Shelby County, Missouri - Chapter 15, 1911

Chapter 15

Schools, Colleges axd Chckches - Shelbixa Collegiate Ixstitcte - Shelbixa Public School - The Macos Distbict Academy at Clarence - College at Leoxabd - The Ixdepexdext Holiness School at Clarence - The Christian Chtjbch in Shelby County - The Evangelical Association.

The Shelbina Collegiate Institute was established May 16, 1887. at a cost of $6,000. It was a fine and commodious building for the day and well built. Dr. Leo Baeir was the first president. During the two years he was head of the school he gave them a good start, but its prestige was increased when Prof. E. L. Ripley and wife took charge of the work. They were both intelligent, broad and cultured and two of the greatest educators of the day. Prof. Fredus Peters, received the greater part of his education at this seat of learning, graduating under Prof. Ripley. Prof. Ripley's motto in school work was, "The mind, like the body, becomes strong by exercise." He never did for a pupil what that pupil could do for himself. The last faculty in the old college building, as a college, was president T. E. Peters; vice-president. Rev. W. W. Carhart ; preparatory department, E. R. Edwards; primary, Miss Annie McMurry; music. Miss Kate Crawford; art. Miss Orrington Jewett. Tliere was a falling off in attendance, numbering 140 the previous year. The faculty was a strong one, but the patronage was not sufficient and the town begun talking a thornnsli higli school and

The first school house was built in Shelbina in the year 1859, which building remodeled and modernized stood till the year 1884. Among the early teachers was Charles M. King, later a prominent attorney of the city till the nineties, the time of his death. It was in the nineties that Shelbina begim to look to her public school as a chief asset for her future prominence. The year 1892, a number of her prominent citizens met with the board of education to consider the advisability of leasing the college building and establishing a high school. Everyone present, in brief talks, heartily endorsed the idea of a first-class high school.

It was shown that the town had wholly outgrown the accommodations of the old building. The board of education then sought the l)est teachers, placing Prof. J. T. Vaughn as superintendent. The curriculum was overhauled to correlate with the State University. Thus established, the jieojile had only reached the beginning-. In the venr 1890-01 the old building was passed upon as unsafe and was rodded. Then every windy day half the children were absent and the other half wanted to go home and was restive, until the November monthly meeting of the board of education, they voted to put it up to the jDeople to bond the city for $10,000 to erect a new building. The proposition carried and Shelbina now boasts of one of the most modern and up-to-date buildings. Her stride of improvement has been unceasing. Her building, eom- ])leted in September, 1894, sjieaks volmnes for the enterprise of her people and stands as a monument to her intelligence. The town sees to it that they have ever a wide-awake board and that board in turn puts up the teachers, and she is ever on the alert for new and modern equipment. "As a seat of learning may she abide."

The Macon District Academy At Cl.4Rence

The Macon District division of the Missouri conference decided to i^lace before the people of their district a proposition to build an academy and asked for the towns to make sealed bids for same, the town to stand good for the amount bid. Bids were submitted from Clarence, ]\Iacon, Shelbina. Clarence being the highest bidder, $13,000. W. A. Irwin (deceased), W. A. Dimmitt, Christ Hunolt (deceased), O. C. Perry and others being active co-operators in the enterprise.

The work was well under headway and the corner stone was laid in the year 1888, June l."?th, under the auspices of the Masonic order, assisted by the Knight Templars.

The city was an array of decoration, the Cameron band furnishing most excellent music for the visitors, which numbered several thousand. Mayor Irwin delivered the welcome address, followed by other state speakers. Rev. J. D. Vincil conducted the exercises and a dinner was served to the visitors. The building was of brick, well built, containing nine rooms which included a large auditorium on the first floor.

The school opened in full blast with Eev. P. D. Shultz at the head, and Ms wife principal of the primary department. At her best the school had some 200 pupils. Others who were at its head from time to time and labored faithfully for its success were J. J. Pritchett, E. C. Crabb, Prof. Demaree, but it was hard to keep it up. In the year 1898, Rev. Sol Milam made the town the proposition to build a boarding house thinking it was a great draw back not to have such a place. He was to put into it the same amount as the town, the individual to receive scholarships for the amount they put up. A $6,000 boarding house was built. It was heated by hot air and had water throughout the house. It was an excellent, modern building. He had the house full the first year, but patronage began to lag and he held the school just five years. H. J. Simmons bought the boarding house. In 1906, Prof. Fred L. Thompson, of Macon county, bought the college building at $2,750 and immediately sold it to the Indejiendent Holiness church for $3,000. The fall of 1909, Simmons sold the boarding house to the Holiness people for $5,500.

College At Leonard

eated in the best of farming country to be found in the county, but this resijlendent fact was depressed by the realization of its good people that their children only had the advantage of a district school. Eev. John T. Welsh, seeing the splendid values of farming in that district, thought that a superior advantage could be obtained by establishiug a college at Leonard on the scholarship plan and went forth to sound the popularity of the plan. In a few hours he raised $1,000 within the radius of the hamlet itself. The building was a good, substantial frame building, two stories, a large auditoriimi on the second floor and five class rooms on the first floor.

The first school, under the presidency of Rev. Welsh, assisted by W. L. Shouse, received a goodly patronage, and satisfactory work and higher education received a new impetus thereabouts. The school continued some six years, during which time Rev. 0. P. Shrout, a popular man in the Christian church, had a turn at the work, but the scholarships taken in the building were running out and interest lagged, until finally, for lack of sufficient patronage, as is the tendency of all such schools that have dotted our county, it was a hardship to make necessary funds to sustain the school and the building was sold to T. P. Manuel, who in turn sold it, and finally it was torn down and the lumber was converted into the house in which Henry Stuart now lives.

Shelbyville Schools

Shelbyville has always been to the front in her schools. There is not a town anywhere that ranks with ShelbyviUe in her schools compared with population.

Possessing the eapitol of Shelby county, she has a special civic pride in all public enterprises, and she has always taken a specially keen pride in her schools. As early as the fall of 1857 Hezekiah Ellis opened a select school in the old Methodist church building. He had as his able assistants R. C. Arendt and Miss Parmelia White.

