Pettis County, Missouri - Chapter 30: Sedalia of Today, 1919

We have traced Sedalia from the time of filing of the plat of Sedville to the present day. We shall treat past history as such and take up a beautiful city as it exists in December, 1918.

This city has made good and stands today, as in past years, "Four square to every wind that blows." Situate midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, surrounded by a beautiful rolling, prairie country, as fertile and productive as any in Missouri, the division point of two great west¬ ern railroads, with rock roads leading in from every direction, telegraphic and telephonic communication with the greater cities of the nation ; with railroad shops, factories, schools, churches and every other advantage of advanced civilization, the city stands today, true to its name, "The Queen City of the Prairies."

Its progress, since the coming of the new Missouri Pacific shops, has been remarkable in the extreme and has exceeded the fondest expecta¬ tion of the most hopeful citizen within its boundaries. Sedalia's success, like any other municipality, while materially advanced by its geographical location, is a flourishing city because of the people who live in it. No city in the West has, for its citizenship, a more determined or thrifty people. And, they are progressive. Within their own town many of them make considerable noise and a few mistakes ; but when an undertaking is planned or an objective laid out all of this is forgotten, and most generally for¬ given, the expectancy accomplished and realized to the fullest. Occasion¬ ally some of the inhabitants move away to better their conditions. Many of them return and those who remain away have kind words for Sedalia. They come back "Home" on a visit and after a few years generally come "Home" to stay and after all convince you that they regret having left. It is exceptional that any are sent away. The majority are properly trained while here and seem to appreciate their opportunities, and, when once they become converted, they make good disciples.

Sedalia people are hospitable. They are considerate and generous. They are conservative in their undertakings and, as a whole, are proud of the achievements of their city. The people, too, are educated, refined and well-bred.

The present population is about 25,000 and no city of that number of inhabitants has more advantages than will be found in Sedalia. The term "advantages," as applied to a city, may mean many things ; but in this instance it means to live among cultured people, with good health conditions, modern conveniences, a chance to make money and be re¬ spected - and the right to be contented if one's disposition will permit of such state of mind. More than this could not well be expected of a community, possibly less often found than expected, and when found, usually disappointing.

Speaker Champ Clark, when he goes out over Missouri in a Democratic campaign, attributes much of the success and greatness of the people of Pike County to the fact that they have good water to drink. The same is true, to some extent, here in Sedalia.

Sedalia's public utilities would do credit to a city of 50,000 people. Hhe City Water Company is a complete system and furnishes the city with an adequate supply of pure water. For many years the inhabitants have enjoyed this blessing and neither epidemic nor disease has been traced to the water supply which reaches the majority of homes and enterprises in the city. The plant is located just south and a little east of the city on Flat Creek. Work on this plant and improvements began in 1871 and improvements have been made as necessity required up to the present day. The water is pumped into a large reservoir from Flat Creek, filtered and purified and then pumped into the mains for consumption. The company uses scientific methods and the latest improved equipment in treating the water before pumping it into their mains. The supply of water comes from Flat Creek, from many deep wells, near the pumping station, from the reservoir there and in emergencies created by long dry spells, from their Lake Tebo in section 7, Flat Creek township. The company has

Four of the public utilities of the city of Sedalia, namely: gas, ice, street railway and electric light and power, are operated by and under the .name of City Light and Traction Company, various disconnected holdings and franchises dating back to the year 1868, having been ac¬ quired and consolidated by this company under the laws of the State of Missouri in the year 1912.

The City Light and Ti'action Company of Sedalia, Missouri, is one of some two hundred public utility properties scattered over the greater part of the United States and to some extent in Canada and South America, the entire group constituting the Cities Service Company, con¬ trolled and operated by the Henry L. Doherty & Company interests, of 60 Wall street, New York City. The holdings of the City Light and Trac¬ tion Company covering the four utilities operated in the city represent a value of nearly $3,000,000. The commercial department of the company is in charge of W. B. Malone and the railway department is under the personal supervision of A. W. Richardson. The company employs from seventy to 100 men and women, directly in charge of the above-named officials, in the operation of the various departments.

