Chapter
5:
Jackson Township |
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Jackson township is the central municipal division of the county, and contains the county seat. Its area is larger than that of any other township in the county, embracing 122 square miles. About one-fifth of the township is prairie. The land along the water courses is generally hilly and broken, with here and there a narrow strip of bottom land, which is very productive. The southern portion of the township is best for agricultural purposes. The principal streams are Otter creek, the Middle and Elk forks of Salt river and Long branch. These water courses are well distributed, and form an admirable system of drainage. The township, taken as a whole, is a fair, average township, and the farmers are generally prosperous. OLD
SETTLERS. The
early settlers of Jackson township were generally from Kentucky, and, in
fact, that grand old State has contributed more to the settlement of this
entire region, including the Boone's Lick country, than any other two States
combined. Her sons and her daughters have ever been in the front rank of
civilization, and wherever they located, lived and died, there may be found,
even to this day, among the present generation, many of the traits of
character which they possessed. Of course, it is not expected that we will,
or can give, the names of all the early settlers of Jackson township, or any
other township in the county. This would, at the present time, be simply
impossible, as more than a half century has intervened since the pioneers
began to make their settlements, and no record of that date has been made or
preserved. We should be glad to record the names of all the men who braved
the dangers and difficulties of pioneer times, and present a brief sketch of
their lives, together with a few of their prominent characteristics. But
time and space would preclude us from entering into details, which would
doubtless prove to be of so much interest to the reader, and consequently we
must content ourselves with the names of such of the pioneers as we have
been enabled to secure. Of the pioneers of Jackson township we record the
following names:
In giving the history of Paris, we will mention the names of the old settlers, including a number of the early business men of the town. Sandford Hoskins operated a distillery about the year 1837, nearly one mile east of Paris. An early school was taught by Rev. John Wright, a Presbyterian minister, just south of town. William Armstrong’ erected the first mill that was put up in the township. Although it was small and unpretentious, it did the grinding for a number of years for a large section of country. This mill ground both corn and wheat, and stood on the bank of the Middle fork of Salt river, about one mile east of Paris, and was a grist and saw mill. It was built in 1833. John Sears operated the first pottery, about five miles north of Paris, about the year 1838. William Goodlow was recognized as one of the best fiddlers in the country, and when spending an evening with his friends, he possessed the happy faculty of discoursing to them the most delightful music, often accompanying his instrument with an unique and improvised song, which was replete with wise and startling hits and felicitous innuendoes, touching the vulnerability of some one or more of his entranced and rustic auditors. Goodlow was especially happy when playing for a dance. Upon such occasions the scintillations of his wit were resplendently luminous, and even the instrument itself seemed to be inspired with new life, and gave back its most thrilling notes to the amorous touch of its rustic owner. Never did Troubadour sweep the strings of his harp with half as much pride and selfassurance as did Goodlow when he sounded the notes of his violin at .a country dance. He played many pieces to the delight of the dancers, but none permeated their very souls like that old familiar tune called, in yeoman parlance, “Chicken Pie.” So irresistibly happyfying in its effects was it that even old age forgot its wonted infirmities, and was often found threading the mazes of the dance. “The words of this memorable song were very suggestive, the first two lines of which ran as follows: Chicken pie and pepper, oh! Are
good for the ladies, oh! While
“ Chicken Pie “ was universally liked as a favorite dish and as a favorite dance song, there was another melody that always
enlivened the dancers, as they listened to its inspiring measures. This was
“Buffalo Gals,” and seemed to be played especially on moonlight nights,
when the weather would permit of a dance under the bewitching beams of a
silver moon. In these dances the women would often take part in the jigs,
and although they did not make as much noise as the men, they successfully
vied with them in the intricacies and evolutions of the dance. A
SAD INCIDENT
John
McGee, whose name appears last in the list of old settlers above mentioned,
together with his daughter, met with a painful and tragic death soon after
he settled in the township. The incident was related to the writer hereof by
one of the party who accompanied Mr. McGee to the county, and who was near
by at the time of the unfortunate occurrence. John McGee and family
emigrated from Kentucky, Mercer county, to Howard county, Missouri, in 1822.
McGee remained in Howard long enough to make two crops, and in the spring of
1824 came to Monroe county—to Jackson township- and built a cabin, to
which he moved his family. He had brought from Howard county nearly all of
his household goods, and while returning with the last wagon load, he and
his grown daughter Mollie had reached a point on the prairie on the head of
Brush creek, and near the present farm of David McKamey, when they observed
that the tall, dry prairie was on fire and burning rapidly towards them.
They were driving some hogs at the time, and seeing a small ravine at the
right of the road they drove the hogs down into it and laid down themselves
in the ravine, thinking that they would in a manner be safe from the
devouring flames. Mr. McGee took his coat off and covered his daughter with
it, so as to shield her as much as possible. But a few moments passed before
the fire, which was blown by a strong wind, was upon them. It soon passed
over them, but burned them so severely that they died in about eight days
thereafter. It was noticed that their hair and clothes were burned to such
an extent that but little of either was left when they arrived at the house,
which was about a mile away. They walked home after the occurrence and did
not suffer much until about the third day. There was no physician nearer
than forty miles, and none was sent for. The neighbors, who were very kind,
but few in number, did all they could for the sufferers. They applied
everything they could think of to alleviate the pain, which was intense
after the third day, until they died. Poultices made of slippery-elm bark
and flax seed were then the pioneer remedies, and were freely used. Mr.
Ephraim Smith, who is now 72 years of age, and still a resident of Monroe
county, came with Mr. McGee to the county, and was driving Mr. McGee’s
cattle upon the day of the fire. He had just passed along the same road, and
was at McGee’s cabin when the latter and his daughter came up. Mr Smith
says that the prairie caught on fire just before sundown. Some emigrant
wagons had camped in the edge of the prairie the night before, and leaving
their camp-fire still burning in the morning, and a strong wind springing up
late in the afternoon of that day, the fire was blown into the grass, which
being very dry and inflammable, the prairie was soon a vast blazing sheet. CALDWELL
OPENS A STORE.
Green
V. Caldwell came from New London, Ralls county, Missouri, in 1831, and
located on the main highway, leading from Maple Grove in Monroe county, to
New London in Ralls. Monroe county had not at that time been organized.
