Johnson County, Missouri - Chapter 12: - Hazel Hill Township, 1881

Introduction - The Name - Location - Physical Features - Creeks - Population - Statistics - Early Settlers - Date of Organization of Township - Koads - Fayetteville - Churches - Schools - Sunday School - Cemeteries - Agriculture and Horticulture - The Hunts¬ man Favorite Apple - Vigilance Committee - Deer Fight - Rube Fields, the Prodigy.

When we are about to tread upon unknown ground, it is prudent that we be careful where we spt out feet. If the ground is known to be sacred, a hallowed spot of old, then how appropriate that we rest here awhile. When the pioneers came to the wild forests with an old flint-lock rifle for defense and an ax for a civilizer, they little thought of the results for which they had commenced to hew the way.

The Bible, to them was a lamp that guided them through all the dark days of that time. In reference to God they could say: " My faith looks up to thee." In those days existed truth, sociability, and Godly fear. Men trusted God because of his unbounded love for them. They loved their fellows because thev had a common interest with them. Those that are yet living, with tearful eyes, relate the story of their hardships, and contend to call that day a happy time - far more enjoyable than the many luxuries that have crowded about them in their last years.

In our brief discussion of this township, we will fail to do it justice. From the time the first settlers found an asylum in this beautiful township, they have continued to prosper, except from 1861 till 1865, when the civil war broke out and devastated considerable of the township. It may be yet said that the people are intelligent, hospitable, and are noted for their enterprise and thrift. The name of the township will be briefly discussed in its various relations, that the reader may know something of its origin. The location will be given appropriately, followed by a treatise on the physical features. The beautiful streams skirted with fine timber, will be noticed in connection with the physical features.

The population as was taken by the United States census of 1880, and state census of 1877 will be minutely given, and also the assessment for 1881. We shall attempt to give the old settlers a prominent part of this chapter, a place they deserve. It may be that we have failed to get all deserving mention, if so, we regret it. Further along we expect, in the course of this chapter, to treat fully of the organization of the township, and the commencement of the village of Fayetteville, and closely follow-

In this brief chapter the reader must not expect to find every thing that happened since the day the red man traveled away to the sunset, nor must the be too positive to hold to some of the facts here recorded, since many of them come from minds no better prepared than himself. It is well to remember: "Facts are stubborn things."

Name. - The name of every place or object that we may perceive or be conscious of, has associations peculiar to itself, but frequently dear or repulsive, as the case may be to those in whose memory thoughts of the object in the mind swell forth. However dear may have been other asso¬ ciations, the name of Moses had more weight with the Hebrews, than all mortals beside. Frequently it happens that affinity for souls sweetens the life of the intellectual, material being so that love of union is pleasure, and separation soul torture. This is the law of our being. Objects and places become noted for their singular incidents and peculiar attractions which imbed them in the hearts of men forever. Even , the name of trees and mountains become sacred. The " Oak of Mamre, " under which Abra¬ ham sat in the heat of the day, gave rise to the popularity of the quercus family. Since this time, the oak appears in all ages to have been an object of veneration, down to the age of the Greeks, by whom it was held sacred, of the Roman's who dedicated it to Jupiter, and of the Druids, who worshiped beneath its shade. So the name Hazel Hill has been appropriately applied to this township. No man's name can be called up to rob or strip from this township the name that nature gives it to wear. The many patches of hazel brush, dense, and considerably skirted along the woods, ravines, and old fields make it noted in this respect. The hazel-nut (corylus) is a native straggling shrub consisting of a number of long flexible stems from the same root. The shrub bears catkins, so called from the resemblance of a cats' tail, and in the autumn the nut ripens in a bush or cup (cupule), frequently several cups containing nuts are in one bunch. The bark on the young hazel bushes is ash colored and hairy, that of the old stems mottled with bright brown and gray; and from the ends of the branches hang the long pendulous aments of barren flowers in spring. The botanical name is C or ylaceae Americana. The nut it bears is well flavored, and sold in the shops, but considered inferior to the European filbert. The name Hazel Hill was first applied to a Sons of Temperance lodge organized here in 1854. The temperance people always fond of drawing from nature's own labratory, took the name of their lodge from the hazel hill near the school house where they met, after which the school house bore the same name, and in course of time the name was applied to the village, and the name is so widely known over the state, that even letters are addressed " Hazel Hill, " instead of

Fayetteville. The name stamped by this temperance society has taken deep root in the affections of the people. Would to God their temper¬ ance gospel could have had like influence to check the course of the bibative propensities of those who have fallen by the deceptive power of strong drink.

Hazel Hill township is bounded on the north by Lafayette county, on the east by Simpson township, on the south by W arrensburg and Centerview, and on the west by Columbus. This formed a part of Washington township when the latter was organized in 1835, but became a separate township in 1856, and assumed its present shape and boundaries about the year 1873. At present it embraces all of town 47, range 26, and the southern third of town 48, range 26. In distance the township is about twelve miles at the furthest point from Warrensburg.

