Nodaway Township

Nodaway Township

Nodaway Township is bounded on the north by Atchison and Union Townships, on the east by Union and Polk Townships, on the south by Polk and Green Townships, and on the west by Green and Lincoln Townships.

Ordered, That a new municipal township be established and located out of Green and Atchison Townships, commencing at the Nodaway River at a point where the township line dividing townships 66 and 65 crosses the said Nodaway River, thence east on said line to the northeast corner of township 65, range 36, thence running south three miles, thence running west four miles, thence running south three miles to the township line between township 64 and 65, thence running west on said line to the Nodaway River, thence north with the meanderings of said river to the place ol beginning ; and it is further ordered by the court, that the voting precinct be designated at the C. W. Hardesty residence, in said township.

Subsequently a strip of the east end of Nodaway Township, two miles from east to west and three miles from north to south, was taken off from territory originally belonging to Nodaway and attached to Union Township.

Physical Features

Nodaway Township lies in the eastern portion of the Nodaway Valley, and rises gently from the river eastward. The southern portion of the township slopes a little toward the south, and a divide or watershed runs clear through the northern portion of the township from east to west. Muddy Creek, Kihoga Creek and Carken Branch empty into the Nodaway River from the east, Sand Creek and Florida Creek head in the southern portion of the township, and the southern branch of Clear Creek finds a part of its sources in the northeastern portion of the town- ship. Along the Nodaway River, in Nodaway Township, are found several lakes, some of them being old beds of the river, and others arising from depressions in the land. In the eastern portion of the township there is a watershed dividing the waters of Clear Creek from those of Sand Creek. The sources of these two water courses approach within forty rods of each other.

There is considerable timber in the north and northeastern portions of the township, and also along the Nodaway River. Some stone quarries are found along the Nodaway. The land in the western and southern portions of the township is gently rolling, and is counted among the best in the county, while the land in the northern and northeastern portion of the township is considerably rolling, and in places might be termed rough.

Early Settlers

Among the earliest pioneers in Nodaway Township was Levi Martin, who came in 1842, and entered the claim on which Burlington Junction now stands. In the same year, John Shepherd settled on an adjoining farm, a little south of him, just across the branch. Jesse Roberts, Mr. Thomas and his son, John Thomas, took claims about a mile west, and a little south of Mr, Martin's. Joseph Hough, at a very early day, entered the claim at Corkin's Spring, and John Clark, father of W. Clark, bought out his interests in March, 1849.

The Ohio Settlement

In 1856, Mr. J. H. Ware, Sr., came from Chillicothe, Ohio, and took a claim near Burlington Junction. Mr. Ware was formerly prosecuting attorney of Ross County, Ohio. Col. John Davis came soon after and bought out the claim of Levi Martin. He afterward sold his farm and went to Kansas. Thomas Corkin took a claim in 1862 about two miles northwest of where Burlington Junction now stands. Shadrick Cole and his son-in-law, Wm. H. Franklin, took claims two miles south of Burlington Junction. About that time Shadrick Cole took a claim two miles south and a little west of them, near the Nodaway River. Austin Jones and Wm. B. Sunderland settled half a mile northwest of where Burlington Junction now stands, near each other. Thomas Fields, Mr. Sunderland's son-in-law, settled on Jones' land and lives there still. Wm. Jones, the father of Austin Jones, a man who is well remembered for his amiability, spent his time between Nodaway County and Atchison County. He died about sixteen years ago, and was buried in the cemetery near Burlington Junction. James Mitchel settled near Austin Jones, one mile north of Burlington Junction. Dr. Myers came nearly at the some time, and' took a claim in the Nodaway River Valley. He still lives in Burlington Junction. Soon afterward came George Wilson, and took a claim two miles north of Burlington Junction, on the lowest terrace of the river. Jesse Walker built a residence one-half mile south of Burlington Junction, his farm adjoining the town. There were some forty families in the Ohio settlement, who came from the middle southern portion of Ohio. The Ohio settlement was composed of men who possessed thrift and energy, and they opened and improved some of the finest farms in Nodaway County. Ohio farmers have always been characterized by intelligence and enterprise, and this settlement did not lose any of these characteristics in settling in the Nodaway Valley. Many of their farms are still under a high state of cultivation, and their houses, fences, orchards, farm implements, and live stock all indicate that they have kept abreast of the improvements of the age.

