Beginning at the northwest corner of section 4, township 38, range 31; thence east three miles to the northeast corner of section 1; thence north three miles; thence in a southeasterly direction following the meanders of the Marais des Cygnes to the southeast corner of section 12; thence south to the southeast corner of section 24; thence west about nine miles to the southwest corner of section 22; thence north four miles to the place of beginning.

The surface of the township presents a variety of features, embracing hills, undulations and flat bottom land, the latter lying adjacent to the streams and is covered generally with the best of timber.

The Marais des Cygnes forms the whole of the northern boundary and a portion of the eastern boundary of the township. There are a number of small streams, among which are Muddy and Reed's Creek and the broad waters of Muddy Creek.

Osage Township is rich in coal fields (spoken of elsewhere in this work), and contains doubtless a greater population than any other township in the county, the greater number of people coming since 1880 and locating in the new town of Rich Hill.

The early settlers of the township were not very numerous, there being comparatively few before 1860. A few pioneers located on the head waters of Reed's Creek. Among these were Hardin Summers, Prudence Smith, Widow Powers, and others. L. Culbertson, M. V Berry and William Wear, located also in the same township. After the close of the war of 1861, George Reif, John F Moore, J. A. Barron, Rufus Ross, James Kelley, John S. Craig, Isaac Neat, Ed. Crabb, S. G. Rhodes, Allen Haworth, W. C. Hedden, J. P. Moreland, W. B. March, F. M. De Jarnette, Allen Johnson, E. C. Miller, Alfred Miller, Robert Hamilton, William Barnhill, Benjamin Vance and others.

was located on the northeast quarter of section 31, about the year 1867. The first dwelling was put up by E. W. Ratekin and the pioneer store and business house, was erected by L. Culbertson, who sold the first goods. A post office was established at the town soon after 1867. The town survived until 1880, when it was over shadowed by the new town of Rich Hill, which was laid out on sections 5 and 8. Almost the entire town site, especially that west of the street running north and south, was purchased by the Rich Hill Coal Mining Company. A few buildings still remain of the old town, among these is a frame store building, and a frame house erected for church and school purposes. The location is an elevated one and commands a fine view of the surrounding country.

Less than three years ago the present beautiful and elevated town site of Rich Hill was covered with wild grass, over which roamed at will the cattle of the neighboring farmers, who little dreamed that the hitherto unbroken quietude of this prairie range would so soon be disturbed by the shrill whistle of the locomotive, the hum of machinery and the din and noise of a busy and populous city. At a single bound the bantling sprang into vigorous life, defying all opposition, and transcending the hopes of its most ardent friends, who looked and wondered, until the fair young city now looms up as the most remarkable and rapidly built monument of Western pluck and Western energy outside of the mining regions of the Rocky Mountains. So rapidly has the town passed from its chrysalis period into a full-fledged city that one is reminded, when viewing its astonishing proportions, of the creative and transformative powers which oriental story ascribes to the lamp of Aladdin, and asks whether some ancient Eastern magi has not here given to the world the most wonderful exhibition of his occult skill?

The magic growth of a few of the California towns was attributed to the discovery of the precious metals in their immediate vicinity; the same incentive was the inspiring cause which so speedily peopled some of the most populous cities of Nevada and Colorado, but Rich Hill owes its marvelous existence to the presence of the no less priceless "black diamonds" which everywhere underlie the surface of the country in exhaustless quantities. Besides the large mining interests which constitute the foundation upon which the city is reared, and from which it has drawn much of its life and vigor, it is located in the midst of a highly productive agricultural region which is settled by enterprising and prosperous farmers --

who find in it a convenient market for their surplus and increase. When to these advantages is added that of a salubrious climate, we must acknowledge that Rich Hill is peculiarly favored.

The city of Rich Hill was laid out for the Rich Hill Town Company, a corporation composed of energetic business men, mostly citizens of Bates County, by B. B. Singleton, Esq., civil engineer of the Lexington & Southern Railroad, in June 1880. The corporation was composed of the following named citizens: President, E. H. Brown; Secretary, S. B . Lashbrooke; Assistant Secretary, J. N. Hardin; Treasurer, F. J. Tygard; Trustees -- W. H. Allen, president; George Reif, W. L. Heylmun, and N. R. Powell.

of Rich Hill, geographically, is in the southern portion of Bates County, Missouri, fourteen miles east of the state line of Kansas, three miles south of the beautiful Marais des Cygnes, on that elevated plateau of prairie lying between the latter stream and the Osage River, that runs east through Vernon County, eighty-five miles east of south from Kansas City, and 288 miles by rail, from St. Louis, either via Nevada and the Missouri, Kansas & Texas, or, via Pleasant Hill and the Missouri Pacific.

The town when first laid out occupied the northeast and northwest quarter of section 8, township 38, range 31. Since that time, the following additions have been taken within the corporate limits: Town Company's, First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Additions, Walters' First and Second Additions, Williams' Addition, Sperry's Addition, Connolly's Addition, Reifs Addition, Glasgos' Addition.

Residence of Thomas Irish, Rich Hill, Missouri.

Visitors to this city will not fail to see at a glance the unquestioned beauty of the plan which was pursued by the Town Company when laying off the town. The streets and avenues are all broad and handsomely laid out. The leading thoroughfare, Park Avenue, runs midway through the city from east to west, is one hundred feet wide, extending from Prospect Park on the east to Park Place on the west, and from each of the parks to the limits of the city on either side. On Park Avenue nearly all the large business houses are located, and before another year passes this splendid thoroughfare will undoubtedly be densely built up with splendid business houses, as already contracts are made for many substantial buildings. North of Park Avenue is Walnut Street, eighty feet in width, containing some handsome private residences and prominent business houses, and others are in the process of building and soon to receive the finishing strokes. In due time this beautifully laid out street will contain its quota of fine private residences and good business houses. North of Walnut are located Olive, Chestnut and Cedar Streets, each of which are seventy feet in width. These streets are mainly occupied by the business men, whose residences are handsome both in their interior and exterior arrangements. All of these streets possess eligible sites for beautiful private residences. The first street south of Park Avenue is Maple Street, which, like Walnut, is eighty feet wide. On this street are built several very fine private residences and also several large business houses, dry goods, furniture and other stores; also lumber establishments, livery stables, shops, warerooms, restaurants and others devoted to trade. Maple Street already shows signs of liveliness, and as the city makes progress in population and wealth Maple Street will become a busy thoroughfare. In the rear of Maple are Pine and Elm Streets, each seventy feet wide and both destined to become of note for their elegant private residences, of which class they can already boast of quite a goodly number. In time many neat cottages will have been erected on these streets, both of which are admirably located. From north to south there are thirteen streets, named First to Thirteenth, in their order. These streets will eventually become business thoroughfares.

