Jackson Township

Jackson Township

Jackson township is the northwest township in the county, and originally was organized out of the territory of Parsons Creek. It was one of the seven original townships which formed the municipal districts or divisions of Linn county in 1845, which were forraied after the organization of Sul- livan county. At that time Parsons Creek and Jackson townships occupied all the territory west of Locust Creek, that stream being their eastern boundary line. The organization of Clay township out of the two above named, took three miles off of Jackson township's south border, leaving its present boundary as follows: On the north by Sullivan county, east by Locust Creek, south by Clay, and west by Livingston and Grundy counties. Its population in 1870 was 948 and in 1880, 1,740. It has increased more rapidly in population than any other township in the county in the past decade, excepting Enterprise. Just why this should have been so iS' hard to determine, but is true nevertheless, and ought to spur the other townships to action.

The boundary above spoken of gives a north and south line of seven and one-half miles, and an east and west line, with the exception of one mile on the south, of about the same average. This gives it an area of Hfty-two and three-fourths square miles, or a landed area of 33,760 acres, without o-oinsr into fractions. The assessed valuation of Jackson township for the year 1881 was $331,330, the wealthiest agricultural township in the county, for Jackson township has neither a town nor village within its border, and is the sixth in wealth in the county. This is a showing to be proud of. However, there is one thing that Jackson township citizens should remember, and that is, good comfortable homes with pleasant surroundings will add much to their credit. Families in good circumstances should not live in cabins.

The Lay Of The Land, Etc

Jackson township is mostly rolling prairies, perhaps, in some places, a trifle too rolling to be desirable; but the soil is rich, and what Jackson most needs is more thorough cultivation. Half tilled farms do not always pay, and without any increase in population, the real and personal property of Jackson could be increased fifty per cent, if thorough cultivation was given the land now improved. Tlie timber along Locust Creek is good, but that which lies on the banks of the smaller streams is not of much value for lumber, but gives a plentiful supply of firewood and fencing. There are several tracts of beautiful, level prairies scattered here and there through the township, just undulating enough to give it sufficient drainage, and they make magnificent farms. There is some good timber in the south part of the township, but the best lies on the west side on Parsons Creek, and on the east on Locust Creek. There are few better watered townships in the county, and no better stock-raising country can be found in Linn county. The heaviest stock-raiser, and dealer in stock, living in Linn county is Mr. Charles Lightener, who has one farm of about seven hundred acres in a body and has some splendid stock. The streams are Locust Creek on the west, West and East Parsons Creek in the central and western portion of the township, and Big and Little Muddy in the northwest part of the township. Parsons Creek and Locust Creek have nuraerous branches witliin tlie township, and these in connection with other springs make it a magnificent stock range. Coal is found along Locust Creek as described in Benton township history, and one vein, Hooker's, has been worked. It is an eighteen-inch vein, but the coal is considered of only a fair quality. Limestone also crops out here and there along the streams, while sandstone is not far off. Corn and grass grow bountifully and a few years ago wheat was the leading crop, but the chinch bug got pretty bad and the crop was changed to tobacco, and that crop, with grass, is indigenous to the soil. Corn always yields a bountiful harvest, and stock-raising now leads, leaving wheat and other less important cereals entirely out. The township was settled early and small farms are more generally the rule than the exception. This is right, and now let those small farms be thoroughly cultivated, homes improved, residences made more comfortable, and thrift take full possession of the people, and Jackson township can and will become the best and wealthiest in tiie county. Submitting to deprivations to hoard money won't pay in the long run.

There is no earlier settlement of record in this township than the winter of 1837-38. Somebody was informed that Dunbar, who was killed and robbed by the Heatherly gang, and whose body was thrown into Medicine Creek, in Grundy county, actually built a cabin in Jackson township, as early as 1830. There is not a particle of truth in this. The Heatherly gang did not settle in Grundy county, or make it their headquarters until the winter of 1834-35, for they simply squatted and robbed until the location got too hot for them, and then they made tracks for other quarters. Dunbar was killed in 1835, and another man with him, and the gang that was in this murder were two of the Heatherly gang, Hawkins and a negro man. The two men were gn a prospecting tour. But in 1836 it is probable there might have been a cabin or two over the Grundy or Livingston county line, but if so they were not known to those who really settled Jackson township.

