Bucklin Township

Bucklin Township

Bueklin was laid out originally on the east half of Lot 2 ; northwest quarter of Section 2, Township 57, Range 18, in October, 1854. William S. McClanahan, county surveyor, began the survey of the town on the eighth of the month and completed it on the eleventh. James H. Watson and Dr. John F. Powers were the owners of the land and were the chief promoters of the town.

At the time of Bueklin 's creation a Major Bueklin was chief engineer of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, which was then in process of construction across the state. The town was named as a complement to the Major, and it was thought by the sagacious promoter, would result in the establishment of the division at Bueklin. It might be here remarked that many years later Bueklin also had similar aspirations concerning the Santa Fe Railroad, but was disappointed.

It matters not ; the town lias grown with the county and is enjoying the facilities of two great trunk lines of railroad and the trade of a splendid farming community. All it hoped for in the way of commercial prosperity has been well realized.

Some of the railroad people used to speak of the place as Bucklinville, and it must have gone by that name on the records of the company, for Josiah Hunt, the land commissioner of the railroad, on August 1, 1859, laid out the first addition to the place, and caused it to be recorded as "the first addition to the town of Bucklinville."

The word Bucklinville, however, is never heard of now. The town is located on a ridge between the Chariton and Grand rivers. It is high, well-drained and healthful.

The first structures in Bucklin were the railroad shanties. Noah Carter operated the first store. F. A. Davenport, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Davenport, was the first male child born in Bucklin, his birth occurring in December, 1855. Sarah, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Austin, was the first girl baby born in the to-\\Ti.

The first marriage was that of William Poole and Eachel Minnick. The ceremony occurred at the residence of Samuel Minnick in February, 1858, and was conducted by Squire Charles C. CUfton.

In 1858 a cemetery was laid out about half a mile north of the town. A United States postoffiee was established in 1859, the year the Hannibal & St. Joe road began operating across the state. John Walker was the first postmaster.

Following the depression caused by the Civil War, Bucklin thrived rapidly. New stores were put up and various industries established. The Bucklin mills were built and put in operation by Messrs. Pounds & Stevenson in 1867. The plant cost between $5,000 and $6,000, and was the most complete of its kind in this section of the state. It diverted an immense amount of traffic to Bucklin.

The failure of Bucklin to secure the Santa Fe division had a depressing effect temporarily; business was quiet and enterprise lagged. Marceline, the place selected by the road for the division, was only six miles south, and it naturally developed fast. People from Linn and other counties were hastening there to get into business while the floodtide of prosperity was on.

But the stagnation of Bucklin did not last long. The people realized that the loss of the division did not by any means threaten the standing of their town, and that its splendid location could not be taken away.

About twelve years ago some new blood and energy were infused into the town, which began to arouse itself and take its place in the ranks of progress, its destiny from the first. The vitalizing influence was felt in every avenue of the town's life.

The old wooden awnings in front of the store-biiildings have been torn down and used for kindling wood. The frame store buildings have given place to modern brick structures, with large plate glass windows and attractive fronts. Miles of smooth granitoid sidewalk have superceded the rickety board affairs that gave service to the residents a decade or so ago. Four new and picturesque additions to the town have been laid out, and the lots have found ready purchasers at good figures. More than 100 new houses have been built.

Along with its commercial boom Bucklin has seen to it that its educational needs have not been neglected. A handsome new $10,000 high school has been constructed and paid for. The Christian congregation has built a new $15,000 church edifice, and paid for it.

Some three years ago a stock company was organized by G. L. Joyce to prospect for coal. The sum of $2,500 was raised, a charter secured and an operating shaft sunk. At a depth of 227 feet a bed of coal running from 32 to 36 inches was found. It proved to be of excellent quality, and is most satisfactory to consumers. The mine is now successfully operated by Cantwell & Woodruff, who bought out the entire interests of the original stockholders. This mine is located near the junction of the two railroads. The Hannibal & St. Joseph road has constructed a spur to the shaft, and cars of coal are daily sent out along the line. About twenty-five men are now working steadily, and receiving good wages.

Bucklin has an electric light plant, with capacity sufficient to light a city of the size it expects to be in the next ten years. The plant has only been in operation one year, and it has well passed the experimental stage and is listed among the many successful enterprises of the town.

The raising of poultry for the market is a live industry all around Bucklin. In one year the firm of Lindley & Buster handled $100,000 of poultry produced by farmers adjacent to Bucklin.