In 1858 Mr. Ellis opened school in the Shelbyville Seminary. His assistants were Prof. Dodd, R. C. Arendt and Miss Draper. At the death of his father, six months later, Mr. Ellis resigned, his assistants finishing the term. In 1860 Mr. Ellis opened a school of his own in the Carothers block. Eev. Joseph Dines was an assistant in a seminary in 1859 ; Prof. Leonard in 1860. The early settlers at Shelbyville bitterlj' opposed public schools and fought bitterly every proposition to institute such a school in their midst. Such a school building was erected, however, just after the war. It was a frame building and contained four rooms. Mrs. Manville was i)rincipal for four years and she was followed by Miss Minta Foster, eight years, then a new building of brick was erected of four nice rooms, and later this Iniilding was remodeled with an addition of four rooms and the Shelbyville public school developed into a high school. This building stood three blocks east of the court house. W. L. Shouse had charge of the school during its days that it was on upward grade, and Shel])yville today feels indebted to him for the earlj" development of her school. Professors Richardson and Alexander also did faithful woi'k later on. Now Shelbyville ])ossesses one of the best, most modern and up-to-date buildings in this part of the country. She has a ten-room, steam-lieated building, and her course of study is simply firstclass in every respect. Professor Brown, superintendent the first four years in the new school home, and this year Professor Stanley is making- good to her people the reputation that city has always shared. Shelbyville maintains a wide-awake and ' ' push ' ' board of education. Some of the prominent lights that have done much for Shelbj'\'ille in school lines are : Judge Perry, Messrs. John Gooch, J. J. Hewitt and Walt Dimmitt.

The Claeence Public Schools

The Clarence schools were moved from pillar to post for a term of years. The first public school in Clarence district was built in 1866. It was a brick, containing three rooms, only two being used for school purposes. This school was the brick house later occupied by James A. Watkins, now the lot on which Mrs. Elvira Durham lives. A Mr. Strong started the term, but resigned and was succeeded by Dr. D. H. Matthews. The town soon found it had made a mistake in building so far from town, with no walk, and it was decided to locate a room uptown, and so the school house was shifted from place to place, as a vacant room could be obtained. For a term it held forth in a room on the first floor on the north side, then it journeyed over to a room on first floor, that was later destroyed by fire, on the lot where now stands Garrison's jewelry store. Clarence holds one distinction regarding schools that perhaps no other town on which the sun ever shown holds - that of having had at one time a saloon on the first floor and school room above. Clarence once taught the three

R's in a second story with a saloon on the first floor on the lot now occupied by the "Courier" building. Clarence has had her ups and downs, but in the year 1873 the present school building was erected, with three rooms on first and three in the second storj-, built by J. H. Martin. The first teacher was Eev. Steed, who, in 1874-75, was paid $100 per month. He was followed by Professor Johnson, and later followed Miss Julia Jacobs, Mrs. Annette Merriman, then later follows Miss Brunner, Professors Marr and Highfill. Under the present management the school last year was raised from third to second grade and from second to first this year. It is on an upward grade and has an enterprising, wideawake board of education. It might be mentioned here that a few years since, when Citizen Hoyt, who had a special interest in our school, bequeathed the school in trust what is known as the Hoyt fund, from which the school has been a beneficiary since. In appreciation, the board erected a monument to his memory on his grave in the city cemetery.

The first private school in Clarence was in the year '69- '70, and this school was taught in the Higbee & Brown building, which was located about where the North Missouri Lumber Company now stands. It was taught by Prof. C. F. Benjamin.

The Independent Holiness School At

known as the Macon District Academy for $3,000 of Prof. Fred L. Thompson, Macon countj% the same to be used as a school house and place of worship. Eev. Sam Johnson was placed at the head. Eev. Johnson had a good patronage the first year. Various teachers have labored faithfully for the good of the school. In the year 1909, after a camp-meeting of ten days' duration, a committee was appointed and bought of H. J. Simmons what was known as the Boarding House, consideration $5,500, and they are laboring faithfully to maintain a religious school for the young people.

Churches Of Shelby

It has been impossible to secure data of all the churches of Shelby county. We have labored hard to secure the history of the most important strongholds, but the inactivity of those who should be interested in preserving the history of their church has curtailed the work to some extent. At the very dawn of the settlement of our great county, following the wake of the earliest pioneers, came the missionary to the frontier, laboring without money and without price in his work of love. "Preachin' day" was the event of the month, and on that day whole families turned out en masse as a social and spiritual event. At that early day the distributer of the word of (iod was a manual lal)orer, preaching when and where he may, as the o])portunity offered, laboring as did his fellowman during the week to supply his temporal needs. The Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians were represented at the earliest day and the Christian Church followed but a little later.

As early as 1835 the Baptists held services in Shelby county. Among the "earlies" came Eevs. William Fuqua, Jeremiah Taylor and M. Hurley. Though the opportunity for advanced work and attending success were meager, yet these men were just as earnest, fervent in spirit as the latter day saints. They labored without murmur for such voluntarj' pay as was offered them.

Shiloii Church, section 10 - 59 - 10, Bethel township, was organized the second Sunday in May, 1869, with thirtyeight members. The church has had a steady growth, its membership varying from 100 to 150 from time to time. As early as 1870, this church built a splendid $1,200 church, which has been improved from that time to date. The church was organized by Eevs. C. S. Taylor, John Easton, Nathan Ayers, George W. Eaton and E. Kaylor.

Mount Zion Church

This church, located in Tiger Fork township, on section 6 - 58 - 9, was organized the fourth Sabbath in August, 1838, by Eevs. Jeremiah Taylor and M. Hurley, with fourteen white members and two colored members, and has always been a loyal, consistent body of Christians. While not a strong church in numliers. varying from a half liundred to one hundred from time to time. The early day ministers were : Jeremiah Taylor, John Keacli, Nathan Aj'ers, Frank Smith, P. N. Haycraft, E. Kaylor, Sanford Smith, George C. Brown, C. S. Tavlor, William Pulliam, J. P. Griffith, J. H. Eubenson. A frame church was erected

North River Church

Is situated in section 17, Taylor township, and was organized in 1844. The early records disclose the following membership : Shelton Dodd and wife, eTohn H. Garnett and wife, James Singleton and wife, Mosco Garnett and wife, C. L. Harris and wife and J. T. Garnett. In the year 1882 the church rebuilt a nice frame building, costing $1,000. Some of the officiating pastors were: John Sweeney, "William Pulliam, S. C. Goodrich, John A. Clark, James Holt and John Eaton.