Physical Features. - The surface is rolling throughout, with low undu¬ lating places near the streams. The land produces good, early crops, and of wet seasons two crops of Irish potatoes can be raised. In general, the land is quite productive, and produces good wheat and corn and is well adapted to sorghum culture. Considerable attention has been given of late years to opening up land heretofore considered useless for agricultural purposes, and now yields fine crops of wheat and corn. This township contains a solid ridge of pure sand. The Warrensburg and Fayetteville (Hazel Hill) road runs on this ridge. Many curious things are connected with this ridge, which we leave for the geologist to expose in the future history to be read from the rocks. This is known as " Black Jack Ridge." Whether this ridge is of more recent formation than the alluvial land, is in doubt, but the sand would make the stranger believe that he was stand¬ ing not far from some lake or river. It may be that whoever observes closely will learn that this ridge came up last from the great sea that once covered all this country. Invariably, wherever a well has been sunk, plenty of water is found near the surface, and no doubt there is a great subter¬ ranean stream or reservoir not far below the surface. Builders have for several years past hauled sand from the banks of little streams for plas¬ tering.

A very fine sulphur spring boils up from the interior of the earth east of the Walker school house and west of Colbern Branch in section thirty six, township forty-seven, and range twenty-six. This is about two feet deep and a pine box is put in the cavity. It is reported that during the dryest seasons, (1860 and 1881), this spring furnished plenty of water and supplied more than ten barrels every day. The water is clear, and although the taste is not very sweet, yet it is said by the old settlers to be medicinal, and that at an early day the Indians annually visited this spot and camped, bringing in game for the squaw's to dress and cook near this spring. No doubt, the unrecounted tales that have been told about this spring would fill a volume. The story of the red man who once built his wigwam around this spring is hid forever in the sands of time. The old settlers say that they can remember the time when fire swept every year over this wood and brush land, where now there is considerable for¬ est. However, a great deal of the lands bordering on Black Jack ridge are large patches of chinquapin shrubbery growing from six inches to that number of feet in height, and bearing an abundance of nuts every year. The crab-apple shrub is abundant along the borders of the wood skirts and is a real beauty in the spring when in full bloom. Blue ash, haw7thorn, and hazel bushes are found here. The soil here is especially adapted to the growing of vineyards and small fruits of all kinds. Colbern Branch is a small stream which takes its name from the Colbern place and flows southeast into Blackwater. Along on the eastern border of the towmship are the head-waters of Cottonwood and Flagstad', which flow through Simpson. On these streams the land is a deep black lime¬ stone loam. On the farm of Bedford Brown the land is not only very fertile, but has several good springs which furnish sufficient water for his stock which run in fine blue grass pastures. The land is good to the Lafayette county line, a distance of two miles. Indeed this may be called the garden spot of the township. In the northeast corner of this township is the fine stock farm of J. H. Parker. This land cannot be over estimated and will compare favorably with the corn producing lands of Illinois and Iowa. Coming back to Black Jack ridge which extends the entire length of the township, north and south, we will notice a few more natural fea¬ tures. The only stream of the center is Walnut Creek, which has its source in section five and flows southeast through sections 8, 16, 22, 27 and 34, where it enters Warrensburg township. The banks on this stream are deep in many places and before it enters Blackwater, sloughs, mud and fords are at times quite dangerous. Although some attention has been given to draining, yet the mosquito will find the intruder out before he advances far into the bottoms, at all seasons when it is not too cold. Prai¬ rie Branch has its source near Liberty school house and flows southwest through sections 23 and 26, and unites with Walnut Creek in section 34. This is the stream that carries off the wrater from the ridge. Near the source of this creek was the first well for many years on the Warrens¬ burg and Lexington road, dug by Joel Walker. Hard-by, in section 23, Judge W. B. Ames opened out a spring, or rather well, about eight feet in depth which is an everlasting fountain of the clearest water ever beheld. In the digging the water gushed up from the bottom in such a quantity that the spring could not be walled without standing in the water. The water stands in two or three feet of the surface and one can see the little stones in the bottom. The water is soft while the surrounding wells are hard. Although there is a great deal of water taken from this reser- voir, yet it is full. In the dryest seasons it is said that the water sometimes dampens the sand on the road side. Crooked Creek has its source in sec¬ tion 3, and flows through sections 10 and 15, and unites with Walnut near the north third of the line between sections 21 and 22. This is an ugly stream, with considerable timber. Honey Creek enters the township from Columbus, crossing the line of sections 24, and 19, it turns due south one mile, thence in a southeasterly direction through sections 30 and 32, cut¬ ting off one-third of section 5, in Centerview township it enters Blackwater and makes its way to the La Mine. This stream has a good bridge. On its banks grow excellent timber. In the northern part of the township is Black Jack Creek, which has its source in the Black Jack hills. This stream flows through sections 24 and 27 and enters Tabo in Lafayette county. Pole Branch heads in section 32 and flows east into Black Jack. These streams contain along their banks beautiful timber that has grown up within the last twenty years, since the time fire ran through the brush every year. The soil in the western part is of a gray to a black loam and very productive. In the north the land produces fine wheat. In brief the surface is quite rolling and the land dries readily after rains.