According to the school record, Bucklin stands third in the list among the towns of Linn county in the number of pupils in its schools. Brookfield and Marceline are the only towns rivaling Bucklin in this respect.

Linneus's first settler was Colonel John Holland, who came from Virginia in the spring of 1834, and located his claim on the section where Linneus now stands. Colonel Holland constructed a two-room log cabin. In this pioneer edifice court was afterwards held, a school was taught and the business of the county transacted. The cabin stood near the center of the public square. For many years a heavy growth of timber surrounded the clearing about the Holland homestead. Two squirrels formed the principle dish for the Colonel's first breakfast after the completion of his cabin. The squirrels were shot by the Colonel the day before, while standing on his doorstep.

Dinah was the name of a negro slave who came from Virginia with Colonel Holland to cook for the pioneers who built the cabin and cleared the timber about it. Colonel Holland also brought with him from Virginia thirty head of sheep, and these were the special charge of the black woman. Every day Dinah led her flock into the woods to let them browse upon the buds of hazel and elm. She was the shepherdess of the flock and it was her duty to shoo away the savage wolves which were then numerous in the forest. At night Dinah penned the sheep in one room of Colonel Holland's cabin. A large dog, a match for any single wolf that might appear, was on guard outside.

The cabin constructed, and Dinah left in charge. Colonel Holland went back to Virginia after his family and supplies. Dinah and the big dog were left alone. William and Jesse Bowyer would occasionally pass by the cabin and stop to see that all was well with Dinah and her charges. Aside from these visits the black woman had no one to speak with but her four-footed friends.

At last the Hollands returned. That day was the happiest in Dinah's life. Her solitary vigil was over, and she had faithfully performed her trust.

Upon Colonel Holland's death in July, 1855, Dinah was set free in accordance with the provisions of his will. She lived to be nearly 100 years old, and witnessed the develoi^ment of Linneus from a wilderness into a thriving city.

Linneus was incorporated February 9, 1853, bj^ order of the county court in response to the petition of its inhabitants. The order specified that John G. Flournoy, Edward Hoyle, Alexander Carroll, Marshall Harrison and William M. Long should be trustees. On March 18, 1880, Linneus was made a city of the fourth class, a large majority of its citizens voting in favor of the proposition.

Quite a number of log cabins were built on the clearing made by Colonel Holland and his fellow pioneers. The first frame building was constructed in 1840. It was located north of the square. The liunber for it was worked up by an old-fashioned whipsaw. There were no regular saw mills in the country in that period.

John T. Flournoy was the first male child born in Linneus. The event occurred May 5, 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Augustus W. Flournoy were the parents. Mildred Williams Holland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.

John G. Ball and Elizabeth Flournoy were the first persons married in the capital. The ceremony was performed by Squire Gibson in April, 1839. By some it was claimed that Mr. Ball was the first merchant in Linneus. Miss Flournoy was a school-teacher. The marriage occasioned a great deal of interest among the early settlers.

The first death of a white man was that of Timothy "Webber, which occurred in 1840 or 1841. Webber was a carpenter by trade and also kept a small grocery store. Colonel Holland had donated an acre of land to the town to be used as a cemetery. Webber remarked on learning this: "Well, it would be a good thing now if somebody would die so that we could make a mark in that graveyard and give it a good start." Soon after Webber himself died and gave the cemetery the start he suggested.

Benjaman White is credited with the honor of having taught the first school in Linneus. That was in 1838. Allan Gillespie was the next teacher. John G. Flournoy taught the school in 1839 or 1840. As has been mentioned, the school room was in the Holland house. The first public school house was built in 1847 ; it stood close to where the railroad track is now. It was a frame structure 18x22 feet and cost about $300. William Sanders, a native of Maine, taught the first term. There were about twenty-five pupils.

The first physician in the section about Linneus was Dr. Dryden, but before he came Judge James A. Clark, who made no pretentions to being a doctor, was considered quite a good hand to have around when people were sick. The judge kept a stock of quinine and calomel, which were in those days considered good for almost any pain and ache that a person could have.

Chills and fever were the only maladies the busy pioneer had time to indulge in, and consequently his medicinal wants were few. Judge Clark was regarded as very expert in relieving physical distress. He never charged for his services, but responded to all calls day and night.

Other physicians of the early day were Isaac Relph, who came from Ray county, and Isles, who was said to be a seceder from the Mormon church. Both of these men came in 1840.

