Lexington Township (part 1 of 3)

Lexington Township

The first time that the name " Lexington " occurs in the early court records of Lillard county is under date of August 6, 1822. The record says: " It is ordered that David Ward, Absalom Coleman, Robert W. Rankin, and Joseph. Hobson, or any three of them, being first sworn, be appointed to view the nearest and best route for a road to run from Lexington by way of the upper ford of the Big Sniabar to Stokely's Ferry, on -the Missouri river." Then again, August 19th, it is ordered that John Nelson, Markham Fristoe, Ira Bidwell and Jacob Catron, shall lay out a road from Lexington to intersect the road leading from the salt works to Jack's Ferry. This ferry had been established by Wm. Jack, in 1819, its landing place being a little below the mouth of Graham's Branch, or near the foot of Commerce street, which was graded down the bluff and well paved, as the grand thoroughfare from the city on the bluff down to her steamboat landing. But from the very spot where Jack's Ferry, and afterward steamboats used to land, it is now, 18S1, a half mile or more over solid land to the water's edge in the Missouri river; and the Lexington and Kansas City Railroad (narrow gauge), runs here for half a mile over ground where the river used to flow from ten to twenty-five feet deep.

Tne first plat in the book of town plats of the county is that of Lexington - the original village, or old town, which was about a mile and a half from the river at Jack's ferry. (The Missouri Pacific railroad depot is now, 1881, in Old Lexington. The following certificate accompanies the plat: State of Missouri,

We, James Bounds, Sr., John Duston and James Lillard, commissioners in trust for Lillard county, do certify this to be a correct map or plan of the town of Lexington, as surveyed, numbered and sold according to the numbers, and sold on the 8th day of April, 1822.

Mount Vernon, the first county seat, never was platted, and has now gone entirely out of mark or memory. It was a mere irregular group of cabins situated on the southeast quarter of section 23, township 51, range 26, on the bluff' half a mile east of Tabo creek and three-fourths of a mile from the Missouri river. It was a place where three or four tribes of Indians used to come to smoke the peace-pipe and barter with French traders. Terre Bonne, " good land," or "good place," or " no-fight place, ' was what the Fiench had taught the Indians to call it. But the Americans called the place Mount Vernon, as a token of their reverence for Gen. Washington.

The commissioners whose report is above quoted, had been appointed March 12th, hence they had selected and surveyed the site, made plat, sold lots and filed their report in less than a month. The county court held its last term at Mount Vernon in November, 1822. Its next sitting was at Lexington, February 3, 1823, in Dr. Buck's house, the first one built in the town.

November 23, 1825, the new court house, built by Henry Renick, was accepted and occupied. But it was so defective (for contractors were no honester then than now), that in a few years it had to be abandoned, and on Aug. 1, 1832, it was sold by auction just for what it would bring as old bricks and old lumber. In 1835 a new court house was completed, a three story brick building. This was used ten years, then the presen; court house was built and occupied.

Lexington, (commonly called Old Town), together with the buildings thereon, be sold to the highest bidder, on the first Monday of August next; and also the lot on which the old jail stood." Louis W. Smallwood was the commissioner to manage this sale.

In 1847, March 25th, an order had been issued for building a new court house on the public square in the city of Lexington. Silas Silver, John Catron, and Robert Aull were appointed as commissioners to oversee the work, with Henderson Young as their attorney for legal council on any contracts they might enter into. Win. Spratt was afterwards added to the board. In April a plan submitted by Wm. Daughertv for court house was accepted, and $12,000 was appropriated for the building. Daugherty was subsequently paid $40 for his drawing and specification.

The names which eventually appear as the builders of the new court house (the one now in use, 1881,) are Elijah Littlejohn, Alexander Mc- Faddin, John Alford, Wm. Hunter, Gabriel F. Brown, Samuel Ball, and Cyrus Osborn, the latter did the painting.

The city charter was obtained in 1845, and Eldridge Burden was the first mayor. Also in 1845 a branch of the state bank was established at Lexington. The presidents of the several state banks were elected by the legislature in joint ballot. The first president of this Lexington branch was Col. Lewis Green; second, Lieut. Col. James Young; third, Judge E. Burden, who served six years. There were one or two afterwards, and the state part of the bank was finally removed to Louisiana, in Pike county. For an interesting episode in the history of this bank, see account of the battle of Lexington, in another place.

Uncle George Houx

A Mayview correspondent of the Lexington Intelligencer, July 10, 1880, wrote concerning an interview with the above named Lafayette county pioneer: " In comparing early times with now in regard to honesty, Uncle George says, that money was sewed up in leather bags with whangs and carried on horseback, like meal sacks from Santa Fe, and when they arrived in Lexington, at the tavern, in Old Town, were thrown down like common luggage. These bags would get so hard and dry that they would feel like logs when thrown down. A man by the name of Green kept the inn, as it was then called, and Ed. Ryland, who was then receiver, would take the money and store it away in the rear of Stramcke's store, and when he got a wagon load it was hauled away in farm wagons to St. Louis, with no other guards than the two teamsters and a man or two. And once when he was in the circuit court, while John F. Ryland was on the bench, he heard the charge given to the grand jury and they went out of doors as they had no jury room, he does not know where, whether to a hazel patch or a fence corner, and returned in a few minutes and said that no one had been doing anything wrong and the judge replied that this was the fifth term and no one had been indicted, and complimented the county for its morality and honesty. He tells of another incident connected with the early history. He says that there was no blacksmith shop nearer this county than Old Franklin, and his brother Nick, as he calls him, fixed up the fore-wheels of his wagon, and the neighbors all brought in their old axes and broad axes, and he, with his load, went to Old Franklin to get a box of gold and silver belonging to Mr. Hicklin, father of Mr. James Hicklin. The neighbors in both counties knew of it. He says that they had no use for any officers but a clerk to keep the records, and a sheriff to collect and pay over the revenue. He says that doubtless Mr. Stramcke and Rob't Hale recollect these times. He tells how Judge Hicks got to be a lawyer. John Aull's father furnished the money to buy the books, and he was to help his son to keep store in return, and read law at the same time at leisure moments.

Uncle George moved to Lexington, Missouri, in 1830, and lived there until 1842, carrying on the saddlery business during that time. There are some saddles which were made in his shop still in this neighborhood, one a side saddle at Mr. Moore's; near Mr. Lankford's. He has one himself forty years old. These were made when workmen were honest, and before wooden nutmegs were thought of. He and Gen. Graham laid off the first addition to the town of Lexington, measuring the lots with a level made of a plank with a vial in one end. Where Lexington now stands was then heavily covered with timber, and they thought that as Wellington was immediately on the river, unless something was done it would be the town of the county, so a company was formed, and purchases made on and near the river, and the first addition was laid off as above stated. Then the second addition was purchased by the two Pomeroys, Gen. Graham and the subject of this sketch. He moved from Lexington, March 1, 1842, to where he died in 1881. Uncle George's father moved to Logan county, Kentucky, at an early day, when it was then a new country like Missouri, hence his opportunity for an education was bacj; the best he got was in the corn and wheat fields.

Churches In The Order Of Date Of Organization

Eden View Church. - The original congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination, from which the one that worships in the above named church sprang, is of rather remote origin, dating as far back as 1821 or '22.

This church was organized in 1821 or '22, with Chatham Ewing and wife, Wm. Jack and wife, George Houx and wife, Adam Young and wife, Nicholas Houx, Wm. Smith and wife, John Nelson, Mrs. Dr. Rankin, Judge John Whitsett, - Owen, Philip Houx and wife, James Morrow and wife, as original members. The first church building was built of logs, erected in about the same year, on land adjoining that of Dr. Mitchell, in or near section 17, township 50, range 27, called " Sni Grove church." It was subsequently burned. In about 1827, Nicholas Houx, Chatham Ewing, George Houx, Esq. Owens and Wm. Jack, as trustees for the church, entered the southeast quarter of section 17, township 50, range 27,* and erected thereon a fine brick church, 21x50 feet (the first brick building erected in the county), a large tabernacle, 85xby60 feet and also twenty-two cabins of hewed logs. This, on account of its superior facilities for camp meeting purposes, became one of the most noted points for religious gatherings, on the upper Missouri, where was known to have congregated more than ten thousand people at one time, which viewed in the light of the fact, that this section of the county was very sparsely settled at that early day, is an item of considerable historic importance.

Subsequently, a division in the congregation was made. The Lexington membership united with the Old School Presbyterians, and erected a frame building in Old Town, of which the Rev. Finis Ewing was pastor. This was afterward abandoned or sold to private parties, who used it for storing hemp and other merchandise, and has since been burned. A frame building was then erected on Main Cross street, Lexington, which, in 1879, was sold to the German School Association, who now occupy it, and also rent it for Sunday use to the German Trinity church. In 1880, the building which the Eden View congregation now occupies, was erected on the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 9, township 50, range 27, on Judge Rathburn's land, at a cost of $1,800.

" Eden Viewr " was the name adopted by the congregation. It was dedicated on the third Sundav of December, 1880, by the Revs. Frank Russell and Albert Moore. The successive pastors during the period between 1821 and 1840, were the Revs. Robert D. Morrow, afterwards D. D.; Finis Ewing, Robert Sloan and Henry Renick.

