Hickory Township

Hickory Township

Hudson, from Pulaski County, Kentucky, who died some years ago, was in the early days a well known citizen of Holt County. He came to the neighborhood in 1845. Among other old settlers may be mentioned Michael and James DeBolt, John, Joseph and Noble Hodgins, Robert Morris and Captain Peter Price.

First School House

The first school house built within the limits of what is now Hickory Township was a rude frame building, erected in the year 1846. It stood on the southeast quarter of section 29, township 61, range 37, on a farm later owned by John G. Cowan, now by the Kneale estate. The first who taught in this building was a man by the name of Elmer, a New Yorker by birth. This primitive temple of the muses has long been numbered with the things of the past, and its memory scarcely survives in the minds of the remaining few who had any knowledge of its existence.

First Preacher

The first to preach the gospel in this locality was the Rev. Jacob Bird, of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He began his labors there in 1845. His field was in that early day an extensive one ; and, though church edifices by the members of his denomination were early created in other parts of the county, no building was ever put up by them within the bounds of Hickory Township. In that day of sparse population almost any ordinary cabin was sufficiently commodious for the demands of the small congregations who assembled to hear the occasional expounders of the Word; and, as population increased, the shady groves afforded, in the summer season, shelter for the camp meetings which constituted, in that day, a prominent feature in the religious life of the early settlers.

The first of these* assemblies to occur in this locality was held in the summer of 1857, on a farm occupying section 32, township 61, range 37, at that time the property of Esquire Bragg. The presiding elder at this meeting was the Rev. Mr. Ashby, assisted by the Rev. W. Naylor, and other itinerant ministers. These assemblies continued for many years after to maintain their popularity. In 1877, 1878 and 1879 largely attended camp meetings were held on section 33, township 61, range 37, in Nickols' Grove.

First Physician

The first physician to locate in the Grove was Dr. Dozier, who settled there in 1845. He was formerly from Andrew County. Previous to that period, however, Dr. Norman, the pioneer physician of the county, and Dr. W. W. Wittington, from Andrew County, had extended their practice to the settlements in and about Nickols' Grove.

The first blacksmith to pursue his calling in what afterwards became Hickory Township, was Henry Hornecker, a native of Virginia. He commenced business in 1854, in a shop which he had put up on the northwest quarter of section 9, township 61, range 37. Mr. Hornecker was a Southern sympathizer, and, in consequence of his opinions, was assassinated in the spring of 1863.

The First Mill

The first mill in the township was a small concern with one pair of burrs, built by John N. Blair, for Robert Nickols, about the year 1839 or 1840. It was a water power, and stood on the northwest quarter of section 34, township 61, range 37, about one-half mile east of the site of the present village of New Point. The only grain ground at this mill was corn. It continued to be operated till 1857. There is now no mill within the limits of Hickory Township.

The first ferry on the Nodaway River which had a landing on the shore of what is now Hickory Township, was established and maintained for several years by a man by the name of Lackey, from Andrew County. The landing of this ferry was on a farm for many years owned by Samuel Praisewater, near the line between the southeast quarter of section 27, and the southwest quarter of section 26, township 61, range 37, about one and one-half miles northeast of the site of the present town of New Point. Henry DeBolt afterwards kept a ferry on the southwest quarter of section 27, township 61, range 37, about one-half mile above the old ferry, before 1860. Both have long passed out of existence.

The first to plant fruit trees in Hickory Township was Thomas S. Bragg, who planted an apple orchard on his farm, which lies in section 32, township 61, range 37, in the immediate neighborhood of New Point. This pioneer orchard, which included about fifty trees, was planted about the year 1847. Some of the finest orchards in the county are now growing in Hickory Township.

The erection of church edifices is a comparatively recent enterprise in Hickory Township, though religious organizations have existed there from the earliest settlement of the county. The first ecclesiastical structure put up in the township was the Dunkard Church, near the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of township 61, range 31, near the west line of the township.

Dunkard Church

On the northwest quarter of section 14, township 61, range 38, within the limits of Hickory Township, is a neat frame church building, thirty-five by fifty feet area, with an extension sixteen feet square. This is popularly known as the Dunkard Church. It was built in 1874 by Levi Kauffman and Isaac Zigler, contractors, assisted by other workmen. Its cost was about $1,800. The congregation was organized as a church in February, 1872, with the following members, thirty-six in number: A. J. Correll and wife, Joseph Glick and wife, Jonathan Andes and wife, Isaac Zizler and wife, Joseph Kauffman and wife, Levi Kauffman and wife, William Griffith and wife, James Judy and wife, David Keller and wife, John Shamberger and wife, John H. Miller, Joseph Hilderbrand, Susan Andes, William G. Andes, Jane Parmer, Mary Hilderbrand, Mary Kauffman, Mrs. Susan Glick, Isaac Wampler and wife, Anna Andes and Solomon G. Snell.