The Bragg Settlement

Jesse Goins, from Chariton county, perhaps was one of the best and most favorably known citizens of Linn county, who settled in Benton township in 1838,"and erected his cabin, for all the settlers had cabins, on the west half of section eighteen, township sixty, range twenty. He says that the northeast section of Jackson township was settled in 1838. William N. Bragg came from Alabama in 1839, and settled on the southeast quarter of section seventeen, township sixty, range twenty-one, right on the banks of

East Parsons Creek. This man was snbsequently luin*^ by the militia, and though not killed, died afterward from the effect. And William Calhoun, who was murdered and robbed by so-called loval militia, but really thieves and cut-throats, came to Jackson township from Indiana, in 1840, and proved for nearly twenty-five years one of its most enterprising and honorable citizens. He settled on the south half of section eight, township sixty, range twenty-one. Daniel and Nathan Keithlej^ came from St. Charles county, Missouri, in 1845. These were the principle settlers in that neighborhood, and they were some of the best farmers in the county, for nearly all their efforts were successful.

Among the earliest of those who settled in Jackson township, and who wielded the most influence in a family point of view were the Flournoys. John G., William, and the mother of these gentlemen, all settled on section twenty-seven, township sixty, range twenty-one, in the year 1838.

Gooch Settlement

This might in truth be called a part of the other mentioned settlement, for a portion was on the same section. Asa Kirb3' settled on section seventeen, township sixty, range twenty-one. On section five, township fiftynine, range twenty-one, Oliver Phillips settled, who came originally from Kentucky, but direct from Howard county, and Thomas Morris from the same State and from Howard county also. Lewis Wright, from Yirginia, settled on section eight; Manoah Swigleton, from Kentucky, on section nine, Daniel Layman, Howard county, section five, all in section fifty-nine, township twenty-one, and all came in 1840; and Koland, from Kentucky, originally, came the same year, settling on section six. These w'ere the principal ones in that section of the county, that is south of the congressional township line dividing fifty-nine and sixty. Kight north of this line and on section twelve, township sixty, range twenty-one, Mark Arnold settled, one of the most prominent characters of the township, a representative man who came in the early days, having settled as above mentioned in March, 1839, still hale and hearty, with a clear memory of many important past events. Just before Arnold, that is in February, Esau Hannan came and settled on section twenty-nine, just north of Arnolds, and Jacob Hill settled in December, 1838, about two months before Hannan on section thirty-one, right west of Arnold. This might be called the and Arnold's house afterward became headquarters for the Confederates in the civil war, which left its mark of desolation all over the county for some twenty-three years after. Harvey Bragg, a brother of William before spoken of, also settled in December, 1838, and staked his claim on section sixteen, township sixty, range twenty-one, something like three miles north of the

Arnold settlement. Harvey Bragg and Jacob Hill were brothers-in-law. There were quite a number of refugee Mormons came into the township, as the war at that time was making it unpleasant for their tribe, but they left when it was decided that the Mormons must go, by the surrender of Far "West, and Adam-on-Di-a-mon. Jeremiah Hooker, quite a pj-uminent man in Linn county affairs, settled on Locust Creek and there was quite a settlement around him.

The first chikl born in tlie Arnold settlement was a daughter of Jacob and Eliza Hill in Maj', 1839. She grew to womanhood, married, and removed to California. Among the first deaths in that settlement was Fred- -erick Phillips in 1842, buried in Phillips' graveyard.

In the Gooch neighborhood the first marriage was about 1841, Mr. Silas Norval and Miss Ellen Ward being the parties to the contract, but a little previous to this, or about the same time, Mr. Ross and Miss Patty Pence were united in marriage in the Moore neighborhood.

Over on section twenty-seven, in the Flournoy's settlement, near Locust Creek, a colored child was born, the mother being owned by Mrs, S. P. Flournoy. A negro child belonging to Wm. S. Flournoy died in 1840, and was buried on section three. These were the first births and deaths in that neighborhood. Margaret Phillips, daughter of Oliver and Eliza Phillips, who were in the Gooch settlement, was the first child born there, and Gideon Gooch, the child of Roland and Silaby Gooch, was born in March, 1843, Rebecca Belshe died in the summer of 1842 and was buried in Ward's cemetery, the first buried there.

On Lick Branch

Among the noted characters in those early days was William Smith, who settled on Lick Branch, He was called '' Stump-finger Billy," as he had a portion of one hand cut ofi". William Daily was another character, and those two believed themselves the greatest wrestlers and the strongest men in that whole section of country, and made their boasts of it. Smith was, evidently, the best man, but in a tussle, when he carried too much corn whisky. Daily got the advantage and threw him. In 1840, Smith sold out to W. S, Flournoy, and moved east of Locust Creek, became a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and died during the war. Avenett Moore and family also moved into that section in 1840, and until they got their own cabin built, occupied Smith's.

