Green Township (part 1 of 2)

Secret Orders-Business Directory-Fairyiew Physical Features

Green Township is divided nearly in the center by the Nodaway River, which, for about three miles passing southward from the northern line of the township, forms the boundary line between the townships of Green and Nodoway. The township is well watered by the Nodaway and its various affluents which flow into it on both sides. The land on the east side of the Nodaway rises gently from the valley toward the east, with a slight elevation toward the north. The land on the west side of the Nodaway rises gradually toward the west. In consequence of these physical features the affluents of the Nodaway on the east side, flow southeasterly into the river, and those on the west side flow in a general direction easterly to the river. On the east side of the Nodaway as we pass from north to south, the names of the affluents are Bowman's Branch, Sand Creek, with its branches, and Florida, with its branches. On the west side, as we pass in the same direction, the names of the affluents are Waterloo Branch, Jones' Branch, Huff Branch, Wilson's Branch, Mineral Spring Branch, and Burr Oak Branch.

The first bottom of the Nodaway Valley is about a mile in width on the east side af the river, and on the west side it is wider and sometimes extends back from the river two miles. A few lakes occur along the valley in close proximity to the river. The eastern watershed of the valley lies near the east line of Green township, and the western watershed lies beyond the western boundary of the township, in Atchison County. The whole township is made up of fine valley lands, rather rolling in character, but not subject to the " wash " so common to many portions of Missouri. The western half of the township lying west of the Nodaway River, and portions of the eastern half, possess the rich vegetable mold or alluvium resting upon the Loess or bluff formation, the very best soil in the Missouri Valley. The Nodaway Valley has considerable timber, Sand Creek and Huff Branch are well timbered, the timber on Sand Creek extending near its sources, and all of the creeks in the township have more or less timber. It is estimated that about one-tenth of the township is timbered land. Along the Nodaway River and Sand Creek there is an abundance of stone for building purposes, and there is some stone found along the branches' of the Florida. Coal is found a little south of Quitman, and along the Florida Branch, and is mined in considerable quantities for commercial purposes. The best veins will average from eighteen to twenty-two inches in thickness, and produce a fair article of bituminous coal. In Green Township there are several water privileges only, one of which has been improved in the erection of the mill near Quitman.

Early Settlers

Mr. Win. Bowman was on; of the early settlers in what is now Green Township. He settled about three miles south of the place where Dawson now stands, on the west side of the Nodaway River, in the spring of 1841. He took a claim and opened a farm, and Joseph Hutson, who, the year previous, had settled on Mill Creek, broke ten acres of prairie for him, to help him make a start in pioneer life. Mr. Bow- man, about two years after he came to Green Township, under the influence of the emigration fever which prevailed about that time to go to the Pacific Coast, sold out to James Roberts and went to Oregon.

Elijah Dodson came soon afterward in the year 1842, and settled a little north of where Quitman is now located, on the east side of the Nodaway River. He lived there about ten years and then, under the impulse of the fever to go to the Pacific Coast, sold out and went to Oregon. He had two sons, William and Jesse, and three sons-in-law, who settled near where he located in Green Township. The names of these sons-in-law were John Dawson and Dennis Dawson, who were brothers, and John Harris. They all came in the year 1842.

In the year 1843, John Porter came and settled about one mile and a-half south of Dodson's place, on the west side of the Nodaway River. He also sold out and went to Oregon.

Joseph Hutson, the oldest pioneer in Nodaway County west of the Nodaway River, says he has seen as many as sixty wagons a day going to the Pacific Coast. They would go in companies of about thirty wagons, for protection against the Indians, who were troublesome on the plains beyond the Missouri River.

Mr. Harris came about the same time or a little earlier, and took a claim one mile a little southwest of Mr. Porter's place. Beyond Mr. Harris' place, going south, at that early period, Joseph Hutson says there was a wild wilderness with no settlement for twenty miles. The face of nature lay in all its native wildness and awful solitude, while here and there might be seen the white smoke of some lonely wigwam. In those early days game was abundant in the Nodaway Valley, and the pioneer hunters were richly rewarded by finding an abundance of elk, deer, wolves, turkeys and some bears. The sure rifle of the pioneer brought his daily food, and his table was supplied in abundance with wild game that epicures of cities now bring to their tables as the rarest delicacies from great distances and at considerable expense. The pioneer had many things to encourage him, and he was always cheered with the prospect that ever opened before him - the thought that his children would enjoy the fruits of his early privations.

Hiram Lee was among the earliest settlers of Green Township. He came and opened a claim and built the first grist mill near where Quitman now stands. He sold out to Rankin Russell, and moved down four miles south, and opened another claim. Mr. Russell tore down the old log mill, and put up a frame grist and saw mill in the place of it.

John D. Holt laid a Mexican land warrant in 1849, on a timbered quarter section of land, about five miles southeast of where Quitman stands. He sold out to Joel Albright in 1853. Mr. Albright has since entered the prairie land in his immediate vicinity, and has a fine farm.

The pioneers all agree that the winter of 1849, was as severe as any winter ever experienced in Missouri from its earliest settlement. The cold was unusually severe and protracted, and the snow was drifted very deep. William V. Smith, of Skidmore, says he used three yoke of oxen to draw a load of corn through the deep drifts of snow. It may be impossible to tell how cold the winter was, as there were no meteorological journals kept in Northwest Missouri at that early day, but the pioneers suffered much in their rude huts, many of which had been hastily and imperfectly constructed ; and as they looked out on the deep drifts of snow all around them, they were forcibly reminded of the comfortable homes they had left for frontier life. Still they determined to remain, and when the snows melted and spring came again with sunshine and flowers, they went forth with cheerful hearts, almost forgetting the rigors of the winter season.

The town of Quitman was incorporated February 8, 1881, and is situated eleven miles west of Maryville, and two miles north, on the Nodaway Valley Railroad. It is located on the east bank of the Nodaway River, on high rolling land, overlooking the river. The location of the town is very sightly and picturesque, and the views are fine. The beautiful Nodaway flows at one's feet, and an observer looks down on a landscape toward the west that is exceedingly charming. The rolling lands of Green Township unfold like a panoramic view, and at the present time of writing, (Indian summer,) the groves along the river and its affluents display their richest autumnal tints. No forests in the world compare with American forests in the richness of their foliage during the Indian summer, when all the groves put on their autumnal glories. They have been the delight of artists, who have striven in vain to reproduce them on the canvas, and have formed the dreams of poets who have tried to picture them forth in words. But Art is powerless in the presence of Nature, when she puts on her autumnal robes and is arrayed

The poet might have lived at Quitman, for a people living amidst such beautiful scenes of nature should be poetical. But life in the west seems to have a hard, practical phase that takes all the poetry out of it. Travelers have truly said that many people in America live indifferent amidst scenes of nature whose beauty is unequalled in foreign lands. The people of Quitman surely have all the elements to be aesthetical.

The land on which the town of Quitman stands was originally entered by Hiram Lee. He sold it to R. R. Russell, who was the founder of Quitman. Mr. Russell laid out the town in 1856. It was first called Russellville, but was subsequently given its present name in honor of General John A. Quitman, who was once Governor of Mississippi. Judge Neal was the surveyor when the town was platted. Judge William Emmerson bought the first lot, No. 8, block 12. David Tignor bought the second lot, in block 14.

It may be proper to state that before the town was laid off, Hiram Lee had a log cabin on the town site. Wiley Tracy also had a log house before the town was laid off, on the land where the town now stands. William Emmerson also put up a house for general merchandise, and opened a store.

After the town was laid off Mr. R. R. Russell probably put up the first house for a residence, and moved into it. Mr. Russell also put up the first brick building for a store, in which was opened a stock of general merchandise. Isaac T. Jones then erected a dwelling which was afterwards used for a store, some additions having been made to it. The next house, a brick building, was erected by Merideth Tanner. Joel Albright put up the next store for general merchandise.

A steam saw mill was erected in 1859, by Reese and Sellers. About this time C. R. Hardest)- built a blacksmith shop and dwelling. A bridge was also built across the Nodaway River just below the mill in the year 1858. The present grist mill was erected in 1869 by Nash & Ware, and is still occupied by S. T. Ware.

In April, 1880, a destructive five occurred in Quitman which* burnt all the buildings on Broadway, the main street, except two business houses. This fire was a calamity to the town, but the people rallied, and the town was soon built up again. Mr. Russell was the first postmaster.

the spring of 188 1, Jacob Grant established a brick yard. During the past year, twenty-one new dwellings and ten buildings for business have been erected in Quitman. The town has now about five hundred inhabitants.

The first marriage in Quitman occurred probably in 1856, when Mr. John Tignor and Miss Malinda Willis were united in bands of matrimony by Rev. W. Emmerson, at the house of the bride's father. The first death was that of Robert Russell, a son of R. R. Russell, the exact date of which seems to have escaped recollection. Mrs. Mary C. Jones, daughter of Judge Win. Emmerson, is the oldest resident now living in Quitman. She came to Quitman in the year 1855, she thinks about the time the town was laid out by Mr. Russell.

The school is in a good condition, with a full attendance. Quitman has a good frame school house. Miss Cora Huff is the principal of the school.

The names of the trustees of the town under the present incorporation are as follows : John Lamb, Chairman ; W. H. Smith, A. Johnston, S. T. Ware, James Wykoff, Trustees. C. A. Radford, Treasurer ; George Gill, Marshal ; Sheldon Adkins, Clerk.

Business Directory Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Quitman was organized in the year 1871, with the following original members: G. E. Basom, Jane Basom, W. T. Radford, Sallie Radford, C. A. Radford, Thomas Bond and Mrs. E. O. Manning.

