is thickly set in graves, and many fond memories cling to this spot.

Robinson cemetery is in the southern part of the township, near Wal¬ nut creek. One-half acre is reserved by title, situated on a peculiar knoll, in a branch running through the Wampler farm. This farm was entered by Joseph Robinson, and improved by his son, Col. Jehu Robinson, at an early period. Joseph Robinson selected this odd burial ground, and was the first to occupy it, in 1839. "Old Dick," a colored slave, in his one hundredth year, was buried here. Ted. Houx, who committed sui¬ cide by cutting his throat lies here. In all, about one dozen sleep here among the dead.

Oglesby cemetery is on the J. F. Hull farm. It is in the field. The family, whose name it bears, commenced using it about 1838. Only about one dozen graves are numbered here.

Thornton cemetery is on the old Thornton farm. It is on a high ridge, and overlooks a large portion of the township. The graves have a sub¬ stantial stone wall surrounding them, built at considerable expense.

Roth well cemetery is the family burying-ground of James C. Roth well. It is in section 10, township 47, range 24, north of his residence. The first grave was made here in the fall of 1854, when James G. Rothwell, an infant son of J. C. Rothwell, was buried.

Payne cemetery is on the Payne farm, and was owned and started by Jesse Grice, who came here from Alabama, in 1832. Mrs. Martha Grice was the first to sleep in this spot, in 1857, and now quite a large number bear her company.

Wampler cemetery is on the place owned by Mrs. Wampler, in the western part of the township. A child of Isaac Coy was the first laid here. Now there are upwards of fifty graves.

Mt. Zion cemetery is within the inclosure of Mt. Zion Church. This was started just after the church was built. Several graves are here, mostly those who have affiliated with the church.

Marshall cemetery is on the old William Marshall place, on the east side of Walnut Creek. The first grave was that of Mrs. William Cheek, about 1843. There are several graves here.

The Schools of this section, at an early day, were confined to the settle¬ ments, and it would often happen that a child went three or six miles to school. Here, besides the usual routine of school-room duties, " He learn'd the arts of riding, fencing, gunnery," and followed in the steps of his father. Highland school was one of the first. A little log hut stood on the highland, or an elevation, above C. T. Oglesby's. Later, a log cabin stood near S. T. Taylor's, and one in the western part of the town¬ ship. At an early day the people on the south of the highland took a deep interest in schools, and they were closely followed by the citizens on Blackwater, whose school, by way of distinction, was named Lowland. At first teachers were paid about twenty dollars per month. The schools were mostly subscription. The following is a partial list of the earlv teachers: Mary Wingfield, Mary A. Ferrell, Jesse Trapp, Frank Payne, A. B. Harrison, L. Delihonte, George Furs, Andrew Ramsey, Lucy Tate, Rev. M. Scruggs, Doc. Moore, A. Featherman, J. Rogers, Miss L. D. Hull, Thomas Jones, N. Lowry, and William Bothwell.

Woodland School, No. 19, township 47, range 24, section 27, is one of the best in the township. The present was put up in the year 1876. It is a frame, 24x36; ceiling, twelve feet high. It is comfortably seated, and furnished with good school apparatus, all of which is well cared for. The building cost $900. A beautiful grove surrounds the house, enclosed by a wire fence. A deep interest in education is felt among the patrons, and they have generally employed good teachers, at wages ranging from $40 to $50 per month. The old Woodland school-house, built in 1866, at pri¬ vate expense, was 18x22. The present directors are: John E. Robinson, C. T. Oglesby, and J. T. Oglesby, and Mrs. E. D. McCormack, teacher. Upward of sixty pupils attend school.

The following is the list of teachers: J. Sparrowkawk, L. Hocker, Jr., J. P. Walker, R. W. Wade, Mary Hocker, J. F. Robinson, Joe Wheeler, J. C. Wheeler, H. F. Triplett, Jennie Stringfield, R. S. Tyler, L. D. Wil¬ son, Amanda Wheeler, Thomas J. Wheeler, Mrs. E. D. McCormack.

Lowlan School, No. 18. At an early day an old log school house stood near Brush Hill Creek, which bore this name. The present old house was erected by private purse in 1866, and sold to the district afterwards. It is a poorly ventilated cell 18x22, with low ceiling, and is very imposing on the health of the occupants. It is on James K. Tyler's land, in section 10, town 47, range 24. There is nothing very attractive about it, and yet the memory of the writer might draw a pen picture of many reminiscen¬ ces not common to every school house. The following teachers have taught here: James W. Selby, J. Buckmaster, D. Burch, L. Hocker, Jr., W. H. James, David Goode, F. Martin, G. W. Couch, two terms; A. J. Sparks, three terms; S. N. Wheeler, two terms; Dolly Stringfield, Jenny Leake, W. S. Wheeler, and Alice Langston.

Cana School is near Mr. J. C. Wheeler's beautiful farm on the Knob Noster road, just over the line in the northern part of section 34, township 47, range 24. The following teachers have taught here: Dolly Stringfield, W. L. Nelson, Henry Park, Joseph Terrington and Miss Mercer.

Hepsedam school house was built early after the war. It is in section 59, township 47, range 24. The following teachers have taught: Mrs. Lesh, W. L. Dixon, C. M. McGirk and Mary Budd.

soon after the war. It is quite small; W. E. Chester is the clerk of the district. The following teachers have taught: G. W. Couch, I. F. Tan¬ ner, Miss Mary Budd, two terms; Miss Josie Shryack, T. P. Reid, two terms.

