Union Township

Secret Orders

Union Township is now bounded on the north by Atchison, Hopkins and Independence Townships, on the west by Atchison and Nodaway Townships, on the south by Nodaway, Polk and Jackson Townships, and on the east by Independence Township. We give below the orders of court establishing the boundaries of this township.

" Ordered that all the territory in Polk Township that lies north of the line dividing townships 65 and 66 be and the same is erected into a new township to be called and known by the name of Union Township."

" To commence at the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 33, township 67, range 34 ; thence west on the state line to the northwest corner of the northwest fourth of section 32, township 67, range 35 ; thence between sections 31 and 32, township 67, range 35, and sections 5 and 6, 7 and 8, 17 and 18, 19 and 20, 29 and 30, 31 and 32, township 66, range 35 ; thence east to the northeast corner of section 1, township 65, range 36 ; thence south on the range line between ranges 35 and 36 to the southwest corner of section 18, township 65, range 35 ; thence east on south line between sections 18 and 19, 17 and 20, 16 and 21, 15 and 22, 14 and 23, 13 and 24, in township 65, range 35, and sections 18 and 19, 17 and 20, to the southwest corner of section 16, township 65, range 34, being the southeast corner of Union Township ; thence north on the section line between sections 16 and 17, 8 and 9, 4 and 5, township 65, range 34 ; thence west to the southwest corner of section 34, township 66, range 34 ; thence north on section line between sections 33 and 34, 27 and 28, 21 and 22, 15 and 16, 9 and 10, 3 and 4, township 66, range 34, and sections 33 and 34, township 67, range 34, to the place of beginning."

Physical Features

This township is well watered. The One Hundred and Two River runs nearly through the center of the township from north to south, and has several tributaries. Mozingo Creek runs through the extreme southern portion of the township, and about one-third of the distance from east to west. Mowery Branch flows nearly through the township in a southwesterly direction and empties into the One Hundred and Two River. On the west side, Gray's Creek and several minor creeks flow into the river. In the extreme western portion of the township are the headwaters of the southern branch of Clear Creek, which flows for some distance in a southwesterly direction. The central and eastern portion of the township has considerable timber, and timber occurs more or less along all the streams. Stone quarries are found along the larger streams. There is no poor land in the township. It is estimated that about oneeight of the land is timbered.

Union is justly considered one of the best townships in Nodaway County for agricultural purposes. The second terrace glides down gently to the first bottom without river bluffs, and the land can be cultivatedalmost to the water's edge. The soil is a deep, rich loam, with the usual alluvium along the streams. All the cereals grow in abundance, and the cultivated grasses flourish. The people of Union Township can be said to live in one of the most favored portions of Missouri.

Early Settlements

The first settlers in Union Township were William and James Ingels. They came in the year 1841, and settled at White Oak Grove, about two miles below where the town of Xenia afterward stood. The attractions offered to them by the grove, in the way of protection from the winds, and timber and fuel for farm and household purposes, determined their location there.

Mr. Shurley, a son-in-law of Mr. Fletcher's, was next attracted to the grove for similar reasons, and by kindred ties, and opened an adjoining farm to Mr. Fletcher's, on the south.

Mr. Martin and John Gray came next in order, and settled on the prairie, about two miles west of White Oak Grove, opening prairie farms near enough to the grove to avail themselves easily of all the advantages of native timber, so necessary to pioneers.

About the same time came John Walden, a son-in-law of Mr. Cromwell, and settled at the grove. The White Oak Grove settlement thus takes precedence in the order of time over all others in what is now known as Union Township. It was a pleasant neighborhood, made up of congenial friends, living in and around the grove, a landmark in all that region in early times, where the traveler was glad to find himself at nightfall, to rest his weary limbs and enjoy the hospitality so gladly accorded by pioneers. Our modern civilization has given us many things, but it has lost somewhat of that old-fashioned hospitality that would not let the stranger pass by the door without a cordial welcome that warmed the heart, and prepared the traveler in body and mind for his onward journey.

The next settlement in Union Township was made by Dr. Josiah Coleman, who entered the land where Pickering is now located. This is a most delightful situation, on the rolling prairie as it rises out of the first terrace, some three-quarters of a mile from the One Hundred and Two River. Here Dr. Coleman opened a farm, and administered professionally to those who came and settled around him. He afterward sold his farm, disposing of the portion on which the town of Pickering now stands to Judge Andrew Royal, and went to Kansas.