The church has had the following named pastors to supply it : W. B. Sunderland, L. Shelley, W. Coneley, W. B. Moody, W. P. Bishop, I. Chivington, W. L. Edmonds, and Eri Edmonds, who is the present pastor. The church edifice is worth $1,500. There is a good Sabbath School, with an average attendance of eighty. The membership of the church numbers thirty. The church at Quitman has done a good work, and is now in a flourishing condition. The church has experienced the usual difficulties in laying foundation stones in a new country, but the promise has been verified to them : " My grace is sufficient for thee."1 There is a good parsonage, worth $700.

Quitman Lodge, No. 196, A. F. & A. M.

On May 30, i860, this lodge received its charter. The following are the names of the charter members ; Samuel F. Kennedy, Thomas J. McQuidy, Samuel Noffsinger and A. B. Moore. The officers of the lodge at the time of its organization were: Samuel F. Kennedy, W. M.; Thos. J. McQuidy, S. W.; Samuel Noffsinger, J. \V. The names of the present officers are as follows: Theo. Pifer, W. M.; William Torphy, S. W.; Isaac Bryan, J. W. ; W. H. Franklin, Secretary ; H. M. McKinzie, Tyler ; William McDonald, S. D.; James McDonald, J. D. The present membership of this lodge numbers seventy. The lodge is prosperous, and meets Saturday nights on or before the full moon in each month.

Fair View

John Bilby came from Illinois in 1875, and bought several thousand acres of land, which is now enclosed and in cultivation or pasture. Soon after he came he located Fairview, four miles southwest by south from Quitman. Bilby & Bird put up the first building for a dwelling house. John Bilby erected the next building for a store and opened a large stock of general merchandise. A blacksmith shop was then erected. Three or four dwelling houses were erected west of the store. There is a post office, John Bilby, postmaster. He owns a fine residence about one-fourth of a mile north of Fairview. This town is located in what is known among the farmers as Whig Valley District, which embraces the valley on the west side of the Nodaway River. The name originally came from a small settlement of Old Line Whigs, three miles and a half west of Graham.

Chapter Xii

" Now comes Samuel McFarland, et at., and files a petition in this court, praying for an order of court to divide Union Township, commencing at the south corner of section nineteen (19), in township sixtysix (66), of range thirty-five (35); thence running due east on the section line to the east boundary of said township, the north part of the organized township to be known and designated as Hopkins Township, in said , county, and that trie south part be known as Union Township, in said county, and that the voting precinct in Hopkins Township be known as Hopkins, all of which is maturely considered by the court, and ordered that the prayer of the petitioners be granted, as requested in said petition ; and it is further ordered by the court that the voting precinct in Union Township be changed from Xeni to Pickering, in Union Township."

Physical Features

This township is well watered by the One Hundred and Two River and its branches and various affluents. The river flows through the township a little west of the middle, and in the northern portion of the township it is divided into three branches, known as the Eastern, Middle and Western Forks. Beard's Creek flows into the One Hundred and Two from the northeast, and quite a number of small creeks put in from the east and west. Nodaway Branch runs through the southeastern corner of the township.

Several lakes lie along the valley in close proximity to the river, two of them being from one-half to three-fourths of a mile in length. The face of the township is rather rolling in the northwestern part, while the southeastern portion is more level. There is an abundance of limestone for building purposes, with some indications of coal. The land is well adapted to agricultural purposes, and some of it is exceedingly fertile.

First Settlers

William Broyles was the first settler in the territory now belonging to Hopkins Township. He settled on the east side of the Mowery Branch in White Oak Grove. The settlement was made in the year 1843. John Kimball settled two or three years afterward in the forks of One Hundred and Two River, about a mile north of where Hopkins is now situated. Washington Downing, the next settler, located two miles southeast of where Hopkins now stands. David J. Wiet came next, and settled three miles southeast of where Hopkins is now situated. James Hinckle was the next settler. He opened a claim two miles southeast of where Hopkins now stands, on a farm now belonging to G. W. Sturgeon. Berry Miller and John Dunkin settled on the same place which now belongs to Jesse Crandle. Wm. Cook settled south of Washington Downing and opened an adjoining farm. John Elliott took a claim and opened a farm in the same neighborhood, but sold it to Wm. Tolliver. David Locke settled on a farm south of James Elliott. B. F. Rader located on the Mowery Branch, three miles and a half east of the place where Hopkins is now situated. Charles Carson settled at the state line at the northeast corner of the township. Henry Stine opened a claim a little west of Carson's on the line, two miles northeast of the place where Hopkins now stands. Edwin Spencer and Mark Murphy settled on the state line a little west of Stine's. Isaiah Wilcox opened a farm half a mile west of the present site of Hopkins on the banks of the One Hundred and Two. Edwin Spencer and Isaiah Wilcox were sons of Nimrod, and almost secured their living by fruits of the chase.

Jefferson Sturgeon settled about two miles south of where Hopkins now stands. West of Hopkins, two or three miles, was the Cox settlement, beginning as early as 1850. Judge Morehouse, at an early date, settled about five miles southwest of where Hopkins is now located, and Joseph Hall opened a farm in the same neighborhood. Homer Aldridge and Augustus Aldridge located in the same neighborhood.

Hopkins is located one-half mile east of East Fork of the One Hundred and Two River. It was partially laid out in 1870 and completed in the spring of 1871. William Brady, of Jefferson Township, was the surveyor.

The first railroad car came to Hopkins December 12, 1870. The town was named in honor of A. L. Hopkins, who was Superintendent of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad when the town was located.

Hopkins was laid out by a company, which consisted of Roseberry & Morehouse, the Railroad Company, Col. Strong, of St. Joseph, and S. McFarland.

The first board of trustees was composed of W. W. Kennison, chairman, Judge E. Donlin, William H. Cochrane and B. S. Martin. There was one vacancy.

The block spoken of above was on the west side of the railroad, but the business, owing to the nearness of the railroad and the liability of teams becoming frightened by passing trains, was transferred about this time to the east side of the railroad.

Mr. Edward Wolfers, about this time, erected a brick building on the east side of the railroad and went into trade in dry goods and groceries.

In 1 87 1, William R. Johnston built the Johnston House, on Roseberry Street, and commenced keeping hotel. About the same time, Mr. Couch commenced building the Hopkins House, but soon sold out to David Bender, who continues to keep the hotel. A little later Mr. Kinison put up the Central House, and kept it awhile, and sold out.

Rev. Mr. Morton, as he was accustomed himself to say, in a humorous manner, "preached the first sermon, married the first couple and traded the first horses in Hopkins." He afterward moved to Kansas.

The first church was erected by the Methodists, the second by the Presbyterians, and the third by the United Brethren, who afterward sold their building to the Baptists.

The Hopkins Schools

That the citizens of Hopkins appreciate the value of good schools will be apparent to the most casual observer who will take the pains to inquire into the history of the growth and development of her educational interests. In order that we may the better understand the educational spirit of her people, we will go back a few years for the purpose of turning a few pages in the records. It is found upon inquiry, that before the City of Hopkins was laid out, the residents of what is now the Hopkins Independent School District, had erected a building on the suburbs of the now flourishing city. We are not advised as to the size of said house, but understand it was sufficiently large for the purpose intended, and was well furnished - withal a comfortable school building - quite pretentious for those days. I have been unable to ascertain the names of teachers until Miss Emma Rose, of Wisconsin, wielded the birch, metaphysically speaking. I am informed that this was in 1871, and is remembered as a successful school.

After the City of Hopkins was laid out, the inhabitants feeling the need of a more commodious building, and desiring to have it more centrally located, decided to move the house into the block north of the Tremont House. An addition was built, thus making two rooms and necessitating the services of two teachers. Mr. A. W. Florea, of Adams County, Ohio, and Miss Rose, were the teachers elected. The school was now, 1872, a fixed institution. Both teachers rendered the best of satisfaction and the term was a very profitable one.

The beautiful young city grew amazingly, so that in the year 1873 the need of increased and better facilities was felt to such an extent that it was determined to build a new house for educational purposes. A fine site was selected in the eastern part of the city on what is now known as " Science Hill," from which a splendid view may be had of the city and much of the surrounding country. The cost of grounds, building site, furniture, house, &c, was about $3,000. The rooms were well furnished with patent seats, blackboards and other necessary appliances, so that everything augured well for a successful series of schools. Prof. Florea was elected Principal and Miss Rose, assistant. The school was field. Mr. Florea was again made principal, but the public sustained a great loss in the person of Miss Rose, who is remembered to this day as one of the most successful teachers ever in the Hopkins Schools. Her place was supplied by Miss Ella Redmond, ef Maryville, who, with Mr. Florea taught the next succeeding term. Both schools gave universal satisfaction. I have not the exact number of pupils in attendance, at hand, but in 1874 there were upwards of 200, (estimated.)

I have now to deal with the Hopkins Independent School District which was organized and established under the new law, on the 17th day of October, 1875, as appears from page 9, of the District Records, with plat of district annexed.

It will be observed, that under the new law there are required in independent Districts under the control of a corporate administration, a board of education composed of six members. The Board at this time consisted of the following named gentlemen, viz : Luther Stewart, President ; Geo. H. Hotaling, Secretary ; John A. Stewart, Treasurer ; Harry Meyers, Philip Dale and S. W. Gerard. I have now reliable data at hand and find from an inspection of the records that the Board were obliged to rent a room and to secure three teachers for the ensuing year. The Board was peculiarly fortunate in securing the services of Prof. L. E. Wolf, of Atchison, Kansas, as principal. Misses Anna Jackson and Kate Stewart were the assistant teachers. The school commenced October 4th, 1875, for a term of five months and ended Feb. 6th, 1876. Prof. Wolf did all that was expected of him and the youth of the fair young city made marked progress under his able instruction.