W. S. Flournoy married Miss Cornelia Ball, in 1841. It was in the winter of 1840 that two negroes, belonging to Mrs. Floui'noy, got lost in the woods on going home from the mill on Locust Creek in a violent snowstorm, and one froze to death. They had wandered some twelve miles from their home when found.

Mr. A. F. Moore, a settler of 1839, died in November, 1842, and was buried on a spot selected by himself, on the northwest corner of section three, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one. His death was seriously mourned, for he was a kind neighbor and friend. His wife followed him two years later. She was buried by his side. Their son, F. A. Moore ,^ married Miss Julia Baker, in 1843, and another son, William H. Moore, married Miss Martha Turner, of Kentucky, in 1846. William H. went to California during the gold fever, and died there.

Mr. J. McCown settled on the hill overlooking Locust Creek, near where the Myles' mills now stand. He was a noted Metiiodist class-leader. In 1840 George and Hiram Hurlbut and Lorin Reynolds bought McCown out and built the mill above. Henry Brown lived further up the creek, and was considered one of the best farmers in the township. Mr. Pence settled near Brown, and was the father of Fatty Pence, whose marriage is recorded elsewhere. The widow Shees, who married Capt. Thomas Barbee, was an early settler. She died during the Mexican War, the Captain being absent. William A. Berryman, Punt, Lawyer Drake, Miller, and known proverbially as an honest man, William Reynolds, and James T. Page, the strong man, as he was called, were all early settlers, and gave the stamp of their energy and genius upon the early settlement of Jackson township. Page, the man last mentioned, was known to have lifted, at one time, nine hundred and sixty-five pounds. This fact has been vouched for by creditable witnesses. Mr. Page died in May, 1852, and his widow now lives in Memphis, Scotland county, Missouri. There has been, and there is now, brain power and brawn in Jackson township, and if they will now add a little pride, it will prove a wonderful change to the township.

Progress

The first three years of the settlement of Jackson township, from 1838 to 1841, the pioneers found their only trading point at Brunswick and Glasgow, and their nearest mill Keytesville, but this only lasted until the last date mentioned, when the Bowyer horse-mill got under way. They, of course, neither had roads nor bridges in those days, and it was not until some years later that the State road from Liimeus to Trenton or Princeton was located through the township.

Timber seems to have increased since the settlement, for there is more timber now than in 1840. In those days, the gad-fly was of good deal of annoyance to the cattle on the prairies, and the settlers generally located in or near the woodland on that account. They were a green-headed fly, and sometimes tormented the cattle to their death. The usual hand-mill and log-hole to pound corn in were used when a mill could not be reached, and one family who had brought a large coffee-mill with them often used it to grind their corn. When the Bowyer mills started it was a great help, but even that was not sufficient to do all the grinding for fifteen miles around^

Somehow, the people were remarkably healthy in those days. They didn't die of consumption; they never had the gout; and when their time -did come, they were so old that a change beyond the dark river was welcomed as a release. Game, of course, was in abundance, and the pioneer thought nothing of doing a big day's work, and then, in the twilight, or even late at night, watch the deer-licks, and bring home a week's supply of meat. There can be much said of the times of long ago, and it is not hard to believe, with the simple wants of the old settlers, that they had as full a life of enjoyment as the generations of a later day.

In the Moore settlement, which was about two miles south of the Flournoys, on section three, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one, they gathered some of the best and most energetic citizens around them that lived in the township. They settled there in 1840. Everett T. Moore, father of T. B. Moore, settled on the above section in October of the last named year. Then William Jackson, from Chariton county, William and Asa Kirby, from Howard county, Missouri, and Andrew and Charles Caughron, from Trumpee, and a Mr. Parks, all settled in the country around.

After ilowyer's, then came Brown's horse-mill, about two miles east of this settlement, and that, added to Bowyer, gave the pioneers their home grinding, and Keytesville belonged to the past, but not to the forgotten past, as there were too many incidents in a trip of fifty or sixty miles, with an ox team, to make such a journey easily forgotten. Jackson township settled and grew, both in wealth and population, and up to the present time, it has been one steady, onward march.

Physicians, Weaving And Schools

The first physician who practiced in the county was Dr. Driden, and he from Linneus when called for. The first resident physician in the township, however, was Dr. Jenkins Gooch, who is still a resident and leading citizen of the township.

Mrs. Polly Ward, Mrs. Silaby Gooch, Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Moore were among those who spun and wove their own clothes and those of their families. Some wove carpets, but it generally became a part of the household -duty to make the spinning-wheel hum in the home of the pioneer- All did not have looms, but the spinning-wheel was a necessity of the times. The two first named had looms, also as did a few others.

