Polk Township

Directory -Postmasters

As now organized Polk Township lies nearly in the center of the county. It contains 121 square miles, lying eleven miles square, and is the largest township in the county. As the boundaries of this township have been changed since its first organization, we cite the several orders of the court modifying boundary lines, to present a historic view of the boundaries of the township from its first organization to the present time.

"Beginning at the northeast corner of Washington Township, thence west with said township line till it intersects White Cloud Township line, thence westvvardly with said line till it intersects the line of Atchison Township, thence north with the east line of the aforesaid township to the southeast corner of Buchanan Township, thence eastwardly so as to include the Gray settlement and the Mowry houses beween the One Hundred and Two and Platte Rivers, thence east to the eastern boundary of Nodaway County, thence south to the place of beginning."

" The petition presented to this court at the February term thereof, by Alonzo Thompson, and signed by himself and thirty-eight other citizens of Green and Polk Townships, praying this court to change the western boundary line of the municipal township of Polk, in this county, is granted by the court. It is therefore ordered by the court, that the western boundary line of said Polk Township, which is also the eastern line of Green Township, be changed from its present location on the range line, between ranges 35 and 36, so as to commence on the west side of section number 35, township 64, range 36, at the southwest corner of said section, thence to run due north, continuing two miles west of the original boundary line thus changed, until it reaches the northern boundary of said Polk Township, as prayed for in said petition, and it is further ordered that the clerk of this court certify this order to the secretary of state as the law directs."

Physical Features

The physical features of the township are somewhat uniform, but present enough variety for the highest agricultural uses and for a^sthetical purposes. The land lies gently sloping toward the south, so that the streams have a southern flow. About one-third of the distance from the eastern boundary flows the One Hundred and Two River through the township from north to south, its main affluents being the Mowry, Mozingo and White Cloud. The valley of the One Hundred and Two River varies from half a mile to a mile in width, and belts of timber are found all along this stream, affording all the usual varieties known in Northwest Missouri. White Cloud Creek flows through the western portion of the township, making an elbow toward the west, and is fairly wooded as far north as Maryville. A water shed runs across the northwestern corner of the township and passes partly down the western side, dividing the headwaters of the Wrhite Cloud from the

Polk Township is well adapted for agricultural purposes. The soil of the uplands is of a rich vegetable mold, and varies from one to three feet in thickness. The soil of the valleys is a rich black alluvium, and varies from three to ten feet in depth.

Corn is a' staple crop, and winter wheat, oats, barley, rye, buckwheat, hemp, flax, millet and sorghum are all raised in greater or less quantities. Most of the fruits in this latitude flourish, and grapes are raised in profusion. All the grasses do well - the blue grass finding a congenial soil here, displacing in its growth to a considerable extent the wild prairie grasses.

Early Settlers

The first settlements in Polk Township were made along the One Hundred and Two River and the White Cloud. Thomas Adams was the first settler in the township. He came from some of the lower counties of Missouri in 1840, and took a claim in the north part of what is now the city of Maryville. He built a cabin in the grove which has since received the name of Adams' Grove. This grove contains 1,000 acres of land, and the timber is made up largely of Burr oak. Mr. Adams cleared twenty acres of land and opened a little farm. In 1849, he sold out and went to Texas.

Noah Garren came in 1840, and located in a grove on the ridge four miles southeast of Maryville, and one mile east of the One Hundred and Two River. He lived there until 1849, when he moved to the northeast part of Nodaway County.'

In 1840, John Mozingo and his two sons, Allen and Silas, emigrated from Culpepper County, Tennessee, and took a claim four miles southeast of Maryville, on the bottom, on the east side of the One Hundred and Two River. He built a log cabin and improved a farm. He was a hunter, and noted for his hospitality. Allen and Silas took claims near their father. Allen died in 1878, but Silas is still living. The boys were hunters and kept hounds for the chase. He had a very strong voice, and neighbors have heard him calling his stock for three miles.

John Trosper came from Tennessee in 1840, and took a claim three miles east of the present town of Maryville and one mile east of the One Hundred and Two, in the timber. He built a small log cabin 14X 14 feet, which was a type of many of the houses of those days. The end of the house was cut out and a chimney of notched poles constructed, daubed inside and outside with mortar. The chimney had a mud back and jambs. Two square rocks were used for andirons. A few seedling apple trees were raised, two of which are still standing, as large in diameter as a flour barrel. Some years these trees bear twenty bushels each. One of the trees has been split down, but a portion of the tree is alive and vigorous. Two cherry trees are still standing, a foot in diameter, and occasionally bear a good crop of cherries. Mr. Trosper was a hunter and very hospitable. He went to Kansas in i860, and is now deceased.

The Lanham brothers came in 1841, and settled on the One Hundred and Two River, four miles east and a little north of the present site of Maryville. Their claims were near each other in the timber, one mile and a half east of the One Hundred and Two River. They both went to Texas.

William Saunders, brother of James Saunders, came in the year 1846, and traded for land in the north part of the town. He was murdered and robbed in Maryville in 1879. His family still reside here.

In 1843, John Jackson came from Ohio and settled on a claim, two miles north of Maryville. He was treasurer of Nodaway County from 1845 to 1849. He was a good farmer and an estimable man. He died in 1873. At the organization of the count}- the revenue was very small, amounting one year to only $300. One year the treasurer only received $1.25 for his services. Mr. Jackson kept his office at his home.

A. Terhune emigrated from Indiana and arrived in Andrew County in the spring of 1841. He located six miles north and a little west of the present site of Savannah at Bennett's Lane. This was the first place in that section where enough settlers' farms were contiguous when fenced in, to form a road. Bennett's Lane was known all through Andrew and Nodaway Counties. The lane ran north and south about three miles. On the east side of the lane were located the farms of Elisha, John, Isaiah and William Bennett, and also the farms of Mr. Hayes who cam; with them, and Joshua Wilson. On the west side of the lane were located the farms of Jacob Bohart, John Farrens, David Terhune, David Brock, Lyman Ashley and A. Terhune.

A. Terhune lived there until 1848, when he moved to Nodaway County and settled one mile north of where Skidmore now is, where he built the fourth mill in the county.

In 1 841, when he came to Andrew Count)-, there was only one corn cracker, called Davis & Stanberry's Mill, on the One Hundred and Two. It was located three miles east of the present town of Savannah.

Hollister's Mill on the Nodaway, two miles west of the present town of Fillmore, was the next mill in Andrew County, built in the year 1842.

Settlers went to Liberty, Clay County, to secure anything of importance in the line of merchandise or flour. Some of the settlers would volunteer and go to Liberty for a wagon load of groceries, etc., which would be divided among the neighbors. It took about eight days to go to Liberty and return with ox teams, two or three yoke being attached to a wagon. Often two neighbors would go together, sleeping in the wagon and killing game and cooking their food along the way.

Erastus Downing and A. Terhune built the fourth mill, a frame building, in Nodaway Count)* on the Nodaway River, near where the present town of Skidmore is located. It took two years time to erect and complete the mill, which only had one run of stone. The irons for the mill were procured from St. Louis. Downing was a blacksmith, and forged out the bar iron for the sawmill which was at the same point and in the same building on the river.

Mr. Terhune sold his interest in the mill to E. Downing in 185 1, and went to a point on the Nodaway River, where Quitman is now located, and bought a mill site of Hiram Lee, who had been there several years, and who built the third mill in Nodaway County. Mr. Lee had put a log across the stream, about eighty feet long, in sections, then put in brush and rock above and earth upon the rock to make a dam. The flume where the water was let into the mill was made of split puncheons. The mill house was made of round logs from the bed rock up. In that mill was a pair of "nigger heads," as the pioneer called them, or homemade burrs, constructed out of "lost rocks " or boulders. The wheel was a wooden tub wheel. The capacity of the mill was fifteen bushels of corn a day. For toll the miller took out one-eighth. The mill made good meal. This structure, in the spring of 1852, was entirely washed away, and was a total loss.

Immediately after this, Mr. Terhune put up a frame structure for both a grist and saw mill. In the fall of 1852, after the mill was running several months, there came a freeze, mush ice drifted down the Nodaway, and lodged above the dam, the river rose on account of the gorge, and washed out eighty feet around the end of the dam, the water running in the new channel eight feet deep. Mr. Terhune worked all winter, and stopped the wash around so that the mill run again, and was in excellent order. Mr. Terhune sold out his mill in 1853 to Rankin Russell, who was the founder of Quitman.

Mr. Terhune then removed to Andrew County and went on to his large farm. He remained there three years, and then moved near Maryville, and bought a farm of eighty acres, formerly owned by James Ray, for $1,200. Foity acres were under cultivation. The eastern portion of Maryville now extends on to this farm. He then bought in i860, 500 acres adjoining Maryville on the southeast. He kept this farm until 1878. When Mr. Terhune came to the county in 1856, he brought a steam saw mill and put it up on the One Hundred and Two River two miles and a half east of Maryville. After this he kept store and tavern in Maryville and handled live stock.

William McKnight, two miles southeast of Maryville. John A. Alexander, five miles southwest of Maryville. Joseph E. Alexander, five miles southwest of Maryville.