Burlington Junction

When the Wabash Railroad was built through the county in 1879, the people predicted that a town would grow up in the Nodaway Valley at some point where the railroad crossed it. Acting under this impression, a town was laid out one-half a mile east of the Nodaway River, at the crossing of the old survey of the Chicago, Burlington and Ouincy Railroad with the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad. This town was first called Lewiston, for President Lewis, of the Wabash Road. It was afterward changed to Cleveland by the people of the Ohio colony, because there was another Lewiston in Missouri, and they could not secure another post office with the same name. Cleveland grew rapidly until it contained about forty buildings. But when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad made a final survey, they crossed the

In 1842, Levi Martin entered a claim and settled on the land on which Burlington Junction now stands. He lived there about eighteen years, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and then sold out to Colonel John Davis, whose son, William H. Davis, still lives on a part of the same claim. When Colonel Davis emigrated to Chelsea, Butler County, Kansas, he sold his farm to his son, William H. Davis, and his son-inlaw, Edwin Caldwell. Davis and Caldwell, October 20, 1879, sold their interests to the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Town Company, composed of the railroad company, William H. Davis and Charles Caldwell, who surveyed and platted the town July 1, 1879. The first lots were sold July 3, 1879.

After this, numerous other buildings were put up with such rapidity, that on January I, 1879, there were over one hundred buildings erected or in process of construction.

The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad opened the first railroad office in Burlington Junction, October 9, 1879. The first train came in on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, October 20th, 1879. A car load of grain was shipped October 22, 1879, an^ shipments followed rapidly, business being very active.

Burlington Junction, located at the junction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and the Kansas City and Nodaway Valley Railroads, and at their crossing of the main line of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, also near the junction of the Clarinda Branch with the main line of the Wabash, possesses very fine railroad facilities. The town is located on a fine roll of land which gives the observer a most beautiful prospect. The Nodaway Valley sweeps down from the north unfolding its rich alluvial lands beneath one's feet, and the Nodaway River meanders through the valley fringed with trees on either side, which, at the present writing, display those rich autumnal hues characteristic of American forests, for which they are so justly celebrated. The river bluffs play an important part in the economy of nature, and exert a powerful influence upon the people dwelling on the great central plains of the North American continent. Nature exerts a molding influence on any people, and those peoples living on hilly and mountainous districts have always developed the highest and best traits in man. The fine arts found their home in Greece, and the Canton sprang up amidst the Alps. The river bluffs are the opposing forces which nature places in these central plains to lift man above a dead level - to develop within him a love of the beautiful in nature, and to quicken the highest and best aspirations of his being.

Among the rivers of Missouri, the Nodaway - the Indian term for placid - has justly been celebrated for its bluffs, its rich pastoral lands, and its noble forests. And perhaps no town situated in the Nodaway Valley has more picturesque scenery than Burlington Junction. It has been justly admired by every traveler, and the image remains in the mind long after the view has disappeared from the vision.

The first marriage in Burlington Junction occurred May 17, 1880, when Mr. A. J. Smith and Miss Hester Saffell were united in bonds of wedlock by 'Squire Harriff Twins, a boy and girl, were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Wilcox, August 31, 1879, the first birth that occurred in Burlington Junction. The first death was that of Martin Edward Hogan, local editor of the Burlington Junction Post, who was shot by Otto Sharp, October 9, 1879. He died twelve hours after he was shot. Hogan was a deputy constable, and was shot while arresting Sharp. Hogan was originally from Terre Haute, Indiana. The circumstances of this sad affair are given elsewhere in this boook, under the head of the "Hogan Homicide and Otto Sharp Trial."

The bridge west ol Burlington Junction, across the Nodaway River, is built of the best of oak, and is 211 feet long. It was erected at a cost of $2,000, and has proved to be of great benefit to the merchants -of Burlington Junction.

Burlington Junction is situated in one of the richest and most fertile valleys in the State, and in population, railroad connections, business interests, healthfulness and beauty of situation, it offers attractions to be considered by all immigrants, who are seeking new homes in the Nodaway Valley.

Official Directory City Directory Of Burlington Junction

This church was first organized in the spring of 1861, with C. H. Lavis and family, Thomas Casken and family, Miss Hetten Westfall- (who is now the wife of Samuel Casken;, and Mrs. Hopsinger as the original members.- The services were held in a log school house located in section 10, one mile northeast of the present location of Burlington Junction, till the erection of the present church building, in [876. Before the organization of this church, services were held at intervals at different houses, by Revs. John R. Chamberlain and Buren. Since the organization the following ministers have officiated: Revs. Clemmons, Beggs, Morehead, Brookman, Hacket, Bishop, Cauley, Shelley. Canden, Shivington and Edmond, the present pastor. The church building is a frame structure, which cost $2,500, and was dedicated in 1876, by Rev. Benjamin St. James Fery, of St. Louis. Present membership, 108 members.

St. Benedict Catholic Church

The organization of this church occurred April 1, 1880. At the time of the organization there were between fifty and sixty members. Father Adelhem dedicated the church. The church property is valued at about $1,500. Father Martin is pastor of the church at the present time.