Caldwell opened a small store and sold goods from 1831 until his death,
which occurred about the latter part of the same year. His store was about
two and a half miles southeast of the present town of Paris -where the poor
farm is now located.
He knew that a new county would soon be erected out of the present territory
of Monroe county, and located where he did, believing that the county seat
would ultimately be established at his place of business. According to
information furnished by James R. Abernathy, Esq., Caldwell opened the first
store in the county. Middle Grove also claims the honor of having the first,
but from the best and most reliable of living witnesses, it is generally
conceded that Maj. William N. Penn sold the first goods at Stice’s mill,
near Florida, in 1831. PARIS.
Paris, the county seat of Monroe county, was laid out in the summer of 1831, the location having been selected by Hancock S. Jackson, of Randolph county; Stephen Glascock, of Ralls county, and Joseph Holliday, of Pike county. The act creating and organizing the county named the above parties as commissioners to select the county seat. The
town of Florida, which was laid out in 1831, was also a candidate for the
prospective honor of being selected as the seat of justice. Although
not centrally located, it was at that time the most convenient trading point
for the early settlers, who had generally taken claims in the eastern
portion of the county. Besides, Florida was located on Salt river, which was
thought to be a navigable stream for small boats, or rather that it could be
made navigable by a small outlay of money. A river port possessed superior
advantages over what was termed an inland town. Steamboats were the very
life of the town and lessened the expense of transportation for both
passengers and freight. They contributed in the same measure to the growth
and prosperity of the country or town as the railroads do to-day. The
commissioners, however, doubtless having an eye single to the convenience of
the entire population of Monroe county, after every portion of it should
become settled, and not having any faith in the practical navigation of Salt
river, very wisely selected the site of Paris as the location for the county
seat. After they had performed their work and made the selection, they went
to the home of J. C. Fox, then near Middle Grove, and perhaps as some
consideration for the kind hospitality extended to them, Mrs. Fox was
permitted the honor of naming the new town, which she called Paris, after
Paris, Kentucky, her old home. DONATIONS
FOR COUNTY SEAT.
The
following record, which was made at the first term of the circuit court in
June, 1831, shows the names of the parties donating land to the county for
the town-site of Paris, and the number of acres donated by each:- The
commissioners appointed by an act of the General Assembly of this State
entitled, “ An Act to Organize the County of Monroe,” approved January
6, 1831, produced in court a deed from HIightower T. Hackney and Elizabeth,
his wife, for ten acres of land, to be laid off on the east side of the
north half of a tract of land known as the east half of the north-east
quarter of section 10, in township 54, range 10, and bounded west by a line
running parallel to the section line, between sections 10 and 11, in said
township; also one other tract of land contiguous to the aforesaid described
ten acres, and also being a part of the aforesaid described half quarter
section, to wit: fifteen acres to be laid off in the north end of the south
half of a tract known as the east half of the north-east quarter of section
10, of township 54, of range 10; also to be bounded south by a line running
parallel to the south boundary line of section 10, in the aforesaid
township; also a deed from James R. Abernathy and Rosana, his wife, for a
tract of nine acres of land, being a part of the east half of the north-west
quarter of section 11, township 54, range 10, to be run out contiguous to
the land conveyed by James C. Fox and Ann, his wife, to the county of
Monroe, and adjoining said lands on the east, to be run out by an east
boundary line, parallel with the sectional line, and to be 90 poles in
length upon the lines running north and south, and to be 16 poles wide upon
the lines running east and west; also a deed from James C. Fox and Ann, his
wife, for a tract of 45 acres of land, to be laid off in the north end of
the west half of the north-west quarter of section 11, township 54, range
10, west, by a line running parallel to the southerly boundary line of said
section 11,’which said deeds were severally made to the aforesaid
commissioners, for the use of the said county of Monroe, and were duly
acknowledged by the makers thereof, as appears by the certificates indorsed
thereon. The above deeds of conveyance were considered sufficient by the
court to pass the title to the town site, and were approved accordingly. The
whole number of acres donated was 79. SALE
OF TOWN LOTS.
The
first sale of lots took place September. 12, 13 and 14, 1831. During the
three days 128 lots were sold, the sum realized being $4,847.05. November 4,
1833, a second sale of 24 lots, which had not been paid for, and which had
been forfeited, took place. These forfeited lots brought $254.811/3. It
appears that Marshall Kelley purchased the two first lots that were sold;
the two purchased by him were lots 6 and 7, in block 12, for which he paid
$301. These lots are now occupied by the Glenn House, and are assessed at
$6,500. We will give the names of a number of the parties who purchased
lots, as they included many of the pioneers of Monroe county:-Edward M.
Holden, Alexander Robertson, George W. White, William Blakey, Thomas Barbee,
P. K. W. Estle, Alexander Thompson, William D. Wise, Archibald Patterson,
William Morrison, Abel M. Conner, Absalom Hurt, Robert Shaw, John Doss,
Robert Hutchinson, Jeff. E. Powers, Thomas Tyre, George Saling, Jordan
Sizemore, PARTIES
ASSISTING IN LAYING OUT THE TOWN.
John
S. McGee surveyed the town site. The following persons who assisted in and
about the laying out of Paris, received for their services the sums set
opposite their names:- Aka Adams, $7.50; John S. McGee, $35; Solomon
Humphrey, $3.75;
Joseph Holliday, $10; James R. Abernathy (clerk of sale of lots), $8; James
C. Fox, $79.871/2 and $11.25; Ebenezer W. McBride, $6.26 ; Marshall Kelley,
$19.08. SPOTTED
FAWN.
When
the court-house square was being surveyed, the parties engaged in the wvork
caught a wild spotted fawn. It was taken by James R. Abernathy to his home
and raised until it grew to be a large deer. The court-house square was
covered with hazel brush and a heavy growth of large white oak trees. The
hazel brush and oak trees have long since been supplanted by ornamental
shade trees, anld a beautiful and stately edifice. PIONEER
BUSINESS MEN
The
first houses in the town were erected by J. C. Fox and Hightower T. Hackney.
The former commenced building a log house one year before the county seat
was located. It still stands in the rear of the residence built by J. C.