The town of Wilcox is located on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad, six and three-tenths miles by railroad, and eight miles by wagon road northeast of Maryville. The town was named in honor of B. S. Wilcox, who owned about two hundred acres of land where the town is situated. Mr. Wilcox lives in Hamden Junction, Ohio. The town is finely located on high rolling prairie land, on the divide between the headwaters of Clear Creek, running northwest, and the sources of Sand Creek and Florida Creek, running southwest, and those of the White Cloud running south. The Western Improvement Company of Missouri, composed of W. H. Blodgett, N. F. Grover, and J. G. Anderson, laid out the town in the fall of 1879. The Town Company bought of Mr. Wilcox eighty acres of land at ten dollars an acre. They platted about twenty-five acres in town lots. The town is located on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 32, township 65, range 36, and the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of section 33, township 65, range 36. The section line running north and south between Polk and Nodaway Townships coincides with second street, the town lying in both townships. The lots have been disposed of at private sale. The first lot, lot 2, block 5, was sold to Bickett & Stanhope, February 1, 1880, at twenty-five dollars.

The first building in town was a blacksmith shop, erected by Bickett & Stanhope, and was completed in February, 1880. The second building was put up by A. L. Bickett for a dwelling, and was completed in February, 1880. Soon after this C. T. Stanhope erected a dwelling, which was finished in March, 1880. Kirkpatrick & Son then put up a building, which was used for a grocery store. R. A. Burge soon erected a store building, which was completed in 1880. The section house was built during the year 1880. About this time a dwelling was put up by A. W. McGwigan, who moved into it. Samuel Hall erected a dwelling, which was completed in August, 1880. J. J. Stark next put up a dwelling, which was completed in the year 1881. In July of the same year Elijah Whitton built a dwelling.

A good school house was completed October 20, 1881. Miss Minnie Ulrich is the principal of the schoo1, which is in excellent condition. There are fifty-five pupils in attendance at the present time. Religious services are held in the school house by the Methodist Episcopal Church, and by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

A debating society was organized in November, 1 88 1 . The society has started out well, and holds weekly meetings in the school house. The meetings are well attended.

Business Directory Platting Of Maryyille And Subsequent Additions

Messrs. Brown & Montgomery, real estate agents and abstracters, Maryville, Mo., kindly furnished the following statement of the original platting of Maryville, with the subsequent additions thereto :

The land (the southwest quarter of section 17, in township 64, range 35,) upon which the original town of Maryville is situated, was granted to the State of Missouri by the United States in 1841, by an act of Con- gress. It was selected by the State for internal improvements November 11, 1844, ar,d was patented by the state to Nodaway County January 15, 1848. The consideration was $1.25 per acre. The town was laid out and platted September 1, 1845 by the county court.

The first lot sold was lot 4, block 9, by Thomas Baker, commissioner for the county, to Amos Graham, June 15, 1846. The consideration was $5.25. The next conveyance was by James L. Ray, commissioner, to Thomas N. Johnson, being lot 6, block 3. The lot was sold March 29, 1847, and the consideration was $30.

The Southern Extension or Addition was laid out and platted in the spring of 1857. The first sale in this addition was by Henry T. Walker, commissioner, to Alonzo Thompson, conveying a large portion of the addition. This sale occurred December 16, 1859-

The Northwest Addition was platted March 9, 1857. The first conveyance was from John T. Boyles and Levi Pickens to Jesse Stephenson, April 27, 1857, and comprised an undivided fourth of the entire addition.

T. L. Robinson's First Addition was platted December 9, 1868. The first conveyance was lots 3 and 4, in Union Block, by Mr. Robinson to Win. H. H. McLain, March 4, 1868.

Morton's Addition was made July 1, 1869. The first conveyance was made July 1, 1869, by L. V. Morton to A. H. Frazee. It consisted of lots 3 and 4, in block 1.

Wm. B. Jones' Addition was made September 28, 1S69, and the first conveyance was by Wm. B. Jones to James I. George, October I, 1869, and consisted of lot I, block 3.

Hasting's Addition was made January 18, 1870. The first sale was made by Fred Hastings to Wm. Brady, January 18, 1870, and consisted of lot 8, block 32.

M. W. Charles' Second Addition was made February 16, 1870, and the first conveyance was by M. W. Charles to Newton W. and Alvin S. Charles, February 17, 1870, and consisted of the undivided fourth of the addition.

Torrance's Addition was made in March, 1870. The first sale was effected April 9, 1870, by B. F. Torrance, et al. to Henry Rokes, and comprised lots I and 2, block 1.

E. S. Stephenson's Addition bears date of June 11, 1870. E. S. Stephenson, May 27, 1870, conveyed a large portion of the addition to the Maryville City Company.

Chamberlain's First Fruit Addition was made July 20, 1870. The first conveyance, of lot 3, was effected July 30, (870, by David Chamberlain to J. S. Mow.

Prather's Addition bears date of June 21, 1875. On that day James B. Prather conveyed to James W. Markwell lots 1, 2, and 3, western boundary.

The town of Maryville was incorporated in 1856, but the order of incorporation was annulled in 1857. It was again incorporated in 1859, but the organization lapsed, probably on account of the war. In 1866, it was again incorporated, but disincorporated in 1869. We find the following order of court, for the incorporation of Maryville (the town of Maryville), of record, dated July 19, 1869:

" Now, at this day, comes I. V. McMillan, M. G. Roseberry, et al.r and present a petition to this court, setting forth the metes and bounds of the Town of Maryville, and its commons, in the County of Nodaway, and praying that they may be incorporated, and a police established for the local government, and for the preservation and regulation of the commons appertaining to said Town of Maryville, and the court being satisfied that two-thirds of the taxable inhabitants of said Town of Maryville have signed said petition, and that the prayer of said petitioners is reasonable ; it is therefore declared and ordered by the court that said Town of Maryville be incorporated, and that the metes and bounds thereof be known and designated as follows, to wit : Commencing at the point in the center of section No. seventeen (17), in township No. sixtyfour (64), of range No. thirty-five (35), running thence west on the half section line two hundred and forty rods (240), to the northwest corner of the northeast fourth of the southeast quarter of section No. eighteen (18), in township No. sixty-four (64), of range No. thirty-five (35), thence south on quarter section line two hundred and forty rods (240), to the southwest corner of the northeast fourth of the northeast quarter of section No. nineteen (19), in township No. sixty-four (64), of range No. thirty-five (35), thence east on quarter section line eighty (80) rods, to the northeast corner of the southeast fourth of the northeast quarter of section No. nine (9), thence south on the section line between sections No. nineteen and twenty C19 and 20) in township No. sixty-four (64), range No. 35 (35), eighty (80) rods to the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of said section No. nineteen (19), thence east in the half section line two hundred and forty rods (240) to the southeast corner of the southwest fourth of the northeast quarter of section No. twenty (20), in township No. sixty-four (64), of range No. thirty-five (35), thence north on quarter section line eighty (80) rods, to the southwest corner of the northeast fourth of the northeast quarter of said section No. twenty (20), thence east on the quarter section line eighty rods, (80), to the southeast corner of the northeast fourth of the northeast quarter of said section No. twenty (20), thence north on the section line between sections No. sixteen (16), seventeen (17), twenty (20) and twenty-one (21), in township No. sixty-four (64), of range No. thirty-five (35), one hundred and sixty rods, (160), to the northeast corner of the southeast fourth of the southeast quarter of said section No. seventeen (17.), thence west on the quarter section line one hundred and sixty rods, (160), to the northwest corner of the southwest fourth of the southeast quarter of said section No. seventeen (17), thence north on the half section line eighty (80) rods to the center of said section No. seventeen (17), to the place of beginning, and including the southwest and south half of the southeast quarter of section No. seventeen (17), the east half of the southeast quarter of section No. eighteen (18), the northeast fourth of the northeast quarter of section No. nineteen (19). the northwest quarter, and the north half and the southwest fourth of the northeast quarter of section No. twenty (20), all in township No. sixty-four (64), of range No. thirty-five (35), containing in all six hundred and forty acres, more or less, all of which is accepted by the court, and ordered that the town of Maryville be, and the same is hereby incorporated, as provided by law regulating towns and villages, as prayed in said petition.

The first trustees of the town appointed, at its re-incorporation in 1869, by the County Court, were William B. Jones, Chairman ; A. A. Minnier, William Anderson, R. H. Cox and T. L. Robinson, who selected for their first clerk D. L. Palmer, and I. T. McMillan for attorney.

The first settler in what is now the city of Maryville, was Thomas Adams, who came here from some of the lower counties in Missouri in 1840, and took a claim in the grove north of the present city of Maryville. He built a cabin in the north part of the town near the grove. In 1849 he moved to Texas.

Mr. Atkinson came from Tennessee in 1843, and lived in the east part of town, east of the Court House. He was a farmer and lived here about three years, when he sold his farm to Mr. George who lived here when the town was located. This farm was afterward bought by James Ray, who came here in 1845 from Page County, Iowa, but originally emigrated from Kentucky. Mr. Ray was the father-in-law of James Saunders. He died five years ago.