He is remembered by many of our best citizens as a courteous, affable gentleman, of splendid abilities, and as a teacher he was thoroughlyalive to his work. The number of persons in the district of school age, was, as appears from the enumeration returns made May 1, 1876, as follows: Males, white, 141; colored, 2; total males, 143. Females, white, 146. Total number of persons in the district between the ages of 5 and 21 years, 289. From the records it is found that of this number there were in attendance at the several schools, males, white, 123 ; colored, 1; total males, 124. Females, white, 106. Total number attending the public schools of the city, 230. Total number days attendance of all children, 13,894. Average number days per child, 60.

Value of property owned by the district, including building and furniture, $3,419. In consequence of an election a new board was organized September 13, 1876. S. W. Gerard, President; George H. Hotaling, Secretary ; John A. Stewart, Treasurer ; Harry Meyers, Philip Dale and Luther Stewart.

The teachers this year were : Miss Mary J. Latschar, principal, and Misses Anna Jackson and Abbie Stewart, assistants. Miss Kate Stewart succeeded Miss Jackson December 4, 1876.

From what has been ascertained it does not appear that the schools this year were quite so satisfactory as heretofore, but nevertheless they were quite successful. The above mentioned term was of six months duration, commencing September 11, 1876, and closing March 9, 1877.

The records show that on the first day of May, 1877, there were in the district, of the requisite school age, males, white, 151 ; colored, 1 ; total, 152. Females, white, 163 ; colored, 1 ; total females, 164. Total number in the district entitled to school privileges, 317.

Of this number there were attending school during tho year males, white, 1 10; colored, I; total males, III. Females, white, 120; total, 231. Total number of days attendance of all childern, .15,362. Average number of days attendance of each child, 66.\.

It is worthy of note that, during the year, the snug little sum of $800.00 was paid out for improvements. At this time the value of school property owned by the district was $3,214.00. Rate per cent, levied for school purposes, $1.80.

It will be seen by comparing the values of school property for the years 1876 and 1877, that the value of 1877 was $205.00 less than in i8j6.

The above figures are taken from the district records for the years named, and if explanations are called for, it would be well for the proper parties to respond. My solution of the problem - for problem it is - is the depreciation of values.

By this time, many of the pupils had made that advancement in their studies that called for something beyond that usually taught in the common schools. Accordingly, the board on June 4, 1877, ordered the following branches introduced, viz : Algebra, U. S. History, Higher Arithmetic, Philosophy and Physiology. For sometime, the rooms had been filled to overflowing, and, as has been remarked, a room had been rented for the use of the Primary Department.

But as this method was not productive of very satisfactory results, the question of building an addition to the main building began to be freely discussed. Finally, the board, deeming it imperative that something should be done in order to secure the requisite accommodations and to make them permanent, decided to build a suitable room or rooms immediately adjoining the (then) present building. This conclusion was reached at a meeting of the board on June 4, 1877. Plans and specifications having been previously furnished, the contract was let to Mr. M. H. Gladman, of Hopkins, on the 18th of June, 1877 - ne giving bond in the sum of $1,500.00, with M. H. Gladman, W. H. Jackson, D. Crenklan, G. A. Dawes, A. V. Stewart, C. S. Martin, Henry Schmitt, James Ewing, Hiram Stanker, A. S. DeHaven, L. Durant and W. H. Cochran, as securities.

The board appointed as a building committee P. Dale, Luther Stewart and John A. Stewart. As the main building needed repairing, Mr. Gladman was awarded the contract of shingling the west side of same and repairing the belfry for the sum of $55.00.

Upon canvassing the election returns it was found that a majority of twenty-one taxpayers voted for an increase of levy from four mills to ten mills, for school purposes, and the same was ordered as a basis of estimate for the coming school year. It was also ascertained that over a two-thirds majority of all voters was in favor of a tax of five mills on the assessed valuation for building purposes, which was ordered, and the annual estimate made and approved by the board. July 21st, S. H. Spencer was elected principal, and Misses Abbie Stewart, Alice George and Minnie Whittington assistants. School opened September 10, 1877, and closed March 8, 1878. Length of term six months.

Number of children in the district of school age, May I, 1878, males, (white), 153; colored, I. Total, 154. Females (white), 172. Total number in the district, 326. Number of children attending school, males (white), 118; colored, 1. Females (white), 144. Total number in attendance, 263.

Total number days attendance of all scholars, 22,692. Average number days per child, 80. Rate per cent, levied on valuation of property, $2.00. Value of property owned by district, $4,600.00. A period was now reached which had never been attained before. The history of her schools shows them to be a grand success, if we except a few shortcomings in the year 1876. The district had incurred heavy expense in constructing new buildings, fence, sidewalks, etc. A course of study was adopted, another teacher employed more than before, and everything placed on a firm footing. It was hoped that this would prove the most signally successful year of any, but the high hopes and anticipations of the board and patrons were destined to fall most ingloriously. A want of harmony and united action, two essential elements of success, were wanting, and on March 15, 1878, Mr. Spencer was requested to vacate his position by sending in his resignation, which he did, and which was promptly accepted. Miss George also resigned at the same time. Mr. A. W. Florea and Miss Belle Stewart were employed to complete the unexpired term, which was in the main very successful. At the annual election of April 6, 1878, a new board was elected, viz : R. M. Simmons, President; E. C. Wolfers, Secretary; Wash Downing, Treasurer; P. Dale. H. McCoy and H. C. Fleming. The new board was made up of men of sterling character, who were determined to leave nothing undone that would tend to advance the educational interests of the city to their old time prestige. The first thing that occupied their attention was the securing of a competent corps of teachers.

June 28, 1878, Professor D. L. Chaney, of Lenox, Iowa, was elected principal, with R. H. Straub, Miss Ellen Ruttenbur and Miss Maggie Evans, assistants. Upon Mr. Chaney assuming the principalship, he inspected the buildings and grounds, and by his recommendation the black board surfaces were enlarged, so that all the available space in the rooms was covered with liquid slating. This was a move in the right direction, as it gave the teacher increased facilities. At his request a well was dug, and pump placed in it ; also, a new sidewalk laid from the school house to connect with the main walk leading to the city. Fences were repaired and other necessary minor improvements made. From this time a new era dates in the history of the Hopkins Schools, as under the able direction of Professor Chaney, they assumed that position in the educational world, which placed them, at that time, in the van of all the schools in the county.

The revulsion of feeling from that of indifference as to the character of her schools, to that of a well defined interest in their welfare, was slow, but sure, so that at the close of that year the Hopkins Schools ranked second to none in Northwest Missouri. The High school was graced by the presence of quite a number of young men and ladies from the country, who were seeking to " climb up higher." The term was of six months duration, and at its termination Professor Chaney opened a select school, which was very successful.

March 19, 1879, the levy was raised from four tenths of one per cent, to one per cent, and on the 3d of April the board reorganized, with R. M. Simmons, president ; P. Dale, secretary, and Wash Downing, treasurer. Twenty-five hundred dollars of bonds had matured, and on the 22d of May the same amount of refunding bonds were issued to liquidate the out-standing matured bonds. Said refunding bonds were to bear six per centum per annum, and not to be discounted more than onefourth per cent.

At the same time Prof. Chaney was granted the use of the building for six weeks to hold a Normal school, which was a pronounced success from the start. Many teachers and many preparing to engage in the profession attended.

The enumeration of 1879 showed the number of males (white), 153 ; females (white), 170. Total number in the district, 323. Number attending schools, males, 125; females, 115. Total, 240. Total number of days attendance of all children, 21,210; average number of days attendance of each child, SSh- The same good sense which had characterized the retiring board attended their successors above named. Therefore, for the year 1879 they were prompt to again secure Mr. Chaney as principal, Mr. H. W. Hull, of Hopkins, succeeded Mr. Straub in the grammar department, Miss Flora Maxwell, of Clarinda, Iowa, succeeded Miss Ruttenbur, and Miss Evans was re-elected. It was felt all along that the term of six months was entirely too short, and in order to increase it a proposition was submitted and carried on the 22d of April to increase the levy sixty cents on the one hundred dollars. The school of that year was much like that of the preceding year as to results, unless there was increased confidence felt in teachers and board. Prof. Chaney was again re-elected principal, with Mr. George E. Flemming, of Oberlin, Ohio, teacher in grammar school, Miss Maxwell again held sway in the second intermediate department, and Miss Evans was retained in the primary department. Owing to ill health, Miss Maxwell resigned her position December 13, 1880. On January 3, 1881, Mrs. R. H. Shadrick, of Kansas City, was named as her successor. For this year the schools were not only the pride of Hopkins and the county, but they had attained that position in the educational world entitling them to be ranked second to none. A great work was done during the year, many non-resident pupils attended, most of whom pursued a course in the higher branches ; not a few of them were teachers, some coming from adjoining counties. At the close of the spring term in June, the pupils and teachers met in their respective rooms, and at about 9:30 A. M> repaired to Kennedy's Park, which lies in the northwest suburbs of the city, marching down the western hillside through the streets of the city, and thence to the park, being preceded by the Hopkins Cornet Band, which furnished excellent music for the occasion. In the afternoon many of the prominent business men of the city lent their presence, closing their respective places of business for that purpose. This little incident is mentioned to show that a deep interest was felt by the patrons.