The Eev. A. F. Martin, a Missionary Baptist, conducted the first religious services in 1839. There was no church, and the meeting was held in a private house. The county court, in July, 1838, ordered that "Kemper & Givens be allowed to sell merchandise in Linn county for $10 to the state and $10 to the coimty revenue." Ball, Hezekiah

Sutgon and Webber were among the first merchants and groeerymen. In those days a wagon load of merchandise was a stock of goods. The demands of the people were bnt few. They produced about all the food they needed. Quite a delicacy was "salt mackerel." With the woods and streams abounding with the finest game and fish that could be had, the pioneer often yearned for salted goods like herring and mackerel as a change from the ordinary bill of fare.

David Prewitt, one of the leading merchants of Linneus, said that one barrel of sugar and one sack of flour were all that he could sell in a year's time. Mr. Prewitt afterwards conducted a large tobacco establishment in Linneus and bought, prized and shipped tobacco for many years. His product was hauled overland to Brunswick, where it was transported by river to the market. Mr. Prewitt was engaged in this business from 1841 until 1852. During those years he was also treasurer of Linn county.

The commodities were cheap. Pork sold for $1.50 a hundred and tobacco from $1.00 to $3.00 per hundred. In his large tobacco house Mr. Prewitt manufactured a variety of plug tobacco which commanded a large sale among the country merchants. It was also taken by the wagon-load to southern Iowa, where it was as popular as it was in Missouri.

For a long while there was no church building in Linneus, and services were conducted in the old log court house. That was the forum for all sorts of business meetings.

Sometime before this Mr. Eooker owned a tobacco factory over on Yellow creek, which was managed by Charles Ayers, of Glasgow. David Prewitt is said to have been the pioneer tobacco manufacturer of the county.

The first locomotive run over the Burlington & Southwestern tracks through Linneus was named "Colonel Northcott," in honor of the man who had been such a successful and earnest worker for the road.

The first train over the Burlington & Southwestern road ran through Laclede to Linneus September 1, 1872. Not long afterwards the road was completed to Browning and was operated to that point.

Histoey Of Linn Couxty 335

iiito Biirliugtou, business from Laclede to Browning became light and the road was in such bad condition that train service was suspended for several weeks. A good deal of dissatisfaction was expressed by the citizens and shippers along the line, and some even went so far as to suggest that if the managers were not going to operate the road the track had better be torn up and taken out of the way.

There was a big fire in Linneus in January, 1879. At about 10 :.30 o'clock on the night of the 23d, fire broke out in the store room occupied by S. Bradenburger & Co., on the west side of the public square. It was supposed that the fire originated in a defective flue. The Brandenburger building was burned ; loss $17,000 ; insurance, $10,000.

The two-story brick building, the property of Presley Pound, was also destroyed. The lower room of this building was occupied by Morris as a hardware store. The greater portion of the stock was saved. The upper section was used as a lodge room and also embraced Dr. Allen's dental ofiice and the ofiSce of B. J. Northcott, attorney. The flames spread to the implement warehouse and lumber yard owned by J. F. Lash, causing a damage estimated at $1,100. A frame building belonging to H. C. Prewitt, which was in the rear of Pound's house, was also burned.

The printing material of the Bulletin office and the stocks of goods belonging to P. H. Perkins, C. A. Holten,.-J. H. Bradley, M. Goldman and Clark & Bradley were moved out into the street for safety, as it appeared at one time that the entire block would be swept away by the flames, and it was only by the greatest efforts that some of the buildings were saved.

In 1880 a number of enterprising citizens of Linneus organized a stock company and put up a two-story brick hotel, which cost about $8,000. For a long time this was one of the feature buildings of the town. It was of attractive construction, commodious and comfortable and enjoyed a large business. For over 30 years it stood as the leading hotel of the town. Its first tenant was M. P. Cloudas, of Trenton. He was followed by J. L. Palmer, of Lancaster, Missouri, and various other managers from time to time.

There was an election held in Linneus May 24, 1881, to vote on the question of the organization and incorporation of the town as a city of the fourth class, under the law of 1877. The proposition was adopted by a large majority. At the same time it was voted to refund the city debt, which was then $9,000, in bonds paying six per cent interest and running from five to twenty years.