The city gas plant, street railway and electric light plant owned by the Doherty interests, as before stated, are in better condition today than at any time since their establishment in the city. Sedalia was first lighted by gas on the 23rd day of January, 1868, with gas made chiefly from kerosene. The plant was improved again in 1872, in 1881 and since as improvement was demanded by the citizens of Sedalia. The present works are located north of the Missouri Pacific railroad tracks and west of the depot. Gas is made here under improved, scientific condi¬ tions and an adequate supply for illumination and commercial purposes is always available. The gas company has thirty miles of mains and 1,900 connections in the city.

In 1876 a charter was granted to the Street Railway Company. This charter, owing to the inactivity of those to whom it was granted, expired in 1881. In 1881 the right of way over all the streets and a new charter was granted to a new company. It consisted of Joseph D. Sicher, Frank E. Sicher, A. D. Jaynes and R. T. Gentry. This company showed by their actions that they meant to build a road. In the fall of 1881 the first section of the road was completed, being built on Third street westward to Sicher's Park, a distance of three-quarters of a mile. The first regu¬ lar passenger traffic was done over it during fair week in the early part of September, 1881. By the 1st day of March, 1882, the other section of the road from Ohio street eastward to Engineer street was completed and cars running. The whole length of the road on Third street was two miles. This utility is now designated as the Street Railway of the City Light and Traction Company. Its roadbed extends from Liberty Park east on Third street and Broadway to the Missouri Pacific shops, south on Ohio avenue from Main to Sixteenth street, and thence west and south to the State Fair Grounds, looping back past the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway shops. Another track is laid, branching off of the last-named line at Ohio avenue and running east on Thirteenth street through East Sedalia, terminating at Fifteenth street and Brown avenue. The cars operated over this track are of the latest design, are steel and equipped with air brakes, heated with electricity and arranged so that they are efficiently operated by one man. The Traction Com¬ pany has eight and a quarter miles of track and maintains a schedule of from ten to twenty minutes over their lines. Their rolling stock and equipment is new and up to date and a town of 25,000 inhabitants is fortunate indeed with such service as is rendered here.

The electric power plant is located at intersection of Broadway and Missouri, Kansas & Texas railway tracks in East Sedalia. All the elec¬ tric power for city's commercial and municipal requirements and for operating the street railways of the city is generated at this plant. Many of the large manufacturing industries of the city are driven by electric power generated and transmitted from this plant.

The company at this time is completing the work of installing a new steam turbine of the most modern type at a cost of $50,000, which will practically double the generating capacity of the power plant. The company owns sixty miles of distribution pole lines in the city and serves 3,500 light and power customers.

In addition to the three last above named utilities, the City Light and Traction Company owns and operates an ice plant, which is a credit to most any city much larger than ours.

The Economy Steam Heating Plant was established here several years ago and represents an expenditure in buildings, machinery and equip¬ ment of $285,000. This company heats, with steam, the business section of the city and many private homes of citizens. It has seven miles of mains and 500 connections. This company is the holding of American District Steam Company of North Tonawanda, New York, and has met the demands of a growing city with promptness and satisfaction. H. A. Woodworth is the resident manager of the company.

In the summer of 1880, T. B. Anderson secured the right to estab¬ lish a telephone exchange in Sedalia. In August, 1880, the first telephone was put into operation. In a short time a sufficient number of persons agreed to take instruments to warrant the proprietor in erecting wires and poles throughout the city. In the year 1881 the Sedalia Telephone Company put up wires throughout the entire city, some of them extending into the suburbs. On May 15, 1882, the franchise of this company was sold to the Missouri Telephone Company.

At the present day Sedalia has two telephone companies, rendering efficient service to their subscribers. They are the Home Telephone Company, formerly known as "Queen City Telephone Company," and the Missouri and Kansas, known as the "Bell Telephone Company."