The Christian or Church of Christ, Lexington, was organized on the 17th day of April, 1836, by Elder Levi Vancamp and Deacon George W. Marquis. The names of original members were Levi Vancamp, Phoebe Vancamp, Wm. S. Vancamp, America Vancamp, Mary Vancamp, Abigail Vancamp, Elizabeth Mosby, John S. Porter, Elvira Porter, Samuel R. Benton, Ann Benton, Rebecca Thorp, Lavina Marquis, George W. Marquis, Wiatt H. Stone, Eliza. J. Stone, Cinderella Bounds, James

Bounds, Robert Littlejohn and James A. Marquis. The first church building was erected on the corner of Poplar and North or Main streets, at a cost of about $4,000; it was sold to the colored Baptists in 1873 or 1874. The present church on South street was erected in 1870, of brick, at a cost of about $15,000. Their pastors have been Revs. Duke Young, Frank R. Palmer, John Callerman, Thomas N. Gaines, S. S. Church, Allen Wright, Samuel Swinford, Noah Miller, George W. Elley, Thomas P. Haley, Henry H . Haley, John R. Frame, Wm. C. Dawson, D. M. Grandfield, George G. Taylor, Frank W. Allen, E. B. Edgar, George Plattenberg, Jesse H. Hugftes and the present pastor, Chapman S. Lucas. The present membership is 301. Sunday school was organized in the summer of 1844, by Dr. Joseph G. Chinn. Present officers are George M. Catron, superintendent; James P. Hall, assistant; Ernest McCausland, secretary and treasurer. Average attendance, 50 to 60.

The First Presbyterian Church of Lexington, Missouri, was organized in 1839, by Revs. Wm. Dickson and Geo. M. Crawford, by order of the presbytery of Missouri, and under authority of the general assembly of the Presbyterian church in the United States of America. Messrs. Dickson and Crawford were assisted by Rev. Mr. Remley, of Louisville, Ky. The original members were:

Lewis Green and Arthur G. Young were the first ruling elders. In 1844 they built a brick edifice on the corner of Franklin and Pine streets at a cost of about $10,000.-

Rev. J. L. Yantis occupied the pulpit as stated supply from August, 1841, until July, 1847. There were then only occasional supplies till September 25, 1849. From this time Rev. A. V. C. Schenck served as stated supply until June, 1850; then he was installed as pastor, and served until June, 1853. At this time he took charge of the first female seminary established in Lexington. It was an independent school - not denominational - and ultimately merged into the Baptist female seminary, which has done so much to give Lexington a high reputation abroad as a center of education and refinement. In the spring of 1854 Rev. B. F. Hobson, D. D., was engaged as stated supply, and continued to serve until the orderly course of events was disrupted by circumstances incident to the civil war. After an interregnum, Rev. J. A. Quarles was engaged in January, 1866,

Among other events of the war times, independent presbyteries and a synod of Missouri were formed, separate from the original presbyteries and synod under authority of the original general assembly of the Presbyterian church in the United States of America. The new presbytery, which included Lexington within its territory, was commonly known as the " Declaration and Testimony Presbytery of Lafayette," and in 1867 met at Prairie church, while the other one, which still held its relation with the old original general assembly, met at Pleasant Hill. On September 29, 1807, the church session elected, by one majority, Elder John R. Ford as its commissioner to presbytery, with the understanding that he would attend the "declaration and testimony presbyterv" at Prairie church, and not the one which was to meet at Pleasant Hill. Two of the elders, Messrs. A. H. McFadden and Patrick Ballard, duly filed their protest against this church sending a commissioner to the new body. The protest recited in detail, under four specific counts, their grounds of objection to the move. The first clause of the second count says: " We protest against this act, because it is an attempt to change the ecclesiastical connection of this church to a body foreign to that to which it has always sustained its relation." There were property matters involved, as well as ecclesiastical, all of which were duly set forth, and the prolestants further said: "We therefore proclaim ourselves, and as many as may with us desire to preserve their former church relations, the only true and lawful church organization in the city of Lexington in connection with and under the care and authority of the general assembly of the Presbyterian church in the United States of America."

As a result of this state of affairs, the protesting elders held a session the next day, Sept. 30, and appointed A. H. McFadden commissioner to the presbytery of Pleasant Hill, which still held its connection with the original general assembly. Thus the same nominal society had two sets of commissioners representing it in two different presbyteries, and the membership of the church was divided on the subject. The " regular succession " party continued to hold separate meetings and transact all church business, claiming to be the only legal holders of the name and property of the First Presbyterian church of Lexington, Mo., and there is no doubt the federal courts would have sustained their claim; nevertheless, those who adhered to the new or independent presbytery held actual possion of the church property - and possession is said to be " nine points of the law."

Both parties were desirous to avoid the scandal to religion of an unseemly contest in the courts over the church property; and in pursuance of this view, January 10, 1870, an equitable division of the property was finally agreed upon. The " regular succession " body retained the original corporate name; and in consideration of $5,000, to be paid them in cash, they agreed to relinquish their claim to the church property. The church record book, under date of March 2, 1880, says:

On motion, the elders, A. H. McFadden, P. Ballard and Robert Taylor, and the trustees, G. W. McKean, Robert Taylor and P. Ballard, were duly authorized to sign a quitclaim deed to the old Presbyterian house of worship and all its appurtenances, and to the Elizabeth Aull seminary and appurtenances thereto belonging, from this congregation to the Declaration and Testimony congregation of this city, and of which the Rev. J. A. Quarles is pastor.

This ended amicably all difficulties between the two claimants, and during this same year (1870) the new "First Presbyterian church," a fine brick structure, was built on the corner of Elm and North streets, at a cost of $11,000. [Now known as "Wentworth academy."]

The formal division of the church occurred in 1867. In the fall of 1868 Rev. J. W. Clark was installed as pastor, by authority of the Lafayette presbytery, in connection with the general assembly of the Presbyterian church in the United States of America. He served three years, and was succeeded in the fall of 1871 by Rev. J. H. Byers, who served until 1874. Rev. J. M. Chaney then served as stated supply till the spring of 1875. By this time the society had become so weakened by removals and pecuniary losses among its members that it was unable to sustain a minister, and no stated preaching was had thereafter.

April 9, 1878, this church made formal request of their presbytery to dissolve the organization, for reasons which were set forth in five several specifications. May 24, 1880, the trustees were authorized to sell the church property. April 11, 1881, they reported that they had sold it to S. G. Wentworth, for $2,500, had used all the money to pay debts of the church, and that the church was now " entirely free from debt."

[Mr. Wentworth gave the building toward founding a school called the " Wentworth Male Academv," a sketch of which will be found in another place.]

The most prosperous year of this church, after the organic division was that which closed April 1, 1874. During that year eighteen had been added; three adults and three infants baptized; there were eighty-six communicants in the church, and one hundred members of the Sabbath school. There had been $1,070 contributed for congregational expenses, and $46 for other purposes. This church made a sturdy and heroic struggle for life, and went down at last without a smirch of dishonor tarnishing her folded skirts.

stated supply, but the same fall he was installed as pastor, by authority of the new synod of Missouri which had been formed, independent of the old original general assembly of Presbyterien Churches in the United States of America. His successors in the pastorate have been Rev. R. P. Kerr, and Rev. George L. Leyburn, the present pastor. Total present membership, 180.

The earliest record of the Sunday-school connected with this church is dated January 1, 1851, and shows, at that time, eight male and ten female teachers, ninety-three scholars, and six hundred library books. The same date shows the church bell just received, and that it cost $208. It was the same bell which is still on the old Presbyterian Church, corner of Pine j - a and Soffth streets. The Sunday-school now has an average attendance cft'about one hundred pupils, and eighteen to twenty teachers and officers. / The present officers are: Xeonphon Ryland, superintendent; W. G. Mc- Causland, assistant superintendent; W. B. Wilson, secretary; Bates Vaughan, treasurer; Mrs. Mary E. Wilson, librarian.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Lexington, was organized about the year 1837, and the names of the members at that time were: Thomas Calloway, Dr. Talbert, John Auston, Lucy Anderson, David Gillispie, Mary Gillispie, Cyrus Osburn, A. W. Henning, V. Zeigler, I. Bolin, John Brown and wife, Clark Peters, Harriet Eckle, John Eastwood, J. Wetzel, D. Lock, Dr. Blackwell, Mahala Brackwell, James Cloudsley and wife, James Norfolk and wife.

The first church was built, of brick, in the year 1840, and rebuilt, of brick, in 1860, at a cost of $1,500, and was dedicated, by Bishop H. H. Kavanaugh, in the same year. Their pastors have been Clinton, Buvley, Dodds, Westerman, Forsythe, Johnston, Ashley, Jones, Boyle, Hamilton, Morris, Scarritt, Finney, Cobb, Kavanaugh, White, McFarland, Shackelford, Hall, Godbey, Camp, Stacy, Boggs, Thos. Cobb, Pugh, Williams, and Walker.

The membership at the present is 191, and connected with the church is a Sabbath-school, organized in the year 1840, with Silas Silver as superintendent.

The First Baptist Church of yesus Christ, at Lexington, Missouri, was formerly known as the Little Sniabar Church, and, prior to 1838, enjoved the ministrations of Rev. John Warder. During this time, the church met for worship at a house two or three miles southwest of the city of Lexington ; but no book of records can be found of earlier date than January 27, 1838, on which day the church met for worship and business at Lexington. In July, of the same year, Rev. Joseph White was chosen pastor. At the church meeting in February, 1S40, the name was changed from Little Sniabar Church to First Baptist Church at Lexington, Missouri. In May, of this year (1840), Elder White resigned the pastorate; then Rev. Alvin P. Williams was chosen in his stead, and served the church until November, 1843. During his pastorate, the house of worship on Franklin street was built; and five neighboring churches of the same faith were established, to-wit: In Dover. Richmond, Mound Prairie, Greenton, and the First African Baptist Church of Lexington.

In November, 1843, Rev. Wm. C. Ligon was elected pastor, and served until Maj' 27, 1847; then Rev. Edward Roth was chosen, who served until August, 1848. In March, 1849, Rev. E. S. Dulin became the pastor, and continued until December of that year, when he removed to Libert}', to open and conduct the William Jewell College at that place.