The city is laid out in blocks of twelve lots each; each residence lot is fifty feet front and one hundred and forty feet in depth, and runs back to an alley twenty feet wide. Park avenue business lots are one hundred and fifty feet in depth. So much for an accurate profile of the streets and avenues. Of not less importance, next to streets and avenues, are the parks, ere long to be charming resorts for the citizens of Rich Hill, and those who may tarry within her gates. The parks of a city long ago were appropriately designated as "the lungs of a city," and in this respect there has been no neglect upon the part of the founders of this beautiful prairie city. There are two of these, and both are intended to be laid out in the course of time in graveled walks and drives, adorned with beautiful beds of rare exotics, flowers and favorite trees, making them an attractive resort for the people to pleasantly while away their leisure hours. Prospect Park is located in the eastern portion of the city, and Park Place in the western part. The former occupies a space equal to four blocks, and in form is an exact square, with lots fronting thereon. Park Place does not cover so much space, but is capaciously laid out. In the vicinity of these "lungs of the city," we may look henceforth for many of the handsomest private residences, public buildings, church edifices, etc.

The first building that was really erected on the town-site was put up by J. L. Pace, the present recorder of Bates County, the foundation being laid on the third day of June, 1880. The next house built was by J. D. Scott, railroad contractor, and was used as a grocery. The third building was the Palace Hotel, which stands on Park Avenue, and was erected by Dean & Evans. William Pace, Scott Brothers, the Town Company and M. S. Cowles & Co. were among the pioneer builders. Dr. W. H. Allen was the first physician to locate in the town, and, in fact, frequently passed the town-site long before the present Rich Hill was thought of. He came from Kentucky in 1874, and located at what was known as the old town of Rich Hill, one and one-half miles north of the present city. W. H. Thomas was the first blacksmith. He, too, was a resident of the old town. At this period, so numerous were the arrivals of strangers to the new town, to cast in their fortunes with those who had preceded them, that it would be utterly impossible at this time to mention them by name or to give the date of their coming. Never before, since the discovery of gold, had there been hastily gathered so many people from the different parts of the country, and never before had there risen upon the bald prairie in so short a time dwellings and tenements which could then be numbered by the hundreds.

Rich Hill was organized as a village on May 17, 1880, with W. H. Allen, W. Heylmun, N. R. Powell, George Reif and Dallas Drake as a board of trustees; G. S. Ambrus, marshal; C. A. Clark, city attorney and clerk; J. L. Miner, George Reif, treasurers.

February 25, 1881, Rich Hill was organized as a city of the fourth class. T. L. Hewitt, mayor; Samuel Hackett, William Leslie, J. L. Miner, J. C.Skaggs, aldermen; R. J. Starke, marshal; Thomas M. Orr, treasurer; George Templeton, city attorney; C. A. Clark, collector; Isaac Bullock, clerk.

April 1881 -- C. R. Wolf, mayor; William Leslie, L. Judge, James A. Scott, J. C. Skaggs, aldermen; R. J. Starke, marshal; Thomas M. Orr, treasurer; M. L. Brown, city attorney; C. A. Clark, collector; Isaac Bullock, clerk.

1882 -- C. R. Wolf, mayor; William Leslie, J. C. Skaggs, C. H. Hallett, T. D. Sanderson, aldermen; G. E. Logan, marshal; Thomas M. Orr, treasurer; T. H. Crocket, city attorney; C. A. Clark, collector; W. T. Marsh, clerk; Samuel Long assessor.

The Rich Hill Bank was established October 10, 1880, with a capital Stock of $10,000. It now has a capital of $50,000, paid up. The present officers are F. J. Tygard, president; W. F. Tygard, vice president; Thomas M. Orr, cashier. The directors are F. J. Tygard, M. S. Cowles, M. G. Manley, William F. Tygard, W. N. Newton, Thomas M. Orr, John S. Craig. The stockholders represent wealth to the amount of $1,500,000, some of them residing in St. Louis and others in Colorado. The deposits reach $166,000. The bank building is a two-story brick, which was erected in the fall of 1881, at a cost of $9,000. It is furnished with a time lock safe and all the modern conveniences, and issues foreign exchange direct upon Europe.

The Farmers and Manufacturers' Bank of Rich Hill was established September 23, 1882, with a capital stock of $25,000, paid up. The deposits have been to this date (November 5, 1882), the sum of $21,000. The officers are J. C. Ferguson, president; J. J. Francisco, vice president; E. F. Swinney, cashier; W. W. Ferguson, assistant cashier. Directors: J. C. Ferguson, J. J. Francisco, J. R. Estill, G. W. Norman, T. B. Farmer, J. C. Burnes, F. G. Bate, George Templeton, Jason W. Smith, William Leslie and A. F. Davis. The bank is supplied with fire proof safe and time lock, and does a general banking business.

While Rich Hill is deeply interested in building railroads, machine shops; factories, forges, etc., she is not forgetful of her school interests and the advantages resulting from a well regulated school system.

In April 1881, after the town was established in June previous, an election was called for the reorganization of the school district and for the election of school directors. Previous to June 1881, there were only fifteen pupils within the district known now as the Rich Hill School District. There was then a little school house, about 14x16, east of the city of Rich Hill. At this election the district was reorganized and Rich Hill was selected as the site for the school building of the district. The following named gentlemen were chosen as school directors for the new district: C. H. Dallas and James Scott for the period of one year; George P. Huckeby and J. L. Minor for two years; Josiah Lane and Dr. W. H. Harris for three years. Judge Lane was then made and is now chairman of the board of directors. Upon their first meeting these gentlemen found themselves the directors for and of a district without any funds save $500 or $600 teachers' fund. According to the school law of this state they gave notice of a proposition to vote bonds with which to build a school house. A vote of three per cent on the then taxable property of the district was carried and bonds to the amount of $4,000 were issued. With this these gentlemen began work and the result is a splendid two-story building with four large rooms, hall and stairway so arranged as to add an east and a west wing to the main building when needed. This building now has a seating capacity of 250, and when completed will seat 500. In the meantime the board engaged the churches of the town in which to teach the winter of 1881 and 1882. There were then to accommodate over 800 children. Rev. Mr. Henshaw was chosen principal for the school term of 1881. A corps of six teachers, five ladies and one man, were employed to aid him in his work.