The Home City Telephone Company, chartered under the laws of Missouri, and with a capital stock of $100,000, w,as granted a franchise by city ordinance February 5, 1900. The terms of the franchise require a cash bonus of $1,500, free telephone service for city purposes, and a yearly payment of two and a half per cent of the gross receipts. The exchange was ready, with 275 stations, for operation April 1, 1901. In connection with the Kinloch Long Distance Company, the Kansas City Home Tele¬ phone Company, the Buffum Telephone Company, the Missouri Union lines, and other systems, the Home Telephone Company forms a con¬ necting link in establishing communications from Topeka and Kansas City to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and the Atlantic sea board. Shields R. Smith is the company's manager.

The Missouri and Kansas "Bell" Telephone Company was estab¬ lished in 1885, at which time Mr. J. H. Baker was the manager, and has been in continuous operation up to the present time. The "Bell" in this city is one of the largest telephone exchanges of central Missouri. H. M. Bryan is district manager of the company.

The Western Union and Postal Telegraph Companies have offices here. Leo Lennartz is manager of the Western Union, and L. E. Schull is manager of the Postal Company. The telephone and telegraph com- Danies, under a war measure passed by the Congress of the United States, are now under Government control.

Liberty Park is one of the beauty spots of Sedalia. It represents a recent expenditure of $60,000, including buildings and improvement of grounds. Convention Hall is a brick building costing about $27,055, and was built when the city voted bonds for beautifying this park in 1911. The floor is maple and makes one of the best dance halls in western Missouri. Dances and social events of all kinds, are held here most every week of the year and as an accommodation for conventions this building has few equals in Missouri outside of the larger cities. The park is the people's place of recreation and enjoyment. In the northeast corner is a beautiful lake suitable for boating and fish are plentiful in its waters. The grounds just east of Convention Hall is adorned by magnificent shade trees and statuary and an artistic bridge crosses the narrow point of the lake to the island. West of Convention Hall is the swim¬ ming pool and the baseball pavilion, or grandstand, ]which compares favorably with those of some of the larger cities of Missouri. The park is under control and management of a park board, appointed by the city council. The following gentlemen constitute the present board: F. F. Combs, A. D. Stanley and Clyde M. Brown. This park was originally Sicher's Park. The grounds belonged to the Fair Association until 1880, when they were purchased by Frank E. and Joseph D. Sicher. The pres¬ ent grounds contain sixty acres. During October and November, 1918, Convention Hall was used by the Red Cross as a hospital for the care of Spanish influenza patients. This dreaded disease during these months swept the country from lakes to Gulf and from coast to coast.

The Citizen's National Bank is the largest and the oldest doing busi¬ ness in the city today. It was organized May 1, 1872. The first board of directors was composed of the following gentlemen: Clifton Wood, John J. Yeater, C. M. A. Chaney, William G. Moore, John W. Houx, William Hoberecht, Elias Bixby, George G. Vest, William P. Paff, William H. Powell, W. T. Hutchison, N. N. Parberry, W. C. Gibson. Clifton Wood was the bank's first president and Adam Ittel its first cashier. This bank is one of the "Honor Banks" of the National Banks of the nation, which means that its surplus and profits equal its capital. The following statement shows the bank in splendid condition:

The Third National Bank was organized in 1882. The late Albert Parker was the first president; J. N. Dalby, vice-president; R. H. Moses, cashier. The original board of directors was composed of the following gentlemen: James Glass, J. N. Dalby, Henry Mahnken, J. H. Mertz, Herman Kahrs, George J. Lesure, Morris Harter, C. E. Messerly, Albert Parker, John Montgomery, Sr., S. C. Gold, Charles W. McAninch, Cyrus W. Brown, R. H. Moses and A. P. Morey. H. W. Harris is president and E. H. Harris, Jr., is the bank's cashier. The following statement shows the institution's progress at the close of business November 1, 1918: Resources - Loans and discounts, $900,016.71 ; overdrafts, $437.83 ; United States Bonds and Certificates at par, $307,100 ; Stocks and bonds, $6,750 ; Stock in Federal Reserve Bank, $4,200 ; banking house, furniture and fixtures, $31,000 ; real estate, $8,427.12 ; cash and sight exchange, $298,915.57 ; Five Per Cent Redemption Fund, $5,000; United States War Savings Certificates, $1,470.30; total, $1,563,317.53. Liabilities - Capital stock, $100,000 ; circulation, $100,000 ; surplus and undivided profits, $91,699.14 ; deposits, $1,271,618.39; total, $1,563,317.53. The following gentlemen constitute the present officers and board of directors : H. W. Harris, presi¬ dent; C. W. McAninch, vice-president; E. H. Harris, Jr., cashier; Rex A. Wright, assistant cashier; H. W. Harris, James T. Montgomery, C. W. McAninch, W. M. Harris, E. H. Harris, Jr., J. S. Brenneman, Charles McEniry and R. A. Wright, directors.