Rev. Josiah Leak was pastor from May, 1850, till July, 1851; then Rev. D. L. Russell, until August, 1853. In January, 1854, Rev. Tyree C. Harris was elected pastor; commenced his labors in August folio wing5 bnt fell sick and died in a few weeks. In February, 1855, Rev. E. S. Dulin was again chosen to serve the church in the office of pastor; in July, of the same year he was called to the presidency of the Baptist Female College, and resigned his pastoral office, but continued to serve the church until the spring of 1856. In January, 1856, Rev. Joseph W. Warder was elected pastor, but did not enter upon his duties here until April 13; he then continued in the sacred office until April 6, 1865 - a period of nine years, when he resigned - and now Rev. E. S. Dulin was for the third time chosen to fill* the place. He served the church as pastor and the college as President, until August, 1868, when, the double duties being too arduous, he resigned the pastorate again.

During the year 1867-68, the church built its present house of worship, on the corner of Poplar and North streets, at a cost of $28,500. The house being all paid for, it was formally dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, on July 19, 1868 - the pastor, Rev. Mr. Dulin, preaching the sermon and offering the dedicatory prayer. The number of members at this time was 299.

Rev. Lansing Burrows served the church as pastor from November, 1868, until November, 1870. In February, 1871, Rev. D. H. Selph, D. D., was elected pastor of the church, and in August he was also elected president of the college. February 1, 1872, he resigned the pastorate. On the 28th of the same month, Rev. Henry Talbird, D. D., was elected to the vacant pastorate, and continues therein at the present time.

The total amount raised and expended by the church for the year endng April 1, 1881, was $1,640.35. This church has not been a dollar behind-hand at the close of its fiscal year, for ten years past; its finances have been managed for fifteen years by Mr. M. F. Royle, treasurer, with the same care, promptness, and tact, that men apply to their secular enterprises, and the above noble record is the result. Mr. J. D. New has been the church clerk ever since 1866, and has kept his records as systemat-

The Baptist Sunday School was organized in 1841. M. F. Price, was the first superintendent, and continued to serve for fifteen years. Then James H. Graham, John D. New, M. F. Price, and H. C. Wallace, successively, served short terms, until January, 1866, when M. F. Royle was elected to the office, and has served therein ever since. Its officers for 1881: superintendent, M. F. Royle; assistant superintendent, John W. Waddell; secretary, W. L. New; treasurer, W. K. Threlkeld; librarian, A. V. Robinson; assistant librarian, C. H. Royle. Average attendance about 135.

The Episcopal Church. From the parish record we quote: "It was on Whit-Sunday, in the year of our Lord, 1844, that the Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, D. D., first bishop in charge of Missouri, accompanied by a missionary, the Rev. St. Michael Fackler, for the first time performed divine service in Lexington. The bishop preached on that dav to a large congregation. * * On Easter Sunday, A. D., 1845, the parish was organized and named the parish of Christ church, Lexington, Missouri."

"The corner stone [of their present house of worship] was laid June 30, 1848, by the Rt. Rev. C. L. Hawks, D. D., bishop of the diocese, in the presence of a large congregation - theRev. A. D.Corbyn of Boonville, and the Rev. J. A. Harrison, [then rector of this parish] being present and assisting. The church was used first for divine worship, the first Sunday in Advent, 1848. It was publicly consecrated to the worship of Almighty God, on the first Sunday in Advent, 1850, by the Rt. Rev. C. S. Hawks, bishop of the diocese; the Rev. A. D. Corbyn, J. W. Dunn, and J. A. Harrison being present and assisting."

The successive rectors of this parish have been Rev. St. Michael Fackler, J. A. Harrison, D. G. Estes, G. K. Dunlap, Thompson L. Smith, John W. Dunn, and A. T. Sharpe, the present incumbent. The present membership is 100.

The church edifice is a neat and tasteful brick structure, on the corner of Main Cross, and Franklin streets, and cost about $6,000. The interior finish is entirely of oiled black walnut, with gothic truss roof-arch in view. The Sunday school has an average attendance of about fifty pupils

The M. E. Church, {German) was organized in 1850, by David Huene. In 1851, a brick church on Poplar street was bought, [cost not reported.] In 1878, this building burnt down, and a new brick building was erected in 1879, at a cost of $2,400, and was dedicated on the 17th of August, 1879, by J. G. Kost. Their pastors have been David Huene, Chas. F. Langer, Rudolph Havighorst, J. G. Kost, Siegmund Vogel, Phil. Hehner, Constantin Steinley, Philip J. Mai,. Gottlieb Wedmann, John P. Miller, J. M. Dewein, J. A. Mueller, F. W. Meyer, Jac. Young, C. Steinmeyer, J. J. Eichenberger, C. Mardoff, P. Hehner, Julius Franz, J. H. Asling and their present pastor, John C. Demand. Present membership 23. There is a Sunday school in connection with the church. U. G. Phetzing, superintendent. Library 200 volumes.

Catholic Church. - The Catholic church of the city of Lexington, Mo., was first organized in 1853, and the same year a church building was erected, of brick, at a cost of $3,000. It was dedicated by the most Rev'd. P. R. Kenrick, archbishop of St. Louis. A new fine large brick church was built in 1873, on Third, north of Broadway street, and was dedicated in 1876, by the Right Rev'd. P.J. Ryan, of St. Louis. This building was destroyed by a wind storm, April 14, 1880, making a loss to the parish of $20,000. The first pastor of this charge was Rev. Thomas Cussack, succeeded in turn by Rev's. James Murphy, Bernard Donnelly, Daniel Healy, Eugene O'Hea, Edward Hamill, O. S. J. Hoog, Thomas Cooney, and John J. Lilly, now in charge. The board of directors are: The pastor, ex officio president; John Mulligan, secretary; J. J. Lilly, treasurer -pro tern ; Patrick O'Malley, and Killian Long. The church was incorporated under the laws of Missouri, in May, 1880. The Sunday school was established in 1853; it now has about seventy members, and a library of 325 volumes.

The Evangelical Trinity church, (German), was organized August 15, 1877, with Henry Winkler, Henry Hainkel, Henry Wieman, Nicholas Sigwart and C. G. Ludwigs constituting a portion of the original membership.

The church building which they occupy, is built of brick, and rented from the Lexington German school society. The Revs. Drevel and Edward Klimpke have been pastors of this congregation, which at the present time (1881) has thirty-three communicants.

The Sunday school connected with this church was organized at the time the church was, and consists of about 70 pupils. It has a library of about 200 volumes. The pastor superintends.

Civic Orders

The present officers are: Zenophon Ryland, W. M.; James P. Hall, S. W.; Wm. A. Bethel, J. W.; Thomas J. Banden, treasurer; John E. Ryland, secretary; Phillip Keller, S. D.; Jos. Wolf, J. D.; Jacob A. Price, tyler. Present number of members, 39. Zenophon Ryland is past grand master, and John E. Ryland is past D. grand master.

Lexington R. A. Chapter No. 10. - Organized February, 1848, by John F. Ryland. Date of charter, October 13, 1848. The following first officers are all of the charter members reported: John F. Ryland, high priest; Howard Williams, king; Cyrus Osborn, scribe; Howard Williams, treasurer; John Williams, secretary, John J. Burtis, C. H.; Andrabella Dowden, R. A. C; L. S. Cornwell, P. S.; Thomas P. Ashly, M. 3d V.; John Wilson, M. 2d V.; Frank H. Goshen, M. 1st V.; John S. Porter, guard.

From April 21, 1862, up to November, 1865, no meetings were held. At the latter date the lodge was opened by Grand Master Houston, who gave notice that the}r were reinstated, delivered them their charter, and instructed them to hold an election of officers, which was held with the following result: E. Winsor, W. M.; Jessie Schofield, S. W.; R. Hale, J. W.; H. C. Boteler, treasurer; W. G. McCauseland, secretary.; B. R. Trelaun, S. D.; F. B. Hall, J. D.; A. Walk, tyler.

Guttenberg Lodge, No. jlj, I. Ot O. F - Organized, May 27, 1874, by G. W. McKean, D. D. G. M. The following were the charter members: Henry Sinauer, C. H. Schaefermeyer, J. F. E. Winkler, John Joehner, C. Georges, J. G. Mehl, John Fritz, W. Siegwart, S. Schneider, N.

Myrtle Lodge, No. ji; order of mutual protection. Organized Sept. 30, 1S80, by M. Randall, Deputy Supreme President. The following were the charter members: Chas. H. Kid well, H. B. Midlan, Albert Althoff, Charles W. Loomis, H. Sinauer, F. K. Threlkeld, S. Sellers, W. C. Hicks, J. P. Hansam, Wm. B. Wilson, B. A. Gordon, John Goehner, John Welsch, S. O'Conner, C. Watson, John Meng, T. E. Austin, J. B. Burris.

F. Winkler, G. A. Kriehn, J. Quandt, J. Goehner, G. Gunther, Moses Frankel, C. Grandorf, A. Ruble, Aug. Bettin, A. Mark, F. Lisohetki, Louis Gillin. The first officers were: Conrad Smith, President, and Chris. Schoefermeyer, Secretary. Present membership fifteen. Their hall is a fine, two story, brick building, located on Main street, built at a cost of $3,500.

The original officers were: C. H. Schaefermeyer, President; C. H. Kriehn, Vice President; H- Wilker, 1st Turn wart; J. Doehler, 2d T.; H. Schmidt, Secretary; Wm. Winkler, Fin. Secretary; H. Geiger, Treasurer. The present officers are: C. H. Schaefermeyer, President; H. Keifer, Vice President; H. Wilker, 1st Turnwart;J. Winkler, 2d T.; H. Schmidt, Secretary; Wm. Winkler, Fin. Secretary; E. Hoekker, Treasurer. Present member fifty-five. Hall is built of brick.

