Grant Township

Boundary

Grant Township was made out of territory originally belonging to Washington and White Cloud Townships, but the boundaries not being found on record, we take the following boundaries from the county map prepared by Messrs. Morehouse and Sisson :

Commencing at the northeast corner of section 17, township 63, range 34, thence west between sections 8 and 17, 7 and 18, in township 63, range 34, thence west between 12 and 13,11 and 14, to the northwest corner of section 14, in township 63, range 35, then south three miles to the northwest corner of section 35, township 63, range 35, thence west between sections 27 and 34, township 63, range 35, to the northwest corner of section 34, thence south to the south line of Nodaway County, thence east to the southeast corner of section 32, township 62, range 34, thence north three miles, then west one-fourth of a mile, thence north three miles, then east one-fourth of a mile, thence north four miles to the place of beginning.

Physical Features

Grant Township is as well watered as any section of the county. The Platte River runs along the eastern border of the township for some distance. Long Creek flows nearly through the whole township from north to south, and empties into the Platte River near the southern boundary. One Hundred and Two touches the northeastern corner of the township where it is deflected slightly towards the west, but returns and entering the township flows through the entire extent. The land of the township is rather rolling, the inequalities increasing as we approach the streams. Belts of timber are found along the water courses, which increase in width as we go southward. It is estimated that about oneeighth of the area of the township is timbered land, the usual varieties of timber in this latitude being found. Limestone and freestone are found in abundance along the streams, quarrymen taking out as large slabs of stone from the various quarries as can be handled. The soil is rich, and is well adapted to all the cereals and to the grasses.

Old Settlers

Sometime before the year 1850, Frank Conlin came and settled in the Narrows, about one mile and a half east of the present site of Barnard. The Narrows is a strip of land or ridge between the One Hundred and Two and Platte Rivers, about three miles long and one mile wide. In the central portion it is timbered from east to west. At an early day Isaac Broderick emigrated from Tennessee and settled three miles and a half southeast of the place where Barnard is now located. Judge Elijah Shelton came from Indiana and located four miles east of the present site of Barnard. Dr. Wm. Blagg grew up in Nodaway County, about three miles northeast of Barnard. Joseph Blagg located four miles east of where Barnard is situated. In 1848, A. J. Dearing came from Virginia and stopped in Cooper County and Andrew County awhile, but removed to this county in 1856, and settled on the divide two miles and a half west of Barnard, but removed in a year to section 16, where he opened a claim and still resides. James F. Hainey emigrated from Kentucky to Washington Township in April, 185 1, and died there in May, 1862. P. J. Hainey, his son, lived on the old homestead until seven years ago, when he came to Guilford, Grant Township, and afterward removed to Barnard. Valentine Korell came from Prussia June 19, 1850, arrived in New York August 4, 1850, and went to St. Louis. He came to Nodaway County March 1, 1852, and settled on the present town site of Barnard. He was the first blacksmith in the town of Barnard, and is now the mayor.

The Beeswax Marriage

Many amusing circumstances have happened in pioneer life that create a broad smile upon the faces of those who are surrounded by the wealth and refinements of modern society. The following incident occurred in Barnard in "ye olden time," and deserves a record in the chronicles of that historic city. Late one evening a couple came to 'Squire Korell and desired to know how much he would tax to marry them. The 'Squire replied that his charge would be two dollars and fifty cents. The man said he had no money, and wanted to know if the 'Squire would not trust them. The 'Squire replied that he never married people on time, but always received his fee in hand. The party then retired for consultation, and there followed a conference with significant whisperings and conversation in undertone. Soon the couple seemed to be reassured and approached the 'Squire and asked " if he would not take his fee in beeswax ? The 'Squire replied that he would take beeswax at its market value. So the beeswax was brought in and weighed and found to be worth sixty cents. The 'Squire said there was not enough beeswax to marry them. Another conference ensued when the lady approached, and in very sweet, beseeching tones, said : " 'Squire, will you not marry us as far as the beeswax goes ? " The 'Squire gave a broad smile and consented, said he thought there was enough beeswax to stick them together. The ceremony proceeded, and soon the happy couple were made one and went on their way rejoicing.