Burlington Lodge No. 442, A. F. & A. M.

was organized under the name of Burlington Junction Lodge U. D. April, 1 88 1, with T. J. Hunt, I. B. Chrissinger, T. L. Houston, Geo. H. Hunt, Dr. James Evans, Louis Hastness, Frank Carr, Wm. Chambers, L. D. Moore, S. F. Guthrie, G. B. Stiffies, John S. Lawvet, L. J. Lynch, John Grooms, William Wood, James W. Smith and Joab Nicholas as original members. The officers were T. J. Hunt, W. M.; I. B. Chrissinger, S. W.; S. !-". Guthrie, J. W.; Louis A. Hastness, Treas.; Wm. Chamber, Sec. G. II Hunt, S. D.; Joab Nicholas, J. D.; L. D. Moore, Tyler; L. L. Houston, S. S.; Frank Carr, J. S. A charter was granted October 1 3, 1881, and Nov. 2, 1881, it was delivered and the hall dedicated by District Deputy Grand Master E. W. Joy, of Savannah, with the following offio

The name and number of tin- lodge was changed from Burlington junction Lodge U. D., to Burlington Lodge No. 44.2. The present membership is 36, with a bright prospect in the future being in good condition financially, and having energetic and enterprising men as members. They hold regular communications Saturday evenings on or before each full moon.

The present membership is no. The lodge has done a good work in Burlington Junction and vicinity. All new towns pass through that peculiar phase oi society which prevails for a time along the borders of advancing civilization, the period when the saloon and its votaries seem to give complexion to society, lake all new towns, Burlington June tion has not been free from these things, Seldom, however, is .1 young man, a citizen of the town, now known to be drunk. Drunkenness .\nA the discharge of fire-arms in the suburbs of the city, come from outsiders, who go to town for a spree. Burlington Junction is becoming known as .1 city ^( good morals, and much of this is due to the faithful w 01 k ol the ( rood Tempi. n 5

This lodge was organized February 'i- t88i, and chartered May 10. 1SS1. The following are the names of the chartei members: Fred. R. Nourse, I. B. Chrissinger, James Evans, Frank Hubbell, C ( Neighboi >, George Hungate, J. 11. Ware, )v.. William Chambers auA J. F. Gregorj is situated one mile east of Burlington Junction. It is the junction of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad with the Clarinda Branch. The station house is well arranged for the comfort of travelers.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Nodaway County, Missouri, by B.F. Bowen & Company. 4n, published 1910; 1,434 words in this source stream.

Nodaway Township

Nodaway is one of the most irregular shaped sub-divisions in Nodaway county, both having received their name from the river Nodaway. It is bounded on the north bv Atchison and Union townships, on the east by Union and Polk townships, on the south by Polk and Green townships and on its west by Green and Lincoln townships, all of Nodaway county. It contains about forty-six square miles and the Nodaway river flows as its western boundary line. .

"That a new municipal township be established and located out of Green and Atchison townships, commencing at the Nodaway river, at a point where the township line dividing townships 66 and 65 crosses the said Nodaway river, thence east on said line to the northeast corner of township 65, range 36, thence running south three miles to the township line between townships 64 and 65, thence west on said line to the Nodaway river, thence north with the meanderings of said river to the place of beginning: and it is further ordered by the court that the voting precinct be designated at the C. W. Hardesty residence, in said township."

Natural Features

This township lies in the eastern part of Nodaway valley, rising gently toward the east. The southern portion slopes to the south. Among the streams of the township are the Muddy creek, Kilhoga creek, Carken branch, Sand creek and Florida creek, while Clear creek finds its source in the north¬ eastern portion of the township. Along the Nodaway river in this township are found many lakes, some of which were old beds of rivers, and others arising from depressions in the land. In the east portion of the township there is a watershed dividing the waters of Clear creek from those of Sand creek. The sources of these two streams approach within forty rods of each other.

Early Settlement

Among the first to make settlement in Nodaway township was Levi Martin, who came in 1842 and entered the claim on which Burlington Junc¬ tion is now situated. The same season came John Shepherd, settling on an adjoining tract of land just south of him. Jesse Roberts, Mr. Thomas and his son. John Thomas, took claims about one mile to the west and a little waysto the south of Martin's. Joseph Hough came very early to the township and entered the claim at Corkin's Spring, and John Clark, father of W. Clark, bought out his interest in March, 1849.

