Benton Township

Benton Township

in California, in 1844. Claiborne F. Parmer settled, in 1841, on a place later owned by Jonathan Andes. In 1840, William Mobly, a native of the State of Maine, who afterwards moved to Oregon, where he died, settled half a mile north of the site of Mound City. In the same year, settled in the neighborhood John Clinger, who subsequently moved to California; and also the widow Ellison.

A noted character, by the name of William Walker, also arrived in 1840, and made his home not a great distance from the present site of Mound City. He was popularly known as "Hog Walker," from his success in acquiring property in swine. It is narrated of this enterprising settler, who counted his hogs by the dozen, that he was in the habit of fencing in any sow with a litter of pigs he happened to find in the wild bottoms. These he took care to mark, and they, of course, became his property. He, at .one time, is said to have claimed seventy dozen hogs and pigs.

About the same period, a similarly enterprising settler by the name of John Walker, located in the neighborhood. He soon achieved the distinction of "Cow Walker," a cognomen by which he was universally distinguished in the country. It is said that Cow Walker, who was always on the hunt of a stray cow, was dreaded by the herders in the bottoms who often had charge of thousands of cattle which, in those days, were wintered on the rushes which there grew luxuriantly.

Among other early settlers of the township were Jacob Mosher, who came in 1842, and died thirty years after. Andrew McCoy, from Ohio, and Washam came in 1848. Andrew Meyer, long a representative citizen of the township, came in 1843. William Gady, in the same year, made a claim adjoining the site of Mound City, but subsequently abandoned it. Henry Swimiller came in 1846.

Among the noted settlers of Benton Township, was Levi Dodge, for many years a prominent citizen of the town of Mound City. Mr. Dodge, who was a native of the State of Maine, moved thence to Ohio, in an early day, thence to Clinton County, Missouri. When he came to Holt County he settled on section 26, township 62, range 39, a farm later owned by John Shrantz.

In 1853, the settlers to the eastward of the Nodaway River, and those in the territory of Benton Township, in Holt County, were as ignorant of each other as though a sea rolled between them. The first settler to make tracks across this territory was Levi Dodge, in the summer of 1853. The course which he marked across these prairies and streams afterwards became the regular beaten road.

David Worsham, about 1841, located on Davis Creek, southeast of Mound City. This stream was so named from a man by the name of Davis, who was the first settler on its banks.

In 1840 a man by the name of Thomas Ferguson settled at the mouth of the south fork of Davis Creek, where the same debouches into the north fork of that stream, on the northeast quarter of section 6, township 61, range 38. He built, at the foot of the bluff at this point, a double log cabin, in which he entertained the traveling public. Ferguson had purchased this claim from a man by the name of Davis, after whom Davis Creek was named. About 1844 or 1845 Ferguson sold the place to Andrew P. Jackson. This was, for years after, called Jackson's Point, and was, at one period, one of the widest known localities of the Platte Purchase. Jackson's Point was a stage station on the great line of coaches which, in that early day, carried the mail between St. Joseph and Council Bluffs at that period, called Cainsville. This line was originally started by a company cf Mormons, who afterwards sold out to Frost, the great overland mail contractor. This was, up to the period of the building of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad, the regular mail route between these two points.

The first postoffice established within the limits of what is now Benton Township was located here and called Jackson's Point Post Office. This was in a very early day (about 1844). A. P. Jackson was the first postmaster. In 1855 this post office was moved across Davis Creek, to the single store which then stood on the site of what is now Mound City. This was kept by a man by the name of Galen Crow, and the name of the post office was changed to North Point.

To return, however, to Jackson Point. Aside from the Jackson House, which was spacious, and, for that day, well kept, the Point was a noted camping place during the period of the Mormon and California emigration, as the neighborhood abounded in excellent wood and water. The road, for miles above and below, were, from day's end to day's end, white with the wagon sheets of the westward bound emigrant trains.

In 1853, Jackson sold out to Galen Crow and moved to California. Ten years after H. S. Busick became, by purchase, the owner of the property. In 1870, he sold the place to Jacob Grosbeck. The building which was long a prominent landmark near the foot of the bluff, a few hundred yards south of the limits of Mound City, was a large, well appearing double two-story frame building with a brick rear extension. The whole was built as early as 1844. The frame portion of the house was almost entirely reconstructed by Mr. Grosbeck.

First School

There seems to be a question as to who was the first teacher to pursue his calling in Benton Township. By some of the old settlers it is claimed that an eastern man by the name of Latty, as early as 1842, taught a school one-fourth of a mile east of the present public school building. The primitive school house was a log cabin fourteen feet square. By others it is maintained that the first school in. the township was not taught until 1844, and that the original teacher was Professor John Collins, a noted instructor of youth in that early day. His school house was one and a half miles northwest of Mound City, at the foot of the bluff, on a farm first settled by the pioneer, Edward Dodge, the father of Levi Dodge, the proprietor of the once famous Pool of Siloam in Mound City.

