Clay Township

Clay Township

farms were opened and improved. Among the other early settlers were Joseph White, John S. Peters and David Bender, and Lewis Garnett, from Kentucky. John and William King were also among the first. '

As stated, the early settlers were all Whigs, and what was called Whig Valley, embraced a small portion of country bordering on the Nodaway River, not more than two miles in extent from north to south, and about the same distance from east to west. During the war the majority of old settlers left, and the present population of this district is mostly composed of descendents of settlers from Ohio.

Whig Valley was the name of the post office, and a town was laid out in the fall of 1876, and a store built. The first store in Whig Valley was established in 1870 by E. A. Burnett & Bro., and stood on section 9, of township 62, range 37. This was purchased by E. F. Weller, who, in 1876, built a store on the town site of Whig Valley. The business houses and their proprietors all moved from Whig Valley to the new town of Maitland when it was established.

It is only about a third of a century since the site of the town of Maitland was a corn field and hazel brush patch. It was in the summer of 1880 that the Nodaway Valley Branch of what was then the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad (now the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy), was completed up the valley of the Nodaway River. It was on May 12, 1880, that the plat of the town of Maitland was filed in the recorder's office by the Maitland Town Company, composed of railroad officials, with J. F. Barnard, at its head.

The land was bought by the company from John and Thomas Swope and the first lots were sold on June 14, 1880, to E. F. WTeller. There were three of them and they were located on the southwest corner of Main and Second streets. Mr. Weller had been in business in Whig Valley, two miles south. He moved his stock, building and all to the new town of Maitland, and located on the second lot south of the corner. This lot was later occupied by the McIntyre Block. It was the second business structure within the limits of Maitland. The first business house was erected a few weeks previous by J. W. Wensch. It was used as a lumber office.

The town is located on the west bank of the Nodaway River, about twenty miles above its confluence with the Missouri. The townsite gently ascends to the west and north from the river and is sufficiently rolling to give perfect drainage to every part. Maitland is fifty-three miles by rail from St. Joseph.

The streets are laid out to conform to the cardinal points of the compass, and run at right angles to each other. They are wide, well graded and drained, nicely shaded with forest trees, which have grown since the town was founded. The street farthest east and nearest the river, running north and south, is Front; to the west of and parallel to this are First, Second, Third and Fourth streets and Maple avenue. Second street is the principal business thoroughfare. Main, another important street, passes through the center of the city from west to east and at its eastern end crosses the Nodaway River on a fine steel bridge. North of Main are Ash, Elm, Walnut and Hickory streets, while south of it is Oak street and a southwestern extension of Front street.

Early Business Enterprises

D. C. Everhart, hotel; C. D. Messinger, hardware; W. E. Everhart, furniture; Swope & Garrett, drugs; Silvers Brothers, livery stable; J. R. Stone, harness; John Palmer, meat market; John McCoy, barber; D. Kennedy, blacksmith; Dr. T. S. Downey, physician. Other early business and professional men were : A. N. Kidd, groceries; Dougherty, Kenyon & Coberly, dry goods; Drs. R. C. Wyman, J. Sherwood and H. B. Maxwell, physicians. Charles Leach was the first railroad agent. R. I. Rea was the first lawyer to locate in the town. W. D. Galloway was the first justice of the peace.

By a vote of the people Maitland became a city of the fourth class March 4, 1895. The officers at the time of this reorganization were Hiram Blazer, mayor; Ed. L. Hart, city clerk; J. H. Chambers, marshal; M. Copeland, collector; James Stacy, police judge; F. M. Coyle, assessor.

The present city officers are: F. M. Blazer, mayor; James McHugh, city clerk and superintendent water works; W. G. Southwell, treasurer; V. O. Chambers, collector; F. M. Coyle, assessor; John Roberts, marshal; R. W. Collison, E. D. Patterson, W. G. Southwell and J. B. McHugh, members of Board of Aldermen.

called The Independent and the first issue was dated March 24, 1881. It was an eight column paper of four pages and a credit to the publisher. Mr. Moulton continued the paper until March, 1883, when he sold it to W. C. Charles, who remained with its destinies until 1885.