Knights of Honor. - Lexington Lodge No. 2018 K. of H., was organized February 2, 1880, by W. A. Halstead, Deputy Grand Dictator. The charter members were: Alexander Graves, J. O. Lesueur, Geo. F. Maitland, P. S. Fulkerson, Ethan Allen, J. W. Rinehart, F. C. T. Brightwell, fhe Lexington Liederkranz (singing society) was organized August 26, 1872, by the following named German citizens, who were also charter members: Nicholas Haerle, Chris. Georges, Jacob Fegert, John Daehler, Charles Weber, Rudolph Willibald, John Kriehn, August Bettin, Henry Blomberg, Moses Frankel, D. Stalling, Joseph Baehr, Albert, Dollinger, Andrew Marks, John G. Fischer, Charles Homer, Charles Furstenberg, C. G. Ludwigs, H. Pheifer and William Stuck.

The present officers are Henry Winkler, President; C. G. Ludwigs, Vice-President; Edward W. H. Ahrens, Secretary, and J. F. E.Winkler, Treasurer.

This society occupies a hall 40x75 feet, on the third floor of Mr. John Kriehn's new building, situated near the corner of North and Cedar streets. The officers of this society are elected twice a year - at the regular meetings in February and August. The newly elected officers take their seats at the regular meetings of March and September. Those elected for the term commencing September 5, 1881, are as follows: H. J. E. Ahrens, President; C. G. Ludwigs, Vice-President; Henry Sinauer, Secretary, and J. F. E. Winkler, Treasurer.

The object of this society is the promotion of German song, customs, usages, etc. They keep up at the least, a completely organized " double quartette," which, under the leadership of one of the best teachers in the West - Prof. Gimbel, Jr., - sings once a week. At various times during the season they give concerts, soirees, balls and other amusements, which invariably meet with success.

JLexington Fire Cotnftany. - This company was organized January 25, 1844. B. H. Wilson was the first president, but we found no record of the first members. On September 17, 1850, they bought a lot of twenty feet on Laurel street, from Henry Flynt, at a cost of $315, and on June 28, 1852, bought from Wm. Boyce, nine inches fronting on Laurel street, at a cost of $67; and the engine house was built On these grounds. This building is now used as police headquarters and for city purposes generally, the engine having been removed to a small shed in the rear of the city calaboose.f In 1858 Elizabeth Aull bequeathed $100 to this company. January 4, 1866, the following officers were elected: President, J. W. Zeiler; vice-president, Jas. Hays; secretary, Sam '1 S. Earl; treasurer, John Cowie; first engineer, Benj. Marshall; second engineer, S. M. Maxey; hose captain, C. R. Clayton; first hose director, G. M. Clayton; second hose director, John Mullin; standing committee, B. H. Wilson, J. T. Goodbrake, B. T. John, and James McLaughlin. January 31, 1870, the following officers were elected: President, B. H. Wilson; vice-president, Jo. A. Wilson; secretary, Jack S. Williams; treasurer, Albert Boothman; first engineer, C. A. Morrison; second engineer, Ed. Kramer; hose captain, E. Turner; first director, J. T. Taylor; second director, Wm. Kramer; janitor, J. C. Clayton; standing committee, Benj. Marshall, John Cowie, J. W. Waddell.

* The asterisk signifies deceased; but by certain rules of the society the names are retained on the list of members, whether deceased or removed from the city.

fRobert Hale was the first president of thiscompany on its reorganization after the war. In 1872 attempts were made to sell the old hand engines and get a steam fire engine. The controversy in city council and elsewhere over this matter, resulted in breaking up the fire company; and there has been none since.

In the old town of Lexington there is an engine house on Clark, between Main and Washington streets. In now contains an old fashioned 12-man-power fire engine, a hose-reel and quantity of hose, all firstclass, in their day, but now in neglected condition. This house, it is said, was built in 1856, by the Sons of Temperance for their own use as a hall.

August 27, 1867, a board of immigration was organized in Lexington; its first officers v\ ere : N. Hearle, president; B. Meyer, vice-president; John Quandt, cashier; C. G. Ludwigs, secretary; H. Wilkening, and Louis Gillen, subscription committee. E. Quast, agent in Freedom township. The meeting was held in Turners' hall.

There have been in the city, lodges of the orders of Sons of Temperance, Knights of the Golden Circle, Good Templars, Knights of Pythias, and doubtless some others, but we could not get any authencic data in regard to them, as they died out years ago.

Lexington Guards Band. - Originally organized in October, 1876, under the name of the Lexington Cornet Band. Reorganized in July, 1881, since which time it has been known as the Lexington Guards Band. The original members were: Chas. F. Homer, Chas. M. Bennett, Carey Hipson, Henry H. Smith, Dan. B. Carroll, Luther Guard, Wm. L. Bullard, Millard F. Graham.

In October, 1878, the band purchased a set of Conn & Dupont's celebrated instruments, at a cost of six hundred and fifty ($650) dollars; making enough to pay for them the first season. Since June 1, 1881, they have purchased an elegant uniform, costing $400.

They secured the third floor of a building, known as Baehr's Cave, a room 40x65 feet, for an Armory Hall. The state furnished them with 65 Springfield rifled muskets, but the company furnished their own uniforms and other outfit, and had their armory provided with gun closets and other fixtures suitable tor its purpose. They wear the U. S. uniform, with the state buttons. They meet for drill every Thursday night, and have target practice twice a month.

In June, 1881, the Lexington Silver Cornet Band cast its fortunes with this military company, and changed their name to Lexington Guards Band, whereupon the military company furnished them with uniforms and helmets. The combined company and band, got up tor 1881 a genuine oldfashioned Fourth of July celebration. Speeches were made by X. Ryland, Esq., Judge Wm. Walker, A. J. Hall, and Col. McClelland. A sham battle and other amusements were also well carried out; and this celebration of the national holiday was more generally engaged in by the people of the county, than any other since the war. The military company cleared $300 by it, after paying $100 expenses, and the whole day's proceedings were voted a grand success.

The company had many difficulties to contend with during the first year, in perfecting its organization and securing proper discipline; but now their affairs are in good, healthy shape. They have 45 members, uniformed, in regular and good standing, thirty of whom were charter members. The following is a full list of the company, September 1, 1881:

Public Schools Of Lexington City

The new State constitution of 1865 established a school system new and untried in this State, and its beginnings are therefore historic. The first school meeting under the new plan held in Lexington was on September 8, 1866, and we here quote the official record:

" Pursuant to notice previously given, and by authority of an act of the General Assembly of the State of' Missouri, approved March 29th, 1866, the qualified voters of the sub-school district, No. 1, Township 51, Range 27, in Lafayette county, Missouri, assembled at the school house on Sat- urday, September 8th, 1866, and organized by appointment of Wm. Boyce as chairman and John W. Waddell as secretary. The following named persons were then put in nomination for the office of School Directors, viz: Jesse F. Atkison, Jacob A. Price, Robert Taylor, Edward Winsor. The polls were then opened and forty-one votes were cast. Jacob A. Price was declared duly elected director for three years, Robert Taylor for two years, and Edward Winsor for one year from this date September 8th, 1866. "

At a meeting of directors held Sept. 10th, 1866, "as authorized by law, Jacob A. Price adminstered the oath of loyalty to Edward Winsor and Edward Winsor administered the oath of loyalty to Robert Taylor and Jacob A. Price. " At a meeting held at the office of E. Winsor, Sept. 21, 1866, Mr. F. Ballingall was duly elected to take charge of the school as principal and Miss Anna M. Dowden as assistant. The pay of the principal was fixed at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per month and that of the assistant at forty dollars per month. Then at a meeting held May 30th, 1867, an estimate was made of the expenses necessary to sustain the public schools for four months in the year 1867 as follows:

For White Male And Female School Colored Male And Female School

At a meeting June 29th, 1867 an election was held, and the following persons were elected a board of directors: For one year, Ethan Allen and L. Davis; for two years, M. L. De Motte and John E. Ryland; for three years, Edward Winsor and A. H. McFadden. Mr. McFadden was made permanent president and E. Allen chosen permanent secretary. John E.

Lexington city district takes in a square of one mile each way beyond city limits, and this territory is divided into three sub-districts. Sub-district No. 1 has a two story brick school house which cost $6,000, on the corner of Forest and Boundary streets, in what is called Irish town. Subdistrict No. 2 has a school house on Ridgeway street, which was built before the war and cost about $5,000. The high school and second ward school of the city are both held in this building. It cost less than the others because built when labor and material were very much cheaper. Subdistrict No. 3 has a school houje on the corner of Mulberry and Franklin streets, which cost $6,000.

A large building on North street, between Main Cross and Franklin streets, is rented by the school board for the colored schools. The teachers of the several schools this year are: High school, principal, Prof. George M. Catron; assistant, Miss Nannie Shaw. First ward, principal, Miss Nettie B. Wallace; assistant, Miss Birdie Allen. Second ward, first assistant, Miss Gussie Keller; second assistant, Miss Jeanie Finley; third assistant, Miss Maggie Ryland. Third Ward, principal, Miss Mary H. Smith; first assistant, Miss Florence Arnold; second assistant, Miss Ida Morath. Colored school, principal, Prof. J. H.Cole; first assistant, Miss Nettie Steele; second assistant, Prof. E. G. Cole; third assistant, Mrs Fannie B. Cole.

Lexington German School Society. - Organized September 28, 1865. There were 34 of the original members. The first board of trustees were C. H. Schueneman, Fredrick Winkler and John Quandt. The school run for awhile till the experiment of teaching German in the public schools was taken up, when this school stopped. But the experiment was soon given up, as the English is the only language recognized by the American system of government. The German school was then started again, and in 1879 the society bought from the Cumberland Presbyterian congregation, their house of worship on Main Cross street, for $2,000; they spent $500 more for seats and other fixtures, and established the school here. (The school society rents Sunday use of their building to the German Evangelical church). The first teacher of the ^German school was Prof. C. Gruber. The present teacher is Prof. Doehring. Both German and English languages are taught; there have been usually 30 to 40 pupils.