James Ray, Jr., son of James Ray, opened a stock of mixed merchandise in a store, built of cottonwood logs, in what is now Judge Alexander's yard. The store was on the opposite corner east from the old log court house. He also had a gun shop and made and repaired guns. Some of the best guns in Maryville at the present day were manufactured by James Ray, Jr., in that shop. At the time of the California gold excitement, in 1850, he went to California, and now lives in Montana.

Caleb P. Burns came from Andrew County in 1844, and took a claim of 160 acres west of the original town of Maryville. He built a log house and opened a farm. In 1849, at the time of the gold excitement, he went to California, but now lives in Texas. He was deputy sheriff when Nodaway County was included in Andrew County. This farm contained the land included in the Burns' Addition to the city of Maryville.

About the time of the commencement of our civil war there was an exchange of farms between persons living in Missouri and Texas. George Downing took Nathan Murphy's land in Missouri ; Murphy took Caleb P. Burns' land in Missouri, and Burns took Downing's land in Texas.

In 1845 Amos Graham came from Washington County, Kentucky, and built a log house where William Graves lived, north of the Southern Methodist Church, near the boundary of the original town. He was County Clerk, Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Nodaway County. He preempted a claim in the southwest part of the town, and built a house on his claim. He was a representative in the legislature. He died in 1864. Mary Graham, his wife, still lives in the southern portion of the city, on a part of the original land pre-empted by Mr. Graham. As she was the first white woman in the original town the county court named the city in honor of her. She has a most comfortable home, is held by all in the highest esteem, is surrounded by a large circle of friends, and in advanced age is enjoying the comforts and honors of pioneer life. Charles Graham, her son, lives in Maryville, and is township clerk and assessor.

John Saunders emigrated originally from Kentucky, and came to Buchanan County, Missouri, where he lived two years. In May, 1845, he moved to Maryville. He received permission to put a stock of goods in the old log court house, which was located on the ground now occupied by C. C. Dittmer's establishment for agricultural implements. He soon built a store house and dwelling combined, just south of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and removed his stock of goods from the old court house to his new building. He hauled the lumber for his building from Allen's Mill, in Andrew County. This was afterwards called Ogle's Mill, and is now known as Rosendale. Mr. Saunders fenced in two or three hundred acres of land, now covered more or less by the southeastern portion of the city of Maryville. The farm included the present Agricultural Fair Grounds. Mr. Saunders had a very large trade in mixed merchandise, and bought and handled nearly all the live stock in this region. He was a first-class business man, and had an expeditious way of taking an inventory when buying goods. He would step into a store, pass the goods in review, state rapidly what he would give for such and such shelves of goods, and so pass over the entire stock, offer to turn over so much live stock and cash, as the case might be, strike a bargain at once, and take possession of the stock of goods. He had such an intimate knowledge of the values of goods and live stock, and such a capacity for business, that he could estimate values in bulk very exactly, and without loss of time. He had five sons : William, James, John, Richard and Robert, all of whom have inherited more or less the business traits of their father.

In the fall of 1845, August Gamarsh came from St. Louis and built a frame store house where Smith Bros, are now located, and opened a stock of mixed merchandise. He remained in business two or three years and removed to St. Louis, where he is still living. Alfred Michaut his clerk, went to St. Louis with him, but returned in 185 I to Maryville. He removed to St. Joseph in 1864. Mr. Michau married Miss Nancy Saunders. He is still largely interested financially in Nodaway County.

A. T. Jenkins originally emigrated from Kentucky, and resided in Buchanan County two years. He then came to Nodaway County, and lived in the family of and went into business with John Saunders. He married Martha Saunders. About 1 861, he went to Nebraska and afterward to Kansas City, where he died. He was a successful business man.

Judge Joseph E. Alexander came to Nodaway County in 1842, and located six miles south of Maryville on a claim. In 1861, he moved to Maryville, and still lives on the same place where he located. He was sheriff of Nodaway County.

Benjamin F. Torrance emigrated from New York and came to St. Joseph in 1838, where he resided until 1850, when he moved to Maryville, where he has resided ever since. He started the Maryville Reporter, in 1859, which was the first newspaper ever published in Maryville.

In 1841, James B. Prather came from Mercer County, Kentucky and settled on a farm eight miles south of where Maryville is now situated. In 1856 he moved to Maryville. He was elected sheriff of Nodaway County in 1856, and clerk of the circuit court in 1859. He still resides in Maryville, and is engaged in the drug business.

opened a general store in the following spring of 1846. John Saunders next opened a general store of mixed stock in 1847. - Hulbert started a blacksmith shop in 1846. James Ray opened a gunsmith shop on lot 4, block 9, of the original town, being part of the property now owned by Judge J. E. Alexander. The first carpenters were Isaac Cox, J. E. Alexander, B. F. Simms, and S. M. Jester. At that time there was no pine lumber here, nothing but native lumber being used. Judge J. E. Alexander hewed the logs from which was constructed one of the first school houses in the count}'. This school house was built in White Cloud Township, on or near the present site of the Baptist Church, in which an early session of the county court was held.

The first brewery in Nodaway County was built in the eastern part of Maryville in 1855, and was known as the old Karaus Brewery. The building still stands on the old site, but is not occupied now as a brewery. A few years afterward William Sutter built, and for years occupied what now constitutes a part of the present brewery, about half a mile north of the city. This building fell into the hands of Peter Neisendorfer, the present owner, who greatly enlarged it. About the year 1855, the Collett Bros, operated a blacksmith and repair shop on the present site of the bank of Saunders & Co. William Turpin had a saloon and restaurant on the present site of the Farmers' Bank about the same date, and this business was conducted at the last named point by different persons until the year 1872, at which time Messrs. Fisher, Jackson & Co. purchased the ground and built their present elegant bank edifice.

The first resident lawyer was James Dews. He located in the town in 1847, and acted as deputy postmaster. After him came Warren and J. C. Griffey, who constituted the bar of Nodaway County until about i860. This number has been gradually increased until it now numbers twenty-five.

The first flouring mill was built by George Huebuch, in May, 1868. This mill is now owned by E. J. Williams, and is the only flouring mill in Maryville.

H. A. Avery was the pioneer carriage maker in Maryville. He came here from Cooper County, Missouri, and started his factory in 1868. He has been engaged in the same business ever since.

The first planing mill was run by H. G. Harmon, the present owner, in the spring of 1874. Mr. Harmon has been in the same business continually ever since.

The Pioneer Elevator was built by J. C. Waterman & Co., in the year 1877. The Maryville Elevator, now the Wabash Elevator, was built by Poley, Welch & Co, in the year 1878.

The first sewing machine was sold by G. W. Smith, in 1868, to Mrs. M. J. Blair, who still lives in Maryville. It was a Wheeler & Wilson machine.

R. F.Connor was the first tailor. He came from Kentucky in 1841. His shop was located where Smith & Bean's clothing store now stands. He is living now in Clarinda, Iowa.

Joshua Sayster owned the first dray. When the Kansas City Railroad was completed to Maryville, he started a dray to accommodate the business men.

Private Schools

The first school ever taught in Maryville, was in the summer of 1847 and 1848, by Mr. Samuel M. Dews. It was a subscription school and was taught in the old court house, (log building,) that stood on the southwest corner of Main and Second Streets. The pupils of the first school were John Saunders, Richard Saunders, Sarah A. Jackson, Joseph Jackson, Jonathan Ray, Reuben Ray, Sophia Byers, Hosea Torrance, T. P. Torrance, Miles Lewis, Frank Lewis, William Bowen and James Morgan, and a few others whose names we have been unable to get. Mr. Dews afterward practiced law, being also the first lawyer in town, and finally went to Kansas City, where he now resides.

The next teacher was Samuel A. Nash, who taught in the summer of 1849. He was succeeded by William Goodlcw, who opened a school in the summer of 1850. The fourth was a lady by the name of Swisher, who taught in the summer of 185 1. In 1857, Henry Neal taught in the new school building, in the north part of town. Following him was Dr. David Mulholland, James H. Whitson, A. C. Votaw, Reynolds, and others.

Maryville Academy

This academy was established September 1, 1878, by Rev. A. D. Workman. He was succeeded by M. S. Embree during the spring term of 1880. The annual enrollment has increased every succeeding year. During the year 1880, the total enrollment of students was 145. During the year 1881, the enrollment of students promises to be much larger than any previous year.

The courses of instruction include Academical, Normal and Commercial. Maryville Academy is fast gaining a reputation as being second to none in Northwest Missouri. Students are examined to any course they may desire.

Public Schools Of Maryville

The school building (the present brick) was erected in 1867. It contained at first four rooms, two above and two below, and cost, originally, seven thousand dollars. Additions have, from time to time, been made until the building now contains eight rooms, the whole costing about sixteen thousand dollars. It is located between Wall and Vine Streets, north of and bordering on State Street, fronting west. With the building there are two acres of ground set in blue grass and shade trees, the whole presenting a handsome appearance.

Grades And Course Of Study

FIRST Year : Sixth Reader ; Higher Arithmetic, through simple interest ; English Grammar ; Greene's Analysis ; United States History ; Book-keeping ; Algebra, Part 1 ; Watts on the Mind ; Penmanship, Nos. 6 and 7 ; Drawing, Nos. 6 and 7 ; Orthography and Definitions ; Declamation and Composition.