Considering the disadvantages under which these teachers labored, the session was surprisingly successful. No branches other than the usual public school branches were then taught. The growth of the city became so rapid that the board clearly saw the urgent necessity for more school room. Notice of another proposition to vote bonds with which to erect another school building was given. It carried almost unanimously, and to the amount of $10,000. A splendid two-story building has been erected, containing eight large and well arranged rooms. This building is an ornament to any city, exhibiting taste in its plan and artistic workmanship in its construction. Its seating capacity is 500. This building is located in the west side of the city, while the other is in the east.

There are now 1,177 pupils within the city limits, by actual listing. It is clearly seen that these two capacious buildings are not sufficient to accommodate the pupils of the town. Another building, equal in beauty of architecture and capacity of seating, will be the result. This will be located in the south part of the city. Rich Hill will then have buildings to seat 1,500 children, and rooms for twenty-four teachers. With the expiration of the term of L. H. Dallas and James Scott, in April 1882, J. S. Craig and J. J. Francisco were elected in their stead.

The energy and experience of the board of directors is a sufficient guarantee of the success of the Rich Hill public school. For the school term of 1882-'3 they elected the following teachers: Sarah Baker, Lizzie Harrelson, P. F. Petty, Mollie Blevans, Rolla Hedges, Mary Sheppard, Tillie Stephens, with J. H. Hinton, principal, and J. D. Moore, assistant principal. Under the efficient management of Professor Hinton and his corps of earnest workers, much good is being done in the Rich Hill public schools. At his suggestions the school board has adopted a a course of study, divided into nine grades, and adding to the usual course the following studies: Algebra, natural philosophy, anatomy and physiology, rhetoric and civil government. Other branches will be added as the times and the necessities of the school demand. Considering the progress which this young city has made already in its school interests, we infer that in the near future her school system will be equal to any system in the southwest of this great state.

It must be remembered that where now are mills and smelters, the sound of the hammer and the hum of the saw, two years and four months ago the prairie grass luxuriated in its glory. This place was then the fit home for jack rabbits and prairie chickens. They are still slow to yield to the advancing step of civilization and education.

There are a number of hotels and boarding houses in the city, frame buildings, which are well kept; where a man may obtain a good bed and substantial meals. The largest hotel so far that has been erected in Rich Hill is the Talmage House, built by the Town Company in 1881 at a cost of $30,000. It is a three-story brick and contains forty-eight sleeping rooms, besides double parlors and four sample rooms. M. G. Manley is the present proprietor. The hotel stands on the north side of Park Avenue and occupies the corner lots east of Park Place. The building fronts south, and from its top may be seen the entire city of Rich Hill.

Almost coeval with the existence of the town was the organization of the Library Association, that institution being incorporated August 12, 1882, with the following officers: W. F. Tygard, president; S. Cain, secretary, and S. J. Morrison, librarian and treasurer. The association has a nucleus of one hundred books to begin with.

The Good Templars organized March 9, 1881, with the following officers: F. K. Pruden, W.C.T.; Mrs. A. C. Kuhn, W.V.C.T.; Charles H. Vandegrift, W.R.S.; Miss Clara Kuhn, W.F.S.; John Wilson, Treasurer; Charles Woolsey, Marshal; C. M. Collins, Chaplain; Mrs. John Ashby, P.W.C.T.

The United Order of Ancient Templars was organized May 6, 1882, with the following charter members; R. A. Long, Isaac Beason, R. F. Curtis, Miss Jennie Curtis, George B. Curtis, Charles F. Curtis, Walter H. Ruman, O. V. Washington, Mrs. V. C. Beasley, Rev. Levi Henshaw, M. G. Nuckles, Miss Clara A. Kuhn, T. T. Robinson, Mrs. A. C. Kuhn, Dr. William M. McGrew, S. C. Higgins, Dr. J . H. Errett, S. T. Broadus, L. N. Orr, J. B. Williams, J. S. Perviance, E. E. Oaks, L. N. Scranton, Rev. Wilson Collins, J. M. Hurst, W. W. Wolfe, J. S. Anawalt, F. M. Bussey, W. M. Swallow, S. G. Bundy, William Cluff, S. V. Calhoun, Rev. H. S. Shangle, W. B. Switzer, Miss Lula Williams, Miss Anna Higgins, Mrs. Anna Buley, George P Huckeby, Mrs. A. Clark.

Officers -- S. C. Higgins, T.; Mrs. A. C. Kuhn, V.T.; R. H. Curtis, P.T.; Dr. J. H. Errett, Lecturer; Dr. W. M. McGrew, Treasurer; S. T. Broadus, Financier; R. A. Long, Marshal; Mrs. V. C. Beasley, Guard; Isaac Beason, Watchman; M. G. Nuckles, Recorder; Clara A. Kuhn, Assistant Recorder; Jennie Curtis, Assistant Marshal.

The lodge was organized by Theodore Hill.

Officers -- S. C. Higgins, P.C; Griff. Swinney, S.V.C; J. B. Williams, J.V.C; G. P. Huckeby, Adj.; S. B. Cole, Q.M.; S. G. Bundy, Chaplain; Seth E. Cope, S.M; W. W. Wolfe, Q.M,S.; John M. Scott, O.D.; W A. Martin, S.

Osage Assembly, No. 2017, Knights of Labor, organized with J. C. Martin, Samuel Hackett, William Harvey, L. W McKimsey, P. F. Sutton, C. A. Brayton, W A. Drake, J. McCarty, John Arnold, G. B. Weston, John Jackson, John Barrett, N. T. Phillips, D. Duffield, J. S. Phillips, L. T. Covey.

Officers -- J. C. Martin, M.W.; L. W. McKinney, W.F.; S. Hackett, V.S.; P. F. Sutton, R.S.; N. T. Phillips, Secretary; D. Duffield, F.S.; W. A. Drake, U.K.; J. McCarty, I.U.S.; J. O. Barrett, I.E.S; J. J. Jackson, O.E; G. B. Webster, J.; J. Arnold, J.A.; B. A. Brayton, C.; J. S. Phillip, S.S.; L. T. Covey, A.M.; William Harvey, Private. Number of members, 106.