Early Settlers . - To the brave pioneers we owe much of the history of to-day. Around their cosy firesides, " when the taper was lit," and the wife and children sitting on stools before the stone hearth, was often heard the pleasant stories that come from a happy conjugal union of hearts. God blessed these pioneers by giving them a good land. It is said of the brave Washington, the father of his country, by Headley: "That pat¬ riotism which made, him endure with such patience, toil with such perse¬ verance, refuse all emoluments, and scorn the gift of a crown, has become the admiration of mankind, ann the argument of the world over, with which the lovers ot human liberty silence the sneers of despots, and revive the hopes of the desponding. As an example, it is the richest leg- acy he could have left his countrymen." So the simple habits and honest living of these brave men, who first cast their lot among the hazel hills of the township, should live on in sacred memory and be handed down from generation to generation as one of the noblest gifts bestowed by the pio¬ neer fathers. The simplicity of their living is only in tradition. The father and sturdy husbandman, with his toiling brown hands; boys in hon¬ esty of feeling and purpose, here held the plow and reaped the golden grain. They have gone to mingle in the harvest of souls, and another class of genus homo now tread the path of life above them. The same blood may course their veins, but how different their habits! The home* spun jeans or butternut suits are hid away. Now hands encased with buckskin gloves or more delicate kids attempt to hold the plow. Over¬ coats and overshoes and air-tight rooms, things unknown to many of the pioneers, will hardly keep the shivering victims of this luxurious age comfortable. The ox-cart has been superceded by the light horse wagon* The dear pioneer mothers and housewives sleep from their labors. The hum of the spinning wheel and the battering of the hand loom, once so common here, has been thrown aside. The hand that threw the shuttle or held the distaff should be honored with the consort that fought the Indians, hunted the game, defended the little log cottage, and provided for the mutual wants of the family. The homespun frocks of our moth¬ ers are patterns for the extravagant daughters of to-day. Then women loved sunshine, industry and home, while now it is quite the reverse. Then, when one was sought in marriage, it was for the high and noble and God given purpose of companionship, a " help-meet," who stood firm in the marital relation. Being well mated they were necessarily well matched, which was the primary cause of so many rising from poverty to affluence. Now, instead, when one is sought in wedlock, she must be coaxed and captivated! by her foppish beaux, who can dance, smoke and click a billiard ball, talk nonsense and have a cage for the calico bird that glitters in her imagination, as Nero's palace did of old. This " bird " soon becomes sickly, the farm is mortgaged, her watch and silk dresses are for sale, and her dissipated husband, whom she knew at first loved the bachanalian cup, has the " heart disease," talks of hard times, and the unfaithfulness of old friends and associates that now enjoy the pittance left him by an honest frugal father. The sons and daughters of this age should learn a lesson from this. It is no light matter but a historical fact, that many have shifted from poverty to riches by diligence, sobriety and economy, while more have been carried down the current of bankruptcy by idleness, frivolity, costly dress, dissipation and extravagance. History deals with facts and we go back to the admired pioneers. Joshus Adams was born in North Carolina, of Welsh extraction, December 2, 1796, and came to Black Jack, in this township (then .Lafayette county), in the year

1833, and died at his home July 6, 1854. He entered land at twelve and a half cents per acre, and improved a small farm. The old log cabin is still standing. He hewed and notched the logs himself. He was a Bap¬ tist in faith and worshiped at the old log church building called "Liberty church." In politics he was a whig. His wife, Miss Cynthia Adams, is still living. Her maiden name was Saunders. She was born of Irish ancestry in South Carolina, August 5, 1807. James M. Smith, an old bachelor, came here with the old settlers and is still living in his bachelor¬ hood, an unlettered, eccentric fellow.

One of the best and most worthy of the pioneers was William Stockton, who came here from Kentucky in 1834 and settled and improved a hand¬ some farm of 300 acres in section twenty-eight. When he came here he was penniless and had a large family not old enough to assist in opening a farm in a wild country. By industry and economy he managed to liber¬ ally educate his family and leave at his death an estate of upwards of $1,- 000. He was born in Alabama, August 21, 1794, of German-Irish ances¬ try, and died at his home August 5, 1881, in his 87th year. He was a man of great daring and patient industry, having moved in the rudest vehicle from Alabama to Tennessee, and thence to Kentucky and Mis¬ souri. On his way it is stated that he took shelter under a rock and ate elm bark for food. He was tried in the crucible of pioneer hardships and was used to every vicissitude that the early settlers encountered. He replied when asked what meat he preferred: "Bear meat is best." In fine he was a man of very even temperment, and had but one sick day in his life but what he could get out of the bed and walk. He did not patronize doctors and practically believed in the theory of "Throw physic to the dogs." He married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Sarah Mark¬ ham when she was sweet sixteen. The result of this conjugal union was fourteen children; eight girls and six boys, and they were all present at their mother's funeral. Mrs. Stockton, his wife, was born in the year 1800, and died May 25, 1868. They were both devoted Christians and mem¬ bers of the C. P. Church at Mount Moriah. Mr. Stockton was not a member of any secret society. In politics he was always a steadfast dem¬ ocrat and would not vote for his uncle, who was a whig. He was a great and good man for his time and wed to his principles. He was a good and true man in all the relations of life, a good husband, father, neighbor, churchman, and the noblest work of God - an honest man.

