PlistoriosLl Revie^w

The State Historical Society of Missouri

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI BOARD OF EDITORS

LAWRENCE O. CHRISTENSEN SUSAN M. HARTMANN University of Missouri-Rolla Ohio State University, Columbus

WILLIAM E. FOLEY ALAN R. HAVIG Central Missouri State University, Stephens College, Warrensburg Columbia

JEAN TYREE HAMILTON DAVID D. MARCH Marshall Kirksville

ARVARH E. STRICKLAND University of Missouri-Columbia

COVER DESCRIPTION: Tourism is one of the state's top revenue-producing industries and one of the fastest growing elements of the economy. Depict­ ed on the cover is the Lake of the Ozarks, a frequently visited area of Missouri. Union Elec­ tric Light and Power Company of St. Louis began construction of Bagnell Dam in 1929. When com­ pleted two years later, it impounded the waters of the Osage River creating the 129-mile-long Lake of the Ozarks, with some 1,300 miles of wooded shoreline. The lake inundated parts of Camden, Miller, Morgan, Benton, Henry and St. Clair counties. To recall this popular scenic area, the Division of Tourism supplied this colorful fall MISSOURI HISTORICAL REVIEW

Published Quarterly by THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MISSOURI

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

JAMES W. GOODRICH EDITOR

MARY K. DAINS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

R. DOUGLAS HURT ASSOCIATE EDITOR

LEONA S. MORRIS RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Copyright ® 1987 by the State Historical Society of Missouri 1020 Lowry Street, Columbia, Missouri 65201 The Missouri Historical Review (ISSN 0026-6582) is owned by The State Historical Society of Missouri and is published quarterly at 10 South Hitt, Columbia, Missouri 65201. Send communications, business and editorial correspondence and change of address to the State Historical Society of Missouri, 1020 Lowry Street, Columbia, MO 65201. Second class postage is paid at Columbia, Missouri.

SOCIETY HOURS: The Society is open to the public from 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 VOLUME LXXXII P.M., Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., except legal holidays. NUMBER 1 Holiday Schedule: The Society will be closed Saturday during the Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving OCTOBER, 1987 weekends; and Saturday, December 26, 1987 and January 2, 1988. THE STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MISSOURI The State Historical Society of Missouri, heretofore organized under the laws of the State, shall be the trustee of this State—Laws of Missouri, 1899, R.S. of Mo., 1969, chapter 183, as revised 1978.

OFFICERS 1986-1989 JOSEPH WEBBER, St. Louis, President AVIS TUCKER, Warrensburg, First Vice President SHERIDAN A. LOGAN, St. Joseph, Second Vice President VIRGINIA YOUNG, Columbia, Third Vice President NOBLE E. CUNNINGHAM, Columbia, Fourth Vice President R. KENNETH ELLIOTT, Kansas City, Fifth Vice President ROBERT G.J. HOESTER, Kirkwood, Sixth Vice President ALBERT M. PRICE, Columbia, Treasurer JAMES W. GOODRICH, Columbia, Director, Secretary and Librarian

TRUSTEES Permanent Trustees, Former Presidents of the Society LEWIS E. ATHERTON, Columbia ELMER ELLIS, Columbia WILLIAM AULL III, Lexington RUSH H. LIMBAUGH, Cape Girardeau FRANCIS M. BARNES III, Kirkwood LEO J. ROZIER, Perryville WILLIAM R. DENSLOW, Trenton

Term Expires at Annual Meeting, 1987 H. RILEY BOCK, Portageville GEORGE MCCUE, St. Louis ROBERT S. DALE, Carthage ROBERT C. SMITH, Columbia FREDERICK W. LEHMANN IV, WALLACE B. SMITH, Independence Webster Groves ROBERT M. WHITE, Mexico

Term Expires at Annual Meeting, 1988 JAMES W. BROWN, Harrisonville BOB PRIDDY, Jefferson City ILUS W. DAVIS, Kansas City DALE REESMAN, Boonville JOHN K. HULSTON, Springfield ARVARH E. STRICKLAND, Columbia JAMES C. OLSON, Kansas City BLANCHE M. TOUHILL, St. Louis

Term Expires at Annual Meeting, 1989 MRS. SAMUEL A. BURK, Kirksville DOYLE PATTERSON, Kansas City VICTOR A. GIERKE, Louisiana STUART SYMINGTON, JR., St. Louis JEAN TYREE HAMILTON, Marshall ROBERT WOLPERS, Poplar Bluff W. ROGERS HEWITT, Shelbyville DALTON C. WRIGHT, Lebanon

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The twenty-nine Trustees, the President and the Secretary of the Society, the Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, President of the University of Missouri and Chancellor of the University of Missouri-Columbia constitute the Executive Committee. FINANCE COMMITTEE Five members of the Executive Committee appointed by the President, who by virtue of his office constitutes the sixth member, compose the Finance Committee. WILLIAM AULL III, Lexington, Chairman JEAN TYREE HAMILTON, Marshall FRANCIS M. BARNES III, Kirkwood ROBERT C. SMITH, Columbia ELMER ELLIS, Columbia JOSEPH WEBBER, St. Louis EDITORIAL POLICY The editors of the Missouri Historical Review welcome submission of articles and documents relat­ ing to the history of Missouri. Any aspect of Mis­ souri history will be considered for publication in the Review. Genealogical studies, however, are not accepted because of limited appeal to general readers. Manuscripts pertaining to all fields of American history will be considered if the subject matter has significant relevance to the history of Missouri or the West. Authors should submit two double-spaced copies of their manuscripts. The footnotes, prepared ac­ cording to The Chicago Manual of Style, also should be double-spaced and placed at the end of the text. Authors may submit manuscripts on PC/DOS, 360K floppy disk. The disk must be IBM compatible, pre­ ferably a Displaywrite 3 or 4 program. Otherwise, it must be in ASCII format. Two hard copies still are required, and the print must be letter or near-letter quality. Dot matrix submissions will not be accepted. Originality of subject, general interest of the article, sources used, interpretation and style are criteria for acceptance and publication. Manuscripts should not exceed 7,500 words. Articles that are accepted for publication become the property of The State Historical Society of Missouri and may not be pub­ lished elsewhere without permission. The Society does not accept responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made by the authors. Articles published in the Review are abstracted and indexed in Historical Abstracts, America: His­ tory and Life, Recently Published Articles, Writings on American History, The Western Historical Quar­ terly and The Journal of American History. Manuscripts submitted for the Review should be addressed to: Dr. James W. Goodrich, Editor Missouri Historical Review The State Historical Society of Missouri 1020 Lowry Street Columbia, Missouri 65201 STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS AND GIFTS

Memberships in The State Historical Society of Mis­ souri are available in the following categories:

Annual Membership $5.00 Contributing Annual Membership $25.00 Supporting Annual Membership $50.00 Sustaining Annual Membership $100.00 to $499.00 Patron Annual Membership $500.00 or more Life Membership $100.00

Each category of membership is tax deductible. Member­ ships help The State Historical Society preserve and disseminate the history of Missouri. The Missouri His­ torical Review is included as a membership benefit of the Society.

Gifts of cash and property to the Society are de­ ductible for federal income, estate and gift tax purposes. Inquiries concerning memberships, gifts or bequests to the Society should be addressed to:

James W. Goodrich, Director The State Historical Society of Missouri 1020 Lowry Street Columbia, Missouri 65201 Phone (314) 882-7083 CONTENTS

THE DEBATE OVER SLAVERY ON THE EVE OF THE CHARLESTON CONVENTION. By Ronald C. Woolsey 1

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY'S INVOLVEMENT WITH THE SHARECROPPER DEMONSTRATION IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI, 1939-1940. By Lorenzo J. Greene 24

REFLECTIONS ON PUBLIC WELFARE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MISSOURI, 1939-1941. By Clarence R. Keathley 51

DUNKLIN COUNTY, CHARLES P. CHOUTEAU, AND THE COURTSHIP OF THE IRON HORSE. By John Hall Dalton, Jr 71

HISTORICAL NOTES AND COMMENTS

Society Receives Jesse T. Cargill Cartoons 97

Charles Schwartz Enhances Society's

Art Collection 98

News in Brief 99

Local Historical Societies 102

Gifts 116

Missouri History in Newspapers 123

Missouri History in Magazines 131

In Memoriam 140

BOOK REVIEWS 141

SCOTLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Inside Back Cover The Museum of the Confederacy Born in Kentucky, but a long-time resident of Mississippi, by the opening of the Charleston Convention 1860, Jefferson Davis staunchly favored the expansion of slavery. His strong Southern sympathies placed him on a collision course with Stephen A. Douglas over popular sovereignty. State Historical Society of Missouri Delegates to the Charleston Convention came to this attractive, idyllic, oceanside Southern city in 1860. The turbulence of the convention, however, foretold the violence of Fort Sumter a year later. The Debate Over Slavery on the Eve of the Charleston Convention BY RONALD C. WOOLSEY* Perhaps a singular reason can explain why the Civil War era has captured the public's imagination, both on film and in print. Against a historic backdrop, personalities like Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler exposed the human condi­ tion, its vulnerabilities, and their determination to survive them. Such figures symbolized the tragic consequences of the antebellum South. These circumstances, likewise, beckon the historian to continually reexamine the conditions that split the nation in 1861. Here, the spotlight focuses on the expan­ sion of slavery as an ideological dilemma in the Southern states. It sets the stage for the Charleston convention and subsequent attempts at congressional compromise in 1860. *Ronald C. Woolsey teaches history and is a level coordinator at Bishop Amat High School, La Puente, California. He received his undergraduate and advanced degrees from California State University at Fullerton. 2 Missouri Historical Review

During the sectional crises of 1820 and 1850, the slave states unanimously had embraced the peculiar institution as a "cause de celebre." The protection of slavery in the existing slave states became a paramount concern, a high profile issue, and a rallying point of Southern unity. In that regard, the Southern perspective remained consistent and uniform.1 Conversely, the implications of slavery's expansion seemed far more complex than the issue of emancipation. Beyond the political power of slave versus free state representation, slavery's expansion cut to the heart of the proslavery dream. The "western frontier" captured the imagination of an ex­ panding nation. To the extreme Southern viewpoint, the natural link between slavery's survival and its place in an emerging frontier seemed obvious. All Southerners, however, did not share the same vision. Many representatives, although adamant with regard to slavery's protection, remained unconvinced the institution would thrive beyond the cotton belt, or that a casual relation­ ship between slavery's expansion and the threat of emancipa­ tion seemed a reality. They sought political compromise at a time when many of their brethren demanded a "final solu­ tion" that would bring national legitimacy to a sectional institution. The New Orleans Picayune said it best following the New Year's festivities that ushered in the new decade. The Louisiana paper reported in early January 1860, that "things are going wrong here."2 Indeed, the proslavery outlook did not appear promising. Republicans made significant gains in 1 The 1820 and 1850 territorial crises were two distinctive points on a continuum that eventually led to national disruption. The Missouri contro­ versy remained primarily a political struggle from the expansionist percep­ tion. Southern politicians maintained the sectional balance in Congress as a paramount concern, and settlement depended upon a continued parity be­ tween the slave and the free states. In 1850, the dimensions of the contro­ versy broadened to include the moral argument. In order to meet the aboli­ tionist challenge, several Southern congressmen vehemently defended slavery as a positive good. Slavery expansion became closely equated to slavery protection, and to insure slavery's security they demanded a national policy protecting the slaveholder's property and rights. Thus, the territorial issue grew in complexity as America passed the mid-century mark, and emancipa­ tion became increasingly difficult to separate from the issue of slavery expansion. For a more detailed interpretation of these events see Ronald C. Woolsey, "The West Becomes a Problem: The Missouri Controversy and Slavery Expansion as the Southern Dilemma," Missouri Historical Review 77 (July 1983): 409-432; and Woolsey, "A Southern Dilemma: Slavery Expan­ sion and the California Statehood Issue in 1850—A Reconsideration/' Southern California Quarterly 65 (Summer 1983): 123-144. 2 New Orleans (Louisiana) Picayune, 11 January 1860. Debate over Slavery 3 congressional representation, and the Fugitive Slave Law, the cornerstone of the Compromise of 1850, had been counter­ manded by the passage of numerous Northern personal liberty laws. In addition, speculation on the 1860 census suggested that Southern representation would be further di­ luted on the national scene. In short, the slavery controversy remained an unresolved matter by the close of the fifties, and the new decade projected ominous signs for the slaveholding states. Andrew Johnson, senator from Tennessee, character­ istically warned that slavery further would be threatened in the 1860 presidential election, "unless there is some reaction in public sentiment to the north on the question of Slav­ ery. .. ."3 The most significant issue confronting slaveholders in­ volved not only their immediate security, but more impor­ tantly, their future destiny. Congressional protection of slav­ ery in the territories seemed integral to Southern interests for political and ideological reasons. In terms of party politics, congressional protection tested the strength of the Southern Democracy. Philosophically, the legal right of slaveholders to emigrate into the territories signified the continuation of the peculiar institution in America's future. Together, the political and ideological aspects of the territorial issue fragmented and ultimately destroyed the Democratic party. Thus, the territorial issue played an indirect role in the repudiation of Southern principles in the November election and also in the eventual breakdown of the Union. A number of important questions exist concerning the issue of congressional protection. How significant was the territorial issue to Southern militancy in the early months of 1860? Why did the territorial issue fragment Southern opin­ ion? Finally, how did the territorial issue eventually disrupt national party politics? To answer these questions, the issue of congressional protection must first be defined from its critical debate between the Douglas Democrats and the South- ern states' rights position. 3 Johnson to Harvey T. Phillips, 15 August 1859, in Leroy P. Graf and Ralph W. Haskins, eds., The Papers of Andrew Johnson, 3 vols. (Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 1972), 3:290. For a general consideration of the events and conditions preceding 1860, see Paul I. Wellman, The House Divides (Garden City, New York: Doubleday and Company, 1966), 340-398; Major L. Wilson, Space, Time and Freedom (Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1974); and Roy Franklin Nichols, The Disruption of American Democracy (New York: The Macmillan Com- 4 Missouri Historical Review

By 1860, Senator Stephen Douglas from Illinois appeared the leading contender for the presidential nomination in the Democratic party. In fact, Douglas seemed the only major candidate to head the party's ticket. Since 1856, he carefully had planned to grasp the party's reins in the upcoming presidential election. What had been denied him at Cincin­ nati in 1856, he hoped to secure at Charleston in I860.4 Yet Douglas's view of the territorial question had been widely circulated prior to that time. The "Little Giant's" notoriety, both in terms of Northern support and Southern opposition, rested primarily on his position on popular sovereignty. He maintained the legal representation of the people rested with the territorial government. The people, Douglas reasoned, worked through their territorial legislature to pass laws shap­ ing their domestic character. The territorial legislature could pass laws regulating social institutions, including the au­ thority to protect or prohibit slavery.5 By 1860, Douglas's doctrine faced severe opposition from several Southern Democrats. Some Southern congressmen argued that Douglas's view seemed a thin disguise for the eventual elimination of slavery in the territories. They main­ tained the territorial legislatures derived their power from the federal government. Since it remained the duty of the federal government to protect slavery in the territories, slavery pro­ ponents insisted a territorial government could not prohibit black bondage. Thus, the power of federal government to protect slavery became a focal point of concern. Senator J. P. Benjamin from Louisiana emphatically stated that "Congress cannot destroy the property of a citizen in his slave in a territory." To the extreme Southern rights senator, Alfred Iverson of Georgia, Congress had the duty to protect slavery in the territories through "congressional legislation."6 Early in the first session of the Thirty-sixth Congress, Albert Brown of Mississippi introduced resolutions in the 4 A detailed analysis of the emergence of Douglas in national party politics can be found in Robert W. Johannsen, Stephen A. Douglas: A Study in American Politics (New York: Oxford University Press, 1973), 521-614; and Allan Nevins, The Emergence of Lincoln, 2 vols. (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1950), 2: 171-202. 5 Douglas's position seemed well documented by 1860 and several politi­ cal organs had published his views. Examples can be found in the Lincoln (Nebraska) Advertiser, 12 January 1860; Natchez (Mississippi) Free Trader, 4 February 1859; Mobile (Alabama) Register, 24 January 1860; and Congres­ sional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52:1970-1971, 2100, 2147-2156. 6 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52: 2236, 2316. Debate over Slavery

Stephen A. Douglas moved to Illinois from Vermont while young and taught him­ self law. His success as law­ yer and judge coincided with his early political rise in the Democratic party. A strong party man, he hoped his doctrine of popular sov­ ereignty for the territories would unite, not divide, the Democrats.

Library of Congress

Senate that would lead to congressional protection of slavery in the territories. Brown reasoned that since slaves were property, Congress must pass laws to "protect the enjoyment of all descriptions of property in the territories." On February 2,1860, Jefferson Davis, senator from Mississippi, introduced a series of resolutions, less assertive than Brown's in pro­ posing immediate action, but no less adamant in the view that slavery must be protected in the territories by the federal government. Davis argued that an individual had a consti­ tutional right to take "slave property into the common Ter­ ritories, and there hold and enjoy the same while the terri­ torial condition remains."7 Most Southern congressmen generally agreed a territorial legislature could not prohibit slavery. From a legal viewpoint, the Supreme Court already had decided in favor of the slave­ holder. Senator John J. Crittenden, the old-line Whig from Kentucky, admitted he did not agree completely with the Ibid., 1860, 50: 494, 564, 658, 688, 935. 6 Missouri Historical Review

Dred Scott decision. Still, Crittenden felt it his "constitu­ tional obligation to obey the decision of that court" and support the Southern view of constitutional protection. One senator rhetorically asked who was correct, Douglas or the Southern rights advocates. He quickly answered, the high court ruled that "no earthly tribunal" could prohibit slavery in the territories.8 Some Southerners used the Dred Scott decision to illus­ trate that congressional protection remained an issue of property rights and not a question of moral or social norms. Senator Louis Wigfall of Texas pointed to the distinction between slavery and slaves. He asserted that slavery could not be legislated "into a territory, or out of it." Conversely, slaves remained a "species of property," and Wigfall reasoned a territory must "pass laws for the protection of this, as it does for every other species of property." The radical Albert Brown, from Mississippi, even admitted that when he took

Louisiana): ^ ^ 2S22i 22S7 (SpGech by Senator JR Beni™ from

Library of Congress

£? i Crittenden attended the Charleston convention, as a dele­ gate from Kentucky. In 1861, Crit­ tenden offered a final compromise to prevent secession. He suggest­ ed constitutional amendments to prohibit slavery above 36° 31' lati­ tude, and federal protection of the institution below that line in fu­ ture territories. President Lincoln, however, rejected that plan. Debate over Slavery 7

his slaves into a territory, that: "Government is bound to protect it as property, not to propagate the institution by law."9 Ironically, perhaps, several expansionists did not view congressional protection dogma as inconsistent with their traditional states' rights platform. Various approaches could reconcile the two views. Senator Clement Clay of Alabama believed federal protection legal in the absence of state authority. Senator Alfred Iverson of Georgia argued that a denial of federal protection for slaveholders migrating to the territories appeared a "violation of sovereign rights of equality of the States to prohibit them from exercising this right to impair it in any possible form." One Southern senator felt the territorial organizations mere "corporations" that could be dissolved by the federal government and thus, "cannot de­ clare what is property in the Territories, and are not sov­ ereign."10 By 1860, several Southern newspapers demanded the issue of slavery in the territories be forced to a conclusion. The ambiguities and vague constitutional principles advanced by all parties had left the matter of territorial rights and slavery's legal status in doubt. Tired of the debate over popular sovereignty, one Southern newspaper flatly stated, "either slavery does not exist in the Territories" or slave­ holders have "the right to carry their slaves there and are entitled to all the legislation necessary for the enjoyment of that right."11 One Georgia newspaper, although a supporter of the moderate views of Crittenden, admitted that ambiv­ alent talk must give way to specifics. "We want specialities— we want nobody deceived, and nobody cheated."12 The Ken­ tucky Statesman sadly noted the territorial issue remained "the only political issue under the Constitution which now

9 Ibid., 1860, 51:1489; 1860, 52: 2346. Detailed considerations of the Dred Scott decision can be found in Stanley I. Kutler, ed., The Dred Scott Decision: Law or Politics? (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1967); Arthur Bestor, "State Sovereignty and Slavery," Journal of Illinois State Historical Society 54 (January 1961): 118-180; and Wallace Mendelson, "Dred Scott's Case- Reconsidered," Minnesota Law Review 38 (January 1953): 16-28. 10 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52: 2317; 2316; 2212 (Speech by Senator J. H. Hammond from Louisiana). 11 Memphis (Tennessee) Daily Appeal, 4 February 1860. 12 Augusta (Georgia) Daily Chronicle and Sentinel, 13 February 1860; also cited in Dwight L. Dumond, ed., Southern Editorials on Secession (New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts Inc., 1931; reprint, Gloucester, Mass.: Peter Smith, 1964), 33. 8 Missouri Historical Review divides parties."13 Congressional protection proved an important political statement and a way of setting forth a consistent policy governing the rights of the slaveholder. The Davis and Brown resolutions became specific devices to solidify Southern opin­ ion. In addition, the resolutions gave notice to Republicans and Douglas Democrats that Southerners had a political platform designed to insure the expansion of slavery. Con­ gress served as the forum for advancement of this policy. Senator James S. Green of Missouri believed the public must "know in advance what we propose to do with reference to the general policy of the Government."14 Jefferson Davis maintained that his resolutions "will speak a restraining voice to the Territorial Legislatures. They will speak our sentiments as to the rights of person and property, the obli­ gations and duties of the Constitution."15 From a political standpoint, some Southerners felt com­ pelled to support congressional resolutions that affirmed slavery expansion. Their concern seemed motivated by a growing suspicion that moderate Northerners had abandoned them, and Douglas's doctrine betrayed slaveholding prin­ ciples. M.D. Haynes of Mississippi acridly wrote that a Doug­ las ticket "would be worse than suicidal" and "it certainly cannot be done."16 The Charleston Mercury, Robert B. Rhett's paper, declared that little difference existed between Northern Democrats and Republicans. Regarding Northern politics, the paper stated, "they are both fatally hostile to the interests and rights of the South."17 One Mississippi paper, contemplat­ ing the upcoming Charleston convention, admitted: "the South will no doubt expect a more explicit resolution on the terri­ torial question than we now have."18 Thus, congressional protection represented a form of political opposition to a possible Douglas nomination and a positive alternative that slaveholders could support.