This organization was styled Bethel, and the name of the meeting house Bethlehem. Of the above named organizers, in the language of one of their ministers: "Some have gone to their reward while others have moved to other countries, until of the original members few remain identified with the congregation." In May, 1878, the congregation divided, and a large number being in Nodaway County, a church was there organized.

The first election of officers held in Hickory Township occurred November 3, 1874, and resulted in the choice of Thomas Wright and W. S. Allen as justices of the peace, and Robert Hester, constable.

New Point

The only town and post office in Hickory Township is New Point. It is located near the west side of the northwest quarter of section 33, township 61, range 37. A portion of the village also lies in the east part of the northwest quarter of the same, the half section line passing along the center of the principal street. The south limits of the village extend to the waters of Nickols' Creek, the principal stream of the township. In 1875, in consequence of another of the same name having been previously established, the name of the town and post office, which had originally been called Grant, was changed, and the present style, New Point, was substituted.

L. D. Barnes was the founder and pioneer merchant of the place. He commenced selling goods there in a building which he had erected for that purpose, in 1869. The ground on which the town site is located was then covered with hazel brush and timber. Old timers tell how "Father" Barnes, as he was familiar- ly known, cleared out a spot large enough for his store and then began building, leaving further clearing of brush and trees for future consideration.

L. D. Barnes was a potential factor in the early history of New Point. He was a plain, honest, upright man who believed that the Golden Rule was enunciated for the guidance of mankind and he lived his life accordingly. He was an active member in the Methodist Church. He continued to sell goods in the store in which he began his business career until 1880, when he sold to his son Clark F. Barnes, who formed a partnership with J. R. Collinson, the style of the firm being Barnes & Collison, under which name the business was continued. Later Levi Oren bought the stock. He sold to his brother Jacob A. Oren and W. J. Sager. The building in which the pioneer merchant did business has been rebuilt and is now a two-story structure, the first floor being occupied by the general merchandise store of George W. Lentz and the second floor by the Odd Fellows lodge.

Shortly after Mr. Barnes founded the first business enterprise in New Point Jerry Stultz started the first blacksmith shop in the place. It was located a few hundred feet north of the Barnes store. Stultz continued to operate the shop until forced to quit on account of old age, about fifteen years ago. The shop and the residence he occupied near it, have long since disappeared.

In 1872 B. F. Chandler started a blacksmith shop, which he operated until 1874 when he sold to John B. Coffin, who still owns it although he retired from the active management of the business several years ago.

The first shop devoted to wagon making and general wood work was started by James Barnes in 1871. He sold to his brother Clark F. Barnes in 1876, who continued the business until 1880, when he retired to engage in the mercantile business. Barnes sold to E. S. McDonald who turned the business over to V. L. Graham in 1888. For a time New Point was without a wagon shop. A few years ago John A. Lentz revieved the industry, but in a more modern form. His plant is equipped with present day machinery of all kinds, being provided with facilities for handling automobile work in all its branches.

In 1871 B. F. Winslow, originally from the state of Indiana, established the first drug store in the town. He sold out in 1887 to H. B. Williams, who later moved the stock away. V. L. Graham carried a stock of drugs for a time.

The first boot and shoe shop in the village was started by Davis Brodbeck in 1878. He was succeeded by Henry Armack, after whom came William Kunkel, who continued at the trade until a few years ago when the infirmities of age compelled him to quit.

In 1876 Aaron Cole opened a stock of general merchandise. The following year he sold to his brother George W. Cole, who continued the business until 1880, when the stock was purchased by A. Swartz, a native of Ohio. A few years later Swartz sold to V. L. Graham, who came to New Point from Forest City. He is now a resident of California.

Frederick Meister and Ulrich Burger, started, in 1875, a tinner's shop, which was equipped to manufacture practically anything in this line used by farmer or town dweller. Tinware utensils in those days were mostly made in the small town shops. Meister & Burger also carried a stock of general merchandise. The building in which they began business was afterward occupied by J. C. Eckhart &' Brother. E. V. Agler now conducts a general merchandise store at this location.

The first physician to locate in New Point was Dr. William Parrish, who came in 1871. He moved away in 1874 and was succeeded by Dr. Bryson, who in turn was succeeded by Dr. Reeves. He was followed by Dr. W. E. Burch, who practiced medicine in New Point and the surrounding county for several years. In 1880 Dr. James A. Ashworth and Dr. J. R. Kearney ministered to the needs of the sick. They moved away and Dr. W. J. Findley opened an office here in 1886. Later Dr. E. F. Kearney, son of Dr. J. F. Kearney, practiced his profession here for several years, as did Dr. J. C. Whitsell, now located in St. Joseph.