The first to preach the gospel in Benton Township was the Rev. E. Marvin, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He preached his first seromn in this township, at the residence of J. N. Blair, below Mound City. This was very soon after the arrival of the first settlers. Marvin was then a very young man, just starting in the ministry. He afterwards achieved a national reputation as Bishop Marvin.

Rev. Dr. G. B. Thorp, of the Hard Shell Baptist Church, was the second minister to preach within the limits of Benton Township. He was also among the earliest to practice medicine in that locality.

Perhaps no section of Holt County has enjoyed a more rapid advancement than his Benton Township. The farmers are men of intelligence and progressive spirit. Excellent and well kept roads traverse its surface in all directions, and the general character of recent farm improvements is above the average. In common with other portions of the county, excellent and well appointed school buildings appear in every district. The raising of cattle and of swine, as well as the culture of grain and fruit engage the attention of many. Edward Gillis, two and a half miles north of Mound City, was the first to introduce thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle into this township.

Mound City

As early as 1852 there stood on the east boundary of the present town of Mound City a log cabin in which was run a blacksmith shop by E. Porter Forbes. This was the first house to stand on the site of the town, which was laid out five years after. Mr. Forbes, who later resided on the southeast quarter of section 19, township 62, range 38, two and a half miles north of Mound City, thus enjoys the distinction of being the original blacksmith of the place.

The town of Mound City, which is located in the southern part of section 31, township 62, range 38, and in the northern part of section 6, township 61, range 38, on the waters of Davis Creek, at the base and on the slope of the bluff range which traverses the county from northwest to southeast, is the only trading point in the township, and is an enterprising and rapidly progressing business center.

High School Building In Mound City

lots when the town was laid out, and occupied a portion of the lot on which stands the rear of Hamsher's Hall, in the second story of which is the present Masonic Hall, on the northeast corner of State and Main streets. Crow, who had purchased Jackson's Point, then moved the post office across the creek to his recently established store and called the post office North Point. The post office continued to be so called until April 1, 1872, when its name was changed to Mound City. Soon after starting his store at this place Galen Crow sold out to Gaines & Strickler.

iously passed into the hands of William A. Jones, a merchant of Oregon, a town which was laid out on the north side of Davis Creek, embracing a portion of the present town of Mound City, was incorporated by the General Assembly under the name of Mound City. The company included William Jones, Galen Crow, Ira Peter, George E. Glass, John Burnett, B. F. Ruffner, C. J. Holly and James Foster. Galen Crow was elected president of the company, and George E. Glass secretary. On the 22d of May, 1857, the town company met for the first time and organized under their charter. About this time Gaines & Strickler closed out their business, and Galen Crow put up another store building. This was on the west side of State street, a few doors north of Main, on a lot on which once stood the furniture store of William Dean. Here, in partnership with D. Jones, he sold goods under the firm name of Crow & Jones.

At the first public sale of lots in Mound City, which occurred May 25, 1857, forty-two were sold, at prices ranging from $180, paid by F. Ruffner, for lot 1, in block 3, to $22, the price paid by George P. Terhune for lot 6, in block 42.

The first residence erected on the town site, after it was laid out, was a small frame building on State street, afterwards enlarged, and later owned and occupied by Captain W. W. Frazer. This was in 1857. In August, of the same year, was erected the first school building in the town. This was a small frame. It stood on lot 12, in block 40, on the northwest corner of Fifth and Mill streets. The building was afterwards converted into a dwelling, and later was owned and occupied as such by George Bennett, druggist. In the same fall, the town company contributed a bonus of several hundred dollars, and induced Absolom Hoover to erect, in the east part of the town site, a steam saw mill. This was the first mill put up within the present limits of Benton Township, and was operated several successive years, till it was moved to the bottom. The last meeting of the stockholders of the town of Mound City occurred May 4th, 1860.

At the period of the breaking out of the Civil war, the place did not contain more than a dozen houses, and there seemed then little prospect of its ever becoming what it is today, the commercial as well as the geographical center of Holt County.

Galen Crow, the founder of the town, was afterwards sheriff of the county and representative from the same to the state legislature. At the breaking out of the Civil war, he followed Governor Claib Jackson, as a member of the lower house, to Arkansas, and later became a resident of Austin, Texas. He was a man who ranked high in the estimation of the people, as an accurate business man and upright citizen.

period of the Civil war, and was not revived till several years after. In 1870, when John H. Glenn, of Whig Valley, secured a controlling interest in the town, the business of the same included two small general stores, one of which was kept by A. N. Glenn and Major Dill, and the other by Hurd Brothers. There was also, at that time, a blacksmith shop in the place, kept by a man by the name of McChristian. H. Hershberger also had a harness shop. This included the entire business of the town at that period. There was no house of public entertainment in the place till 1872, when the Landsdown House, on Savannah, between Fourth and Fifth streets, was opened by Stephen Landsdown. The building was a two-story frame, with a Mansard roof. Its remote location from the business center rendered it unpopular, and the purpose for which it was designed was subsequently abandoned.