SECOND Year : Higher Arithmetic, completed ; Civil Government ; Algebra, Part II, to page 254 ; Book-keeping, completed ; Botany ; Physiology; Orthography and Definitions; Declamation and Composition.

Third Year : Algebra, Part 2, completed ; Rhetoric ; Zoology ; Universal History ; Latin Principia, Part 1 ; Orthography and Definitions ; Declamation and Composition.

FOURTH Year : Latin Principia, Part 2 ; Geometry ; Trigonometry and Surveying ; Natural Philosophy ; Astronomy ; Political Economy ; English Literature ; Declamation and Composition.

Fifth Reader, completed; Arithmetic, Part 3 ; English Grammar; Intellectual Arithmetic, completed ; Drawing, Nos. 4 and 5 ; Geography, continued ; Penmanship, Nos. 4 and 5 ; Oral Lessons ; Declamation and Composition.

Fifth Reader ; Spelling, to page 100 ; Mental Arithmetic, to general review ; Primary English Grammar ; Geography, Part 2 ; Drawing, Nos. 3 and 4 ; Penmanship, Nos. 3 and 4 ; Oral Lessons ; Epistolary Writing.

Fourth Reader ; Primary Geography ; Written Arithmetic, to compound numbers ; Spelling, to page 75 ; Mental Arithmetic, Part II., to section VIII.; Drawing, Nos.. 2 and 3 ; Penmanship, Nos. 2 and 3 ; Oral Lessons.

Third Reader; Geography, from Outline Maps; Mental Arithmetic, Part I.; Oral Lessons, in Written Arithmetic, through Multiplication; Spelling, to page 51 ; Penmanship, No. 1 ; Drawing, No. 1 ; Oral Lessons.

Second Reader; Spelling, to page 30; Writing and Drawing, on slates; counting and writing numbers, to 1,000; Mental Arithmetic, Part I., to Subtraction ; Oral Lessons ; Geography, from Outline Maps.

Alphabet, and Reading and Spelling exercises, from Charts and Blackboards ; Writing and Drawing, on slates ; First Reader ; Spelling words of Reading Lessons ; Object Lessons ; Oral instruction on Plants and Animals.

The public schools of Maryville are in a flourishing condition. Prof. E. K. Carr, the present superintendent, is an accomplished and successful teacher of many years experience, and is giving entire satisfaction to the patrons and board of directors. The number of pupils have increased fully one hundred per cent since 1870, and now number 696. The present accommodations for this rapidly increasing number is insufficient, and the board of directors contemplate submitting the question of building a new school house to the vote of the people after the April election in 1882.

The school for colored children has been in operation since 1870, but closed in October, 188 1, the average daily attendance (ten) not being large enough to justify its further continuance.

The Maryville Business College

The pressing demand for a commercial school in the county seat of Nodaway County, which had long been felt by her citizens, culminated in the organization of Maryville Business College, November 8, 1880. From its beginning it has had a healthy growth, and the progress of the institution under the efficient management of the principals, has been all that the most sanguine could expect. The faculty is composed of experienced teachers - practical educators - each being especially qualified for the department over which he presides. Professor W. P. Cherry, B. S., is a graduate of the Gem City Business College, Ouincy, Illinois, also of La Grange Literary College, La Grange, Missouri.

Professor S. H. Thompson, A. B., is a thorough graduate of La Grange Literary College, La Grange, Missouri, and has but recently connected himself with the institution as associate principal.

The course of study is thorough and comprehensive, including just those branches which are most necessary for a thorough preparation for the duties of a successful business career. The principals are encouraged in the enterprise and their efforts strengthened, by having the unqualified support of bankers, professional and business men of the flourishing city of Maryville, as well as the good will and influence of other patrons and graduates who are holding lucrative positions in the various depart-

Union Hall Maryville Lodge, No. 165, A. F. & A. M.

This lodge was organized in 1856, with the following charter members: A. Terhune, George N. Paige, Erastus Downing, Nimrod Wood, Nathan Goslee, J. W. Bickett, J. B. Prather, Thomas Wodley and J. H. Saunders.

The building in which the lodge held its meetings was burnt in 1865, with all the records, consequently we here give a list of officers since 1866:

Nodaway Lodge, No. 470, A. F. & A. M.

In December, 1871, twenty Master Masons met for the purpose of forming a new lodge at Maryville, Missouri, and on petition to Most Worshipful Brother Thomas E. Garrett, Grand Master, for a dispensation, said petition was granted under the name of Nodaway Lodge, by said

Most Worshipful Brother Thos. E. Garrett, Grand Master under the date of December 29, A. D. 1871, and was continued under dispensation until the meeting of the Grand Lodge, with the following officers: LA. Bariteau, W. M.; I. V. McMillan, S. W. ; F. W. Marcy, J. W.; William Anderson, Treasurer ; Thomas H. Brown, Secretary ; A W. Bariteau, S. D.; A. C. Case, J. D.; I. N. Wray, Tyler.

October 17, 1873, a charter was granted, and the following officers installed: LA. Bariteau, W. M; I. V. McMillan, S. W.; Lafe Hagan, J. W.; J. C. Terhune, Treasurer; Thomas H. Brown, Secretary; A. W. Bariteau, S. D.; W. D. Winslow, J . D.; Thomas H. Logan and Henry Graves, Stewards; Fred. R. Nourse, Tyler.

The following were the charter members : William Anderson, John Adams, I. N. Albin, LA. Bariteau, A. W. Bariteau, Thomas H. Brown, A. C. Case, J . W. Dean, T. W. Gaunt, Henry Graves, Lafe Hagan, J. E. Hudson, George Heubach, F. W. Marcy, I. V. McMillan, A. Oppenheimer, S. K. Snively, J. C. Terhune, I. N. Wray.

I879._James Todd, W. M.; W. H. Totterdale, S. YV ; M. R. Hackadorn, J. W.; J. C. Terhune, Treasurer; WD. Winslow, Secretary; A A. Curfman, S. D.; A. Lippman, J. D.; Thomas Temple, Tyler.

Nodaway Chatter No. 470

was instituted March 19, 1856, at Maryville, Missouri, by Deputy Grand Master, C. F. Holly. The charter was granted May 21, 1856. The names of the charter members were John G. Allen, I.N. Costillo, C. N. Burns, B. G. Ford, W. O. Howard, John Terhune, C. C. Somerville, B. F. Torrance, Solomon West, H. F. Walker, Richard Saunderj.

The lodge held its meetings until June 30, i860, when it ceased its regular meetings, and although its charter was not revoked it remained in a state of suspended animation until February 19, 1867, when its charter was revived, with the following officers: A. C. Votaw, N. G.; J. K. Costillo, V. G.; G L. Mochel, Recording Secretary; T. W. Gaunt, Treasurer.

Officers from April to October, 1867. - M. R. Chumess, N. G.; G. L. Mochel, V. G.; John J. Kelly, Recording Secretary; Thomas VV. Gaunt, Secretary.

From October, 1881, to April, 1882 - W. H. Totterdale, N. G.; E. G. Williams, V. G.; Charles D. Koch, R. S.; J. W. Carr, P. S.; Joseph A. Mall, Treasurer. The lodge own their own hall and cemetery.

Maryville Encampment No. 50

A charter was granted to this lodge May, 21st, 1870. The following were the charter members : Joseph A. Mall, Thomas P. Torrance, W. H. Hudson, James A. Forrest, Joseph Jackson, E. J. DeLiew, John S. Wood, Thomas H. Brown.

The first officers were as follows : T. H. Brown, C. P.; E. J. DeLiew, H. P.; John S. Wood, S. W. ; Thomas P. Torrance J. W.; Joseph Jackson Scribe ; James A. Forrest, Treasurer.

Ancient Order Of United Workmen

Industry Lodge No. /S, a subordinate lodge of the above named benevolent order, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the State of Missouri, was organized in Maryville, the county seat of Nodaway County, September 28, 1878, with the following named charter members : G. M. Bartlett, N. W. Charles, E. J. Evans, H. H. Geiger, J. M. Hosmer, E. N. Hogan, W. H. Herbert, N. T. Jones, J. B. Morrison, P. Mergen, F. D. Snyder, A. Sprecher, B. F. Shaum, L. Taylor, G. B. Vaughn, R. P. Weaver, W. M. Ellsworth and E. M. Moss. All of these charter members are members at the present time, except E. M. Moss, who took great interest in the order, but upon removing to Tecumseh, Nebraska, withdrew, and shortly afterward died, leaving his family without the benefits provided by the Society. Industry Lodge labored two years under adverse circumstances, many times not being able to get a quorum with which to transact business, struggling, in fact, for existence. At this writing the lodge has a membership of twenty-two, and is having a health)- growth. F. D. Snyder, Judge of Probate, is Master Workman, J. W. Carr, attorney, Past Master Workman, and J. H. Emmons, M. D., Recording Secretary. The membership are all representative men, and cordially invite all visiting brethren to call on them at their lodge rooms, where they meet on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month.

The Irish- American Catholic Benevolent Society

This society was organized July 12, 1880. The first officers were : John O'Connor, President ; Martin Lavan, Vice-President ; S. V. Dooley, Treasurer ; P. L. Growney, Secretary.