In April, 188 1, F. A. Buck and Jacob Speidel were elected members of the board to succeed H. C. Fleming and Wash Downing. The board organized with R. M. Simmons, president ; F. A. Buck, secretary, and P. Dale, treasurer. The tax was increased twenty cents on the one hundred dollars, and the term was increased from four to nine months, by reason of a proposition having been submitted and carried to that effect. The returns for 1880 show the number of children to be, males, 167; females, 188. Total, 355. The records do not show the number in attendance, but the teachers' reports at one time gave the number in attendance as being 297, which undoubtedly is correct.

At the regular meeting of the board, held in Dale & Jeffers' office, June 7, 1881, the following described bonds were canceled and burned in the presence of R. M. Simmons, P. Dale, E. C. Wolfers, H. McCoy, Jacob Speidel and F. A. Buck, members of the board, and T. W. Porter and H. C. Fleming, witnesses, viz.:

More room being required, the furnishing committee contracted for the Austin building for school purposes. For the year 188 1, the following named teachers were employed : Prof. D. L. Chaney, Principal ; George E. Flemming, Grammar School ; Miss M. Ellie Dale, First Intermediate Department ; Miss Maggie Evans, Second Intermediate Department ; and Miss Ella A. Glass, Primary Department.

The number of persons of school age in the district May 1st, as gleaned from the returns found in the records, was, in round numbers, 424. The number in attendance, average attendance, for the year 1881, cannot be furnished, as they, the returns, will not be completed until May, 1882. That the schools will be fully up to the prescribed standard of excellence during the year 188 1, there is no reason to doubt.

To conclude with, Hopkins has an able and efficient corps of teachers and appreciative students, and that the high position she now holds may be maintained in the future is the wish of the citizens of the beautiful young city and of the public in general.

Methodist Episcopal Church

The Methodist Episcopal Circuit of Hopkins was organized in 18 - . The names of the original members were as follows: Samuel McFarland and wife, Speidel and family, T. M. Cole and wife, John Townsand and wife, Rev. Jesse Herbert and family, J. B. Townsand and wife, E. V. Willard and family, John Lytle and family, Robert Hook and wife, N. H. Herbert and wife, and Margaret Boatman.

The church has been supplied by the following pastors : William Early, 1871-2 ; E. V. Roof, 1873 4-5 ; Isaac Chivington, 1876; Robert Devlin, 1877-78, and John Moorhead, the present pastor.

The present membership is about sixty. In the Sabbath School there are 125 on the roll, and an average attendance of seventy-five. Mr. Moorhead has three other regular classes outside of Hopkins, and spends half his time in supplying them. The present church edifice is worth about $2,500. The church has had some revivals, and is in a fair condition. Mr. Moorhead is now finishing his third year in Hopkins.

First Presbyterian Church

During the early growth of Hopkins there arrived, from the east and north, a number of families, who had been reared in Presbyterian and Congregational Churches. These, for a time, worshipped with the Methodists, who early held services and erected a house of worship in the village. As their number increased, it was thought best to organize themselves into a church for the purpose of securing services after their own order.

With this object in view, Rev. E. B. Sherwood, of St. Joseph, Missionary of the Presbytery of Platte, having been informed of these facts, wrote desiring to know if it was their wish that he should visit the place, and if the way was clear, to organize a church. Receiving an affirmative reply, he came to Hopkins, and two days were spent in canvassing the town, and obtaining the names of those who desired an organization. On the first Sabbath day of May, 1873, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered according to the Presbyterian form, and notice was given that on Saturday, May 31st, those who desired toenter into covenant relations should meet to present their letters or be examined preparatory to a public profession of their faith. On Friday, May 30th, Mr. Sherwood again visited Hopkins, and on that evening a prayer meeting was held, and on Saturday the meeting previously announced took place. There were present Rev. E. B. Sherwood, assisted by Elders George H. Hotaling, of Bedford, Iowa, and John M. Bell, of Maryville.

At that meeting the following persons presented letters which, being found in order, were received : George H. Hotaling and Mrs. Mildred Hotaling, Wm. K. Adams and Mrs. Mary Adams, Mrs. Clarissa Bradley, Mrs. Jennie Heald, Mrs. Martha A. Walters, John W. Walker, Mrs. Mary E. Martin, Henry P. Dryden and Mrs. Sarah L. Dryden, David L. Latschar, Mrs. Sarah Bender, Mrs. Mary Green. Mr. Mark B. Bradley was examined and received on profession of faith.

On Sunday, June 1, 1873, the organization of the First Presbyterian Church of Hopkins was consummated. At this time George H. Hotaling and William K. Adams were elected ruling elders, and David L. Latschar and H. P. Dryden, deacons. From the time of its organization till January, 1874, Rev. E. B. Sherwood continued to act as stated supply. During this period bi-monthly services were held in the M. E_ Church. It being thought that the work could be more effectively performed, Union Hall was secured as a place of worship, and was so occupied until the completion of their first house of worship, which was entered and used for the first time on the first Sabbath of January, 1876.

From the close of Mr. Sherwood's services until April, 1874, the church was without a pastor. During this time, however, regular services were maintained, a sermon being read every Sabbath by Elder W. K. Adams.

At this time the services of Rev. A. D. Workman, of Maryville, were secured, and he continued to preach twice each month till, on the first Sabbath of July, Rev. W. H. Ilsley entered upon his work.

During the spring of 1875, a subscription paper was circulated with a view to the erection of a church building, and a sufficient amount was raised to warrant the commencement of the work. The foundation of a house, 28x50 feet, was laid, but owing to the stringency of the times and the visitation of the grasshoppers, the work was delayed for a time. It was not resumed till the next fall, when it was taken up, and the building completed and furnished, at a cost of $2,400, $700 of which was received from the Board of Church Erection. The plan of the house was drawn by George H. Hotaling, one of the elders, and the house was built by Mr. L. D. Eversole, a member of the church.

The church has a good Sabbath School and a fair Sabbath School library. The church is now in a good condition, and has done a good work in Hopkins and vicinity.

First Baptist Church

The First Baptist Church, of Hopkins, was organized on Saturday before the 3d Sabbath in May, 1877. The names of original members were, Geo. W. Sturgeon, Margaret Sturgeon, Obadiah Sturgeon, Julia Ann Sturgeon, Jeptha Sturgeon, Lucinda Sturgeon, Marion Sturgeon, Josephine Sturgeon, John M. Sturgeon, Thomas R. Sturgeon, Margareta Sturgeon, Martha A. Downing, E. B. Yeomans, Sarah J. Yeomans, Jesse Godsey, E. S. Godsey, Elizabeth Godsey, John W. Jones and Nancy Jones. The church was bought from U. B. Brethern at $400.00, and isa frame building. It was dedicated by Brother H. J. Latour. Names of pastors : First, Joseph Yates ; second, H. J. Latour; A. M. Wallace, pastor at this time. Number of present membership, 40.

The church had not been recognized by brethren from sister churches until the April meeting, 1879. The church holds her membership with the Northwestern Association at this time.

Xenia Lodge, No. 50, A. F. & A. M.

Xenia Lodge commenced work under a dispensation granted by the Grand Lodge oi Missouri at its 45th Grand Communication, in October, 1865. The dispensation was dated October 16th, 1865, and signed by John D. Vincil, Grand Master of Missouri.

The organization was designated as Xenia Lodge, but at the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge the dispensation was surrendered and a charter ordered, at which time the Lodge was designated by the name of Xenia, and the No. 50 affixed by the Grand Secretary. The charter was dated June 2d, 1866, and signed by John D. Vincil, Grand Master, and four other grand officers.

Xenia Lodge, at its organization, was the third lodge in the county, and its jurisdiction extended north, east and west about twelve miles. Though its membership was small, yet in infancy it took due caution to select the best men for its followers, and thereby grew and prospered until May 27, 1871, when it was thought best by a majority of its members to erect a new hall, and at its completion, June 2, 1 87 1 , the Grand Master of Missouri granted it permission to move to its new hall at Hopkins, Missouri, it being within its present local jurisdiction, and June 24, 1 87 1, Xenia Lodge No. 50 was removed from Xenia to its newhall, and the hall dedicated in due and ancient form, Brother Ephraim Myers, D. D. G. M., acting as grand master on the occasion. The. present membership numbers sixty. The present officers are as follows :

The lodge meets the first Saturday of each month. The lodge owns a fine hall, and has between $400 and $500 surplus in the treasury. The following is a list of its Past Masters: N. Goslee, G.W. Pistole, John Donlin, A. C. Kennedy, H. McCoy, R. Terrill.

The Odd Fellows' Hall Association, composed of members of the order exclusively, are erecting a fine hall on Barnard Street, in the brick block over E. C. Wolfer's grocery store to be used for lodge purposes. The cost will be about $2,000.

This lodge was organized August 1, 1879, with the following charter members : H. Lowery, J. A. Stewart, A. S. DeHaven, M. E. Byers, John Donlin, A. F. Malott, Wm. Hughes, A. Watson, E. F. Gaynor, J. W. Waddill and P. Dale. The present membership numbers twenty-one. The lodge is in a prosperous condition. It meets the first and third Wednesday nights of each month.

Hopkins Lodge I. O. G. T., No. 41O

This lodge was organized November 16, 1880, with about seventy charter members. The present membership number seventy-four. The lodge is in good condition and has done a good work in the temperance cause in Hopkins and vicinity. Many men will look back to this lodge as having rescued them from a drunkard's grave. The following are the names of its first officers : P. Dale, W. C. T.; Eva Johnson, W. V. T.; E. Griffin, Chaplain ; Mrs. S. DeHaven, Secretary ; S. K. Ray, Financial Secretary ; E. C. Wolfers, Treasurer ; Levi Grate, Marshal ; R. Boatman, I. G.; Frank Drumm, O. G.; J. F. Randolph, P. W. C. T.; H. M. Austin, L. D.