Barnard

This town was named in honor of J. F. Barnard, Superintendent of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad. The land on which the town is located was originally owned by J. C. McCandliss, A. J. Dearing, Samuel Stonehocker and John McFarland. A town company was formed by A. P. Morehouse, John Strong, John McFarland, Samuel Stonehocker and J. F. Barnard.

The first lot was sold at private sale to James U. McKenzie in the t!he early part of May. Mr. McKenzie put up the first store for general merchandise and sold the first goods in the town.

The next store was erected for general merchandise by Forrest & Shuff, who commenced doing business. About the same time a hotel was erected and opened by Samuel Stonehocker, who was the first hotel "keeper in the new town.

The grist mill at Barnard was built in the year 1869, by James C. McCandliss. There is an excellent dam thrown across the One Hundred and Two River at this point, which utilizes the whole power of the river. The mill grinds at all seasons of the year, and does most excellent work. It cost over $12,000.

Barnard is located in the midst of the rich valley lands of the One Hundred and Two River, and is surrounded by some of the finest farming country in Nodaway County. It is the center of a large trade, and is already a shipping point of considerable importance. More than 20,000 bushels of grain have been shipped from Barnard during the past year. The town must of necessity grow in population and wealth, and increase in importance as a trade center. The population is now about 500.

City Officers Business Directory

This church had a preliminary organization in the country, two miles west of Barnard, at a place called Salem. It was re-organized in the year 1870 at Barnard, by Elder Sherwood, of St. Joseph. The members at the time of the re-organization were as follows : J. C. McCandliss and wife, James Giffin and wife, Wm. Giffin, Samuel Stonehocker and wife, Mrs. S. McFarland, Mrs. C. C. Baker, Mr. C. House and wife,

Albert Ulman and others. The following persons have been pastors of the church : Rev. E. B. Sherwood, Rev. Wm. Ilsley, and Rev. D. B. Suther. The church edfice is valued at $1,500. The church has had no settled ministry for about a year.

Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Barnard was organized in the year 187 1. The following are the names of the original members : John R. Phipps and wife, Martin Baker and wife, Newton Wilson and wife, James H. Brown and wife, Alfred Baker and wife, Amos Baker and wife, Mr. Bartlett and wife, Mrs. David Wilson and Miss Martha Wilson. During the first year services were held in the depot by Rev. Mr. Cowden. Services were held afterward in the school house by Rev. A. K. Miller. Rev. Isaac Chivington, afterward put up the church, which is valued at $1,500. The following named persons have been pastors of the church: Rev! E. V. Roof, Rev. John Moorhead, Rev. Robert Devlin and Rev. Mr. Powers. There is a good Sabbath school, and the church is doing a good work. In the early history of the church there were some great revivals.

White Hall Lodge was organized August 8, 1868, at White Hall school house, about two miles and a half southeast of where Barnard is now located. It was afterward moved to Barnard. The present membership numbers thirty-six. The names of the present officers are as follows: J. A. Jamerson, W. M.; N. McCaskey, S. W.; J. H. Perry, J. W.; Smith George, Treasurer; L. Williams, Secretary; A. L. Williams, S. D.; J. B. Kildow, J. D.; J. H. Haughtaling. Senior Steward; A. J. Dearing, Junior Steward; Harvey Davis, Tyler. The lodge meets on or after the full moon each month.

This lodge received its organization July 1, 1876. The names of its charter members are as follows : V. Korell, J. E. Follett, G. E. Smith, S. Hartsell, Henry Cady, James A. Forrest, Sr., John Montgomery and David Wilson. The present officers are: Samuel Phillips, W. C; Jonas Thompson, V. C; V. Korell, Chaplain; Jonas Thompson, R. S.; J. E. Follett, P. S.; John D. Montgomery, Treasurer. The lodge meets the third Friday in each month. The membership numbers twenty-four.