The present officers are : Rev. D. Pembroke, President ; P. L. Growney, Vice-President ; C. Harrigan, Secretary ; M. Tobin, Treasurer. Membership, about 80. Their stand of colors consists of the American and Irish flags, and are the most handsome in Northwest Missouri.

Methodist Episcopal Church

The early history of Methodism in Nodaway County seems to melt away into myths, even the traditionary knowledge of the oldest inhabitants on the subject failing to give the experiences of the earliest pioneers of this denomination. At the division of the Methodist Church in 1844, Benjamin Baxter and Reuben Aldridge were pastors. Benjamin Baxter went with the southern side, and Reuben Aldridge with the northern. Mr. Aldridge preached two years, and was succeeded by Rev. I. M. Burns, who continued on the circuit two years. About this time, in 1847, the political agitation became so great that appointments were interrupted.

house, one-half # mile from where Pickering now stands ; Samuel Wiseman's residence, and at Sturgil's Grove. Other places of preaching at that time are noted as follows: Seven miles northwest of Maryville, at the house of Col. Davis ; fifteen miles northwest, at the residence of Mr. Houston, near the Iowa line ; at the residence of Samuel Nash, east of Pickering, and at father Markee's, about eleven miles east of town. This circuit was traveled every four weeks. Mr. Bowman was followed by Father Clemens.

"This morning, the middle of April, finds us in the enjoyment of good health, inhaling the strong, bracing wind from the northwest. Last night we had quite a strong smell of jack frost, who has been so faithful all last winter and thus far in the spring. This morning, the sloughs are frozen sufficient to bear up a horse and his rider, the ice is frozen to the depth of two inches. Last October, at the session of our Conference, I received my appointment from the Bishop, which was to take charge of the Maryville circuit which embraces Nodaway County, but on account of a spell of sickness immediately after conference I did not reach my appointment till the middle of November. When I arrived I found a parsonage in the town of Maryville, which had been erected some years before under the labor of Brother Bowman. We soon collected sufficient material and had the parsonage finished, since which time I have endeavored to fulfill my appointments. I feel thankful to the good Lord for the manifestations of His presence at our meetings."

Mr. Chamberlain was succeeded by D. W. David, John Morehead, and Mr. Beggs, who was appointed at the conference held in Hannibal, in March, 1863. At that time, the Methodists had three districts, and only forty-three preachers in Missouri. We give the following extract of a letter written at that time by Mr. Beggs :

"Then, Savannah, in Andrew County, was the neareast railroad station. My second year I preached in a small frame school house fronting on a street running east and west, one block north of the court house. The old parsonage stood on the same street. The soldiers of the government were using the parsonage for a stable, and we rented a house to live in the first year. The next year, that is, the second year, we replastered and fitted up the old parsonage, and moved into it the next day after the plasterers were done with their work. We put up with Bro. William Davis, who kept the old tavern, yet standing. Bro. Davis has gone to his reward in Heaven. My appointments were Maryville, Pleasant View, eight miles north, Highland Grove, Xenia, Colonel Davis', on the Nodaway River, Manley's, still west of Colonel Davis, Moreland's school house, Quitman, Hanna's, Bradyville, in Iowa, Hubert's, also in Taylor County, Iowa : also, one more west of Brady-

When Mr. Beggs was on the circuit there was a Sunday school held in the court house, and William H. Davis was superintendent. Mr. Beggs received for the first year $400, and the next year $450.

Rev. Daniel Hockett succeeded Mr. Beggs, and it was during his pastorate that the present church building was commenced. As it was the first Protestant Church erected in Maryville, everyone rendered assistance. Brick sold at twelve dollars a thousand, and lumber at seventy-five dollars per thousand feet. Mr. Hockett left before the second year was finished. His colleague, a local preacher, was left on the circuit. He came to town one Sunday and gave out his hymn, but before the choir could sing, the minister, who did not like choirs and organs, started and sung the hymn. The result was that Maryville was without regular preaching for several months, being supplied by local preachers.

" The membership, as I remember, numbered forty-one. The Sunday School numbered some thirty during the month of February and until conference in March, when we had a gracious revival, and some thirty-five were added to the society. At this conference, held at Chillicothe, Bishop E. E. Janes, presiding, Maryville was made a station, and I was returned, and it was my first regular appointment. Rev. L. V. Morton was appointed to the circuit. At once we counseled together as to how the debt of $6,500 could be raised. The circuit still felt a great interest in the church at the county seat, and grandly offered to stand with us in the effort to save the property which was threatened with sale. During that year we thus raised and paid $4,500, leaving $2,000."

Mr. Stocking was succeeded by J. S. Barwick, J. T. Boyle and S. W. Thornton, through whose efforts the church was freed from debt. Rev. J. W. Caughlan succeeded as pastor, and it was during his pastorate that the debate occurred between him, representing the Methodist Church, and Prof. Bush, representing the Christian Church. Rev. S. W. Thornton was returned in 1877, but for the benefit of the health of his wife took a transfer to the mountains, and Rev. D. B. Lake was appointed. He left the church with a membership 217 ; probationers, \J ; members in Sunday School, 150.

Rev. B. D. Lake was pastor of the church from September, 1877, to March, 1880. He was succeeded by Rev. J. R. Sassen, who continued to March, 1881. During his pastorate, there was marked improvement in church repairs, the church expending about $500. He was followed by Rev. J. M. Parker, who is the present pastor. At the beginning of his pastorate, the church bought a parsonage at a cost of $1,700. The church now numbers 150 members. We note the following list of officers:

Ira K. Alderman was elected delegate to the Lay Electoral Conference, held at Trenton, Missouri, in March, 1880 - E. J. Wilcox, alternate. At this conference Judge Alderman was elected delegate to the General Conference, held in Cincinnati, May, 1880.

Methodist Episcopal Church South

The Methodist Episcopal Church South, was organized about the year 1846. In the early history of the church, services were held in the court house, which was torn down in 1881. The original members of the church have all moved away, or become deceased. The following are some of the parties who have ministered to this church : William Ketron, Larkin Adamson, James S. Shive, William Shaw, William Bradford, William F. Bell, John D. Turner, Alexander Spencer, B. R. Baxter, S. C. Littlepage, H. H. Craig, R. A. Austin, D. C. Blackwell, W. H. Albright, G. H. Newton, J. McEwen, H. A. Davis, James Hyder, C. Grimes, A. P. Parker, William Barnett, C. A. Sherman, John Anderson, L. F. Linn, D. C. O'Howell and H. C. Bolen . In 1867, the present church edifice was erected during the pastorate of Rev. James Hyder, and cost a little over $3,000. In 1876, a parsonage was built, during the pastorate of Rev. John Anderson, on the same lot with the church, and cost between $500 and $600. The number of the present membership is seventy. During the war the church was almost broken up, and preaching was suspended for three years. The church has an efficient Sabbath School. The church under the pastoral labors of Rev. H. C. Bolen, is now in a very prosperous condition, and in the two years during which he has been the pastor, the membership of the church has almost doubled

Baptist Church

The precise date of the first organization of the Baptist Church in Maryville is now unknown. An organization existed as far back as 1850. The war caused a general stagnation in religious matters, and the church at Maryville was not an exception. In the year 1870, Rev. Mr. Hopkins came to this part of the country, and reorganized the church, with the following members : Mary J. Graham, Daniel Best, Elizabeth Best, Henry Nelson, Mary Nelson, Adam Terhune, Betsy Terhune, William Neal, Barkley Benbow, Alice Benbow, J. M. Black, Rebecca Holcomb, Jane Hyler, Mary Ellsworth, Jane Ellsworth, John Hobbs, Anna Hobbs and Samuel E. Smith.

The first church meeting of which any record was kept was held in 1870. Rev. - Hopkins was chosen pastor, and remained only a short time with the church. In 1871 Rev. G. W. Huntley came to Nodaway County under the auspices of the Home Mission Society, and was called to the pastoral care of the church and remained as pastor until 1876. During his pastorate the present building was erected, at a cost of $5,000. Rev. S. M. Merrill was called to the church in August, 1876, and closed his labors in April, 1877. The church was without a pastor until October, 1878, when Rev. H.J. Latour was called as pastor. He remained two years, after which the church was without a pastor until October, i88i,when Rev. H. M. Richardson was called as pastor.

The church numbers about 125 members, and has a fine Sabbath School, averaging about 125. This society has an excellent church building, of brick, worth $7,000, and is free from debt.

Presbyterian Church

The organization of the Union Presbyterian Church of Maryville, Nodaway County, Missouri, was first begun by Rev. E. B. Sherwood, missionary pastor of the New School Presbyterian Church for the Lexington Presbytery, on the 8th day of November, AD. 1868. The first preaching service was held in the Methodist Church, December 13, A. D. 1868, by Rev. E. B. Sherwood. After service the church was duly organized, and the following members enrolled : L. C Evans, William M. Jackson, D. T. Geiger, H. A. Avery, John Edwards, John Jackson, John Blair, W. Geiger, Mrs. L. C. Leiber, Miss Bell Andrews, Mrs. Rebecca Geiger, Mrs. Mollie J. Blair, Mrs. Rebecca Evans.