The first school was taught by William Haley Moore, in an old log cabin on Roland Gooch's land, section thirty-one, township sixty, range twentyone. This school was stated by another informant as being located on section six, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one, which is directly south of thirty-one and joins it. Moore had about fifteen pupils and got two dollars and a half per scholar. Jnst what year this was neither of the informants could give, but it was probably in 1843 or 1844. The :^rst school-house was not built until 1846. Oliver Phillips put it up on section eight, southeast of the old hut, about one mile or a little over. This was a log schoolhouse and cost fifty dollars completed, and from this beginning the township school system of Jackson. started. Mr. Moore started to California in 1851 and died on the way.

There are now no less than eleven school-houses and districts in Jackson township. The school-houses are all frame and cost about four hundred dollars each, and are in every way well fixed with seats and desks, fully up to the average school-house of the day. "With the school fund of the State, township and county, they manage to keep up nearly an average of six months' schooling, and in addition thereto, a school tax is levied whenever it is required; but it seldom exceeds two to four mills on the dollar. With this light tax the school year is completed. The following are the locations of the schools of the township: Fairview school-house is about the center of section fourteen, township sixty, range twenty-two; Climax, on section thirteen, township sixty, range twenty-two; Hooker's, on the northeast quarter of section sixteen, township sixty, range twenty-one; Light's, on the northwest quarter of section twenty-seven, township sixty, range twenty-one; Jackson Center, on the southwest quarter of section twenty-nine, township sixty, range twenty-two; "West Liberty, on section twenty-six, township sixty, range twenty-two; North Sebago, on the southwest quarter of section two, township fifty-nine, range twenty-two; South Sebago, on section fourteen, township fifty-nine, range twenty-two; Mt. Olive, on the southeast quarter of section six, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one; Pleasant Shade, on the northwest quarter of section three, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one; and the last, the name of which was forgotten, is situated on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section sixteen, township fifty -nine, range twenty-one. These schools are all well attended, the teachers are paid from twenty-five to thirty-five dollars per month, and the schools are fiourishing.

There was now and then a preaching at the cabins of the settlers by those ministers who traversed the circuit, but the first service held at a schoolhouse was by the Pev. Jesse Goins, of the Missionary Baptist, who preached at the old Mt. Olive log school-house in November, 1848. This old schoolhouse was about half a mile from the site of the present Mount Olive school-house.

Mt. Olive Church

The Baptist Church by this name was organized June 8, 1849, and the ofiiciating clergymen were Elders Kemp Scott, A. F. Martin and Jesse Coins.

The clerk of the ocCcasiou was A. W. Floarnoy and the name was given in by Mr. Thomas Flournoy. This last person is now a resident of California. Of the elders present, Elder Scott died in Carroll county, Missouri, in 1864, and Elders Martin and Goins are still living, highly honored citizens of Linn county. The names of those who were members at the organization are here given: AVilliam Wright, William H. Moore, Thompson B. Moore, John M. Wright, Francis A. Moore, Lucy T. Jennings, Lucy A. Basket, Margaret J. Basket, Lucy Wright, and Nancy M. Moore. After the organization the following persons joined the church; viz.. Miss Susan Phillips, Mr. William Kirby and wife, Hannah Bragg, and Sarah Wright. The first minister was Elder Jesse Goins, and he commenced his duties July 14, 1849, and devoted his time to the church for nine years. Elder Martin was then called and remained one year, when Elder Goins was unan'mously recalled and continued as pastor until 1863, when it came to a close or rested until 1867. That year it was decided to effect an organization, and to that effect met at the residence of J. Phillips, and some forty members enrolled their names The church organization at once elected Elder Goins pastor, and for another nine years he served the church, or until 1876. He was succeeded by Elder W. W. Waldron; he by Elder F. M. Wadley, on March 15, 1879, and this latter minister is still officiating as such at this writing, April, 1882. The first deacons were, William Kirby, and John McAllister, who were elected July 14, 1849, the latter also acting as clerk. Mr. McAllister resigned and went to California, April, 1852, and Deacon Kirby was killed by being thrown from his horse in the fall of 1851. They were succeeded April 11th, 1852, by DeaconsT. B. Moore and Nelson Bragg. The latter died in 1864, and Deacon Moore is still serving at this writing. In 1870 K. H. Moore was elected deacon, and died in 1877, and was succeeded by Matthias Jacobs in 1878, who like Deacon Moore, still serves. In June, 1878, J. N. Bailey, A. Gooch, and S. J. Phillips were elected deacons. In 1852 R. H. Moore was elected clerk, and resigned in 1857, followed by S. J. Phillips; then J. C. Highbough, and he by J. N. Canada, present clerk. The ^[ount Olive Church was the first in the township, and now have a handsome church building, which cost $1,200. It has at this time a membership of one hundred and eighty-five, and is in a flourishing condition, with every prospect of a continuance of the good work in which it is engaged.