The Sedalia National Bank was established June 2, 1890. Its first president was C. Hye, a pioneer merchant, with the late O. A. Crandall, vice-president; Frank Shultz, cashier, and John McGinley, teller. The original directors were C. Hye, O. A. Crandall, H. Lamm, John McGinley, J. W. Murphy, Frank Shultz, Martin Renkin, Dr. D. F. Brown, H. G. Clark, George W. Crawford, H. W. Meuschke, Dr. W. H. Evans and C. E. Musick. February 11, 1895, E. R. Blair was elected president to suc¬ ceed Mr. Hye. The bank's report under date of December 31, 1918, shows a surplus fund of $20,000; undivided profits of $6,421.55, and

The official statement of the financial condition of the Sedalia Trust Company at the close of business on the 14th day of November, 1918: Resources - Loans undoubtedly good on personal and collateral security, $275,069.37; loans undoubtedly good on real estate security, $76,266.66; overdrafts by solvent customers, none; bonds and stocks at present value, $96,832.13; real estate (company's office building) at present value, $30,000 ; other real estate at its present value, none ; safety deposit vaults, furniture and fixtures, $6,000 ; due from other trust companies and banks, good on sight draft, $78,633.35; cash on hand (currency, gold, silver and other coin), $9,155.06; special tax bills, $21,908.88; all other resources, $883.77. Total, $594,749.22. Liabilities - Capital stock paid in, $100,000; surplus, $19,300 ; undivided profits, less current expenses and taxes paid, $8,725.91; deposits subject to draft at sight by trust companies, banks and bankers, $13,000; deposits subject to draft at sight by individuals and others, including demand certificates of deposit, $139,348.89 ; time certificates of deposit, $3,137.95; savings deposits, $309,012.18; treasurer's checks outstanding, $799.04 ; reserve for taxes, $1,425.25. Total, $594,749.22.

The American Exchange Bank was organized and opened for busi¬ ness on May 6, 1911, with its present board of directors and officers as follows: W. S. Sneed, president; E. M. Stafford, first vice-president; E. W. Shultz, second vice-president; W. W. Barrett, cashier; E. R. Barrett, as¬ sistant cashier; E. L. Kuepper and Green McFarland, directors. The following statement shows the bank in good condition at the close of business November 14, 1918: Resources - Loans and discounts, $601,- 456.52; bonds and War Savings Stamps, $200,983.28; overdrafts, $395.17;

The Union Savings Bank was organized June 25, 1913, and was opened for business July 21, of that year. This bank had a capital stock of $10,000 on beginning and when they moved into their new building, Fifth and Engineer streets, they increased it to $12,000. The original board of directors was composed of M. S. Ehlers, A. J. White, Fred Gehlken, Dr. William Wheeler, Sam B. McVey and S. M. Williams, the latter being the first and present president of the institution. The present board of directors is the same as the original one, except that M. E. Ehlers, the first cashier, has sold his interest in the bank to the present cashier, R. P. Asbury, who took his place on the board. The official statement of the financial condition at the close of business on the 14th day of November, 1918: Resources - Loans and discounts, undoubtedly good on personal or collateral, $24,166.40 ; loans, real estate, $26,750 ; overdrafts, $20.35; bonds and stocks (certificate of indebtedness), $26,500; real estate (banking house), $9,150; furniture and fixtures, $1,500; due from other banks and bankers, subject to check, $50,437.15; cash items, $818.58; currency, $1,554; specie, $469.10; savings stamps, $1,073.84. Total, $142,439.42. Liabilities - Capital stock paid in, $12,500; surplus fund, $6,000; undivided profits, net, $1,732.78; due to banks and bankers, sub¬ ject to check, $2,250; individual deposits, subject to check, $85,139.74; time certificates of deposit, $10,565 ; savings deposits, $22,212.80 ; cashier's checks, $2,038.10. Total, $142,439.42.