Osage Lodge, No. 69, organized February 27, 1882. First officers -- P. J. Hall, P.C; A. Trim, C.C; C. H. Helm, V.C.; J. N. Ashby, P.; John McElroy, M.E.; W. Pierce, M.F.; John Kushmarell, M.A.; John Goodin, I.G.; David Cartwright, O.G.

Second Officers -- A. Trim, P.C; C. H. Helm, C.C; J. I. Ashbaugh, V.C; J. N. Ashby, P.; James Willis, M.A.; George Cluck, I.G.; Markus Stafford, O.G.; P. J. Hall, R.G.L. The lodge has thirty-five members.

Rich Hill Lodge, No. 479, A.F. and A.M., was organized under dispensation, June 27, 1881.

Charter Members. -- J. W. Bedford, James S. Gillett, Samuel L. Long, William F. Hudson, Thomas Gault, C. H. Dallas, Samuel W. Hopkins, Frank M. Eldridge, S. P. Kimball, Herman Loeb, T. D. Sanderson, John S. Craig.

Officers Under Dispensation -- Jeff W. Bedford, W.M.;. J. S. Gillett, S.W.; S. L. Long, J.W.; H. Loeb, S.D.; T. D. Sanderson, J.D.; Thomas Gault and J. S. Craig, Stewards; C. H. Dallas, Secretary; F. M. Eldridge, Tyler.

Date of Charter, October 29, 1881.

Officers Under Charter -- J. S. Gillett, W.M.; S. L. Long, S.W.; T. D. Sanderson, J.W.; J. J. Francisco, Treasurer; C. H. Dallas, Secretary; W. F. Hudson, S.D.; Thomas Gault, J.D.; S. W. Hopkins, Tyler; Herman Loeb, S.S.; J. S. Craig, J.S.

Rich Hill Lodge, No. 412, I.O.O.F., was organized September 12, 1881.

Charter Members -- D. K. Nickerson, P.G.; M. L. Stene, George Reef, C. H. Helms, J. C. Kushmale, R. A. Long, L. Lampkin, P.G., J. D. Orcott, J. T. Weathers, T. M. Scott.

Officers, First Term -- D. K. Nickerson, N.G.; M. L. Stene, V.G.; M. L. Brown, Secretary; George Reef, Treasurer.

Officers, Second Term -- M. L. Stene, N.G., J. T. Weathers, V.G.; R. A. Long, Secretary; J. A. Stonebrake, Permanent Secretary; L. Lampkin, Treasurer. Officers, Third Term -- J. T. Weathers, N.G.; R. A. Long, V.G.; E. C. Wood, Secretary; J. A. Stonebrake, Permanent Secretary; L. Lampkin, Treasurer.

D. K. Nickerson, Lodge Deputy.

Lodge tolerably well supplied with furniture.

The organizing members were: L. Lampkin and wife, P. Kiltz and wife, J. D. Scott and wife, J. A. Scott and wife, James Acton, William Bagley and wife, C. A. Bird and wife, B. H. Dawson and wife, J. M. Garrison and wife, J. T. Gorrell, P. J. Hall and wife, Francis Mudd, Ara J. Allen, William H. Seawell and wife, Theodocia Scott, R. J.. Starke and wife and J. P. Thompson and wife. The church was organized in September 1880, and worships in a frame building which was erected at a cost of $1,500. J. D. Wood was the first minister, H. S. Shangle the second and R. W. Reynolds the third and present.

The Baptist Church was organized in September 1880, by Dr. L. M. Berry, with T. B. Farmer and wife, Samuel Hackett, William Houston and Mary Houston. The membership now numbers ninety-five. The church has a frame house of worship, which cost $1,000. C. T. Daniel first officiated in the pulpit; J. W. Sage is the present pastor.

The Christian Church was organized July 10, 1881, and a church edifice erected the same year in the eastern part of Rich Hill at a cost of $1,500. Number of members, ninety-five.

The Presbyterian Church of Rich Hill, Missouri, was organized March 20, 1881, Rev. Seth G. Clark, officiating. The church started into existence under favorable conditions, with the following members: Mrs. Clara Minor, Mrs. M. E. Logan, Mrs. M. P. Clark, Mrs. W. D. McCormack, Misses Mary A. Clark and Mary Bridwell, Messrs. W. D. McCormack, J. A. Borron, F. K. Pruden and John Brand.

On the 28th day of July, 1881, the Presbyterian Church Society was incorporated, with the following named officers: President, Rev. S. G. Clark; secretary, John Brand; treasurer, Joseph McKibben; trustees, M. S. Cowles, W. P. McCormack and J. A. Borron. And on the 10th day of August, 1881, the building committee appointed by the church society began the erection of a brick church, size 64x32 feet, with walls 16 feet high, the main audience room 46x32 feet, and the lecture and prayer meeting room 31x16 feet, so arranged as to make one room when necessary. The estimated cost of the building, when complete, was $4,500, the most of which sum was to be paid in cash. The church has been dedicated.

At this date (November 6, 1882), there are thirty-two members on the church roll. Rev. S. G. Clark, pastor; M. G. Manley and Lilburn Peyton, elders; Joseph McKibben and George A. Rhodes, deacons. Connected with the church is a flourishing Sabbath school, with an average attendance for the twelve months past of 114 persons.

The church was organized in the spring of 1881, with the following members: G. P. Huckeby and wife; W. B. Switzer and wife, A. R. Delong and wife, Anna Baily, Mrs. S. C. Higgins and son, C. M. Collins and wife, J. K. Hiatt and wife, A. Kuhn and wife.

Rev. E. J. King was the first pastor, Rev. T. M. Pickels, second pastor, H. M. Hackney, third pastor.

The congregation hold services twice a month in the Presbyterian Church edifice.

The Catholics erected a frame house of worship in 1882, 28x40 feet, at a cost of about $1,500. Father John Fogarty, of Kansas City, is the present officiating priest. Rev. David J. Douharty was the first pastor. Services are held three times a month at Rich Hill, and once every other Sunday at the mines, about three miles northwest of Rich Hill.