Some time that year, along in the autumn, according to the records, C. J. Briggs began publishing the Monitor. Briggs sold out in a short time to Clyde L. Brill who owned the paper until May, 1886, when T. A. Garver became the owner, changing the name of the paper to the Holt County Herald. Uncle "Hank" Gilbert next engineered a deal whereby he secured the property for his son, H. H. Gilbert, who took charge in October, 1886. He also took in a partner, H. P. Springs. Ed. L. Hart became the owner in 1888 and about this time the name was changed to the Maitland Herald.

In 1890 B. J. Brunson joined Hart and they conducted the paper with rather indifferent success until 1892, when John H. Curnutt became the owner, selling out to Ed Kennish, who remained a journalist but a short time when he sold to Frank Robinson. The following year Kennish again bought the paper. O. M. Gilmer succeeded Kennish in June, 1903. Gilmer did well with the Herald, so well indeed that he was made postmaster. He sold the paper to Fred Williams of Stanberry in the fall of 1910. Williams disposed of the property to O. R. King, who published his first paper October 17, 1912. Mr. King was stricken with appoplexy June 17, 1914, while at work at his desk. He died the same day and the Herald has since been managed by Mrs. O. R. King, with the able assistance of her daughter, Miss Maymie King, who is giving the town a most excellent newspaper.

The newspaper, a venture not identified with the history of the Herald, but a part of the history of the town of Maitland, was established by W. M. Carr, April 27, 1899. It was destroyed by fire in December, the same year. It reappeared January 5, 1900, and ceased publication January 10, 1901.

The Eye, a bi-weekly devoted to the interests of deaf mutes, was established in April, 1899, by Oren M. Elliot. He continued its publication until 1901, when he removed the plant to Graham, purchasing the Graham Post and uniting the two plants.

Every town has one or more institutions of which it is especially proud. Maitland's pride is in her public schools and well she may be more than pleased with her educational advantages. The system was started soon after the town came into existence and has been developed by steady and progressive steps to the present day when it compares well with the schools of any other town of like size in the country. So successful have been the efforts of the principals and boards of education that the Maitland High School is now on the approved list of the Missouri University.

The first school in Maitland was taught by Miss Dora Turner in a building which had been erected for other purposes at the corner of Third and Ash streets.

When the town desired to erect a suitable school house the railroad company donated several lots near the central part of the business section. It was subsequently exchanged for the tract in the northern part of the town where the school was established. Bonds for the building were voted in 1883 and the structure was completed in 1884. The High School was organized in 1892.

The building of the Maitland public schools is located four blocks northwest of the business portion of the town, where it is surrounded by a well kept campus, an acre and a half in extent. The building, erected in 1884 cost about $10,000 and was two stories in height. It was modern at the time of its erection but later years demanded something better.

Bonds were voted in 1916 to the amount of $20,000 for a new and down-to-date school building, which should embody all the newest and best features necessary for satisfactory educational work. The building is three stories and basement and contains ten rooms, all well ventilated and properly heated. There is ample space for gymnasiums, class rooms and an auditorium with a seating capacity of several hundred. The contract for this building was let March 23, 1917, and upon its completion the old building was torn down.

Fred J. Kellogg was the first principal of schools in Maitland. He began in 1884 and remained until 1890, when he was succeeded by A. L. Brumbaugh who taught one year. J. W. Perry was principal from 1891 to 1894. During his term the high school was organized. J. U. Crozen was given charge of the school as principal in 1894 and the first class was graduated in 1895. The members of the class were: Mamie Goodpasture, Lillie Copeland, Minnie Kenyon, Kate Boring, Inez Elliot and Grace Nute. J. E. Davis followed J. U. Crozen as principal in 1901 and remained a year. Since then the following named have served: J. W. Fowler, 1902-1904; G. W. Reavis, 1904- 1909; E. T. Ford, 1909-1911; C. D. Hogrefe, 1911-1914; F. F. McCroskey, 1914 .

The members of the first school board were J. E. Phillips, William A. Graham, David Kennedy, E. F. Weller, Dr. T. S. Downey and J. W. Wensch. Those serving at the present time

The Christian Church was organized in 1880. The building was formerly a union church in Graham. It was purchased, torn down and re-erected in Maitland. The new edifice was dedicated by Elder L. D. Cook in January, 1881, at which time the church was organized. The first preacher was Rev. William Gardner, and the first elders were Hiram Blazer, Fred Conz, and W. D. Calloway.

