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Jackson Township

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, Thomas Hayes, Pleasant Ford, Alexander Colvin, John Burton, Samuel Roverty, Martin B. Gray, William W. Compton, Spencer Grogin, Francis Ratcliff, Bluford Davis, William Armstrong, Edward Camplin, Austin A. King, E. W. McBride, James Barnes, Austin Swinney, James H. Smith, Joel H. Gentry, Thomas Thompson, William Runkle, David Gentry, Moses Barter, William K Van Arsdale, James R. Abernathy, Simeon Burton, J. D. Caldwell, Eli Bozarth, Peter Kerney, George Harrison, Wesley Hill, J. H. Curry, C. C. Acuff, J. C. Fox, Edward Turner, James Mappin, Silas King, John B. Hatten.

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, Richmond Saling, Robert Caldwell, George Glenn and others were among the earliest business men.

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 26^th, 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. 1^st 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, 1^st G.;

E. T. Wetmore, 2d G.; Jno. R. Crosswhite, 3d G.  

Father iMatthew Lodge, No. 358, I. 0. G. T. - Was organized on

the 26^th 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 12^th 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 31^st 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 by Mr. Philip Hales.

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 12^th 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 1^st 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 18^th 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 1^st 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, secretary ; William Bowman, treasurer; R. N. Bodine, W. J. Howell, E. Ashcraft. The teachers were: Principals, W. D. Collins and M. B. Almond; Assistants, Miss Mattie McNutt, Mrs. M. E. Lasley, Mrs. Sallie Shearman, Misses Nannie Burnett and Kate Bodine. The colored school was taught by H. C. Terrill, assisted by Mrs. Mary Vivion. The term of school was for nine months.

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 18^th 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 1^st 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 27^th 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.