Located in section 33 - 59 - 9, Tiger Fork township, was organized in 1835. The records disclose as its original membership the names of Edmund Rutter. Elizabeth Rutter, Edward Wilson, Mary "Wilson, William ]\Ioffett, Evalina Elgin, Manly Elgin, Mary Louthan, Henry Louthan, William and Nancy Randolph. This is what is known as the Henry Louthan Church, the man for whom it was named, because of his untiring energy and interest in its welfare and who preached for the congregation without charge. His love for his Master was his pay. He was succeeded after his long term of service by P. M. Turner. Their early church was a brick, valued at $1,200. This church was organized before the division of the Baptist church into the old and new school. (Further facts turn to history of Tiger Fork township.)

Situate in Jefferson township, some six miles southwest of Shelbina. The organization was formed February 16, 1867, the following family names beingfound on their earliest records : The Kidwells, Kimble, Webdells, Thrasher, Dungan, Clark, Perry Wrights, Smith and Thomas. In the year 1881-82 a frame building, 36x34 feet, was constructed at a cost of $1,200. Revs. ToUe, J. G. Swinney, W. B. Craig, A. G. Goodrich, Wilford Powers and other pastors have ministered to the spiritual need of this flock.

Situate in Jackson township, 15 - 57 - 9, and was organized February 5, 1876. The church was a consolidation of the Oak Dale, Friendship and Hunnewell churches, and its original membership numbered some fifty or sixty members. It soon grew into a strong church, and has effected much good. A building erected in 1876 cost $1,200. The Revs. Green, Terrill, Lile and Smoot have served this joeople.

First Baptist Church Of Clarence

The early records of the First Baptist Church of Clarence hears record it was organized October 27, 1877, with fifteen members, by J. S. Dingle, a missionary of the Bethel Association. The following officers were elected to steer its welfare : Deacons, J. W. "Veal and Washington Lostutter, and James Pollard, clerk. From the date of birth, 1877, to the year 1890, they worshipped in the Presbyterian church, with Rev. Dingle as their first pastor. In the year 1890 the Bap- tists built a new home for their congregation, which was dedicated October 26, 1890, by Dr. William H. Williams, one of the editors of the Central Baptist, St. Louis. The church has recently been improved. This membership, though numbering only seventy-live members at the present date, is one of the most loyal churches in the county. At times it has been up-hill work, but they never waver. Untiring in their efforts, they have accomplished much good. Rev. J. A. Johns, their recent pastor, was a great worker for his Master. He has just resigned and at this writing they are without a shepherd.

The very early data of the Shelbina church was destroyed, but D. G. Minter states that the church was organized about 1863, with about a dozen members.

For some years they worshipped in an old frame school building. Rev. Powers being their first pastor. He preached once a month and perhaps received about $50 salary per annum. In 1865 they moved their place of worship to Miller Hall, the present site of Minter & Smith dry goods store, they numbering about fifty. In 1866-67 the Baptists and Methodists built conjointly a brick house, where the Pictorium now stands. Here the church flourished. They called Rev. George Roby to preach twice a month, with a salary of $300, the Missouri board paying half. Then followed Revs. Busby, Chambliss, Dingle. During the thirteen or fourteen years of joint occupancy there was no friction, each worshipping independently, a board of trustees of three from each church having charge all those years. Only D. G. Minter remains to tell their struggles and their victories. In 1881 the Baptists bought a lot and erected a beautiful $6,000 house, which was dedicated in the fall of 1881 by Dr. Poi^e Yeaman, and Rev. J. S. Dingle was recalled for part time at $100. In 1884 came Rev. 0. L. Brownson, called for all time at $700. Since that date the church has been im^jroved from time to time and several splendid ministers have served tiie congregation, among them Revs. J. R. Pentaft; J. M. P. Martin, Hunt and Scott, who served them faithfully several years. On Christmas day, 1910, Rev. Scott, beloved by all who knew him, preached his farewell sermon, and the church has called Rev. Volman, who comes highly recommended to this charge. This church at present has 250 members.

Presbyterian

This church in Shelby county is at low ebb. We have many good people - the very best of this denomination - but the following is scattered here and there, and but little public ministry is held in this county. In the earlier history of the county they were more prominent. No trace can be found of records which bear evidence of this division till the year 1859, when a Presbyterian church was organized at Shelbyville. Previous to this date, even as early as 1836, came one Dr. David Nelson, of Mai'ion College, a man of eminence and imperishable memory, also the prominent divine. Rev. AV. P. Cochrane, preaching the word of life to the early settlers and trying to establish their doctrines on the frontier of the new country. Services were held from date to date and protracted or revival services succeeded from year to year, and

Pkesbytekians At Shelbyville

This church was organized by Rev. W. P. Cochrane, July 30, 1859. The originals were: Joseph M. Irwin, Esther ^'aughn, Mary Vaughn, Elizabeth Carothers. Dr. Darius Day, Peter B. Lightner and Rachel Lightner. Some of the early day pastors were: Revs. George C. Crow, A. Steed, Duncan Brown, James Lafferty, J. C. Robinson, Edward Vincent and Blaney. The church building, erected in 18G0 at a cost of $3,000, is in a good state of preservation.

Pleasant Pkairie Church

Situate in section 18 - 50 - 10 and was organized in 1866. Its records bear fact of the originals as J. A. Ewing, Rebecca Ewing, Sallie Cardwell, Eva Cardwell, Martha Cardwell, James Cardwell, Susan Cardwell, Joseph Blackwood, Ella Finley, Nancy Finley, Israel Cannon, Mary Cannon, Mary Cardwell, Susan Bostian and W. N. Bohon. In the year 1869 a church was erected at a cost of $1,500. This was a loyal band of workers from the earliest date.