Fox. Hackney had put up a small cabin Some time before the county was
organized, near the spot where the Old School Baptist Church stands. The
first store house was built by J. C. Fox, on the corner of Main and Caldwell
streets, and was occupied immediately by Fox & Caldwell with a small
stock of goods. About the same time, or perhaps a little later, a man by the
name of Conner opened a store in one room of the house which at that time
stood where J. H. Hugley’s residence is now located, on the east and north
side of the river. He soon afterwards moved his goods into a building which
was located about where Frank Margruter now lives, north of the square. The
next store-house was built and opened by Maj. William Blakey, upon the site
afterwards occupied by the Virginia house. John
G. Caldwell and Thomas S. Miller, as Caldwell & Miller, Jeff. Wilcoxen,
J. B. Howard & Co., Perry Gentry, James McMurtry and John Forsythe, as
McMurtry & Forsythe, John E. Shropshire, The
first hotel was kept by Marshall Kelley, in a log building, where the Glenn
House now stands. J. Lair, Alfied Wilson, John Davis, Henry Davis, Newton
Wilson and William Turner were early blacksmiths. William Willis was one of
the first shoemakers. Talliaferro Bostick and Jonathan Gore were saddlers;
William Armstrong and William Stephens were tailors. Among
the more prominent and influential citizens of the town were the witty and
eloquent Charles W. Flannagan, the self-made and earnest Ben Davis, the shrewd and positive William K Van
Arsdale, the good and exemplary Anderson Woods and Alfred Wilson, the
industrious and never-fagging James M. Bean and a host of others whose names
have been forgotten. Near the town lived Dr. G. M. Bower, a member of
Congress from this district in 1844. These men have all passed from the
stage of action, some of them resting in the old cemetery north of the
railroad, where The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep,” while others
found honorable sepulture in newer and more distant homes. OLD
RACE TRACK.
In
the early history of Paris, a few of the old settlers, to amuse themselves,
opened a race track about a mile and a quarter south-west of the town, near
Thomas and Christopher Burke’s farm. Here met the sporting men and lovers
of the turf for several years, drawn thither at stated times, to witness the
speed of some strange or favorite horse. Among those famous coursers, whose
popularity has come down to this day, were “ Tom “ and “
Charlemagne,” the former the property of Reuben Frigate, and the latter
the property of the Bufords. The Bufords came from Kentucky, and were
related to the Buford family of that State - many of whom have since been
noted for their fondness for fine-blooded racers. To these races, people
would come from a wide section of country, and would wager money, whisky,
stock, or anything that they had, upon their favorite horse. Here could
always be purchased the apple-cider and gingerbread of the olden time—a
repast that the boys of that day can never forget. Here, too, were held the
old-fashioned field musters, which were so common in the early settlement of
this country. Associated with these musters is the memory of Gen. R. D.
Austin and Col. William M. Sharp, who were the general officers. The race
track and the muster are now things of the past, so far as they pertain to
Old Monroe. A
fire occurred in Paris on the last day of December, 1873. SECRET
ORDERS.
Paris
Lodge, NVo. 29, I. O. O.F. - Was organized March 2, 1848, the charter
members being William Taylor, A. J. Caplinger, P. A.
Heitz, Marion Brown and Joseph Lefever. The above named members withdrew
from the Hannibal lodge and organized the Paris lodge. The present officers
are A. D. F. Armstrong, N. G.; E. M. Alexander, V. G.; William Rawlings,
secretary; J. T. Moss, P. S. M. W. Speed, treasurer. The lodge contains
about 80 members; it owns the building where the lodge meets, is out of
debt, and is in a flourishing condition. The Triple Linlc, of May 15, 1884,
in speaking of the above lodge, says: While
in the hall of No. 29, at Paris, on the 26th, we looked into
their records and investigated to some extent the history of the lodge.
Their charter was issued under the administration of 1. M. Veitch, then
Grand Master of Missouri, now a Past Grand Sire, and is dated March 21,
1848. The charter members were from Hannibal, having taken cards from Mystic
Lodge, No. 17, for the purpose of instituting No. 29. Of these, we
understand, but two are living, viz., A. J. Caplinger, of Paris, and Judge
James Carr, of St. Louis, both of whom still retain membership in No.
29. The Bible in the lodge was purchased by the contributions of 36 ladies
of the place, whose names appear on the inside of the cover, the record
bearing date March 15, 1849. How many of these good women are now living we
were unable to ascertain, but it is safe to say that the majority have
crossed the boundless river. Many of their posterity, however, hold
membership in the lodge, the principles and teachings of which are in accord
with the sacred book lying before them at every meeting, and which was
presented by the mothers for the guidance of their sons. Paris
Lodge, No. 127, - Was chartered May 25, 1879, with the following charter
members: Martin Bodine, George C. Brown, George Seibert, M. W. Speed, F. 0.
Collins, R. M. Burgess, H. P. Vaughn, John E. Horn, George W. Crow, T. G.
Harley, B. F. Blanton, John Bower and C. Alexander. Its present officers are
M. W. Speed, M. .W. ; D. 0. Bean, P. M. . W. ; B. C. Smith, 0. ; B. F.
Blanton, G.; S. S. Bassett, R.; W. H. Strean, F.; George Seibert, S.; John
S. Pool, R. Paris
Union Lodge, No. 19, A. F. & A. M. -Was chartered March 1, 1835, with
Stephen Barton as W. M.; W. K. Van Arsdale, S. W., and John Heard, J. W. The
officers for 1884 are: Theo. Bruce, W. M.; E. T. Wetmore, S. W.; Henry P.
Long, J. W.; William F. Buckner, T.; Joe M. Moss, Sec’y; J. T. Hickey, S.
D.; J. M. Worrell, J. D.; Richard Gentry, tyler. The finance committee
consists of D. HI. Moss, G. B. Caldwell and J. S. McGee. The hall committee are S. S. Bassett, T. T. Rodes, H. P. Long.