The following preachers have served here : Revs. Gardner, Cook, Waite, Kibby, Gresham, Tandy, Vance, Woodside, Jones, Davis, Dunning, Preston, Rama, Dry, Leonard, B. F. Baker, S. B. Harlan and W. H. Frame.

The Presbyterian Church in Maitland was organized in 1895, prior to which time Christians of this faith worshipped in the Presbyterian Church in Graham or with the congregation of some other denomination in Maitland. On July 5, 1895, the Platte Presbytery appointed a committee consisting of Rev. H. A. Sawyers, Rev. John Wilson and W. W. Hamsher to organize the church. The membership at the time of organization was twenty-four. Orville Graves, John Ogle and John Crozen were elected elders. The church was incorporated under the state laws in January, 1897. The growth of this congregation has been steady, its membership now being about 150.

The United Brethren Church in Maitland was organized in 1887. At the conference of the denomination held in October, 1886, Rev. W. B. Herbert was assigned to Maitland. The charge then consisted of the Maitland U. B. Chapel, Fairview Church, Eureka school house, and Salem Church west of Burlington Junction. A church organization was perfected in 1889, the membership then being fourteen. It now has nearly 100 communicants and owns a handsome church building, valued at $3,000. A neat and substantial parsonage is also owned by the congregation. The first trustees were C. W. Nute, Horace Larkham and Jacob Harmon. The present pastor is Rev. Arthur Smith.

Secret Societies

Maitland Lodge No. 112, A. F. & A. M., was formerly known as Graham Lodge, having been organized in that town October 19, 1867. The lodge was moved to Maitland January 31, 1884, and used its original name until October 14, 1891, when the grand lodge changed the name to Maitland Lod^e No. 112. From this lodge fifteen members afterwards withdrew to organize a lodge in Graham. The Maitland lodge owns its hall which is well furnished and equipped.

Maitland Lodge I. O. O. F. was organized November 16, 1894. From the date of its organization to the present it has steadily prospered and grown. It has elegantly furnished quarters on Second street.

One of the prosperous secret societies of the town is the Knights of Pythias. This lodge is designated by the higher ruling body as No. 183 and was organized February 5, 1891, with a membership of twenty-eight. It occupies a fine hall in the Broad Gauge Building.

The Maitland Camp of Modern Woodmen of America was organized September 22, 1867. The camp is in a flourishing condition, and has a large membership of pushing, energetic men.

Valentine Peters Post, G. A. R., was organized in 1882, with Irving Rea as commander; F. B. Springs, adjutant; Joseph Hatfield, quartermaster sergeant.

Thornton Post, G. A. R., was mustered in at Messinger's Hall, February 6, 1883, by William Stribling, senior vice-department commander. E. Thayer was the first commander.

About the year 1868 C. F. Storm was appointed by his neighbors as the postmaster at Whig Valley. He carried the mail twice a week from Graham in a pillow slip and the mail boxes were in a cupboard. In 1869 his fame became known in Washington and his appointment as a real government postmaster was made by Alexander Randall, then postmaster general.

In 1870 the Bennett Brothers built the first store in Whig Valley and they were made deputy postmasters. In 1874 E. F. Weller rented the building vacated by Bennett Brothers and opened a store. He was made an assistant under Postmaster Storm. Mr. Weller became the postmaster in 1875. When he moved to Maitland in 1881 he took the postoffice with him and continued to serve the patrons of the office until succeeded by Joseph Hatfield who was appointed soon after President Garfield was elected. Hatfield continued until 1893 when, during the Cleveland administration Daniel P. Lewis was commissioned. He was succeeded by Field Spring, Henry B. Crider and O. M. Gilmer in turn. Gilmer resigned and on March 24, 1914, Lafayette Dawson was appointed to the office.

Electric Light And Water Works

At the meeting of the City Council August 11, 1905, A. O. Markt and L. A. DeBord submitted a proposition to establish an electric light plant and furnish lights for public and commercial purposes. The council submitted the matter to the voters at a special election and it was carried by almost a unanimous vote - only twenty-two unfavorable ballots being cast. An impromptu celebration took place when the returns were announced.