Clakekce Pbesbytekian

This church was organized July 17, 1859, by J. P. Winters, with a membership composed of James S. Martin, Mrs. Mary Martin, J. E. Martin, Susan M. HolhTiian, James B. Ryland, Mary Ryland and R. A. Newcomb. The pastors having served this church are J. P. Winters, A. Steed, 1862-1872 ; James Lafferty, Duncan Brown, Carson, Robinson, E. Vincent. Rev. DeBolt was a late pastor who did much in building up this church.

At present the church has no services. A lot was donated by a land company and at a cost of $1,200 the church building was erected in 1860, and in 1883 the church was remodeled at an expenditure of $750.

New Providence Church, situate in the southeastern corner of Taylor township, was organized on November 10, 1859, by Rev. S. C. Davidson, with the following original membership: Nathan Byars, J. P. Killinger, Hugh Kirkwood, S. P. Dunn and wife, Jacob Killinger and wife, Glenn Killinger, Mai'garet Kirkwood, Mary Evans and James G. Byars. Revs. Robert H. Mills, John AVinn, Nicholas Langston, J. R. Lowrance and T. G. Pool. A church was erected in 1874- at a cost of $1,000, and has been improved from time to time.

Methodist Episcopal Church, South

The first organization of this church effected in Shelby county was at the home of I. B. Lewis, in Salt River township, in the fall of 1837, when services were held for some. In 1838 a Sunday school in the Bacon school house; in 1850 a frame church was built on land donated by George Bacon, of Hannibal, and the church was named Bacon Cliai3el.

Bacon Chapel. - The present building was erected in 1870. Among the ministers who have served this historic church are: Revs. William Pryor, Conley, Smith, T. Ashby, Tyson Dines, Martin L. Eads, James M. Green, Jacob Sigler, James Wainwright, James B. Callaway, E. K. Miller, James Monroe, T. DeMoss, L. Bush, W. W. McMurry, G. Tanquary,

Histoky Of Shelby Couxty

Shelbi/ville. - This church was organized about 1839 and reorganized in 1844. The present building was erected during the pastorate of Eev. HoUiday and valued at $7,500. The present pastor is Eev. T. E. Moseley. J. J. Hewitt has been Sunday school superintendent for many years. The membership numbers 296.

Shelbina. - The church was organized in 1858. The first meeting was held in the Thomas hotel, where the "Waverly now stands. The congregation first worshipped in the school house, later building a church with the Baptists. In 1867 a brick church was erected, and in 1882 this was superseded by another brick structure, which in its turn has been superseded by the present handsome church building, which was erected in 1907, during the pastorate of Rev. W. A. Hanna, at a cost of $22,000. The present pastor is Rev. J. X. Boyd and the Sunday school superintendent is Dr. Lyell. The church has a membership of 600 and the Sunday school 400. Among the former pastors were : Revs. "\V. "W. I\Ic- Murry, W. Bell, L. Rush. B. H. Spencer, George Warren, A. B. Culbertson, Robert White. J. A. Snarr and T. H. B. Anderson.

Clarence. - The first preacher to hold services in the town was Rev. D. C. Blackwell. In 1872 a class was organized by Rev. W. W. ]\IcMurry, presiding elder, the first preacher being Rev. L. Rush. Of the charter members Mrs. Mary A. Jacobs alone remains a memlier of this church. In 1877, during the i)astorate of the Rev. W. M. Wainwright, a church building was erected, of which building committee the sole survivor is C. M. Shackelford. This church was altered and repaired during the jjastorate of Rev. R. M. Dameron. The present splendid building was erected at a cost of $16,500 during the pastorate of Rev. H. H. Johnson, the building committee being H. J. Simmons, A. R. Tucker, E. E. Casler and 0. C. Perry. Among the other pastors who have served this church have been Revs. A. P. Linn, W. A. Tarwater, John Holland, C. T. Mc- Anally, W. 0. Medley and John W. Kimbrell. The present membership is 240. The Sunday school superintendent is H. J. Simmons and the membership is 200.

Bethany. - In the eastern jiortion of Black Creek township and was organized March 4, 1882. The charter members were: R. J. Taylor and wife, George Carmichael and wife, Lula Z. Taylor, C.

E. Scott, Angle Foreman. Thomas Tingle and wife, Eliza Smith, J. II. Carmichael and wife, Levena Foreman, Sarah Smith, Sallie Raine, Lucia Carmichael. A frame house, costing $1,200, was completed in 1881 and dedicated in July, 1884. Among the pastors have been W. A. Toole, J. M. O'Brien, O. B. Holliday, J. J. Reed, E. J. Speer and B.

Oak Dale. - This church was organized soon after Bacon Chaiiel. The ])resent church was erected in 19()S, during the ])astorate of Rev. Smith, and is valued at al)out $;),500. The present ])astor is Rev. O. Blackburn. Among the other churches

First Methodist Episcopal Church

Clarence First Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1866 by Rev. John Gillis and Dr. N. Shumate. In the year 1881 the present brick structure was built at a cost of $3,250. Among its pastors we find Revs. John Gillis, Comfort Ransom, G. W. "Walker, A. Chester, S. Knupj), R. Carlyon, 0. Beistle and J. A. Westernian, the present pastor. The present membership numbers 150 loyal, faithful workers.

The Berean M. E. church, at Shelbyville, was organized January 13, 1850, by Christopher J. Honts, presiding elder Hannibal district, and J. M. Chivingtou. The original members were Leonard Dobbin and wife, James W. Ganby and wife, Joseph Hitch and wife, Daniel Wood and wife, E. B. Stover and wife and John Short and wife.

The first church building was erected in 1860 at a cost of $2,500. It was removed from the original location to its present site in 1874, repaired at considerable cost and dedicated by Rev. N. P. Heath, of St. Louis, and rededicated by Dr. William Taylor, of India. After the organization of the M. E. Church, South, in 1846, the M. E. church had no organized church in Shelby county until 1850. The most of its members were taken into the M. E. Church, South, where they remained until the ]\fission Conference of the M. E. church was organized bv Bishops James and Morris, at the request of the general conference in 1848.

Shelbina M. E. church was built in 1889-90. The membership was small, and in 1905 a federation took place and the membership of this congregation for the most part united with the M. E. Church, South.