The regular times of meeting
are the first and second Saturdays in each month. Monroe
Chapter, No. 16, R. A. M.—The charter of this order was issued October 10,
1867, to replace the charter lost about 1861. At this time Abner E. Gore was
made M. E. H. P.; W. F. Buckner, E. K. ; Drury Ragsdale, E. S. The officers
for 1884 are George B. Caldwell, M. E. H. P.; Richard Thomas, E. K.; James
D. Evans, E. S.; William F. Buckner, Treas.; Joe M. Moss, Sec’y; Henry P.
Long, C. of H.; E. T. Wetmore, P. S.; Sam. S. Bassett, R. A, C.; William G.
Smizer, M. 3d V.; Thomas Chowning, M. 2d V.; James S. McGee, M. 1st
V.; James L. Fisher, Sent. The first Monday in each month is their time of
meeting. Parsifal Commandery, No. 44, K. T. - Was chartered May 6, 1884. The charter members were A. Wood Terrill, George C. Brown, Jas. S. McGee, Theo. Brace, Geo. B. Caldwell, T. T. Rodes, S. S. Bassett, Jos. M. Moss, L. D. Finch, J. W. Wayland, A. Noland, J. L. Fisher. The officers for 1884 are Sirs A. Wood Terrill, E. C. ; Geo. C. Brown, G. ; Jas. S. McGee, C. G. ; Theo. Brace, P.; Geo. B. Caldwell, S. NW.; T. T. Rodes, J. W.; S. S. Bassett, T.; Jos. M. Moss, R.; L. D. Finch, S. B.; A. M. Burgess, S. B. ; Henry P.
Long, TW.; Jas. L. Fisher, C. of G.; Jno. C. Peirsol, 1st G.; E. T. Wetmore, 2d G.; Jno. R. Crosswhite, 3d G. Father
iMatthew Lodge, No. 358, I. 0. G. T. - Was organized on the
26th day of October, 1871, with the following as charter
members:-- Theo.
Brace, Mrs. A. E. Fowkes, T. B. Lunsford, W. J. Powell, Miss V. C. McCann, H. C. Kenyon, Mrs. Bell Mounce, W. H. Dawson, Miss Nettie Burnett, Miss Sallie Dawson, D. Myers, Miss Lucy Burnett, Mrs. R. L. Hocker, B. B. Broughton, Miss Mary J. Runkle, Miss Ella Matchett, Dr. A. E. Gore, John E. Horn, George W. Monson, Geo. W. Cunningham, Jas. C. Bean, R. S. Wilburn, John Matchett, H. W. Shortridge, J. C. Fox, W. W. Moffat, John W. Mounce, A. J. Caplinger, Thos. B. Veal, Miss Sallie Caplinger. The officers for the quarter ending July 31, 1884, were T. B. Broughton, W. C. T.; Miss Eva Dawson, W. V. T.; Miss Bessie Manuel, W. R. S. ; B. B. Broughton, W. F. S. ; Mrs. A. W. Broughton, W. T. ; John G. Harley, T. C.; D. C. Greenman, W. M. ; Mrs. Eliza Dauson, W. I. G. ; Chas. Grow, W. C. G. ; Wm. H. Dauson, L.D.W.C.
T. Paris
Lodge, No. 1994, Kntights of Honor. - Was organized on the 12th day of January, 1880, by J. W. Halsted, with the following charter members:--James A. Robinson, Thos. J. Marsh, Thos. B. Broughton,
P. J. Clapp, J. W. Mountjoy, F. A. Asmuth, R. H. West, T. L. Fox, B. G. Dysart, Jas. Wilson, Jas. L. Fisher, R. B. Worrell, E. S. Reynolds, W. B. Craig, N. Ashcraft, C. F. Vaughn, A. W. Riggs, W. R. Vaughn, T. P. Bashaw, A. J. Austin, T. T. Ruby, N. G. Gosney, J. D. Bounds, F. V. Ragsdale, Theo. Brace, F. P. Vaughn, T.
M. Dawson, Wmn. L. Combs, C. M. Schrader. The officers for the term ending the 31st of December, 1884, are Thos. W. McCrary, dictator;
W. T. Grear, vice dictator; B. F. Blanton, assistant dictator; T.
B. Broughton, reporter; R. H. West, financial reporter; T.
S. Shaw, treasurer; Geo. C. Brown, chaplain. W. R. Basket, guide, J. L. Fisher, guardian; J. G. Harley, sentinel; N. Ashcraft, E. S. Reynolds, T. B. Brouglhton, trustees; B. G. Dysart, medical
examiner; T. B. Broughton, lodge deputy grand dictator. BANKS
AND BANKERS.
A
branch of the Farmers’ Bank of Missouri was established at Paris; in July,
1858, with Thomas Crutcher, president, and 0. P. Gentry, cashier. It
continued to do business until 1863, when W. F. Buckner, who was cashier at
that time, proceeded to wind up the business; his last statement of the
affairs of the bank, was made in 1865. The next banking enterprise was that
of the Monroe Savings Association, which commenced business October 1, 1865.
David H. Moss was president and John S. Conyers, cashier. The capital stock
was $20,000. It ran until May 1, 1871, when it was succeeded by the First
National Bank of Paris, with a capital of $100,000, paid in. David H. Moss
is president, John S. Conyers, cashier, and W. F. Buckner, assistant
cashier. The statement of the First National Bank of Paris is as follows - RESOURCES.
LIABILITIES. Capital
stock . . . . Circulation
Deposits
Surplu
.. Undivided
profits . . . 100,000
00 90,000
00 284,451
48 31,000
00 16,169
86 $521,631
64 ....
Discounts
.. . . . . $181,352 04 U.S.
Bonds ..... 12,000 00 County
and township bonds. 46600 00 Nat.
Park Bank, New York. 31,973 59 Third
Nat. Bank, St. Louis. 35,049 38 Continental
Bank, St. Louis. 10,045 46 Merchants’
Nat. Bank, Chicago 3,948 41 Furniture
and fixtures . . 1,000 00 Expense
....... 1,296 30 Taxes
... ..... 409 50 Treasurer
U. S . . . . 4,531 37 Real
Estate .. ... 6,000 00 Premiums
.... . 4,275 00 Cash
.. . 70,150 59 $521,631
64 WOOLEN
MILLS AND CARDING MACHINES. The first carding machine that was operated in the county was put up by Green V. Caldwell, about where the poor farm is located, in 1830. Caldwell opened a store at the same place as early as 1831. After the county became settled, carding machines were run at Florida and other places in the same vicinity, and several were located at Paris at different intervals. Among these was that of Charles Dawson, who established a custom roll carding, machine prior to 1866, which he continued to operate until about the year 1868. In
1866 Broughton Bros. (Benj. B. and Thomas B.) erected at Paris what is known
as a one set mill, which runs 200 spindles and two sets of custom cards.