When beginning this chapter, we spoke of the natural advantages which contributed to the future growth and prosperity of Rich Hill. We shall now tell of improvements and industries which play a conspicuous part in the building up of the city, and give to it a prominence and importance which it would not otherwise enjoy. Chief among these are the railroad interests of the city.

The Lexington & Southern Branch of the Missouri Pacific, branching off from the main line at Pleasant Hill, runs south through Cass County to Harrisonville, through Bates to Butler, passing through the center of Rich Hill, and on south through Vernon, Barton, Jasper and Joplin, Missouri, connecting at Nevada with Texas and St. Louis trains, at Lamar with the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Memphis, at Carthage with the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad. The Rich Hill branch of the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf leaves the main line three miles south of Pleasanton, Kansas, at Rich Hill Junction, and runs east along the southern portion of Bates County, through the city and southeast to Carbon Center. This latter road will be extended southeasterly. to El Dorado Springs, Cedar County.

The Fort Scott, St. Louis & Chicago Railroad Company has surveyed a line of road from Odessa, on the Chicago & Alton Road, southwesterly, through Holden and Rich Hill to Fort Scott. The people along the line of this road have pledged the right of way, and in Bates County the sum of $60,000 has already been subscribed. There is no doubt but work on this branch of the Chicago & Alton will be commenced, and will soon be extended from Fort Scott through Southeastern Kansas, the Indian Territory to Fort Worth or Denison; Texas, making a grand trunk line from the lakes to the Lone Star State.

The Emporia & St. Louis Railroad is another line that is certain to be constructed through the city at no distant day. The company is fully organized and equipped for work. Engineers have made the surveys, and it has been voted on by every township through which the survey runs in Kansas, from the east side of Lynn County to Emporia. The company has made large purchases of coal land in the Rich Hill coal belt, the money being paid and the deeds on record, and this, with the immense crops of grain in the territory through which this road is to run, guarantees its construction. When completed, this road will not only reach the inexhaustible coal beds and transport the "black diamonds" to all the world, but will be pushed on through the mineral regions of St. Clair, Hickory, Camden, Miller, Maries and other counties to St. Louis, bringing the rich ores of these counties to be smelted, manufactured, and again sent out to build other roads and add to the mechanical industries of the West.

Other road interests are looking toward this rich agricultural district and undeveloped area of coal. The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and the Rock Island & Pacific have had their agents in the field "spying out the land." The Missouri Pacific Company have a charter for a road from Rich Hill to Topeka, and eventually one or the other of these companies will construct a railroad northwesterly from this city through the rich coal measures of New Home, Walnut and Homer Townships, in Bates County, and northwesterly crossing the many lines of roads pushing out southwesterly and west from Kansas City.

The Southwestern Lead and Zinc Smelting Company was organized less than a year ago, by capitalists of Southwest Missouri, who recognized in Rich Hill a field full of promise for such an enterprise. At that time its present officers were chosen and installed, viz.: O. H. Pitcher, president; E. H. Brown, vice president; J. H. Pitcher, secretary; and J. V. Woodhouse was made superintendent. The grounds were located about the 1st of November, 1881, and after an immense amount of labor which no one can appreciate without having witnessed, the first spelter put out about the last of September 1882.

The first point of interest to the visitor is the large brick building of the company, containing the engine house, crushing room and pottery, or drying room. This is a good looking substantial structure 36x76 with basement, and the crusher portion two stories high. Adjoining it are a set of Fairbank's scales, and an elevator -- used in weighing and hoisting the ore.

The propelling power of the institution consists of an eighty horse Corliss engine twelve by thirty-six feet -- a perfect beauty -- two steam pumps that will raise water to a greater hight than any building on the ground, and four hydrants, with plenty of hose to convey it anywhere it may be needed. Two tubular boilers, fifty-two inches in diameter, with 53-inch flues, eighteen feet long, connected separately, so that they can be run together or singly, supply the steam. Everything is arranged with a view to the utmost economy and convenience. Tracks run into the boiler house for supplying it with coal, water is everywhere handy, etc.

The engine drives two Blake crushers and three sets of rollers, several elevators that hoist the ore into the bins, elevate the cars, and raise the "spelter" or finished product into cars for shipping.

The pottery and drying room, also in this building, is supplied with a system of steam pipe, which produces the desired temperature for the earthen tubes or retorts so essential to this industry, and which will be described further on.

The ore, after being dumped from the railroad track -- a switch of the Missouri Pacific running to the company's grounds for this purpose -- is taken from large bins under the track, conveyed to the scales, weighed, hoisted to the crusher, and pulverized or crushed, whence it runs, in its reduced state, into a series of bins, the same as flour at a mill, is then taken up by small cars, running on a tramway into the building, and returned to the scales, where it is re-weighed, then re-hoisted by the elevator, and sent on an overhead track to the calciners. The ore now resembles dry dirt or ground gravel, with here and there a spark- ling splinter of metal. But after a few successive operations it becomes very materially changed.

The calcining house is the next on the list, and the process of calcining, or cleansing of sulphur, and reducing it to a still more friable condition, is the next in order. The building is a large frame, 44x115, evidently constructed with a view to admitting as much of the outer oxygen to the respiratory realm of the workmen as possible, while the labor of converting the ore into the proper condition for the next process is going on. In this building are a set of ovens, or furnaces, called "double calciners," and the ore is carried over these calciners, then dumped, and after undergoing a "heated term" of purification, by means of which it is desulphurized, it is drawn from the last oven into cars, running on an underground tramway, brought back to the scales a third time and again weighed, to detect losses. Thence it once more passes up the elevator and on to the ore house or store room.

The ore house is a solid little brick, 24x36, floored with fire clay and iron. Here the "charges" are prepared for the furnace and coke -- that has undergone the same crushing process as that described for the ore -- is now introduced and mixed with the calcined ore.

The gas producer is an institution, 46x42 in dimensions, containing eight Seaman generators, which supply the gas for the furnace. These, Superintendent Woodhouse informed us, were the same as are used in the manufacture of Bessemer steel. The works, however, have not been running long enough yet to approximate the amount of gas -- or even of coal -- consumed. This gas is conveyed in huge iron pipes, called "cooling tubes," from the gas house to the furnace. These tubes are four feet in diameter, and their aggregate length is nearly two hundred feet. They are five in number, and are supplied with over twenty safety valves, to emit the gas, or allow it to escape in case of an explosion and prevent destruction. The weight of the iron used in the construction of these tubes is simply wonderful, and will aggregate many tons.