George Williams, W. M.; Cana Baker, Foreman ; Albert Ulman, Overseer ; H. Seeley, Recorder ; H. Aisquith, Receiver ; John Price, Guide ; Alexander Jameson, Watchman ; John Harlan, P. M. W.; A. B. Allen, Examing Physician. The membership numbers twenty-one. The lodge is harmonious and prosperous.

Barnard Lodge was organized June 7, 1873. Tne names of the charter members were as follows : James A. Forrest, Sen.; J. E. Follett, John Montgomery, Solomon Hartzell and V. Korell. The officers of the lodge are : John Reed, N. G.; Chas. Broderick, V. G.; John W. Porter, R. S.; J. P. Korell, P. S.; S. Philips, Treasurer. The lodge meets the first and third Saturday evenings of each month. The lodge owns its lodge room, and is prosperous. The present membership numbers fifty-three.

Daughters Of Rebecca, Olive Lodge, No. 24

This Lodge received its organization August 15, 1876. The charter members of the Lodge were as follows : S. Phillips and wife, J. A. Forrest and wife, V. Korell and wife, J. E. Follett and wife, J. B. Thompson and wife, W. J. Thompson and wife, R. S. Hartsell and wife, J. A. Forrest, Sen., and wife, John D. Montgomery, G. E. Smith and wife, David Wilson and wife, and Henry Dorst and wife.

The present officers of the Lodge are : A. Korell, N. G.; Samuel Phillips, V. G.; John D. Montgomery, R. S.; David Wilson, Treasurer ; Henry Dorst, P. S.

The Lodge meets on Wednesday night each month before the full moon. The membership numbers thirty-seven. The Lodge is reported to be in fine condition.

Prairie Park

Originally there was a post office, a store and a few dwellings one mile south of the present site of Barnard. The place was known among the early settlers as Prairie Park. Subsequently the business went to other points, and the place was given up as a trade center.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Nodaway County, Missouri, by B.F. Bowen & Company. 4n, published 1910; 1,234 words in this source stream.

Grant Township

Grant township, created from parts of White Cloncl and Washington townships, is hounded on the north by Polk and Jefferson townships, on the east by Jefferson and Washington townships, on the south by the Andrew county line and on its west by White Cloud township. This was one of the later civil townships formed in the county. It contains about forty-seven sections of land.

Of its physical features let it be stated that it is a well-watered district - one of the best in the county. The Platte river courses along its eastern borders for some distance. Long creek flows through the whole township from north to south and forms confluence with the Platte near the southern boundary. One Hundred and Two river touches the northeastern corner, but deflects slightly towards the west, but returns and then flows the entire extent. The land is rolling. Belts of natural timber are found along the streams. About one-eighth of the township as late as 1880 was timber land. Limestone and freestone are found in great abundance along the streams. The soil is rich and produces bountiful crops each year.

Early Settlers

The following were among the first settlers who invaded this town¬ ship with a view of making homes for themselves: Jack Brown, 1841 : Gfllam Bailey, 1841; Judge Charles Myers. 1842; Absolom Rhoades, 1842: Dyer Cash, 1842; Henderson Glenn, 1842; James Pennington, 1843: Jude Thomas Brown. 1844; Byrd Billings, 1850: William Goferth, 1841 ; William Campbell, 1842: Wright Bailey, 1842; Barnabus Myers, 1842; David Rhoades, 1842: William Smith, 1842: Phillip Boler, 1843; Joseph Blakely, 1844; Preston Curnett, 1844: Valentine Korell, 1851.

Sometime prior to 1850. Frank Conlin settled in the Narrows, a mile and a half east of where Barnard now stands. Another early settler was Isaac Broderick, of Tennessee, who located three and a half miles west of

Barnard. Four miles to the west of Barnard settled Judge Elijah Shelton, who emigrated from Indiana. Joseph Blagg located four miles west of Bar¬ nard. In 1848 A. J. Dearing came from Virginia, stopped in Cooper and Andrew counties for a while, but then moved to the divide, two and a half miles west from Barnard, but a year later removed to section 16, where he improved a claim. In 1851, James F. Hainey emigrated from Kentucky to Washington township, where he died in May, 1862. P. J. Hainey, his son, lived on the old homestead until 1874, then moved to Guilford, Grant town¬ ship, and still later to Barnard. Valentine Korell came from Prussia in June, 1850, arrived in New York August 4th, and went to St. Louis; March 1, 1852, he settled on the present site of Barnard. He was the first blacksmith in Barnard and in 1881 was mayor of the town.