This mill manufactures about 15,000 yards of pure woolen goods every season,
which is sold to the local trade purchasers coming also from the adjoining
counties. These gentlemen employ upon an average 13 hands, and work up about
20,000 pounds of wool, for which they pay from 15 to 50 cents per pound.
Their pay-roll sometimes shows an expenditure of nearly $1,800 during the
season. They now have on hand $4,000 worth of goods and about 5,000 pounds
of wool. The mill is a three-story brick; the cost of building and machinery
to the present time was $20,000. J. S. Conyers was a partner in the mill
from 1866 to 1871, and H. C. Kenyon from 1871 to 1881. FLOURING
MILLS.
Among
the early millers of Paris were Robb, Wallace and Crutcher, John, George and
Frank Crow, and others whose names we could not get. The successors of the
Crow Bros. were Grimes and Withers (G. P. Grimes and G. R. Withers), who
rebuilt the mill in 1881 and in 1882. It is a fine brick building; is run by
roller process, has a buhr for making cornmeal, and has the capacity to
grind 125 barrels of flour per day. The mill has five sets of double and one
set of single rollers, one 4-reel scalping chest, one 6-reel flouring chest,
two single flouring
reels, two centripetal reels, two case purifiers-double machines; one Throop
separator, one Throop brush machine and one smut machine. The mill is run by
a Greenleaf 125-horse power engine. The flour is of an excellent quality and
is sold to both home and foreign markets. PARIS
BAND.
This
band was organized early in 1884, its members being F. H. Crane, Chas.
Blanton, Ed. McGee, Sec. ; J. S. West, Carson McGee, Treas.; Richard Gamble,
Will Bassett, Tom Ransdale, Pres.; Joe Caplinger, Phil Hale. [From
Paris Mercury, July, 1884.] DEDICATORY
SERVICES OF THE NEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
Sunday,
July 20, 1884, in the forenoon, a large congregation gathered in the new
Christian church, in this city, to witness and take part in dedicating that
handsome edifice to the “ worship of God and the good of humanity.”
People from far and near had gathered there, some from distant cities, to
celebrate this happy event in the history of the congregation that has so
long and faithfully labored here. After the vast audience had been seated,
the choir opened the services by singing the song, “Welcome.” Elder J.
W. Mountjoy then read passages from the Scriptures suitable to the occasion,
and offered an appropriate prayer. After the choir had sung an anthem, Elder
Alex. Proctor preached an able and interesting sermon upon the birth, growth
and mission of the Christian Church. We could not do this grand discourse
justice by giving merely a synopsis of it, and, as we can not give it
entire, we will state that it did the orator honor and delighted his
audience, showing that his mind sparkles and his soul burns with the grand
ideas and purposes that characterized the lives of the great reformers in
the past. He is earnest and eloquent in delivery, gentle and child-like in
manner, and may be justly termed one of’the advance thinkers of the age.
He is broad and liberal in his views, it being impossible for a little or
selfish thought to ever find lodgment in a heart and mind like his. Gathered
around the altar, listening to his discourse, were several who took part in
the first meeting that ever assembled here in the name of the Christian
Church -about fifty-one years ago. To these old patriarchs, who had watched
the development of the congregation from a mere handful to its present large
membership, that day witnessed the consummation of the crowning earthly
epoch in the history of the church in this city. A number of the principal
promoters of the organization of the church, and who cared for and earnestly
worked for its success, have fallen asleep and rest from their labors. To
these Mr. Proctor paid a touching and beautiful tribute, entwining a crown
of roses upon the brow of each no less fresh and beautiful than the lovely
flowers that decorated the pulpit and dais on this occasion. After
the communion services, the audience dispersed to meet again at three
o’clock. The services in the afternoon consisted of songs by the choir and
short speeches of congratulation by the ministers present. After a few
appropriate remarks by the pastor, Elder H. B. Davis, thanking the building
committee—Daniel Eubank. S. P. Birkit and S. S. Bassett for the noble
manner in which they had discharged the duties assigned them, Judge D. H.
Moss, one of the principal factors in the church enterprise, in behalf of
the building committee, offered the following as a report of the committee: LIABILITIES.
* RESOURCES.
Jos.
Dirigo, stone work . . Geo.
W. Seibert, brick . . . J.
W. Austin, carpenter work Lumber
... . Total
amount paid into the hands
of the building cor- mittee
derived from sub- scriptions,
sale of seminary $10,553
35 David H. Moss, Jr., painting . lots and old building . 1,553
35 2,451
95 1,350
00 1,701
20 310
00 63
40; .
.. Freight
bills ....... Stained
glass .. Carpets
... Chandeliers
. .
.
. Seats
. ... Pulpit
furniture ... Plastering
....... ..
..