In 1874 Mrs. John P. Ruhl started a millinery establishment which she conducted for many years. The following year her husband, in an adjoining room began selling merchandise. Several years later he was associated with William Coburn. Mr. Ruhl now conducts a store a short distance east of the one he started in 1872.

No section of Holt County gives more attention to educational matters than New Point. From an early day to the present the schools here have ranked with the best. For many years the youngsters gained their knowledge of the three R's and the higher branches in a frame school building about three-quarters of a mile northwest of the townsite, known as the Cowan school. While graded schools were unknown in the rural districts at that time the standard of excellence maintained was such that pupils were allowed to enter high schools in various parts of the country without further preparation.

provided with the best facilities known to educators at that time. But later it was found inadequate to all the needs of the children. In 1912 an additional room was built and provision made for teahing the ninth and tenth grades.

New Point contains two of the neatest and most elegantly appointed country chu^hes in the state. One is the property of the Presbyterian denomination. The building is a gothic frame, thirty feet front by forty-five feet deep, and is crowned with a belfry. The windows are of stained glass of elegant design, and the whole presents a very attractive appearance. The interior appointments of the church are even more elaborate than the external finish, and are strikingly neat and harmonious in their proportions. The edifice was completed in October, 1877, at a cost of about two thousand dollars, largely through the liberal aid of John G. Cowan, who donated the ground on which it stands.

New5 Point Presbyterian Church watf first organized in Cowan's School House, near New Point, on the 2d day of September, 1872, and styled Hope Church. The Rev. Robert Cruikshanks, D. D., conducted the organization, and preached the first sermon. The Rev. N. H. Smith, first pastor of the congregation was also present. The following members composed the original organization: John G. Cowan and Mary E. Cowan, his wife, B. O. Cowan, Mrs. Elizabeth Gresham, John Meyer and wife, V. L. and Hannah Graham, William and Sarah Coburn, and Samuel G. Park. The first officers elected were Elders John G. Cowan and John Meyer. The congregation continued to worship in Cowan's School House, from the period of their organization in 1872, up to the completion of the church edifice in New Point in October, 1877. In November, 1877, the dedication services of the church were conducted by the Rev. Duncan Brown, of Mound City. The pastors in charge of the church from its origin to the present time have been as follows : Rev. N. H. Smith, September, 1872; Rev. J. O. Pierce, June, 1876; Rev. George Miller, October, 1876; Rev. E. E. Williamson, D. D., January, 1882; Rev. T. D. Roberts, December, 1882-April, 1890; Rev. S. G. Fisher, August, 1890-January 1, 1892; Rev. Willis Weaver, June, 1892-January 1, 1894; Frank Connor (Student), May. 1894-October, 1894; Rev. A. B. Byram, November, 1894- April, 1895; Rev. C. P. Blayney, October, 1895-October, 1896; Rev. Willis Weaver, January 1, 1897-April, 1897; Rev. W. E. Caldwell, July, 1897-July, 1903; Rev. H. P. Alexander, March, 1904-May, 1906; Rev. T. D. Roberts, July 7, 1906.

the Fairview school house in February, 1869, by Elders George W. Rau and George H. Webster. The first elders were Thomas G. Denny and J. B. Denny, and Hiram E. Denny was clerk. The charter members were: Thomas G. Denny and wife, J. J. Denny, J. B. Denny, H. E. Denny, Mrs. J. W. Davis, Mrs. Joseph Hodgins, Mrs. Ruth Hill, Mrs. John Hodgins and Michael Cochran.

Following the organization of the church Elder William Trapp became pastor. He was succeeded by Elder J. W. Tate in 1871. Then came Dr. J. W. Stone of Oregon, W. H. Hardman, W. A. Gardner, W. F. Waite, H. P. Tandy, W. H. Hallum, Anthony Hardman, Jerry Devore and Wes Hardman.

The congregation moved to what was known as the Union church in 1894. This church was built by the members of several congregations and used jointly by them. It is located due north of New Point about three miles and is still used for religious gatherings.

In August, 1895, a meeting was held at which it was decided that the Christian church should build its own churchhome in New Point. A committee consisting of A. Hardman, Daniel Hardman, Robert Cain, Jacob A. Oren and Edwin E. Davis was appointed to take charge of the work. The necessary funds were provided, plans made and the bhilding completed before the end of that year. The structure was destroyed by fire caused by lightning in the spring of 1896 and was at once rebuilt. The first building was dedicated by Elder W. S. Connor, December 15, 1895, and the second by Elder B. S. Denny of Des Moines, Iowa, in September, 1896.