By an order of the Circuit Court, at the August term, 1839, Liuneus was established as a county seat of Linn county, which honor it bears with pride alike to itself and the county. The capital's growth was at no period rapid or spasmodic, but rather slow and substantial. The first court house was erected under an order of the county court entered of record at the February term, 1841. This building did not long meet the requirements of the developing conditions and on May 14, 1846, the county court apporpriated $4,000 for the erection of another building, which was completed and accepted by the court on October 16, 1848. The old building which stood as a temple of justice at the close of the Civil War, and which many of our citizens yet well remember, was at various times remodeled and repaired. In 1885, under the court presided over by Judge Silas Hale, it was rebuilt and remains until this day. Various attempts have been made to induce the tax-payers to build a court house that would reflect credit upon this splendid county, but all efforts failed until the first day of August, 1911, a proposition to build a $60,000 building, to be paid for by a direct levy covering three years, was submitted and carried by a substantial majority. The work of construction will begin next spring, 1913.

Linneus is located on high, commanding ground, one of the highest tracts between the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers; has excellent natural drainage and abundance of the best water at from ten to forty feet. Like many of the old towns and cities of Missouri, Linneus 's business district surrounds a central public square, in which the court house now stands, and in which the new structure will be erected. February 9, 1853, was the date of incorporation, and March 18, 1880, Linneus became a city of the fourth class ; was incorporated under the law of 1877, June 17, 1881.

The purpose of this article is to present in a condensed form some of the facts connected with the history of this city, beginning with 1882, and we shall confine the sketch to the material, educational, religious and social development. Linneus has always been noted for its hospitality, financial strength, deep-seated love for education and music, broad patriotism and great respect for law and order. Its people are cultured, generous and courteous; at all times seeking the ennobling qualities of heart and mind rather than the transitory. Early in the life of Linneus attention was given to the religious growth of the peo- pie, and the requirements of the church received earnest consideration. The Baptist Church was organized in 1839, and for many years occupied the building which is now the home of the Bulletin. In 1893-4 a neat frame building was erected in the eastern part of the city, which has all the modern needs of the large and growing membership. The last pastor was the Eeverend E. L. Wood, who in April accepted a call from the Baptist Church at Adrian, Missouri. The pulpit here at this writing, has not been supplied but will be in the near future.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was organized in October, 1844, and is strong in membership and melds a potent influence for good. This congregation erected a beautiful edifice on the site of the old structure in 1883, and under the pastorate of the Reverend F. A. Henry the organization is rated among the influential churches of the county. The Christian Church was organized in 1853. In 1889 the members razed their old church and erected a neat, substantial, roomy edifice on the site of the former building. The membership is large and embraces many of the well-to-do farmers residing near the city.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized many years ago, and for a long time had a struggle for existence. Its house of worship was located at the northeast corner of the public square. It was not until 1909 that this congregation felt numerically and financially able to erect a new edifice. The task was undertaken and resulted in the establishment of a magnificent structure on the site of the old church. It is regarded as being one of the best equipped churches in this part of the state. Under the pastorate of Reverend Lloyd H. Lanning, who was born in Brookfield and educated in that city and at Missouri Wesleyan College, Cameron, Missouri, it is enjoying a substantial growth.

The Second Baptist Church (colored) was organized, and under the pastorate of the Reverend Hardin Morgan has accomplished much for its people both religiously and educationally. The Reverend Morgan has served this church more than thirty years.

The educational history of this city is treated exhaustively elsewhere in this work, and in passing will only state that the period of the greatest development and efficiency has been that under the superintendency of Professor E. J. Powell, a native of Linn county, who has been at the head of our educational system for the past five years.

The newspapers of this city have contributed largely to its growth, progress and development, always standing for enterprising policies and men. (See Newspapers of the County.)

In 1882 Linueus had but one bank, that of Combs & Wilkerson, which was located in the west end of the building south of the Meyer & Locke Mercantile Company. In 1889 this concern was reorganized, since which time it has been operating under the name of the Farmers' & Merchants' Bank, the pioneer bank of Linneus.

The Moore & Mullins Bank was organized and opened its doors for business in January, 1896. It is owned by Major A. W. Mullins and W. L. Moore. With a capital of $20,000 and a surplus of $30,000, it has been wonderfully successful from its beginning. Colonel F. W. Powers is cashier and Ben H. Mullins, assistant cashier. The bank has grown in favor and ranks as one of the foremost and best managed financial institutions in this part of the state. It is located in the Opera House block.

In 1905 the Citizens' Bank was established. It is located at the southwest corner of the square, and has elegant equipment. It has a cash capital of $30,000 with a surplus of $3,500, and enjoys a growing patronage. Judge A. B. Bond is president, AV. B. Thorn, cashier, and M. E. Foshe;-, assistant cashier. No town in the state has better banking institutions that Linneus.