After this, a settlement was commenced at Lower White Oak Grove, by John Ray. Alvin Sturgill came next and opened a farm on the south side of White Oak Grove. David Cooper took a claim a little north of Pickering, thus becoming a neighbor of Dr. Coleman. The settlement of Lower White Oak Grove received an addition in the person of Edward Ray, who located there and opened a farm. Valentine Ray soon followed, and took a claim in the same neighborhood. Martin Van Buren took a claim about one mile and a half west of Pickering. Martin Fakes settled soon after on the west side of the township, on the divide west of White Oak Grove. About this time settlers began to come into Union Township more rapidly, so that it is difficult to note the settlement of each one in consecutive order.

Pickering

This pleasant little village, of about 200 inhabitants, is situated nearly midway between Maryville and Hopkins, on the Maryville Branch of the Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council Bluffs Railroad. Dr. Josiah Coleman made an original survey of the town, and named it Pickering, in honor of Pickering Clark, who held a position on this railroad. It is a tradition of the town that when the first train came down the road and approached this point, this name was selected, and the place was christened Pickering. Dr. Coleman's interests were bought out by Judge Andrew Royal who purchased the forty acres upon which the town is now located, for $3,000. Judge Royal re-surveyed and laid it out the second time in 1871. There was no public sale of lots, but lots were disposed of at private sale.

Pickering is located about three-fourths of a mile from the One Hundred and Two River, on what is known as the second terrace. It is a beautiful site for a town, - the land rising gently with a fine roll from the lower terrace which gives the town a sufficient elevation to overlook all the valley for miles in both directions. Just above the town the river is deflected in its coure a little toward the east, and carries with it a belt of timber in a waving line through the valley, the trees partly hidden by the banks, appearing in the summer like a fringe to the green carpet beneath one's feet. Pickering is as cosy a little village as one can find, and there is a peaceful atmosphere about the place, to the observing traveler, that is quite delightful.

In 1874, the Pickering Manufacturing Company erected a building and carried on the manufacture of agricultural implements, wagons, etc. They continued business about two years, and had a thriving trade, but through mismanagement, concluded to make a change, and sold out to B. W. Kenny, who continued to do business on a less extended scale for about six years.

Dr. Josiah Colman owned the farm where Pickering now stands, and his farm house, located on the second roll from the river, fell within the village limits, and has since been used as a hotel. This was the first hotel opened in the village, and was kept by J. W. Harman.

David Van Zandt built the first residence after the town was first incorporated. D. N. Garten then moved a dwelling house from Xenia, which, being left by the railroad, was afterward abandoned. The next residence was put up by J. W. Harman. Several dwellings were erected about this time, as the town began to grow.

Mrs. David Van Zant was the first person who died in Pickering after it was first incorporated. This occurred in the fall of 187 1. Mr. David Van Zant's son was the first child born after the first incorporation. Dr. Wm. M. Wallace was the first practicing physician in the incorporated town of Pickering.

The first marriage in Pickering occurred at the house of J. W. Harman. Mr. L. L. Holbrook, of Maryville, was united in bonds of wedlock to Miss Lou D. Harman.

In 1879, ED. Nash put up a grain elevator, which he operated two years, when he sold it to Bariteau & Welch, of Maryville, who still own it. Pickering is a good point for the shipment of grain. In 1879, 370 car loads of grain were shipped, and in 1880, 400 car loads were shipped, mostly corn. When the railroad came to Pickering, J. W. Harman was appointed agent, and has continued to hold the position to the present time. Mr. Harman has made a model agent, being a careful and accurate business man, kind and obliging to the traveling public, and keeping the passenger house as neat and clean as a dwelling.

Pickering is considered a healthy point, the drainage of the village being good, and the roll on which the village is built lifting it above the malarious influences in the valley lands.

Methodist Episcopal Church Of Pickering

The Pickering circuit was detached from the Hopkins circuit and organized as a separate circuit in 1871. Rev. W. Cowley was the pastor, The membership of the circuit numbers about forty. The names of the pastors have been as follows : W. Cowley, E. V. Roof, William Shelley, Thomas Evans, W. B. Moody and W. Cowley, the present pastor. The church building was erected in 1874 at an expense of $2,000. Mr. Cowley has six other appointments outside of Pickering. There is another church building on the circuit near Sweet Home. There is a good Sabbath school and something of a library. The church is in a good condition. The church has just built a parsonage at a cost of $650.