13 Lexington (Kentucky) Statesman, 6 January 1860; also in Dumond, ed., Editorials, 3. 14 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52: 2317. 15 Dunbar I. Rowland, ed., Jefferson Davis Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers, and Speeches, 10 vols. (Jackson, Mississippi: 1923; reprint, New York: AMS Press Inc., 1973), 4: 274-275. 16 M.D. Haynes to Jefferson Davis, 31 March 1860, in ibid., 229. 17 Charleston (South Carolina) Mercury, 2 February 1860. 18 Natchez (Mississippi) Free Trader, 18 February 1859. Debate over Slavery

South Carolina Historical Society In the spring of 1860, the Democratic party held its conven­ tion in Charleston, at Institute Hall. After South Carolina approved the Ordinance of Secession, the building soon be­ came known as Secession Hall. By 1860, several Southerners became convinced that they had legitimate reasons for concern about their political wel­ fare. Other problems arose besides Douglas and Democratic unity. In addition, the Republican party had made sizable gains in Congress during its short period of existence. At the opening of the Thirty-sixth Congress, Republicans numbered twenty-four senators, compared to a Democratic majority of thirty-six. Yet opposite results occurred in the House. Repub­ lican congressmen tallied 109 in contrast to 101 Democrats.19 To make matters worse, the House spent two months choosing a speaker and eventually selected a Republican, William Pennington of New Jersey. One Southern newspaper called the vote a "monopolizing spirit of Northern selfishness."20

19 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1859, 50:1-2. 20 Richmond (Virginia) Dispatch, 2 February 1860. 10 Missouri Historical Review

Despite a desire for party unity, convention Democrats split over the issue of congressional protection of slavery in the territories. Lucius J. Gartrell of Georgia bitterly observed that it seemed "better that the House should never be organized."21 Indeed, some Southerners believed the entire North, both Democrats and Republicans, to be in sectional opposition to their interests. The Richmond Dispatch proclaimed "no faith in the professions of the great body of the Northern Con­ gressmen."22 The New Orleans Picayune explained that slave­ holders feared they would be "menaced with a construction of the constitution and an administration of the Government which will take away their rights."23 Senator Wigfall of Texas put the question to the North in pointed terms. "Will you abandon sectionalism? Will you do equal justice to every section? Will you treat us as brothers?"24 21 Washington, D.C., Daily National Intelligencer, 11 January 1860. 22 Richmond (Virginia) Dispatch, 2 February 1860. 23 New Orleans (Louisiana) Picayune, 1 February 1860. 24 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52: 2347. Debate over Slavery 11

State Historical Society of Missouri Coupled with the speakership debate and the show of Republican strength in Congress, another important event triggered sectional animosities: the Harper's Ferry raid in October 1859. John Brown's venture sparked an immediate response from slaveholders. Unlike the political controversies that caused the divisiveness among party ranks, Harper's Ferry involved more than politics. The Brown raid confirmed extreme Southerners' worst fears about Northern intentions. Southerners viewed Brown's actions as an inevitable result of sectional conflict over slavery. Consequently, Brown's scheme seemed not only an abolitionist plot but, more significantly, an example of Northern aggression. This sense of outrage transferred to the political arena. The Virginia legislature concluded that Harper's Ferry seemed the "logical conse­ quence of the Republican party."25 Bishop Elder of Virginia 25 Report of the joint committee for the Legislature of Virginia, cited in Washington, D.C., Daily National Intelligencer, 3 February 1860. 12 Missouri Historical Review

preached "there are men who have no other idea of liberty but freedom to break the laws and plot against the country."26 To Jefferson Davis, Brown's raid marked the final chapter in a "long career of agitation" by the North. The Mississippi senator asked, "Is this nothing? Are not these aggressions?"27 The proslavery conception of Northern aggression re­ vealed the significant issue confronting the South—emanci­ pation. Several Southern congressmen defended the moral right of slavery, and they defiantly objected to the self- righteous tone of abolitionist rhetoric. Congressman Jabez Curry of Alabama recognized the basic problem involved the antislavery conviction: "property in man is a sin and a crime." Lucius Lamar of Mississippi exclaimed, "Put the negro out at your peril! No, sir, it cannot be done. We of the South, under the necessities of our position, see what is our mission." If anything, proslavery sentiment expressed a sense of self-pity, and the North appeared the immoral culprit for placing the South on the defensive. William Simms of Ken­ tucky maintained "the South stands in this contest, where she has always stood—in the right, and upon the Constitu­ tion of the country, and may God defend the right." Jefferson Davis felt the North would "drive us to the wall." He conceded that Southerners "can make no more compromises, as I have said, we have nothing else to yield."28 By February 1860, several Southern representatives came to view slavery expansion in a larger dimension than politics. The territories marked the initial line of defense against Northern truculence toward slavery, and Southern polemics transcended party differences into the realm of cultural con­ flict. One Louisiana senator complained, "all this grows out of peculiar differences in the domestic institutions of the North and the South."29 The New Orleans Picayune warned,

26 Natchez (Mississippi) Free Trader, 22 February 1860. 27 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 50: 600. Excellent works that note the effects of Harper's Ferry on the slaveholding states are Thelma D. Perry, "Race Conscious Aspects of the John Brown Affair," Negro Historical Bulletin 37 (October 1974): 312-317; Leonard I. Sweet, "The Reaction of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia to the Secession Crisis: October, 1859 to May, 1861," Historical Magazine of the Episcopal Church 41 (January 1972): 137-140; Jack Kelly, "John J. Crittenden: The Constitutional Party," Filson Club Historical Quarterly 48 (Spring 1974): 125-127; and George C. Rable, "Anatomy of a Unionist: Andrew Johnson in the Secession Crisis," Tennessee Historical Quarterly, 32 (Fall 1973): 338-349. 28 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1859, 50: 94, 45,170, 68. 29 Ibid., 1860, 50: 594 (Speech by Senator J. H. Hammond of Louisiana). Debate over Slavery 13

"the time has come when no Northern man, whatever his business, can safely travel in the Southern States."30 Even the moderate Mobile Register yielded to the sectional nature of the debate, stating: "we are Southerners before we are Democrats."31 Isolated and threatened, a few slavery advocates de­ manded a firm commitment from the North that slavery would be acknowledged as a legitimate American institution. The Charleston Mercury declared, "the interest of the two sections of the Union are so different and antagonistic" that harmony depended upon the establishment of a "firm ground of distinct principles."32 The most important principle rested upon the expansion of slavery, and the territories presented an opportunity to stem the tide of emancipation. Thus, ex­ pansion proved a defensive policy to ensure the protection of 30 New Orleans (Louisiana) Picayune, 11 January 1860. 31 Mobile (Alabama) Register, 17 January 1860. 32 Charleston (South Carolina) Mercury, 30 January 1860.

States' rights advocates wanted Congress to protect slavery in the territories, while abolitionists opposed any expansion of the institution. Southern ex­ tremists opposed Douglas's nomination as party candidate because he advo­ cated popular sovereignty which could prevent the expansion of slavery. State Historical Society of Missouri 14 Missouri Historical Review slavery in America's future. "The West," one Virginia news­ paper maintained, "will become the most powerful break­ water against the tide of abolitionism."33 Despite increased apprehension within the South, many voices in the wilderness urged restraint. Compromise advo­ cates felt a North-South coalition could still be maintained if the territorial issue were not forced to an aggressive conclu­ sion. Several Southern newspapers seemed especially vocal in their criticism of legislation protecting slavery in the territories. The Mobile Register noted, "a diversity of opinion" existed in the South concerning any movement that antagon­ ized the North.34 The Richmond Whig claimed that congres­ sional protection was "childish" and would engineer "the South into a position which will precipitate disunion."35 The New Orleans Bee believed a congressional slave code, "desti­ tute of any prominent practical bearing."36 Most Southern representatives agreed that slavery should be protected in the territories. The controversy, however, developed over what should be the course of action concern­ ing slavery's expansion. Conservatives viewed congressional protection as not an urgent matter demanding immediate consideration. Senator Crittenden of Kentucky "took it for granted" that legislation was unnecessary for the protection of slavery in the territories.37 Senator David L. Yulee of Florida admitted that resolutions on the territorial issue ap­ peared of value only in the future.38 Andrew Johnson termed the debate on the territorial issue a "mere abstraction from which no practical good is to result."39 The Tennessee senator also envisioned the destruction of the Democratic party if the territorial issue were forced upon the Charleston convention. Johnson bitterly wrote that he felt "sick and tired of proceed­ ings of this kind."40 33 Richmond (Virginia) Dispatch, 1 February 1860. 34 Mobile (Alabama) Register, 19 January 1860. 35 Richmond (Virginia) Whig, n.d., cited in the Washington, D.C., Daily National Intelligencer, 3 February 1860. 36 New Orleans (Louisiana) Bee, 5 March 1860; also in Dumond, ed., Editorials, 48. 37 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52: 2322. 38 Fernandina (Florida) East Floridian, 14 June 1860; also cited in 01- linger Crenshaw, The Slave States in the Presidential Election of 1860 (John Hopkins Press, 1945; reprint, Gloucester, Mass.: Peter Smith, 1969), 46. 39 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52: 1972. 40 Johnson to George W. Jones, 13 March 1860, cited in Graf and Haskins, eds., Johnson Papers, 3: 466. Debate over Slavery 15

State Historical Society of Missouri Dismay and confusion predominated at the convention as the debate over slavery in the territories tore the Democratic party apart.

The basis of conservative sentiment rested on the impor­ tance of slavery's expansion. Some Southerners believed the territories failed to provide an immediate prospect for rapid migration. In 1850, Henry Clay confessed slavery did not "exist at this time" in any territory.41 A decade later, Clay's assertion became a familiar part of conservative opinion. Crittenden, who hoped to duplicate Clay's achievements, be­ lieved congressional protection to be a remote issue that should not be agitated.42 One Louisiana newspaper went so far as to compare slavery expansion to a "theological prob­ lem," and the debate appeared nothing more than "learned speculation."43 Even Senator Robert Toombs from Georgia, who later became an ardent firebrand, wrote in February 1860, that congressional protection seemed the "foolishness

41 Clay's speech before the Senate on 29 January 1850; cited in John C. Rives, ed., Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, 16 vols. (New York: D. Appleton & Company, 1863), 16: 387. 42 New York Times, 18 September 1860; also in Crenshaw, Presidential Election, 38. 43 New Orleans (Louisiana) Bee, 5 March 1860; also cited in Dumond, ed., Editorials, 48. 16 Missouri Historical Review of folly" in terms of its immediate significance.44 As an alternative to congressional protection, several Southern legislators offered the principle of nonintervention. Compromise efforts avoided the territorial question rather than solved the matter. Most conservatives argued that fed­ eral jurisdiction, both in terms of national government and the territorial legislatures, prohibited officials from deciding the fate of slavery expansion. With restrictions in the author­ ity of federal and territorial governments, moderates believed Congress should not expand its power by enacting protective legislation. Thus, nonintervention meant an absence of fed­ eral laws governing slavery in a territory until it adopted a constitution and applied for statehood. Senator Wigfall of Texas declared, "I go for non-intervention with slavery, but in saying that I believe in non-intervention on the part of the Federal Government with slavery." Senator Thomas Cling- man of North Carolina believed nonintervention the only true compromise, while the slaveholding states surrendered "claim to protection; our Northern friends abandoned the Wilmot Proviso, and everything looking to it, and met us on common ground." The North Carolinian denied "any such necessity exists" to pass protective legislation. Clingman assessed the mood in the Senate and concluded that Senator Brown, whose proposed resolution demanding immediate pro­ tective measures, had "never yet found a second" to support his legislation.45 Moderate sentiment proved instrumental in the events pertaining to the Democratic convention and the Davis reso­ lutions. An indication of conservative strength came from the vote on the majority platform at the Charleston convention in April 1860. Southerners voted 59 to 57V2 in favor of the resolution espousing the principles of the 1856 platform. The measure professed the harmless belief that: "Democratic prin­ ciples are unchangeable in their nature." When the resolution expressing the Douglas view also failed, the party had virtu­ ally no definitive position on the territorial issue.46 A month 44 Ulrich B. Phillips, ed., The Correspondence of Robert Toombs, Alex­ ander H. Stephens, and Howell Cobb, vol. 2 (Washington, 1913; reprint, New York: Da Capo Press, 1970), 461. 45 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52:1944. 46 Charleston (South Carolina) Proceedings of the National Democratic Convention, 23 April 1860 (Washington: Thomas McGill Printers, 1860), 30- 32. A descriptive account of the convention scene can be found in William B. Hesseltine, ed., Three Against Lincoln: Murat Halstead Reports the Caucuses Debate over Slavery 17

later, moderates again expressed their sentiment on the Davis resolutions. Although Davis maintained his proposals in­ cluded "general abstract declarations," nevertheless, they respected positive statements on the slaveholders' right to settle in the territories. Some Southern legislators feared such an aggressive assertion. North Carolina's Senator Clingman proposed an amendment that claimed no need existed for immediate legislation to protect slavery in the territories. With the aid of seven Southern votes, over one-fourth of the total Southern tally, the Clingman Amendment passed in the Senate by a narrow 26-23 margin. Thus, Southern moderates influenced the deciding vote on two critical measures during April and May I860.47 Sadly, compromise efforts confused rather than solved the territorial debate. Compromise supporters hoped to turn back the clock to the time when Northerners and Southerners skillfully adverted party crises. In 1848, Democrats rejected slavery's protection and the radical "Alabama Platform." Eight years later, threatened with disruption, the party adopted neither the Douglas nor the extreme Southern rights position. Instead, the party opted for an ambiguous declara-

of 1860 (Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 1960), 77-84. 47 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 50: 935; 52: 2344.

The delegates supporting Senator Douglas slept in crowded quarters at Hiber­ nian Hall. For use of these facilities, guests paid $5.00 per day. State Historical Society of Missouri 18 Missouri Historical Review

tion that offended neither side. Democrats successfully avoided making a final decision on future expansion of slav­ ery, and, in doing so, pieced together a fragile construction of party unity. In 1860, however, radicals demanded a settle­ ment to the question. Regrettably, Southern moderates failed to offer an innovative alternative to the protectionist view. Some Southerners would not accept another vague inter­ pretation of the territorial issue. Militant frustration erupted at the Democratic convention. The party's vague position on slavery taken at the Cincinnati convention in 1856 remained unacceptable considering Douglas probably would be the party's nominee. When the convention did not adopt a protec­ tionist platform, the party split. Firebrands had neither a candidate nor a party statement that expressed protectionist sentiment. Following the platform vote, Leroy Walker of Alabama read to the convention his delegation's resolutions and intent to withdraw. Significantly, seven of the twelve Alabama demands dealt with federal protection of slavery in the territories. Following Alabama's lead, another six Lower South delegations bolted the convention, completing the Debate over Slavery 19

State Historical Society of Missouri Some Southern legislators hoped to find a compromise position be­ tween congressional prohibition and protection of slavery in the ter­ ritories. When convention delegates could not reach a solution, the firebrands increasingly advocated secession. debacle. The walkout marked the end of a North-South coali­ tion that had portended disaster since the era of Jackson.48 In May 1860, Southern rights men again became disap­ pointed by the Senate proceedings on the territorial issue. Southern extremists never accepted fully the Davis resolu­ tions. Senator Alfred Iverson of Georgia complained that Davis's measures did not "come up fully to the true line" in recognizing the necessity of congressional protection. On May 25, Albert Brown of Mississippi pressed the Senate for a vote on his resolution demanding immediate federal legisla­ tion protecting the expansion of slavery. Not inclined to endorse such an adamant resolve, the Senate defeated 48 Charleston (South Carolina) Proceedings, 32-33. The seven states that withdrew from the convention included Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida and Texas. A fine account of the events and circumstances that led to the walkout can be found in Betty Dix, "The Democratic Convention of 1860: Prelude to Secession," Maryland Historical Magazine 67 (July 1972): 225-253. 20 Missouri Historical Review

Brown's proposal by an overwhelming vote, 42-3. Thus, denied approval at the Democratic convention, extremists also failed to enact specific legislation in Congress. As Davis admitted, his resolutions "never deserved to be called law." By May 1860, however, radicals demanded laws rather than general declarations protecting their rights.49 Inadequate efforts to settle the territorial question seemed only part of the reason for the Democratic collapse and the failure to assuage militant sentiment. A breakdown in leader­ ship also contributed to sectional division. President James Buchanan, despite his differences with Douglas, never sup­ ported an alternative candidate at the Charleston conven­ tion.50 Although some Southerners publicized Andrew John­ son as a "compromise running mate" with Douglas, the Tennessee senator never tendered the possibility to the party.51 Even Crittenden, for all his efforts at conciliation, began laying plans for a third party as early as December 1859. The warning signs appeared evident. Northern and Southern Democrats, on ships without rudders, eventually collided at the party convention. Fittingly, the Douglas Demo­ crats perceived the rift too late. As a gesture of reconciliation, the Douglas men abandoned squatter sovereignty in hope of having their candidate nominated. Northern Democrats voted with their Southern counterparts against the platform resolu­ tion supporting the Douglas doctrine on the territories.52 Unfortunately, the damage had been done. If poor leader­ ship only partially caused disruption, surely the absence of direction created a problem in solving the territorial issue and preventing party division. One Tennessee delegate wrote of the futility of it all. He had ventured to Charleston with a "single idea," to prevent disruption and support a moderate candidate. He bitterly concluded, "I feel that I have accom- 49 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52: 2316, 2349, 2347. It should be noted that along with Albert Brown, Robert Johnson of Arkansas and Stephen Mallory of Florida were the only senators who voted for the resolution. Conversely, nineteen senators from slaveholding states voted against the measure. 50 Nichols, Disruption, 258-259. 51 Rable, "Unionist: Andrew Johnson," 340, 337-341. Rable maintains that although Johnson criticized Douglas's popular sovereignty doctrine, he failed to develop an alternative program concerning the territorial issue and the national party crisis. 52 Charleston (South Carolina) Proceedings, 32; and Hesseltine, ed., Three Against Lincoln, 79-81. The vote on the fourth resolution totaled 21 to 238 in opposition to the measure. Debate over Slavery 21 plished neither."53 The failure at compromise goes beyond the lack of leader­ ship and the absence of viable solutions to the territorial question. If anything, these factors appeared symptomatic of a deeper cause related to the slaveholders' perception of themselves and the territories. Slavery personified the prin­ ciples of Southern society, and territorial protection became synonymous with its guarantee. Anthony Kennedy of Mary­ land declared his support of the protectionist view "from the obligations of honor that rest upon me as a representative of a southern state." Indeed, slavery expansion became a symbol 53 Sam Milligan to Andrew Johnson, 7 May 1860, cited in Graf and Haskins, eds., Johnson Papers, 3: 586. The failure of party leadership is duly noted in Nichols, Disruption, 288-304, and George Harmon Knoles, ed., The Crisis of the Union 1860-1861 (Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1965). 31-59. State Historical Society of Missouri