The Sedalia Savings and Loan Association was organized June 24, 1913, and opened its doors for business July 1, 1913. The following state¬ ment shows a successful conduct of the business, September 15, 1918: Resources - Cash on hand, $9,573.57 ; loans on real estate and stock security, $56,295; delinquent interest, $178.15. Total, $66,046.72. Liabilities - In¬ stallment stock (due, no deduction) , $46,964.84 ; full paid stock, $9,200 ; profits distributed and credited, $7,161.18 ; undivided profits, $2,509.90 ; contingent fund, $210.80. Total, $66,046.72. Ira Melton is president and P. G. Stafford is secretary of the association. This association has two most commendable features. A member who has become in arrears is not penalized and one desiring to withdraw can deposit his stock and do so in thirty days without penalty.

The Pettis County court house was built in 1884 and is one of the ornaments of Sedalia. It cost $100,000, for which amount bonds was issued. The last of these bonds was liquidated several years ago. The building is in the American Renaissance - a style of architecture peculiar to public edifices in this country. It and the magnificent grounds by which it is surrounded on four sides, including wide granitoid sidewalks, occupy a full square. The interior is finished and furnished elegantly.

One of Sedalia's chief ornaments and most useful institutions is her public library - Carnegie's $50,000 gift. The building, surrounded by a beautiful lawn, is modern and magnificent in every detail and is freely admitted to be the largest and best equipped of any of the Carnegie li¬ braries. The following constitute the present board of directors, or board of officers: C. M. Harrison, president; C. E. Messerly, A. L. Pringle, Maj. George H. Scruton, Lee Montgomery, Harvey D. Dow, Mrs. W. S. Steele, Mrs. Charles H. Bard, Mrs. J. S. Brennamann.

As another notable evidence of the high regard in which Sedalia is held by railroad officials, is the fact that the Missouri, Kansas & Texas has chosen this city as the location for its general hospital, established here for years. This hospital is on East Broadway in a magnificent build¬ ing surrounded by stately trees. This institution is maintained by an assessment from all employes in ratio to their wages. t

St. Mary's Hospital is a private institution operated by the Sisters of Charity of The Incarnate Word. Mother M. Presentation is the Mother Superior and is in charge of the hospital. Besides the Mother Superior, there are twelve Sisters, assistants. The building is a beautiful brick, located at Broadway and Ohio avenues. This institution was originally the Maywood Hospital, the Sisters purchasing from the Maywood people in 1915. There are sixteen comfortably furnished and equipped rooms together with two operating rooms and one sterilization room.

The new City Hospital occupies a block of ground between Fourteenth and Fifteenth and Thompson and Hancock streets. The new building was built on the old site, the old building having been, a few years ago, destroyed by fire. On June 12, 1917, an election was held in Sedalia for the purpose of voting bonds in the sum of $20,000. The bonds carried by a good majority. The building was completed and occupied by the city on June 13, 1918. It has- eight private rooms, two public wards, five bath rooms, two diet kitchens, one emergency room, one operating and one sterilizing room. The institution is a general city hospital and is under

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Sedalia in the summer of 1868. The Y. M. C. A. building at Fifth and Lamine avenue was built about eight years ago at a cost of about $50,000. It is a large brick building with three stories and basement. On the first floor is a large, well-equipped gymnasium and on the second floor are the track room, assembly hall and ladies' rest rooms. There is a large swimming pool, thirty by fifty in the basement. The main floor con¬ tains the office rooms, lobby, boy's rooms and game rooms. The third floor has twenty-seven nicely furnished dormitory rooms. The organi¬ zation's membership averages about 650. The officers are: Lee Mont¬ gomery, president; L. P. Andrews, vice-president; W. O. Stanley, treas¬ urer; A. M. Hoffman, recording secretary.