Oak Ridge school district was organized in 1877, and a house built that summer at a cost of $600. The first directors were: Henry Ploger, Har¬ man Borgstadt, and Henry Kopenbrink. The following are the teachers: J. W. Branch, G. W. Couch, and Wm. Ploger. This school is in section 30, township 48, range 24, surrounded by an industrious class of Germans.

Brinkater school is partly in this and Lafayette counties. The house is in this county, section 26, township 48, range 24. It was built a few years after the war, and is in a thriving German settlement. The teachers were: T. J. Wheeler, S. Flory, and S. N. Wheeler.

Brush Hill school is in section 12, township 47, range 24. The old house that w'as built about ten years ago has passed into ruins. It was 18x20 in size. A new house, 24x30, was erected at a cost of $480, in the summer of 1881. The directors are: J. P. Hughes, S., G. Feagans, and John Park. The following is a list of the teachers: Erastus Porter, Mrs. S. Bobbitt, G. W. Couch, Miss Mary Hocker, J. R. Wade, R. A. S. Wade, R. S. Tyler, Wm. Park and Henry Park.

Dunksburg school is partly in Pettis county. The building is in Pettis county. The old house was first a neighborhood house, built before the district was formed. School was taught for a few years in that house. The following teachers have taught here: Miss McFarland, R. Ward, E. Ross, W. Bobbitt, Mrs. Sislef, I. F. Tanner, Miss Julia Lutz and Wm. Park.

Agriculture and Stock-raising is the leading and most profitable busi¬ ness of the township. The deep limestone soils are inexhaustible. Wheat has always done well, and from 1870 to 1881, Grover was the leading township. Even of dry seasons by stirring the land a sufficiency of mois¬ ture is produced to raise fair crops. Timothy and clover yields well. Hemp and flax can be raised in the northern part with a fair yield. The township contains a good area of sorghum and tobacco land, especially in Brush Hills. The average yield of wheat is twenty bushels per acre, and timothy, two tons per acre. The township contains several fine blue grass pasture. Larkin Hocker has a pasture of upwards of 100 acres of fine Virginia blue grass which " took " without sowing a seed. He has kept horses, cows, and sheep in his pasture all seasons of the year without injury to the grass. Vineyards do well wherever cultivated. Dr. B. F. Dunkley and J. K. Tyler have choice vineyards. Several farmers have small grape and other fruit patches. Apples, peaches and small fruits grow abundantly on most farms.

neer times. Dr. Dunkley states: "When I went to Clinton to enter land, on my way home I stopped all night with a Mr. Draper, about twentyfive miles , away just on this side of the Henry county line. The next morning, I asked my bill, and Mr. Draper replied, 'O, nothing! I don't think of charging neighbors. ' "

In 1872, Lon Carter was found dead in the backwater from Blackwater on Brush creek. It was supposed that some fiend had murdered him, and threw the body in the water. In 1879, three Germans were accidently drowned while attempting to cross Blackwater near Dunksburg.

In the gold excitement of 1850, the following persons left for the " diggins:" Thomas, Richard and James Marshall, James Cook, Presley S. Moore and Samuel S. Senor.

John Fisher came here in 1840, from Kentucky, and died in 1855 near Dunksburg. John Phillip came here in 1839, from Tennessee, and died near Dunksburg in 1855. David Seignor came here in 1845, from Ten¬ nessee, and died in 1857. Philip Barnett came here in 1847 from North Carolina, and died in 1877. M. E. Huff came here in 1832, from Ken¬ tucky, and is living in Cass county.

The early bear-hunter was John Phillip. He killed several bears. At the time when all the country between the Missouri and Osage rivers was called Lafayette, the pioneers did more -hunting than farming. The corn crop consisted of from 10 to 20 acres, and the wheat from three to four acres. Oxen plowed the corn usually with a half yoke and a muzzle. Wheat was cut with a reap hook. The corn blades were stripped for fodder. Mr. N. Fisher relates the following: "At one time father went out before breakfast and killed two deer; got his breakfast and started for his game, and before he got a quarter of a mile from the house he killed another. He killed twenty deer at twenty-one shots, and shot one twice. Wm. Marshall's hogs ranged five or six miles away, and would raise large lots of hogs which ran wild in the woods. Wm. Marshall was a great raccoon hunter. One dark night he went out 'coon-hunting, his hounds started a 'coon as he thought, and had quite a chase, and finally treed him but could not see him in the dark. Hitched and unsad¬ dled his horse and lay down till daylight. When it was light enough he looked up in the tree, and there sat the largest kind of a male panther, he raised his rifle and at the fire of the gun the panther leaped from the tree, and his dogs seized him. The pioneer had fun as the old fellows always said. The dogs managed to kill the panther since he had received a deadly shot in the tree. In 1828, when I was a baby, a panther slipped up to the cradle and w as just in the act of taking me out when mother saw him and ran him off with the dogs. Wm. Cheek settled on Walnut creek in a very early day. He would often leave Mrs. Cheek alone with not a neighbor for ten miles around. The Indians would come and guard her home by camping near her cabin, when they happened in that section. The Indians were very kind to her. The first house with a shingle roof was covered by a man named Wm. Crocker. He commenced at the top and covered down. Most of the houses were made of logs covered with boards split of logs four feet long. The first brick chimney put up was about the year 1846."