December 20, 1870, Rev. J. M. Crawford was elected stated supply, and held this position for two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. William G. Thomas, who occupied the pulpit until 1873. The present pastor, Rev. A. D. Workman, was called by the congregation to become their permanent pastor, December 29, 1873 . He entered upon his labors February i, 1874. The present membership is 130. The congregation own a church building and parsonage, free of debt, valued at $6,000. John M. Bell was delegate to the General Assembly in 187- .

Christian Church

In 1868, the Christian Church was reorganized by Elder Joel M. Wood, with the following members: John S. Wood, John W. Walker, Sue M. Walker, Cassie Clelland, Elizabeth R. Clelland, James Ray, Sarah Hann, P. W. M. Orear, Mary Hann, Elizabeth Ford, F. H. B. Garner, Rosanna J. Prather, Elizabeth S. Ellis, James A. Smith, Polly Ann Smith and Amanda Ellis. Several of these have already passed on to the church triumphant, others have moved away, so that only seven are left.

The first pastor called by this church was Elder J. G. Encell, a man of unusual energy and activity. During his pastorate of sixteen months there was a large increase to the membership . At the close of his labors the church numbered some sixty-five or seventy members. The next minister called was Elder L. D. Cook, who gave the church two years of faithful work. He was a man of fine social qualities and great native ability. He soon gained many warm friends. The church continued to prosper and increase in numbers and influence. Elder B. F. Bush succeeded Elder Cook, being employed for his entire time - the above named only one-half of the time. He continued his labors two years.

o f the Methodist Episcopal Church, which was eminently satisfactory to his congregation. Having fine logical powers and being a classical scholar, he was clear and strong in his presentations of the distinctive pleas of the church. The next minister called was Elder George E. Dew, who also preached for the church two years, doing a good work. He was a young man of good ability, earnest and zealous, impressing every one that he was a good and pure man. A large number were added to the church under his labors. In the fall of 1879 Elder R.N. Davis was called to preach for the church, and is now its pastor. During the time he has been preaching for this church, (a little less than two years), fiftytwo souls have been received into its fellowship.

This is a missionary church, contributing to both home and foreign missions. Has kept up a live working Sunday School ever since its organization. In 1880 it averaged over 100 pupils.

Advent Christian Church

The Advent Christian Church of Maryville was organized December 14, 1870, by Elder J. E. Himes. Sixteen persons, all heads of families except two, were thus united in church fellowship, with the following covenant :

" We, whose names are subjoined, do hereby covenant and agree, by the help of the Lord, to walk together as a church of Christ, faithfully maintaining its ordinances, taking the Bible as our only rule ot faith and practice, church order and discipline, making Christian character the only test of fellowship and communion . We further agree with Christian fidelity and meekness, to exercise mutual watch, care ; to counsel, admonish, or reprove, as duty may require, and to receive the same from each other as becometh the household of faith."

During a protracted meeting held in January, 1871, at the Wright school house, four miles east of town, thirteen were added to the church. Also, in February, 1871, during a meeting held in the old Saunders school house, seven miles south of town, three united, one of whom was William Jones, Sr., familiarly called "Uncle Billy," true as steel, and is at present the respected and honored deacon of the church . Throughout the year 187 1, several more additions were made, one of whom being well known in this county as "Uncle Billy Swinford." Bro. Swinford came into the public congregation, who were assembled in the Maryville school house, and at the close of the sermon rose to his feet and requested the liberty to speak, which was granted . After referring to his demoralized and backslidden condition and his earnest desire to lead a Christian life, he said that he had come about ten miles on horseback to offer himself to the Advent Christian Church, if they thought him worthy of a name and place among them. Sister Rebecca Swinford, wife of Wm . Swinford, soon added her name with that of her husband's bership, however, being largely in the country. In February, 1876, at a regular church meeting held in Maryville, their numerical strength was one hundred members. They had at that time just completed a neat and convenient chapel at a cost of about $1,200. The erection of this house of worship was carried through under many discouragements. Twice the house suffered much by storms, being blown from its foundations of brick piers nine feet uphill. Then the grasshopper raid tied up the purse strings - for everybody was going to starve to death - so our subscription list failed, leaving us with about $300 indebtedness and the house unfinished, but thank the Lord for a few courageous and persevering souls, who knew no rest until the house was not only finished, but free from debt

Many of our members having moved away, and some having died, with but few recent additions, we are left in a rather enfeebled condition. The death of brother Wesley Swayree, who was well known through the county as an insurance agent, and a straight forward Christian gentleman, also brother Simeon Wright, an enterprising farmer and cattle dealer, has had its discouraging influence. Our present number is fifty. We have preaching service in our chapel every Lord's Day evening by the pastor, Elder DO. Hinck. We have also in connection with our chapel service a Missionary Bible School every Sunday afternoon, with an average attendance of 150. Deacon E. A. Rowley is the superintendent, who, with a secretary, a treasurer and a finance committee of three, are the officers of the school . So far the school has been a success .

St. Paul'S Protestant Episcopal Church

The first regular services of this church in Nodaway County were held by the Rev. George Turner, now of Hiawatha, Kansas, in the Davis school house, in White Cloud Township, in 1864. Rev. Mr. Turner preached once a month at this place for some time.

In the summer of 1872, the Rev S. C. Blackiston, now of Fort Benton, Montana, was appointed missionary of the church for Northwest Missouri. On the 18th day of August, 1872, he held service in Union Hall, Maryville, and on the following day organized the Mission at the residence of John Edwards, giving it the name of St. Paul's, and appointing Dr. H. Estes, warden, and John Edwards, Treasurer.

The number of communicants at the time of organization of the Mission was five ; a short time after a class of six was confirmed by Bishop C . F. Robertson.

About the 1st of November, 1873, a small hall, connected with Union Hall, was fitted up for regular services, which were there maintained until the resignation of Rev. Mr. Blackiston, which was in April, 1874. Services were held only occasionally from this time till the summer of 1875, when the Rev. John Bennett attempted to renew the services at the Presbyterian house of worship, but this house having been unroofed by a gale of wind, and no other convenient place of worship being at the time attainable, the effort was for a time abandoned, and the Mission remained without regular services till its re-organization on the 31st day of January, 1877, at the Christian house of worship, when Mr. G. VV. Turner was nominated to the bishop as warden, Charles Duncan as Secretary, and Edward Hull as Treasurer.

The South Methodist house of worship was then secured for the second and fourth Sundays in each month, and services were regularly maintained until the resignation of Rev. John Bennett, in July, 1877. In the following month Rev. E. Victor Beales was appointed missionary, and came to Maryville.

On Wednesday, August 30, 1877, Rev. Mr. Beales organized a society, called the Ladies Guild, of which Mrs. C. Duncan was President; Mrs. A. P. Moorhouse, Vice President ; Mrs. Cranor, Secretary, and Mrs. Clelland, Treasurer. The object of the society was, at the first, to raise means for the purchase of a lot, and to furnish a church, when built.

In September, 1877, a lot was purchased from John Walker for $200, and soon after money was subscribed for the purpose of building a church. On the 31st of December, 1877, Rev. Mr. Beales resigned his charge, after seeing the lot paid for, and $1,060 subscribed toward the building fund .

March 1, 1878, the church building being nearly completed, the Mission was organized as a parish, with the following choice of officers: G. W. Turner, Senior Warden ; L. H. Case, Junior Warden ; Edward Hull, W. Dowdeswell, R. W. Nimmo, John Jones, Vestrymen. The regular form of organization was complied with, and signed by the members of the parish.

On May 17, 1878, Bishop Robertson held service in the new church for the first time, but the building was not completed until August 1, 1878 .

The parish remained vacant until July, 1879, when Rev. W. C. Sherman became rector, and continued to serve until October, 1880, when he resigned. The present rector is Rev. William A. Hatch, who commenced his duties November 27, 1880 The services are at the present time held on the first and third Sundays of each month, the minister officiating on the remaining Sundays at Chillicothe and Stanberry, Missouri

The parish is organised as follows: G. W. Turner, Senior Warden ; J.B. Newman, Junior Warden; William Winslow, Treasurer ; William Dowdeswell, Clerk; William H. Hudson, John Jones, L. W. Patterson, Vestrv.

Whole number of communicants, twenty-seven. There have been since the organization of the mission, thirty baptized, twenty-three confirmed and seven deaths. Value of church property, $1,750.

Catholic Church

Among the early settlers of Nodaway County were a few Catholic families, natives of Kentucky. These were located contiguous to Maryville, the county seat. They were visited by the priest of Conception settlement, in the same county, early in 1858, and continued to be visited by the same clergyman, (Rev. Father Powers), at regular intervals, up to 1868. About that time public improvements taking a start, the bishop was induced to send a resident priest to Maryville to minister to the crowing community there henceforth. In 1873 the Catholics of that place were put under the charge of the Benedictine Fathers of Conception monastery, and continues to be under their administration up to the present time.

A Catholic Church was erected in Maryville in i860, through the exertion and influence of Dr . Bickett, a Catholic citizen of Maryville . A house of worship was also built at Conception the same time. These were the very first houses of religious worship of any kind that were built in Nodaway County.

The church at Maryville, a brick edifice, and neatly furnished, was despoiled and damaged during the civil war ; but afterwards, repaired and refitted, it continued to be the place of religious worship until blown down in a storm in 1879. A new church edifice of more imposing dimensions was then started, which is yet in the course of erection - the basement, used for school and temporary church purposes, being already finished.