A Novel Marriage Fee

At a very early day, when money was scarce and wild honey plentiful, a worthy couple presented themselves before Squire Korell for marriage. They had no money and wanted to trade the good Squire bees-wax for the marriage fees, to which the justice agreed, if taken at the market price. Upon weighing the beeswax it was only found to be worth sixty cents, and the legal fee was one dollar, so the justice said he could not marry "on time," as it would not be legal (?) The wouldbe bride then in a pleading manner asked him, "Squire, will you not marry us as far as the beeswax goes?" The Squire gave a broad smile and said he thought there was enough beeswax to stick them together, and the ceremony proceeded, and the happy couple were soon on their way as man and wife with light hearts.

Aside from the history of Barnard, found herein, there are paragraphs concerning schools and churches and lodges of this township, found under their proper headings in the general chapters of this work. It may be said, in passing, that much interest is taken in educational affairs in Grant township.

The population of Grant township in 1900, according to the United States census, was one thousand six hundred and seventy-seven. The chief occupation of the inhabitants is agriculture.

Town Of Barnard

Barnard, the only town or village in Grant township, is located on sec¬ tions 14 and 15, township 62, range 35. and was platted April 10, 1870, by the Barnard City Improvement Company. It received its name in honor of J. F. Barnard, the superintendent of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad Company. The land was originally owned by J. C. Mc- Candliss. A. J. Dearing, Samuel Stonehocker and John McFarland. A town company was formed by A. P. Morehouse, John Strong, John McFarland, Samuel Stonehocker and J. F. Barnard. The railroad depot was built in April, 1870. The platting was executed by Mr. Brady in May, 1870. The first lot was sold at private sale to James U. McKenzie, in the early part of May. Mr. McKenzie put up the first store in the place and sold the first merchandise.

The first public sale of lots occurred May 14, 1870. Soon after, Amos Baker and brother put up a store building and opened up with a general mer¬ chandise stock. The next to embark in trade were Forrest & Shuff and about the same time a hotel was erected and opened by Samuel Stonehocker. In 1873 a blacksmith shop was added to the town by John T. Gamble. The first to engage in the livery business were Davis & Stonehocker in 1873. The Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1874 and the Presbyterian church was built in 1878. The school house was erected in 1873, m which year the first school was taught. In 1869 the grist mill was built by James C. McCandliss. An excellent dam was thrown across the waters of the One Hundred and Two river, at this point, its cost being twelve thousand dollars.

Barnard is situated in the rich valley of the One Hundred and Two river and is the center of an extremely wealthy farming section. It is also the center of a large retail trade and an excellent shipping point. As far back as 1882 there were twenty thousand bushels of grain shipped from Barnard. The town was incorporated August 25, 1881, when it had a population of five hundred. The first trustees of the town were V. Korell, H. C. Annan, J. A. Forrest, Sr., J. W. Heath and Amos Baker. V. Korell was the first mayor.

Of the present interests of Barnard it should be added that it has a population of four hundred; has four lodges, four churches and a fourroom brick school house, erected about 1900. The other general interests of Barnard at this date (spring of 1910) are:

The postmasters who have served at this point since the establishment of the Barnard office, include these in their order, as near as can now be deter¬ mined : Capt. James A. Forest, Jonas Thompson, M. W. Gavin, J. C. Mc- Candliss, C. H. Sidle, A. W. Bear, H. C. Bond, James McKnight, Miss Fannie Merrell. It is a fourth-class office and has four rural routes running out from it to the surrounding country.

Prairie Park

Before the platting of Barnard there was a small hamlet - a store and postoffice - known as Prairie Park, situated one mile south of Barnard. The business went elsewhere and the postoffice was removed to the new town of Barnard.