The last will and testament of Miss Elizabeth Aull was the initial point of what has since won a state reputation as the " Elizabeth Aull Female Seminary;" but in addition to this, that will is one of the distinguishing historic incidents in the annals of the city of Lexington. The document comprises no less than forty-five distinct and numbered items of bequest. The specified sums in special bequests amounted to $67,700; but the entire estate was valued at $150,000, the largest yet recorded in this county, except that of Hyman G. Graham, recorded October 30, 1858, which was also valued at $150,000. The following list gives all the bequests made by Miss Aull, which have a historic or general public interest:

But the conditions of this last bequest were not carried out, and the seminary ultimately only obtained a lesser property than that described in the will, and $5,000 in money. (See history of "Elizabeth Aull Seminary," in another place.) «< S *<.

Lexington Artists And Connoisseurs

Prof. Charles Gimbel, of Lexington, is the author of over fifty pieces of sheet music, published by reputable houses, in St. Louis, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, etc., and has a national reputation. He is connected with the Baptist Female college.

Mrs. Dr. Boulware is wonderfully skilled in worsted work, feather work, wax work, etc. Some of her historic pictures wrought in worsted almost rival the original oil paintings. She is the instructor in fancy work in all three of the female colleges of the city.

Charles Teubner's archaeological collection is one of the best (probably not below third), private collections of the kind in the United States.

All the above have given credit to Lexington by their talent and labors. There may be others entitled to similar mention but these are all we gained knowledge of in this particular line of intellectual and art work.

Of era House. - This building is built of brick, 40x100 feet, and located on the corner of Franklin and Laurel streets. The building was constructed by Mr. Henry Hagen, in the fall of 1879, at a cost of $5,000, inclusive of the ground upon which it was built, and the furnishing of the building with furniture and scenery was an additional cost of $1,000* The building is capable of seating S00 persons Comfortably. The receipts of the past year were about $700. This enterprise is solely that of Mr. Henry Hagen who is owner and proprietor.

Lexington Manufacturing Items. - The Morrison foundry at Lexington is said to have been the first iron foundry established west of the Mississippi river, but no statistics were furnished us concerning its history, capacity, etc.

In 1869, a pottery was started by Messrs. Macey & Morton, in the south part of the city, a bed of good pottery clay having been found about six miles out southward. The works were accidentally burned down, then rebuilt. But the proprietors could not make a financial success of the thing, and had to give it up.

In March, 1867, Schaefermeyer & Peck started a woolen factory, out toward the Missouri Pacific depot. It was burned down in August of the same year.

In 1866-7-8, G. W. Baker run a tobacco factory in Lexington, and did a good business in manufacturing for market the tobacco raised in Lafayette and surrounding counties.

and the old Morrison foundry, but no statistics were furnished us, after due solicitation on our part. Hence their omission is no fault of this historian.

The furniture factory of H. and F. Winkler, located on the corner of Elm and South streets, Lexington, was established by the above named gentlemen in 1856. Up to 1870, the work was principally done by hand, but during that year a building 25x50 feet was erected, and machinery introduced. Since then, additions have been made, and other buildings erected, so that at the present time, 1881 the firm is occupying two buildings for manufacturing purposes, one 130x45 feet, and the other 35x65 feet. These buildings with their lumber piles etc., occupy four lots 75x140 feet each. These gentlemen have invested $6,000, in grounds and buildings, $6,000 in machinery, and $12,000 in raw material, making a total investment of $24,000. The machinery is run by an engine of 20 horse power. Forty-five workmen are employed, and furniture to the amount of $50,000, was manufactured during the past year, 1880, and sold in the surrounding country. Their office, store and ware house is situated on Franklin street, between Cedar and Pine streets. The principal part of the lumber used is obtained in this vicinity, such as walnut, ash, bass-wood maple, etc. They manufacture all varieties of common household furniture, and also school desks.

The flouring mill of W. F. KerdofT, Sr., was established in 1848 by Henry Smith, Jesse Raper being miller, and Jim Tandy, engineer. Mr. W. F. KerdofT, Sr., is the present owner, and Thomas M. Dicken is the present miller, and W. H. Cullum, engineer. The mill is built of brick, 45x30 feet, and the engine room, 40x30, also of brick. The capital invested is, grounds, $5,000; warehouse, $15,000; machinery, $8,000; uumbe of hands employed, five; value of Product past year $57,600; market, Lexington and St. Louis.

Gas Works. - The Lexington Gaslight Company was incorporated, July 7,1875, by Tilton Davis, J. S. Ambrose, Charles H. Boyle. Davis was made president and Bovle, secretary and superintendent. Capital stock, $50,000. The works are located on the corner of Pine and Shawnee streets, opposite the end of Third street, and consist of the main building, brick, 35x35, one story, and containing the gas making machinery and apparatus; also the gasometer, 30 feet in diameter and 14 feet high, capable of holding 11,800 cubic feet of gas. Ambrose and Boyle built the works on contract, September 1, 1881; a new company bought and took charge of the works, consisting of A. D. Cressler, president; R. R. Dickey, secretary and treasurer and superintendent of the works; E. H. Dickey, A. C. Cressler and J. Longdon. The company has now about four miles of pipe laid; has 65 street lamps to serve, and on October 1, 1881, had about 90 private customers. The city pays $27.50 per lamp per year, one-half payable in city scrip; the colleges are furnished with gas at $3.00 per 1,000 feet, and to private consumers it is furnished at $4.00 per thousand feeL. The street lamps use 780,000 cubic feet of gas per year, and private consumers use about 840,000 feet. Five hands are employed in operating the works.

Marble Works were established by John Goehner, May 15, 1867, on the corner of Franklin and Laurel streets, where he built a brick building, 50x20 feet, at a cost of $2,500, inclusive of the grounds upon which the building stands; and has the best of tools which cost $100; also has in raw material, $500, and employs five hands. The. amount of products of the last year was $5,800, which have been chieflv sold in Lafayette, Saline and adjoining counties.

Brewery. - Mr. E. Hoffman established a brewery in the year 1875, which is located on Franklin street, numbers 80, 81 and 82. The building is of brick 80x65 feet, two stories high. The capital invested in grounds and building is, $8,000; in machinery, $200, and at the present time has to the value of $300 in raw material. Employs three hands steadily. The products of the last year was 1,300 barrels of beer, which was sold in Lexington, at $9 per barrel; the government revenue was $1 per barrel.

Wagon Manufacture. John E. Quandt established a blacksmith shop in 1863 and began the manufacture of wagons, manufacturing annually about twenty wagons, also doing all the repairing that comes to him, of which he has a large amount in that line. He employs from three to four hands. The capital invested in grounds is $4,000. The products of last year was twenty wagons, which he sold at $70 per wagon at the shop. The building is of brick, 40x25 feet. The blacksmith shop is a smaller building of wood, on the corner of Franklin and Poplar streets.

Manufactories in i8jo. - The Lexington Caucasian of September 10, 1870, contains a summary of the industrial enterprises of the city at that time, to-wit: Marshall & Easter, flour and meal; W. F. Kerdoff, the same; one woolen factory; Excelsior stove works, by Morrison; Jordan's foundry; D. Russell & Co., carriages; J. Cloudsley & Co., the same; Nicholson & Hall, wagons, plows, etc; Wilkening, wagons, etc; McFadden, wheat fans; J. S. Morton, earthenware; one soda factory; thiee lumber mills; one marble yard; three hemp hacklers; three large beer breweries - Clink & Co.'s not finished yet; three brick yards; ten boot and shoe makers; four tin and copper workers; six tailor shops; one furniture factory; three cabinet makers; all sorts of blacksmithing. Mr. Farrar is trying the experiment of making fire brick. Mr. Morton has made some fine terra cottaguttering and piping. Good pottery is made by Messrs. Morton &Taylor.

Coal Works. - The Lexington and Kansas City Coal Company was for many years under the presidency of Col. John Reid, of Lexington, and was the largest productive industry and business enterprise of the city; but we could not get any statistics of its operations. In September, 18S1, the business passed into new hands, A. A. Talmage becoming president and James C. McGrew superintendent and general business manager. The whole business was reconstructed, re-organized, enlarged and extended, so that Lexington is now perhaps the most extensive coal mining town in the state. This company owns the shaft mining works, operated by steam hoisting apparatus, in old town Lexington near the Missouri Pacific railroad depot, and six drift mines in west Lexington which open out upon the Lexington and Kansas City narrow gauge railroad. Mules are used in all the mines to haul the coal trucks. About 1000 men are employed in the mines, and more will be put in as fast as facilities can be provided for them to work and men obtained. Some of the miners are English, and some Irish, but the majority of them are colored men; they receive five cents per bushel for the coal tthey get out, and fifty bushels is considered a fair average day's work. This company does no retail business; its coal is all shipped to Sedalia, Independence, Kansas City, and other points, on contract in car-load lots. In addition to his extensive operations at his home town of Lexington, Mr. McGrew is also carrying on steam power coal works at Camden, in Ray county, on the St. Louis- Wabash line of railroad. There he has over 300 men at work, and has twenty coal cars of his own, of 500 bushels capacity each, to carry his coal from Camden to Kansas City.

Major Thomas B. Claggett is operating some coal mines about half a mile down the river from foot of Pine street. These works have been in operation about fifteen years. They are drift mines, of cource, starting into the coal vein where it outcrops at the foot of the bluff. From twelve to fifteen men are employed here, and their product is sold entirely in Lexington, to the colleges, and to private consumers. The vein is twentytwn inches, and the output last year was of market value about $3,500.

A Mr. Bell, and several others, are also operating coal mines for the local supply of Lexington, but no statistics were furnished us. And C. M. Pirner is sinking a shaft for local-supply coal works, a few rods west of the old Masonic College.