Bank Of Hopkins

was organized in 1873, by Goodsill Brothers and F. Dunning. They carried on the business until 1877, when a joint stock company was formed, with Alexander Goodsill as president and Edward Donlin cashier. In July, 1877, W. Dunning became president, which position he still holds. J. C. Powell superceded Donlin as cashier in July, 1877, and in January, 1880, he was superceded by C. W. Taylor, who fills the position now (1881). The bank has a capital of $15,000, with a surplus of $5,000. Although a stock company, it is not an incorporated bank. The stockholders are large real estate owners.

The Hopkins Town Company was incorporated on the 31st of December, 1870. The stock of the company was placed at $18,000, the names of the corporators and the amounts of their respective holdings being as follows : A. L. Hopkins, $6,000 ; Samuel McFarland, $3,000 ; Albert P. Morehouse, $3,000 ; Matthew G. Roseberry, $3,000 ; James W. Strong, $3,000. Mr. McFarland was the first and only president, and Mr. Moorehouse the first secretary. The stock is now practically all held toy Mr. McFarland, and Mr. Alex Grant, the present secretary.

Hopkins Cornet Band

The first band was organized in February, 1874, with the players mentioned below : Leader, J. F. Randolph, first E/? cornet ; Harry Myers, second Kb cornet ; C. F. Markley, first Bfr cornet ; C. Riggs, second B& cornet ; Dr. Wm. Hughes, first alto ; H. Sutherland, second alto ; C. S. Martin, tenor ; John Donlin, baritone ; Ham McCoy, tuba ; A. S. Bender, snare drum ; Jacob Lovden, bass drum and cymbals. This band became one of the best in the west, and sent out one of the best cornet players in the United States - Charles Riggs. He has been traveling some three years, and is now in California.

In 1878, all the members except four withdrew, and a new band was organized - the present one - with the following members : Leader, C. F. Markley, solo Bfr cornet ; Harry Myers, first E£ cornet ; Frank Dunn, second E& cornet ; J. C. Stewart, second Bfr cornet ; L. G. New, first alto ; W. Moorehead, second alto ; S. K. Wray, third alto ; A. J. Roof, tenor ; George Shaw, baritone ; Jacob Lovden, tuba ; Frank New, snare drum ; George Ewing, bass drum and cymbals.

Austin, H. M., restaurant. Bender & Sutherland, Hopkins House. Blair, James A., stock yard and stock dealer. Blain, J. A., stock dealer. Brainard, Mr., feed stable. Bram, William, insurance agent. Buck, F. A., artist. Bush, F. D., stock yards. Burch, E. M., stock dealer. Crinklaw, D., agricultural implements. Cochrum, W. H., house painter.

Chapter Xiii Boundary

Beginning at the southwest corner of Atchison Township ; thence southward on the line dividing Nodaway County from Atchison and Holt Counties to the southern boundary of Nodaway County. Thence east on the line dividing Nodaway and Andrew Counties to the divide between Nodaway River and White Cloud. Thence north on said divide till it intersects Atchison Township."

" Commencing at the northeast corner of section 15, township 63, range 36 ; thence west between sections 10 and 15,9 and 16 to the northwest corner of section 16, township 63, range 36 ; thence north between sections 8 and 9 to the northeast corner of section 8 ; thence west between 5 and 8, 6 and 7, township 63, range 36, and sections 1 and 12, 2 and 11, 3 and 10, 4 and 9, 5 and 8, 6 and 7, township 63, range 37, and sections 1 and 12, 2 and 11, 3 and 10, township 63, range 38, to the northwest corner of section io, township 63, range 38 ; thence south in the center of section and west of county line between sections 9 and 10. 16 and 15, 21 and 22, to the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of section 22 ; thence east on the center line dividing sections 22, 23 and 24, township 63, range 36, and sections 19, 20 and 21, to the Nodaway River, township 63, range ^J ; thence meandering with the east bank of said river south to near the southwest corner of the southeast quarter of section 35, township 62, range 37 ; thence east on the south line of said county to the southeast corner of section 34, township 62, range 36 : thence north on section line between sections 34 and 35, 26 and 27, 22

I92 History Of Nodaway County

Hughes Township is well watered by several creeks whose general bearings are from the northeast toward the southwest, all of them emptying into the Nodaway River. The names of these creeks, as we pass from the south towards the north, are as follows : Halifax, Rain Creek, Elkhorn, McDowell Branch and Bagley Branch. Wolf Hollow empties into the Elkhorn and runs toward the northwest, and the Little Elkhorn runs into the Elkhorn.

The land of Hughes Township, forming a portion of the eastern valley of the Nodaway River, rises with a gentle slope as we pass eastward from the -river, with a slight inclination toward the north, and is quite rolling. The river is fringed with beautiful groves along the valley, and some picturesque spurs covered with timber or brush set back for some distance from the river, making a scene, as one descends into the valley toward the west, of unusual beauty.

The soil of the township is a rich vegetable mold resting on a subsoil in which the Loess of the bluff formation is about equally intermixed with the usual clay subsoil of the county. This combination makes an excellent soiL being light and easily worked, and so porous that water rarely stands upon it, yet possessing such power of capillary attraction that it is not materially affected by drouth.

Hughes Township presents unusual attractions to the farmer, the Tiorticulturist and to the stock grower. The natural resources are abundant, nothing seeming to have been left out that can contribute to the comfort of man. The soil is rich and deep, the country is well watered by streams, springs burst out of the hillsides, excellent well water is found twelve to fifty feet deep ; there is an abundance of excellent timber, coal outcrops in veins, there are fine stone quarries of both limestone and freestone, and there is a beauty in the landscape and a pastoral loveliness to the scene quite charming to the observer. All the cereals of the Upper Missouri Valley flourish, and the grasses are luxuriant. Farmers have reported as high an average as 108 bushels of corn to the acre by actual measurement. Improved grades of cattle and sheep have been introduced. The first short horn bull ever shown at the Nodaway County Fair was exhibited by Mr. H. C. Linville, who resides near Graham. The farmers have an air of contentment about their comfortable homes that seems to say that "their lines have fallen to them in pleasant places, and they have a goodly heritage."

There is a tradition that the Elkhorn derived its name from the following circumstance connected with pioneer life : It seems that a man killed an elk near Graham, stopped, built a fire and cooked some of the meat. The horns of the elk being very large, he cut off the elk's head, and hung the horns on or set them up by a tree, where they remained for a long time. The place becoming known as the Elkhorn, the name was afterward naturally given to the creek that flowed near by.

The first white man to locate in Hughes Township, and in fact to settle in the County of Nodaway, was Isaac Hogan, to whom we have already referred in our chapter on " Early Settlements." We take the following from the admirable address of Dr. J. W. Morgan, delivered at Graham on July 4, 1879 :

During the fall of 1841, Lorenzo Dow Vinsonhaler left Ross County, Ohio, for the purpose of finding a home in the West. Some tim^ during the fall following, he, in company with Harvey Dillon, found the Nodaway Valley, and took claims on the east side of the Nodaway River. Dillon selected the fine land now owned and cultivated by Lewis Anders. He remained there for a number of years ; built a log cabin, broke and fenced some prairie. Having brought some apple seeds with him, he started a seedling nursery and put out an orchard, numbering, perhaps, two hundred trees, which has for a number of years been bearing delicious fruit. He sold his land to Finley McCrary, of Highland, Kansas. Dillon's whereabouts are to us unknown. Dow Vinsonhaler laid claim to the tract of land now owned by Judge Wm. Seeper. This was a choice selection. He built a house, and the following season broke and fenced a considerable amount of land, and raised a crop of corn. Here he remained for a few years, and then sold out and accompanied John C. Fremont's explorers to California; was lost in the mountains for a great while, where many of the party perished from cold and hunger; their supplies being exhausted, they lived on the flesh of mules that had frozen to death, or died from starvation. He accompanied Fremont to Washington City, and was a witness in his behalf in an investigation ordered by the authorities at Washington during President Polk's administration. His testimony relieved General Fremont from censure. He afterward returned to California, where Iris eyes were closed in death many years ago.

Sometime during the fall of 1840, Elijah Bunten, James Bryant and Harvey White explored the White Cloud country and took claims. In those days all that was necessary to be the owner of a tract of land as large as one desired, was to lay claim to it ; the manner of procuring a title in fee simple was to cut down four trees and chop them off and lay the foundation for a house. Whether the cabin was ever completed or not, it constituted a claim that all honorable men respected. In the mind of the pioneer, any man who would attempt to intrude, or, as they termed it, "jump a claim," was looked upon as a thief.

Elijah Bunten was a professional claim-taker. The first claim he selected was on the west side of White Cloud ; his claim included all timber land on that side of the creek. He built a log cabin near where the residence of Marion Woodard now stands, cleared off a few acres of timber, and raised a crop or two of corn ; meantime he took additional claims, some on the Nodaway River, one on the head of the Florida, with the center on the tract of land now owned and cultivated by Judge Solomon Shell. In the fall of 1840, he sold his claim on the White Cloud to Mijamin Byers, and built a cabin on Florida Creek.

Bunten was an energetic fellow, and, when he had disposed of his interest in one part of the country, he made it his business to attract attention away from it, and center it at his claim. Soon after leaving White Cloud, Burt Whitten passed his cabin and inquired the way to White Cloud. Bunten knew all about it, but advised him to stop there and buy his claim. Whitten asked him what kind of a country White Cloud was. His answer was, " It's a d - d broken, barren, fertile country." When asked what he meant by fertile, he said : " Fertile - that means a d - d long way from market."

Whitten changed his programme, and bought a claim consisting of all the timber land on the head of the Florida, which was for many yearsafterward known as Whitten Grove.