Business Street In Mound City

and the "boom," so to speak, has been ever since steadily kept up. In that year started the first livery stable in the town, and Davis & Crannell opened the first exclusive hardware store. The style of this firm soon after became Crannell, Bates & Co. The first man who ever sold drugs in Mound City was Dr. B. Meek, a graduate of St. Louis Medical College, and the oldest established physician in the place, having been located there since 1857. He opened his drug store in 1858, and continued to sell until the breaking out of the Civil war. The first to sell lumber in the town were J. H. Glenn & Co., who commenced in 1871. R. C. Glenn & Co., put up, on State street, in 1875, a spacious two-story brick building in which they sold drugs for several years. This was the first cast-iron front put up in the county.

Second Incorporation

At the August term of the county court, held August 11, 1873, Mound City was incorporated under the village act, and the following were appointed to constitute the town board: Dr. B. Meek, Milton Herron, Daniel H. Gillis, M. Houston and William Hoblitzell. D. H. Gillis was chosen chairman of the board, and W. A. McCoy; secretary.

The first election- of April, 1875, was as follows: Amer Crannell, Adolph Albiez, George Emmerson, M. B. Moore, Henry Tipton. George Emmerson was chosen chairman.

At the election held April, 1876, the following were chosen: Henry Tipton, W. A. McCoy, A. J. Martin, James Hart and M. Houston; James Hart was elected chairman.

The election of April, 1877, resulted as follows: William Wilkinson, J. S. Hart, J. F. Davis, Henry Tipton and W. T. Hyde. William Wilkinson was chosen chairman.

The election of April, 1878, was with the following result: William Wilkinson, who was chosen chairman; Henry Tipton, W. T. Hiatt, James S. Hart, and T. Eben Cooper.

The election of April, 1881, was with the following result: M. M. Smith, who was chosen chairman, W. T. Hiatt, E. A. Welty, Jacob Mumm and Lee Durham. M. M. Smith afterwards resigning, Lee Durham was elected to succeed him as president of the Town Board.

Public Schools

Mound City was without a regular graded school till 1874, when a handsome two-story brick building was erected on Nebraska street on a commanding elevation overlooking the business quarter of the town, and a wide expanse of surrounding country. The structure included two rooms below and one above, besides the halls, and was completed at a cost of $4,000. In the fall of 1881, the school edifice was enlarged by a two-story front addition, ninety-three by thirty-two feet, affording five new class rooms, besides halls, cloak rooms, etc., above and below. These additions when entirely completed cost over five thousand dollars. The first board of directors of this school were W. W. Frazer, Milton Herron, George Gillis, M. Houston, Wingate King and James Johnson. The school opened in September, 1874, with Nelson Carr, Principal, assisted by Miss Mary Austin.

The board of directors at the time of remodeling the building in 1881 were G. H. Carpenter, president; W. M. Hamsher, secretary; M. M. Smith, J. B. Denny, John F. Davis and W. T. Hiatt. The number of pupils enrolled in 1881 was 279.

The building erected in 1881, while it answered every purpose at that time, did not provide sufficient educational facilities for the growth that Mound City enjoyed in later years. The population of the town kept increasing and after a time the school building was entirely inadequate. Early in 1914 plans began taking form for the erection of the present school building, which is one of the best in this part of the country and which was completed in the summer of 1915, at a cost of $50,000.

The construction of the building is fire-proof, the interior being reinforced concrete columns, girders, floor slabs, etc. The stairs and corridors are cement finished, while the class, recitation and assembly rooms have wood floors over the concrete construction. The heating and plumbing is of the most modern type with bubbling sanitary drinking fountains on each floor. Shower baths are provided in connection with the gymnasium.

The board of education at the time of the building of the latest monument to Mound City's enterprise in school matters, were: John S. Smith, president; Dr. E. M. Miller, vice-president; W. H. Weightman, secretary; George S. Criswell, treasurer; J. H. Carter and E. D. Shellenberger.

Reference has already been made to the original saw mill, built in the town by Hoover, in 1857. This has long been numbered with the things of the past.

The first flouring mill in Mound City, and, indeed, in Benton Township, was built in 1871, by John Handford. In 1869 he put up, on the site of .this mill, a steam-power saw mill, which he operated till he substituted for the same the enterprise above referred to. Then he began on a very small scale, a single run of burrs for grinding corn, completing the capacity of the mill, which later was provided with three run of burrs, with a grinding capacity of 250 bushels of grain per day. It was known as the East Mound City Mills and is operated by steam power.

Mound City Steam Flouring Mills were built in 1876, by W. J. Hall, at a cost of about eight thousand dollars. The building was a two and a half story frame structure, fifty by thirtysix feet area. It was furnished with three run of burrs, affording a grinding capacity of three hundred bushels of wheat and corn per day.