Work was commenced on the plant at once and by the following December the lights were turned on. The plant was destroyed by fire June 27, 1907. The damage was repaired and the lights again turned on November 7, the same year. The plant was bought from A. O. Markt November 18, 1908, by

After realizing for a number of years that a system of water works was a necessity to the safety and development of the town Maitland rose to this emergency as she has to all others. The plant, which was built by the Des Moines Construction Company was formally accepted June 22, 1914. This improvement cost $15,500. The plant has 15,125 feet of mains, twenty-five hydrants and seventeen cut-off valves. Water is supplied from a well and the supply is said to be almost inexhaustable. The tank has a capacity of 50,000 gallons and gives a pressure of fifty pounds on the mains. This is considered sufficient for the needed fire protection.

The people of Maitland have a right to be proud of the banking institutions which serve their needs. Nowhere can be found more substantial, well managed and prosperous banks than the two which are doing business in Maitland. Depositors know their funds are invested to the best advantage and every transaction adds to their confidence in the men af, the head of these institutions. Borrowers are given every consideration and accommodation indicated by sound, careful business methods. The banks of Maitland have ever been found ready and willing to do their full share in every instance where the growth and development of the town was in question.

The Farmers' Bank opened for business in December, 1881, about a year after the first sale of lots in the town. E. F. Weller was the president then and he is still on the job. For thirtyfive years he has been in the banking business in the building which now quarters this institution and which was built especially for its use. Mr. Weller has a long, honorable career to his credit.

The capital was $10,000 at the time of organization and has since been doubled. The bank has $14,000 undivided profits which adds materially to its working capital.

Charles T. Donovan was the first cashier. He was succeeded by J. E. Weller in 1895. John Ross became cashier in 1898 and Joseph Hatfield in 1901. J. E. Weller succeeded him in 1902. Charles D. Weller took the office in 1907. J. E. Weller returned to the bank in 1910 and has been cashier since that date. Harry Crider, the assistant cashier assumed the duties of this office in 1910.

Hiram Blazer was the first vice-president. He was succeeded by J. D. Goodpasture, William Leeper, Hiram Blazer and Frank Blazer, who have held the office in the order named.

The Peoples' Bank began business in December, 1895. It was capitalized at that time for $20,000, and although there has been no formal increase since so far as official records go, its present capital and surplus amounts to $52,000.

D. A. Gelvin, one of the moving spirits in the formation of this banking institution was president at the time of the organization. He has held the office continuously to the present time (1917). P. L. Bohart has been vice-president since the day the bank began business.

John Fields was the first cashier. He served until October, 1899, when he was succeeded by M. C. Brumbaugh, the present cashier. Charles Brown was made assistant cashier when the bank began business. He was followed by Charles Geyer in 1897, who served until 1900 when M. W. Brumbaugh, the present assistant cashier, took up the duties of this office.

Telephone Company

Maitland is served by one telephone exchange, in which respect she is more fortunate than those towns which suffer the annoyance of a dual service. The Farmers' Mutual Telephone Company had its inception at a meeting held in Maitland Septemper 11, 1902, at which the farmers in the country nearby discussed with the business men of Maitland the business details of the proposition. The company was formally organized January 13, 1903, when the following officers were elected: Elijah Rowlett, president; W. H. Huiatt, vice-president; J. H. Fickes, secretary; Frank Kneale, treasurer. The directors were W. H. Smith, F. M. Blazer and William Hodgin. The capital invested at the outset was $3,500 and the number of telephones 113.

The company was incorporated March 1, 1913, with the following named officers: A. B. Crider, president; Lum Patterson, vice-president; J. H. Fickes, secretary; W. H. DeBord, treasurer. The directors were: A. B. Crider, W. H. Hodgin, Lum Patterson, W. S. Bond, J. H. Fickes. The capital stock was raised to $7,500 and the number of telephones to 325. The present officers are I. A. Iddings, president; Ed Kneale, vicepresident; J. H. Fickes, secretary; W. H. DeBord, treasurer.