The Sedalia Theatre, owned by Jack Truitt, is one of the best theatre buildings in Missouri. The theatre is located on Third and Massachusetts avenue. The building is a three-story brick building with basement and cost $75,000. It is thoroughly equipped and modern in every particular with a stage forty feet deep and sixty feet across, furnishing a stage the second largest in Missouri. Seating capacity is near fifteen hundred. This theater gives employment to thirty-five people.

There are two moving picture theatres in Sedalia at the present time. The Lona, the holdings of Walter J. Brill, located opposite the court house on Ohio avenue, and the Electric, near the Antlers Hotel.

Sedalia has a well-paid fire department with two well-equipped engine houses, one in the eastern and one in the western portion of the city. The men are all thoroughly trained in the service and the discipline is perfect. In the way of apparatus they possess everything needed for an up-to-date department, including an improved engine. W. H. Paul, the chief, is a veteran fireman, and under his direction the work of the depart¬ ment is thorough and efficient..

The Pettis County Independent was published weekly at Georgetown by Bacon Montgomery, and edited by R. H. Montgomery. This paper was established in November, 1857.

and was edited by Dr. Logan Clark and O. A. Crandall during the cam¬ paign. It was Democratic in politics and supported Gen. McClellan for president during the campaign of 1864. It continued under the control of the Lingles until the spring of 1865, when they sold out to Stafford & Magann, who continued it under the name of the Sedalia Times, and later comprising part of the Eagle-Times. Dr. Logan Clark died July 23, 1882. O. A. Crandall died July 6, 1901.

In the spring of 1865, Messrs. P. G. Stafford and James G. Magann took charge of "The Sedalia Advertiser," and changed its name to the Sedalia Weekly Times, which name it retained until the middle of March, 1882, when the Times and the Sedalia Eagle were consolidated. The office was located on the south side of West Main street, between Ken¬ tucky and Osage.

The second newspaper, Democratic in politics, was established in the spring of 1866. It was founded by the same parties who had started the Times, the Lingle Brothers. The paper was called the Independent Press. Dr. Logan Clark was the editor. It was published about nine months, when the office was destroyed by fire November 7, 1866, and from that time the publication of the paper ceased.

The Sedalia Eagle-Times issued its first publication as a daily and weekly newspaper in February, 1882, as a consolidation of the Sedalia Eagle and the Sedalia Times, both Republican newspapers. The Times was established in Sedalia in 1865, by James Magann and P. G. Stafford. It afterwards passed through several hands, and finally, in July, 1881, was purchased by John G. and William A. Sloane, who conducted the paper under the firm name and style of Sloane Bros, until the consolidation. On the 7th day of November, 1881, the first number of the Sedalia Daily Times was issued.

The Sedalia Eagle was founded by Milo Blair, at Boonville, Mo., in the year 1865, and was conducted by him at that place until the summer of 1878, when he removed the paper to Sedalia, and continued its publi¬ cation here until consolidation. In addition to the regular weekly issue the Sunday Morning Eagle was published by the same office.

The Bazoo printing establishment was opened for business on the first day of May, 1868, by J. West Goodwin. It was run as a job office until June 1, 1869, when the weekly Bazoo was issued. The first number of the daily Bazoo, the first daily paper in the city, was issued Septem-

The Sedalia Morning Signal was established by Gen. Bacon Mont¬ gomery, about the 1st of December, 1873. He sold to William H. Mugford. The paper was short-lived.