Greenell Brown must long be remembered among the worthy heroes of the pioneer age. He married Miss Nancy Simpson, sister of the esteemed old bachelor for whom Simpson township is named. He emi¬ grated to Missouri in 1828 and settled twenty-five miles south of Lexing¬ ton, as far south as any settlements at that time. In about three years hence (1832) he heard of a better location farther to the south, to which land he immediately came and settled in section five, now Simpson town¬ ship, just south of Flagstaff. He improved this farm and sold it to Maj. John Boyles. The farm was thrown oui to the commons, and now trees grow where Mr. Brown grew corn. He subsequently purchased a prairie farm of John Evans, owned now by Jacob L. Neff, and here died in the year 1850. He reared a family of three sons and seven daughters. The oldest daughter, Sarah, married John Roberts in 1826. The next, Mary G., married Smith Proffitt in 1829. Susan married Jonathan Roberts in 1827 and came to this State. Elizabeth married James Roach in January, 1840. Nancy Married James Martin; she is dead and her husband mar¬ ried Mrs. Brooks, a daughter of W. Stockton. Emily married Joe. M. Hanley who now resides in Freedom township, Lafayette county. Fran¬ ces married Thomps H. Foster; after her death he married Mrs. Re¬ becca Walker, divorced from Jeff Walker. Of the boys James S. mar¬ ried Miss Sarah J Hornbuckle, a sister of W. S. Hornbuckle, probate judge. John married Nancy Cornett and now resides near Aullville, in Lafayette county. Bedford married Miss Polly Ann Roberts in 1840 and both live on their beautiful farm in this township.

James Borthick came here from Kentucky, but formerly from New York, and settled here in 1833. He was born March 2, 1795, and died April 2, 1872. He was one of the faithful noble men who helped to build up this county. He was never sick a day in his life, nor did he take a dose of medicine. He believed the human system to be anti-drug, and his life confirms the theory. He had faith in and pacticed hygienic prin¬ ciples in feed, exercise, clothing and bathing. He certainly had but little pain at the moment of his death. Prior to his demise he was as well as usual, and noticed to be so until breath left him, apparently without a struggle or pain. One example, this is, that by right living death has no terror.

" He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." Rev. xxi: 7. This worthy pioneer was a faith¬ ful member of the Church of Christ or Disciples and bore the cross to his death. In politics he was an old line Whig, but after the war (1865) his affiliation was with the Republican party. He was strictly a temperance man but charitable in his views. He was not a member of any secret society. In his early life he enjoyed hunting with his old flint-lock rifle. Jerry Shores lives on the old place in section 23. George Hoffman came here in 1838 and entered and improved land in section 25. He was bora in 1808 and is now farming on his place.

Walker, one of the most charitable and purely liberal-hearted men ever given to hospitality came here in 1830 and improved three farms and died on his last plat in section 35 near the Walker school house. It is said that he was liked by everybody, and that his hospitality was unbounded and he was liberal to a fault. In faith he was a consistent member of the Baptist church at Liberty. In politics he was a Whig, but finally became a Dem¬ ocrat. In brief it may be truly said of him that he was a kind and a good man. He moved to Lafayette county in 1825. On his way a child was born to his wife in the wagon; he camped the following night near the cottage of a kind-hearted old bachelor, Mr. Jobe. The bachelor, who was ready to sacrifice his comforts and pleasures for the good of others* gave up his cabin to Mr. Walker and family, till they were ready to move on. When Mr. Walker had loaded up his wagon and vacated the bach¬ elor's tenement, he and Mrs. Walker returned to him their heartfelt thanks for his kindness and hospitality, to which he replied, " Not at all, I feel I've only done my duty. I'm alone in the world and as happy as can be, but I am always glad to help good people, and would give half I have to meet often pleasant people as you are." Before the wagon rolled away the kind bachelor threw a bag of corn meal into their wagon to last them on their route. The child born was a daughter and named for the bachelor, Malinda Jobe; she is now the devoted wife of Hon. Wm. L. Hornbuckle, probate judge, now living in Warrensburg. It is said in further proof of the charitable interest the bachelor Jobe felt in the welfare of his namesake that he would send the little girl dresses and presents frequently. Let it not be said that bachelors are always selfish and penurious. Joel Walker died in 1875 and his ashes rest in old Liberty cemetery.