The Kentucky Catholics mostly left during the civil war, but their place was supplied by a large number of Catholic families, which have since settled in Maryville and the contiguous parts of Nodaway Count}-.

Conception, a Catholic settlement, fifteen miles southeast of Maryville, was founded by a land association, organized by citizens of Pennsylvania, for an actual settlement of Catholics, as early as 1856. The year following 20,000 acres of land, chiefly lying in Nodaway County, were entered in the General Land Office at Washington, and relocated next year in the District Land Office at Plattsburg, Missouri. Some of these settlers, under the direction of a priest of the Philadelphia diocese, came out early in 1858, and made some improvements. They continued under the charge of the priest, who located among them - Rev. F. Powers.

In 1867 a new church was built for them, in which they worshipped until 1873, when they were put under the charge of the Benedictine Fathers, who built a larger church and who continue to minister to the religious interests of the Catholics of the county. These have lately built a spacious monastery and college, and are about to erect a splendid church in keeping with the monastery.

A community of religious women of the same order came at the same time, and have been employed both in Maryville and Conception, chiefly in teaching school, and will begin before long, academies, as they will find them suitable for the requirements of the people.

Baker, Saunders & Co., Bankers

George S. Baker & Co., private bankers, commenced business December 1, 1868, and sold to Nodaway Valley Bank, August, 1873. The stockholders in the above bank were W. C. Orear, James B. Prather, Joseph E. Alexander, E. S. Stephenson, and George S. Baker.

Farmers Bank

This bank was organized April 17, 1871, by H. C. French and H. C. Fisher as a private bank, under the name and style of Fisher & French, in the first story of the building now occupied by the Maryville Republican office. On September 23, 1873, Mr. H. C. French sold his interest to Joseph Jackson and John C. Terhune . The bank was then organized under the name and style of Fisher, Jackson & Co., Joseph Jackson, president, and Ff. C. Fisher, cashier. In 1875, they built the present bank building. On the 17th of September, 1877, Mr. Fisher sold out his interest to Messrs. Jackson and Terhune, Joseph Jackson, president, John C. Terhune, cashier, and the name changed to the Farmers Bank, with paid up capital of $50,000.

Nodaway Valley Bank

was organized in 1869 by George S. Baker, James B. Prather, E. S. Stephenson, Joseph E. Alexander, and William C. Orear, under the firm name of George S. Baker & Co. In 1870, William C. Orear sold his interest to John O. Martin. In 1873, George S. Baker and John O. Martin sold their interests to Theo. L. Robinson and J. C. Waterman. When Mr. Baker retired, it became necessary to change the name of the bank, and it was changed to Nodaway Valley Bank, with James B. Prather as president, and Theo. L. Robinson as cashier. Messrs. Waterman, Stephenson, and Alexander have since sold their interests to Messrs. Prather & Robinson, who are now the sole owners. From the official statement last made, August 31, 1881, the bank shows a paid up capital of $30,000, with a surplus fund of $45,753- 13> and over a quarter million dollars deposits. While many banks in Northwest Missouri and elsewhere were compelled to close their doors for a time during the financial panic in 1873 (being only one month after Mr. Robinson commenced the business management), the bank paid all demands and kept open for regular business. Mr. James B. Prather, president, is a native of Kentucky ; came to Nodaway County in 1841, and has been in active business in Maryville since. Theo. L. Robinson, who was born in Missouri, commenced the dry goods business in Maryville in 1857, and has been engaged continuously in active business from that date until the present. First, dry goods and general merchandise, then hardware and lumber ; from that to banking, comprising a period of a quarter of a century, and each new business having been commenced before the old one had been closed, making the oldest continuous business man in Maryville

The Nodaway Democrat

The Democrat was established in 1869, by Hon. A. P. Morehouse and A. C. Buel, the first number of the paper, a six column folio, being issued November 13th of that year. From the first this journalistic venture was a pronounced success, and the Democrat has been published uninterruptedly from the initial number up to the present date.

In 1870 Mr. Buel retired from the paper, and Mr. Morehouse took a partner in the person of W . J Sloan. The new firm enlarged the paper to eight columns, and conducted it until September 15, 1874, when it was purchased by George W. Martin, B. A. Dunn and James Todd, Mr. Dunn being only a silent partner and taking no active part in the management of the paper . The following February he sold his one-third interest in the Democrat to Martin & Todd, the present editors and proprietors.

Believing that Nodaway County should have a journal worthy of the name, the new firm early conceived the idea of purchasing a cylinder press and enlarging the Democrat to a nine column paper, all printed at home. This they did in August, 1878. The paper grew so in favor and its circulation increased to such an extent that it became necessary to run the presses by steam, and the following June the first paper ever printed by steam in Nodaway County was issued from the Democrat office. In October, 1881, the growth of the Democrat made it necessary that it should have more room in which to conduct its extensive business, and the establishment was accordingly moved in that month into its present commodious quarters, where it occupies an office eighty feet in length, and has one of the best appointed printing offices in the state .

From this brief sketch we see the Democrat's career has ever been one of progress, until to-day, with its circulation of over 2,000 copies, each week, it is recognized as the leading county paper of Missouri.

The Democrat is ably edited, enterprising and newsy, and always aims to be reliable. In both its news and job departments it enjoys a large patronage, and is prospering and enlarging its sphere of usefulness more and more each year.

Maryville Republican

The history of the Republican properly commences with that of the Maryville Register, which was established in 1865. Maryville had but one paper before the war, and this was destroyed during the first year of the war. From that time until the establishment of the Register there was no paper published in the county. Seeing a good thing in the county printing, the delinquent tax list for 1865 being very heavy, A. P. Morehouse, in connection with A. C. Votair, a practical printer,, went to Bedford, bought a complete newspaper outfit and established the Register. The new paper was established in August, 1865. Mr. Morehouse kept the office but a few weeks, made $1,400 out of the county printing, and then gave the office outright to Votair. The Register was republican in politics, and continued under the control of Votair until 1867, when it was bought by A. B. Cornell, and its name changed to the Reporter.

During the campaign of 1870, the republican party became divided on the question ot' enfranchising the ex-confederates. The Reporter took a violent position against the enfranchising amendment, and at last it was deemed expedient by the opposition to start an organ.

The new candidate for public honors was christened the Republican, and was fathered by the Hon. M. G. Roseberry, the state senator, and Joseph Jackson, the county clerk. Mr. Roseberry was the political editor. The local and mechanical department was under the management of James D. McClain. The first paper was issued on August 2, 1870.

From the first the new paper took a strong hold on the public, and was a success. On January 1, 1871, the Republican bought out the Reporter, and thus became its legal successor, and from that time until the present the Republican has been the only organ of the republican party in the city.

On October 3, 1871, Messrs. Roseberry & Jackson sold the Republican to Dr. H. E. Robinson for $1,500. Under Dr. Robinson the paper was very successful, and took a high position among the county papers of the state.

On February 1, 1875, Dr. Robinson sold the Republican to B. A. Dunn and H. B. Swarts for the sum of $3,000. Mr. Swarts was a practical printer and a first-class newspaper man. At this time the edition of the Republican was twenty-eight quires, or 672 papers. Mr. Swarts took control of the local and mechanical department of the paper, while Mr. Dunn was the political editor and business manager. Under their management the paper gained rapidly in circulation and influence

But the paper was destined to suffer an almost irreparable loss in the death of Mr. Swarts. That fell destroyer, consumption, seized him, and it was soon evident that his life's work was done. In September, 1877, he disposed of his share of the office to Mr. Dunn, who thus became the sole proprietor of the paper. Mr. Swarts died in October, 1877. He was without doubt one of the finest newspaper men ever in the county, and he lived had a bright career was before him.

But notwithstanding the death of Mr. Swarts, the paper continued to prosper, and in April, 1878, a fine Potter cylinder press took the place of the old hand press that had done duty ever since the paper was .established. On May 9, 1878, the paper was enlarged to a nine-column folio, which form and size it still retains. In September, of the same year, a steam engine was added, thus giving the Republican one of the most complete country offices in the state.

On February 1, 1879, Mr. Dunn sold an interest in the paper to Mr. B. E. Condon, his foreman, and one of the finest practical printers in the west. These gentlemen, under the firm name of Dunn & Condon, still control the paper. Under their management improvement after improvement has been made in both the newspaper and job department. The paper has grown in favor and influence, and is justly ranked as one of the best county papers in the state. Its circulation at present is 2,400, and is constantly increasing. The county is proud of the paper, and in turn the paper is proud of the county. The future of the Republican is bright. In the banner county of the state, and in one of the most enterprising cities of its size in the west, it can not help growing in influence and prosperity.

The Maryvtlle Times

The Times is a forty-eight column newspaper, independent in politics, devoted to agriculture, literature, general news, and contains all the local news of the city and county. This paper was first established at Barnard, a small town in the southern part of the county, in 1876, as a six column folio, and on the 20th day of February, 1880, went into the hands of its present owner, Mr. John A. Peoples, a young man of ability, push and nerve. Mr. Peoples at once improved the paper by enlarging to a five column quarto, and adding new material ; continuing the publication at Barnard until January 7, 1881, when, at the earnest solicitations of some of the leading business men of Maryville, removed his office to this place, and enlarged the paper to a six column quarto, making it the largest paper in the county. Since its establishment in Maryville, the Times has a large circulation among the people in this section, and is independent in politics.