500
00 240
00 139
00 750
00 100
00 874
00 150
00 250
00 500
00 .. Stone
steps . Frescoing
. Fence
.. Total
value church property, $10,932 90 Judge
Moss explained that the frescoing, fencing and steps were yet to be paid
for, and that there is a balance on hand of $490 for that purpose. Of the
entire subscription made to the building fund, but $29 was unavailable, and
that was caused by death and inability. The building and furniture is paid
for in full. Following
the reading of the report, Elders Surber and H. F. Davis, of Monroe City;
Jacob Hugley, evangelist; Rev. J. T. Williams, pastor of the Baptist Church
of this city; John Burns, of St. Louis; Elder Proctor, of Independence, and
that grand old soldier of the Cross, Elder J. C. Davis, of Woodlawn, all
made short and spirited speeches, congratulating the church and the
community upon the erection of so beautiful a temple in their midst. At night, Elder Proctor preached a sermon upon the “
Glorification of Christ.” It was conceived by a master mind, and delivered
in an earnest and captivating manner. After the conclusion of the services,
Elder Proctor left for his home in Independence, his departure being keenly
regretted by all. We
can not close this article without speaking a word of praise for the most
thrilling and lovely music rendered by the choir, which is led THE
BUILDING
The building is a handsome brick structure 96 feet long, 47 feet wide, and 47 feet to top of roof. The windows are arched with stone, the walls ornamented with pilasters, each one crowned with a stone cap or entablature. The tower, built in the north-west corner of the church - the house facing the west-is 90 feet high, mounted with an iron cross. The auditorium room is 44x57 feet, with an arched ceiling 26 feet high in center. The floor inclines 29 inches from front to rear. The ceiling is of corrugated wood, painted in panel and is very neat and handsome. The seats are of ash, the ends being of walnut. The windows are of stained glass, the designs upon which are very pretty. The carpet is red and harmonizes with the other furniture of the room The pulpit is on a dais in the east end of the church, and is a neat little affair of oiled walnut. One large and two small walnut chairs, upholstered with velvet, complete the pulpit furniture. In front is a class-room, 18x34 feet, separated from the auditorium by ,heavy ascending doors, and when occasion requires both rooms can be thrown into one. One of the rear rooms serves as a study room and connects with the baptistry, which is situated on the left of the pulpit. The chandeliers are beautiful and give an abundant light. The carpenter work by J. W. Austin, and the painting by David H. Moss, Jr., are both good jobs of work, while the foundation and brick work are excellent. The building throughout is a fine job of work. The
acoustic properties are perfect, the speaker being heard with ease in any
part of the house. The church is entered through the tower, which serves as
a vestibule. Seating capacity of the house is about 600. PUBLIC
SCHOOLS OF PARIS.
The
public schools of Paris were organized, as stated below, in 1867.. The
enrollment of white children numbered at that time 268; colored, 137; number
enrolled white children in 1884, 323; number colored children, 168. Under
the management of the different principals and teachers the schools, both
white and colored, have done well. The object of the teachers has been, not
only to raise the schools to a higher grade, but to so conduct them that
their utility would be recognized and acknowledged by all. How well they
have succeeded is seen in the interest manifested upon the part of the citizens of Paris at each commencement; in fact, everybody is now a friend of the public schools. The following in reference to the public schools of the town, furnished by T. B. Robinson, Esq., embraces many interesting facts and figures - The
school district of Paris was organized under special law for the
organization of towns and villages on the 12th day of August,
1867, with the following board of directors: William J. Howell, president;
T. B. Robinson, secretary; William T. Nesbit, treasurer; D. O. Bean, A. B.
Long, Ephraim Ashcraft. Teachers, session 1867-68 : Principal, R. A. Bodine;
salary, $800; assistants, Mrs. R. A. Weedon, $50 per month; Miss Nannie
Bennett, $40 per month; Miss M. L. Brown, $50 per month. Colored school,
Miss Hawkins, $30 per month, and Miss Martha Anderson, $40 per month. The
white school was taught in the male academy building and the colored school
in the Colored Baptist Church. The tax levy for 1868 was three-fourths of
one per cent for school purposes. The term was 40 weeks. In
1868-69 the board was the same as above. The
white school was taught in the Female Seminary property for 40 weeks, and
the colored school at the colored church 28 weeks. One-half of one per cent
tax was levied for 1868. For
1869-70 the board of directors were J. J. Armstrong, president; T. B.
Robinson, secretary; D. O. Bean, treasurer; Cicero Alexander, E. Ashcraft
and W. J. Howell. A term of school of eight months was taught in the new
Baptist Church. On
the 1st day of March, 1870, the board bought of E. M. Poage the
ground situated on Main street, the site of the present school building, for
the sum of $1,300, and afterwards having adopted plans and specifications
drawn up by R. E. Hageman for a school house, advertised for bids for the
building of the same. These bids were some of them satisfactory to the
board, and on the 18th day of June, 1870, a contract was made by
the board with Messrs. Eggleston & Willard, of Macon City, Missouri, for
the erection of a two story seven roomed brick school house for $10,277, the
same to be completed by the 1st of September, 1870, in accordance
with plans and specifications prepared by them and adopted by the board. The
board appointed Mr. John Nesbit as superintendent of the work under said
contract. To pay said building bonds were issued and sold by the board,
bearing 10 per cent interest, and running from three to nine years after
date to the amount of $11,000, and a tax was levied to pay for ground
interest on bonds and to run the schools of 11/2 per cent for the year 1870.
The school building was completed about the first of January, 1871, and was
furnished with the best iron double desks and seats sufficient to
accommodate 200 pupils, the capacity of the entire building when furnished
being 400 pupils. In 1870-71, the board was the same as before. The school
opened January 8, 1871, and continued for a term of 6 months. The school was
first graded this session, and a course of seven grades, embracing a year in
each grade, adopted for the grammar school and a course of four years in the
high school, embracing the elements of the natural sciences, algebra,
geometry and trigonometry, general history, English literature, mental and
moral philosophy and political economy. In
1871-72 the board consisted of A. M. Alexander, president ; T. B. Robinson,
secretary; D. O. Bean, treasurer; E. Ashcraft, R. N. Bodine and W. J.
Howell. The teachers were: F. B Wilson, principal; J. A. Scott, assistant;
Misses Jennie Marr, L. Lewis, Nannie Pool, Kate Bodine. Colored
School—Miss E. J. Campbell, E. Burnett, Assistant ; H. C. Terrill. The
school term lasted eight months. The tax levy for 1872 was 1 per cent. In
1872-73 the board was A. M. Alexander, president; T. B. Robinson, During 1873-74, the board had for president, A. M. Alexander; T. B. Robinson, secretary; William Bowman, treasurer; R. N. Bodine, E. Ashcraft, P. T. Boon. The teachers were: Principal, B. S. Newland; Assistant, D. C. Gore; Mattie McNutt, E. M. Carter, Kate Bodine. Of the colored school, H. C. Terrill was teacher; Assistant, Mrs. Mary Vivion. The
regular term of the school was fixed at 36 weeks for both schools. The tax
levy for 1874, was nine-tenths of one per cent. In 1874-75 the board of
directors were A. M. Alexander, president; T. B. Robinson, secretary; Wm.
Bowman, treasurer; S. S. Bassett, M.W. Speed, P. T. Boon; W. F. Buckman in
place of Mr. Boon who resigned. Teachers—B. S. Newlaind, principal ;
Assistants, Miss Lizzie Kable, Miss Mattie McNutt, Miss Kate Bodine, Miss E.