Harvey White, a son-in-law of Bunten, pitched his tent on the land now owned by Richard Boatwright, some seven miles south and a little west of Maryville. There he remained for a few years, then sold out to. a man by the name of Guy, and moved to Oregon.

Jim Bryant was one-fourth Indian, and, therefore, would do but little but trade, drink and hunt. He built a log cabin in the woods a little south of where Billy Jones' house now stands, and laid claim to alt the timber land on the east side of White Cloud, south of the Saunders, school house.

These three families on White Cloud, and Dave Vinsonhaler and Harvey Dillon were the only white people who spent the winters of '39 and 40 in what is now Nodaway County. Some time early in the spring of 1840, Isaac Hogan moved his family from Platte County, and occupied the house he had built the spring before. They were accompanied by Daniel Hogan, Joseph Thompson and Richard Taylor and wife. Taylor, soon after his arrival, built a house near Spencer's spring, and commenced improving a farm. Daniel was at that time an old bachelor, and made his home with Isaac. Thompson was a single man, and also made his home with Isaac Hogan. R. M. Stewart had concluded to remain in Platte County, and had given his claim to Joseph Thompson, who now resides east of the One Hundred and Two River.

During the winter of 1839-40, the country around Graham was visited by many who were wanting homes ; although the winter was cold and stormy, these energetic spirits braved the difficulties, though they met with fewer obstacles in winter than in summer. During winter the streams were bridged with ice, which enabled them to effect a crossing at many points which could not be crossed during the warmer season.

Among the number who explored during the winter were James Finch, Nathaniel Finch, Thomas Finch, James Huff and Wesley Jenkins, he being the foreman of the company.

Wesley Jenkins purchased the claim of " Old Bunten," consisting of all the timbered land now belonging to Martin Palmer, Orville Graves, William Looker and James M. Kyle, and all of the prairie land on the north and south of Rain Creek. He erected a dwelling some three hundred yards west of where the fine residence and barns of James M. Kyle now stand, and moved his family therein in the spring of 1840. Having means, he made considerable improvement the first year, broke and fenced about twenty acres of prairie on the south side of Rain Creek ; during the summer and fall built some log huts near where the bridge now spans the creek on the Graham and Fillmore road. The second season he inclosed a large farm on the north side of the creek, including the tillable land of Orville Graves and William Looker. He was the sire of a large household of sons and daughters, who are now dead, or living beyond the Rocky Mountains.

James Finch settled on the land now owned by Adonijah Morgan, and made considerable improvement during the summers of 1840-1-2. He afterwards sold out to Joseph Cox and moved to Platte County, and died there about 1853. Thomas Finch settled on the farm formerly owned by E. M. Gardner, built a small log cabin, fenced and broke a few acres of land. In the winter of 1841-2, he imagined that it would be nice to own some slaves, and accordingly entered into negotiations with Colonel I. N. Prather, father of James B. Prather, of Maryville, trading his fine land for a couple of Africans. The Colonel was shrewd enough in the trade, giving him some half-witted darkies, for valuable land. Finch was elated - felt wrealthy. As he expressed it, " I have had my trap set for a couple of negroes, and now I have got them." He knew nothing about negroes, and was unable to dispose of them on any terms. This is the first instance of a pioneer being " scooped " in Nodaway. In the spring of 1842, he moved to Platte County, where he laid his body down to rest in that sleep that knows no waking.

I96 History Of Nodaway County

Nathaniel Finch settled on the land now owned and cultivated by George W. Long, made some improvements, and in a few years sold his claim to Thomas Cox. His claim included the land of G. W. Long, Jacob Shamberger and John Holumbaugh. After disposing of his claim, he, like his brother, was tired of frontier life, and returned to Platte County, and soon thereafter died and rests by the side of his brothers.

Joseph Huff first occupied the land now owned by Mrs. Phoebe McGinn is and James McNeal. He built a log cabin near by the large spring which rises near the residence of Mrs. McGinnis, and inclosed and put in cultivation about twenty acres of land west of the Branch.

William Stevens pitched his tent on the Eshelman farm, one-half mile south of Graham, where he remained and made some improvements during a few years following.

A gentleman by the name of Henshaw located on the Henry Baublitt farm, and William Thomas occupied the land now owned by Mrs. Jemima Scott, and that of Elder Shuff. Each of them made such improvements as the circumstances would permit. James Waumic and Ben Owens spent the summer without locating in any particular place - were "hanging 'round the edges."

These families constituted the entire neighborhood, and were sixty miles distant from any white persons, with the exception of a few people on White Cloud. How isolated and lonely was their situation, without roads, mills, workshops, mechanics, or mail facilities - deprived of almost everything that we deem essential to our happiness, comfort and wellbeing. Not afoot of land had been dedicated for a resting place for the body when the toils of life were ended ; without shroud or coffin the idol of households had to be committed to the cold earth, no stone or monument to mark the spot where earthly flowers had faded, and were mouldering into dust. The voice of the shepherd who now proclaims the riches of salvation was not heard ; yet they carried with them the Bible promises treasured up in honest, faithful hearts, and when the shadow fell upon them, and the rumbling clods were hiding forever from their view earth's treasures, its words whispered of" love in heaven, the home of angels, and joys too pure to die," and in faith they braved all trials and struggled on, until many have been called to rest from their labors on earth, and we trust have ascended the mountain where eternal sunshine settles on the head.

During the fall, Ben Owens secured what is now known as the Wm. Burris farm, with the exception of the south eighty acres, which was purchased by James Waumic. Ben Owens built a log house and fenced several acres of ground and continued to improve the premises for a few years, when he sold his interest to a gentleman from Platte Count)-, by the name of Thomas Baker, and soon thereafter went to the Lone Star State of Texas, where he pitched his tent, and we learn is doing well.

Thomas Baker was a man of considerable means, and extended his claim northward and entered a considerable tract of land, including the fine farm of Nick Kavanaugh. Not yet satisfied, he bought the claim of Waumic and secured a patent from the government. During his sojourn, he made some valuable improvements. Near the close of the war with Mexico he sold his land to Ennis Burris and moved to Texas.

After disposing of his interest in the land lying in the Nodaway Valley, Mr. Waumic returned to Platte County, where he remained for a number of years, and then went to Gentry County and opened and improved a farm. He yet remembers and speaks of his experience in the Nodaway Valley, and his heart grows young when he thinks of the time when he was surrounded by neighbors on whom he could look with confidence, and when he clasped their hand he knew it was the hand of a friend.

During the fall of 1840, or the winter of 1841, William Marlow and a man by the name of Robison and Abraham Cline, visited the new purchase and stopped in Bunten's Grove for the winter. Cline was a professional claim-taker, and explored the Nodaway Valley as far up as Clarinda, Iowa ; that part of the country was then and for many years after supposed to belong to Missouri. He made his home with Marlow, though he was often absent for weeks in hunting and laying foundations.

Marlow was, by profession, a prairie-breaker, and had left his plows and teams in the south part of Platte County. During the winter, he effected a trade with Burt Whitten, and secured a claim and building place near where the residence of Judge Shell now stands. In the spring of 1 841, he brought his teams, plows, etc., to his new home and commenced turning over the prairie for whoever saw fit and was able to employ him. When not otherwise engaged, he continued to improve his own claim in the grove. There is scarcely an early settlement in Nodaway County where Marlow's plow did not turn over the soil. For many years he lived in the house he first built in the Platte Purchase. He was a man of strong passions, and endowed with the gift of hang-on in anything he undertook ; he had, unfortunately, contracted the habit of using profane language, which, from the force of habit, he found it hard to break off, as is illustrated by the following :

Some three years after his advent into Nodaway, he was attacked with bilious fever. There was no doctor nearer than Savannah. His friend and counselor, Cline, was absent on a claim-taking expedition ; therefore, Marlow concluded that death would soon put an end to his existence, and accordingly set about to make preparations for inhabiting a better country. There was no minister in all the land to offer up a prayer for his forgiveness. He remembered that there was a man by the name of Thomas Wilhite living some twelve miles distant aero s the One Hundred and Two, that he had heard pray in Indiana. He sent for him, and soon after his friend's arrival, Marlow professed to have found rest in the arms of the Savior. In a short time the fever ceased to harrass him, and when his friend Cline returned, Marlow seized him by the hand and exclaimed, " I have had heaps of trouble since you left, but have good news to tell : I have got religion ; but don't you think Robinson's d - d old mare has been breaking into my cornfield ever since you have been gone."

So much for the force of habit among pioneers, if not among all people. He soon after sold out and settled somewhere near Fort Des Moines, Iowa.

Early in the spring of 1841, the hearts of those who had spent the dreary winter surrounded only by the red men of the forest and the wild beasts of the plains, were cheered by the presence of new comers. Among the number was Daniel Marlin, father of our esteemed friend and fellow-citizen, T. L. Marlin - who had for a few years resided in Platte County, Missouri - who cast his lot with the people who had preceded him, bringing with him his family, consisting of his wife and son, Thomas L. Marlin, which was indeed a valuable acquisition in a new settlement. Mr. Marlin was a high-toned, liberal minded, energetic gentleman, in the fullest sense of the term.

Mr. Marlin built a log cabin near where the stately mansion of T. L. Marlin now stands, fenced and broke forty acres of land and put it under a fine state of cultivation. When the gold mines of California were discovered, he took the gold fever, and in 1850 left a happy home and started to California, where he hoped to accumulate wealth and then return to gladden the hearts of those whom he left behind. He wended his way westward, and death soon overtook him. He rests in the still shades in a strange land, but is not forgotten. Mrs. Marlin remained on the farm with her son, he being a small boy, and kept up the homestead. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was a cousin of Rev. Jesse Allen, who was a shepherd of that church, and who occasionally made visits to encourage and cheer her in her loneliness. During his visits he held meetings and planted the banner of Christ by gathering into the fold many people and organizing a church, which grew in number and good deeds until 1 86 1, when civil war scattered the flock, never again to meet until they meet on that shore where separation is unknown.