The Lafayette County Bank was established December 28, 1870, by Jas. Aull, John Aull, Geo. Wilson, Geo. Wilson, Jr., J. A. Wilson, Maria Pomroy and John C. Wood, who were the incorporators. The first officers were George Wilson, Sr., president; John Aull, vice president; James Aull, cashier, and Jo. A. Wilson, assistant cashier. The present officers are George Wilson, Jr., president; Robert A. Wilson, vice president, and Jo. A. Wilson, cashier. Capital invested, $28,000. This bank succeeded

There are also in the city the Morrison-Wentworth bank and the Lexington savings bank; but they either neglected or declined to furnish us with data for a sketch of their history.

City Finances. - In June, 1865, B. W. Wilson took his seat as mayor of Lexington, and in his inaugural address he makes the following statements: Outstanding debt against the city, $38,486; total revenue for the year ending June 1, 1865, $5,678; the city treasurer has paid on bonds, $3,756; on improvements and repairs, $715.50; incidental expenses, $969; Balance in city treasury, $175.

"On yesterday (Wednesday,) about two o'clock p. m., our city was visited by the most terrific hurricane ever known in this part of the country. The oldest inhabitants say that the like has never been seen. For a few minutes before the gale began, there was some appearance of rain, and the merchants had pretty generally taken the goods from their doors. With the first few drops of rain the hurricane began, and at the first onset sent the shingles and bricks flying through the streets. It came at the beginning squarely from the west, and went roaring through the length of Main street with frightful results.

The large three-story warehouse on the levy at the foot of Pine street, occupied by Reinhard & Co. and Goodin Bros., was completely unroofed and the roof carried a considerable distance up the bluff. The walls are considerably damaged; further up, Winsor's hemp factory, partly unroofed; McGrew's hemp factory, unroofed. The chimneys to the saw-mills were blown oft and the buildings much injured. Up in the city the house that is not injured is an exception. Arcana hall is unroofed; Mr. Easter's residence, unroofed; Catholic church, partially unroofed and otherwise damaged; woolen factory of Schaefermeyer & Peck, wholly unroofed and walls injured. The south wall of the Virginia hotel was blown down and the roof torn off. Schwartz's grocery store, partially unroofed and front blown into the street. Residence of H. Turner, Sr., partially unroofed. Tevis' building on the corner of Main and Pine streets, occupied by Mr. Tevis, druggist, on the first floor, and by the Caucasian office on the third floor, was unroofed at the beginning and the roof deposited in the street in front of the court house; afterward the upper part of the wall on Pine street tumbled in on the Caucasian's type and cases. The hands and proprietors had made their escape. This, we are informed by the proprietors, will not deter the publication of that paper. It will appear on Saturday as usual. Eastwood's house was partially unroofed. Haberkorn's stable, blown down. A new frame house, near the colored M. E. church, belong, ing to a colored man, was blown down. The chimneys of the M. E. church, south, were blown off and the cupola partially twisted around. Adamson's and Benning's stables, blown down. A house across the ravine belonging to a colored man was blown down. Masonic college, partially unroofed; a frame house near by, wholly unroofed. John E. Ryland's house, considerably damaged. A timber was carried more than a hundred feet and driven through the brick wall of the house, striking Mrs. Findlay and breaking her shoulder blade, which, it is thought, will cripple her for life. Longdon's house, unroofed; Carroll's and Easter's house, partly unroofed; Mrs. Pomeroy's residence was wholly unroofed and otherwise damaged.

Over on Ridgeway street, Mr. Farrar's stable was blown down. John Cowie's house unroofed and otherwise seriously injured. Pat. Mitchell's house, knocked off its pins and slid down the hill. John Hagood's, twisted almost off its foundation. Add to these as many more, and then the outbuildings, the porches, the awnings, the chimneys, the signs, the windowglass and sash, which were tumbled over and scattered about, and some idea can be formed of the extent of the injury. We forgot to state that a piece of the roof of the Presbyterian church was blown off and carried over the Market house and dropped before Scott's grocery store. We think we are safe in saying that one-half of the large trees in the city are blown down. Singular though it may seem, fruit trees which in the morning were hanging full of fruit, were found, after the hurricane, to be entirely stripped of fruits and leaves.

The First Elected Governor Op Missouri

the smoke stack of Burn's saw mill to the hemp works of J. W. Waddell, setting fire to the tow and almost instantly the whole building was in flames. The wind drove the flames to the next building belonging to Mr. Wamsacus, and the fire being so fierce and rapid, they could save nothing. The fire next spread to the Lexington flouring mills owned by Messrs. Marshall & Easter, which was burned to the around."

River Events. - September 21-22, 18S0, a river improvement convention was held in Kansas City, in which Lexington was represented by Joseph Davis, Col. John Reid, George |S. Rathbun, W. V. L. McClelland, John E. Corder, J. O. Plattenburg. The government work to protect the north bank of the Missouri river, so as to throw the channel more to the south side, and again open the Lexington steamboat landing, is supposed to be partly an outcome of that convention.

July 2, 1881, the president of the United States, James A. Garfield, was assassinated by a wretch named Guiteau. The president lingered in great suffering until September 19, when he died. His funeral obsequies were observed throughout the United States and it was a historic day in Lexington. Arrangements had been made for a public procession and memorial services. The court house, city hall, post office, some of the churches and most of the business houses of the city were draped in mourning. National flags were suspended across Main street, looped at half mast and draped. R. Taubman and Capt. A. A. Lesueur were marshals of the day. The procession was headed by the Lexington Guards' brass band, of sixteen instruments all draped in mourning; the Lexington National Guards, state militia; followed by civil orders - the Odd Fellows' encampment and minor-degree lodges; the Lexington Turnvrein (German), Lexington Liederkranz (musical), the Lexington Land League (Irish), the negro orders of Masons, Knights of Tabor and Sons of Protection. After the procession memorial services were held in five of the city churches, and addresses delivered, as follows: At the Christian church by Rev. C. S. Lucas, Hon. Xenophon Ryland and Col. Rathbun. At the Baptist church, by Rev. George L. Leyburn, Hon. H. G. Wallace and Rev. Dr. Talburd. At the German Evangelical church by Rev. Mr. Johns, of Sedalia, and Revs. Klimpke and Demand, of Lexington. At the Catholic church by Rev. Father Lilly. At the Zion African M. E. church (colored) by Rev. J. A. Quarles, Judge John E. Ryland and Wm. Young, Esq. As the deceased president had been a life-long church member and a man of deep and fervent piety, the several choirs had taken

Colored People'S Organizations

St. "Johns M. E. Church, (colored). - Organized in 1865. The orig inal members were: Briston Ragsdale, Howard Inman, Dolly Ragsdale, L. Hagood, John Clady, Mary Inman, Neal Davis, Bartlet Martin, D« Smith, Fanny Buford, Z. Foster. In 1868 a brick edifice was built at a cost of $3,000. Since the organization of this church, the following pastors have been in charge: Revs. Crawford, J. Flamer, S. Taylor, R. H. Smith, A. Lee, H. H. Brown, H. Thompson, J. Dager, L. M. Hazard and R. Rush ; the latter being in charge at the present time. The church has a present membership of 75. A regular organized Sunday school is connected with the church, numbering 72 pupils; superintended by Mrs. Mary Turney, assisted by a corps of ten teachers.

Zion Cha-pel - The African M. E. Church, was organized October 13, 1867, on College street, in Lexington. The names of the members of the iirst organization were: Nelson Coleman, Bettie Langhorn, Edith Wilson, Dandrage Johnson, and Daniel Jenkins. The first church building was built of wood, in 1867. The building cost $2,000. A new building of brick was built in the year 1870, at a cost of $4,000, and was dedicated by Bishop T. M. D. Ward, of Anacostia, D. C, July 3, 1881. Their pastors have been Revs. S. Washington, James Madison, John M. Wilkerson, J. K. Triplette, W. L. Harroad, W. A. Dove, J. C. C. Owens; number of membership is 137. Nelson Coleman is the oldest member now alive, and is a local minister, and lead the way to the organization. Bettie Langhorn died March 29, 1880, at the age of 103 years. The church is clear of debt. They also have a Sabbath school organization, with an attendance of about 80 pupils, and a library of 260 volumes. The first superintendent was P. R. Coleman; its present superintendent is G. L. Hughs.

The charter members were as follows: James Madison, D. Jinkins, George May, George Washington, B. Jackson, C. R.Colman, P.Colman, J. Jackson, Albert Walker, Nelson Berry, B. Martin, Jackson Arnold, B. Arnold, A. Bailies, Thornton Doniphan, Lewis Johnson, J. McGee, Lafe Johnson, A Steele, Geo. Homes, P. Jackson.

The first officers were: Rev. James Madison, W. M.; D. Jinkins, S. W.; Martin May, J. W.; A. Steele, S. D.; Albert Walker, J. D.; Jessie McGee, Tyler; C. R. Colman, treasurer; George Washington, secretary.

The members at the present time number 36. The lodge meet in a frame building, rented for that pui pose. The following are Grand Lodge officers: Charles Colman, grand pursuivant; P. Colman, grand steward; Albert Walker, grand S. D.; James Madison, grand chaplain.

The following deaths have occurred among the members of this lodge since its organization, the funeral services have been conducted under its auspices: George Washington, Alexander Poindexter, Wm. Martin, and George Walker.

The colored people have several other organizations of their own, as -* Knights of Tabor," "United Sons of Protection," etc., but no reports were furnished.

A few years ago they had a fine brass band, well equipped and well drilled, but the members nearly all moved away. They started another band in September, 1881. They also have a musical institute.