Wm. Brandon came here from Tennessee, in 1840, and settled on the place where he now resides. He was born in 1819, of German extraction. In faith, he belongs to the C. P. church and does not affiliate with secret societies. Judge Harvey Harrison settled here near the head of Walnut, March 21, 1831. At first he camped in company with Gideon Harrison. He commenced life quite poor. The Judge resides now in Warrensburg and has yet in his possession a large kettle that he split 1,000 rails for. The kettle has been in use by himself and neighbors for several years. His wife has a white and beautiful counterpane that she made with her own hands. The Judge states that he used to haul meal on an ox sled to Lexington. Hon. Macklin White resided here and was the first county representative. He was elected by the Democrats. Joe Waddell, a Mex¬ ican soldier resides in the northern part of the township.

We get the following contribution of important facts from Judge Wm. McMahan: "The early settlers of Hazel Hill township are: R. Hunts¬ man came here in 1830, from Virginia - deceased ; Joseph Harrison came here in 1832, from Alabama -deceased- Joseph Hobson came here in

1832, from Tennessee - deceased; George McMahan came here in 1S32 from Alabama; Wm. Adams came from North Carolina, and settled here in 1832 - deceased; Jesse Harrison settled here in 1832 from Alabama - deceased ; Judge Wm. Trapp came herefrom Tennessee in 1832 - deceased; Judge Robert Graham came here from Virginia in 1831: - deceased; Jacob Parman came here at an early day from Tennessee - deceased; Henrv Brooks came here from Indiana in 1834: - deceased; John T. Markham came here in 1835 from Kentucky - deceased; John Shackleford came here in 1835 from Kentucky - deceased; Leroy Barton came here from Kentucky in 1834. It would be impossible for me, with the time I have at my command, to do justice to the characters of those old pioneers. Suffice it to say, that they were the best citizens that I ever associated with for honesty of purpose, pure friendship and unrestricted hospitality, rendering a strict obedience to all the demands of the law, all of them believers in Christianity, and had an abiding faith in Gen. Andrew Jackson as a great political leader."

Richard and John Huntsman came here in 1829. Wm. McMahan and Samuel Cornett came here about 1831. Elijah Young, an terprising fruit¬ grower came in 1836. He is a member of the Christian church, and a quiet citizen, still living and enjoying the labors of his hands. Reason Offiiit came here about 1842; Jackson White in 1840; Wm. Lemon, Andrew, Thomas, Robert and Wm. Matthews, and Adkin Powell, came here in 1842; G. W., J. P., and A. J. Redford, in 1843.

Perhaps the old settlers' list is not complete, and the data of settle¬ ment in every case exact, yet the sketcher has given the most authentic record that could be made from the material accessible. This is one of the oldest settled townships. The township was created by an order of court, June 1(7, 1856, but in 1875 a portion of the eastern territory was added to Simpson to form that township from Grover. The township contains thirty-six square miles.

The following is a list of the township officers, as near as could be pro¬ cured: S. A. McElvain, officer of registration in 1866; Haver Harrison served twelve years as justice of the peace; James Borthick served as a justice of the peace.

At an election held here October 27, 1866, when the township included part of Simpson, one hundred and thirty-eight persons voted. Eleven of these were rejected as disloyal after taking the oath. Seventeen could not write their names, but made their mark.

The roads of the township are not as good as they might be made. The best road was the one from Warrensburg through Fayettville, at an early day. There are a few bridges. On account of the many depres¬ sions, ravines and hillsides, the roads along the creeks are invariably dan-

Fayetteville - (Hazel Hill). - The town was named for Lafayette Col¬ lins, who was brought up here. The name Lafayette is contracted to Fayette and ville is annexed, making Fayetteville, the name of the vil lage. Lafayette Collins was a prominent merchant here for several years, removed to Warrensburg and subsequently, Sherman, Texas, where he died in 1877. John Huntsman entered and purchased from the United States government, September 27, 1845, the forty acres where the village now stands.

Ben. E. Lemon kept the first store here. Others did business here, and among them are Lafayette Collins, A. B. Harrison, Jno. Huntsman, Wm. Gouch, Geo. T. Herndon and A. J. Redford. At present there is but little attraction and business in the village. A public school building, odd fellows and Masonic hall and two church buildings, constitute the public buildings. The following persons are doing business here :

Postoffice. - The first postoffice was kept at the residence of James Borthick, who was the first postmaster. This was long before the town of Lafayette was laid out. The name of the office was "Air," so called for brevity and the great enjoyment and love the pioneers had for the atmosphere around them. In the course of time the office was changed to the new village of Fayetteville, where it took the name "Fayetteville" and has borne it ever since, notwithstanding the popularity of the nick¬ name, Hazel Hill, applied to the town. The first postmaster in the town was Ben. E. Lemon, wrho held the office till the war broke out in 1861, when he resigned. He received his commission from Franklin Pierce, then president of the United States. He was followed by A. B. Harrison, Wm. Gouch, jno. Ham, M. Seamonds, A. J. Morgan, Geo. Matthews, and Wesley Oats.