James Stephen Green, from Lewis County, served two terms in Congress as repre­ sentative and one as senator from Missouri. A skilled orator, his debate with Ste­ phen A. Douglas over terri­ torial rights and slavery made him well known in 1859. 22 Missouri Historical Review of sectional pride. Senator Green of Missouri proclaimed, "I confine myself to principles; and to policy necessary to carry out these principles."54 Behind Southern principles remained the fear of aboli­ tion. To several slavery advocates, preservation became "higher law" which meant the protection of slavery. One observer believed Southern sensitivity represented "unhappy proof of their consciousness of continued danger."55 The na­ ture of the territorial issue seemed fundamentally aligned with Southern survival. American politics failed to adapt to the enormity of the problem. The end result, as one Virginia paper concluded, meant that Southerners "must depend on themselves for the protection of their property and their rights."56 Thus, Southern militants felt disenfranchised from the Democratic process and the Charleston walkout proved the first step on the road to secession. The 1860 controversy magnified the problems inherent in the earlier compromise debates. Southern militants seemed convinced of unending sectional antagonism, and Northern aggression would continue to threaten slavery. Expansionists perceived the conflict as a cultural confrontation, and they interpreted opposition to the extension of slavery as a direct assault on Southern survival. Northern allies had deserted the proslavery cause, or so militant Southerners believed. The Charleston debacle resulted from a political breakdown, fomented by a moral debate. A radical conception of the territorial issue for cultural survival destroyed the conven­ tion. The 1860 crisis also accentuated the continued split in Southern sentiment. Not all Southerners felt the North stalked them like hungry predators. Divided opinion stemmed from diversified interpretations of the territorial crisis. Some South­ ern officials felt congressional protection an exaggerated problem. The panacea offered the principle of noninterven­ tion and support of resolutions eliminating the issue from congressional politics. Yet, the 1860 crisis demanded a remedy other than a reiteration of previous doctrine. The Douglas

54 Congressional Globe, 36th Cong., 1st sess., 1860, 52: 2317. 55 Edward Bates to Robert M. Stewart, 22 November 1859, cited in Howard K. Beale, ed., The Diary of Edward Bates 1859-1866 (Washington, D.C., 1930; reprint, New York: Da Capo Press, 1971), 67. 56 Richmond (Virginia) Dispatch, 11 February 1860. Debate over Slavery 23

concept of popular sovereignty focused on the critical matter of self-government prior to admission. Conversely, extreme expansionists demanded immediate protection—a federal policy that insured the slaveholders' rights. A reconciliation of those polarized views seemed necessary. Northerners and Southerners failed to understand the unique tensions present, and neither offered solutions that could adequately cope with the political crisis. Perhaps a temporary settlement seemed impossible due to the unique characteristics of the era. The political ma­ chinery in 1860 proved ill-equipped to deal with the enormity of the problem. Clay died long before 1860, and Douglas now lacked the prestige or power to hold the Democratic party structure together. In addition, nothing remained for compro­ mise by 1860. No specific territorial crisis existed that could be used as a tangible bargaining tool. The Dred Scott decision already had upheld the 1850 Fugitive Slave Law. If it were abused, as some Southerners claimed, then a new federal law would have been redundant. In essence, the struggle centered on a conflict in attitudes. Stripped of specific issues, the crisis focused upon the ideological differences separating the North and South. Regardless of laws, judicial opinions, or govern­ mental enforcement of proslavery legislation, a defiant North could not be coerced into submission to Southern demands. Such was the proexpansionist perception of their legal rights and Northern aggression. Thus, behind the belief in federal protection lay a desire to change the temper of an adversary, either imagined or real. Proexpansionists demanded a national commitment to establish slavery as a legitimate institution in America's future. Indeed by 1860 it proved too much to ask of a frag­ mented nation whose people had irreconcilable views about themselves and their country's destiny.

That's Honest Abe

Weston Border Times, March 3,1865. We were disposed at one time to doubt Old Abe's ability as a rail-splitter, but seeing how well he does everything else, we reverse our opinion and set him down as a first rate rail-splitter, too. St. Louis Post-Dispatch On January 14, 1939, Missouri state officials declared the sharecroppers demonstration a public health hazard and moved the protestors to segregated camps in several counties. State highway patrol officers placed the largest group along the New Madrid Spillway.

Lincoln University's Involvement with the Sharecropper Demonstration in Southeast Missouri, 1939-1940 BY LORENZO J. GREENE* In the July 1987 issue of the Review, Arvarh Strickland presented the overall problem regarding the sharecropper demonstration of 1939.1 need only build upon the factual and ideological background so well presented. I shall set forth: (1) how I became actively involved in the plight of the share­ croppers; (2) how, through my American history class, I inspired the students at Lincoln University to help them; (3) my efforts to obtain off-campus assistance for the croppers; (4) actual and suggested help for the sharecroppers; (5) the response of the sharecroppers to our efforts to ameliorate their condition; and (6) how we continued to seek help for a group of sharecroppers until they settled on a plot of ground of their own near Poplar Bluff, Missouri. On January 10, 1939, with the New Deal in its zenith, an *Lorenzo J. Greene is Emeritus Professor of History at Lincoln Univer­ sity, Jefferson City. He has the A.B. degree from Howard University, Wash­ ington, D.C., and the M.A. and Ph.D. from Columbia University, New York, New York.

24 Sharecropper Demonstration 25 event occurred in Southeast Missouri which shocked the con­ science of the state and the nation. It began in the late hours of January 9. The following day, when the sun rose over highways 60 and 61, where they converged at Sikeston, a strange and unusual sight met the eyes of passersby. Lining the roads stood hundreds of white and black sharecroppers, tenant farmers and farm laborers who had been evicted from, or walked off, the plantations. The exact number of demon­ strators vary. Estimates range from 330 to 1,500 families. Or, approximately 1,300 to 1,500 people.1 The demonstration, which caught the country and even the planters by surprise, had been the brainchild of the Reverend Owen H. Whitfield, a charismatic, black preacher, labor leader and sharecropper.2 What impelled these farm workers of both races to forsake the "imagined comfort" of their homes and move with their meager possessions to the highways in the dead of winter? The answer appears simple: They had become sur­ feited with their abominable existence on the plantations. They protested against unspeakable living conditions, wretched housing and lack of sanitation that made them susceptible to typhoid fever, diptheria, dysentery, hookworm and other intestinal diseases; unhealthy diet, starvation wages, poor educational facilities and maltreatment. The demonstrators also protested the practice of landlords trans­ forming their sharecroppers into day laborers. This kept the planters from paying workers their share of parity money which the federal government provided for reducing cotton acreage, thereby increasing the price of the commodity. More­ over, for the first time, union officials made a serious attempt to organize these forgotten workers. Thousands, therefore, listened eagerly to Whitfield and other officers of the South­ ern Tenant Farmers' Union and to members of the United Cannery Agricultural Packing and Allied Workers of America 1 The number varied. Harry L. Mitchell, Mean Things Happening in this Land: The Life and Times of H.L. Mitchell, Co-Founder of the Southern Tenant Farmers' Union (Montclair, N.J.: Allanheld, Osmun and Co. Pub­ lishers, Inc., 1979), 171, placed the number at 1,700 families. The Missouri Highway Patrol gave the number of families at 330, an aggregate of 1,307 persons. The FBI set the number at 251 families or 1,161 persons. See Louis Cantor, A Prologue to the Protest Movement: The Missouri Sharecropper Roadside Demonstration of 1939 (Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 1969), 64; W. Wilder Towle, D.D., Delmo Saga (Lilbourn, Mo.: Delmo Housing Corporation, n.d.), 12, lists the number at 1,500 families. 2 Letters and other documents from sharecroppers in possession of the author. See also, Mitchell, Mean Things Happening in this Land, 171-181; Cantor, Prologue to Protest Movement, 34-49; Towle, Delmo Saga, 10-12, n. 26 Missouri Historical Review who persuaded them to better their condition by presenting a united front against their oppressors.3 The realization of strength in unity impelled both white and black farm workers to brave the wintry elements in the public demonstration of January 10, 1939. What did these disgruntled farm workers want? Their demands seem modest today. But to the planters and their associates of nearly a half century ago, they appeared revolu­ tionary. The demonstrators wanted abolition of the share- cropping and tenant farm systems; organization of all farm workers; 15 cents an hour for a ten-hour day; 20 cents an hour for all overtime; the privilege of raising pigs, chickens and milk cows (this to diversify the monotonous diet of salt pork, beans and corn pone); free pasturage; use of a team to haul fire wood; cultivation of a free garden plot on a 50-50 basis; use of a team or truck to haul produce to market; 20 cents an hour for breaking new ground and 30 cents an hour overtime for such work.4 Denied these concessions from the planters, the sharecroppers moved out on the highway. They deter­ mined if they must starve, they would do so where they could be seen rather than freeze and starve unseen on the farms. Unforeseen events, however, often change the face of history. An occasion of this nature impelled me, a history teacher at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, to become actively concerned with the plight of the sharecroppers. We had read about their condition in newspapers and magazines and listened to radio broadcasts concerning them, but had done nothing positive to help sharecroppers. Then, one cold Monday in March, Dr. Sherman D. Scruggs, president of Lincoln University, asked me to do him a favor. On Friday, he told me he was scheduled to address the faculty, students and friends of Charleston High School in Southeast Missouri. An emergency, he went on, had arisen which would prevent him from doing so. Would I substitute for him? I readily assented, regarding it as an opportunity to acquaint the teachers, students and townspeople with some aspects of black history. After speaking at the high school I engaged in a lengthy conversation with the principal and some of the teachers. 3 From sharecropper documents in possession of author. 4 Conversation with Walter Johnson, leader of Sweet Home Baptist Church group, about 28 March 1939. Sharecropper Demonstration 27

The principal, incidentally, served as a member of the board of curators of Lincoln University. I finally left them, in­ tending to return to Jefferson City, only to discover that I had locked my keys inside the car. Several men tried in vain to open the door for me. Finally, we had to send to Sikeston, several miles away, for a locksmith to retrieve them. By this time it appeared too late, according to several persons, for me to drive back to Jefferson City. While I hesitated, several teachers invited me to spend the night at their homes. One added that if I did so, next morning he would take me to see the sharecroppers, who had camped for miles along highways 60 and 61, but now had been moved to several camps by the State Highway Patrol. I yielded and next morning, armed with my camera, we set out for the camps. What I saw there shocked and distressed me. Hundreds of sharecroppers with their pitiable belongings congregated in groups. Men, women, young and old, boys and girls shivering in the cold, little children and even babies crying because of hunger, their swollen bellies indicative of lack of sufficient food. I saw their makeshift dwellings of wood, burlap, tin, cardboard, anything to protect them from the frigid weather. I saw women trying to cook over open fires, on makeshift stoves, or just standing about trying to keep warm. Visibly disturbed by the scene, I started to take some pictures of these miserable people to be used as visible evi­ dence of their abject condition, upon my return to Lincoln University. But before I could do so, Walter Johnson, who identified himself as leader of the Sweet Home Church group, stopped me. The sharecroppers, he explained, were tired of having their pictures shown in newspapers and magazines, tired of being made spectacles, while neither federal, state, county, or local governments would help them. Even the Red Cross refused them assistance. They needed, Johnson stated, food, clothing, shelter, medicines, etc. I agreed and responded that my only object in taking the pictures was just that: to acquaint people in Jefferson City with the wretched condition of the sharecroppers, with a view toward securing for his people some of the things which they so badly needed. But pictures would substantiate my appeal for help. I told him they would tell their story far more eloquently than anything I could say. 28 Missouri Historical Review

St. Louis Post-Dispatch White as well as black sharecropper families received eviction notices in January 1939. Rather than stay on the farms as day laborers, these sharecroppers decided to protest their plight by moving onto highways 60 and 61 near Sikeston, Missouri.

Johnson then relented and said I could talk with, and photograph, anything and anyone who would permit me to do so. These hard-working people, he reminded me, had been evicted from or left the plantations because life on the farms proved unbearable, either as sharecroppers, tenant farmers, or day laborers. With Johnson, an intelligent, dark brown, stockily built man sponsoring me, I not only took many pictures of individuals, and groups, but also of their squalid living conditions. Further, I talked freely with some of the sharecroppers. Before leaving for Jefferson City, I assured Johnson that help would be forthcoming soon. He thanked me and told me to feel free to visit the camp at anytime. On the day following my return from Southeast Missouri, I met with my eight o'clock class in American history. Before beginning our regular assignment, I asked the students Sharecropper Demonstration 29 whether they would kindly allow me a few minutes to share with them some of my experience over the weekend. They graciously consented. I first raised some questions: "How many of you have heard of the sharecroppers of Southeast Missouri?" About fifteen of the approximately twenty-five students raised their hands. "Do you know why they went out on the highways?" About eight students raised their hands. "How many of you are from Southeast Missouri?" About ten hands went up. "Do you know anything about their circumstances?" Approxi­ mately three students responded. The class then listened intently as I described the miserable conditions of the sharecroppers: their makeshift housing of cardboard, tin, rags, and pieces of wood; their efforts to avoid starvation by cooking what little food they had out-of-doors, while rain, snow and sleet fell into their kettles; and their difficulty even getting water for cooking, drinking and washing (landlords refused to let them use their wells), except by walking three miles for it. I described their ragged condition: men, women and children without suffi­ cient clothing to protect themselves against the wintry elements; the half naked, starving, pot-bellied little children, already showing the ravages of hunger and starvation; in­ fants in their mothers' arms, crying for the milk their mal­ nourished mothers could not give them; shoeless men and women, their feet wrapped in rags, clutching their little ones with dripping noses and bloated bellies. When I paused, one of the students inquired, "Mr. Greene, did the sharecroppers ask about us?" "Yes," I replied. "Did they ask whether we thought about them?" "Yes," I answered. "What did you tell them?" "I simply told them the truth: that you were not interested in them: that you were too busy thinking about, and preparing for your spring prom." "You told them that, Mr. Greene?" "Yes," I replied, "It's the truth, isn't it?" With no other questions forthcoming, I went on with the scheduled lesson, but already most of the hour had passed. I had another class following this one but dismissed the subject from my mind. Imagine my surprise then, when a little after noon a knock sounded at my office door. Opening it, there stood two students from my American history class. I offered them seats and inquired what I could do for them. 30 Missouri Historical Review

They replied they had thought about my remarks in class about the sharecroppers and felt ashamed they had done nothing to help them. Nor had they even thought about their plight. Nevertheless, they had been deeply disturbed over my statement that Lincoln University students had given the sharecroppers little or no consideration. The spokesman for the two stated that she had called a special meeting of her sorority to ascertain what the members could do for the sharecroppers. "I am Adele James from St. Louis," she said, "Basileus of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and we want to ask you whether it would be alright to give the sharecroppers the money we were saving for our Spring Prom?" So delightfully surprised, figuratively speaking, I almost fell out of my chair. Recovering myself, I replied, "Thank you, yes." Then I added, "You may live long and perform many noble deeds but this may be the noblest deed of all." They departed and soon another knock sounded. This time two girls represented the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The leader, Bernice Smith from Kansas City, told me a

Camping along the highways exposed these demonstrators to mid-winter's snow and chilling winds. As long as they remained there, though, public relief could reach the sharecroppers. St. Louis Post-Dispatch

\«^,,;™«»»j^ ~'^*1^>"^

%*'&C^^'i* ^^, Sharecropper Demonstration 31 similar story. After class they had called an emergency meet­ ing and the sorority had voted overwhelmingly to forego their prom in favor of helping the sharecroppers. I thanked the girls as I had the first delegation for their noble, self-sacrificing act. But this was not the end. Once more a knock sounded. This time there appeared the presi­ dent of the student council, Cynthia Bolt, a senior student from Boston and niece of Dr. Albert A. Kildare, head of the Physics Department. The council, she informed me, had called a special meeting during the lunch period. Like the sororities, the council had decided unanimously to forego its spring prom and donate its entire treasury of about eighty dollars to the sharecroppers. I thanked her and the council members profusely. As she left, I smiled and said to myself, "Now the entire student body is involved." There followed now, a whirlwind campaign to help the sharecroppers. President Scruggs called a special convoca­ tion of faculty and students, and asked me to address them on the plight of the sharecroppers and to suggest ways and means to help them. I emphasized their pressing need for shelter, food, clothing, medicine and the best approach for getting relief to them. The students led the way. The two sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta, cooperated with the student government in this endeavor. The campus became a hive of activity. Faculty and students donated clothing, soli­ cited clothing, bought clothing, mended clothing, collected food items and enlisted the aid and cooperation of towns­ people and merchants. Within a month they had collected nearly a truckload of provisions: food, clothing, hats, dresses, shoes, skirts, stock­ ings, trousers, underwear, suits and other wearing apparel. In addition, we bought bags of flour, cartons of sugar, salt, oatmeal and other cereals; food for babies: condensed milk, evaporated milk, infants' formulas, cod liver oil and other necessities. After purchasing these commodities, we still had almost $200.00 left to donate to the croppers. I was ecstatic— the students equally so. Favorably impressed, President Scruggs suggested the student heads of the AKAs and the Deltas and the student government accompany me, when we took the provisions to Southeast Missouri so that the sharecroppers might see their 32 Missouri Historical Review benefactors. At the same time, the students would actually get to know, at first hand, the people they were helping. On the way down, I again described to the students the abject plight of the sharecroppers—poor, homeless, ragged, hungry, cold, many of them illiterate. Nevertheless, proud, but willing to work, they were victims of a vicious, economic system which forced them to leave the plantation. I cautioned the girls, especially Cynthia Bolt, the student government president, to be particularly careful of their attitude toward these people. In no way, I warned them, should they act toward them in a patronizing or condescending manner. If anyone did so, I would take her back to the home where we were staying and leave her until we were ready to return to the university. Happily, I had nothing to fear. In fact, Cynthia fondled and caressed the little children, helped to wash and feed them, wiped their dripping noses and treated them in such motherly fashion, that I feared she herself might become infected from some of their colds and other illnesses. This group of sharecroppers had been moved off the highway to the Sweet Home Baptist Church near Charleston on the ground that the roadside demonstration created a "menace to public health."5 The camp leader, Walter John­ son, and all the other sharecroppers thanked us profusely for the clothing, food and medicines which we brought them. Some of the literate sharecroppers expressed their gratitude in writing or else had Walter Johnson's son, Cecil, a fifteen- year-old high school freshman, write letters for them. As a result, I amassed along with pictures, their written reasons for leaving the land, as well as, how they fared on the highway, at Sweet Home Church and on the land newly purchased for them at Harviell.6 Typical of these expressions of gratitude is the letter Walter Johnson, camp leader, sent to Cynthia Bolt from Wyatt, Missouri:

5 Cantor, Prologue to Protest Movement, 84-90. 6 Mitchell, Mean Things Happening, 173; Cantor, Prologue to Protest Movement, 75. Sharecropper Demonstration 33

St. Louis Post-Dispatch The demonstrators had little food and inadequate shelter. The Red Cross refused to help, calling the situation a man-made disaster; federal agency involvement progressed slowly. Most aid came from private organizations and individuals, such as the students from Lincoln University.