Catholic Church

St. Rose's Catholic churcli, located at Lakenan, is the stronghold of this church in the county. It was erected by Rev. E. A. Casey in 1887.- The number of Catholics at present attending this church is about 250. Father Collins is the present officiating priest.

St. Mary's Catholic church, situated at Shelbina, was built by Rev. James O'Reilly in the year 1879. Previous to this date quite a strong membership held services at Miller's hall. The present membership is about 160. Father Collins is the present pastor.

The building is located about two miles north and east of Hager's Grove and was erected in 1866, but was destroyed by fire in 1867. The church was rebuilt in 1871. There are at present about sixty members who worship here, and the pastor's name is Eev. Father Adjudus Budde.

Htjnnewell Catholic Church

There is also a Catholic church at this place which was erected at an early date in the history of Shelby county. The building, however, became old and inadequate to serve the purpose for which it was built, and in 1905 it was torn down and a nice, new building erected in the place of the old one. The membership is about 100, who are under the pastorate of Rev. Father Connelly, whose home is in Monroe City.

Since the year 1908 Clarence has had Holiness camp meetings. It is the independent bi-anch of the Holiness church and was moved from Stephen's Park, Macon, at the above date. It was located here on the Independent Holiness school grounds until 1910, and next year it will be held at Macon.

It is a large gathering and ministers come here from all over the United States. There is a large tabernacle tent for the services, one large tent for dining (piarters and some fifty or sixty are scattered about the grounds for the campers.

Services begin at sunrise and close any time at night. There is great enthusiasm and many are converted. The church is making a rapid growth. As to the Holiness church inception in these parts, one closely connected with its growth gives the following history :

"The Holiness movement from the west was inaugurated by Elder "W. B. Colt, of Illinois, in the spring of 1875. The first meetings were held in Hannibal. It was not the original intention to establish another church, but simply to lift church members and others up to a higher plane of worship. When Mr. Colt left Hannibal his work in Missouri was continued by Rev. A. M. Kiergan, then pastor of the Arch Street M. E. Church, South, at Hannibal. "\Miile yet a member of the conference Mr. Kiergan conducted Holiness meetings. These were attended by members of all denominations as well as the non-elect. Complaints were poured into the conference that there was a fanatical preacher over at Hannibal who was disintegrating the churches by telling the members that they were not good enough and needed finishing touches put on their religion.

' ' Mr. Kiergan pursued the even tenor of his way, all the while striving to increase the interest in the Holiness move. He was ably assisted by his wife, who was almost as good a talker and fully as earnest as himself. They conducted the first Holiness camp meeting west of the Mississippi river in 1877. The site of the camp was a picturesque grove west of Hannibal. The daily attendance was tremendous. Mr. Kiergan estimates there were frequently as many as 5,000 people on the grounds. No adequate tent could be secured, and the trees formed the only canopy. This meeting served to put the Holiness move in the west on a firm foundation. Tlie congregations were made up of people from various remote parts of the state, as well as the neighboring counties. "When they returned home they began talking up the new faith and did an earnest missionary work.

"It was not a great while before Mr. Kiergan found more Holiness people on his hand than he knew what to do with. Many of his converts had not united with any church and seemed disinclined to do so. The reason was they felt it would be retrogression to unite with anybody holding less advanced religous ideas than those taught at the pioneer camp meeting. So Holiness churches, strictly independent, were established in those communities where there were sufficient members of the sect. Where there were no churches the meetings were held at residences. Anyone who had a mind to could do the preaching. A characteristic of the Holiness people is that nearly every man, woman and child among them can get up at a moment's notice and deliver a good talk on the faith that is in them. All of them are in the habit of relating their exjieriences before large congregations. And they enjoy to the utmost this part of the services. When a man feels called upon to enter the ministry they let him go in without objection if he is sound in the doctrine and of good reputation. No examining committee worries him with fine points of ecclesiastical law. The people among whom he has lived are suj)posed to know whether he is a fit subject or not, and if they recommend him for the ministry there is no red tape between that and his ordination.

The question of salary never worries a Holiness preacher, because he rarely gets one. If he goes to a community where the membership is fairly strong, he may get irregular donations of money and things to eat. If he doesn't, he goes to work at something to make a living and preaches on Sunday just as hard as if he were a high-salaried prelate."

Clarence Independent Holiness Church

We have not been able to get data concerning the Holiness church of Shelby county, but there is located at Clarence the Independent Holiness church, whose membership worship in the college located at this place. The church is of recent birth and the growth has been rapid.

Union Independent Holiness Church

There is also an Independent Holiness church located near Otter Creek, south of Clarence. The congregation built a nice frame church house in the 80 's. It has a strong membership for a rural location, numbering about forty members.

Shelbyville Missouri Holiness Association

In Shelbyville is located a membership of the Missouri Holiness Association. This branch has a goodly following at this point. It was organized by Eev. O'Brien, the father of that branch. They bought the M. E. Church house there and have an earnest, loyal church.

Lentner Independent Holiness Church

The Lentner Independent Holiness Church is the newest one in the county. They have a neat little church house and a good membership for a young church. It has only been organized a few years.

The Mennonites

There is but one church of this denomination in the county. It is located near Cherry Box and has been an established church there for many years. This sect of Christian people liave some very sti"ong convictions on certain things. One is they believe a Christian should not take an oath, hold ofiSce or enter military service. They also believe the New Testament is the only rule of faith and that infants should not be baptized. Their local preachers are chosen by casting lots by the male members of the congregation. The women distinguish themselves by wearing sunbonnets and the men by wearing smooth upper lips. Some of the families who hold to tliis faith are the Detwilers, Bisseys, Hersheys and Johnsons. They are among the best people of the county.