The Fayetteville Lodge, No. 264, A. F. and A. M., have been organ¬ ized here for some time. Ben. E. Lemon was the first secretary. The present officers are: W. H. H. Brown, W. M. ; Wm. P. Greenlee, secre¬ tary. The I. O. O. F. have a lodge here. The Sons of Temperance kept up a good lodge here for several years. The I. O. G. T. prospered here for a while after the war.

The church buildings of the township cannot be said to be fine super¬ structures, but the piety and devotion of the religious people are not sur¬ passed by other townships. To the Christian work we owe much of the moral element we find in society. It is said, " Christ's curative results will bear the scrutiny of his most intelligent and inveterate enemies." Wherever religion pervades the soul and Christ's spirit enters the heart of man, there we see moral influence. The power of the gospel to cure men of sin and set them free to commune with God has been experienced in all ages. From small beginnings, sin is like leprosy, incurable, loath¬ some, contagious, hereditary, painful, all-pervading, and nothing short of the power of Christ has ever cured the malady of sin. The churches first organized and the early ministers did a noble work for humanity. Their worship was plain but in reverence due to the Lord their Master. They fully realized " The glorious gospel of the blessed God." - 1 Tim. I; 11.

Some of the early preachers of this vicinity were Joseph White, P. Roth, and Amos Horn. The latter was first a C. P. exhorter, but left that church and united with the Baptists. Bethel Baptist church stood on B. S. West's land in section 7. The building was a frame, put up in 1852 and stood till the war of 1861. The organization was effected by Jos. White. On account of the local dissentions the organization dis¬ banded. The old graveyard is one-half mile west of this church.

Mount Moriah Church , Cumberland Presbyterian, was organized and a neat building put up soon after the close of the war. The frame build¬ ing cost $700. It is in a beautiful grove in section 21. Some of the original members are Wm. Stockton, Wm. McMahan, and Wm. Brandon and families. The pastors are S. H. McElvain and J. Cal. Littrell. The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition. David Ross is superintendent. Judge Wm. McMahan, president of the Sunday school convention of the township, is a member of this school. He held a very successful conven¬ tion at this church and had a picnic in the grove, Saturday August 27, 1881.

Christian Church at Fayetteville was organized about 1842. A frame building was erected in 1846 and dedicated by Eld. Hiram Bledsoe. The house cost about $1,300. The following is a list of the pastors: Hiram Bledsoe, Jas. Randall, D. M. Grandfield, Geo. W. Longan, Wm. Jarrott, G. R. Hand, Wm. Roe, C. A. Hedrick, and Sam'l M. McDaniel. The church was reorganized in 1876, by Eld. Wm. Jarrott, with the following members: Wm. Trapp, Jno. Trapp, Jesse Trapp, M. Trapp, Thos. Col¬ lins, Elijah Young, Jno. Seigfield, Hiram Kelso, Wm. Jones, Wm. Lem¬ on, Sam'l Guinslead, Noah Dyer. The present membership is thirty. The average membership in the Sunday school is fifteen. The present superintendent is Theodore Hyatt, and secretary, Miss Mollie Fields.

Liberty Baptist Church is the first in the township, and among the first of the county. It was organized May, 1836, with ten members, and a log-house was erected in section 24, on the Warrensburg and Lexington road, near Liberty cemetery, and where the Liberty school house stands. Revs. Avery White and Joseph Warder, Sr., organized the church. The old church was built of hewed logs and had puncheon floor and slab seats, and contained two stoves. Amos Horn, Martin and Jonathan Gott were some of the first preachers. Some of the original members were: John Thornton and wife, Wm. Thornton and wife, Joshua Adams and wife, Leroy Barton and wife, Tarleton Oglesby and wife, Joel Walker and wife. The house decayed, and the organization was changed to Fayetteville, where it has since met. A frame building was erected in 1877 at a cost of about $1,000. The house contains a pulpit and is well seated and furnished. Names of pastors: David M. Johnson, M. Pelly, K. H. Harris, A. Barton. Rev. Jas H. Carmichael is the present pastor. Other old members of this organization are: J. W. White, J. Warder, Wm. Simpson, V. Schilling, Sarah Walker, Richard Huntsman, Mary, Nancy, and H. Huntsman, Wm. M. Hawker, and Cynthia Walker. The present membership is sixty-five. The average number attending Sunday school is twenty-five. The present superintendent is W. L. Gott, and the secretary is William Talbert. The present pastor is a zealous worker for the cause of Christ, and will do much to build up the organi¬ zation in Fayetteville.

The school houses of the early settlers were widely different from the neat little frame school houses that are now found over the township. The hardy pioneer understood the influence of education. In those days parental training gave sure culture to the child. Every house was indeed a school, a nursery that was pruned and trained to bear fruit of practical worth. The early education the child received from the pious mother, before it was old enough to enter the school-room, completely fortified the tender minds against the contagious vices of the growing world. The old log school houses have passed away, and belong to a past generation. They were the tenements in which our fathers and mothers received their education and enjoyed the pleasant days of their lives, and we doubt whether now, with all the improved appliances of the age, there is a bit more enjoyment, and obedient children and attentive pupils than in the days of the log school house.