Wyatt, Mo. 5-17-39 Miss Cynthia Bolt Pres. of the Student Council I and my people of Sweet Home Church group are indeed happy to write a greeting of Thanks for such Wonderful donation and shall never forget you and your Wonderful Council, and We shall pray for you All for as you grow in Age that you all Will grow in The Wisdom of Education. Miss Bolt I'm Words cannot express in words how glad We Was in haveing you young Ladies and the professor. Also We shall at any time be glad to have you all in our Mitts. I shall also ask you To Pray for me and My group. I pray that you all Arived home safely. The money which you all give us was so much help to us and it has been spent for what you all given it for, I bought $62.66 [worth of] groceries and 6 cent stamps 17 cents for Bus fare to Charleston $62.49. Balance in hand 5 cent. So we shall think of you and your 34 Missouri Historical Review

Wonderful Student Council. I Pray for your Success from the Sweet Home group. Walter Johnson7 Wyatt, Mo. We made several more trips to Southeast Missouri taking with us much-needed provisions. Soon, however, we realized that Lincoln University students and others could not single- handedly supply the multifarious needs of the sharecroppers. Therefore, I decided to appeal to the public for help. In this connection, I sent letters to black newspapers such as the Kansas City Call, New York Amsterdam News, Chicago Defender, Pittsburgh Courier, and others, asking them to publicize the desperate condition and urgent needs of the sharecroppers. I also alerted Claude Barnett, editor of the Associated Negro Press, whose releases from Chicago reached virtually every black newspaper in the country. The latter informed its readers of the plight of the sharecroppers and requested that they assist them in any possible way. The net result brought offers from all over the country to aid these unfortunates. Assistance took various forms. Oc­ casionally, it reflected the pinched circumstances under which most black Americans existed during the depression. Ed Smith of New York City sent me "one dollar to be turned over to the Rev. Owen Whitfield for the assistance of the sharecrop­ pers. ... I would have sent more," Smith added, "but I am a man of meagre means."8 I thanked Smith for his donation, and informed him that I had forwarded the money to Rev. Whitfield.91 asked the latter to send a note of appreciation to Smith.10 As further evidence of his sincerity, Smith, the next month, sent another dollar money order for the sharecroppers in which he reemphasized the fact, "I would gladly send more but I am a man of meagre means." He wished me "success and a long and prosperous life. .. ."n Five days later, I wrote Smith, thanking him for his contribution and informing him: "I am forwarding this money order to Reverend Owen Whitfield at the Y.M.C.A. in St. Louis, who will apply it for the use of the people for which 7 Walter Johnson to Cynthia Bolt, Lincoln University, 17 May 1939. 8 Ed Smith to author, 14 June 1939. 9 Author to Ed Smith, 14 June 1939. 10 Author to Rev. Owen Whitfield, 13 July 1939. 11 Ed Smith to author, 8 July 1939. Sharecropper Demonstration 35

[sic] you intended it. Again, accept my heartiest appreciation for you gift."12 More important aid came in the form of clothing. Mrs. E.M. Fassets of Minneapolis, learning from the Kansas City Call, of the sharecroppers' destitute condition and, interested in "relieving their suffering," sent a box of clothing for them.13 Jack Posten, adjutant of the Johnny Baker Post of World War I Veterans, No. 291, also wrote that upon the advice of the same newspaper he was sending, by freight, a large box of used clothing prepaid, for the sharecroppers. If the clothing "met with their approval," he went on, "the Post would gladly send another box of the same."14 I forwarded the clothing. On November 14, Walter Johnson, the camp leader, wrote that he had "received the box of clothing and I and all the members of the Camp are very glad indeed." The articles arrived at an opportune time, as Whitfield added: "Prof, these cloths [sic] is much needed. The weather is 12 Author to Ed Smith, 13 July 1939. 13 Mrs. E. M. Fassett to author, 27 October 1939. 14 Jack Posten to author, 27 October 1939. The sharecroppers always had lived in extreme poverty. Once evicted from their homes, public relief agencies were slow to come to their aid. Although the Agricultural Adjustment Act was responsible for their immediate plight, the New Deal largely overlooked this have-not population in Missouri. St. Louis Post-Dispatch 36 Missouri Historical Review getting cold on the camphill." He further praised the Lincoln students saying, "it is so wonderful in [sic] you and you good peoples of Jefferson City."15 Likewise, Emma Hicks of Centerville, Iowa, had collected a box of clothing for the sharecroppers, but before she could send it "was taken sick from high blood pressure." She now "feels better," she wrote and inquired "whether the share­ croppers were still there [in Southeast Missouri]," whether to "send the clothing I've collected, or have they [the croppers] left that part of the country?" I urged her to send the clothing, that the sharecroppers remained there, still destitute.16 Frances Canady of New York City wrote, asking what her church group could do to help the sharecroppers. Her special interest revolved about the group at Bethlehem Bap­ tist Church.17 Replying to her question concerning the needs of the sharecroppers, I wrote, There may be people in New York, members of your church or . . . your circle of friends who would be glad to aid these distressed people, if they knew the cir­ cumstances under which they are living. The condi­ tion of the sharecropper is pitiful. They are ragged, hungry, shelterless, except for tents and makeshift shacks, and in some cases do not even have water . . . where they are located. Sanitary conditions are almost unbelievably lacking. Unless something is done soon to take them out of their present situation and to establish them on the land, typhoid fever, diptheria and other diseases will take their inevitable toll.18 From San Gabriel, California, about two thousand miles away, Lucinda Dennie wrote on January 1, 1940, saying she had prepared a box of used clothing and addressed it to Walter Johnson, sharecropper leader at Harviell, Missouri. When she tried to send the box express, however, the clerk told her Harviell had no railroad. Conceding it must be a very small place, she deeply regretted the clothing could not be delivered. She wanted it "to reach the sharecroppers for Christmas," and added: "it seems like all my good intentions have been lost." In closing, she requested another address for Johnson.19 15 Walter Johnson to author, 14 November 1939. 16 Mrs. Emma Hicks to author, 13 November 1939. 17 Author to Mrs. Emma Hicks, 19 November 1939. 18 Author to Mrs. Frances Canady, 12 June 1939. 19 Mrs. Lucinda Dennie to author, 1 January 1940. Sharecropper Demonstration 37

Not only did persons send gifts of money and clothing, but a few offered to share their homes with homeless girls or women. Seventeen-year-old Gladys Fields wrote a pathetic letter, expressing her gratitude for the students' gifts of food and clothing. She closed her letter by stating, "this leaves me nekked [sic] and out of doors."20 Shaken by her letter, I sent a copy to the Associated Negro Press. Mrs. Lulu Cato, of Apple- ton City, Missouri, read her letter in the newspaper and invited Gladys and her family to live with her.21 On July 19,1 wrote Cato, expressing my appreciation for her humane spirit.22 That same day, I sent a letter to Fields telling her of Cato's offer. I advised her to write Cato, tell her the number of persons in her family, and inform Cato whether she alone or the entire family would like to share her home.23 Ap­ parently, however, Fields and her family remained with the sharecropper group at the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Har­ viell.24 A month earlier, Ernest Clayborn of Ottawa, Kansas, wrote me: "I set myself down to drop [you] a few lines for the purpose of getting in touch with some nice woman widow, a single widow preferably, to assist me in my cafe." Clayborn stressed the fact that the widow need not be an experienced cook. "Just plain cooking," he continued. He had a sister, but she worked elsewhere. Clayborn quickly explained, however, that "if the widow did not like cafe work, she might find employment in a private family." He added, "there is quite a bit of that kind of work here."251 sent letters regarding these offers to Walter Johnson, but I do not know the outcome.26 A most unusual plan to help the sharecroppers came from Earl Peoples of Garden City, Kansas. In fact, if feasible, Peoples's proposal, at first glance, seemed a practical way of solving the sharecroppers' problems. In his letter of July 10, 1939, he stated, "being a man of color" and "Believing that the colored race can have economic and social security only by being a producing people as well as consumers," he recom- 20 Gladys Fields to author, July 1939. 21 Mrs. Lulu J. Cato to author, 17 July 1939. 22 Author to Mrs. Lulu Cato, 19 July 1939. 23 Author to Miss Gladys Fields, 19 July 1939. 24 Gladys Fields to author, 6 September 1939; author to Walter Johnson, 18 September 1939. 25 Ernest Clayborn to author, 8 June 1939. 26 Author to Walter Johnson, no date. 38 Missouri Historical Review mended that the sharecroppers be relocated in the state of Washington. The Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River neared completion at that time. When finished in 1942, Peo­ ples foresaw 1,200,000 acres of "highly productive land, cap­ able of providing homes for 30 to 40 thousand families." Land could be bought cheaply, he continued, from $8 to $15 per acre. Only a small down payment was needed; the balance payable on easy terms. Water, he added, was plentiful; the climate mild, with long growing seasons. Large quantities of "irish" potatoes, the finest apples, alfalfa, all kinds of vege­ tables, even sugar beets, could be grown. Continuing in a somewhat nationalist vein, he visualized as many as ten large cities springing up. At least "one or more should be controlled by Negroes," he added. Peoples believed this pro­ ject, if accepted, to be one of the greatest opportunities for Negroes. He asked for names of leaders and members of the sharecroppers who might be interested in his proposal.27 After thanking Peoples for his suggestion, I agreed a large amount of land would be available and the federal government might consider such a project. But the share­ croppers were destitute; they had no knowledge of mixed farming, and were accustomed to raising chiefly cotton and corn. They also lacked the stock, farm equipment and even seed necessary for independent farming. To cultivate the land profitably, the croppers would require training in diver­ sified agriculture. However, I did send him the names of two leaders—Walter Johnson and the Reverend Owen Whitfield.28 Meanwhile, a graduate sorority and the head of a college women's club sought means of aiding the croppers. Thelma E. Marshall of Gary, Indiana, replying to my plea for as­ sistance, reported both groups collecting clothing. She ex­ pected to have the box ready for shipment in a few days. Marshall especially inquired what items should be included in a medical kit. To my delight, she also stated that the local graduate chapter of Delta Sorority might "adopt the share­ croppers as their project for the next year." Lastly, she wanted someone to come to Gary and speak on the plight of the sharecroppers.29

27 Earl Peoples to author, 10 July 1939. 28 Author to Earl Peoples, 13 July 1939. 29 Mrs. Thelma E. Marshall to author, 4 July 1939. Sharecropper Demonstration 39

In my reply concerning wants of the croppers, I stated that, although they needed clothing badly, they were in greater need of food. Regarding items for a medical kit, I informed her that, according to Cecil Johnson, fifteen-year- old son of camp leader Walter Johnson, five babies already had been born at the Sweet Home Church.30 Then I referred her to the words of a camp midwife, who wrote that her greatest needs were for "pink aprons, such as midwives use, nurse's cap and gown, rubber gloves, antiseptic solutions, gauze bandages, adhesive tape, cotton, vaseline, iodine, mercu- rochrome, alcohol, lysol for disinfectant, boric acid, antiseptic powder, silver nitrate, scissors, castille [sic] soap, ungentine [sic], castoria, and epsom salts."31 I heard nothing further from Marshall. Presumably, whatever her group gave the sharecroppers, they sent it directly. Meanwhile, I wrote Henry A. Wallace, secretary of agri­ culture in the Roosevelt Administration, informing him of my interest in the sharecroppers. Mentioning also my trips to Southeast Missouri, I solicited the assistance of the Depart­ ment of Agriculture in aiding the croppers. Finally, I asked the secretary to forward me any materials, gathered by the federal government, bearing upon the sharecropper situation in Southeast Missouri.32 Fundamentally, the sharecroppers needed land upon which to settle permanently. The group at the Sweet Home Baptist Church, outside of Charleston, especially needed land. They existed in terrible conditions: more than fifty persons— from grandparents to grandchildren—with only two hanging sheets acting as a wall for privacy between the sexes. More than a hundred persons lived in tents or improvised shacks in the churchyard. All lacked food and other necessities.33 They became victims of whites who tried to get them off the premises. The white owner of the church land sued the church 30 See "Campers" a poem by Cecil Johnson; enclosed in letter to author, July 1939. 31 Author to Mrs. Thelma E. Marshall, 8 July 1939. 32 Author to Hon. Henry A. Wallace, 16 May 1939. 33 In the church yard, men, women and children in tattered clothing lived in tents, in shacks made of cardboard, tin, wood, anything to protect them against the elements. Others slept on the ground. We saw women trying to cook over open fires. Food was scarce. One woman had a fish half the size of my hand. When I asked her what she was going to do with it, she replied, "Make soup." The students were shaken by the sight of crying babies and hungry children. Personal observation by author and students. See also Cantor, Prologue to Protest Movement, 90-91; Towle, Delmo Saga, 13-14. 40 Missouri Historical Review

With the UCAPAWA, Rev. Owen Whitfield organized the St. Louis Committee for the Rehabilitation of the Sharecroppers. This com­ mittee raised money to pur­ chase 90 acres of farmland near Harviell, southwest of Poplar Bluff. On June 17, 1939, 80 black and 15 white families moved to "Cropper- ville."

officials for permitting the croppers to utilize the church and yard.34 As Walter Johnson wrote, "they were constantly threatened] by the White Peoples of this County." But John­ son and his group resolved, "Whatever come we are here" and the croppers intended to stay there "until they sue us off this ground."35 They did not have to stay. Neither were they "sued off the "ground," for efforts had begun to buy land for the Sweet Home Group.36 On May 23, I talked with Owen Whitfield at the Urban League office in St. Louis. At that time he dis­ closed plans to secure some farm land in the western part of the state upon which he might settle the sharecroppers.37 The hopes of Whitfield and Walter Johnson were realized at a meeting held at the Urban League of St. Louis, June 9, 1939. At this meeting, several friends of the sharecroppers attended, including Sidney Williams industrial secretary of the St. Louis Urban League. Whitfield realized his ambition to buy ninety acres of land not far from Poplar Bluff. The asking price totalled $300, or about $3.25 an acre.38 But the down payment of $50 was far more than the leader could raise. Luckily for him, however, Lincoln Univer­ sity students again came to the rescue. Adele James and Marianne White, representing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, accompanied me to the meeting. In an attempt to raise the 34 Cantor, Prologue to Protest Movement, 91. 35 Walter Johnson to author, no date. 36 Conversation with O. H. Whitfield, 22 May 1939. 37 Author to Walter Johnson, 23 May 1939. 38 Walter Johnson to author, 10 July 1939. Sharecropper Demonstration 41

St. Louis Post-Dispatch fifty dollar down payment, the young women donated thirty- one dollars of the amount.39 Whitfield then took the balance from his check marked "INTERNATIONAL," which he had received that morning "by postal telegram."40 Whitfield exuberantly thanked the Lincoln University students for their help. Addressing a circular letter to mem­ bers of the executive board of the Missouri Agricultural Workers Council, UCAPAWA-C.I.O., he stated: THIS IS TO INFORM YOU THAT MR. LORENZO J. GREEN OF LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, JEFFERSON CITY was in ST. LOUIS YESTERDAY [JUNE 9th] and interviewed me at the URBAN LEAGUE, in com­ pany with MR. GREEN were MISS ADELA JAMES and MISS MARYANE WHITE of the ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY. And after a brief discussion pro and con as to the merits of our venture, and after listening to my explanations it was agreed by all present that it was the wisest step we could take. 1 hat is to buy land for ourselves. Miss James and Miss White representing their great Organization donated $31 00 and pledged themselves and their most wonder­ ful organization to continue to help us in our struggle as much as possible. S9 "The A K A girls of Lincoln University manifested the same noble spirit of helpfulness which had impelled them to do so much for the share- copper s in May. Instead of coming to Southeast Missouri J^^^M clothing as they had planned the sorority . . decided to donate the sum ol thirty one dollars toward. . .the fifty dollars for the downpayment on the lancT Author to Johnnie F. Moore, 22 June 1939. Moore was a union leader H'eitaW^ with Whitfield. Cantor, Prologue to Protest Move-

40 Whitfield to Members of Executive Board, Missouri Agricultural Work­ ers Council, UCAPAWA, CIO, 10 June 1939. 42 Missouri Historical Review

After confessing that taking the money from his check to complete the downpayment would leave him with barely enough money "to buy food for my family," Whitfield urged: "ALL OUR MEMBERS TO SEND LETTERS OF THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY. AND BACK ALL MAIL TO LORENZO J. GREEN JEFFERSON CITY, MO AND GIVE HIM ALL THE INFORMATION HE DESIRE."41 Practical as ever now, Whitfield admonished "every man to do all in his power to sustain himself and family." He would endeavor "to get some seed so you can dig up the ground and plant pumpkins and turnips for winter." For shelter, he urged them to cut "timber and build fast" if tents were "not available."42 After buying the land, the question evidently arose, who was eligible to settle on it. In Whitfield's opinion the problem, if any, was resolved quickly. In his circular letter of June 10 (the same day they purchased the land), entitled "Rules and By-laws," Whitfield emphasized that, although acquired "in the name of W[illiam] M. Fischer, it really belonged to the Missouri Agricultural Workers Council in which all Govern­ mental Powers are vested." He then welcomed the following to the new camp: (1) All of those that are huddled in those dirty Camps such as Churches, OLD DANCE HALLS, OR ANY PLACE WHERE YOU ARE NOT WANTED AND CAN'T HAVE PEACE. (2) If you are in those old waste houses where you were put against your will and are being mis­ treated and are being made to suffer, your com­ plaint will be waiting for you. But if you are doing well and making a fair living don't move yet awhile. . . . On the other hand, Whitfield refused entry to undesir­ ables. The camp, he said, "must guard against taking undesir­ ables into a peaceful neighborhood. It is not a good policy," he stated, "to have the masses suffer for the action of a few BRAINLESS individuals, such as professional DRUNK­ ARDS, PEACE BREAKERS, THEIVES [sic], ETC." Being more specific, he wrote:

41 Ibid. 42 Ibid. Sharecropper Demonstration 43

An INDIVIDUAL has the right to drink intoxicating liquer [sic] if he or she so desires, but when one gets drunk [sic] and jeopardize the happiness and peace of mind of others he has therefore violated the law and must be dealt with accordingly. THEREFORE YOU MAY DRINK ALL THE LIQUOR YOU WANT AND GET SLOPPY DRUNK. YOU MAY STEAL EVERY­ THING YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON, IF YOU SO DESIRE. YOU MAY BE A PROFESSIONAL PEACE BREAKER AND HOME BREAKER, IF YOU DESIRE. BUT YOU CANNOT DO THESE THINGS AND REMAIN IN CAMP ON OUR LAND. Whitfield added that such persons would be immediately barred from the camp from the land and the executive board, moreover, would "also COOPERATE WITH THE COUNTY AND STATE authority in bringing said persons to JUS­ TICE." The circular letter bore the signature of O.H. Whit­ field, secretary treasurer. Whitfield appeared deadly serious, for he added: "WE MEAN THIS."43 When the sharecroppers arrived to take possession of the land, white vigilantes sought to prevent their doing so.44 I wrote Walter Johnson on July 8, thanking him for apprising me of conditions at the camp. I also expressed my regret over the trouble which ensued when the sharecroppers sought to take possession of their land. Finally I congratulated him that no serious consequences had resulted from what could have been a bloody confrontation.45 Occasionally, however, petty bickerings developed among the sharecroppers or union officers. A case in point involved J.R. Butler, president of the Southern Tenant Farmers' Union, who visited the camp on November 14, 1939. His secretary, Blaine Treadway, accompanied him. According to Walter Johnson, the camp leader, Butler, after a brief query as to what help the group needed, had Treadway make out a check to him for five dollars. According to Johnson, Butler told him certain persons in New York and other places had sent checks for the "evicted sharecroppers" to his office. But, Johnson added, Butler gave no indication of the amount of the checks. Neither did he identify the contributors. Although grateful for the five dollar check, Johnson expressed doubts 43 O.H. Whitfield, Sec. Treasurer, Rules and Bylaws—Who is Eligible to Enter Our Land. 44 Author to Walter Johnson, 8 July 1939. 45 Ibid. 44 Missouri Historical Review about Butler's sincerity, stating that Butler might be using this donation "for some kind of scheme." In closing, Johnson openly declared his alienation from Mitchell's S.T.F.U. by emphasizing, "we are all members of the Missouri Agricul­ tural Workers Council [affiliated] with UCAPAWA-C.I.O." He also enclosed a copy of a check, requesting that I have it "published in whatever paper that may be suitable to you."46 In another instance, a member of the camp, one Booker T. Clark, questioned Johnson's honesty in reporting the a- mount donated by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority of Lincoln University. We were unable to make the trip to camp as promised. Instead, the sorority sent Johnson $13.13. For some reason, Clark had misgivings about the actual amount. He wrote me seeking validation of the sum donated by the sorority.47 In my reply to Clark of September 13, I assured 46 Walter Johnson to author, 17 November 1939. 47 Clark's letter to the author apparently has been misplaced. I wrote Johnson on 18 September 1939, appraising him of B. T. Clark's skepticism about the amount of money which the girls had sent. Author to Walter Johnson, 19 September 1939. Josephine Johnson, Fannie Cook and the St. Louis Committee raised funds to erect this school building at "Cropperville." The community children attended grades one through eight here. St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sharecropper Demonstration 45 him I had perfect faith in Johnson's integrity. Said I, in part: I am sorry that some doubt appears in your mind as to the contributions which has been sent to the group at Harviell. I am also sorry that you have doubts about the honesty of your leader, Mr. Johnson. . . . The only money sent from here to the people at the Harviell camp is the amount given you by Mr. John­ son. That was $13.13. Please do not worry me further with such questions. I have the fullest faith and confi­ dence in Mr. Johnson's honesty. You can best aid the people by cooperating with, rather than trying to undermine Mr. Johnson.48 Lincoln University students not only demonstrated the value of education to the sharecroppers, they probably also inspired the camp leader, Walter Johnson, to seek schooling for the children. In fact, I wrote Johnson on September 18, expressing my satisfaction with efforts to secure school ac­ commodations for the children. I inquired what progress was being made by a state investigator (presently at the camp) to this end?49 Probably the students also acted as role models for some of the younger people. This particularly occurred for Cecil Johnson, the fifteen-year-old son of the camp leader. He recorded the experiences for many of the illiterate share­ croppers, writing a large number of letters for them for me, detailing their reasons for leaving the plantations and their experiences during the roadside demonstration.50 More important, Cecil seemed to have caught the spirit of the time. In crude, but poignant verse he painted an intimate picture of life at Sweet Home Church, including the birth of five babies: CAMPERS We live in tents, at Sweet Home Camp. We do know work, not even a vamp. We sit, and inhale cool summer breathes. While someone chop down the cow weeds. We Live in tents, at Sweet Home Church. Where five babies, was brought to birth. While the mother sight, and God at right,