The first regular pastor was Elder M. McFarland in 1895. He was succeeded by Elders H. P. Tandy, Dew, A. Hardman, H. W. Hardman, Law, Dry, John A. Wesley, W. H. Leonard, Fred Augustine, R. A. Thompson, Edward Clutter, B. H. Dawson. The present resident minister is Elder H. R. Murphy. The membership is now 104 and the church officers are F. A. Crawford, E. V. Agler and C. W. Brooks. Of the charter members who assisted in the organization of the church in 1869 only Mrs. J. W. Davis and Mrs. Joseph Hodgins are living.

Secret Societies

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has an active, prosperous organization in New Point. Its membership includes many of the progressive men of the community, men who have attained prominence in the work of the order. The lodge was organized February 14, 1893. The first officers were Harry Dillon, N. G.; Jacob Rayhill, V. G. ; J. A. Oren, Treasurer; N. L. Pierce, Secretary; J. A. Oren, Robert Cain and B. F. Kunkel,

Trustees. There were thirty-three members at the initial meeting. The present membership is ninety-eight. The present officers are: John Kramer, N. G. ; Charles Kurtz, V. G.; Ralph Meyer, Treasurer; E. E. Davis, Secretary; Lafayette Kunkel, Jesse Cain and B. J. Hilley, Trustees. The lodge owns the two story business house in which George W. Lentz conducts a general store, and one acre of ground.

Telephone

The Farmers Mutual Telephone Company of New Point was organized in 1903. Charles Cowan was president and James Morris, secretary at that time. The installation of telephones in farm houses throughout the surrounding country was begun at once and the enterprise has enjoyed a steady growth from its inception. The company has 114 subscribers and its investment is estimated at $10,000. The present officers are James Morris, president and Thomas Cain, secretary. The switch board has connections with the principal towns in the county as well as excellent long distance connections.

Water

Hickory Township is a well watered, sufficiently timbered, and an excellently improved district of the county. The principal streams of the township are Nickols' Creek and Hickory Creek. The former at one time was a stream of occasionally sufficient volume to afford mill power. This stream debouches into Nodaway River, near the northwest corner of the southeast quarter of section 27, township 61, range 37. Nearly parallel with this, and about two miles north, is Hickory Creek, flowing also in a southeasterly course, and emptying into the Nodaway River on the southeast quarter of section 22, township 61, range 37. The mouth of this stream is about three-fourths of a mile due north of Nickols' Creek, and about one mile by the winding of the river. Hog Creek, in the extreme northern part of Hickory Township flows in an easterly direction towards the Nodaway. At one time it formed a swamp or lake near the banks of that stream, and known as Lovelady Lake. Kimsey Creek rises in the northwestern part of Hickory Township, in section 11, township 61, range 38, and flows about two miles south and west into Benton Township. Innumerable springs and spring branches abound, affording ample stock water in all parts of the township.

Short Horns

farms in Holt County, resided in the immediate vicinity of New Point. His home place, which included 617 acres, is one of the best improved in the country. In the fall of 1842, he moved from Kentucky, his native state, to Lafayette County, Missouri; thence, in 1843, to Andrew County, Missouri. In 1858, he settled in the neighborhood of Graham, in Nodaway County. In March, 1866, he moved to Holt and settled in what is now Hickory Township, on the farm formerly owned by John B. Ish. In 1868, Mr. Cowan made his first importation of short horn cattle from Kentucky. The year previous to this he had imported a short horn bull from Illinois. In 1870 he brought fifteen head of these cattle from Ohio.

In 1872 he purchased for the sum of three thousand dollars of William Warfield, of Lexington, Kentucky, the celebrated bull, Loudon Duke the Sixth. From this pioneer herd the short horn breed of cattle soon spread over every part of Holt County. T. S. Bragg and Allen T. Bloomer were also breeders of short horns in Hickory Township in the early days.

The Lackey Road

The Lackey road, which ran through Hickory Township, was that part of a main traveled highway, which led from Jackson's Point (now Mound City) to Lackey's Ferry, on the Nodaway, and was on the line of the great thoroughfare leading from St. Joseph to Council Bluffs. Lackey's Ferry was established by Andrew Lackey, and was later called the Thraikill Ferry, and subsequently the Praisewater Ferry. Lackey afterwards located a short distance below the ferry and established a trading post and saloon, which was frequented by nearly all the trappers who ranged through the upper country.