On the 23d of February, 1878, occurred a disastrous explosion of the boiler of this mill, attended with terribly fatal results. Five men fell victims to the catastrophe. These were Caldwell, the miller; a wood-hauler by the name of Riley McWilliams, James Anderson, a farmer; James Dawson, and the engineer. No just blame was considered to attach to the engineer, or any one connected with the mill, the explosion being purely accidental. The structure of the mill, which was entirely wrecked, was rebuilt in 1878 by R. H. Dawson and Mrs. W. J. Hall, the widow of the original proprietor, who died in July, 1877.

Later the mill was owned by Isaac W. Zigler and others. Some improvements were made but the mill did not prosper. Capt. W. H. Wales and sons were the last owners. They took out the burrs and substituted a full set of rolls. The company became involved, as competition was strong, and after a short time the property was turned over to the creditors and the Wales family moved to Kentucky. The mill ceased operations in 1899. In October, 1911, the buildings were sold by O. R. King, who owned the land on which they were situated, to William Tyson, and were moved by him to his farm just east of town. The material was used in the construction of a barn. Thus passed one of the monuments of early enterprise in Mound City.

Another enterprise of this kind was styled the Mound City Mills. This mill was built during the fall of 1887 and completed in February, 1888, and began business in that month. It was the enterprise of Levi Oren, Albert and August Roecker and S. T. Lucas. J. H. C. Curtis made the plans, G. W. Hitt was the builder, J. A. Campbell of Lincoln, Nebr., put in the machinery and A. M. Bickham was employed as miller. Levi Oren was general manager and Gus Roecker was accountant.

The mill had many ups and downs and passed through several ownerships. It was practically destroyed by fire July 25, 1896, the loss being estimated at $25,000. The mill suspended operations in September, 1913, because of lack of patronage, but resumed in April, 1915, when W. R. Hill of Shambaugh, Iowa, became the owner. In October, 1916, this enterprise was bought by the Mound City Mill & Elevator Company, with a capital of $15,000, and of which W. G. Andes, was president; James E. Ward, vice-president; W. R. Hill, secretary-treasurer.

The Presbyterian Church was organized by Rev. E. B. Sherwood, May, 1872, with the following members: W. W. Frazer, Miss M. A. Frazer, Mrs. Jane Glenn, Andrew Frazer and Mrs. C. E. Strickler. Rev. M. L. Anderson was their first minister, remaining till July, 1873, when Rev. W. G. Thomas was elected pastor. He remained for a little more than a year, after which the church was without regular preaching, except for a few months, which period Mr. Carr and Mr. J. O. Pierce, licentiates, served the congregation. June, 1877, Rev. Duncan Brown took charge of the church, which then included, in all, thirteen members. The Rev. Mr. Borcher followed Rev. Brown and remained six months. Rev. Willis Weaver took charge in the summer of 1883, since which time the following named took up the work in the years given: Rev. A. W. Benson, 1885; Rev. A. M. Irwin, 1887; Rev. Fisher, 1890; Rev. A. B. Byram, 1892; Dr. J. M. Wright, 1895; Rev. A. D. Wolfe, 1898; Rev. Henry Nelson Bullard, 1902; Rev. E. Wallace Waits, 1907; Rev. W. H. Ferguson, 1910, to date. The present membership of the church is 130.

The church building is a neat gothic frame structure, with vestibule and gallery. It was built in 1874 and 1875, at a cost of $2,500. In the three years immediately preceding 1882 further improvements were added at a cost of about $600, rendering it a tasteful and comfortable house of worship. It was again remodeled and modernized in 1912. Regular services are held in this church every Sunday. Attached to this church is a ladies' missionary society, a children's missionary society, and a Sabbath school. The history os this church is remarkable, from the fact that in the rear of and adjoining this church, was the Mound City Academy, a private institution of learning, was conducted for several years by Rev. D. Brown. It was liberally patronized, and a credit to the educational enterprise of the town, during the time Rev. Brown held the pastorate of the church.

1878. The organization, however, of which it is the outgrowth, existed before the Civil war. In 1881 it had a membership of between one hundred and seventy-five and two hundred. In December, 1879, David Wetzel was chosen pastor. He remained until 1882. Prof. O. C. Hill of Oregon, filled the pulpit for about six months. Then Elder Gardner of Oregon was called. He served two years. Elder Kibby was called in 1887. Two years later he was succeeded by Elder Tandy, who preached five years. Then Elder Vance served one year. Elder R. R. Preston became pastor in 1890 and remained seven years. During his ministry the church building was remodeled, an annex being built on the south. Following Elder Preston, Elder Boulton served three years. Elder Peters came in 1910. Elder Allison was called in 1906; Elder Comstock, 1907. After some minor changes in the pastorate, Eider Kuhn became the head of the church in 1914. The membership is about 400.

The society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Mound City was organized in 1864, with a membership of five. These included David Gillis and wife, Mrs. Sarah Dodge and Mrs. Hoblitzell.