The Pacific Enterprise was started in Sedalia, by W. P. Baker, dur¬ ing 1863. The paper became defunct in 1864. The Sedalia Times was first issued in Sedalia during March, 1865, by P. G. Stafford and James G. Magann. It was Republican. Hawes & Montgomery subsequently took charge of this paper in about 1868. The politics of the Times not being in harmony with the sentiments of General Montgomery he retired from the paper February 25, 1869. Perry Hawes then became sole proprietor, who subsequently sold out to A. J. and F. A. Sampson. They sold to Rev. Cephas A. Leach, and the paper passed into other hands and was finally consolidated with the Eagle, in the spring of 1882, under the title of Eagle-Times.

In 1866 Lingle & Bro. began the publication of the Independent Press, a twenty-eight column paper, Democratic in politics. The office and materials were destroyed by fire on November 6, 1868.

The Boonville Eagle was established in 1865, by Milo Blair, as an exponent of radicalism and the support of Republican principles, where it continued to be published till in 1878, when it was moved to Sedalia, and named Sedalia Eagle. In the spring of 1882, Mr. Blair was appointed post¬ master at Sedalia, the Eagle was consolidated with the Times, and known as Eagle-Times, published by the "Missouri Printing Company," with the following directors: Milo Blair, John G. Sloan, G. F. Kimball, C. D. Wassell, W. A. Sloan. This paper issued a weekly and a daily edition.

The Adviser, established by Cotton Bros., in 1869, was a real estate paper. The Great Western Real Estate Guide was started by J. M. Byler, in February, 1869, and continued about one year. The Sedalia Republican made its first issue October 12, 1870. It was a liberal Repub¬ lican organ and suspended at the end of the campaign. The Real Estate Guide was issued in January, 1871, and in 1872 its name was changed to Magann's Opinion. The Independent was printed first in April, 1882. It was published but a short while and discontinued. The Ruralist, a weekly farm and stock paper, was published by the Sedalia Printing Company until a few years ago. It was the only paper of its kind in Cen¬ tral Missouri. Its officers were: E. B. Quiesenberry, president; M. V.

The Sedalia Journal was founded, May 25, 1877, by Fred L. Wensel, of Hermann, Missouri. Mr. B. Rauck took possession of the paper the following year, but sold it on the 1st day of April, 1881, to Messrs. August and Charles Schneider. In April, 1882, Charles Schneider sold his inter¬ est to Charles Botz and the paper was conducted under the firm name of Schneider & Botz. Later the paper was published by Mr. Botz and later by Mr. Botz and his five sons. It was one of the most successful papers published in the German language during its days of publication. When the War of the Nations came on Mr. Botz, desiring to show his patriotism, immediately suspended publication of the paper and continued, with his sons, in the stationery and supply business. The fact that Mr. Botz gave up his paper shows that he was able, ready and willing to make any sacrifice that this nation might accomplish its full expectation and win the war.

The Sedalia Evening Sentinel began publication in 1884. This paper had an excellent circulation and published both a daily and a weekly paper. In its palmiest days in Sedalia C. F. Kibby was president; George H. Scruton, present editor of the Sedalia Democrat, but now on leave where he is serving the United States Government as a major in the United States Army, with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, was its editor; and John E. Tiedman, business manager of the Sentinel Company. W. J. Brill, now advertising editor for the Sedalia Democrat, was the paper's city editor. W. D. Agee, now city editor of the Sedalia Democrat, was one of the members of the repatorial department. The business management in the year 1907 through the influence of the editor, George H. Scruton, and A. D. Stanley, owner of the Democrat, decided to consolidate the two papers, as they were both Democratic in politics, and did make such consolidation, the Democrat Company absorbing the Sentinel.