Cornelius Brackncy located on the fine farm of Hiram Groves, built a house, broke and fenced forty acres of prairie land and made some other improvements. He remained on the land for some time, then sold it and moved near Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was a man of fair education and business talent, and soon after the organization of Nodaway County he was elected justice of the peace, serving as such for a number of years. Since he moved away we have lost track of him.

Elijah Hubble occupied a piece of land some eight miles south of Maryville, near the Prattler farm. It was for many years after known as the "Little John McClain place" - since owned by Frank P.Glasgow. Hubble, financially, was not a success in any sense of the word. He was addicted to hunting and fishing, and wasted a greater part of his time in that way, hence he made but little improvement. He finally sold out and moved to Honey Creek. His wife was an estimable lady, and no doubt had seen better days than she did while living on White Cloud. Under her influence Elijah left off some of his habits and joined the church. Providence smiled on him, and the last account we had of him he was a well-to-do farmer, respected and esteemed by all.

Early in the spring of 1841, the hearts of those who had spent the preceding season on White Cloud were cheered by receiving additions to their settlement. The McClain family consisted of George McClain and wife, three sons - John, James, and George - and four daughters. Three of the daughters were married, Sarah A. to Hiram Groves, Emily to a man by the name of John McClain, and Elvira to Greenville Thompson. James, George, and Catharine, a miss of twelve years, made their home with their father and mother. This family were an excitable, energetic people, such as we generally meet with on the frontier, and held a friend in the highest estimation. They occupied a body of land on the east side of White Cloud. Uncle George, as he was called by all, located on the farm afterward owned by Dr. James Saunders. Where the Saunders school now stands he built a log house and broke and fenced fifteen or twenty acres of prairie land. In 1842, he sold his claim to John Wiggs, a brother-in-law to Col. I. N. Prather, and opened up a farm now owned by James Heflin. There he remained for a number of years. During his sojourn on this farm his son James was prostrated by an attack of fever ; some disease followed, from the effects of which he never recovered sufficiently to be able to walk. In four or five years thereafter he had small-pox, which destroyed his eyesight. He was then a poor, blind creature as helpless as a new born babe, but not neglected or forgotten. For years and years these noble, truehearted people seemed to esteem it as a privilege to administer to every want of that afflicted brother, until God gathered him to that home where he has promised to wipe the tears from off all faces, for surely he had put on the robes of righteousness while inhabiting this terrestrial sphere. When we think of him, the noble, kind-hearted young man, who was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the distressed and bowed down, we are carried back to the days of our chilhood when around a mother's knee, and see him when the shadow of the dark- winged messenger first fell across the threshold of the old homestead, and a loved member of the household crossed the dark water and was hidden from our view forever. While remembering his goodness in that sad hour, we feel that he was too good for earth, and with sadness bade him farewell.

Hiram Groves selected a claim half a mile southeast of the Saunders school house, and built a log cabin near where the residence of Alfred Jones now stands, and broke and fenced a few acres of land. His brother, Thomas, accompanied him to the Platte Purchase, and made his home with him for several years. The brothers working together made some valuable improvements. Hiram lived on the site of land first selected until about 1856, extending the boundary of his farm, and constructing a neat and commodious residence. He sold his land to Alfred Jones and bought a farm adjoining Graham, where he remained until 1863.

During the same spring Pleasant I. Perkins improved a claim in the timber, about one-half mile southwest of where Lycurgus Miller now lives. The improvements made by him were of art inferior character, and he soon became dissatisfied and wanted to move. Perkins had met with some reverses in love-making - had been engaged to a young lady who jilted him after he had procured his wedding suit. She became the wife of a thrifty farmer near by, and Pleas, was not happy, so he concluded to " git up and git." He sold his claim to Colonel Prather and settled in the woodland north of Fillmore.

Greenville Thompson occupied a piece of land three-quarters of a mile north of the Saunders school house, now owned by William Y. Cox. He improved his claim in the customary manner, with the exception of building a better house. He being a carpenter, resolved to score and hew the logs, and put it up " on the square." The following winter he sold his interest to Wade H. Davis, and took a new claim.

John McClain selected a piece of land adjoining Thompson's on the north, and built a house one hundred yards west of where the residence of W. Y. Cox now stands. Not being satisfied with one claim alone, he examined the White Cloud country north of him and laid a foundation on the west side of William Bell's farm, and claimed all the land tr> the head of White Cloud. During the summer he built a house of hickory poles, twenty feet square, on the east side of White Cloud, near the west side of the Bell farm. During the summer he sold his first claim and moved to what is now known as the Morgan, or Bell farm.

During the summer and fall a great many emigrants located on White Cloud, and in the Nodaway Valley, in the vicinity of Graham, of whom we would like to make personal mention. Among the White Cloud settlers we remember Mijamin Byers, John B. Morgan, Col. I. N. Prather, Nathaniel Barnes, Wade H. Davis, Wm. Davis, Benjamin Windon and Jesse Windon. All brought their families with them and opened up farms. On the Nodaway, W. I. Linville, James Linville, Joel Hedge- peth, James Hedgepeth, the Richards, Samuel Lawsora, Jacob Vinsonhaler and others. Mr. Vinsonhaler afterward served the county as county judge acceptably. What was then known as the Narrows, now east of Barnard, were settled by Dyer Cash, Frank Conlin, Robert Patton and others, who commenced improving lands, and from time to time these neighborhoods were strengthened by new comers.

In the following season, J. E. Alexander, John Randall, Isaac Cox, Joseph Hudson, Thomas Adams, the Sizemores, the Johnsons and many others came to Nodaway. But we failed to mention Neal Gillum, who settled in 1840, in White Oak Grove, near Xenia. He was an old bachelor and trapped and hunted for a livelihood, yet, notwithstanding his occupation, he had been elected and rep'rese rated all of the counties in the Platte Purchase in the State Senate. He was the first civil officer we met with in the new home, and indeed, on first acquaintance, he did not speak very well for the country; still he was a man of fair ability. Soon after our advent into the county, late one evening, a man dressed in deerskin pants and hunting shirt, with a gun on his shoulder, and all of a hunter's paraphernalia, called for lodgings. In those days, although one room constituted the whole dwelling, no one was denied admittance. Gillum was invited in and offered a chair, which he declined to accept, stating that he had not sat on o>ne for so long he could not rest, but seated himself on a wood pile in the corner, and in, half an hour was stretched on his back enjoying his pipe, and narrating his experience while in the State Senate. So much for pioneer officers. Ira those days there was not a post office nearer than Savannah, and it cost twentyfive cents postage on each letter. But still correspondence was carried on notwithstanding it would take half a day's hard work to pay the expenses. Letters were always welcome messages, and were usually written on foolscap, folded and sealed with a red wafer. These letters always contained something about love, religion, marriage or death. Those quaint old letters have long since failed to put in an appearance. The writers - where are they ? Many of them, we trust, have sat down in the kingdom of their Father, and to-day are celebrating their redemption from sin, and the grave, in the shades of paradise.

The nearest grist or saw mill was Blacksnake Creek where the city of St. Joseph now stands. A small one horse affair it was. There was also a mill on Platte River near "Old Agency Ford," known as Kibby's Mill. For several years these mills furnished the pioneers with breadstuff As was the usual custom, some two or three neighbors would join and1 take thirty or forty bushels of corn to mill, (wheat was not thought of) and on their return the entire neighborhood was supplied. Then it came the turn of another to go, and their borrowings had to be paid. In this manner they kept fresh breadstuff's. It usually consumed a

In 1843-4, Andrew Brown bought the Hogan land and built a small mill on the Elkhornjust east of Brown's spring. This was a great relief as it was near by, though men and boys frequently rode twelve or fifteen miles on a sack of corn laid across a h'orse, and returned home the same day, feeling that it was a small job to go to mill. Andrew Brown afterward laid out the town of Graham calling it Jacksonville. In 1858-9, the Legislature changed the name to Graham, so that the post office and town would bear the same name. In 1845 t-ne Bridgewater Mill was built by Moore & Cock, which was indeed a valuable acquisition. For many years there were no doctors north of Savannah, the people having to do the best they could in cases of sickness. It may be asked what kind of people were the old settlers ? We answer, a moral people who reverenced the laws of God and the country. The)- did not desecrate the Sabbath. The river and creek banks were not lined by fisherm?.n on Sunday as they now are. And although game was plenty, the quietude of the Sabbath was not rendered hideous by the crack of the rifle or the shot gun. The Sabbath day was spent at meeting or Sabbath school, sometimes visiting. Although there were no church houses, they worshipped in some private residences in winter, and under the shade of lofty trees, " God's first temples," during summer.

The pioneers raised flax and hemp, and the female portion spun their thread, spun yarn and wove it into cloth, of which garments were made. There was no talk of "store clothes" in those days. I would to God that the days of economy would again return - there would be less talk of hard times.

Having already trespassed on your time, I will bring this rude sketch to a close; yet when I look over this large assembly of well dressed, intelligent ladies and gentlemen, and the usual prolific crop of babies, I can but miss the faces of many who penetrated these wilds thirty-five or forty years ago. Their voices have died away on earth ; they are quietly sleeping -beneath the green sward which covers them in the land they helped to reclaim and make beautiful. May the starry banner of freedom ever float in triumph over their lowly beds, and the wild birds continue to chant their requiem in the boughs that shade their quiet home."