48 Author to B. T. Clark, 18 September 1939. 49 Author to Walter Johnson, 18 September 1939. 50 See Letters, Documents, Poems from Sharecroppers in possession of author; author to Walter Johnson, 18 September 1939. 46 Missouri Historical Review

We all was happy over the new sight. We pray each day from five till six. The crowd is large but not so thick. We pray, sing, and also moan but, the sinner some day will have to grown. Cecil lee Johnson

In "the Negro" he describes the agony of blacks in bond­ age, then indicates what their status should be in freedom: The Negro. The Negro worked hard while in slavery, He knew nothing of beefsteak and gravy, He worked from six, until six at night, Without a single thing to bite. His head and feet were wrecked in pain. He sat and listen to the boss explain. He was up early in the morn, He had to go plow boss's corn. He licked the sweat from his brier, After walking many miles behind his plow. He looked up at the evening moon, and said, I guess I must go, its time for noon. The Negro was freed from slave, by a very tall man, by the none of abe. He was brought up to live civilized, and not to live unhumanized.51 By Cecil Johnson, Freshman Cecil's poetry, expressing the reaction of a sensitive teen­ ager to the precarious situation of his people at the new camp, revealed some of the problems faced by the croppers. They could expect no protection from authorities. When white vigilantes sought to prevent their taking possession of the land, the croppers appealed to the sheriff. But that official, instead of protecting the sharecroppers, advised them to obey the vigilantes. However, in the face of the croppers' deter­ mination to remain on the land, the opposition ceased.52 Living conditions, likewise, proved terrible. Residents lacked food, shelter and medicines. The nearest store was five and a half miles away. Thirty-six families had no shelter 51 Cecil Johnson to author, July 1939. 52 Mitchell, Mean Things Happening, 150; also cited in author to Mrs. Thelma E. Marshall, 8 July 1939. Sharecropper Demonstration 47

St. Louis Post-Dispatch During the 1930s, the State Department of Education ap­ proved only 24 of 400 Bootheel schools. Inadequate facili­ ties, poorly trained and low paid teachers and irregular attendance accounted for high illiteracy rates, especially among blacks. By 1942, a WPA literacy program provided education for adults in Cropperville. whatever. Cecil Johnson gives a graphic account of the situ­ ation at the camp. In his letter to me, July 1, he wrote: Mr. Greene, my purpose in writing you this letter is to ask you for a little help. . . . You know we are out here in the hills and rocks. We can't farm, and the white people doesn't hire no labor . . . and if we don't get grant checks, I don't know what will become of us.53 I replied to Cecil in a sympathetic and encouraging vein. After telling him I would forward his letter and poems to the newspapers for publication, I added: I know that life must be hard at the camp and that it must be . . . difficult to move into a location where you are not wanted, but you have to keep your courage up because it is out of suffering that real men are made. In closing, I inquired when school began, and assured him that the young ladies would "see that he had sufficient clothing to enable him to attend school."54 We also made 53 Cecil Johnson to author, 1 July 1939. 54 Author to Cecil Johnson, 8 July 1939. 48 Missouri Historical Review

several more trips to the camp, carrying food, clothing and other necessities which the students collected. Meanwhile, two efforts were made to stop whatever aid Lincoln University students might give the sharecroppers. Rumors circulated that if I continued my trips to Southeast Missouri, I would not return alive. I related this to the father of a St. Louis friend. He retorted that he would accompany me on my next trip. Said John Cunningham, "You see this rifle? I am a dead shot. They may get us, but we will take at least two along with us."55 I thanked him, but declined his offer to protect me. The students and I made the next journey to the camp without incident. What might have culminated in effectively stopping all activity by the students in favor of the sharecroppers came from President Scruggs himself. One day he called me into his office. What he told me both amused and angered me. The reason the sharecroppers refused to return to the plantation, he informed me, was that I promised them "forty acres and a mule." So incredible did the allegation seem, I laughed at first. Surely President Scruggs could not possibly believe such a preposterous tale, a carryover from the Reconstruction Period. Realizing he was serious, however, I became angry and heatedly denied the charge. He indicated why he was upset about my stimulating the students (with his blessing) to help the sharecroppers. From the state officials, he had received word that unless he stopped the university's involvement in the sharecropper situation, the state would reduce Lincoln's appropriation. Of course, that meant the students and me. He then asked, "Mr. Greene, suppose I ordered you not to make any further efforts to help the sharecroppers?" I answered, "Mr. President, you can order me to stop. But as long as people are in need, I shall continue to help them. I can't stop, but you can fire me." "Oh I didn't mean that," said Scruggs. And there the matter ended.56 We continued to help the sharecroppers. Finally in 1940, the Farm Security Administration began building homes for them. By 1941, the FSA completed the project—seven villages for whites and three for blacks. Each house contained "three

55 Conversations with John Cunningham, St. Louis, June and July 1939. 56 Dr. Sherman D. Scruggs, president of Lincoln University, interview with author, Jefferson City, 15 July 1939. Sharecropper Demonstration 49

Lorenzo J. Grunv When Whitfield threatened another demonstration in 1940, both state and federal government agencies acted quickly to help destitute sharecroppers. The *arm Security Administration expanded its rural rehabilitation loan program to build homes and offer low interest loans for purchase of equipment, seed and livestock. It also funded the Delmo Homes Project to provide low rental housing complete with garden plots. bedrooms, a family room, kitchen, cabinets, pantry storage, cabinet and screened porch." Other necessities included pri­ vies, wells, roads and electrical wiring. The government plan­ ned six hundred units. Each house actually cost the family $800, payable on easy terms. All were painted white. Families also received gardening tools, canning equipment, implements for farming and other items. A most gratifying sight was the completed houses with once-homeless families settled in them. For the record, I took pictures of some of the houses, painted with screened-in porches. Accompanying me were two of my students—who had befriended the sharecroppers—Adele James of St. Louis, and Marianne White of Kansas City. Four years later, when Congress liquidated the holdings of the Farm Security Administration in 1945, the Delmo Hous­ ing Corporation, a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, purchased the homes. The office, located at South Lilbourn, 50 Missouri Historical Review displayed its sign for Delmo Center. When the owners could not keep up their payments, a volunteer corporation guaran­ teed them. It also set up a store at Lilbourn. There, former croppers could obtain for a pittance, food, clothing, etc., donated by involved persons. If penniless, they would receive them free of charge. The project still exists at Lilbourn. Incidentally, one of my former students, Alex A. Cooper, serves as current director. According to him, former sharecrop­ pers now own more than 540 houses.57 Lincoln University, through its students and an accidentally involved teacher, played an active role in assisting the destitute sharecroppers of Southeast Missouri, nearly a half century ago.

57 Towle, Delmo Saga, 18-25; also parts IV-IX, inclusive; Cantor, Prologue to Protest Movement, 144-146, 163; Mitchell, Mean Things Happening, 205- 208; Alex Cooper, The Delmo Story (Lilbourn, Mo.: n.p., 1986).

This Is It

Shelbina Democrat, September 10,1902. Shelbina has the biggest pumpkin show in this part of the state, called the Shelbina fair, and it is held next week.

The Callaway Mule

Columbia Missouri Herald, January 9,1903. From the Fulton Sun. Within a radius of six miles on Grand Prairie, there are being fed a thousand Callaway mules for the early spring market. The Callaway mule has had more than its share in making the Missouri mule famous. For years Callaway has been the banner mule county of the state and still bears the honor. A big Kentucky mule buyer recently told one of our leading mule men that more mules were being fed in Callaway County than in the entire state of Kentucky. There seems to be a general scarcity of mules over the country this year and the demand for No. 1 good mules was probably never greater. The British government is again buying mules for the army, the Boers have let a contract for 60,000 heavy mules for farming purposes, the coal regions in the east are calling for rough mining mules, and the cotton belt of the south is in need of a large number of light mules to be used in cotton raising. The No. 1 heavy transfer and mining mule will bring from $160 to $175 on the market, while the cotton mule will demand from $100 to $120. Trenton Boyd Washington County was formed from Ste. Genevieve County in 1813, while Missouri was still a territory. The county commissioners met in 1814 and chose land near the village of Mine-a-Breton as the county seat, naming the area Potosi. Architect Henry H. Hohenschild designed this courthouse in 1907. Reflections on Public Welfare in Washington County, Missouri 1939-1941 BY CLARENCE R. KEATHLEY* During the Great Depession in the 1930s, major changes occurred in social welfare legislation designed to assist people in need. Congress, for example, enacted the Social Security Act on August 14, 1935. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed this landmark in social legislation on the same date.1 The Missouri General Assembly passed a related act two *Clarence R. Keathley, Ironton, has retired as welfare training supervisor for the Missouri Division of Welfare, Jefferson City. He has the A.A. degree from-Will Mayfield College, Marble Hill, Missouri; the A.B. degree from William Jewell College, Liberty; and the M.S.W. degree from the George Warren Brown School of Social Service Work, Washington University, St. Louis. 1 Compilation of the Social Security Laws (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Gov­ ernment Printing Office, n.d.), Volume 1, p.v. 51 52 Missouri Historical Review years later, establishing the State Social Security Commis­ sion of Missouri to administer the Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children, General Relief and Child Welfare Serv­ ices programs.2 Federal and state agencies developed written policies to implement the legislation which had a profound effect upon the lives of needy Missourians. An examination of the welfare activities in Washington County provides in­ sight into the experiences of county welfare agents in Mis­ souri. The program of the Washington County welfare office progressed with the aid of a county court (with limited funds), an advisory County Social Security Commission, the county superintendent of schools, a public health unit staffed by two registered nurses, a child welfare worker, the forest service office in Potosi staffed by two men, a Farm Security Admin­ istration agent, a Business and Professional Women's Organi­ zation in Potosi, other state and federal agencies and organiza­ tions, and a supportive community. During the depression years, the welfare office provided help for the poor, ill and aged, the unemployed tiff miners, strikers, farmers and under­ privileged children. Washington County appeared one of the most economi­ cally depressed areas in Missouri. Located in the Ozark region of Southeast Missouri, Washington County's rich mineral deposits and other natural resources encouraged settlement of the area. The first county seat, named St. George in 1813, later became Potosi, to honor the silver-mining town in Bo­ livia. Potosi's location at the center of the barite production area led to its recognition as the barite capital of the world.3 The deposits of barite, usually referred to locally as tiff, are extensive in Washington County and probably the largest in the world.4 Mining of tiff in the area began in 1850.5 By the early 1900s, several thousand people engaged in

2 Fern Boan, A History of Poor Relief Legislation and Administration in Missouri (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1941), 122. 3 George W. Showalter, Potosi, Missouri Bicentennial 1763-1963, A Bicen­ tennial Scrapbook (Potosi, Mo.: Independent-Journal reprint edition, 1975). 4 Allen W. Clark, The Story of Barytes, Illustrations by O.E. Berning- haus. (St. Louis: Delore Baryta Company, J.C. Finck Mineral Milling Com­ pany, 1920), 1-2. 5 Heyward M. Wharton, "Barite Ore Potential of Four Tailings Ponds in the Washington County Barite District, Missouri," Missouri Geological Survey and Water Resources, Report of Investigations, Number 53 (Rolla, Mo.: 1972), 6. Public Welfare in Washington County 53 tiff mining in the county. Although employing many workers, tiff mining provided little economic security for its workers, but it also created a need for public welfare services. Com­ pany houses, little more than shells with dirt floors, sprang up quickly for the miners. Many people had no work, but the influx of people into the county looking for work during the depression years complicated community problems and in­ creased unemployment in the county. Some former residents returned from the city having been unable to find jobs there. Workers hoped to gain employment in tiff mining, but this industry was declining. Those moving to the country usually had little education or lacked skills for the limited number of jobs available during the depression. And so, people faced immediate need for food, clothing and improved shelter. From the mid-1930s to the early 1940s, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat gave extensive coverage to conditions in Washington County and the plight of the tiff miners. In 1939, Henry B. Lieberman, writing for Ken maga­ zine, described the living conditions among the Creole tiff mining families living in the Old Mines community of Wash­ ington County: When a miner takes his place on someone else's land he and his family are given a ramshackle shanty in which to live rent-free, if one is available. Hundreds of families are now living as many as eight and ten in one of these one, two and three-room shacks—bundles or log slabs, some without floors, all without gas, electricity and sanitation facilities of any kind, pasted up with oiled newspapers to keep out the wind and rain. In these huts furnished with crude pine beds, nail keg chairs and huge wood-burning stoves which serve for cooking and heating, the average Creole family lives on a steady diet of fried dough-bread, beans and potatoes. A few of the miners have truck gardens, and the diet of the Creoles is also varied occasionally with Squirrels and quail shot in the woods.6 A miner decided the number of hours he wanted to work. Short hours intensified his poverty. Others labored hard, farmed on the side and, by comparison, prospered. The rise in barite demand brought an end to the tiff miner's way of life when mechanized mining entered Washington County in 6 Henry R. Lieberman, "Les Miserables in Missouri," Ken, 9 March 1939, 26. Mining of barite, commonly called tiff, began in Washington County around 1850. Workers mined tiff manually in pits and shallow shafts between 4 to 12 feet deep because solutions and residual de­ posits lay close to the surface of the earth. Miners recovered ore in veins as deep as 30 feet with windlass equipment. In the 1930s and 1940s, barite was used as a weight in oil well drilling and as a filler in paint, glass, rubber, paper and oilcloth.

Ken Magazine Ken Magazine

Mechanized strip mining began in 1924 to meet increased barite de­ mand, but also caused unemploy­ ment. The Great Depression saw a return to hand mining to supply additional jobs. However, this type of employment provided little income. Workers mined about one ton of barite a week to receive between $5 to $7 for their labor. Hand mining ceased by 1950. Public Welfare in Washington County 55

1924. The greatest boost in the industry occurred in 1926 when barite began to be used as a weighing agent in oil well drilling. Drilling demanded immense quantities.7 During the 1930s, the tiff mining industry suffered from the severely depressed economy. Employers again increased the use of hand mining to provide jobs that mechanization had taken away. However, unemployment remained high.8 As a result, by July 1939, approximately one-fourth of the people in Washington County received general relief, old age assistance, surplus commodities or child welfare services. At that time, tiff miners voted to strike for higher pay and improved working conditions. Labor leaders from outside the county encouraged them in their demands. Union members in various communities of the tiff mining area of the county served on local committees. These committees had earlier been asked to recommend the families living in their com­ munity which they believed to be in need of help. One morning the chairmen of the county union commit­ tees stood in a semi-circle in front of the welfare office. The spokesman for the group at one end of the line said to the director, "We hear you are not going to use our committees anymore." When asked, "Who told you that?" he turned to the man next to him and said, "He did." This routine con­ tinued down the line to the last man who responded, "No, I didn't."9 Thus ended the confrontation. In the early 1940s, a legal decision had a profound effect on those engaged in hand tiff mining. The International Union of Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers, Local 113, affiliated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations, filed charges. The National Labor Relations Board through the acting re­ gional director for the Fourteenth Region (St. Louis, Mis­ souri) issued its complaint October 20, 1940, against re­ spondents R.A. Blount, Hearst B. Blount, Lonnie Flinn and Eunice Simpson, of Potosi. This action alleged the respon­ dents had engaged in unfair labor practices affecting com­ merce. They had violated specific sections of the National

7 Jo Buford, "Underground Treasures, The Story of Mining in Missouri," Official Manual of the State of Missouri, 1977-1978 (Jefferson City: Von Hoffman Press, Inc., n.d.), 23-29. 8 Wharton, "Barite Ore Potential," 10. 9 This personal experience of the author, then secretary-director, with union leaders illustrates the value of asking an appropriate question to resolve a problem. 56 Missouri Historical Review

Labor Relations Act, Sec. 49, Stat. 449. Landowners and union employees had engaged in hand mining and hauling tiff at the Paw Paw Patch, Richwoods, Missouri. This case, no. C-1817 was resolved December 16, 1941. Two key issues decided in the case were: (1) the union employees engaged in hand mining and hauling tiff at the Paw Paw Patch, Rich- woods, had been employees of the landowners; and (2) the landowners had failed to bargain collectively with the union. The impact of this decision resulted in a decline of hand tiff mining and hauling in the county.10 As tiff mining began to recover, mechanization of the industry increased. In early 1942, about twenty strip mines and washers operated in the county.11 World War II and the remaining decade saw final transition from hand mining to mechanized mining and washing.12 Changes in work and wages also caused unem­ ployment. In spite of early assistance programs, needy families still received small and inadequate relief orders and surplus food commodities. Miners and their families dramatized their plight by holding group meetings, parading on the main street in Potosi and camping on the courthouse square. One Saturday afternoon, word reached the district welfare super­ visor, John F. Pletz, preparing to leave on vacation, and Clarence Keathley, the secretary-director, that the sheriff wanted to see them. They went to his office. Fifteen to twenty tiff miners followed them into the office and sat on the floor. At that point the sheriff said, "These people want to talk with you." Then he left. The miners demanded relief orders that day and insisted they would stay until they got them. The explanation by Pletz and Keathley, that relief funds allocated to the county for the month had been spent and additional orders could not be written, did not satisfy them. Pletz called the state administrator, George I. Haworth, by phone and explained the situation. Haworth stated that the request for additional funds could not be approved. At that point the supervisor handed the phone to the spokesman for the miners group to present their case. He convinced the administrator of their plight and need for food. The phone call resulted in securing an additional allotment of funds. Pletz tnd Keath- 10 37 N.L.R.B. No. 107, 662-673. 11 Wharton, "Barite Ore Potential," 10. 12 Showalter, Potosi. Public Welfare in Washington County 57

Born in Carthage, Missouri, in 1892, George I. Haworth entered business after high school gradua­ tion. He served as manager for the American Zinc, Lead and Smelting Company and owned Hodson-Haworth Clothing Com­ pany. A loyal supporter of the Democratic party and New Deal programs, he became the Missouri Social Security Commission ad­ ministrator in 1937.