The leading Democratic paper of Pettis County and central Missouri, is the Sedalia Democrat, established in January, 1868, by the "Democrat Company." The first editor was A. Y. Hull. Mr. John D. Russell was foreman of the office till 1869. His business qualifications soon won for him the place of business manager of the company. In 1871, the Sedalia Daily Democrat was issued with about six hundred subscribers. In 1877, Major John N. Edwards was called and took charge, as editor of this paper, which flourished under his guidance. Without under¬ taking to give a history of all the men who owned or edited the paper it is well to call attention to the management, just prior to the present ownership of the publication. Dr. W. N. Graham was its business man¬ ager. He served, faithfully, in this capacity for many years and is now dead. P. B. Stratton edited the paper during these times, success¬ fully, and is now living in this county, at Smithton. William H. Powell, president of the Citizens National Bank, of this city, was president of the Democrat Company. E. B. Burrows, now editor of the Sedalia Capital, was city editor. At the present time, A. D. Stanley is president of the Democrat Company, and owner of the publication. William H. Powell, president of the Citizen's National Bank, is vice-president; George H. Trader is secretary. George H. Scruton, a major, with the American Expeditionary Forces in France, for the past year, is editor. Walter J. Brill is advertising editor, and W. D. Agee is city editor. This paper is a member of the Associated Press, American Newspaper Publishers, and is one of the best newspapers in central Missouri. The company pub¬ lishes both a daily and weekly paper, has the Associated Press service, with telegraphic connection in their new building on West Fourth street. This building is the best equipped in central Missouri.

Rosa Pearl's Paper was first published in Sedalia in 1894. It was a society weekly and was conducted and edited by Elizabeth Jane Dugan, who used "Rosa Pearl" as her pen name. She was assisted by Allie M. Dugan, an associate editor, her niece. Rosa Pearl was a writer of excep¬ tional ability, contributing many articles to women's magazines through¬ out the country. She was fond of poetry and wrote successfully in this field as well as journalistic work. She published the last edition of her paper on January 1, 1911, and died on January 10th of that year. She is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, in Sedalia.

The Social Messenger, of Sedalia, is now published by Mrs. C. C. Lawson and Miss Kate Waddell, both of Sedalia. This paper is a weekly society paper, following the order of Rosa Pearle's Paper. It is an excellent publication, well and carefully edited, and liberally patronized by the so¬ ciety people of Sedalia.

Sedalia Daily and Weekly Capital was established in Sedalia in 1895. The first issue appeared on the morning of May 1, 1895. The editor of the new paper was Gen. John H. Rice, formerly of Fort Scott, Kansas, who had attained a considerable reputation in Kansas as a newspaper man. The management of the new paper was in the hands of T. T. Clifford and H. V. Rice, the latter the son of the General. The Rices eventually sold their interest in the paper to T. T. Clifford, who disposed of the paper to J. S. Brenneman in 1901, who conducted the paper for about fourteen years, selling it to a stock company, of which John E. Swanger and C. M. Harrison were the principal holders. The Capital always has been a Republican paper, the last purchaser changing it from a morning to an afternoon paper. In 1896 the Capital absorbed the old Gazette, which had been occupying the morning field in Sedalia for a number of years.

C. M. Harrison is editor and business manager; E. B. Burrows is city editor, and Mark Burrows, now with the colors, associate editor, on leave of absence.

The Sedalia Leader. - E. T. Behrens is editor and manager. The paper serves the interests of laboring men of Sedalia and central Missouri. It is published weekly by the Railway Federationist Publishing and Print¬ ing Company. A. R. Finke, president, Little Rock, Arkansas; William Couhig, secretary, Sedalia, Missouri. The officers are: B. M. Jewell, presi¬ dent ; R. E. department, A. F. of L. Building, Washington, D. C. ; J. F. McGrath, vice-president, R. E. Department, 610 West Third street, Sedalia, Missouri; John M. Scott, secretary-treasurer R. E. department, A. F. of L. Building, Washington, D. C. The executive committee : H. M. Walters, I. A. of M. No. 71, Sedalia, Missouri; William Couhig, B. of B. M. & I. S. & M., Sedalia, Missouri, secretary; Robert Kranefield, B. of B. & H. No. 54, Sedalia, Missouri ; H. C. Repper, I. B. of B. H. No. 54, Sedalia, Missouri ; H. O. R. Schwarz, Sheet Metal Workers No. 333, Sedalia, Missouri.