Mound City was an appointment on the Oregon circuit. Rev. Thos. Hollingsworth was preacher in charge. The church building, a neat frame structure 30x40 feet, was erected in

The First Baptist Church, from the best information obtainable from the early records, was organized in 1881. The pulpit was supplied in the early days by ministers from other churches. February 16, 1896, Rev. J. M. Malotte, was chosen pastor. He was succeeded January 23, 1897 by Rev. R. M. Rhoades. Rev. Malotte returned in 1899 and the following year Rev. Rhoades again became the pastor. Rev. J. B. Simms came early in 1901, but resigned the following year. The church was without a pastor until 1903 when Rev. C. C. Merriot was chosen. Rev. R. J. Spickerman began preaching to this congregation in 1906. After a year of service he left the field and the church was inactive for several years. New interest was aroused and a reorganization effected October 2, 1916, when Rev. Roy Hostetter was installed as pastor.

The first newspaper published in Mound City was the Spy, established by George Bowman, a brother of Charles W. Bowman, founder of the Sentinel at Oregon. The first issue of the Spy was dated July 24, 1874. The plant was moved to Graham by Mr. Bowman in 1875 and L. M. Gray came along and on Octoberl7, 1875, established the Mound City Globe. Ed Anibal bought the plant in July, 1876, and it suspended the following January. In June, 1877, the paper was revived by Hall & Mc- Pherson and in January the following year it became the property of C. E. Barnes. Six months later it was laid carefully away in the journalistic grave yard in which . burying ground Holt County has several opinion molding enterprises.

The Mound City News was established by G. J. and J. W. Spencer in August, 1879. They sold to P. J. Spencer and J. R. Brink in July, 1881. They continued its publication until January, 1885, when John M. Hasness and Hiram Hershberger became the owners. In 1886 Ed E. King bought the Hershberger interest. In 1896 Mr. Hasness sold to W. E. John and in May, 1897, O. R. King, afterwards of the Maitland Herald, bought out Mr. John. In January, 1902, Wesley King bought O. R.'s interest, who took it back in February, 1905. On September 9, 1906, the King brothers, E. E. and O. R., sold the plant to J. C. Barrows, who conducted the paper until May, 1909, when he sold to the present owner, Howard W. Mills. In February, 1914, the News bought out the Jeffersonian, then being published by F. S. Mickey, and the name was changed to the News-Jeffersonian.

The Jelfersonian was the outgrowth 'of the Mound City Times, which was established in January, 1890, by Carr & Curnutt. In 1892 Carr bought the interest of his partner and associated with him in the publication W. S. Dray, now postmaster at Savannah. The following year Carr bought Dray out. In September, 1897, a syndicate composed of George Holtom, as president, and others, bought the Times plant, and also the Holt County Democrat at Oregon and the Craig Courier* all of them newspapers of Democratic markings. This syndicate called its consolidated publication The Jeffersonian and established it at Mound City. Elder James T. Craig, of the Christian church, who had been with the Craig Courier, was installed as editor. E. S. Hayes who had been publishing the Democrat at Oregon, was made business manager. In 1889 J. L. Minton became the manager and E. S. Tyson, editor. Tyson was succeeded in December, 1900, by J. C. Liggett. A year later E. T. Fraker became the editor. He was succeeded December 25, 1902, by J. L. Minton.

The stock company idea did not prove a financial success nor was it conducive to harmony within the ranks of the owners. This is generally the Case when men who have had no newspaper experience undertake to manage a publication. The result in this instance was the sale of the plant to Perry S. Mooers, who took charge in January, 1903. Mooers sold to Ed Martindale in August, 1907, who in turn sold to F. S. Mickey in January, 1908. Mickey remained on the job until the consolidation with the News in February, 1914.

The latest newspaper enterprise in Mound City is the Journal, which issued its first number September 15, 1915. William M. Carr and Woody Postal are the publishers.

We have already referred to the fact that Hon. Galen Crow was the first to hold the position of postmaster, on the removal, in 1855, of the office to North Point, now Mound City. His successor was Daniel Gillis. After him came W. J. Marshall, succeeded by Major H. Dill, who served till July 27, 1867, when he was succeeded by Addison N. Glenn. In 1875 Joseph V. Hinchman succeeded to the charge of the post office, and continued to discharge its duties till 1877, when he was succeeded by Wingate King. January 7, 1882, Kind died, and ten days after Addison N. Glenn was appointed his successor.

Up to 1868 the office was supplied with mail by stage coach. In September, that year, when the railroad was completed from St. Joseph to Council Bluffs, the mail came by star route from Petersburg, now Bigelow. William Hiatt was the mail contractor. When the Nodaway Valley Branch of the Burlington was completed through Mound City in 1880 the star router, naturally, was out of a job as the mail sacks were dropped out of the mail car on the depot platform.

July 1, 1882, but remained as such one year. January 1, 1885, it was again made a presidential office. The first rural routes were established October 1, 1901. It became a postal savings bank November 11, 1911. The money order department was added in 1872 under the management of Postmaster A. N. Glenn.

The Nodaway Valley Branch of the Kansas City, St. Joseph and Council Bluffs Railroad, extending in a northeasterly direction from Bigelow to Burlington Junction, in Nodaway County, a distance of thirty-three miles, was completed to Mound City in the summer of 1880; and, on the 2d day of August, of the same year, a station was opened in that place, and F. Peter Rogers appointed to the charge of the same. This station, which is in the southeast part of the town, in the Davis Creek bottom, stood on a surface eight hundred and ninetyfour and a half feet above the sea level.