The Commercial Hotel is one of the old landmarks of the city, and while old age should command reverence, it is with joy and gladness that on the 10th clay of June, in this year of our Lord, 1912, a force of workmen will begin the task of tearing down this popular but outgrown hostelry, that it may give place to a far larger and better one. Before the snow flies one of the best hotel buildings in the state will adorn the corner on which the Commercial has so long stood. The money has been subscribed and the work of building will be pushed with all possible speed.

In 1900 the Superior Haystacker Manufacturing Company was organized and established. It is located just south of the Burlington railway station, where it covers a vast area of ground. Various kinds of harvesting implements are manufactured. These find ready sale in all of the agricultural regions of the great West. This plant employs a large number of men the year round. It has a working capital of $35,000. O. P. Vroom is president and M. V. Fetty, secretary-treasurer.

South of the Superior Haystacker Manufacturing Company's plant is located the flouring mill owned and operated by W. E. Forman. During the period alloted to this article, the mill has been destroyed by fire twice. The present proprietor has succeeded in a marked degree in drawing patronage from all sections of the county, and his success is

A United States postoffice was established in Linneus in 1840. Dr. J. C. Cooper was the first postmaster. He was succeeded by the following: J. TJ. Parsons, Marshall Harrison, E. H. Richardson, Robert Ferguson, Harvey Wanek, Charles A. Perkins, D. B. Ormiston, J. P. Bradley and D. B. Ormiston, the present incumbent, who was re-appointed. The oflBce is now located in the News building. Five rural carriers are now connected with the office and these faithful servants of the people deliver mail over one-sixth of the entire county.

The present city government is progressive in all matters concerning the growth and welfare of the municipality. Mayor J. G. Collins is serving his third term. The council is composed of M. E. Fosher, T. S. Stephenson, B. H. Mullins and J. N. Carter, with H. E. Symons, city clerk ; C. E. Swinney, collector ; T. M. Davis, marshal ; and W. B. Craig, treasurer.

The people of Linneus have adopted municipal ownership to the extent of owning a magnificent opera house, city park and an electric light plant. These properties are conducted at a minimum cost for the pleasure and convenience of the people. About six years ago the cement era was inaugurated, since which time practically all of the wooden walks have given place to concrete, and long lines of cement walks thread the city in every direction.

The civic and fraternal societies are well represented. Masonic. Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, M. W. of A., Yeoman and Royal Neighbors all have strong lodges. Many literary clubs have been formed among the ladies, embracing the Laurel Club, P. E. 0., and M. I. C.

Wonderful changes have taken place during the thirty years covered by this article. Trulj' this is a new Linneus. Every church has been rebuilt, every bank occupies a new home; there is a new school - building, a new park, opera house, electric light plant, manufacturing industries, flouring mill, new county infirmary, new jail, - in fact, practically everything has been made new. Linneus now enters upon its era of greatest growth and development. The erection of a new hotel this year and the new court house next year will invite capital and people, and the years ahead are bright with promise of a splendid growth. The impediments of the past no longer confront the capital city, and with warm hearts and glad hands our citizenship extends greetings and bids you join in our glorious future.

According to the census of 1910 there was a population of 629, but at this writing it is considerably larger than that. The town was platted in 1872. Building operations on an extensive scale immediately began. John Gable, Sr., a native of Pennsylvania, is credited with having erected the first dwelling. Gable's building was used for many years as a hotel. It was wrecked a few years since in order to make space for a modern and commodious residence, which is now owned and occupied by H. H. Dunkin.

For a long while the site on which Browning is located was used as a voting precinct. That was when Sullivan county belonged to the territory of Linn. The citizens assembled at the residence of Dr. W. E. Robinson, an old settler.

Dr. Eobinson owned a large part of the land on which the city now stands. His early day residence stood about where W. P. Carter's barn is now, on a hill in the west part of the city.

W. J. Kennedy, now living at La Plata, Missouri, is said to have been the first merchant of Browning. He was a member of the first board of trustees. The other members were W. J. McCrary, H. C. Hill, W. J. Biswell and S. A. Malony.

As is the case with most new municipalities, there was considerable discussion as to the most effective name. Some suggested that it be called Linnivan, an ingenious method of combining the syllables of the two counties, but it was finally decided to honor the wife of an official of the railroad, a Mrs. Browning.