Dr. Bolton was born in Caswell county, North Carolina, April 16,1820. In 1830 he moved with his parents to Jefferson City, Missouri. He was educated primarily at Forest Hill Academy, in Cole county, Missouri, a noted school at that time. At an early age he acquired a taste for the study of medicine and his father having several medical works in his possession, their contents were eagerly devoured by the young student. He followed farming until 1851, when he attended his first course of lectures at the Reformed Medical College, at Cincinnati. He was afterwards associated for two years with Dr. Brockman, of Miller county, Missouri, after which he entered the B. and M. Medical College, at Memphis, Tennessee, from which he graduated in 1854. He then practiced in Callaway and Miller counties until 1859, when he came to Lafayette county and purchased a farm near Mayview, which he cultivated in connection with his practice. In 1865 he located in Lexington, where he has since resided giving his entire time and attention to the practice of his profession, in which he commands the confidence and respect of his contemporaries. His enviable position has been reached by his indomitable energy coupled with a determination to succeed. The doctor makes a specialty of rectal diseases. He has been a member of the Baptist church since 1845, of which he has been a deacon for seven years. Was married September 17, 1845, to Miss Margaret Glover, of Cole county, Missouri, who died in June of 1851. Three children were born to them, only one now living, the Rev. DeWitt C. Bolton, pastor of the Baptist church at Lamar, Missouri. For his second wife' the doctor married Miss Margaret B. Palmer, of Jefferson City, Missouri, the wedding occuring December 20, 1855. By this marriage nine children were born to them, five now living, viz: William, Mary Bell, Thomas, Horace, and Benjamin V. Mrs. Bolton has been a member of the church since fourteen years of age.

Judge Eldridge Burden

Judge Eldridge Burden was born in Nicholas county, Ky., December 27, 1802, being the youngest child of James and Mary (Brain) Burden, of Virginia. His father was a soldier of the revolution, and served, in company with his brother, Joel Burden, under Gen. Washington. After the war Joel Burden settled at Philadelphia, where his descendants now reside. The parents of Eldridge settled in Nicholas county, Ky., where they died, leaving him, at the age of seven, a penniless orphan. Gov. Thomas Metcalf, of Kentucky, assumed his guardianship, and he was adopted as a member of the governor's family, receiving from the teaching and example of his noble benefactor those principles of probity and ambition for usefulness, which distinguished his after life. He qualified himself to commence the study of law by laboring in his youth for the means with which to defray his expenses at school. He was educated at Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky., where he graduated with honors in the year 1833, and the same year removed to Lexington, Mo., where he has since resided, in active practice of the law, his chosen profession. He was married on the 26th day of October, 1837, to Miss Patsey Triplett Waddell, daughter of John T. Waddell, one of the founders of Lexington, Mo. Mr. Burden was an old line Whig, and found, when he settled in Lexington, only fifty members of his party to oppose an overwhelming Democratic majority in Lafayette county. In 1838 he entered the political arena as champion of the Whig cause in his section, and in a few yeats enjoyed the satisfaction of seeing his party largely in the ascendancy. During the war, and since, he has affiliated with the Democratic party. He served eight years in the Missouri Legislature, from the session of 1842 at intervals until 1860, during which time he was thrice elected president of the State Bank at Lexington, on joint ballot of that Democratic body, over prominent candidates of the dominant party. For twelve years he was judge of the Probate Court of his county - a court at that time of extensive jurisdiction - and served with marked ability, having but one appeal from his decisions. During the late war an earnest unionist, he declined the tendered appointment as judge of the sixth judicial circuit, made by Gov. Gamble, because at the time he was under parole of honor#from the confederate government. He was one of the originators and champions of the bill abolishing imprisonment for debt, and the success of that meas- ure in Missouri was mainly attributable to his able efforts in its advocacy. In the halls of legislation and in the Federal and State courts, he was the compeer of Doniphan, Ryland, King, Rollins, Leonard, and other eminent men of the state. He is a Mason, and a member of the Christian church. He was vice-president of the first horticultural society of Missouri, and the first mayor of Lexington, and has served in many official capacities of a public nature; in fact, since his location in Lafayette his history may be said to be that of the county, for he has been identified with every event of a political and municipal character. Judge Burden, although past the meridian of life, is possessed of a vigorous constitution and great physical strength, remarkably well preserved by his temperate life and moral habits, eschewing the use of tobacco and ardent spirits. His judicial qualifications are of the first order, enabling him with comparative ease to follow the thread of law through all the subtleties of complicated legal questions. His life presents an example of more frequent occurrence in our own country than any other, where men without the extraneous influences of wealth and high connections, by their unaided efforts raise themselves to the highest positions of honor, and acquire the esteem and confidence of their countrymen in consideration alone of their own intrinsic merits. In all the walks of public life Judge Burden served his country with zealous fidelity, and expects to pass his remaining days with those among whom he has grown gray in honorable usefulness.

John E. Burden

attorney at law, son of Judge Eldridge Burden, is a native of Lexington, Mo., where he grew to manhood and was educated primarily, completing a verv liberal education at Bethany College, Virginia, from which institution he graduated with high honor. He held the office of clerk of Probate Court from 1862 to 1S67, and the office of county recorder from 1867 to 1874. In the meantime he also studied law with his father, a man who enjoys a high reputation as a successful practitioner, and a profound jurist. In 1875 he began the practice of his profession, entering into partnership with his father, the firm being styled "Burden & Son." This firm stands among the leading ones of Lexington, the acquisition of which position is due largely to the ability and enterprise of the junior member. He is regarded among his legal associates as one of the rising young lawyers of the age. December 15, 1862, he led to the marriage altar Miss Isadore Ewing, daughter of Col. Thompson M. Ewing, of this county. Their wedded happiness was of brief duration, his wife dying in April, 1S73, leaving him with three children to mourn the loss of wife and mother. The children are named as follows: Patsey A., Isadore M., and Eldridge. November 10, 1875, he was again married to Miss Ella D. Harrison, of Danville, Ky., where their nuptials were celebrated in magnificent style.

The subject of this brief sketch was born in Louisville, Ky., February 6, 1824. Was educated at Hanover college, Indiana, and also at Miami University, of Oxford, Ohio, from which latter place he graduated in 1845. In same year he came to Lafayette county, Mo., and taught school near Higginsville, to obtain money to enable him to complete his studies, devoting his spare time to reading medicine. He afterwards attended a course of lectures at Louisville Medical College, and then practiced at Waverly and Lexington for a time, finally completing his medical education at Louisville Medical College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1850. He then located at Dover, this county, where he practiced for 17 years, meeting with unusual success. During the war he steadilv pursued the even tenor of his way, treating friend and foe alike. Was robbed by the bushwhackers, and arrested by the federals taken to Gratiot prison, St. Louis, confined for seven weeks, and then released. In 1S67, he located in Lexington, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profession, receiving his full share of the public patronage. The Dr. has been a member of the Presbyterian church since 1845, of which he has been an Elder since 1857. Is a member of the Masonic order and has been W. M. of Lexington lodge for two years. October 24, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret E. Wallace, a daughter of Henry C. Wallace, deceased; and sister of Hon. H. C. Wallace, of Lexington. Seven children were born, three of whom are now living, viz: Paschal H. Jr., Cabel W. and Kent Kane. Mrs. Chambers died, Sept. 17, 1859. June 27, 1861, he again married Miss E. Antoinette Shewalter, daughter of Joseph Shewalter. She died Jan. 24 of the following year. The Dr. married, for his third wife, Miss Augusta Stokes, daughter t-f John H. Stokes of Dunklin county, Mo. By this union they have had four children, three now living, viz: Sallie H., Lucretia C. and James Quarles.

Thomas B. Clagett

Mr. Clngett is a lineal descendant of one of the prominent families of Maryland - that of Bishop Clagett, who was the first bishop of that state. He was born in Montgomery county, Md., April 22, 1809. His early life was passed upon a farm - meanwhile acquiring a liberal education in a private school. At the age of 15 years, he went to Harper's Ferry, and engaged as clerk in a store for three years, upon the following very remunerative (?) terms: - For the first year he was to receive his board; for the second year, his board and clothes, and the third year one hundred dollars and his board. He served in this capacity for ten years, and then went into business for himself, merchandising, for one year. In 1836, he started west, going to Highland county Ohio, by stage, where he remained one month. He then purchased a horse and saddle and started on horseback for a tour through the boundless west. He passed through Georgetown and Shelbyville Kv., stopping at each place a month or so, then crossed the Ohio river, at Louisville, which was but a snail town then, and traveling through Indiana and Illinois, arrived at St. Louis in June 1836. Remaining there a month, he again mounted his Pe<rassus and rode to Fulton. Mo., where he remained but a short time, however, and then returned to St. Louis, where he sold his horse and equipments. He then went to Baltimore Md.. via. Wheeling Ya.. and there purchased a stock of goods, with which he returned to St. Louis and opened out a general merchandising store, in which he was engaged until 1841. He then went to Lexington and entered into partnership with H. C. Boteller, with whom he continued business until 1S71, the firm doinu a large and extensive business in the mercantile line. Thev lost about $40,000 during the war. but paid up their entire indebtedness in full - thev being the only firm in Lexington that did not have to compromise with their creditors From 1S71 to L880, Mr. C. carried on the business alone, retiring from it in the latter year. He has been a merchant of Lexington for about 40 years, during which time many important changes have passed within the scope of his observation. When he first came here there was an extensive cornfield where the court house now stands. Was closelv identified with the interests of the city in its palmiest days, being a member of its second city council. At the present time he is holding the office of city register and treasurer. October 5, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Xeilson, of Howard county, Mo., formerlv of Va., and a relative of the Randolphs. She died Oct. 11, 1S53. leaving one child, viz: William S., now leading merchant of Lexington. Mr. Clagett was again married, Dec. 4. 1858, to Miss Ann H. Boteller. of Washington county, Maryland. Bv this marriage thev have had four children, two now living, viz: Annie W. and Ella B.