Magnolia Church

This church was organized in 1873, by J. H. Tharp, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to which denomination the Magnolia Church belongs. A neat and substantial church building was erected at a cost of $825, and dedicated December 21, 1873, by the Rev. J. B. Mitchell. The original members numbered thirty-five, and were as follows: David Cady, M.

JB. Eussell, Adam Lash, Lucy Cuberly, Rebecca Triplet, E. N, West, Ella Burt, A. M. Cady, Jared Cady, Benjamin Burt, Charles Labor, Lizzie Laibor, John Tyre, Nancy Tyre, Fannie Jenkins, L. I. Russell, 'N. E. Wyman, Huston Lyster, J. W. Burt, Abram Henshaw, Laura H.enshaw, Lizzie Russell, Lafayette Mclntyre, Nancy Lyster, Alice Lyster, Martha J. Neal, Wm, G. Cuberly, Arthusa Mclntyre, Nancy Couch, Abrara Lyster, Mary E. Lyster, Mary F. Neal, Marion E. West, and Susan K. West. The first pastor was the Rev. James Henry Tharp, followed by Revs. P. H. Wynn, and J. M. Ragen. Its present membership numbers fifty-one, with a promise of a long and useful life devoted to its glorious work.

Morris Chapel

is of the denomination of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and is located on the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section four, township fifty-nine, range twenty -one. It was first organized about the year 1852, its first classes meeting at private houses and at school-houses. Among its first members were T. B. Alexander and wife, Thomas Morris and wife, Samuel Sawyer, William Toler, Smith Ward and wife, and James Warren and wife. In the spring and summer of 1871, the congregation twenty-one; Morris Chapel, northeast quarter section four, township fiftybuilt a comfortable church building twenty-five by thirty-five and finished and furnished it neatly and plainly. It was a frame and cost when completed $1,000. In the summer of 1871 the Rev. William Warren preached the first sermon within its walls, a sermon that made a deep impression upon his hearers, for it was both earnest and eloquent. Those who have ofiiciated as ministers of the church are the Revs. John Ellis, William Per- Jdns, W. T. Ellington, William Sutton, William Robinson, W. E. Dockery, Samuel Alexander, J. G. Blakey, Johnson, Grimes, William Warren, Elmore Carlisle, and the present pastor, the Rev. G. F. Tanquary. The trustee and class-leader is T. B. Alexander. The church which was named after Brother Thomas Morris, who donated one and a half acres of ground for the church in perpetuity, now numbers eighty members, and is in every way free from debt. Service is held the second sabbath of each month, and its future is one of promise.

There are no less than eleven public or church cemeteries and graveyards in Jackson township, and their names and locations are as follows: Pleasant Shade, northwest corner of section three, township fifty-nine, range nine, range twenty-one; Mount Olive, northeast quarter section six, township fifty-nine, range twenty-one; Phillips's, southwest quarter section thirtytwo, township sixty, range twenty-one; Hays's, northwest quarter section thirty-one, township sixty, range twenty-one; Hulett's, northeast quarter of the northwest quarter section thirteen, township sixty, range twenty-two; Keithley's, southwest quarter section nine, township sixt}', range twenty-one; Bragg's, southeast quarter section seventeen, township sixty, range twentyone; Smith's, southeast quarter of the southwest quarter section twent}'- three, township sixty, range twenty-two; Hooker's, northeast quarter section sixteen, townsliip sixty, range twenty-one; and Calhoun's, south- "west quarter section eight, township sixty, range twenty-one.