Fire Department

The Fire Department was organized in 1879. There are thirty volunteer firemen, who can be called out at the tap of the bell at any moment. They have a house on Market Street, on the east side of the square . The firemen are not under pay, but their poll tax is remitted to them in view of their position.

Cemetery

"Now comes I. V. McMillan, attorney for the inhabitants of the incorporated town of Maryville, and asks the court to condemn the cemetery grounds belonging to said Nodaway County, and lying within the limits of said corporation, and to prohibit the burial of any person therein from and after this date ; also that said court make an order passing all of the right, title and interest of said Nodaway County in and to said cemetery grounds to the trustees of the incorporated town of Maryville, and to their successors in office, for the use and benefit of said incorporated town, the court after due consideration, adjudges and decrees the prayer of said petition, and do hereby order that said cemetery grounds shall not longer be used for burial purposes ; and it is further ordered by this court, that the title of said Nodaway County in and to the burial grounds as aforesaid, be conveyed to the trustees of the incorporated town of Maryville, and to their successors and assigns by deed executed by the proper agent of the county authorized to convey the real estate of said county."

Public Well

At the August Term of 1870, it was ordered that the Trustees of the incorporated town of Maryville have the privilege and authority to proceed and sink two public wells, one on the southwest corner of the public square, and the other on the northwest corner of said square.

Town Officers

1879 (last year of town) - J. E. Alexander, chairman ; L. N. Craig, clerk ; C. A. Anthony, N. W. Charles, M. K. Fleming, R. C. Montgomery, Joseph A. Mall, John O'Connor, E. Pittman and A. T. Stephenson, trustees ; H. B. Torrance, marshal ; W. L. Johnson, attorney.

Maryville has rightly been called the banner country town of Missouri. No other city of an equal size can boast of such a volume of business and such palatial business houses as Maryville. Even before it had a railroad, it was a town of importance and enjoyed an extensive and this was before it was bound to the outside world by bands of steel. The first railroad came during this year. Before this it was, in a great measure, tributary to Savannah and St. Joseph. With the railroad came a bright and more prosperous era.

Its Situation

Maryville is situated almost in the geographical center of the county on a high, rolling prairie. Many of the streets have shade trees planted along the sides, and most of the private yards, 'also, have more or less trees and shrubbery planted in them, so that in summer time, one, in looking over the city, almost fancies he is viewing some fairy woodland. It is fast becoming one of the most beautiful cities of the west. Its streets are from fifty to sixty-six feet wide, and kept in good order. The natural drainage is good, and being so high - nearly two hundred feet above the One Hundred and Two River, one and a half miles distant, - renders it very healthful. No sickness of an epidemic form has ever visited the city.

Its inhabitants are noted for their hospitality and the cordiality with which they welcome all new comers. Its citizens have always maintained the most cordial relations with the county. The inhabitants of Maryville are proud of their noble county, and in turn the people of the county are proud of their count)* seat, always speaking of it in terms of praise. The schools and churches, spoken of elsewhere, tell of its culture and society.

In 1870, a branch of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad was finished to Maryville. The next year the road was finished to Hopkins, fourteen miles north, and a branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy, from Creston, Iowa, forms a junction with it at that place. The whole road has since passed into the hands of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Company, and forms a through line, connecting with the

In 1873, a second road was built through the city, the Omaha & St. Louis. This road soon passed into the Gould combination, and became a part of the great Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Consolidation. It will thus be seen that Maryville is on two of as fine railroads as there are in the United States, and in direct communication with both Chicago and St. Louis.

Its Great Growth

The years 1880 and 1881 have been remarkable ones in the history of Maryville. The coming of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad gave it a new impetus, and its growth for these two years has been marvelous. There have in this time been built between twenty and thirty elegant brick business houses. Some of the blocks built within two years are models of architectural beauty, and have added much to the appearance of the city. There have also been built in these two years two large and commodious brick hotels - the Arlington and the Luona. The latter is not yet completed at the time of this writing.

There have also been built during this time nearly or quite four hundred dwellings, many of them costly and of fine architectural appearance. Especial mention might be made of the house of Hon. Alonzo Thompson, a splendid mansion costing $25,000.

Its Business

The business of Maryville has kept pace with its rapid growth. Its business men are enterprising and financially solid. Mercantile traveling men always sell as many goods as possible in Maryville. It is seldom that wholesale houses lose anything by selling to its merchants. Failures are almost unknown. The dry goods business is immense - some of the stores being palatial in size and filled with thousands of dollars worth of goods.

The grocery trade is large - two or three of the houses doing a wholesale as well as a retail business. In fact, every branch of business is represented by numerous houses, and by consulting the directory published elsewhere the number and names can be found.

The retail trade of the city is enormous, reaching quite two millions of dollars. It draws trade for miles in every direction, and it is no unusual sight to see hundreds of teams hitched around the public square, while the streets are thronged with a busy, bustling crowd. The statement of the banks published elsewhere show the immense volume of business done, it being no unusual thing for the banks to hold from half to three quarters of a million dollars on deposit.

Maryville is essentially a mercantile town. Being situate as it is, in one of the finest agricultural regions in the world, it has to depend on the country for its support. Like all such towns, it, during the first years of its life, paid no attention to manufactories whatever, trade being the only thing thought of. But for the last four years the thoughts of the citizens have been turning in the direction of manufactories, and they are beginning to realize their importance more and more, and looking to them as an important factor in the growth of the city.

The Maryville Flouring Mill, owned by J. E. Williams, is doing a good business. As it is the only flouring mill in the city, it does an immense custom business. It has four run of stone, and is kept running almost continuously day and night. The flour stands high in the market and finds ready sale.

H. A. Avery was the pioneer carriage builder, but years ago he sold his business to Frank Basman, and to-day his carriage manufactory is one of the fixed institutions of Maryville. From a small beginning Mr. Basman has became one of the foremost carriage manufacturers in the country, and his work ranks with the very best. Mr. Basman is now building a brick manufactory forty-two by eighty feet, two stories high. This building does not include his large 1 rick blacksmith shop. Mr. B. devotes himself almost exclusively to carriage work and repairs. He employs from twelve to fifteen hands, and has all the work he can do.

J. J. Armstrong erected the first foundry in Maryville, in the year 1877. He has a large foundry and repair shop, and is doing a good business and turning out good work. He does all kinds of common casting, and repairs machinery of all kinds.

Wiles & Avery are fast building up the largest manufactory in the city. They have a first-class foundry, and are doing some splendid work. But their chief business is the manufacturing of the celebrated listing plows and corn drills combined. This business is growing into one of vast importance, and they are preparing to manufacture them in large numbers. They also make cultivators, harrows and other farming implements, as well as carriages and wagons, and they have a large manufactory well filled with good machinery. This firm is destined to form an important part in the manufacturing interests of Maryville. They already employ some fifteen hands.

The Maryville Woolen Mill is doing a good business. This mill cards, spins and makes yarns, flannels, blankets, jeans, cassimeres, etc. It does good work, and finds ready sale for all that it can manufacture.

The planing mill, sash, door and blind factory of H. G. Hasenor is the only one of the kind in Maryville. It is well supplied with all of the improved machinery and is kept busy.

The citizens are looking towards other manufactures. The subject of water works is being extensively discussed, and in all probability the city will have them in the not far future.

The city now has two large fine grain elevators, and four of the largest firms of grain dealers in the state make their headquarters in the city. The future looks bright, indeed. The year 1882 promises even to eclipse the years 1880 and 188 1 in building. Not only will the magnificent court house and jail be built in the year 1882, but there will be ten or fifteen new business rooms erected, as well as a large number of dwellings. A new and magnificent school house is also one of the future adornments that will come in a year or two.

The city is well policed, and the best of order prevails. There are three regular policemen on duty all of the time. The principal streets are lighted by lamps. The city has a good city hall, a strong calaboose, a Champion fire extinguisher, and does not owe a cent. Taxation is light, from two to three mills on the dollar. The streets are well provided with fine sidewalks, which are kept in order.

We see nothing to prevent Maryville in the next few years from making a place of at least ten thousand inhabitants. In fact, no country town in Missouri has brighter prospects before it. Its present population is about 4,500.

Business Directory Of Maryville

Andrews, E. L. & Co., grocers. Bailey, W., contractor and builder. Blair, John, sewing machines. Briggs, C. W., photographer. Buck & Bryarly, photographers. Bariteau & Welsh, grain dealers. Bever & Segin, restaurant. Briggs, O. S. & Bro., hardware. Beal, Charles, druggist. Bradley, H., fuel. Clark, J., baker and confectioner. Charles, W. S., laundry. Castile & Lomax, livery. Cox, John, harness maker. Curnutt, John, contractor and builder. Curfman & Shaum, hardware. Culverson, J. M., livery. Chambers, J. W. & Co., grain dealers. Campbell, S. V., physician. Carr, J. W., attorney at law. Crane & Evans, bookstore.