Mound City enjoyed a building boom in the summer and fall of 1881 when not less than sixty buildings of various sizes and kinds of architecture were erected. Many of these were residences of a more expensive type, some of which remain monuments to the enterprise of the citizens of that time. Building operations were handicapped considerably by shortage in the supply of brick which necessitated the purchase of this material in St. Joseph and other markets. Because of this fact, several extensive business houses were built of pine lumber. Most of these have since been supplanted by substantial brick structures.

It was during the summer of 1881 that the opera house, which long was Mound City's pride, was built. Corsaut & Meyer, one of the enterprising firms of the town at that time were the builders. The opera house had a frontage of fortytwo feet on State street, and extended eighty feet on Main street. The lower floors were occupied by business houses, and the scond floor was used as an opera house. The building was opened on the night of December 23d, 1881, with, the play of Draper's Uncle Tom's Cabin. On this occasion seven hundred spectators crowded into the house and enjoyed it very much. The cost of the entire structure was about twelve thousand dollars. It was a popular place of entertainment for many years, but the day of its passing finally came. The building was sold in April, 1916, to the Carter Mercantile Co., and the playhouse now forms part of that company's business enterprise.

Floods And Fires

damage by overflowing a considerable portion of the business and residential sections. As far back as 1883 it is recorded that Davis Creek caused damage by overflowing its banks, but in those days the town was not as large as it is now. The next serious overflow was May 18, 1896, when the Green Bay Lumber Company, the McNulty Livery barn and other business concerns suffered considerable loss. Sidewalks were washed away, cellars filled and the south approach of the iron bridge over Davis Creek was washed away. A few days later, June 1, came another flood of even greater proportions. It is estimated that the loss at this time was fully $10,000.

A storm in July, 1898, which was described by the newspapers at the time as a waterspout did thousands of dollars damage. It extended over considerable territory and did really more damage to nearby farmers than to residents of the town, although it was without mail for a day or two. Railroad traffic was suspended for a couple of days. There were several narrow escapes from death, several persons being reached by rescuing parties just in time to save them. In July the following year, there was a rain storm that caused the waters of Davis Creek to chase the dwellers in low places to higher ground.

On June 4, 1901, there was a rain and hail storm that did much damage. After the flood of 1899 the city had raised the levee on the south side of Davis Creek to a height that was thought to be sufficient to protect the town against further incursions from the waters of the creek. But the water on this occasion went over the levee and inundated the low places as had been done in previous years.

Floods seemed to be fashionable in 1903, as Northwest Missouri and Southern Iowa were pretty well covered by a storm which did great damage. Davis Creek maintained its reputation on this occasion, although the damage done was not as great as on previous years. Another storm which worried the oldest inhabitant when he tried to remember one as large occurred September 15, 1905.

Another flood which made history visited the town and surrounding country July 14, 1907. Business houses not on high ground lost heavily. The precipitation on this occasion was accompanied by a cyclone which damaged buildings in the country near Mound City, its violence being greatest in the vicinity of Big Lake.

Mound City seems to have suffered more severely from fires than any other town in Holt County. In several instances whole blocks have been destroyed, entailing losses which severely crippled the business of the town. But that indomitable spirit which has been responsible for the growth and development of the town, has always come to the front and within a reasonable time after each fire the buildings destroyed have been replaced by others more handsome, more substantial and more suited to the needs of the occupants.

The first disastrous fire was on January 13, 1885. It started in Smith & Andes store on the west side of Main street, opposite the Mound City Bank. In a short time the entire block was destroyed, entailing a loss of at least $30,000.

On September 8, 1888, the second serious fire visited Mound City. It started in the Glenn building on the west side of Main street, and occupied by Miss Mary McWade as a millinery store. The loss on this and other buildings destroyed or damaged, was estimated at $15,000.

The frame depot which served the patrons of the railroad since the day of its building, was destroyed by fire February 9, 1917. An overheated stove is supposed to have been the cause of the removal of this landmark. The railroad company has promised that a new brick station will be built at the foot of State street.

Water Works And Electric Lights

The several disastrous fires which visited Mound City aroused the people to the fact that they had no adequate protection against the red flame demon. After the fire of 1888 the matter of city waterworks began to be discussed seriously. The need was so obvious that in 1889 it was decided to issue bonds to the amount of $14,000 for a waterworks system. Some legal defects were found in the proceedings somewhere and the bonds could not be sold. The legislature kindly amended the law and in June the following year the proposition was voted on and carried by 266 for to 184 against. The contract was at once let to W. Kiersted and the work was completed in February, 1891. There was some opposition to the enterprise at first, but once the people saw the utility of the plant no power on earth could induce them to give it up.