M. Carter. Colored School, H. C. Terrill, Mrs. M. Vivion. The tax levy was
nine-tenths of one per cent. The directors for 1875-76 were A. M. Alexander, president; T. B. Robinson, secretary; S. S. Bassett, treasurer; B. B. Broughton, T. B. Bashaw, M. W. Speed. Teachers—J. B. Bradley, principal; Assistant, W. S. Sears, Miss Annie Bishop, Miss Mattie McNutt, Miss E. M. Carter, Miss Mollie Ashcraft. Colored School, F. L. Barnett, Assistant, Georgiana Mead. The tax levy for 1876 was nine-tenths of one per cent. On the 18th day of September the board made an order for the refunding of
$8000 of the outstanding building bonds at 8 per cent interest and falling
due in one, two, three, four and five years after the 1st day of
January, 1876, and the new bonds were issued and sold at par to Col. P.
Williams. This term two students completed their high school course and
received certificates of graduation, to wit: Willie H. Robinson and Tirey
Ford. In 1876-77 the board was the same as last year. Teachers -J. B. Bradley, principal; Assistants, A. H. Jamison, Miss Anna Bishop, Miss
Mattie McNutt, Mrs. S. A. Iglehtart; Colored School, W. H. Grant, Assistant,
Sadie Stone. The tax levy was nine-tenths of one per cent. During
1877-78, the board was comprised of G. W. Moss, president; T. B. Robinson,
secretary; Wm. Bowman, treasurer; D. O. Bean, A. E. Gore, Thos. Brace.
Teachers—J. B. Bradley, principal; W. E. Chambless, principal; Assistants,
A. S. Houston, Miss A. M. Bishop, Miss E. M. Carter, MIrs. S. A. Iglehart.
Colored School, Clay Vauglhn, Assistant, Sadie Stone. The tax levv for 1878
was nine-tenths of one per cent. Prof.
Bradley resigned March 2, 1878, and the Rev. W. E. Chanbless was employed to
fill out the term. For
1878-79, the board was the same as last year. The teachers were: Principal,
W. E. Chambless ; Assistants, A. S. Houston, A. W. Riggs, Miss Nannie
Duncan, Miss Julia McBride, Miss Mattie McNutt, Mrs.S. A. Iglehart. Colored
School, Clay Vaughn; Assistant, Rebecca Winn. A tax was levied for 1879 of
nine-tenths of one per cent. Mr. Houston left the school February 21, 1879,
and Mr. Riggs was employed to fill out his term as first assistant. This
term there were seven graduates who received, under the order of the board,
diplomas of graduation in the high school department, to wit: Misses Mollie
Dawson, Lucy V. McNutt, Viola B. Rawlings, Kate Moss and Carrie Wilson, and
Messrs. William H. Bratner and Ebon Alexander. In 1879-80 the board was G.
W. Moss, president; T. B. Robinson, secretary; William Bowman, treasurer; D.
0. Bean, A. E. Gore, T. T. Rodes. Teachers-Principal, W. E. Chambless;
Assistants, A. W. Riggs, Mrs. L. A. Riggs, Miss Julia McBride, Miss Mattie
McNutt, MIrs. S. A. Iglehart. Colored school, Clay Vauohn, and Mrs. F. D.
Vaughn. The tax levy was nine-tenths of one per cent. The graduates this
term were Misses Sallie Bell McNutt, Nora Lasley, Kate M. Blakey, Maggie
Graham and Callie Broughton, and Anderson W. Buckner and Edwin G. McGee. In 1880-81 the board was G. W. Moss, president; T. B. Robinson, secretary;
William Bowman, treasurer; D. O. Bean, S. S. Bassett, T. B. Bashaw. Teachers
-Principal, W. E. Chaimbless; Assistants, A. W. Riggs, Mrs. L. A. Riggs,
Miss Julia McBride, Miss Mollie Bowling, Mrs. S. A. Iglehart. Colored
school, G. B. Vivion ; Assistant, L. V. Gordon. The
tax levy was six-tenths of one per cent. The last of the bonds issued for
building the school-house were paid off January 1, 1881. Graduates
this term: Miss Jennie N. Burgess, and John M. Burgess. During 1881-82 the board had as directors : G. W. Moss, president; T. B. Robinson, secretary ; William Bowman, treasurer; S. S. Bassett, T. P. Bashaw, W. F. Buckner, D. H. Moss to fill vacancy. Teachers: Principal, J. M. McMurry; Assistants, N. W. Riggs, Mrs. S. A. Riggs, Miss Mollie Bowling, Miss Julia McBride, Miss Jennie Burgess. Colored school, G. B. Vivion; Assistant, L. V. Gordon. The
levy of nine-tenths of one per cent included three-elevenths of one per cent
for buying site and erecting a building for colored school. Dr. G. W. Maoss
having died in August, 1881, the board, on the ninth of September, 1881,
elected D. H. Moss to fill out his term, and Mr. S. S. Bassett was elected
president of the board. Graduates this term : Misses Jessie Holdsworth, Nellie Ann Hayden and Mary E. Cunningham, and Messrs. William H. Bassett and William H. Alexander. In
1882-83 the board was S. S. Bassett, president; T. B. Robinson, secretary;
William Bowman, treasurer; W. F. Buckner, D. H. Moss, T. P. Bashaw. Teachers- Principal, J. M. McMurry;
Assistants, A. W. Riggs, Mrs. L. A. Riggs, Misses Mollie Bowling, Jennie
Burgess, Carrie Wilson, Joan Ross. Colored School—G. B. Vivion; Assistant,
L. C. Johnson. The
tax levy was eighty-five one hundredths of one per cent. On the 27th
day of May, 1882, a severe wind storm carried off the roof of the school
building and the board appointed Mr. D. O. Bean as commissioner to employ
the necessary hands and- buy the necessary material to repair the building,
and in payment of his bill for such repairs, amounting to $983.23, issued to
him warrants for that sum bearing 8 per cent interest from date. The action
of the board, though not strictly authorized by law, was afterwards ratified
by the district in voting the necessary taxes to meet the warrants issued
for costs of such repairs. Graduates this term were Misses Mary Alexander, Annie Moss, Carrie Bean, Ida Bryan, Lillie Blanton, Pauline Caplinger and Nora Burgess. In the summer of 1883 the board had erected on the lots purchased of T. L. Fox a substantial two-room brick school house for the use of the colored schools, at a cost of $1,125, the work being done under the superintendence of a committee consisting of Messrs. James N. Powers, T. P. Bashaw and T. B. Robinson. The building has a seating capacity of 100. In 1883-84 the board was S. S. Bassett, president; T. B. Robinson, secretary; William Bowman, treasurer; D. H. Moss, W. F. Buckner, A. E. Gore, R. N. Bodine. Teachers - Principal, J. M. McMurry; Assistants, J. T. Vaughn, Misses Joe Gwyn, Carrie Wilson, Mollie Ashcraft, Joan Ross. Colored School—G. B. Vivion, L. C. Johnson. The
tax levy was seventy-one hundredths of one per cent. Mr. Bowman having died
in November, 1883, Dr. A. E. Gore was elected by the board to fill out his
term and Mr. Buckner was elected treasurer of the board. The graduates for
this term were Misses Ida B. Harley, Stella L. Bassett, Gussie L. Holdsworth,
Carlotta V. West and Eva L. Dawson. The
following corps of teachers are elected for the next school year commencing
September 22, 1884: Principal, W. D. Christian; Assistants, J. T. Vaughn,
Misses Susie F. Powell, Carrie Wilson, Sallie B. McNutt, Mollie Ashcraft.