Y. J. Biswell, who came from old Seotts\ille; Hill & Shipman of the same place, and E. H. Scrock and F. E. Stone, who each conducted a drug store, and Boiling & Alexander who run a lumber yard and implement house.

The first newspaper published in Browning was the Monitor. It was a neatly printed and well-edited sheet. The next paper was the Browning Reporter, of which A. Robinson was editor and proprietor. The town has always possessed a live, well patronized newspaper.

The first male child born in Browning was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Armstrong. That was in the spring of 1873. The little fellow lived but a short while and his was the first death that occurred in the new town.

Rebecca Biswell, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Biswell, was the first female child born in Browning. Her birth occurred October 13, 1875.

Dr. William Witter came from Milan shortly after Browning was laid out. To him belongs the distinction of being the first physician, but he remained in the town only a short while.

In February, 1873, a few months after the town was surveyed, Browning had one general store, one blacksmith shop, a postoffice and one saloon. George C. Williams of Linneus was the first postmaster. He didn't remove to Browning and John Edwards attended to the duties of the postofiice as his deputy.

Eeligious services were held in a building occupied by J. T. Fleming and Son as a store. The Rev. J. H. Cox, who afterwards became a noted minister in Missouri, preached to the little congregation of Methodists that assembled in the store.

Browning has always been a live, progressive and up-to-date city. It has splendid society, good schools and excellent churches. Like other places of importance. Browning has had its troubles. The one which gave to the place its greatest notoriety was that developing out of the murder of Gus Meeks and his family. This was known as the Taylor case.

On May 10, 1894, it was discovered that Gus Meeks, his wife and all his children except a little girl named Nellie had been murdered and hidden away in an old straw-stack on a farm belonging to George E. Taylor, southwest of Browning about four miles.

Nellie lived and gave the alarm. Suspicion was immediately directed towards W. P. and George E. Taylor, who fled the coimtry and were pursued and finally captured in Arkansas. They were brought back to Missouri, tried in Carroll county and convicted of murder in the first degree.

W. P. Taylor was executed in accordance with the stern mandate of the law. Nellie Meeks grew into beautiful young womanhood, was married, enjoyed a few short months of wedded life and now sleeps in a graveyard in Sullivan county.

Browning has four church buildings and as many strong church organizations. It is a God-fearing and a God-loving community and as law-abiding as any in the state. It has a first-class high school, with a three-year course in high school work and eight grades below the high school. Six teachers are employed and they keep the standard as high as that of any three years' school anywhere.

Before this history is printed Browning will be enjoying the facilities afforded by a modern acetylene lighting system, the installation being in progress at this writing.

David B. Stone was the first settler on the site of Browning. Stone's father lived on land now within the corporate limits of the city. He operated a mill along about the time of the Civil "War.

Three good banking institutions, well officered and doing a thriving and conservative business are operated in Browning. All carry large deposits and their prosperity is a reflection of the general prosperity of the productive community tributary to the town.

Browning is not a boom town in the sense as the word has been employed in the west, but belongs to that class of cities the development of which is the result of steady, solid and substantial growth.

Laclede (By Oscar F. Libby) This important city of Linn county is located on a jjicturesque prairie ridge. Turkey Creek is a mile east and Locust Creek four miles west. A productive farming country surrounds the place and brings to it an extensive trade from prosperous agriculturists. Handsome modern farmhouses, large barns, extensive orchards and fields give color to the landscape, and mark a region of enterprise and prosperity.

The early history of Laclede and the attractive section of country surrounding it, as related to the writer by the late Joseph G. Worlow, is as follows:

In 1848 Joshua Gentry and J. T. K. Hayward, two of the promoters of the Hannibal & St. Joe Eailroad, in one of their frequent trips of inspection along the line, stopped at the home of Peter Worlow, who lived a short distance north of where Laclede was afterwards located. At that time the matter of building the railroad was a live subject all along the route. As a matter of course it was discussed during the visit of the two promoters at Mr. Worlow 's residence. They told what a railroad would mean in the way of developing the country, furnishing a market for farm products and a rapid means of transit to the cities. Inspired by what they heard, Mr. Worlow 's two sons, Jacob L. and Joseph G., decided to enter the northwest quarter of Section 5, Township 57, Range 20, for the purpose of locating a townsite. The two young Worlow men went to Milan, where the land office was, and filed in the name of Jacob L. Worlow alone, as Joseph was not then twenty-one.