Electric lights came next. They are an indispensible adjunct to any down-to-date town and Mound City was one of the first in this section of the country to light her streets by electricity. The city council granted a franchise on April 10, 1895, to the Mound City Electric Light & Power Company for furnishing electric lights and power to the city and its inhabitants. The company at the time of its organization was composed of W. O. Yous, president; J. H. Punshon, secretary; J. Shellenberger, treasurer; T. W. McCoy, William Hoblitzell, J. A.

Criswell, George Holton, Ed Gillis, Thomas Tyson and J. T. Burke. It was completed in due time and on November 20, 1895, the lights were turned on. The event was celebrated with proper and fitting ceremonies.

In 1909 it was decided to enlarge and modernize the equipment of the light plant and at the same time prepare for the manufacture of ice. The company was re-organized in July that year and a new building was erected near the railroad. In it was installed the new machinery, including that necessary for the manufacture of ice. The ice plant has been operated ever since and it has proven one of the most successful industries in the town.

During the years 1913 and 1914 the service was further extended by building lines to the neighboring towns of Bigelow, Fortescue, Skidmore, Craig, Graham, Maitland, and Rulo, Nebr., which towns are now enjoying the splendid twenty-four hour service the company is able at all times to furnish.

The lighting plant was sold to the Associated Engineering Company of Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo., July 6, 1916. The company owns lighting plants in a number of other towns in this section, including those at Tarkio and Stanberry. Dr. E. M. Miller was continued as manager.

About the year 1898 the telephone became decidedly popular throughout the country. The "craze" - as some people delighted to call it at that time - struck Mound City and in response to what seemed to be a popular demand the light company went into the telephone business. A switch board with a capacity for fifty instruments was installed. Some of the bolder, more enthusiastic ones thought the future should be provided for by making provision for one hundred phones, but this, at the time, was considered too extravagant. Incidentally it may be remarked that at the present time nearly 1,000 telephones are served through the Mound City Exchange.

The business increased to such proportions that in a few years it was considered advisable to separate it from the light plant and form a separate corporation for this purpose alone. Accordingly the Holt County Independent Telephone Company was incorporated in 1906. It has installed new machinery from time to time and the service it gives its patrons is excelled by none anywhere. Dr. E. M. Miller is president and general manager.

Christian, secretary. Mr. Andes was succeeded by M. L. Norman who is still the president of the company. Following Mr. Christian the following named have served as secretary in the order given: Ed. Smith, A. W. Norman, William A. Meyer and James Fleming. Ed. Smith is treasurer and the board of directors is composed of Godfrey Marti, Ben Smith and W. A. Meyer. Mrs. Martha Sloniker is in charge of the central station. The company has 245 telephones in operation and connects with all cities and towns within a reasonable distance of Mound City. The plant represents an investment of approximately $10,000.

Public Library

Mound City's public library was started in April, 1909, upon the occasion of securing a traveling library from the state, and soon after the Mound City Library Association was formed with the object of providing means for the support of the institution, intending eventually that it should be maintained by taxation. The presidents of the association have been as follows: J. C. Barrows, S. E. Proud, H. W. Mills, J. U. Crosen, W. H. Weightman, F. Q. Mitchell, D. W. Porter.

The first year the books were kept in Dr. E. M. Miller's office and Miss Ora Parker performed the duties of librarian. The following year the library was moved into the Commercial Club room, then located in the Groves building, and different ladies acted as librarian on days assigned to them, their services being donated to the cause. In the spring of 1914 the library was moved to the Punshon building where it occupied two rooms provided by the Community Club. Its support has been entirely from funds drawn from a large number of people and from the proceeds of entertainments. It now contains upwards of 1,500 well selected volumes.

Secret Societies

Mound City Lodge No. 294, A. F. & A. M. was instituted January 23, 1868, under proper dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, with D. P. Ballard, W. M.; John Schrantz, S. W.; Samuel See, J. W.; Dr. B. Meek, Treasurer; William Hoblitzell, Secretary; N. Bowning, S. D.; James Wilson, J. D.; M. D. Merritt, S. and T. John D. Vincil, Grand Master for the state granted a charter for this lodge October 15, 1868, with the above named officers. December 26, following the first election under the charter was held, with the following result: D. P. Ballard, W. M.; Henry S. Busick, S. W. ; John Schrantz, J. W. ; Dr. B. Meek, Treasurer; William Hoblitzell, Secretary; N. Browning, S. D.; G. M. Dodge, J. D.; Mark Strickler, S. and T. The present officers are: T. J. Bridgeman, W. M.; Clarence Porter, S. W. ; Ralph Cottier, J. W.; W. H. Weightman, Treas-

The I. O. O. F. lodge in Mound City was organized May 19, 1873, by Jephtha Martin on a petition signed by the following charter members: W. A. Long, J. P. Hoover, J. V. Hoover, J. V. Hinchman, J. P. Welty, and J. W. Ogle. Mr. Long was chosen as its first Noble Grand He was made an Odd Fellow in Pennsylvania in 1858 and was one of the oldest men in the order in Holt County.