The Christian church in Shelby county, Missouri, numbers a membership of about 1,700, and has seventeen organized churches as follows : Shelbyville, Shelbina, Clarence, Enterprise (Union), Maud, Leutner, Hager's Grove, Cherry Box, Leonard, Berea, Bethel, Concord, Emden, Fairview, Mt. Era, Lakenan and Hunnewell. There has for many years been a county organization of the Christian churches with a president and secretary and treasurer who co-operate with the churches in any work for the mutual good and establish churches at new points. The churches at Maud, Emden, Cherry Box, Fairview and Bethel were stjirted by the county work, and nuiny other churches have been aided and helijed in times of discouragement. J. H. "Wood, of Shelbina, has been president of the county board for eleven years. T. P. Manuel, of Clarence, is secretary, and George B. Bedwell, of Shelbina, treasurer. Besides there are seventeen vicepresidents, one from each congregation, as follows : W. M. Hanly, A. Cooper, Dr. Ellis Roy, Carleton Smith, T. S. Baldwin, Hugo Bowling, J. P. Smith, J. H. Tarbet, Henry Kilb, Enoch Turner, Mintie Davis, T. S. Damrell, John Chapman, "William Cadwell, Kenton Brown, Mr. Alexander, of Hager's Grove, and Mr. Turner, of Cherry Box.

The first preaching in Shelby county by a minister of the Christian church was by Elder Jacob Creath, who held a meeting on Black Creek in 1888. and a church was organized in Shelbyville soon after.

The Shelbina Christian Church was organized in 1866 or 1867 by Elder T. M. Allen, of Columbia, Missouri. There had been occasional preaching before this in residences and in the public school building. In 1868 the old brick church, which has served to this day, was built. Some of the early members were Thomas Mitchell, Leroy Dye, Sarah "Walker, C. H. True and wife, AV. R. Stemmons and wife, Mrs. Sue E. Hanly, Daniel Givan and wife and many others. The Shelbina church has been served by many splendid pastors in its history - "William Featherstone, AV. G. Surber, H. P. Davis, E. C. Browning, C. B. Newnan, 0. P. Shrout, L. J. Marshall, AVilliam Roe and J. H. "V\^ood, who has been pastor of the church since 1898.

The church has had its iips and downs, but has made a steady and substantial growth, now numbering 325 members, 275 of whom are local resident members and include many of the best Shelby county families. This congregation is just completing a beautiful uew church building on Center street, at the cost, complete, including furnishings and the lot on which it is built, of $20,000. The present officers of this church are : Elders, W. M. Hanly, W. L. Shouse, W. S. AVood, W. S. Orr; deacons, George B. Bedwell, Charles White, James E. Ragsdale, Lee Francis, D. H. Tillett, Dr. E. :M. Mills, E. T. Givan, Harry J. Libby and Oliver J. Lloyd.

W. L. Shouse is superintendent of the Bible school ; Bess Dickerson, organist ; Mrs. Mary Lyell, leader of the choir; Corinne Bragg, organist; Mrs. Kittie Francis, president of the Ladies' Aid Society; E. T. Hockaday, president of the Y. P. S. C. E.

The Shelbyville Christian Church was organized in 1839. Some of the first 7 members were: William Gooch, Tandy Gooch, William S. Chinn, Joseph Chick, Hiram Eookwood, Warren Hall and Zerellda Hill. The church was reorganized in 1874, with Catherine Collier, Jane E. Black, Eliza J. West, Sallie Oaks, Sarah J. Hiter, Sarah Cariey, Jane Brauuer, Lucy S. Chinn, J. M. Collier, Maria L. Sullivan, Cordelia P. Dobyns and others. Their first church building was erected in 1844. They now have a commodious church building with modern equipment, valued at $7,000. This church is a prosperous organization, and has a membership of 270 and one of the best Bible schools in the county, with W. W. Mitchell as superintendent. Some of the officers at present are : L. G. Scofield, W. C. Chick, Magruder Pickett, John Gooch, A. Cooper, T. B. Damrell, Claud Anderson, George Miller, Aubrey Davis and Reason Baker.

The first Christian churcli organized in Taylor township was in the house of Lewis H. Gillaspy, who moved to the townshiiD in 1838 from Shelbyville, built a log house for his family, and his home became the center of the first small band of disciples in that eommimity. Here in this home Jacob Creath and other pioneer preachers proclaimed the simple gospel. In 1866, after the war times. Elder John P. Tandy held a meetingthree and one-half miles northwest of the present town of Leonard and orgauized a Christian church. Among the first members were : Lewis H. Gillaspy, John M. Alexander, William Baker, Preston Manuel, Andrew P. Mc Williams, Jasper N. McWilliams and others. November 7, 1867, a large hewn log church house was raised and was known as Antioch Church. In August, 1873, E. C. Browning held a meeting of far-reaching results, the whole connuunity was aroused and enlisted in the church. J. M. Chevront, Alexander Lorentz, Benjamin F. Smith, Dr. G. L. Smith, Samuel A. Magruder, John T. Tuggle, William Gaines and many others were converted. In 1882 John T. Welch held a meeting in a hall in Leonard which was very successful and resulted in steps being taken at once for the erection of a substantial frame building in the town of Leonard. This church was dedicated in 1885. The Leonard

A few members of the Christian church in Clarence had occasional preaching in the early 70 's, but there was no church house or regular worship. In the year 188l' Rev. John T. Welch reorganized the little band into a congregation and gave them regular ministerial service. For several years their services were held either in the Methodist or Presbyterian church. Some of the early officers of this church were: George W. Chinn, A. W. MeWilliams, Al Chinn, L. 8. Wright, Rufus Farrell, Sr., E. Blakey, John E. Palmer and Jacob Melson. J. T. Welch, W. G. Surber and W. P. Dorsey were among the earliest preachers. In 1884 a new frame church was erected which supplied the wants of the congregation until 1908, when a new modern brick building was erected at the cost of $10,000. This church now has a membership of about 200, with R. B. Havener as pastor. E. C. Shain, J. T. Garnett, T. P. Manuel and T. H. Phillips are elders. William McQuary, J. R. Snodgrass, C. W. Adams, T. M. Byland, G. B. Elliso and J. A\". Stark are deacons. This church, equipped as it now is, should do a great work.

In the early 60 's Rev. John P. Tandy, an old ]iioneer Christian preacher, fre- (juently held services at a school house southwest of Clarence. In 1873 a Union church house was built by the members of the Cliristian, Bajitist and ^letli'odist churches and these organizations all worshipped and had services alternately and are doing so at this time. Among the first officers of the Christian church congregation were William Cax-ver, Donaldson, John Sage, James E. Burns and Thomas Hagan. Rev. James Wright, of Macon, was the first pastor. This congregation numbers about seventy-five members and has regular services. ^lany substantial farmers are among the membership. This church has furnished large re-inforcements to the other congregations, in the towns especially.