William A. Gordon. M. D.

William Abraham Gordon was born May 10, 1S'21, in Canton, Trigg county, Kentucky. His father, George Haynes Gordon was born in Hawkins county, East Tennessee. May 27. 1706. His mother. Martha Boyd, onlv daughter of Abraham Bovd and sister of John, Linn, Alferd and Rutus Bovd. was born Feb. 25. 1799. The father and mother of our c: were married in November, 1S16. in Canton, Trigg county, Kentuckv, in which town and its vicinity, they lived until the fall of 1832. The farther was engaged in the mercantile business and in farming while he lived in Kentucky. On the 1st of October. 1S82, he started for Missouri, and arrived in Lafavette countv, Oct. 28, 1S32. William A. Gordon was educated at the common schools in the country in Lafayette county. The branches taught were spelling, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography and English grammar. He attended two winter sessions of about three months each, at Dover, in the same county, assisted in teaching, and studied geometry and trigonometry. At the age of twenty-two he attended a high school about two months, in Cadiz, Trigg county, Kentucky, at which he studied latin and algebra. His first step after leaving school was to teach, that he might thereby be enabled to educate himself. He taught his first school, six months, in the spring and summer of 1839, before entering upon his nineteenth year. The following winter he boarded and went to school in Dover to John A. Tutt. The next spring and summer he taught again at the same place where he had been teaching the year before, and the winter following again went to school in Dover to the same teacher. He was employed the next two years in teaching surveying, being deputy under his father, and in farming. In the spring of 1844 he commenced the study of medicine, having for his preceptor Wm. P. Boulware, M. D., of Lexington, and attended his first course of lectures in the city of Louisville, Kentucky, at the Louisville Medical Institute at the session of 1845-6. Upon returning home he commenced the practice of his profession in connection with his cousin, William L. Gordon, near Oak Grove, in Jackson county, Missouri. They practiced together till the following fall, when he again went to Louisville to attend a second course of lectures at the University of Kentucky, and graduated March 1, 1847. He returned home and resumed the practice of medicine, locating at James Walton's, in the southwest part of Lafayette county, better known as Texas Prairie. The doctor continued to practice there till the fall of 1849, when he removed to Dover, in the same county, where he remained until the following spring, when he determined to go to the gold mines of California, where he remained about a year and a half. He left San Francisco for home November 1, 1851, on the steamship Tennessee, and arrived on the 26th day of the following December. In March, 1852, Dr. Gordon located in Wellington, Lafayette county, where he practiced his profession until April 1, 1858, when he moved to a farm about three and a half miles from May view, in Washington township, of the same county, and resided there until February, 1873. He then moved to Lexington, having been elected to the office of county collector, and is now (1881), living in the suburbs of that city. The doctor's first militarv record was made when he was only seventeen vears of age, in the fall of 1838, in a campaign against the Mormons, then living in Caldwell county, Missouri. The brigade commander was Gen. James H. Graham, of Lexington. He went as a substitute for his brother, John B. In July, 1S61, he enlisted as private in the Missouri State Guards, under Gen. Sterling Price, at Cowskin Prairie, Missouri; and January 1,

L862, entered company A, Rives' regiment, confederate states army, at Springfield, Missouri, and was appointed regimental surgeon at Corinth, Mississippi, in May or June, 1862, serving in that capacity till the close of the war - most of the time with the 1st Missouri cavalry, Col. E. Gates. He was captured at the fall of Mobile, April 9, 1865, the same day that Gen. R. E. Lee, surrendered the confederate forces to Gen. Grant, and got back to his home June 19, 1865. In August, 1860, Dr. Gordon was elected as one of the representatives to the legislature from Lafayette countv, for the term of two years. He served one regular session in that bodv, and also at the called session in May, and in the extraordinary session held at Neosho, in Newton county, and in Cassville, in Barry county. At the November election in 1872, he was elected collector of Lafayette county for the term of two years. At the November election in 1874, he was re-elected to the same office, and in 1876, declined to be a candidate for a third term. He connected himself with the Christian church in Lexington in the summer of 1841, and has continued in that faith. His mother joined the church in about a year after he did, and continued in the faith until her death. Dr. Gordon has been acting with the democrats since the close of the civil war in 1865. His first vote for president was cast for the illustrious Henry Clay, in 1844, and he acted with the old whig party as long as it had an existence. Dr. William A. Gordon was married to Margaret V. Green May 10, 1849, that being his 29th birthday, His wife was the seventh child of the late Col. Lewis Green, an old settler and a very highly respected citizen of Lafayette county. She was born. Oct. 27, 1826, in Sumner count\-, Tennessee. They have had born to them ten children - all girls; Martha Elizabeth, Sophia Mildred, Emma Franklin, Mary Walker, Lucy Evving, Catherine Green, Florence Edwards, Jane Lee, Nancy Shelby, and Minnie Carson. Sophia and Emma died in infancy, the former when about ten months and the latter about sixteen months old. Lucy died in her twenty-first year.

The subject of the following brief sketch is a native of Harrisonburg, Rockingham county, Va., born December 18, 1829. In 1830 his parents went to St. Louis county, Mo., and in 1832 came to Lafayette county, and settled near where Higginsville now is. They were the pioneers of that neighborhood. Wm. McCausland, Sr., filled the office of Justice of the Peace for twenty years, and also represented the county in the state legislature. Wm. G., Jr., obtained quite a liberal education in the common schools, and remained upon his father's farm until reaching his majority, when he came to Lexington and engaged as clerk in one of the stores, where he remained until 1858, at which time he embarked in the dry goods trade, in which he was engaged when the war broke out. He was the first man arrested by the federals for having a secession flag fl\ ing over his house. In 1861 he enlisted in the State Guards, Capt. John P. - Bowman's company, Gen. Raines' division, in which he served six months, participating in the battle of Pea Ridge and several other skirmishes. He then returned horns and resumed the dry goods business, which has since occupied his attention. By his uniform courtesy and attention to his customers he has succeeded in establishing a lucrative trade. Has been a member of the City Council three terms, and two years since he joined the Masons. Is an elder of the Presbyterian church, and also one of the trustees of the Wentworth Male Academy. August 2-\ I860, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Arnold, of Lexington, Mo., and daughter of Dr. G. G. Arnold. She is a member of the Episcopal church.

William Morrison

was born in Pittsburg, Pa., August 7, 1817, being the elder of two children. His parents' names were John Morrison and Nancv Barnes, and they both died while he was yet young; his mother when he was only two years old. His father was a tinner and copper-smith by trade, and he and his brother served in the war of 1812 under Gen. Harrison. His father moved, when William was quite young, to New Lisbon, Ohio, and there he received a common school education. At twelve years of age he left school, so that his education has been mainly a practical one, and what he has been able to pick, up during a verv practical life. The onlv legacv he received from his father was the request that he would learn the trade of a tin and coppersmith; and on leaving school he went to Steuben ville Ohio, and apprenticed himself for five years to that business. In 1836, at the end of his apprenticeship, he went south and worked at his trade in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana, until 1840, when he movecj to St. Louis. Previous to this he had started for the same point, but the steamer on which he embarked was sunk; he lost everything he had and returned to New Orleans, where he worked until he had again acquired the necessary funds. After a short stay in St. Louis he went to Lexington, and, in connection with another gentleman, commenced business on his own account, the means he had saved furnishing him a start. He continued the copartnership four Years, when he concluded to transact business alone which he did for two years. He then associated himself with a partner, and continued in business for seven years, when the partnership dissolved, and he conducted the business alone up to the breaking out of the war. Meantime the demand for his goods became so large that he had to erect a foundry in 1858, which he operated until 1861 with very great success. In 1852 he established a branch store in Kansas City for the sale of his goods, and for ten rears largely supplied the Mexican traders with stoves and camp equipage, etc. During the war his foundry was destroyed by the United States government to prevent it from falling into the hands of the rebel forces. In 186SJ he rebuilt it, and it is still in operation. In 1865 he sold out and turned his attention exclusively to banking, in which he has ever since been engaged. In 1S44 he was appointed by Gov. Austin A. King director on the part of the state in a branch of the bank of the State of Missouri, located at Lexington, and continued so during its existence. Immediately succeeding it was the Farmers' Bank of Missouri with branches at Liberty and Paris, and during his attendance in the legislature he rendered valuable service in obtaining its charter. During the twelve years it existed he was a director in it and one of its stockholders Owing to the heavy tax imposed upon banking (ten per cent.) it was finally wound up without any loss to any one. He then associated with himself Mr. Wentworth, and in 1S64 opened a private bank under the stvle of William Morrison & Co., of which he became cashier. In February, 1S75, the firm organized under the state law, with the style of the Morrison- Wentwoith bank. He was elected mayor of the city soon after it obtained its charter. In 1S57-5S he represented his county in the legislature. He has been president of the board of curators of Central Female College since its organization in 1S6S. He also helped organize the coal company which furnishes coal for the Pacific Railroad, and is president of the board. He is also cashier in the Morrison- Wentworth bank, as well as one of its principal stockholders. His travels have extended over most of the United States and Canada. He has been a Methodist for thirtv years, and has always been a strong Democrat. He was married in Lexington in lS-i-i, to Miss Elizabeth Funk, daughter of Henry Funk, a farmer in Illinois, and has four children, all living, one daughter and three sons. His daughter is married to Mr. Henrv C. English, a teacher in the deaf and dumb asylum, Fulton, Mo. His eldest son operates the fOundrv, his second son is in the bank, while the third is still at school. To no one, perhaps, does Lexington owe more for its growth and prosperity than to Mr. Morrison. Since he Settled there he has always done a large business, and for nearly twenty years kept his foundry running, employing continuallv from forty to sixty men. To his efforts is mainly due the building of the St. Louis and Lexington railroad, and in every public enterprise he has shown himself to be a public spirited and liberal man.