The furnace building is a commodious structure, 76x48 feet, and is of most interest to the visitor, for here the process of converting into spelter is completed. This building is occupied by a huge double furnace, seventy-six feet long, with a carrying capacity of forty-eight retorts' length, and three in height. The furnace and floors of this institution are constructed of fire clay and iron, and the construction throughout is both magnificent and immense. It is heated by the gas generated in the gas house just described, and there is but one other furnace in the country -- that of the Illinois Zinc Company, of Peru, Illinois -- similarly equipped. The retorts are of three sizes, eight, ten and fourteen inches in diameter by fifty-two inches in length, and are made from fire clay in the company's kiln -- which is a small but solid building, 12x18 feet, used for baking retorts, bricks, condensers, etc., and is known as a "double retort kiln."

The retorts are oval and conical shaped earthen pipes of the dimensions given, and the small ends jut out of the sides of the furnace like the mouth of cannon from a fort. It is these tubes that take up the mineral as it forms, while undergoing the condensing process from a gaseous state to that of a liquid, and retain it until relieved by the ladles of the molders.

The sight to be here witnessed is worthy the time of any one, and many visitors avail themselves of the opportunity daily, while evenings and on Sundays the grounds are literally thronged as a rule by an eager-eyed multitude of spectators. The heat of the furnace is incalculable, but according to best accounts must be almost equivalent to that of the lower regions, and we doubt if even the three good men of holy writ and fiery furnace fame could withstand the element here housed up for a single second and come out alive, much less unscorched. By a peep into the bowels of the furnace the giddy gases can be seen chasing each other in fiendish fury. From the mouths of the condensers or tubes on the sides of the furnace a beautiful blaze of varicolored light bursts forth in fitful flashes, and affords a display almost equal to that of the Veiled Prophets in its brilliancy and splendor. The rainbow itself is not more beautiful than these, in fact the colors are its counterpart, there being represented all the tender tints of its yellow, pale red, mild green and modest blue, all following each other in rapid succession and blending most beautifully in their livid lustre. But all that glitters is not gold, nor all that dazzles good, and the fumes emitted from these innocent seeming guns as they spurt forth their grand and gaudy flame are particularly poisonous and destructive to animal as well as vegetable life.

The "spelter" -- which is the zinc in its condensed or liquid form is derived from the same earthen tubes into which it has been driven by the process of condensation, and by means of large ladles is now conveyed to iron molds and cast into blocks of metal perhaps a foot square and an inch or two in thickness. The bottoms of the mold contain the the words "Rich Hill, Mo." (the company's brand) which is thus placed upon every "pig" or block of the product manufactured at these works. And now the process is complete, and the product is ready for shipment. Here the elevator is again called into requisition, the spelter is hoisted on to the cars and started for the rolling mills or other places of demand and made up into the various articles of its manufacture.

The present capacity of these works is not yet known, as only fifty men are now employed and but about 20,000 pounds of ore reduced daily -- which amount nets about fifty per cent of the perfected metal.

The furnaces burn out from time to time, as the immense heat employed will destroy even fire clay, and Superintendent Woodhouse informed us, that thus far the only trouble apprehended was the destruction of their retorts from this cause. The operation of all machinery and everything else about the place is far in excess of his most sanguine expectations, and all competent judges who have witnessed the working of these smelters pronounce them the finest in the country.

One of the smoke stacks at the smelter is five feet in diameter and nearly 100 feet high, and is supplied with an inner lining of fire brick from the bottom up -- the smoke and flame transmitted from the gas-heated furnace being so great that it would otherwise be unable to withstand it.

Fire clay for the pottery ware at the smelters, has thus far been brought in from St. Louis, but Superintendent Woodhouse informed us that they are now experimenting with a Bates County product which has the appearance of being fully as good, and if it is, it will be quite an item, considering the vast amount of this article consumed at the works.

In addition to the other buildings embraced in the smelting works and not mentioned in our list, is the blacksmith shop 24x40, under the management of Mr. William Hacket -- and other buildings will be erected from time to time until the company's eleven acres or more of ground will become a solid square.

About $75,000 are now invested in the smelters. The probability is that ere another twelvemonth has passed this amount will be doubled -- and if the contemplated rolling mills are added, it will be quadrupled; the work on this addition will be commenced in the spring of 1883.

To the credit of all this, Mr. J. V. Woodhouse, the company's able and affable superintendent, is solely and entirely entitled, he having furnished all the plans and specifications for their construction -- in fact everything except the machinery employed is original with him. When Commodore Woodhouse first began operations here, about the 1st of last November, grave doubts were expressed by many would-be experts as to his ability of ever accomplishing his most moderate undertakings. This was owing perhaps to the fact that he is of a plain and unassuming disposition -- one of that plucky, persevering and indomitable class of men who do not prate about their accomplishments or intentions, but silently push ahead and complete whatever they undertake. And Mr. Woodhouse has shown by his work here what he can do when he determines to do. He has shown beyond dispute that he is a man of no small calibre, besides having secured not only the greatest confidence of his company, but the utmost consideration and respect of all who realize the greatness of his achievement. Perhaps it may not be amiss to mention that ere coming here Mr. W. constructed the Mine La Motte furnaces, prior to which time he was superintendent of the machine shops of the St. Louis Bridge Works, and that still earlier in his history he was connected with various other manufacturing industries of the country -- the primary of which was the first tapestry carpet works in Massachusetts, where he claims to have made the first tapestry carpet ever produced in that state. Mr. Woodhouse is a native of Lancaster, County Lancashire, England, but for his long residence here is no doubt more American than Briton.

The large five-story structure in the southeastern portion of the city is the gradual reduction flouring mill of Falor & Sons. This mill and elevator attached is capable of turning out two hundred barrels of flour every twenty-four hours. The latest and best machinery has been called into use in the construction of this mill, and while the structure itself is of the most substantial material, and sheeted and roofed on the outside with iron, the inside is filled from garret to cellar with the necessary wheels, belts, fans, rollers, burrs, bolters, etc., to make it one of the most complete gradual reduction flouring mills in the west, and one that must prove of great advantage to the city and surrounding country. Located so as to connect with both the present railroads, the proprietors will have the double advantage of shipping in wheat and shipping out flour, giving to the farmers the benefit of the highest price for their wheat and to the citizens the best of flour without extra freight charges.