State Historical Society of Missouri ley proposed that the orders would be issued the following Monday. The group insisted orders be written that evening, saying some families had no food and could not wait until Monday. The question arose as to which families needed assistance immediately. The tiff miners proposed that a com­ mittee from their group could decide, as they knew the people. They were asked what they would do if all the people did not agree with their decisions. The plan suggested by Pletz and Keathley proved to be acceptable.13 Cooperation among county and state welfare agents helped resolve many such conflicts. Police and a respresentative of the local union sometimes attended county agency meetings. Edward Richeson, a visitor (later called caseworker) on the county welfare office staff and a resident of the county, knew many of the union mem­ bers. He attended the mass meetings of the union and re­ ported the discussions to the secretary-director. This kept the 13 This experience shows how representatives of the State Social Security Commission of Missouri at the county, district and state office level worked together and resolved, to the satisfaction of tiff miners, a problem posed by the Washington County sheriff. 58 Missouri Historical Review secretary abreast of developments and proved helpful in plan­ ning with office staff and the county social security commis­ sion. Chairman of the commission, William H. Martin, sta­ tion agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad at Irondale, Missouri, appeared well known and highly respected in the county. His advice and counsel in dealing with local prob­ lems proved most beneficial. Through the efforts of county, state and federal agencies, the plight of the tiff miners im­ proved. Those people employed in agriculture, another major sec­ tor Washington County's economy, also needed relief and aid. Palmer, a small community west of Potosi, had once been a thriving mining town but the Forest Service had acquired the land. In an effort to help county farmers, the Palmer Project14 developed to relocate families to better farm­ ing land. More fertile soil near Palmer helped farmers im­ prove their living conditions. The Forest Service offered to help people build new houses and farm buildings. The Farm Security Administration, in keeping with its 1937 directive to help low income farm families, agreed to provide loans and give consultation. The county welfare agency assisted those who met eligibility requirements. Representatives of the three agencies developed an interview questionnaire to help plan with each family involved. The Forest Service staff in Potosi made the initial approach. Even though the relocation sites did not extend more than five or ten miles from Palmer, some families resisted the move because of emotional ties to the home place and the community cemetery. Those who did relocate benefited from agency cooperation in providing aid. Young workers first entering the employment market during the Great Depression faced hardship. Unexperienced and unskilled, these men could not find jobs in areas where employment opportunities already were scarce. On April 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established a new program of emergency conservation work aimed at this na­ tional situation. Two weeks later, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was organized and the first men enrolled. In Missouri, officials named the Relief and Reconstruction Com-

14 Clarence Keathley, "The Palmer Project, An Example of Coordinated Agency Action at the Local Level" (paper prepared for extension course, Washington University, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, 23 April 1943). Public Welfare in Washington County 59

IRON CO IRON CO

WHMC-Columbia & SHS Old Road Map of Washington County This WPA map shows Washington County in 1937. Most federal relief programs for the county headquartered in Potosi. The U.S. Forest Service and Farm Security Administration jointly established the farming project at Palmer, southwest of the county seat. 60 Missouri Historical Review

mission as the certifying agency. It held this responsibility until the State Social Security Commission took over its duties. The CCC helped unmarried men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five by giving them work. Each county received a quota allotment for sending young men to camp. The county welfare office processed the applications, giving preference to those receiving assistance. Young men from nonassistance families completed quotas. The office also ar­ ranged transportation to Camp Berryman, Company 3733, located eighteen miles west of Potosi. The number of young CCC camp workers benefited from work experience, educational and vocational training, medical services and physical fitness programs. Enrollees spent their first two weeks at U.S. army bases, like the men below, right, at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, participating in conditioning and exercising programs. Missouri Department of Natural Resources In 1933, an act of Congress §g^ST 5«£1^ M^3|^\J *%*s and presidential executive — order created the Civilian Conservation Corps. During the next nine years, over 2 million young, unmarried men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five worked on a host of soil conservation and forest im­ provement projects, thus earning the CCC its nick­ name, "Roosevelt's Tree Army." Missouri Department of Natural Resources Public Welfare in Washington County 61 men enrolling each time depended on the number needed to fill the county quota. The camp doctor gave complete physical examinations for each applicant. Those enrolled received a modest monthly salary of $30.00. Out of that some young men also made allotments to their families. In addition to lodging, clothing, educational programs, employment, medical and dental serv­ ices while in camp, they received a well-founded work pro­ gram and valuable training. Major work projects included: erecting telephone lines, building roads (still in use) and fire lookout towers; planting white oak, pine and walnut trees; general Forest Service work in several hundred acres of standing timber; and fighting forest fires prevalent in those days. Lester R. Hogoboom, educational adviser, developed a comprehensive program, and R.D. Crawford, superintendent of the Forest Service personnel office in the Courtois Ranger District, along with his staff, planned and supervised the work program.15 Everett V. Mead, commanding officer of the Berryman CCC Camp in 1940,16 had attended Wentworth Military Academy, Lexington, Missouri,17 and the University of Ne­ braska-Lincoln.18 He understood the value of learning skills. Between one-fourth and one-third of the Washington County boys could neither read nor write. Their CCC camp work experience, coming just before World War II, undoubtedly helped these young men in military service. Besides benefiting from employment, CCC camp workers enjoyed leisure time together. When the county welfare office staff took the boys to CCC camp, they visited with staff members from other county offices to exchange ideas and experiences, and engaged in light-hearted conversation. A worker from one county bet Mead a carton of cigarettes that 15 Missouri, State Social Security Commission of Missouri, "Some Back­ grounds of Public Welfare In Missouri With Special Reference to Public Relief," Aiding Needy Persons in Missouri (Jefferson City: 1939), 10. Informa­ tion about CCC Company 3733, Berryman, Missouri, in a publication loaned to the author by Charles F. Kitchen, Ironton, Missouri. Kitchen, from Granite- ville, Missouri, served as an assistant leader in Company 3733 in the late 1930s. 16 Carmelita S. Ryan, National Archives and Records Service, Washing­ ton, D.C., to the author, 7 April 1983. 17 Mrs. Ryland Hough, registrar, Wentworth Military Academy, Lexing­ ton, to the author, 2 May 1983. 18 Shirley Thomsen, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to the author, 22 April 1983. 62 Missouri Historical Review

Missouri would defeat Nebraska that year in football, win the conference football title, and Paul Christman, quarterback of the Missouri team, would make All American. On the next trip to the camp she collected the bet.19 The CCC camp at Berryman provided the setting for a most successful group dinner meeting. Staff of the Washing­ ton County office planned the event as an inter-agency meet­ ing to exchange ideas and improve services. CCC enrollees, under the supervision of their main chef, prepared and served the dinner. One hundred and fourteen persons attended, in­ cluding the Washington County welfare staff, related agency personnel, public officials and guests from Washington and adjoining counties. Guest speaker, Bill Silkett, of the Bureau of Agricultural Economics, secretary of the Land-Use Plan­ ning Board, United States Department of Agriculture, spoke on "Cooperation of Agency Programs."20 Similar inter-agency staff meetings occurred in other rural counties during the depression when most agency programs were relatively new. They helped staffs get acquainted and to learn more about agency program organization, about becoming more knowledg- able of services provided, and about making appropriate re­ ferrals to other agencies. Of course, this proved beneficial in providing more effective services to the clientele. The plight of underprivileged children in Missouri led to legislation for their aid before the depression. In 1913 and 1921, the state authorized foster homes, and later a state home, for neglected and homeless children. However, inade­ quate funding plagued these programs. In addition, many children of low income families received no aid under those legislative acts. The state Social Security Act established the Aid to Dependent Children program to provide financial grants to families with children in need under the age of sixteen. For some families in Washington County, receipt of this aid helped children complete their high school educa­ tion.21 The first applications for this aid program were pro­ cessed in the late 1930s. Unmarried parents, especially the mother, faced stigma by the community. Some thought un- 19 This incident illustrates how staff members from county welfare of­ fices, who accompanied young men to the Berryman CCC Camp, developed a good working relationship with administrative staff at the camp. 20 "Washington County Organizations Meet," Potosi Washington County News, 31 July 1941. 21 Boan, History of Poor Relief, 120-122. Public Welfare in Washington County 63

Townsend Godsey's Service, Jefferson City CCC camps in Washing­ ton County resembled the one above in the forests of nearby Dent County. Its workers built the trails and lodges in Montauk State Park. CCC work­ ers at Camp Berryman constructed roads and ^^ > ^ planted trees. Other $^JJ^ Missouri camps worked on soil conservation projects under the De­ partment of the In­ terior. Missouri Department of Natural Resources Workers from the Washington County all-black CCC camp built the dining lodge, above right, at Washington State Park. Although the act creating the CCC had called for nondiscrimination, enrollment agencies chose few blacks, white public opinion rejected intergrated camps, and few communities desired black camps in their vicinity. In all, 200,000 black men worked for the CCC.

married parents should not receive assistance. An honored occurrence, Dr. Catherine Lenroot, chief, U.S. Children's Bureau, Washington, D.C., visited the Washington County Welfare Office in Potosi. While there she talked with a young unmarried mother who had her baby with her. Pleased to see how an Aid to Dependent Children grant and counseling by the child welfare worker had helped the family, Dr. Lenroot commented that the baby appeared one of the best developed and healthiest children she had seen. Under this program, an 64 Missouri Historical Review average of forty-one needy families in Washington County received $18.92 a month in 1939 for the care of their chil­ dren.22 Marcia Chadwick, the county child welfare worker under the Child Welfare program, provided for the protection and care of homeless, dependent and neglected children. She also helped children in danger of becoming delinquent, and those not benefiting in the Aid to Dependent Children program. Chadwick worked toward a full case program for normal children, adjudged by juvenile courts to be neglected, aban­ doned or ill-treated and needing state guardianship in the state home for children.23 Inadequate educational facilities and poor school atten­ dance also deprived many Washington County children. In 1938, Mary Bolland Taussig wrote a thesis on "Factors Influ­ encing School Attendance in Washington County, Missouri." Her study included a brief history and description of the community. It described the educational facilities, the laws affecting school attendance and the problems of their enforce­ ment. Taussig also noted the relationships between poor school attendance and certain social and economic factors. Four school districts represented the tiff mining area in the study. On the basis of information collected, Taussig con­ cluded: (1) statistics for Washington County showed the min­ ing area had the highest illiteracy rate in the state; (2) a small sample of 100 children made up of 50 regular and 50 irregular attendants, showed that poor attendance brought retardation in school; and (3) the degree of social and eco­ nomic distress correlated with school attendance.24 One of the major problems that befell public welfare in Washington County, especially during the depression period, concerned irregular school attendance. The average daily school attendance in the tiff mining area related, at least in part, to the children who helped mine tiff. County superin­ tendent of schools Fred Cole enlisted the help of the school teachers. Fortunately, Washington County was one of the 22 Missouri, State Social Security Commission, Public Assistance in Mis­ souri: A Biennial Report of the State Social Security Commission, 1939-1940 (Jefferson City: 1941), 83 and 97. 23 Missouri, State Social Security Commission, Manual of Instructions (Jefferson City: 1938), 7-8. 24 Mary Bolland Taussig, "Factors Influencing School Attendance in Washington County, Missouri" (Master's thesis, Washington University, St. Louis, 1938). Public Welfare in Washington County 65 few rural counties in the state to have a professionally trained child welfare worker as a member of the county welfare office staff. In addition, the county was one of the few rural areas selected to have a demonstration public health unit. Chad­ wick and two registered nurses assigned to the county unit played an important role in improving school attendance. The county prosecuting attorney cooperated by enforcing the school attendance laws. Their efforts reinforced those of agen­ cy staff that held regular interviews with the families. A county school lunch program encouraged regular school attendance. Mae Burford, a local public health nurse, super­ vised this program, with the help of Works Progress Admini­ stration (WPA) and National Youth Administration (NYA) federal employees. The State Social Security Commission furnished a wide variety of surplus food commodities allo­ cated for the school lunch program. Teachers, school board members and community persons requested commodity distri­ bution by the county welfare office in Potosi. In some schools, families with children donated food for the program. In one

Inadequate school attendance plagued many Washington County youth during the 1930s. Studies showed that economic and social distress correlated strongly with poor attendance, especially at the upper levels of education. Families depending on the quantity of tiff mined for their livelihood needed the extra help older children provided. Ken Magazine 66 Missouri Historical Review district, the children asked to have school during Christmas vacation so they could eat hot lunches. Nearly all of the public and private schools in Washington County partici­ pated in the program. Children learned to eat foods they had not eaten previously. The well-prepared lunches contributed to nutritional education and good health of the children and encouraged school attendance. In addition to county, state and federal programs, con­ cerned private citizens joined the effort to aid children in Washington County. A distinguished churchman, Bishop Wil­ liam Scarlett of Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis, Mis­ souri, was one such individual. An outstanding leader with wide influence, he visited Potosi and other communities in Washington County, consulted community leaders and ob­ served the needs of the people first hand. He worked in cooperation with the county welfare office, and members of his parish collected, donated and delivered much needed clothing and shoes to Washington County's needy children. Other citizens focused their attention on the Old Age Assistance program. County welfare officers had a good work­ ing relationship with Wilson Bell, the editor of the Potosi- Independent Journal. Bell, later elected as state treasurer, showed special interest in assisting the elderly while cam­ paigning for office. As state treasurer, he respected agency policy and problems while considering requests made to him. In 1939, over $84,000 went to Washington County elderly under this program.25 The general relief program provided financial help to the unemployed. The Missouri legislature appropriated funds for this program of the Social Security Commission. The com­ mission allocated funds to county welfare offices based on the number of persons receiving general relief. County of­ ficers wrote relief orders based on the number of persons in each household. The relief orders could be traded for food at the local grocery store. As a rule, the merchants helped the families get the most for their money. Likewise, the Social Security Commission allocated surplus food commodities to the county welfare offices. Then, the county offices distrib­ uted the items, such as butter, cabbages, potatoes, peanut butter, dried milk, oatmeal, dried beans, whole wheat flour

25 Social Security Commission, Public Assistance, 74. Public Welfare in Washington County 67

Ken Magazine Tiff miners suffered from malnutrition and substandard housing even before the Great Depression. Most miners built their own homes on company land. Some employers also constructed housing for their miners, in an attempt to improve their standard of living. Workers paid no rent, but faced the pos­ sibility of eviction at the discretion of the company. and fruits in season. Nutrition training and recipes helped insure wise use of these foods. A full-time commodity clerk, Fannie Belle Stamper, supervised the school lunch program and the distribution of surplus food commodities to families. To facilitate handling of the food, the agency issued identifi­ cation cards to eligible families and individuals. When clients, often women, called for commodities in Potosi, they presented their cards. Occasionally, when unable to locate their identi­ fication card, they would say, "We forgot and left our Mod­ esty-Card at home."26 The county welfare office, in cooperation with related agencies and organizations, provided certain types of health service. Trachoma, a contagious eye disease caused by poor sanitation and medical care, occurred often in Washington County. Instructions and referral for treatment helped to lessen this problem. Public health nurses held clinics in the schools to identify children with trachoma. The Missouri Trachoma Hospital at Rolla, under the administration of the 26 The identification cards resembled the identification cards carried in billfolds or purses today. 68 Missouri Historical Review

State Board of Health, provided diagnostic service, instruc­ tions and treatment. The county welfare office arranged trans­ portation for the patients to and from the hospital. This service extended over a period of many years. Another health problem again related to ignorance of proper nutrition. One case which drew the attention of the county welfare office dramatized the need for medical care and information. A young couple brought their infant to the office. He appeared badly dehydrated and skeleton-like. The secretary-director phoned the public health nurse. She came and examined the boy, called a St. Louis hospital and made arrangements for the child's admission. The parents took the boy to the hospital immediately and after treatment he fully recovered. Public health information and referral services helped improve health conditions in the county. The administration of these diverse programs early suf­ fered from a lack of staff. However, the county welfare agency began to employ additional caseworkers and clerical staff. The National Youth Administration provided clerical help on a part-time basis. Reba Choate, assistant to Director Arthur Nebel, Division of Public Assistance, State Social Security Commission, spent time in the county office. She helped to evaluate the administrative situation and to recruit needed staff members. George I. Haworth met with the Washington County Social Security Commission and helped to evaluate possible office sites for distribution of aid. Due to the large number of people receiving relief and surplus food commodities, agency staff met clients at dif­ ferent locations in the county. Staff members often arrived at the location by 7:30 A.M. and found people waiting to be helped. Agency staff wrote relief and commodity orders using a preplanned list for eligible clients. Staff assisted new appli­ cants in filing applications. Sometimes irate and demanding persons confronted staff members; occasionally angry clients threatened workers. One group of men demanded that Leavy Thomas, county welfare office worker, write relief orders for them. She had completed writing orders for those on her list and had used all the order forms in her book. She tried to explain why she could not write their orders. As they continued their demand, she finally gave them paper and said, "You may write your own orders." Public Welfare in Washington County 69

This ended the confrontation, with no orders written.27 The need to review the caseload soon became evident. This resulted in deleting the names of persons no longer living in the county, the employed or the deceased. However, the number of applicants for Old Age Assistance, Aid to Dependent Children and general relief enlarged due to the increase in unemployment. Some applicants for Old Age Assistance had difficulty securing the age verification re­ quired. Members of the Catholic Church had no problem obtaining a baptismal certificate to verify their age. Other problems faced the county welfare office. State agency policy required that persons receiving assistance pre­ sent a doctor's statement that no one in the household could ably work. People went by a local doctor's office to secure the statement which did not give a diagnosis nor state why the persons could not work. The secretary-director discussed this 27 An experience related to the author by Leavy Thomas, visitor in the Washington County welfare office, to illustrate how one worker resolved a difficult problem.

State Historical Society of Missouri

Born in 1884, Forrest C. Don- nell received the A.B. and L.L.B. degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He prac­ ticed law in St. Louis and was a member of the Republican party. He served as Missouri's Governor, 1941-1945, and as a U.S. Senator, 1945-1951. 70 Missouri Historical Review with a doctor who recognized the problem, but giving the brief statement saved time in handling a large number of people. Of course, this failed to solve the problem. The county welfare staff had to secure additional medical information or work history. In 1941, several coordinated committees developed a mas­ ter plan to study the economic and social problems in Wash­ ington County. Governor Forrest C. Donnell appointed the committee to make the study. Hubert Harris of the Social Security Commission, Jefferson City, chaired the Committee on Immediate Relief. The study culminated in a meeting in the governor's office, April 14, 1941, with Washington County committee members and representatives of tiff miners in attendance. Governor Donnell presided and gave all partici­ pants full opportunity to present their views. Secretary-Direc­ tor Keathley presented a report entitled "Social Problems of Washington County." The report helped serve as a back­ ground for the group discussion.28 Public welfare in Washington County during 1939-1941 appeared similar to other counties in the state, but differ­ ences existed due to special economic, health and social problems. Social programs during these times helped people improve their quality of life. Residents raised their standards of living by taking advantage of opportunities to improve life for themselves and their children. Food and general relief aid helped meet immediate needs and improved nutritional stan­ dards. School attendance improved through the Aid to De­ pendent Children program. And the school lunch program gave children meals while teaching them about nutrition. Health care improved from the efforts of local doctors and the public health unit. The enrollment of young men in the Civilian Conservation Corps provided the necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter, medical and dental care. In addition, the young men received educational opportuni­ ties, discipline, supervision and work experience. Each county and city in Missouri had public welfare agencies during the Great Depression. These reflections on the work in Washing­ ton County, however, provide a glimpse of life in one area of Missouri during the difficult years of the 1930s and early 1940s. 28 Clarence Keathley, "Social Problems in Washington County, Missouri" (unpublished report, 14 April 1941). State Historical Society of Missouri Dunklin County residents hoped to benefit from a rail line and station near their border. The line eventually passed north of the county, but only after mismanagement led to the sale of the Cairo and Fulton. A branch line, however, allowed trains to reach the Doniphan depot (circa 1885). Dunklin County, Charles P. Chouteau, and the Courtship of the Iron Horse BY JOHN HALL DALTON, JR.* As the United States strained to fulfill its manifest des­ tiny, during the mid-nineteenth century, the railroads cap­ tured the enthusiasm of the American people. Although early attempts at railroad building produced great losses through­ out the country, Missourians, who at first had ignored the railroads because of booming trail and steamboat traffic, began to see the advantages of rail transportation during the 1840s. Railroad companies in Missouri also gained state legis­ lative aid in 1851. Armed with this support, as well as federal land grants, and county and municipal stock subscriptions, the companies began to build. Unfortunately, because of considerable waste and corruption, construction moved slowly and frustratingly. *John Hall Dalton, Jr., presently is employed by Dalton, Treasure and Mowrer, Attorneys at Law, Kennett. He has the B.A. degree in history and the J.D. degree, both from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 71 72 Missouri Historical Review

The Cairo and Fulton provides an example. Incorporated in 1855, the company received large amounts of state bonds, county stock subscriptions and federal land grants. Because of incompetence and corruption, however, the road soon be­ came defunct. By 1860, it had defaulted on the interest pay­ ment for its private bonds, and by 1866 it had been sold. Only thirty miles of track remained as evidence of a federal land grant of 62,000 acres, county land contributions of 390,000 acres, and $65,000 in state bonds.1 One Missourian, Charles Pierre Chouteau, did get some benefit from the Cairo and Fulton. Chouteau was born in St. Louis on December 2, 1819, to one of the city's wealthiest families. The Chouteaus had been fur traders, and Pierre proved the most successful. In 1845, his son Charles married a cousin, Julia Augusta Gratiot, a custom not uncommon at that time. Building on the foundation provided by his family, Charles Chouteau became a successful businessman and civic activist, and he soon played an important role in the promo­ tion of railroads and the development of the iron industry in St. Louis.2 The young iron industry of St. Louis boomed in the mid-1800s as the fur trade declined, and as the nation's railroads expanded, St. Louis saw a ready-made market for iron products, such as nails, rails and railroad car wheels. They could mine the high quality ore south of St. Louis, transport it to the city, and there convert it to products for ready sales.3 Iron Mountain, in St. Francois County, held the most abundant supply. In 1845, eight St. Louis businessmen or­ ganized the American Iron Mountain Company.4 Three of these men, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., James Harrison and Felix Valle bought the Iron Mountain in 1849 and began mining ore and manufacturing iron. The three also established an iron rolling mill in St. Louis in 1851 and 1852. The next year, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., established the railroad iron house of 1 Paul C. Nagel, Missouri: A Bicentennial History (New York: W. W. Norton & Co., Inc., 1977), 46-69, and Perry McCandless, A History of Missouri: Volume II, 1820 to 1860 (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1972), 146-150. 2 William Hyde and Howard L. Conard, eds., Encyclopedia of the His­ tory of St. Louis, 2 vols. (St. Louis: The Southern History Co., 1899), 1: 361-362. 3 Walter B. Stevens, Missouri: The Center State, 1821-1915, 4 vols. (St. Louis: The S. J. Clark Publishing Co., 1915), 1: 200. 4 Ibid., 196. Courtship of the Iron Horse 73

"Pierre Chouteau, Jr., Sanford and Company."5 Charles Chou­ teau apparently assumed control of these operations upon the death of Pierre in 1865. In order to economically transport the ore from Iron Mountain to St. Louis, Chouteau, Harrison, and Valle planned to build the Iron Mountain Railroad.6 They organized the company in 1851, and two years later construction began. Some visualized the Iron Mountain Railroad as part of a great rail system from New Orleans to the Falls of St. An­ thony, Minnesota. A railroad convention in Benton, Mis­ souri, on November 14, 1853, agreed that the Iron Mountain Railroad should be extended to intersect the Cairo and Fulton (still being planned) near Charleston. The southern terminus of the Cairo and Fulton, at the Texas-Arkansas border, would provide a southern outlet and market for the Chouteau fam­ ily's Iron Mountain and St. Louis iron works products. With­ out a doubt, the Chouteaus' interest lay in the success of the Cairo and Fulton. The land and topography in Southeast Missouri proved difficult for the construction of the Cairo and Fulton Rail­ road. Great swamps and forests covered the area. Because of the standing water and frequent floods and the unattractive and unhealthy conditions they produced, the swamplands had little appeal to potential settlers. In 1851, to encourage drainage and improvement of such lands, Congress ceded to the states all designated swamp or overflowed land. The ostensible purpose of this legislation was to enable the states to construct levees and drainage projects to recover the land. Missouri turned over all the land gained through the Swamp­ lands Act to the counties, authorizing them to pay all reclama­ tion costs and to sell the land on any terms approved by their county courts.7 The District County Court of Dunklin County used this power when, responding to a petition from voters, it subscribed stock in the Cairo and Fulton Railroad, using this newly acquired swampland as payment, at the rate of $1 per acre.8 The Cairo and Fulton also benefited from two types of 5 J. Thomas Scharf, History of Saint Louis City and County, 2 vols. (Philadelphia: Louis H. Everts & Co., 1883), 1: 183. 6 Stevens, Missouri: Center State, 1: 196-197. 7 Leon Parker Ogilvie, "The Development of Southeast Missouri Low­ lands" (Master's thesis, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1967), 36. 8 Ibid., 80. 74 Missouri Historical Review

land grants. On February 9, 1853, Congress deeded land to Arkansas and Missouri for the construction of the proposed Cairo and Fulton Railroad. The grant gave the states a right- of-way through all federal lands plus every alternate section of land designated by even numbers for six miles wide on each side of the track. The states then granted the land to the railroad. The proposed route extended from a site in Missouri

The federal government granted land to individual states so that railroads could have right-of-way through federal lands. In this manner, Congress supported national railroad development. This notice refers to those federal lands given to the State of Missouri for the construction of the Cairo and Fulton railroad. State Historical Society of Missouri

No, 4117.