The lodge ceased working after a few years, and on March 2, 1883, its charter was revived by John M. Hasness as district deputy. It is now one of the strongest lodges in the order in this section of the state. The present officers are: Jesse C. Porter, N. G. ; James O. Book, V. G. ; Charles Morris, Treasurer; W. H. Hart, Recording Secretary; C. N. Smith, Financial Secretary.

Holt Camp No. 2508, Modern Woodmen of America was organized in 1890, by T. W. Burke, who was authorized to act as organizer for the head camp. The camp started with twenty members and has enjoyed a steady growth until the present time when 295 names are enrolled on its books. The officers are: George Hayes, V. C. ; George W. Glick, P. C. ; Frank Crouse, Adv. ; W. L. Biggs, E. B. ; Dr. J. C. Tracy, Clerk; Art Meek, Escort; W. E. Bammer, Watchman; Louis Potter, Sentry. The camp meets every Friday night in K. P. Hall.

Camp No. 21, Woodmen of the World, was organized June 16, 1891, and has been one of the live secret organizations of the town ever since. The officers are: Jesse Porter, C. C.; O. E. Fike, adviser; C. E. Bertram, banker; C. T. Hall, clerk; B. C. Harvey, escort; George McCoy, watchman; John Morton, sentry;

The Knights of Pythias have been represented in fraternal circles in Mound City for about twenty-five years. A lodge was organized in 1891 and prospered for a time, but about three years ago interest seemed to wane and the membership was inactive. In October, 1916, it was re-organized and is now doing excellent work. The officers are: R. E. Decker, C. C. ; R. L. Minton, V. C. ; C. G. Bloom, prelate; H. W. Mills, K. of R. & S. ;

The Brotherhood of American Yeomen also has an organization here, but does not meet regularly. The officers are: J. B. Dearmont, foreman; L. F. Lansdown, master of ceremonies; Belle Kay, overseer; Dr. B. F. Quigley, watchman.

Insurance Company

One of the most important enterprises in Holt County is the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, with headquarters in Mound City, It is just what its name implies - an insurance company for farmers. It was organized November 1, 1891, and from the small beginning made at that time it has grown, under the management of the efficient gentlemen who have had charge of it, to its present proportions. The company now has $2,500,000 insurance in force. It has policies all over the county and the business shows a steady increase each year.

At the time of the organization W. C. Andes was president and J. M. Hasness secretary. Jonas Whitmer was the second president and was succeeded by George W. Glick, the present incumbent. The following named have served as secretaries following Mr. Hasness: A. Crannell, R. E. Decker, William Weightman, W. H. Weightman. In addition to President Glick and Secretary Weightman, above mentioned, the officers now are: John E. Slater, vice-president; A. W. VanCamp, treasurer; J. M. Weightman, general agent.

Mound City has three well managed banks, which have at all times sufficient resources for the business requirements of the town and surrounding country. Mound City is the business center of the county and her needs in this direction are not inconsiderable.

The Holt County Bank was organized February 14, 1880, with a capital stock of $20,000. The working power of this institution has since been augmented by a surplus of $20,000. At the time of organization Robert Montgomery was president; Albert Roecker, vice-president, and Hugh Montgomery, cashier.

On January 3, 1887, Hugh Montgomery became president, Robert Montgomery vice-president and John S. Smith cashier. William Hoblitzell became vice-president upon the retirement of Robert Montgomery in 1889. He was succeeded by D. W. Porter in 1897. B. P. Smith was elected assistant cashier the same year. Hugh Montgomery resigned as president in 1900 and was succeeded by John S. Smith who still holds the office. B. P. Smith became cashier at the same time, remaining in that position until 1907, when he was succeeded by B. H. Watson, the present cashier. B. P. Smith returned to the bank in 1914 in the capacity of vice-president. C. T. Hall was made assistant cashier in 1908.

The Exchange Bank, H. Thomas & Son, bankers, began business in 1895. They have one of the substantial and progressive financial institutions in the county and their success

From the inception of the business to the present day Henry Thomas has been president and C. E. Thomas cashier. This bank has a capital of $10,000, with a surplus of like amount.

The Bank of Mound City was organized in February, 1889. W. M. Hamsher was president at the time of organization and is still filling this position to the entire satisfaction of the patrons of the bank. J. B. Ross is cashier and is one of the best known and most successful bankers in the county. The standing of this financial institution is second to none in the county. The capital stock is $20,000, with a surplus of $10,000.

Public Improvements

Mound City has been modernized more rapidly than many other towns of like size. There is nothing lacking in the way of modern conveniences and everything which the present day civilization classes as necessities is to be found here. During the last few years more than $110,000 has been spent in public improvements, including the new high school building, mention of which is made under the head of schools.

The paving of State street, which was completed in 1914, at a cost of $29,000. The paving is of brick and extends from the lower end of the street at the bridge well into the residence portion of the town on the north. A sytsem of white way lights makes this street a well lighted thoroughfare at night.

A sewer system was included in the town's improvements in 1912. Nearly ten thousand dollars was spent for main sewers and the costs of the district sewers is about $12,000.