The Methodist Episcopal Church

was organized in 1840. The names of original members were : James Finch and wife, Joel Hedgepeth and Jane, Bethanie Linville, Nathaniel Finch, Thomas Finch, James Hedgepeth and Ruth Hedgepeth. The early pastors were: - Aldrich and - Baxter, who labored in 1841-42; Alexander Spencer, who had charge in 1844-45 ! present pastor, Rev. Milland. Present membership, thirty-two. This was, perhaps, the first church organization in the county.

Swan Chapel

It was organized in 1866. Names of original members. William Perden, with three others. The church was built in 1879, frame building, at a cost of $1,500, and was dedicated by Elder Wayman. Names of pastors, S. H. Enyeart and J. A. Shewatles. Number of present membership, sixty. The church has three acres of land, including cemetery.

The Baptist Church

was organized in 1869. Names of original members: Henry Forcade and wife, Pelis Forcade and wife, H. A. Forcade and wife, Anderson Cragg and wife, Fayette Cook and wife. The church was built in 1881, frame building, at a cost of $ 1,300, and was dedicated November 13, 1881, Rev. J. W. May lot t is the pastor. Number of present membership, fortyeight. The following amounts were donated for building purposes : Henry Forcade, $200; Fayette Cook, $100; Peter Forcade, $75; Albert Forcade, $75 ; Anderson Cragg, $100. The church is situated three miles north of Graham.

The Church Of God

was organized in 1871. Names of original members: James McNeal and wife, John Riply, Mrs. Aaron McNeal, C. E. Bowen and wife, Mr. Fleagle and wife, Israel Crawford and wife and Mrs. Elizabeth McNeal. Names of deacons, Wilson Crawford and James McNeal. Names of pastors: L. W. Murry, McEllis, Kinsey, Holmes, Woodberry, Blakely and Bolton. Number of present membership, twenty-two. Will erect a house of worship in 1882.

The M. E. Church

on section 34, township 37, range 62, was organized in 1873, The names of the original members were Daniel Dodge, Mrs. Amelia Dodge, John Ashford, John Aldridge, Fanny Aldridge, Stephen Davis, Susan Davis, Edwin Davis, Wilson McMurry, Rev. A. K. Miller, Jane C. Miller and George Ingman. The church services are held in the school house, a frame building. The names of those who have served the church as its pastors are Revs. Balson, W. L. Edwinson, W. H. Cowley, Huffman E. V. Roof. The number of present membership is twelve.

Bethany Church

was organized in 1880. Names of original members, B. F. Whipp, J. H. Campbell, Isaac Miller. The church was built in 1880, frame building, at a cost of $1,600. It was dedicated the second Sunday in June, 1880, by William A. Gardner. Name of pastor, L. D. Cook. Number of present membership, eighty. B. F. Whipp, clerk ; Isaac Miller, Jesse Tracy, elders ; J. H. Campbell, B. F. Whipp, deacons. Mr. B. F. Whipp donated some two acres of land for church and cemetery, situated in the southwest quarter of section 22, 36, 62, Hughes Township, seven miles west of Barnard.

Patrons Of Husbandry

Elkhorn Patrons of Husbandry was incorporated January, 1873. The names of the charter members are as follows : J. B. Decker and wife, T. B. Greenelsh and wife, I. Colter and wife, Ed. Thayer and wife, and J. M. Linville and wife. The charter was granted October 15, 1873, and re-organized September 20, 1880. The hall was built in 1880 - a frame building - at a cost of $750. It was organized by Col. Jasper Needham, of Outly, Kansas, on November 12, 1880. Worthy Master, W. H. Bell ; Overseer, W. A. Sewell ; Secretary, J. B. Deekes ; Chaplain, D. Fullington ; Lecturer, C. E. Bowen ; Steward, A. Forcade ; Assistant Steward, F. A. Anderson ; Pomona, Mary Colter ; Flora, Susa Groves ; Ceres, Bettie Linville ; Lady Assistant, Palina Morgan ; Gate Keeper, Louis Royston. Membership 100.

Graham

Graham is situated in the southwest part of Nodaway County, eighteen miles from Maryville. It is two miles east of the Nodaway River, and is located near a little creek called Elkhorn. The town was laid out by Andrew Brown in 1856, with four blocks. In 1858, Mr. Brown laid out in addition, two complete blocks and one fractional one. About the same time, Abraham Linville, Henry Linville's uncle, laid out what is known as Linville's addition to Graham. In 1858 there were but two stores, dealing in general merchandise, kept by Burns & White, and McFadden & Daugherty ; there was one drug store, by Brand & Welsh, and a hotel by Dr. W. H. Woodward. There was at that time, and for several years previous, a steam saw and grist mill, operated by Wilson & Brown. This mill first directed attention to the locality of Graham. In early days, when mills were almost unknown, this one supplied a large section of country. Graham can boast of the first house of worship built in the county, with the exception, perhaps, of the Catholic Church in Maryville. In 1856, a very handsome church edifice was erected in the town by the various denominations which held religious services in that community. This was the only church building in the county, after its erection, except the Catholic Church at Maryville, until the building of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Maryville.

The town was called Jacksonville from the time it was laid out until 1859, when the name was changed to Graham by a special act of the Legislature. A few years before the town was laid out, a post office was secured for that community, which was located about half a mile north of the present town site. This post office was called Graham, in honor of Col. Amos Graham, through whom it was secured. The name of the town was changed from Jacksonville to Graham in order that the town and post office might have the same name.

Andrew Brown, the founder of Graham, died some years since, at the residence of his son-in-law, Henry Linville. He was an estimable man, highly esteemed and respected, and possessed all the noblest attributes of the human character.

Graham was almost depopulated during the war, no business was transacted, and there was but one little store in the place from 1862 to 1864, which was kept by James M. Lawson.

In 1864, R. C. Bohardt and John Schmidt each laid out an addition, and Mr. Bohardt laid out another addition in 1871, and one more in 1873. In 1874 additions were laid out by Henry Forcade and Jacob Fletcher.

Graham is finely located, and has many natural advantages. It is mostly surrounded by timber, and is situated in the midst of a country very rich and productive. The city lies upon the crest and sides of a beautiful roll of land, which affords one of the finest prospects in the Nodaway Valley.

There are three living springs in the corporation, and two of rhem, the Brown Spring and the Spencer Spring, afford a sufficient quantity of water for steam power. These springs are of great value to the town. There are four fine stone quarries within half a mile, that contain a fine quality of stone for building purposes. The passage of the railroad on the west side of the river, and the location of Maitland as a competing point, has for a time thrown a shadow over Graham, but the people of the town believe that at no distant day they will possess railroad facilities, and Graham will again be filled with commercial life and activity.

We must not omit to state that the second mill erected in the ccunty was built near the present site of Graham. It was built by Andrew Brown, from Ohio, in 1 841. It was a log building 18x18 feet. It had a brush dam, and had a capacity of five or six bushels an hour. It was located on the Elkhorn, called by the settlers a " Wet Weather Creek," which ran nearly dry in summer. The mill washed away in the flood of 1844. It contained a small bolt turned by hand for flour.

German Methodist Episcopal Church The Graham Presbyterian Church

was organized in i860. The names of original members were as follows : John Cowen, Mary E. Cowen, Henry Walker, Martha Walker, Elizabeth Gressham, Sarah Vinsonhaler, Aaron Cole, Mary Cole, A. E Rea, Elizabeth McCoy and Mary Waterman. The church was built in 1872 and is a frame building costing $2,300. It was dedicated by Rev. M. L. Anderson and Rev. W. G. Thomas, November, 1872. The names of pastors being as follows : W. M. Stryker, N. H. Smith, M. L. Anderson, W. C. Thomas, A. D. Workman and B. D. Luther. Number of present membership, 30. The first Sunday School was organized in 1873.

M. E. Church

was organized at Robt. Rea's house in section 18, 62, 36. The names of original members were, Robt. Rea and Eliza A. Rea and Jane M. Rea, and a colored lady, Celia Vance. Pastors, A. demons and James K. Chamberlin. It was re-organized in 1864 at Graham with the following members : Robt. Rea, Eliza A. Rea and Jane M. Rea, Daniel Bender and Mary Bender, Aaron Cole, sen., and Geo. W. Osea Cole. The church was built in 1869, - is a frame building and cost $2,000.00. It was dedicated in 1869 by W. H. Flowers. It is clear of indebtedness. Names of pastors, L. V. Morton, W. H. Turner, W. Cowden, Wm. Hanley, J. G. Thompson, J. G. Breed, B. T. Stanber, Robt. Develing, S. H. Enyart and J. A. Shewalter. Number of present membership, 60. The parsonage cost $500.00.

Graham Lodge No. 202, Ancient Order Of United Workman

was organized in Graham August 26, 1880, with the following charter members: William B. Palmer, John S. Spencer, William T. McGinnis, Martin Bond, George H. Peterson. L. D. Summers, S. S. Dougherty, Joseph R. Stone, Perry Spencer, G. D. Mowry, John Vanderlinde, William H. Maurer, F. H. Turnure, S. M. Twaddle, Perry L. Cheny, Joseph Long, A. Ashee, George E. Baublits. The present number of members is eighteen. This lodge meets on the second and fourth Friday nights of each month.

was organized in 1867, with the following officers: T. R. Hedgepeth, W. M.; J. M. Brand, S. W.; N. Wood, J. W.; J. R. Welch, Secretary; M. Palmer, Treasurer. This lodge has been fairly prosperous and numbers now forty-four members. It meets the Saturday night on or before the full moon of each month.