The Worlows platted the town and carried out the enterprise as they had planned. That was in 1853. Henry W. Cross, C. V. Eastman and J. M. Cook assisted in the undertaking. Mr. Cross is credited with having suggested the name, Laclede, in honor of the old French pioneer who founded the great city of St. Louis. The first residences were erected by Mr. Worley, Aaron Quick and J. M. Clark.

In 1857 Jacob E. Quick built the first schoolhouse. E. G. Clough did the carpenter work. The building was sixteen feet square and cost the modest sum of $75.

The first public school building was erected on the site of the present schoolhouse in 1857. It was used until 1873, when it was moved and a modern brick building erected in its stead. This last schoolhouse contained four large and comfortable rooms and was in

Charlotte F., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. G. Roush, was born July 27, 1857, and had the disinction of being the first female child born in the town.

The first religious services were held at a boarding-house shanty, not far from the railroad track. They were conducted by the Rev. Father Hogan, now a bishop and living in Kansas City.

The following religious denominations are represented in the churches of Laclede: Methodist Episcopal, Christian and Baptist. There is also a negro Baptist church.

Laclede has two good banks, ten business houses, two hotels, three restaurants, two millinery stores, two blacksmith, wagon and repair shops, one livery stable, a lumber yard, two grain dealers, one axhandle factory, a plant for the manufacture of cement blocks, a good mill, boarding-house, a good weekly newspaper, two lawyers, three physicians, three resident ministers, two meat markets and a barber shop.

Being located at the junction of the Hannibal & St. Joseph and the Chicago, Burlington and Kansas City railroads, both properties of the Burlington system, Laclede enjoys excellent shipping facilities. Its people are progressive and hospitable. They encourage every legitimate plan for trade expansion. The country abounds in rioh material of all kinds. There are some excellent clays suitable for brick and tile making. Over to the west is the fertile Locust Creek Valley, which will soon have the improvement of an extensive drainage system. The completion of this enterprise will nearly double the value of land in the vicinity.

A good electric lighting system has been installed, the streets are wide and well-kept and there is a beautiful pai'k in the heart of the city. The location on the two lines of railroad, the character of the country and the public-spiritedness of the citizens are three elements that are bound to make Laclede still grow and prosper as the years roll by.

In 1881 the railroad company erected a small depot for the convenience of its patrons in that section, and the following year Messrs. A. S. Johnson and H. H. Streed erected some small cattle pens and began the shipment of stock from that point. In the fall of that year a public road was built connecting with tlie main traveled road between Linneus and Milan, allowing the people in that section of the county free access to the depot and the privilege of flagging trains for their convenience at that point.

In February, 1883, Messrs. W. G. Beckett and W. 0. Mathews erected the first store building, and in the same year W. H. Rudy built a small saw-mill, and a little later enlarged the plant by adding a gristmill to it. In the same year Mr. A. L. Cooper opened a blacksmith shop and the town at once began to grow. Gr. T. Riley opened the first hotel in 1887, and in 1894 the Bank of Purdin was organized and opened for business.

Since that time Purdin has made rapid strides, until today it is considered one of the attractive and fast-growing towns of the county. There are no less than twenty business places of all kinds and descriptions, together with two prosperous banks, a large number of fine residences, with modern churches and schools in proportion to the population.

The first merchant of the town, W. G. Beckett, is still in business, and from his small beginning in 1883 has grown the Purdin Mercantile Company, which is today one of the largest retail establishments in the county. Purdin also can boast of a weekly newspaper, which enjoys a good circulation throughout the surrounding country ; its people are energetic and wide-awake, ready to take advantage of every opportunity offered them to increase their business and build up their town along all lines.

Scattered throughout the county are a number of small places which are patronized by the farmers of the surrounding country, and which are of great convenience to the people in general. Among them can be mentioned the following: St. Catharine, which is one of the oldest towns in the county, having been laid out on April 28, 1856. The ground upon which it was located belonged to William and Catharine Elliott together with Caleb and Mary Farmer. The town was named Catharine after Mrs. Catharine Elliott. Afterwards the word "saint" or "St.." as it was written, was added to it.

county, and not until after Brookfield had been selected as the division point on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Eailroad did it lose its prestige.

Today but little remains to remind one of her past greatness. There are two general stores, a good school, churches and a railroad station, but the people surrounding it are drawn to Brookfield and other points on account of superior advantages offered them there.