Some of the early teachers who loved the noblest profession outside of the ministry of Christ were: Judge Robert Graham, James Borthick, Judge William L. Hornbuckle, Henry Tarpley, William W. Sparks, John G. Gibbons, Jesse Trapp, and A. Marrs. Some of the pioneer school houses are yet remembered. The old McMahan log school house was built in 1853, and stood till the summer of 1859, when a neat frame build¬ ing took the place at a cost of $500. It was only used about two years, when it was set on fire by an incendiary during the early days of the war. The district went without a house till after the war. An old log school house named Hazel Hill, stood near the present town of Fayette¬ ville. Here Alexander Marrs taught for several years. In this vicinity James Borthick taught a few terms at his own house. In those days the school furniture and books were scant. A slate, arithmetic, reader, and a swamp dog-wood rod about four feet long were all the furniture of those days.

"The school funds of township 47, range 26, are $1,216.80. An abstract of reports made by the trustees of Benton school district, in town¬ ship 47, range 26, as follows, to-wit: There are 56 children, between 6 and 18 years of age, 16 of which are writing, 8 in arithmetic, 11 spelling and reading; and have employed James Borthick as teacher, who teaches spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, and English grammar."

"Abstract of reports made by the trustees of Pettis school district, in township 47, range 26, as follows: There are 33 children, between 6 and 18 years of age, going to school. Spelling and reading; and that we have employed Abraham Bradley as teacher, for the sum of $100 for six months, who proposes to teach spelling, writing, and arithmetic."

The reader will, no doubt, read with interest the reports of the pioneer schools, in contrast with those of his day. The rapid stride that educa¬ tion has made is wonderful. The teacher of that time should be honored for his noble calling, but not too severely criticised.

Hazel Hill old school, which stood, in 1858, near the village of Fayette¬ ville, on Thomas Matthews' farm, has been supplanted by the present frame school-building in Fayetteville. The following teachers have taught here: Mr. Tomblin, Mr. Edwards, A. J. Trapp, Jesse Trapp, Samuel H. McElvain, A. B. Logan, John Randall, C. F. Greenlee, F. E. Meigs, Mr. Babbitt, Mrs. Bedicheck, Miss Maggie Lamar, Miss Sallie Young, G. H. Sack, A. C. Jones, WilliamRowe, Henry Gott, Miss Mattie Brinkerhoff, Miss Jennie Lamar, Miss Jennie Gott, and Mattie Meigs.

Liberty School, No. 62, is situated near the old Liberty Church yard, and close to the cemetery. It is a neat frame building, put up in 1867, and cost $720. The following teachers have been employed: Joseph Conner, J. Harrison, Lizzie McCluney, Mr. Day, Miss Kate Lamar, I. M. Harrison, J. Johnson, Miss Jennie Adams, Dora Foster, Miss Josie Hart, William Talbott, Miss Jennie Gott, and Miss Bertha M. Brandon.

Walker School, so named from the residence of Joel Walker. It is No. 61, built in .1867. It is a small frame building, cost $750. Teachers: George Brinkerhoff, Miss Maggie Nelson, Mr. Wimer, J. Crawford, Ed

Neff School, named for a respected citizen living in the place where the old house stood. At the present, the school-building is quite insufficient for the purpose. It has lately been removed near Mr. George Hoffman's. Teachers: Lot Coffman, Miss Nannie S. Dalton, three terms; Miss Maggie S. Lamar, Miss Melissa Taylor, Miss Sarah Ashby, Miss Lina Barkley, Rev. Barnett, W. Payne, Mr. Whitmer, Mr. Motsinger, Rev. Woodard, Samuel Moore, David Bradley, Amos Horn, John M. Cristy, Mr. Shields, and James Crutchfield.

Salem School is in the northwest part of the township. It is a neat frame building, No. 27. Teachers: E. H. Miller, Miss Maggie Humphrey, Geo. Brinkerhoff, Andrew J. Trapp, S. H. McElvain, Miss Mollie Hendricson, Will McElvain, Miss Ella Redford, Miss Sallie Cook, John A. Moore, A. Vanausdol, Dean Redford, Jason M. McElvain, Miss Josie Smith.

Mt. Moriah or McMahan School, as it is sometimes called. This is a neat little school-building near the residence of Judge Wm. McMahan. For 1880-1, Mr. T. E. Williams was teacher. The following we clip from a correspondent of one of the county papers:

The Mount Moriah closed last Friday (17th). It was taught by T. E. Wil¬ liams, and was his second term. The school was a success. The last day was eharacterized by oral examinations. At noon, a picnic dinner was partaken of, which was partaken of by the patrons of the school. The afternoon was devoted to select reading, declamations, and dialogues.

The Spillman School is in the southeast part of the township. It is a neat little frame building. In 1880, Miss Frankie Miller taught the school. At the close of her school, in June of that year, she gave a public dinner, interspersed with fine music. Prof. J. F. Starr, of the Warrensburg public schools, and A. J. Sparks, made short and appropriate addresses to the school.