The charter of this lodge was granted October 14, 1873. The names of the charter members are as follows : Edwin Van Buren, James H. Johnson, E. M. Groves, W. M. Wallace, M. B. Harman, H. H. Harman, J. W. Harman, William M. Pistole, Dr. A. D. Sargent and A. J. Woods. The present membership numbers thirty-one. The lodge is in good condition, out of debt, and own their lodge room.

The names of the present officers are as follows : James C. Pistole, W. M.; J. W. Harman, S. W.; Jacob Ashford, J. W.; Henry Dunn, Secretary ; George Nash, Treasurer ; H. H. Harman, Tyler.

The charter of this lodge was granted May 19, 1876. The names of the charter members are as follows : Edwin Van Buren, Charles M. Whipple, Phillip Sellers, Newton Wray, O. H. Mitchell.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Nodaway County, Missouri, by B.F. Bowen & Company. 4n, published 1910; 1,559 words in this source stream.

Union Township

Union township, which is in the northern and eastern portion of Noda¬ way county, was formed in May, 1856, and contains forty-eight square miles. It is bounded on the north by Atchison, Hopkins and Independence townships, on the east by Independence township, on the south by Nodaway, Polk and Jackson townships and on the west by Atchison and Nodaway town¬ ships.

"Ordered that all the territory in Polk township that lies north of the dividing line of townships 65 and 66 be and the same is erected into a new township to be called and known by the name of Union township."

On June 15, 1866, changes in the boundary of this territory were made by the court so as to include what is now Hopkins township, but now the terri¬ tory lying between the following corners (the same being five miles wide from north to south and ten miles from east to west) constitutes the town¬ ship of Union.

These corners are: The northeast corner of section 28, township 66, range 34, west ; the northwest corner of section 30, township 66, range 36, west: the southwest corner of section 14, township 65, range 36, and the southeast corner of section 17, township 65, range 34. This constitutes the present bounds of Union township, and has been confined to such territory since Hopkins was created in 1871.

Physical Features

The water courses and drainage of this part of the county are excellent. One Hundred and Two river runs nearly through the central part from north to south. Mozingo creek runs through the extreme southern portion of the township and about one-third the distance from east to west. Mowery branch flows nearly through the township in a southwesterly direction and forms junction with the One Hundred and Two river. On the west side, Gray's creek and several lesser streams flow into the river. In the extreme western portion of the township are the headwaters of Clear creek, which flows some distance in a southwesterly direction. Originally, the eastern and central portions of the township had considerable timber land, with groves skirting other parts along the streams. Stone is found along the larger streams. Poor land has never been a part of Union township. In 1880 it was said that one-eighth of the domain in this township was timbered. By every fairminded person, this township had always been called one of the very best agricultural sections in Nodaway county. The lands can be cultivated almost to the water's edge of the streams that course its surface. The soil is a deep rich loam. Cereals grow in abundance and tame grasses flourish everywhere. In brief, this, in many ways, is a "banner" township in all Missouri's fair, productive domain.

Pioneer Settlements

The first settlers in Union township, as now known, were William and James Ingels, who arrived in this "green glad solitude" in 1841, settling at White Oak Grove, about two miles below where old Xenia afterwards stood. The groves offered them ample protection from the winds and storms of a new country, and the fine timber gave an abundance of fuel and fencing ma¬ terial. The next settler was Abraham Fletcher, who settled next to the gentle¬ men already named, finding it handy and congenial to have such near neigh¬ bors. His son-in-law, Mr. Surley, was next to come in and open a farm on the south. Mr. Martin and James Gray came next in order, and they had the hardihood and wisdom to locate on the rich prairie, two miles west of White Oak Grove, opening farms near enough to the groves to avail them¬ selves of all the necessary timber. The next to locate here was a Mr. Crom¬ well. in the grove to the north of the others named above ; later he sold to Thomas Pistole. John Walden was another who came about this date and settled at the grove. The White Oak Grove settlement thus takes precedence over all others in Union township.

The next settlement was effected by Dr. Josiah Coleman, who entered the land where now stands the sprightly town of Pickering. Here the land is beautiful, rolling back as it does from the valley of the One Hundred and Two river. Here the good doctor practiced medicine and attended to the opening up of a good farm. Subsequently, he sold his farm and removed to Kansas, Judge Andrew Royal purchasing his place.