War Items

Jackson townsliip had its trials and troubles during the war, and some hloody scenes transpired within its borders. It was called a Confederate township, and it is probable that the Southern cause was better and more numerously represented than the Federal. But it is believed that the atrocities and violence of the Federal militia, and especially those from Sullivan county, was the cause of most of the home-horrors of that time. They were noted for being a cowardly, bloodthirsty set, but it has been disputed that these men really belonged to Sullivan county. They were reported as Iowa renegades, who, when Federal troops were called for, left to escape going into the regular army, and then joined the militia of Missouri for robbery, plunder, and murder. They were commanded by a Lieutenant Warner and others. Sullivan county was not guilty of being the home of all. Their acts brought on retaliation, and so blood flowed and cruel murders were committed on both sides. It was this militia that caused all the trouble with Holtzclaw, who never failed to retaliate. Calhoun was shot down in cold blood and robbed, and then Bruce and Jerome suffered death in retaliation. Tlie former was murdered, and it was evident money was at the bottom of it, for the gang got some eight hundred dollars. Neither Bruce nor Jerome were robbed. The former undoubtedly deserved death, but there is and was a belief that Jerome, although a Connecticut Yankee, and known as a loyalist, really was an innocent man. He denied giving the militia any information of Confederate whereabouts, but others say he did. Calhoun was murdered and robbed August 27, 1864, and on the first of September following Bruce and Jerome were killed in retaliation. This Lieutenant Warner took old man William IS". Bragg and nearly hung him, and as he died soon after it was believed that that is what killed him. Bruce was said to have been in this command, and Bragg's son and three others finished Bruce. There were several other raids through the township, and robbery was the principal object by both parties, but when they could on either side reach an obnoxious Confederate or Federal they didn't spare him, but sent a bullet after him whenever they got a chance. Jackson township had a good many men who had some very unpleasantly close calls of this kind.

was one, and held a lieutenancy in the command. Howard Bragg was another, and Phillips another, and it was Bragg and his comrade who sent Bruce to his last account for the attack on Bragg's father which resulted in his death. These men also were in the Confederate service. The Flood and Sandusky company was organized in this township, their headquarters being at Mark Arnold's, and the organization taking place there, Arnold securing guns and ammunition of Robert Menefee. Jehu Barnes and live others joined Sandusky's command afterward, and among those who were captured with Colonel Hobertson afterward were George Barnes, James^ Thomas, and Mat Stewart, at Blackwater. One raid of the militia into Jackson township was in 1863, when some twenty citizens were arrested in harvest time and in the harvest fields. This seemed to have been done to terrorize the citizens. A Major L. T. Forman commanded the squad of militia, among whom was Captain Branson, who seemed to delight in seeing how he could scare boys by firing a pistol close to them. This game he practiced on Monroe Porter, a son of Samuel Porter. The scare was generally genuine, for they were known to shoot to kill, with no more cause than they had to shoot for fun. The arrest of these citizens was placed upon the ground that bushwhackers went through the township or stopped there. Major Foreman declared he would kill them if they did not keep the bushwhackers (as he called them) out, although unarmed; but the same Major took care with his armed troops to keep out of the range of bushwhackers, and found it more safe to arrest unarmed citizens quietly at their work. War has its horrors, let peace reign.

Incidents And Accidents

A sad and fatal accident occurred in this township in 1871. Several ladies who were on a visit to the family of O. C. Stalps, concluded to go in bathing in Locust Creek, some three-quarters of a mile below Myles's mill. They were Miss Jennie C.Campbell, of Macon City; Miss Sallie Wilcox, Miss Eva Stalps, and Mrs. W. P. Myles. By some mishap the first named. Miss Campbell, got into water beyond her depth, and before help could be secured, was drowned. Becoming frightened, she was not able to help herself, and the others could not reach her. Her body was soon recovered and sent to Macon for burial. It cast a deep shadow over her friends, and the very thought of bathing almost became a terror ever afterwards to those friends who saw her dying struggles.

Another of those tragedies resulting from bullying happened at Sebago, January 1, 1872, a Mr. Patil shooting and killing a man by the name of Helm. The latter was a hard case and went a little too far with rather a quiet man, who, however, didn't lack for courage when the test came. Patil was acquitted on his trial.

township that they destroyed the wheat crop and other small grain, which caused the farmers to drop wheat-raising except for bread, and turned their attention to corn, tobacco, ha^' and stock-raising, and since then the latter and tobacco have been in the lead.

Perhaps the most remarkable characters that inhabited Linn county were the Klinenipper brothers, who lived in Jackson township. They were bachelors, and lived alone in squalid poverty, or without any of the comforts of life. They made but few acquaintances, and lived for twenty years nearly unknown and little cared for. John fell off of a load of corn-stalks which fell on him, from the effects of which he died the next day. This was January 2, 1877, and on the twenty-fifth of the following March, George, the brother, died from heart desease, brought on by exposure. Money to the amount of $7,087.25 was found in their cabin, in crocks and barrels - $650 sewed up in a buckskin glove, $580 in an old coffee-pot, and so on. There was also 1,600 acres of land belonging to them, 1,200 of which was in Linn county, and 400 in Livingston. The neighbors tore down the house and searched the grounds, and while it is believed that several thousand dollars was found, the $7,087.25 above mentioned was all that was recovered. A brother in Germany became the heir, and he ordered the land sold, and the proceeds sent to him. Carlos Boardman had the estate in charge.