The Lakenan Christian church was organized in 1887 on Christmas daj' by H. F. Davis. S. D. Proffitt, B. E. Washburn and W. S. Orr were selected as elders, J. A. Irwine and Joseph Washburn as deacons; W. S. Orr, clerk and treasurer. This little church has been one of the most plucky and active little churches in the county for its numbers. It has given many good members by removal to other churches in the county and even in other states.

This church was organized by W. M. Roe about ISOfi. It has some choice people in its membership and does as much for the number of members as any church in Shell)y county. R. H. Havener is the present pastor and is much beloved by this people for his sjilendid service. Their present membership is about fifty and they have a good Bible school. A. Martin, Richard Wood, James Green,

The Christian church had a small organization, but no place of worship, as early as 1870. This was disbanded sometime in the 80 's, the members going to Mountjoy and a church north of Hunnewell. About 1890 there was a reorganization and a church house was built. This organization prospered. Dr. L. W. Dallas was a tower of strength in this church for years and was ably assisted by many good workers. This congregation has a membership of nearly 100 and a splendid Bible school, and is an active, aggressive body of splendid people. The present officers are: Mr. Baldrich, Joseph Hickman, George McClure, Dr. Furgeson, Charles Hickman, Ollie Howe and Frank Reed.

The Christian church at Hager's Grove was organized by Rev. John P. Tandy in' 18G7. Among its first officers and active members were J. M. Chinnoworth, Jonathan Peoples, John Patton and Samuel S. Patton. This old church has sent many substantial members to many other churches and has done an abiding work in Shelby county. The present membership is eighty or more.

The Christian church was built during the summer of 1896, with W. F. Miller, J. S. Daniel and P. F. Daniel as a building committee and F. G. Blakey and Ed Smock as collectors. This is the only church in the county so far as we know which was built before there was an organization. The church was dedicated October 25, 1896, by Rev. G. W. Buckner, who followed with a meeting and organized this congregation with seventy-six members. J. S. Daniel, "Will Naylor, Ed Smock and T. H. Phillips were selected as elders and F. G. Blakey, F. M. Dale, Robert Hanger and James B. Bryan as deacons. Since that time the followinghave been leaders and officers: Joe Stewart, Harve Doctor, Fred Heathmau, O. C. Davis, Charles Naylor, Ed Smock, Jr., Ed Daniel and Thomas Baldwin.

The church at Cherry Box was built in 1897. Dr. Luther Turner was the moving spirit and gave liberally for the building. The organization drew quite a number from the Leonard Christian church. This church has had a prosperous history and numliers probably 150 members at the present time. Many influential and substantial people are identified with the work and progress of this splendid church.

This church was a daughter of the Leonard Christian church and is situated in a splendid community, and has had a splendid record for good. It has suffered by removals as much as any church in the county perhaps and this

This church was organized in 1906 by Rev. Carr, following a tent meeting of several weeks. This meeting was held under the auspices of the county board. They have a good organization and a good Bible school. The church uimibers about forty members. Rev. Byron Ingold preaches for them. Henry Kelb, P. D. Shouse and others are the leaders here. They have no church house of their own, but plan to build very soon.

This church was the result of a tent meeting held by J. H. Bryan in the summer of 1898. The church was built and dedicated in 1899 by J. H. Wood, who was pastor for several years. T. S. Damrell, James Baker, A. E. Jordon, Tom Stone, B. G. Blackford, Frank Sherwood, Virgil Alexander, Chester Bethards and others have been oflBcers during the years since organization. This church has about seventy-five members, but is now without a pastor.

This church of 100 members was organized sometime in the 90 's, and a substantial frame building was erected. Rev. Alfred Munyou has preached for them for a nmnber of years, and they have enjoyed quite a measure of prosperity under his ministi-y. Thej^ have a good Bible school and take pride in keeping a church up in good shape.

This church has had a checkered history. The building was first erected at Walkersville, afterwards moved to the l)resent site north of Salt river, near the Shelby County Railroad. It once had a. good membership, but removals and death has discouraged them and they now number only about twenty-five. They have no regular preaching, but have a Union Bible School during the summer.

The Concord Christian church was organized December 1, 1883, in Tiger Fork township. A frame building was erected the year of the organization at a cost of $1,200. The organization was effected by Rev. J. P. Tandy. Some of the charter members were: L. Hunter, AVilliam Daniels, S. I. Bragg, William Peak, James DeMoss, Levi Plight, Millie Plight, Mary Bragg, Martha W. Triplett, M. Peak, Alice Browning, Caroline Dougherty, Ida Dougherty, Mary E. Wolf, Susan Melburn, E. P. Allen, America Allen, Mahala Siminon, A. S. Rife, G. A. Rife, John McGraw, Eliza J. Bragg, Benjamin Talbott, Mary J. Pierce, Walker Pue, Ellen Siminon, Mary E. Jones, Charles Siminon, Elizabeth Poor and F. M. Poor.

This church has served splendidly in its community and today has an aggressive organization of about 100 members and a good Bible School. Oscar Ingold, of Canton, is pastor. Concord can be counted on in every good work in the county.

The Evangelical Association o r i g i - nated through the labors of Jacob Albright, who was born near Pottstown, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, May 1, 1759. In his thirty-second year he was soundly converted through the labors of Adam Riegel, an earnest minister, who was not connected with any church.

After his conversion he became interested in the salvation of his neighbors, and five years later he tried to preach among the Germans; in barns, private residences, school houses, groves, or any place where he was able to gather a few of the people together to listen to the gospel. Those that were converted he organized into classes for spiritual oversight. In the early history of our church it was named "The So-called Albright People." In the year 1816 the name of l| * ' Evangelical Association "was adopted. It was customary from the beginning of the organization among the iireachers and members to call themselves "This Association," or "Our Association" (Gemeinschaft), hence the adoption of the name Evangelical Association.

This association is Methodistic in its doctrine and polity. It has a large publishing house in Cleveland, Ohio, and a splendid college at Naperville, 111.