Colored School—G. B. Vivion Assistant, Mrs. L. C. Johnson. BUSINESS
DIRECTORY.
A. M5. Alexander, lawyer; Cicero Alexander, express agent; Alexander & Son (Ebin M. and Cicero), grocers; A. De F. Armstrong, bookseller; Nimrod Ashcraft, wagon-maker; Ashcraft & Son (Ephraim and Henry), blacksmiths; Mrs. Alice Barrett, proprietor Southern hotel; L. S. Bassett & Sons (Satmuel S., George B. and Tandy G.), dry goods; Daniel 0. Bean, contractor; Birkit & Bodine (Sebastian B. Birkit and Massey G. Bodine), grocers; J. B. Bland & Son (John B. and James A.), marble cutters; Benjamin F. Blanton, editor and proprietor of Monroe County Appeal; Robert N. Bodine, lawyer; Rev. William Brooks (colored Methodist); George C. Brown, grocer; Broughton Bros. (Benjamin B. and Thomas B.), woolen mill; Thomas Buerk, boots and shoes; M. G. Burnett & Co. (Mary G. Burnett and Maggie E. Gannaway), milliners; Hamilton Campbell, blacksmith; Thomas A. Caplinger, druggist; A. J. Caplinger, mayor; D. L. Cooper, harness-maker; James W. Clark, livery stable; George Caplinger, blacksmith; C. A. Creigh, circuit clerk and recorder; Samuel Crump, barber; J. M. Crutcher, judge of probate; Thomas Crutcher, county clerk; James A. Curtwright, deputy county clerk; Rev. H. B. Davis (Christian); Mrs. Eliza Dawson, milliner; Adam Fisher, proprietor Dooley house; Benjamin G. Dysart, physician; First National Bank of Paris, capital $100,000, David H. Moss; president, John S. Conyers, cashier; Gannaway & Burnett (Thomas B. Gannaway and Charles Burnett), drugs; Thomas B. Gannaway, county treasurer; Harry W. Garr, saw-mill, six miles west; Glenn House, James M. Worrell proprietor; Mrs. Lula Gosney, dressmaker and milliner; N. G. Gosney, machine agent; Chas. G. Goetz, cigar manufactory; Abner E. & David C. Gore, physicians ; Thomas P. Halls, restaurant; Phillip Halls, confectioner and caterer; Rev. William Hancock, colored Christian; T. G. Harley & Bro. (Thomas G. and Franklin F.), dry goods; William Henning, coal miner, one mile west; J. A. Jackson, Sheriff; Mark B. Lowenstein, dry goods; Albert B. Long, grocer; H. P. Long, druggist; Rev. R. H. Longdon, colored Methodist; G. W. Martin, potter; Francis Margruter, grocer; Thomas J. Marsh, butcher; Edward L. Majors, druggist; Mason, Baslaw & Burnett (Abe Mason, Thomas P. Bashaw, Joe Burnett), editors and proprietors Paris Mercury; McCrary & Wills (T. W. McCrary & Edward C. Wills), grocers; Frederick M. Moss, physician; James T. Moss, city clerk; Meyers & Son, carpenters; J. H. Noel, dry goods; J. W. Nixon, saw mill, seven miles south-east; T. W. Pitts, saddler and harness-maker; W. K. Poage & Co. (William K. Poage and John S. Poll), clothing; Poage & Caldwell (Ephriam M. Poage and George B. Caldwell), hardware; James M. Powers, capitalist; Samuel M. Reiley, dentist; Reynolds & Bryan, (Edward S. Reynolds and Joseph B. Bryan,) hardware; Alexander Richards, barber; Temple B. Robinson lawyer; Howard Rodes, billiard room ; Joseph A. Rodes, lawyer and prosecuting attorney; Louis Rose & Son (Louis and John), boots and shoes; Rose & Harlow (Miss Dora Rose, Maggie Harlow), dress-makers and milliners ; Joseph T. Sanford, lawyer; George Seibert, city marshal; Josiah D. Simpson, jeweler; Henry Slodek, baker: F. A. Sladek, billiard-room; Jeremiah Smith, apple evaporator; Spalding & Speed (William E. Spalding and Matthias W. Speed), furniture; Sproul Bros. (William E., Thompson B.), saw mill, seven miles south-east; Frank Wise, druggist; Oliver P. Valughn, rail road agent; Joe West, dentist; West & Conyers (Robert H. West and W. S. Conyers), dry goods; John S. West, harness-maker; Wetmore & Cissell (Edward T. Wetmore and John Cissell), livery; Rev. John T.Williams, Baptist; Walter Wilson, blacksmith; Grimes & Withers (G. P. Grimes and G. R. Withers), flouring mill. |