NOTICE EXTENDING THE TIME of die reservation of lands, heretofore withdrawn from sale, along the route of the Cairo and Fulton railroad and branches, in (he States of Missoirm and ARKANSAS,

Xotiee is hereby given that tin1 reservation of I IK* lands heretofore withdrawn from market, and oi-dered !o be withheld from sale or entry (exeept lor valid pre- i emptioiiN) until the Hth day of April next, as lying within the probable limits of the gmiit'made by the aet entitled an -An net granting the right of way and making*.a grant of land to the States of Arkansas and Missouri, to aid in the <&mst motion, of a railroad from a point on I ho Mississippi, opposite the mouth of /Ihe ()}\ut river, via Little Rock, to the Texas boundary line, near Fulton, hi ^rkansas. with branehes to Port Smith and the Mississippi river," approved fcVbniugv 9. 1&T& IK*, and the same is hereby, further extended and eontinned mitil further orders from this ojfiee.

Given under my hmnl at the city of UjphiqglM•'$& 23d of January, 1851, By order of the President: JOHN WILSON. I 'ommtemoner of the General L'tw? 0#wr. Courtship of the Iron Horse 75

near the delta of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to the town of Fulton, Arkansas, near the Texas border.9 The grant re­ quired the land to be used solely for the construction of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad and to be sold in 20-mile divisions. The company had to complete construction on each 20-mile section of road before it could sell the next 20-mile section. If, after the location of the route, settlers had preempted those lands, the company could select similar sections outside the 6 mile limit, but within 15 miles of the road. Should the com­ pany not complete the road within ten years, all unsold land would revert to the federal government. This land grant represented part of a congressional scheme to develop the Pacific Railroad as a national road to the West Coast. Accord­ ing to Kentucky congressman B. E. Grey, the government chose the mouth of the Ohio as the terminus for the Cairo and Fulton for three reasons. First, it provided a central point, at the convergence of the Tennessee, Cumberland, Ohio, Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Second, it appeared a convenient point for the union of eastern railroads. Third, that point divided slave and free states and was the only place of division upon which Congress could agree.10 The citizens of Southeast Missouri, determined to have a railroad, set out at once to acquire it. In order to promote the construction of the Cairo and Fulton, Bloomfield citizens established The Herald, a newspaper published until 1861.n On June 9,1853, citizens of Charleston, in Mississippi County, met and chose a committee to establish the probable cost of building the railroad. Later, after a mass meeting in Charles­ ton, the county court appropriated $500 for a survey, never completed.12 The actual organization of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company took place in December 1853, in Stoddard County, with the election of officers and drafting of articles of associa­ tion. On January 20, James S. Williams, engineer for the state of Missouri, estimated the cost of the Missouri division 9 Ibid. 10 Ibid., 35. 11 History of Southeast Missouri, Embracing an Historical Account of the Counties of Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, Perry, Cape Girardeau, Bol­ linger, Madison, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Dunklin, Scott, Mississippi, Stod­ dard, Butler, Wayne and Iron; and Including A Department Devoted to the Preservation of Personal, Professional and Private Records (Chicago: Good- speed Publishing Co., 1888), 471. 12 Ibid., 382. 76 Missouri Historical Review

The seal of the railroad repre­ sented its aim—to unite the indus­ trial North with the agricultural South. The Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company organized in 1853; Arkansas incorporated its division the same year; and Mis­ souri followed suit in 1855.

WHMC-Columbia & SHS of the Cairo and Fulton at $1,154,539.73, and the average cost per mile of track at $15,925.13 The state incorporated the Cairo and Fulton on February 20, 1855. Arkansas previously had incorporated the Arkansas Division in January 1853. The company filed a map of the lands obtained from the state and counties with the secretary of state. It then received tax exemption until it finished the road and declared stock divi­ dends.14 On August 27, 1855, the Arkansas and Missouri Divisions consolidated with the creation of a Joint Committee of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad for the purpose of promoting common interests. The committee had full power to perform any acts the separate companies could perform, and its deci­ sions were binding upon them.15 The capital stock of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company amounted to $1,500,000, or 60,000 shares of $25 each. Of these, individual subscribers bought 33,691 shares and counties subscribed much of the remainder. The General Railroad Law of 1853 empowered county courts to subscribe stock in railroad companies stat­ ing:

13 Journal of the Senate, Mo. 18th General Assembly (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1855), Appendix, 298. 14 Laws of the State of Missouri, 18th General Assembly (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1855), 315-317. 15 Maynard Cameron Willis, 'The Construction of Railroads in South­ east Missouri" (Master's thesis, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1933), 77. Courtship of the Iron Horse 77

the county court or city council subscribing or propos­ ing to subscribe to such capital stock, for information, may cause an election to be held to ascertain the sense of the tax-payers of such county or such city, as to such subscription, and as to whether the same shall be payed by issues of county or city bonds as the case may be, or by taxation. The law authorized payment for the stock in internal improvement funds, tax monies or land.16 Members of the general assembly passed a related act on December 7, 1855, which bound the county courts to subscribe for stock in the St. Louis and Iron Mountain17 or Cairo and Fulton Railroads whenever a majority of the voters petitioned them to do so. In Dunklin County, twenty-four voters signed a petition and filed it on December 18, 1855, with the District Court of Dunklin County. They asked the court to subscribe $100,000 of the capital stock of the Cairo and Fulton. The petition noted that the road would pass within one mile of the county and would be of great advantage to the counties of Southeast Missouri. Other counties, in order to aid construction, had subscribed stock in the company, and Dunklin County had 400,000 acres of swampland donated by the state that could be used for this purpose. On the same day, the court appointed George W. Mott, one of the signers of the petition, as commis­ sioner to subscribe $100,000 of capital stock, to be paid with 100,000 acres of swampland. Agents for the Cairo and Fulton selected the swamplands to be transferred and the county conveyed these lands to the company on April 20, 1857, when Governor Hancock Jackson issued the patent.18 Southeast Missouri counties subscribed a total of 16,780 shares of stocks as follows:

County Amount Number of Shares Stoddard $150,000 6,000 Butler 100,000 4,000 Dunklin 100,000 4,000 Scott 50,000 2,000 Ripley 19,500 780 Totals: $419,500 16,780^ 16 Dunklin County v . Chouteau, 120 Mo. 577 (1893). 17 The Iron Mounta in Railroad also was called the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad. 18 "Petition" from County of Dunklin v. Charles P. Chouteau, 6-7, pro­ vided courtesy of Bradley and Noble Abstract Company, Kennett, Missouri. 19 [Goodspeed's] History of Southeast Missouri, 383. 78 Missouri Historical Review

The Cairo and Fulton also received a grant of bonds under the general assembly's "Omnibus Bill" of March 3, 1857. This legislation authorized the state to grant $2 in bonds for every dollar expended by any railroad company. These general obligation bonds noted the state as obligor and the purchaser as obligee. The plan directed the state to issue $100,000 in bonds to the Cairo and Fulton once it verified that $50,000 had been spent by the company. The state issued the first bonds on August 12, 1857. Other issuances of state bonds to Cairo and Fulton Railroad followed:

Date Amount August 12,1857 $100,000 October 17,1857 80,000 December 1,1858 70,000 April 16,1859 200,000 July 25,1859 200,000 Total: $650,00020

In order for the Cairo and Fulton to receive state bonds, it had to spend private money. This presented a problem, because a large portion of the subscribed stock had been paid in land. To sell the land at that time, in the company's opinion, would produce a great loss. For solution to this problem, the company issued 1,600 corporate bonds valued at $1,600,000. In order to secure payment of these bonds it drew up a deed of trust on May 23,1857, conveying 400,000 acres to trustees John Moore, John Wilson and Albert G. Waterman. Mason Brayman, president of the Cairo and Fulton, appeared confident that the value of the company's lands would ulti­ mately be great enough for the construction of the road. In a letter to the president of the Board of Public Works, Brayman stated: "Most of them are found to be first class lands, surpassing previous estimate . . . [and] when brought into market, and made easy of access by the extension of the road

20 Willis, "Construction of Railroads in Southeast Missouri," 77. In 1855 the general assembly passed "An act to expedite construction of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad of Missouri." The purpose of the act was to issue bonds to the Cairo and Fulton equal to the amount that the company had ex­ pended, but not exceeding $250,000.00. Governor Sterling Price vetoed the act on December 7, 1855, along with similar acts for other state railroads, citing "a growing depression in the monetary affairs of our country" and possible impairment of state credit because of recent internal improvement failures. While the legislature passed the act over Price's veto, the Cairo and Fulton did not receive any bonds under the act. Courtship of the Iron Horse 79 into their vicinity, they will overgo the fixed average price of selling—five dollars per acre—and be quite sufficient to pay the entire cost of the work, to which they are devoted."21 Thus, while the county and state referred to the land as "swamplands," the company called them "first-class lands," a time-honored sales tactic at work. Charles P. Chouteau purchased the greatest amount of the company's corporate bonds—$99,448.71 worth. He claimed, according to subsequent litigation, that he was "induced to purchase them for the purpose of devising a plan for combin­ ing capital and personal influence in order to build and operate the railroad which had commenced and was impor­ tant to the people of Southeast Missouri."22 The railroad was equally important to Chouteau because of its close connec­ tions with the Iron Mountain. Once the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company established this source of private funds, it began selling its state bonds. The price of these bonds totaled 80 cents on the dollar, a rate that showed the favorable credit of the company in relation to other state railroads. The bonds of the Iron Mountain Railroad sold for 69 % cents, those of the North Missouri Railroad for 67 V2 cents, and those of the Pacific Railroad of Missouri for 65 cents.23 Construction began in 1857. A new survey began at Bird's Point, Missouri, a small town across the Mississippi from Cairo, Illinois.24 In the summer of 1857, the company let contracts for the grading of the road from Bird's Point to Sikeston, a distance of 25 miles, to be completed by October 1, 1858.25 Contractor H. J. Deal threw the first shovel of dirt on October 1, 1857.26 The company reported contractors and a force of fifty men working on the road. Ties, pile-work and bridging could be furnished as rapidly as desired, and the road reached Charleston by mid-summer of 1858. More cau­ tious, however, President Brayman stated: "Owing to the

21 Journal of the House, Mo. 20th General Assembly (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1859), 223. 22 Chouteau v. Allen, 70 Mo. 290 (1879). 23 Journal of the Senate, Mo. 19th General Assembly, Adjourned Session (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1857), Appendix, 3. 24 [Goodspeed's] History of Southeast Missouri, 383. 25 Journal of the Senate, Mo. 19th General Assembly, Adjourned Session (1857), 79. 26 [Goodspeed's] History of Southeast Missouri, 383. 80 Missouri Historical Review

WHMC-Columbia & SHS In order to receive state bonds, the Cairo and Fulton had to be financially solvent. With little liquid capital, the railroad company sold land certificates to qualify for state bonds. Chouteau purchased $99,448.71 worth of these company certificates. Courtship of the Iron Horse 81 depressed condition of monetary affairs throughout the coun­ try, the failing credit of railroad enterprises and the deprecia­ tion of the securities, the difficulty attending the procuring of exchange, the uncertainty of all currency, and all financial arrangements, it is deemed prudent to proceed with caution in incurring liabilities."27 Of the Cairo and Fulton's $1,500,000 in capital stock, 9,529 shares, representing $238,225, remained unsubscribed. Brayman estimated the cost of the road to be $1,650,000.28 At a meeting on March 8, 1858, at Bloomfield, Mason Brayman was reelected company president, at a salary of $4,000 per year. Sylvester Sexton became vice president and superintendent of construction at a salary of $3,000 per year. Secretary-treasurer George R. Teasdale received $1,200 per year. The board of directors, receiving $5 per day when on duty, consisted of Mason Brayman, Sol. G. Kitchen, Henry H. Bedford, Sylvester Sexton and Lafayette McCrillis.29 By November 1858, 12.5 miles of track had been laid, exactly half the amount designated by the contracts and by the early expectations of the company. The line appeared in poor condition. Ten miles of the 12.5 miles of track rested on overflowed lands. In June, engineer J. B. Moulton reported to the State Board of Public Works that the roadbed was "en­ tirely submerged," and that the Mississippi River had washed away a portion of the embankment. No bridges had been constructed to cross the swamps, as piling and trestle work had been used instead. A nondurable species of elm had been used on some of the work. Sills of the trestle work rested on unstable ground without any foundation, and "probably will sink with the weight and shock of heavy trains, so far as to derange the super-structure and track." Until piling and trestle work could be replaced with earth banks, and the swamps spanned with "substantial bridges," and the road­ bed raised high enough to avoid overflow, Moulton cautioned, "the road cannot lay claim to the title of being a 'first class road'."30 A report submitted January 10, 1859, to the Board of Public Works stated that pile and trestle work "would here- 27 Journal of the Senate, Mo. 19th General Assembly, Adjourned Session (1857), Appendix, 79. 28 Ibid., 80. 29 Journal of the House, Mo. 20th General Assembly (1859), 236. 30 Journal of the Senate, Mo. 20th General Assembly (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1859), Appendix, 234-235. 82 Missouri Historical Review

Thomas Kenney Collection, St. Louis Mercantile Library Here, the transfer boat, St. Louis, departs from Cairo, Illinois, on its way to Bird's Point, Missouri, circa 1898. By this time, the Iron Mountain branch of the Missouri Pacific Railroad had absorbed the Cairo and Fulton to gain an east-west rail connection across the Mississippi River.

after be contracted by filling the spaces with earth. This is a very important matter in the construction of a permanent road. Pile and trestle work should be avoided when prac­ ticable."31 Financial problems mounted. The "Omnibus Bill" limited the Cairo and Fulton spending to $1 for every $2 in bonds issued by the state, but a report dated January 10, 1859, noted the company had spent more. Under the terms of the bill, the company should have expended not more than $125,000 of its $250,000 in state bonds. Instead, it spent $266,916.16.32 Nevertheless, on December 29, 1858, Governor Robert M. Stewart claimed excellent financial condition for the railroad. The proceeds from 575,500 acres at $5.00 per acre, he reported, would defray the building costs and no

31 Public Works Board Railroad Reports, 1859. 32 Journal of the House, Mo. 20th General Assembly (1859), Appendix, 253-254. Courtship of the Iron Horse 83 danger of default on interest bearing bonds existed.33 In 1859, construction continued at a rapid pace, and on April 1, the first train, headed by the engine "Sol. G. Kitchen," entered Charleston. A formal opening of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad took place on July 4.34 The company held a great celebration, including among its expenses $248.50 to the Union Sax-Horn Band for music.35 Still, construction and economic problems persisted. An 1859 report of engineer J. B. Moulton to the Board of Public Works professed the first fifteen miles of track "to be in fair adjustment for the trains." The remaining eight miles was unsuitable except for trains running "at very low speed."36 An additional $400,000.00 in state bonds, issued in 1859, brought the total to $650,000.00, but the company spent $680,266.91, far in excess of the $325,000.00 required by the "Omnibus Bill."37 At this point, newspapers began to question the inten­ tions of the Cairo and Fulton. An editorial, appearing in the St. Louis Daily Missouri Democrat on December 7, 1859, accused Mason Brayman of attempting to make the Iron Mountain Railroad a feeder of the Cairo and Fulton, and the Cairo and Fulton a feeder of the Illinois Central. The article claimed the Cairo and Fulton had linked with wildcat banks in Illinois and Wisconsin, and large fictitious stock holdings of Brayman and his partners gave them control of the rail­ road. The editorial charged: "There is a conviction in the public mind that the management of the Cairo and Fulton road have forfeited whatever claims that road may have had on the good will of Missouri. . .. We doubt very much whether the company will succeed in bamboozling the Legislature of Missouri any longer, or whether the delegation from the Southeast will suffer the section of the state which they represent to be made tributary to Chicago."38 Less than three weeks later, on December 26, Brayman's rebuttal of the accusations from the Daily Missouri Democrat appeared in the Daily Missouri Republican: 33 Buel Leopold and Floyd C. Shoemaker, eds., The Messages and Procla­ mations of the Governors of the State of Missouri (Columbia, Mo.: The State Historical Society of Missouri, 1922), 3: 77. 34 [Goodspeed's] History of Southeast Missouri, 343. 35 Journal of the House, Mo. 20th General Assembly, Adjourned Session (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1860), Appendix, 202. 36 Ibid., 208. 37 Ibid., 12. 38 St. Louis Daily Missouri Democrat, 7 December 1859. 84 Missouri Historical Review

The pretended facts are thus summarily disposed of being impudent inventions. . . . Has the Missouri Democrat become so "sectional" as to refuse to join hands with Arkansas and Texas and the far South­ west? St. Louis cannot be approached from those regions except by way of Cairo. The building of fifty roads running out to the Mississippi from the east would not make it worse for St. Louis in that respect, but better; for thousands would come to her markets who do not now. Would it not be better for them to come by the Illinois Central than not at all?39 Brayman's critics responded swiftly. In the December 28 edition of the Daily Missouri Republican appeared a letter to the editor, signed simply, "Missouri": Missouri has contributed to the building of the Cairo and Fulton road nearly ten dollars for every one expended by Mr. Brayman. Still, Mr. Brayman owns 9 St. Louis Daily Missouri Republican, 26 December 1859. By 1859, the Cairo and Fulton could advertise its schedule for trains running between Bird's Point and Charleston. This notice appeared in the Charleston Courier on July 29. After 1859, further progress in laying track slowed considerably. State Historical Society of Missouri CAIBO & mum

TIOIOE2 tp-ATyr «*F!. TRAINS LEAVE CHARLESTON

LEAVE BIRD'S POINT I n * ^ ft ,\ \[ 4*30 V M Courtship of the Iron Horse 85

nearly two-thirds the entire stock in the road, and of course, can and does control it according to his own notions, one of which is, that he must have a salary of four thousand dollars a year. . . . Why is it that counties in Missouri should be called upon to pay up their subscriptions to this road in full, (or nearly so) and the Illinois subscriptions get off with a payment of ten per cent. I let Missouri answer. ... I might enumerate other deductions ... tending to substantiate the declaration made by Col. Kennett, a few years ago, that it was "the greatest swindle ever perpetrated on God Almighty's earth."40 Things got worse. In 1860, only an additional 1.5 miles of track brought the length of the road to 26.5 miles, from Bird's Point to Sikeston.41 On December 12, 1860, directors H. H. Bedford and Sol. G. Kitchen submitted a report to the Board of Public Works, revealing several problems. (1) Brayman had not given any financial information about the Cairo and Fulton in the past year. (2) Charles S. Hambleton and William H. Horner, elected directors in March of 1860, had resigned. No meeting of the board had been held since May, as Bray­ man refused to meet with the other directors. (3) Forty-two thousand dollars, due for purchase of company stock, had not been paid. Of that amount $21,000 was due on stock held by Brayman and $20,000 by Sylvester Sexton of Chicago. (4) Company officials had no knowledge of the last $300,000 of state bonds drawn by Brayman. (5) Land claims of the company proved erroneous. Title to 19,500 acres subscribed by Ripley County had not been perfected, and the title to an additional 100,000 acres in Stoddard County would be per­ fected upon construction of a branch road in Bloomfield. The Cairo and Fulton had title to lands as follows:

Government grant, about 62,000 acres Dunklin County 100,000 acres Butler County 100,000 acres Stoddard County 145,000 acres Scott County 50,000 acres Total: 457,000 acres42

40 Ibid., 28 December 1859. 41 Journal of the House, Mo. 21st General Assembly (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1861), Appendix, 333. 42 Journal of the Senate, Mo. 21st General Assembly (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1862), Appendix, 347-348. 86 Missouri Historical Review

The dilemma over bonds continued. After the Cairo and Fulton had drawn state bonds to the amount of $250,000 through Brayman's actions, the board of directors tried to force suspension of further bond issues until it could ensure the company had spent the proper amounts from its own sources. The board's efforts failed.43 By 1860, the total amount of bonds issued by the state reached $650,000. The expendi­ tures by the company reached $703,868.17, more than doubling the 2:1 ratio of state bonds issued to company expenditures required by the Omnibus Bill. "The inevitable conclusion from these data must be," the Board of Public Works pro­ claimed, "that a large portion of the bonds granted for the use of this road, had been drawn in palpable violation of the law."44 In addition to all of this, on January 1, 1860, the company defaulted on the payment of interest on its own bonds.45 The board of directors met on January 8, 1861. At this meeting Mason Brayman resigned, transferring all assets under his control to Kitchen and Bedford, and transferring his stock holding to Kitchen, Bedford and M. H. Tyrell. Alfred M. Bedford and Daniel B. Miller were elected directors to replace William H. Horner and Charles S. Hambleton. An agreement, signed by Brayman, Kitchen and Bedford, stated: "said Brayman shall retire, without prejudice and further liability, from all connection with said company."46 Construction of the railroad continued through 1861, bring­ ing the total amount of track laid to 30 miles. Allegedly, the state government soon took possession of the Cairo and Fulton, and much of the rolling stock was either removed or destroyed.47 One historian also contended that, in 1861, the road "fell into the hands of the government and was used for military purposes, which resulted in the loss of the greater part of the rolling stock."48 Unfortunately, no official record verifies those claims.