At Sebago, January 15, 1881, a cutting affray occurred which resulted in the death of a Mr. Carpenter, who lived near Alpha, in Grundy county. Carpenter attended a party and became drunk, and was ordered to leave the house of Mr. Dennis. He went out but called Dennis out, saying he could whip him. Dennis went out and Carpenter struck at him with his fist, when Dennis drew a knife and cut him twice. Carpenter managed to walk home, a distance of nearly five miles, but died in a few days. He was unconscious soon after getting home, having been cut one time in the head. Dennis fled the country.

Mrs. John Norvell accidentally shot herself about the third of June, 1881 She lived near Orlinda. She suffered for a few days terribly, and then died. Several doctors were in attendance, and tried to find the ball, but could not. She was a kind and estimable woman, and a good wife and neighbor.

Town Organization

On the passage of the new township organization law, by the General Assembly, in the winter of 1880 and 1881, the several townships of Linn county organized under its provisions, and the first election for township officers came off in April, 1881. Jackson township elected the following officers: trustee, L. B. Phillips; justices of the peace, Alexander Gooch and G. H. Norvell; and S. A. Crookshanks, clerk and assessor. These gentle- men constituted the town board, with G. H, Norvell as chairman. The 'first meeting was Iield at the residence of R. D. Crookshanks, but afterward at the Hannan, or at the Jackson school-house. The present officers are the same, with the addition of H. B. Chandler, as constable.

Mark Arnold

was born in Howard county, Missouri, January 1, 1820. Mr. Arnold has been a farmer all his life; as early as 1839 he came to Linn county, and is one of the early settlers and prosperous farmers; he has made by his own exertions a splendid farm of three hundred and twenty acres. He was married in Linn county September 12, 1844, to Miss Susan Brown, daughter of Henry T. and Mildred Brown. They have five children, John H., James L., Annie M., Millard C, and Margaret P. Mrs. Arnold died December 14, 1867. She was a lady loved and respected by all, and was a kind mother and a loving wife, and left many friends to mourn her loss.

Jenkins Gooch

was born in Sheridan county, Missouri, September 7, 1841. Mr. Gooch was only three years old when, with his parents, he came to this county. He received a good academical education, and in 1866 he commenced the study of medicine at Roanoake, under the preceptorship of Dr. Harvey; was with him about one year. He then attended lectures two winters at McDowell's College, of St. Lonis. In 1868 he commenced the practice of medicine in Linn county, and has ever since been prominently identified in the profession. He was married in Linn county February 11, 1874, to Miss Bettie Morris. Their family consists of four children: Tilden, born May 28, 1875; Linn, born February 27, 1877; Richard, born May 11, 1880; Pauline, born January 13, 1882.

Alexander Gooch

This gentleman was born in Sheridan county, Missouri, November 23, 1835. He came to this county with his parents when he was but six years of age. He has been reared and educated in this county, and has always followed farming, and now owns a splendid farm of two hundred and twenty acres. He was married in this county November 8, 1854, to Miss Mary F. Bragg. She came to this county with her parents when she was but three years of age, where she continued to live until her death, which occurred December 8, 1871, after an illness of about two years. By this union there were eight children, six of whom are living, James R., William J., John A., Harvey P., Mary E., and Howard. Those deceased are, Lucy II. and Milton. Mr. Gooch was married a second time to Mary E. Phillips, February 10, 1874. She is a native of Kentucky and came to this county when she was ten years of age. By this marriage there have been born four children, of whom two are living, Lola A. and Mildred A. Those deceased are Nora J. and Jeremiah.

was born in Kentucky, February 17, 1813, where he lived until he was eighteen years of age, when he, with his parents, removed to Missoiiri, locating in Sheridan county, where they lived until 1839, when they removed to Grundy county, Missouri, and from there to Linn county, in December, 1841, locating in this township, where he has ever since lived, being one of the oldest settlers now living, and a man highly esteemed by all who know him. He owns a fine farm of two hundred and sixty-eight acres. Mr. Gooch was married in Sheridan county, Missouri, December 18, 1835. He has seven children living, Alexander, Joseph, Jenkins, Gideon, Mildred, Rolin, and jSTathaniel. His wife died November 17, 1854. He was again married May 6, 1856.

was born in Virginia, January 7, 1818. When about seventeen years of age he came to Boone county, Missouri, where he remained until the fall of 1837, when he came to Linn county and located in Jackson township, where he has ever since lived. He owns a well-improved farm of two hundred acres. He was married in Howard county, Missouri, December 12, 1838, to Miss Frances Clarkson. They have had a family of eight children, four of whom are living; Thomas (deceased), Lucy A., Eliza (deceased), Snsan (deceased), William H., (deceased), Nancy E., Sarah, and Keziah.