What was styled the "Ohio Settlement'' was effected in 1856 when J. H. Ware, Sr., came from Chillicothe, Ohio, and took a claim near Burlington Junction. Mr. Ware was a former prosecuting attorney in Ross county, Ohio. Soon thereafter came Col. John Davis and he bought the claim origi¬ nally entered by Levi Martin. He later sold and removed to Kansas. In 1862 Thomas Corkin took a claim about two miles north of present Burling¬ ton Junction. Shadrick Cole and his son-in-law, William H. Franklin, took claims south of Burlington Junction, Austin Jones and William B. Sunder¬ land settled northwest from present Burlington site. William Jones, father of Austin Jones, spent his time in Nodaway county and Atchison county most¬ ly. Others of the Ohio emigrants were Doctor Myers, George Wilson, Jesse Walker and others. About forty Ohio families made up this Buckeye settle¬ ment, all possessed of intelligence and energy. They set about farming on an up-to-date scale for those early times, and succeeded in making some of the finest farms in the county, and that within a few short years.

Settlers List

The schools, churches and lodges will be treated under their respective headings in the general chapters of this work. The population of Nodaway county in 1900 was one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine. It is within one of the most thoroughly enterprising and prosperous sections of all this fair county.

Burlington Junction

It was no more than a natural thing with the construction of the railroads crossing in this township that the people looked for a good station point and lively marketing place. This proved to be the founding of what is now known as Burlington Junction, the history of which runs back to 1879. The Chicago,, Burlington & Quincy line had made a survey a half mile to the east of the Nodaway river at the crossing of the Wabash railroad and the Burlington. This town was first called Lewiston, for President Lewis of the Wabash system. Later it was called Cleveland by the people of the Ohio colony, because it was found that another Cleveland already had an existence in Missouri: Cleveland grew until it had about forty buildings. But when the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Company made their final survey, they crossed the Wabash a half mile to the east of this point, on the farm of Colonel Davis, and here grew up the present town of Burlington Junction.

Levi. Martin, one of the first, if not, indeed, the first man to locate in Nodaway township, entered and settled on the land on which the town now stands. There he farmed for about eighteen years, then sold to Colonel Davis. When he sold and went to Kansas, hi's son, William H. Davis, and the son-in-law, Edwin Caldwell, purchased it. October 20, 1879, they sold to the Burlington Railroad Company, reserving certain interests in the same. The place was platted July 1, 1879.

The first firm to embark in business at this point was George H. Hotailing & Company, lumber dealers. Clarence Andrews, son of James Andrews, hauled the first load of lumber from Maryville to Burlington Junction. Wheeler Brothers built the first store building and sold the first goods in the town, commencing July 5, 1879. and on the 24th of the month sold their first goods. Two drug stores were built about the same date by S. J. Butcher & Company, and J. N. Penn & Company. January 1, 1880, there were over one hundred buildings in the embryo town of Burlington Junction. The first train of cars on the Burlington road arrived there October 20, 1879, and a car" load of grain was sent out two days later.

Past And Present

December 16, 1879, the town was incorporated and its first officers were as follows: Trustees - 1879-80, G. H. Logan, chairman; Thomas Neighbors, secretary; James F. Anderson, treasurer; G. Hubbel, Gibson; A. B. Mont¬ gomery, marshal.

The churches, lodges and schools will appear under their respective chap¬ ter headings in this volume. In 1900 the Federal census gave Burlington Junction a population of about eight hundred, but today it is considerably in excess of this.

The banking interests of this town are second to only one place in the county, Maryville. This subject is fully mentioned under the general chapter on Banks and Banking.

The city directory of Burlington Junction as far back as 1882, gave the following totals in business factors: Three livery barns; hotels, five; hard¬ wares, two; groceries, three; drug stores, three; general stores, four; grain dealers, two ; meat markets, two ; lumber dealers, two ; newspapers, one ; at¬ torneys, two; painters, plasterers, carpenters, shoe shops, blacksmiths and wagonmakers in great numbers, and still the town was less than three years old.

The following have served as postmasters since the establishing of Bur¬ lington Junction office in 1879: I. B. Chisinger, Samuel J. Butcher, Capt. J. M. White, Marian Huff, Frank McMacken, J. H. Bryant. There are now five rural free deliveries running out from this point ; their average run is about twenty-four miles. The first was established in 1903. The present population of Burlington Junction is not far from nine hundred and twenty-five.

The Mineral Springs Sanitarium of this place, mentioned at length else¬ where, is of great value to the public and will soon be greatly improved, hav¬ ing changed hands recently. This water has rare curative properties.

This was a hamlet situated one mile to the east of Burlington Junction, at the junction of the Wabash railroad with the old Clarinda branch of the same road, which is not now in existence. This place was platted October 27, 1879, by the Western Improvement Company, on section 14, township 65. range 37. When the junction of the Burlington and Wabash lines was ef¬ fected at Burlington Junction and the Clarinda branch done away with, Roseberrv naturally became defunct.

This is a mere hamlet on the Wabash railroad between Maryville and Burlington Junction. It has a depot, shipping facilities, a few business houses and postoffice.

About one-half of the little hamlet is situated in Nodaway township on section 32. while the eastern portion of the same is in Polk township.