The proprietors of this fine mill, Elias Falor and his two sons, Norman and Charles, were formerly from Illinois. They now have extensive farms and cattle ranches in the northern portion of Vernon County, a few miles southwest of Rich Hill. They have ample means, and will make their milling and elevator business a success, besides giving to our citizens all the advantages in this line of a metropolitan city.

R. T. & J. C. Young, proprietors of the Rich Hill Flouring Mill, came early in the history of the town, and seeing the necessity of a mill at this point went to work at once, selected a desirable site south of and on the line of the Gulf Railroad, between Fifth and Sixth Streets, and erected the fine frame structure with stone engine room that now adorns the south side. The Young Brothers are gentlemen who understand their profession thoroughly, and by square dealing and good work have given entire satisfaction to the community, and must continue to merit the patronage of a people who admire their pluck and enterprise.

The Rich Hill foundry and machine shops of Fawcett & Stealey, at the junction of the two railroads, on the banks of the twin lake, attracts the eye of the visitor. Here these gentlemen have built one of the most important manufacturing industries of the young city. The building now occupied by Fawcett & Stealey was erected by W. A. Newton, and was known as the Star Shops, and was intended for a planing shop and for work in wood and iron.

In justice to Rich Hill, we cannot close this chapter without speaking of the

The immense coal deposits of Southern Bates was the chief attraction of the capitalists. As soon as the situation was developed and the fact established that just beneath the surface of a large area of territory, surrounding what is now the metropolitan city of Southwest Missouri, there was untold wealth of "black diamonds," sufficient to make fortunes equal to the imaginary expectations of Sinbad and Aladin, and men were ready to avail themselves of the opportunity, companies were formed and coal lands purchased at a few dollars per acre that have since increased in value to hundreds and even thousands of dollars per acre.

From four to seven feet veins of coal a few feet below the surface was something new in the history of Western coal measures. But the surface veins that astonish every visitor is not all. Other stratas are found below, and to-day, the Rich Hill Coal Company is mining coal at a depth of fifty feet, after the fashion of anthracite mining in Pennsylvania. Besides the Rich Hill Coal Company, which has during the past eighteen months been operating in the bituminous coal, northwest of the city, and shipped out over the Lexington & Southern Branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, up to the present time, 22,366 cars of an average of fifteen tons, a number of other companies have operated on a large scale. The firm of Keith & Henry (now Keith & Perry), widely known as coal operators in the border counties of Kansas, were the first to open up mining, and this company alone have shipped out over the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad, about 15,000 cars of the average of fifteen tons to the car. Other companies and private individuals have shipped since the first of September 1880, about 6,000 cars, making a grand total shipment by rail of 43,366 cars, or 650,490 tons. To this large tonnage can be added at least 100,000 tons hauled away to be used for private purposes and in manufacturing industries, and yet but an infinitesimal portion of the coal wealth has been touched. A proper realization of the concealed wealth that lies buried around Rich Hill can hardly be estimated. The realization can only be left with the future, when another generation comes on the stage of action and penetrates the caverns and sub-stratas.

During the past six months thousands of dollars have been invested in coal lands. New companies have been organized, new men have come into the field of prospecting, and with the opening up of the fall coal trade a new impetus will be given to the coal business all along the line.

The opening up of the Rich Hill coal fields has caused a general suspension of mining in those portions of the state where heretofore a large portion of the coal supply has come from. The Richmond mines and the Lexington mines are comparatively abandoned, the expense of mining being so much greater than here, while on the line of the Wabash & Pacific, north of the river, a limited amount is unearthed, sufficient for local purposes only, while the Rich Hill coal is reaching every house- hold, every mill-site and every manufacturing establishment of Western Missouri, Western Iowa, and throughout Nebraska and Kansas, and hundreds of car loads are wheeled away to Texas, Experience has taught us what now all admit, that "coal is king," and controls today the wheels of fortune and the manufacturing industries of the world.

We cannot close this chapter without a reference to the gentleman whose name appears above. He not only founded the town and laid it out, but has constantly been its good genius from the beginning. He has been foremost in all its enterprises, sparing neither time nor means in building it up and making its advantages known to the world. To his liberality, good judgment and untiring energy. Rich Hill practically owes its existence. Without his shrewdness the town site would have doubtless been covered with its original prairie grass; the rich mines of "black diamonds" would have lain undeveloped, and the railroads which have done so much to advance the material prosperity of the town and county, would have never been constructed. Whatever may be the destiny of Rich Hill, the name of E. H. Brown will shine upon every page of its history with the brightest luster. Associated with Colonel Brown from the first settlement of the place, is M. S. Cowles, who, like the colonel, has struck herculean blows in the interests of the city, and like him, too, is proud to share in its general prosperity. Mr. Cowles is President of the "Mercantile Company," which has a paid up capital of $75,000. He is emphatically a business man in every sense of the word, and is at the head of one of the largest and most flourishing business houses in western Missouri.

passed at Rich Hill during the Fourth of July celebration in 1881 relative to the attempted assassination of President Garfield:

Whereas, Our people have heard with inexpressible horror and bowed heads the unfortunate attempt to assassinate the chief magistrate of the nation, therefore, at this hour of his unfavorable and dangerous condition, be it

Resolved, That the people of Rich Hill, Missouri, of every shade of political opinion, in public meeting assembled to celebrate the 105th anniversary of our nation's birthday, express their abhorrence of the cowardly, willful and bloody attempted assassination of the president of the United States.

Resolved, That they deplore the act as a national calamity, and most profoundly sympathize with the president and his family in their sore affliction, with the members of his cabinet and with their fellow-citizens generally in this unfortunate hour of national concern and distress.

Resolved, That they earnestly wish for his recovery that he may again walk forth in this land of liberty and enjoy the fruits of his well earned victory -- that of being raised from the common walks of life to the highest pinnacle of fame by his fellow-countrymen.

The above resolutions were submitted by the editor of the Mining Review and adopted without a dissenting voice, and a copy ordered forwarded to the secretary of state and that they be published in the city papers.