We see how the schools have advanced from 1838, when there were but two districts. Benton in the north, and Pettis in the south. Besides the Sunday-schools at the churches there are two at the school houses - Walker Sunday-school, James M. Myers, superintendent; Salem Sundayschool, T. E. Coleman, superintendent.

The cemeteries of the township will be briefly noticed here. The pio¬ neers often buried their relatives on their own farms and this accounts for the scattering graveyards.

Liberty cemetery is in section 24, on the Warrensburg and Fayetteville road and has been a burying place for many years. The Liberty school house stands close by on the south.

Hobson cemetery is in the southeast corner of section 15. Mrs. Eliza beth Brooks was the first person interred. Now there are upwards of one hundred graves here.

Mount Moriah cemetery is in section 28. Mrs. P. V. Spring was the first one buried here; now there are fifty or more graves. The land belongs to Judge Wm. McMahan.

The agricultural interests of the township have always been good. The soil is fertile and produces the leading staples of grain - corn and wheat - with good yield. Timothy, blue-grass, and clover do well here. Wm. McMahan is a successful farmer. H. H. Russell is breeder and raiser of fine thoroughbred swine. He took three sweep-stake premiums on Poland Chica swine, at Higginsville, Lafayette county Fair, Aug. 28, 1881. In the year 1877, he commenced on a small scale, but since then his business has increased steadily each year. He has imported thoroughbred hogs ever}r year since. His honest dealing with the public has so increased his business and popularity, that at present he cannot supply the demand.

The Huntsman Favorite apple originated here on the old Huntsman farm about one mile west of Fayetteville in 1835. The following incident is related in regard to getting the scions: "At that time the old settlers often went to Lexington to mill, and would stop at nurseries and orchards in Lafayette county and dig up seedling sprouts to plant. The following old settlers went to the Sni country, on Sni creek to get young apple trees: Richard Huntsman, Joseph Hobson, Wm. Trapp, Robt. Graham, James Borthick, George McMahan, and Wm. McMahan. The distance was about forty-five miles away. They returned with a large lot of scions and from the bunch of sprouts put out by Richard Huntsman came the Huntsman Faforite apple, so highly prized in our orchards of to-day. Uncle Joe Harrison, as he was called, said he was too old to plant trees, when invited to go to John Ingram's nursery, in the Sni Hills, for trees. Many of these men lived to enjoy the "fruit" of their labors, and Uncle Joe Harrison outlived the greater part of tbem and to eat apples from Judge Wm. McMahan's orchard, which grew from the scions of the "old famous Huntsman tree" in Richard Huntsman's orchard.

The vigilance committee of the county had its first branch in this town¬ ship in 1866. At that time the condition of the county got to such a pitch that the citizens took the law into their own hands and held it so till they had rid the county of marauders and thieves who had grown to be an eating cancer in almost every community by the demoralizing effects of the war which closed the spring of 1865. Several of these rascals were swung by the vigilence committee to the first limb they met. More than six hundred citizens are said to have been engaged in the vigilance com¬ mittee. They went irrespective of party or past affiliation and helped to restore the county to peace and good order. After restoring peace and quiet to the county they gave the law back to the civil authorities and disbanded and no one knows to this day who they are, except their own members. In this township Dick Sanders was lynched and hung for being the leader in the Sweitzer tragedy. Sweitzer, a German emigrant was stopping with his family on the old Joel Walker farm where Judge Ames now lives. One night three men rode up and demanded of the old man his money. The old man resented and they killed him and took his money, but lost it near by in getting away. These villains turned out to be neighbors, and when one was lynched and hung the others fled the country. Mrs. Sweitzer and family went back east. Wm. Cleveland came here in 1852 from Kentucky, and is engaged largely in farming and stock-raising. He is a member of the Christian church. Judges W. B. Ames and Wm. McMahan have the best selection of books. We get the following from Bedford Brown, Esq.: " At an early day when we were settling the deer was as plentiful as the sheep of to-day. Once I wounded a deer and the dog caught him. The dog and I fought the buck. The deer fought too well and I took to my heels and the old buck following, but just as he was ready to plunge his horns into me and strike with his feet, the dog caught him by the nose and saved my life. I once killed three very large bucks without getting out of my tracks." Rube Field, the mathematical prodigy and most noted illiterate character in the town¬ ship, was born in 1851, April 17th, Bath county Kentucky. His father, Skidmore, was a native of Kentucky, and a prominent man of limited edu¬ cation. His mother was also a native of the same state and a woman of fair education. Rube never went to school a day in his life and cannot read or write. He came to Johnson county when 17 years of age. He is a medium sized man of a sluggish temperment. He is a perfect fool on everything except mathematics. He is a never failing time piece. He can tell the exact time at any hour. He claims it to be a peculiar gift. He is passionate, suspicious, and does not mingle with the people. Up to 1880, he drank, occasionally, alcoholic liquors to excess. As all math¬ ematicians, he wears an " awful" ugly brow, but otherwise his physiog¬ nomy is quite obtuse.