Past And Present

Then came those who settled about Lower White Oak Grove, including John Ray, Alvin Sturgill, David Cooper, Edward Ray, Valentine Ray, Mar¬ tin Van Buren, Martin Fakes and others.

Prior to 1859 came these (all from Indiana) : Jacob Taylor, Peter Storms, Washington Storms, Harden Carmichael, P. Sayers, William Denny, William Pettigo, Henderson Lafon, Wesley Curtis, John and William Work¬ man, William Weaver, Jonathan Walker, Samuel Weaver, John McLadden, William Lamar. James Carpenter, George Flora, William Marr; i860. Star¬ ling Carmichael. Augustus Carmichael, William Olifant, Archibald Car¬ michael, father and son.

In 1900 the population of Union township was, according to the United States census return, one thousand six hundred and forty-five, but is now more than this figure.

Town Of Pickering

Pickering is located in a beautiful section of this township, on the south¬ east quarter of section 9, township 65, range 35. It is about midway between Maryville and Hopkins, on the Kansas City. St. Joseph & Council Bluffs railroad line. It dates its history as a town from August 12, 1871, when it was platted. Dr. losiah Coleman made the original survey of the place and named it in honor of Pickering Clark, one of the railroad officials. There is a tradition that it was not named until the first train of cars reached the plat, when it was christened. Judge Andrew Royal bought out the interests held by Doctor Coleman. Royal re-surveyed the town and laid it out the second time in 1871.

This is a delightful place in midsummer when the waving crops cast their shadow back against the dark green background of native timber to be seen above the place, and the trees half hiding the waters of the stream that flows peacefully by at no great distance.

The first business house was erected by D. N. Garton and brother in 1871 and opened up a stock of mixed merchandise. Dr. William M. Wallis and Judge Royal built the second business house in 1871, in which they car¬ ried a stock of drugs. The pioneer blacksmith was set in operation the same year by A. Woods. In 1873 Peter Behm erected a business house and put in a stock of general merchandise, and Milton Anderson started a harness shop. The Pickering House was built by Royal & Garton in 1873, a wagon shop opening in the same season.

In 1874, putting on "city airs," Pickering engaged in manufacturing by the establishing of a factory in which farm implements were made. This was styled the Pickering Manufacturing Company, which erected a building and made various farm implements and wagons. Two years later this con¬ cern sold and the business was continued six years longer by B. W. Kenny. The same year a cheese factory was erected by Shoemaker Brothers, of New York, who operated two years. An egg preserving plant was put in the same year and continued several years. It may here be stated that the first hotel was by the use of Doctor Coleman's residence, which chanced to be within the plat when the town was surveyed out. It was kept by J. W. Harman.

Of the first important events within the new town, it may be recorded that the first death was that of Mrs. David Van Zant, in the autumn of 1871. The first child born in the incorporation was born to Mr. and Mrs. David Van Zant. The first marriage was that uniting L. L. Holbrook, of Maryville, to Lou D. Harman. Dr. William M. Wallis was the first practicing physician in the new town. In 1875 the Methodists built the first church edifice. The town was incorporated February 4, 1879.

Present Business Interests

Lodges - Masonic fraternity, who own their own hall; the Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges, owning their own hall; Modern Woodmen and Yeomen lodges, of the fraternal insurance orders.

Schools - The town is provided with a first-class pressed brick school building having four rooms. It was erected in fall of 1902 at a cost of four thousand dollars.

The postoffice was established when the railroad went through and the following have served as postmasters: F. M. Wallis, C. A. Wolfers, J. F. Gray, C. G. McMillen and C. R. Harman. It is a fourth-class office and from it goes forth two rural free deliveries, each route having a twenty-fivemile run. These routes were established October 15, 1903.

Doctor Wallis, who moved to Maryville in 1902, has practiced in the county more years than any other physician. J. J. Van Buren, the Pickering blacksmith, is the oldest blacksmith in point of years at the forge of any man in Nodaway county. P. C. Wolfers, who has been engaged in merchandis¬ ing thirty-six years, is the oldest in trade in the county in point of years in business. In February, 1910, it was said that Pickering had thirty-two widows and seventeen bachelors within its incorporate limits. The present population of Pickering is not far from five hundred.