Allen, R. E., dry goods.
Allen & Hulett, physicians and surgeons.
Atkison, W. O., attorney.
Arcade Hotel, H. E. Hiller & Son.
Ayehart, Mrs., milliner.
Benedict, W., jeweler.
Burns, J. C., general merchandise.
Brooks, V. W., hardware.
Barton & Harrelson, grocers.
Brown, M. L., attorney.
Brodie & Ditton, painters.
Beasley, W. G., jewelry.
Bailey, P., jewelry.
Bird, C. A., books, etc.
Boyd, J. F., & Co., lumber.
Burke & Kinney, galvanized iron cornice.
Bussy, J., grocer.
Baum, L., meat market.
Black, S. S., meat market.
Buckeridge & Cheverton, meat market.
Barker, meat market.
Black, W. H., physician.
Benefield & Cheek, barbers.
Bell, ---, painter.
Burton, J. W., painter.
Bottorff, ---, blacksmith.
Beatty Bros., saloon.
Cowles, M. S., Mercantile Co.
Clark, Rev. S. G., pastor Presbyterian Church.
Craig & Greenhalge, saw mill and lumber.
Craig, J. S., grocer.
Clifford, T. A., dollar store.
Clark, C. A., attorney.
Clark & Swinney, real estate.
Covell, D. W., grocer.
Cady, J., blacksmith.
Covey, L. T., shoemaker.
Carpenter, A. M., saloon.
Cady, J., saloon.
Carpenter & Trowbridge, livery stable.
Denton, C. A., attorney.
Dodds & Co., druggists.
Diers, Dr., physician.
Davis, J. F., painter.
Duvall, W. T., flour and feed.
Dean House, Kuhns & Bros.
Dickson, Jno., saloon.
Eakin; Dr. D. F., physician.
Eagleton House.
Erwin & Pullum, grocers.
English Kitchen, M. Willis.
Farmers & Manufacturers' Bank, J. C. Ferguson, Pres.; J. J. Francisco, V.P.; E. F. Swinney, cashier.
Fowler, J. W., Missouri Pacific ticket agent.
Fawcett & Stealey, Star Foundry.
Francisco & Long, real estate.
Farmer, McGrew & Britton, general merchandise.
Falor, E., & Son., flouring mill.
Gazette National, W. O. Atkeson, editor.
Goldman, J. S., & Co., boots and shoes.
Gillette, I. S., physician.
Gorrell & Scott, livery.
Gorden & Spears, grocers.
Goldenberg, Mrs. M., milliner and dress makers.
Hamilton, A. P., lumber.
Hurley, R. J. & Co., lumber
Hiatt, J. M. & Co., Agl. Implm'ts.
Huckeby, G. P., Postmaster.
Houston & Wood, dry goods and clothing.
Harris, W. W., druggist.
Hudelson, W. T., druggist.
Heylmun, W., physician.
Hallett & Jones, ice dealers.
Higgins, S. C., feed stable.
Higgenbotham, E. S. physician.
Hackett & Son, blacksmiths.
Harrison & Howe, flour and feed.
Hurst, J. M., gunsmith.
Holston, G., building stone.
Hinton, R. C, broom manufact'r.
Hopkins, S. W., coal.
Hellen, Charles, plasterer.
Irish & Templeton, attorneys.
Jackson, plasterer.
Jacobs & Co., dry goods and clothing.
Johnson & Houston, groceries and feed.
Johannes, L., grocer.
Jones, M., restaurant.
Keith & Perry, general store.
Krider, J., bakery and restaurant.
Krumer, S. S., tailor.
Kirk, G. W., sewing machines.
Kimball, S. B., physician and druggist.
Lenhart, J., barber.
Lemon, J., furniture.
Langdon, J. N. & Co., groceries.
Latson, E. H., barber.
Lampkin, L. L., real estate.
Loeb, H. & Bro.,dry goods and clothing.
Loefler, P., carpenter.
Leslie, W., furniture.
Lear, J. G., flour and feed.
Meek, A. J., grocer.
Metcalf, D., saloon.
Martin, G. A., physician.
Marshall, A. T., boots and shoes.
Manners & Co., meat market.
Majors & Nelson, grocers.
Minor, J. L., hardware.
Mann, G. W., cigar manufacturer.
Metcalf, S. P., books and stationery.
McFortune, M., barber.
Meadows & Co., feed, etc.
Manners, J. L., saw mill.
McMullen, stone mason.
Miners' Review, Thos. Irish, editor.
Newton, George, second hand store.
Noland, J. W., physician.
Nuckles, M. G., physician.
Peters, A. J., shoemaker.
Pitchford, J. M., groceries and feed.
Parker & Co., photographers.
Peyton, L., & Co., real estate.
Pacific House.
Pilgrim, C. A., miller.
Price, R. H., groceries.
Payne & Norman, groceries.
Perry, W. H., carpenter and joiner.
Parkey & Gibbs, contractors and builders.
Rich Hill Bank, F. J. Tygard, Pres.; W. F. Tygard, V.P.; Thomas M. Orr, cashier.
Rolley, W., saloon.
Rhodes & Co., clothing and gents' furnishers.
Ruf, A., & Co., harness makers.
Ragan & Finley, second hand store.
Rich Hill Coal Company.
Roberts & Henry, meat market.
Rich Hill House.
Robirds, C. I., green house and nursery stock.
Salle, Vesper, grocer.
Skaggs, J. C. livery stable.
Skaggs & Cross, meat market.
Sunderland, A. W., meat market.
Sperry & Parrack, saloon.
Sanders & Wilson, hardware and furniture.
Stone, G. B., dentist.
Saxton, M. M., confectioner.
Sick, William, hardware.
Saunders Brothers, saloon.
Switzer, Kline & Copeland, contractors and builders.
Stelling, C, saloon.
Smalley, S. H., dentist.
Snider, J. W., grocer.
Sullivan, Charles, brick mason.
Stone, B. L. G., druggist and physician.
Tedford, J. F., grocer.
Thompson, John, barber.
Talmage House, M. G. Manley, prop.
Thornton, R. F., drugs.
Thomas, G., grocer.
Tyron, J. R., groceries and feed.
Trim, A., physician.
Thomas, W. H., blacksmith.
Wise, J. M., & Co., grocers.
Winchell, H. R., physician.
Wolfe, C. R., mayor.
Wilbur, B. F., tailor.
Wasson & Kimbrough, groceries, etc.
Waller & Spraker, Eureka Bakery.
Western Enterprise.
Wolf, ---, stonemason.
Whipple, G. W., physician.
Wilson & McKinsey, building stone.
Young, R. T. and J. C., flouring mill.
Young, J. S., grocer.

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