John Hoover

The subject of this sketch was born in Sullivan county, Missouri, November 11, 1839, where he was reared and educated. He has always followed the occupation of a farmer. In the spring of 1871, he came to Linn county and located in this township, where he has ever since resided. He owns a well improved farm of eighty acres. He was married in Sullivan county, November 11, 1863, to Miss E. J. Powell. Their family consists of eight children, named as follows: Marion W., Cora A., John L., William C.,. Oscar L., Edward W., Albert C, and Leonard F.

Thomas H. Kimbrough

was born in North Carolina, January 26, 1821. When about seven years of age our subject came with his parents to Missouri and located in Lincoln county, where he was reared and educated. He came to Linn county in 1856, where he has since lived. He owns a fine farm of five hundred and forty acres. Mr. K. was married in St. Charles, Missouri, January 4, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Moore, a native of Virginia. By this union they have eleven children, John W., Owen, Joseph, Sarah F., Millie A., Carrie, Marmaduke, Mollie, Margaret, Hattie, and Henry.

Thomas Morris

was born December 31, 1811, in Madison county, Kentucky, but was reared in Greene county, same State. In 1833 he came to Missouri and located in Howard county, where he remained until 1837, when he came to Linn county, and is one of the oldest settlers now living. He first located in Benton township, where he lived until 1852, and then came to this township, where he has lived ever since. He owns a well improved farm of three hundred and ninety acres. Mr. Morris was married in Howard county, Missouri, April 15, 1835, to Miss Elizabeth Warren, a native of Tennessee. By this union they have had twelve children, eight of whom are living: Susan J., born April 16, 1836; Elizabeth A., born August 10, 1838; William T., born March 20, 1840, and died July 3, 1841; James M., born July 26, 1842; John W., born February 26, 1844; Martha A., born February 17, 1846; Alfred P., born January 7, 1848, and died February 23, 1854; Mary F., born January 25, 1850, died January 28, 1854; Malvina A., born January 7, 1852; Pennelia M., born April 16, 1854; Lucy E., born August 21, 1856; Cordelia A., born September 6, 1859, died August 26, 1860.

Mr. Morris was impaneled on the first grand jury ever held in Linn county. There being no court-room at that time they convened under the «hade of a large oak tree. The case was against one Nichols for selling without license; he was convicted and fined.

Thompson B. Moore

was born in Virginia, May 14, 1829, and is one of the pioneers of Linn county; came here with his parents in 1840, where he has ever since lived; he was married in Linn county, January 25, 1848, to Miss Nancy M. Jennings, a native of Shelby county, Kentucky. His family consists of six children, named William F., M. T., Augusta A., Creed T., Richard H. D., and Annie M.

Lee B. Phillips History Of Linn Ootjntt

one "year, and then came to Linn county, locating in this township. Here he was reared and educated, and has always followed the occupation of a fanner. He now owns a well cultivated farm of four hundred and ten acres.

Soon after the breaking out of the Rebellion, Mr. Phillips, in September, 1861, enlisted in the Confederate service, Missouri State Guards, and in March, 1862, he reenlisted in Company K, Second Missouri Infantry, and participated in the following battles: Lexington, Missouri, Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Corinth, Mississippi, surrendered at Yicksburg, July 4, 1863, and was exchanged in February, 1864. He then went to Dal ton, and was in Shermans' raid through Georgia, December 20, 1866.

He was married to Miss Elizabeth J. Calhoun, a native of Linn county. By this union, they have seven children: William, Walter, Charley, Peter, Ed, Floy, and Robert L.

Manly Thomas

was born in Canada, September 6, 1846. Here our subject was reared and educated. In the fall of 1868, he came to Sullivan county, Missouri, where he was engaged in farming and stock-raising until January, 1878, when he came to Linn county. In 1879 he embarked in the mercantile business at Orlinda, a little place named in honor of his sister.

He was married in Linn county, January 8, 1878, to Miss Alice Rush, a native of Marshall county, Virginia. They have one son, Asa, born October 13, 1879.