Another important village in the county is New Boston, situated on section one, in Baker township. The founders of New Boston were A. Borron and E. A. C. Wright. It has never been platted or incorporated, but notwithstanding these facts it has made considerable progress and is a great source of convenience to a wide scope of country surrounding it. New Boston has had a postofiSce since 1872, and today it has a number of general stores, a thriving bank, together with schools, churches and lodges in proportion to her population.

Other small places or trading points are located in other parts of the county, among which can be mentioned Shelby, Eversonville, Haysville, Fountain Grove, Garner, Enterprise and others. These are principally country stores operated solely for the convenience of persons residing in their immediate neighborhood.

Meadville like most other towns on the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, dates its real existence on the completion of that road through Linn county. To be sure the site of Meadville was a year or two older. The first man to erect a business building was John Botts, who ventured to build a small store on the present site of Meadville in 1858. A short time thereafter David Lancaster built a little blacksmith shop. These two buildings comprised the settlement which was named "New Baltimore."

The first stock of goods brought to the place was hauled from Brunswick with an ox team by William Botts, who is still a resident of the place.

Time rolled on; and some time during the year 1858 or 1859 the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad was completed through this place. Mr. Botts had quite a time to induce them to build a depot at that point, as they were talking of building it two miles west of "New Baltimore;" but through the efforts of Mr. Botts they were induced to erect a building on the spot where it now stands.

before Peter B. Groat, a notary public at Hannibal, Missouri, with acknowledgement tliat they had laid out the town of Bottsville on Section 6, Township 57, Range 21, west, in the County of Linn and state of Missouri, and that a correct plat of the place was attached thereto.

In February of the same year John Botts made the same acknowledgement in Linn county, and it was then duly recorded by Jeremiah Phillips, county recorder at that time. Thus the new town of "New Baltimore" went into oblivion and Bottsville became a reality.

During the Civil War matters came to a standstill and remained so until 1867, when they took a turn for the better. At this time Bottsville's business interests were small. Thomas D. Evans carried a small stock of general merchandise and also officiated as postmaster; L. W. James (long since deceased) ran a drug store, and Daniel Thurston and T. F. Spencer each carried a small stock of groceries, while L. N. Goodale discharged the duties of station agent.

In 1867 the question of changing the town's name from Bottsville to Meadville was agitated, and a petition was taken before the county court asking that the above change be made. This was in April, 1869. Some, however, opposed the change, and also went before the county court at the May term with a similar petition, asking that the name of Bottsville be restored. This petition was granted by the court and the name changed from Meadville to Bottsville, and continued in that way until October, 1869, when it was finally changed to Meadville, and will probably remain so for all future time. The name Meadville was given in honor of Charles Mead, at that time superintendent of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Eailroad.

The first schoolhouse erected was in 1859 ; it was a frame building, 18x26, and cost about $200. It did service until 1872, when a fine brick building was substituted for it. This in time gave way to others until today the town can boast of one of the best and most modern equipped schools in the county.

The first wedding took place in August, 1866. E. D. Harvey performed the ceremony, and the contracting parties were Joel F. Spencer and Elizabeth James.

Meadville claims the distinction of having been first to start what was known as agricultural picnics. They were a gathering of the farmers, their ^\^ves, sons and daughters and were joined by the town people en masse. It was a day looked for with interest and when it arrived was one of unalloyed pleasure.

Out of these picnics has grown what is known far and wide as the Meadville chautauqua assembly, which was started in 1905, and has grown each year in popularity with the people throughout the county until it today imdoubtedly is the most popular chautauqua assembly in northeast Missouri. The grounds are beautifully located just north of the city and a thousand or more people camp each year on these grounds, besides other thousands who come day after day in carriages, automobiles or by trains to enjoy the excellent programme.

In the way of entertainment the managers of the chautauqua assembly secure each year the services of some of the best known speakers in the country that are engaged in chautauqua work. Many of the most noted men of the day have spoken from their platform, and the people look forward each year with pleasure and j^rofit to the week to be spent at the Meadville chautauqua.

Meadville was duly incorporated as a city of the fourth class on January 4, 1881, and the following officers were appointed by the court: George W. Golden, mayor; A. B. Black, J. C. Waters, John McNicholas and D. M. Sevey, aldermen, with John Crafton as marshal.

Meadville is in the heart of a fertile and thickly populated region. The railroad carries daily heavy consignments of products of the farm, the dairy and poultry yard to the markets. The town is well supplied with churches, has a splendid school and all facilities and conveniences of modern life; is well located, healthful and attractive. Best of all, it is inhabited by a kind-hearted generous people, with the welcoming hand always outstretched to the visitor.