The work of the Evangelical Association in Shelby county, Missouri, consists of three churches, namely : Zion church, situated on section 36, township 59, range 11, west; Ebenezer church, situated on section 8, township 58, range 11, west, and Leslie church, situated on section

33, township 58, range 11. These three churches, with a fourth church in Bloomington, Macon county, Missouri, constitute what is known as ' ' The Shelby Mission Field" of the Evangelical church.

In the year 1866, Eev. J. G. Pfeifer, a minister of the newly organized Kansas Conference of the Evangelical Association, who was living at Bloomington, Macon county, Missouri, and preaching to the Evangelical congregation of that place, commenced to preach in the home of Rev. C. Stauffer, east of Bethel, Shelby county, Missouri, and also at the Messner school house, south of Bethel.

These services were conducted in the German language, and all of the pioneer preachers of the Evangelical church in Shelby county were Germans. In a year or so these services were moved to the Short school house, two miles west of Bethel, where the first class of the Evangelical church in Shelby county was organized by Rev. J. G. Pfeifer, February, 1868, with the following charter members :

This class worshiped in the Short school house until the year 1870, when they hired a hall in Bethel, Missouri, and in this year our first church Sunday school in Shelby county was organized and it has been an evergreen Sunday school for forty years.

their place of worship back to the Short school house and under the able leadership of Eev. C. Linge they laid the foundation for a church building- on section 36, township 59, range 11 west. This building was finished that year and formally dedicated to the worship of God in April of the following year by Rev. J. G. Pfeifer, who was at this time a presiding elder in the Kansas Conference.

For thirty years this church has been the center of religious activity in that community. In the Sunday school. Young People's Alliance and preaching ser\'ices this church has advocated a genuine experience in the forgiveness of sins; this to be manifested always by a righteous life.

From tliis congregation have come four noted workers in our church, namely, Eev. "W. A. Schuttee, a former presiding elder in the Illinois Conference of the Evangelical Association, now the jiastor of the First Evangelical church at Naperville, 111., and Rev. Wesley Stauffer. who died April 12, 1900, at Holtou, Kan., in the fourth year of his pastorate of the Evangelical church in that city. These two noted brethren, with their wives, are a quartette of workers that any church would bo glad to honor. They were converted through the labors of our ministers, trained in our Sunday Schools, educated in our college, and went out into the l^ord's harvest field with the endorsement of the Zion class, and under the blessing of God became workmen that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.

today it is reduced in numbers. Is its mission about finished! We hope not, but trust that it may stand for thirty years more, telling to the traveler the faith of man in an Omniijotent God.

Rev. J. G. Pfeifer on his trips from Bloomington to Bethel, in the years of 186G to 1868, often stop])ed in the community about seven miles north of where Clarence, Mo., is now situated. He was asked by the people of this neighborhood to christen their children and to perform other duties pertaining to his calling. The majority of the people in this community wei'e English and Rev. J. G. Pfeifer usually preached in German. There was little preaching done by him in this neighborhood.

" The Rev. C. Timmer, Rev. B. Hoffman, Rev. Koepsal, Rev. Ferdinand Harder, also visited among the people in this neighborhood as they went from their home in Bloomington to preach to the Evangelical congregation at Bethel. Mo.

In the years 1874 and 1875 the Rev. M. Alsbalch, who had charge of the Evangelical congregations at Bloomington and Bethel, preached occasionally in this neighborhood.

In the year 1875 Rev. C. Stauffer had charge of the work at Bloomington and Bethel, commenced regular preaching services in the Rawson school house and organized a class with the following charter members:

Some time in the year 1878 the people living in the neighborhood of the Rawson school house oonohided to build a union church building. This church was dedicated as the "Eawson Chapel" by Eudolph l)ul)l)s, a bishop of the Evangelical church. This chapel was used by the various religious societies in that community, the Evangelical society having a stated time each month that the l)reacher in charge of their work was expected to preach. This building was destroyed by lire in the beginning of the year 1894.

The Evangelical congregation having no place to worship, determined to build a church building of their own. Under the leadership of Rev. M. AValter the building was finished in the fall of 1894 and on November 11 of the same year it was dedicated as "The Ebenezer Church" of the Shelby Mission Field by John J. Esher, a bishop in the Evangelical church.

A glance over the list of members belonging to this chureli during the last sixteen years reveals the names of many an earnest, quiet worker in the Lord's vineyard who received their early religious training in its Sunday School, the Young People's Alliance, Women's ^lissionary Society and prayer meetings held by this Evangelical congregation.

This ])lain chapel has been the birthplace of many a soul ; here they found the Pearl of (Jreat Pi-ice and conunenced a life of service for God and humanity in the chuirh militant which finally ended in the church iiiuini)hant.

When it was destroyed by fire December 25, 1910, the members and friends gathered around its smoking embers with tears in their eyes and sadness in their hearts, for it had been a veritable Bethel to many of them. They said with one accord: We must rebuild this church; we cannot let our children grow up without the influence of God's word and ministry. May God bless the new church edifice and the future congregations that gather within her walls as He did the old church and her congregations. God grant that the glory of the latter house shall be greater than that of the former house.

Rev. J. S. Stamm, an assistant pastor under Rev. J. B. Gresser, commenced preaching services in the Brewington school house in the spring of 1900. These services were continued that year with some success. The following j^ear Rev. J. B. Gresser took charge of work and as there was no assistant pastor that year Rev. Gresser could not devote as much time to this new appointment as it ought to have received.

In 1902 Rev. W. H. Manshardt was appointed to the Shelby mission field as l^reacher in charge, but was not able to give this appointment any preaching service. However, he secured pledges from men living in that neighborhood to the amount of nearly eight hundred dollars for a church building in that neighborhood.

In the spring of 190.3 Rev. I. H. TIauptfuehrer took charge of the Shelby mission field and after a successful arbor meeting held near Mrs. Eliza Van Houten's faiTO in August of that vear or-

A church building was started in the fall of 1903 and dedicated by Eev. C. F. Errfmeyer, presiding elder of the Kansas City district, in May, 1904.

The Shelby mission field built a good, substantial parsonage in the year of 1910 in the Culver addition to the city of Clarence, Mo., and is well prepared to take good care of her future pastors.