43 Journal of the House, Mo. 21st General Assembly (1861), Appendix, 333. 44 Ibid., 334. 45 Willis, "Construction of Railroads in Southeast Missouri," 85. 46 Journal of the Senate, Mo. 21st General Assembly (1862), Appendix, 347-348. 47 [Goodspeed's] History of Southeast Missouri, 384. 48 Robert Sidney Douglas, History of Southeast Missouri (New York: Lewis Publishing Co., 1912), 499. Courtship of the Iron Horse 87 88 Missouri Historical Review

Clearly, however, the Cairo and Fulton could not earn enough to pay the interest on its state bonds, and the bonds fell into arrears. The bondholders finally caused a sale of the road in 1866.49 This occurred under a legislative act of Febru­ ary 2, 1866, entitled "An act to provide for the sale of certain railroads and property by the Governor, to foreclose the State's lien thereon, and to secure an early completion of the Southwest Pacific Branch, the Platte County, the St. Louis and Iron Mountain and the Cairo and Fulton Railroads of Missouri." The act provided that "the Cairo and Fulton Rail­ road of Missouri shall be completed from the Mississippi River, opposite the town of Cairo, Illinois, or Columbus, Kentucky, to the intersection of the St. Louis and Iron Moun­ tain Railroad line, within three years after the date of sale thereof." Further, "nothing in this act shall be so construed as to convey or to authorize the commissioners to convey to the purchasers of the Cairo and Fulton railroad any of the lands subscribed by counties to the stock of said road."50 No one bid high enough to cover the state's lien, so according to the provision of the act, a three-man commission purchased the road on October 1, 1866. This commission advertised the road for sale, solicited and received new bids and, on November 14, 1866, sold the Cairo and Fulton Rail­ road to Joseph C. Read, A. J. McKay, John C. Vogel and Samuel Simmons for $350,000.51 McKay, Read, and Company quickly resold the road, to Thomas Allen on January 12, 1867. At the same time, Allen purchased the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad Com­ pany paying a total of $1,275,000 for both.52 The Cairo and Fulton line appeared practically unusable. According to Allen, In many places the track had become dangerous, and the ties were rotted and useless in large numbers. . . . The actual value of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad did not, at the time of the sale, exceed $150,000 to $175,000. The track was overgrown with trees and shrubs. The trestlework and ties decayed, the embank­ ments injured by floods, the iron rusted, and, in fact, 49 Ibid. 50 Laws of the State of Missouri, 23rd General Assembly, Adjourned Sessions (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1866), 107-114. 51 Appendix to the House and Senate Journals, Mo. 24th General As­ sembly, Adjourned Session (Jefferson City, Mo.: 1868), 323. 52 Willis, "Construction of Railroads in Southeast Missouri," 93. Courtship of the Iron Horse 89

the principal, if not the only value consisted of about two thousand tons of rails, so difficult of access that they could scarcely be worth, then over seventy to seventy-five dollars per ton. The value of the nine of ten thousand acres of refuse land remaining, belong­ ing to the road, did not exceed $5,000 to $7,000.53 A Select Committee Report valued the Cairo and Fulton at $150,000 when purchased by Allen.54 Construction resumed in 1871. An article in the June 24, 1871 edition of the Charleston Courier, entitled "Work on the Section between Cairo and Charleston—Its Early Comple­ tion," reflected public enthusiasm shown in 1853 at the initial construction of the road. At that time track had been laid on the first three miles between Charleston and Cairo. Con­ struction trains ran over the completed line, and both rail­ road officials and the public expected trains to begin service between Charleston and Cairo in the near future. A large number of workers continued to lay track between Charleston and the Arkansas line.55 The line extended to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, in Butler County under the name of the Cairo, Arkansas and Texas Railroad. In 1874, it consolidated with the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad, and became known as the Cairo branch of that road.56 The entire line came under the control of the Missouri Pacific in 1881. After the demise of the Cairo and Fulton, a dispute began over control of the com­ pany's lands in Dunklin County that would not be resolved for several years. The controversy centered on the deed of trust which the company executed on May 23, 1857. That document had conveyed lands in Dunklin, Scott, Mississippi, Stoddard and Butler counties to trustees John Moore, John Wilson and Albert G. Waterman in order to secure payment of the company's 1,600 corporate bonds valued at $1,000 each.57 In 1856, the Missouri Supreme Court, in the case Dunklin County v. District Court of Dunklin County, ruled valid the county stock subscriptions paid in land. Relying upon this 53 Appendix to the House and Senate Journals, Mo. 24th General As­ sembly, Adjourned Session (1868), 165. 54 Ibid., 151. 55 Charleston Courier, 24 June 1871. 56 [Goodspeed's] History of Southeast Missouri, 384. 57 William E. Parrish, A History of Missouri: Volume HI, 1860-1875 (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1973). 90 Missouri Historical Review

decision and the security of the deed of trust, Charles Chou­ teau and others bought the company's bonds. The Cairo and Fulton defaulted in the payment of the bonds in 1871. Chou­ teau then filed suit in the circuit court of Mississippi County to foreclose on the deed of trust and to have the lands sold to satisfy payment of the bonds. The case went to the Missouri Supreme Court, and the court finally decreed foreclosure in 1882. The sale occurred on November 2, 1882, at Kennett, the county seat of Dunklin County. Chouteau purchased the lands.58 A complication arose. Despite the foreclosure sale, Dunklin County still claimed title to the lands of the Cairo and Fulton. Further, the county had sold some of the lands to residents prior to the foreclosure. The solution to this prob­ lem, which would become known to lawyers and abstract companies of Dunklin County as the Chouteau Compromise, provided for Chouteau to release his claim to the lands that had been sold to citizens of the county. The county would then release its claim to the rest of the Cairo and Fulton lands. On January 8, 1884, Chouteau agreed to the terms of the compromise. The deeds of release, dated February 26, 1884, conveyed 9,682 acres from Chouteau to Dunklin County, and 63,628 acres from the county to Chouteau. Under a similar supplemental deed of trust of October 6, 1885, Chou­ teau conveyed 3,392 acres to the county on December 6, 1888, and the county conveyed 1,643 acres to Chouteau.59 Finally, the county executed a deed transferring 160 acres to Chou­ teau to correct an accidental error in the supplemental deed. This land was conveyed on January 12, 1889. Although Dunklin County officials had proposed the com­ promise to settle the question of ownership of the land, the county court60 filed suit in 1890 to regain title from Chouteau. The court denied that Chouteau had title to the land, even though it had been accepting tax payments from him. The county court further claimed in its petition that "Chouteau has obtained large sums of money from the sale of timber off of said lands in excess of the amount so paid by him in taxes." While not recognizing Chouteau's title to the lands, the county willingly received tax payments from him.61 58 "Petition" from County of Dunklin v. Charles P. Chouteau. 59 Ibid., 10. 60 Kennett Dunklin Democrat, 8 March 1894. 61 "Replication" from County of Dunklin v. Charles P. Chouteau, 4, pro­ vided courtesy of Bradley and Noble Abstract Company, Kennett, Missouri. Courtship of the Iron Horse 91

Born in 1819, Charles P. Chouteau joined his fa­ ther's fur trading busi­ ness in 1838. He traveled extensively in Europe and the United States in this capacity. After his father became involved in Iron Mountain mining opera­ tions, Charles Chouteau bought Cairo and Fulton corporate land bonds to help build the railroad.

State Historical Society of Missouri

The circuit court ruled in favor of Chouteau on June 28, 1892, and Dunklin County appealed to the Missouri Supreme Court. The court heard the case in March 1894. Dunklin County sought to set aside the patent of swamplands issued to the Cairo and Fulton by the governor on April 20, 1857, to vacate orders of the Dunklin County Court on which the patent was based and to vacate the compromise deeds from the county to Chouteau. Chouteau based his claim to title of the Cairo and Fulton lands on the order of the Dunklin County District Court of December 18,1855, subscribing $100,000 to stock of the Cairo and Fulton, to be paid for in land; on the patent from the governor on April 20, 1857; on the deed of trust from the Cairo and Fulton to Moore, Wilson and Waterman to secure the company bonds; on the supplemental deed of trust; on Chouteau's purchase of the land under the foreclosure of these two deeds; and on the compromises of 1884 and 1888. Chouteau also argued that he had purchased the bonds of the railroad because he had faith in the decision of Dunklin County v. District Court of Dunklin County. Despite these documents, Dunklin County claimed that no title had passed from it to the Cairo and Fulton. The 92 Missouri Historical Review

county maintained as void the order of the district court. It was void under the general assembly's act of December 7, 1855, because the petition had not been signed by a majority of the voters of the county. (Only 24 voters had signed the petition.) Under the General Railroad Law of 1853, it was void because the taxpayers had not voted on it. The General Railroad Law of 1853, which organized the Cairo and Fulton, authorized county courts to subscribe for stock in railroad companies and made it possible for the county to pay for the stock in swamplands. The law also stated that the county court "may, for information, cause an election to be held to ascertain the sense of the tax-payers ... as to such subscrip­ tion." Dunklin County claimed that "may, for information" meant, "shall for information." In fact, the law had been amended in 1861 to require a majority of the county voters to approve of stock subscription before it could be made. More­ over, in 1868, the Missouri Supreme Court, in Leavenworth and Des Moines Railroad Co. v. Platte County, had held that, even before the amendment, "may" in this case meant "shall."62 The final claim of the county pertained to the compromise deeds of 1884 and 1888. The deeds, which re­ leased a total of 65,431 acres to Chouteau, had been executed by appointed commissioners and not by the presiding judge of the county court. For this reason, Dunklin County claimed the compromise deeds violated the existing laws at the time and were void. In 1894, this entanglement was resolved when the state supreme court ruled in favor of Chouteau. The supreme court upheld Dunklin County v. District Court of Dunklin County. It declared that a rule of property had been established since the time of the decision. The court also found the stock subscription valid. Finally, the court held that the delay of Dunklin County barred the decision sought by the county. This action occurred thirty-three years after issue of the patent, thirty-two years after the issue of company stock to the county, and thirty years after sale of the stock on execu­ tion against the county. Suits against the Cairo and Fulton to foreclose mortgages on the lands had been pending for more than twelve years. Meanwhile, Chouteau had paid taxes on the lands and had invested large sums of money in them.

; Dunklin County v. Chouteau, 120 Mo. 577 (1893). Courtship of the Iron Horse 93

The county, while initially proposing the compromises be­ tween itself and Chouteau, now refused to honor them. In its opinion, the supreme court proclaimed, "The neglect of the county in asserting its rights in a proper way for so great a length of time, to the continued prejudice of the rights of the defendant, cannot be excused. The delay and conduct of the county is a complete bar to the relief which it now asks."63 Once the supreme court handed down its decision, the county realized its ultimate failure to attract the Cairo and Fulton. Of the 100,000 acres of land the county had used to extend public aid to the company, 65,431 now lay in the hands of Charles Pierre Chouteau. This result proved typical for the Missouri railroads that received state aid in the 1800s. Mismanagement and corruption produced great waste and embarrassment. The citizenry, which initially had greeted the building of the railroad with enthusiasm, now stood divided and disenchanted. Fragmentation is exemplified in this case by the many identities of Dunklin County. In the history of the organiza­ tion, construction, and litigation involving the Cairo and Fulton Railroad, many different and opposing groups repre­ sented "Dunklin County." The petition signed by voters of Dunklin County reflected one such group. Presented to the District Court of Dunklin County, the petition expressed the support of the county for the Cairo and Fulton, and requested the court to subscribe stock in the railroad on behalf of the county citizens. Only twenty-four people, however, signed the petition.64 The district court also represented Dunklin County and made the stock subscription. District courts served as local legislative and administrative bodies. In this case, it served Stoddard, Dunklin and Butler counties. It took the place of the individual county courts from 1855, when the general assembly created it, until 1857, when reinstatement of the Dunklin and Butler county courts abolished it. The county court was then opposed by a third constitu­ ency of "Dunklin County" forming the plaintiff in Dunklin County v. District Court of Dunklin County. This group represented citizens opposed to the petition for stock subscrip­ t's Ibid., 580. 64 The 24 signers, a very diverse group, had no concentration of indi­ viduals from any particular occupation, age, or economic status. 94 Missouri Historical Review tion. Nathaniel Murphy, the superintendent of public works, headed the group. That someone with Murphy's office would oppose internal improvements, especially a railroad, appears doubtful. So either he thought the petition by the twenty-four voters defective, or a large or influential group of citizens impressed Murphy with their opposition to the stock subscrip­ tion, or both. A fourth group identified as "Dunklin County" made up the plaintiffs in Dunklin County v. Chouteau in 1890. Though officially the three-man county court, this group probably included several citizens who initially had opposed subscrip­ tion in the stock of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad; thus they may have contained remnants of the group identified as the plaintiffs in the earlier supreme court case, Dunklin County v. District Court of Dunklin County. An additional large part of this fourth version of "Dunklin County" probably organ­ ized as a result of the railroad company's failure. In the beginning, these people may have been enthusiastic about the railroad. After mismanagement by company officials deprived the county of its land, they turned against the railroad and sought recovery of the land. A fifth group, citizens of Dunklin County, opposed bring­ ing suit in Dunklin County v. Chouteau, as suggested by a news item in the Dunklin Democrat, on March 8, 1894. This group included the individuals who owned lands that had been quit-claimed by Chouteau in the Chouteau Compromise. Since the county, in bringing litigation, had denied validity of the Chouteau Compromise, a decision for Dunklin County would have cast uncertainty on their title to the land. Quite possibly this group's interests lay in the welfare of the county. Indeed, its members could have originally favored the sub­ scription of stock in the Cairo and Fulton, but now they wanted to retain ownership of their land. This fifth group had a large following. The Dunklin Democrat, in an article regarding the court's decision, reported: "This (decision) will be satisfactory news to a considerable portion of Dunklin's population', as it is estimated that about one third of the land taxpayers of the county live on this land."65 The presence of these various groups, all identified by the name, "Dunklin County," suggests the tension and anta-

65 Kennett Dunklin Democrat, 8 March 1894. Courtship of the Iron Horse 95

gonism within the county over public financial support for the Cairo and Fulton. This dissension existed throughout Missouri, in the wake of public assistance for railroads that met disaster. In an effort to avoid costly failures such as the Cairo and Fulton, a new state constitution, adopted by Missourians in 1865, prohibited further state assistance to the railroads. Whether by design or default, however, it left open the possi­ bility for continued aid from counties and municipalities, through bonds purchased by county courts. The railroad promoters thus had to plead with the county courts to get their capital. The 1875 Missouri Constitution made it even more difficult for the railroads, requiring a two-thirds vote of the citizens before a bond issue could occur.66 For Dunklin County, the new constitution came too late. The swampland obtained by Chouteau had undergone— and would further undergo—great transformation. Beginning in 1880, lumbermen found the area attractive. As they harvested the bootheel timber, the lumber companies, rail­ roads and other large landowners foresaw the swampland's potential value for agriculture. These groups began to pro-

66 David Thelen, Paths of Resistance: Tradition and Dignity in Indus­ trializing Missouri (New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1986), 59-85.

In the mid-nineteenth century, swampland and forest covered much of Dunklin County. After the railroad line reached the Arkansas border, lumbermen began harvesting the timber and opening up the lands for agriculture. Sawmills, like this one at Kennett, became a familiar sight by 1900. State Historical Society of Missouri 96 Missouri Historical Review mote reclamation projects.67 In 1907, residents established the Little River Drainage District. Although all landowners paid taxes on it, the drainage district mainly benefited the wealthier landowners. Supported by the lumber companies and large landowners, supervised by the now ordained local folk hero Otto Kochtitzky, and executed by a persistent iron dredge, the drainage scheme succeeded. The water, which once covered the rich soil of Southeast Missouri, now flowed southward in five parallel ditches into Big Lake, Arkansas. Just as its owners changed—from the U.S. Government, the State of Missouri, Dunklin County, and the Cairo and Fulton Railroad to Charles Pierre Chouteau—its value also changed. During the 1850s, few stock subscriptions could be sold at a value of $1.25 per acre. By 1920, however, land worth from $10 to $15 per acre in 1907 was touted as being worth an average of $75 an acre. Some owners claimed as much as $225 an acre. Once brought into cultivation, the fertile alluvial soil made Southeast Missouri one of the most productive agricultural areas of the state.68 The difficulties of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad caused citizens of Dunklin County and Southeast Missouri to resist generous and enthusiastic public aid for other railway con­ struction. Although the rails finally ran from Bird's Point, Missouri, to Fulton, Arkansas, their completion was slow and expensive and accomplished in the end by another company. For the officers of the Cairo and Fulton Railroad Company, the road became an undertaking marred by corruption, em­ barrassment, and futility. For Charles Chouteau, it resulted in unexpected wealth. Dunklin County citizens found it a source of dissension that caused the loss of much increas­ ingly valuable land. For all, courtship of the iron horse proved a frustrating and bitter experience.

67 Ogilvie, 'The Development of the Southeast Missouri Lowlands," 106. 68. Ibid., 119, 125-137. The Little River Drainage District ran into serious economic difficulties in the late 1920s and 1930s, largely because of the depression. Landowners were unable to pay drainage taxes, and the drain­ age system could not be maintained. In 1934, the Reconstruction Finance Corporation loaned the district $2,405,000. Since then, the federal govern­ ment has taken a much greater role in the control of the district. Sharing the Wealth Jefferson City Daily Eclipse, November 18, 1879. It doesn't take a school-boy long to evince a love for division, provided another boy owns the apple. Historical Notes and Comments 97 HISTORICAL NOTES AND COMMENTS Society Receives Jesse T. Cargill Cartoons In April of this year, Catherine Car­ gill Blake donated 150 original editorial cartoons by her grandfather, Jesse T. Cargill, to the State Historical Society's cartoon collection. Jesse Taylor Cargill was born July 19,1892, in Waco, Texas. His parents, Jesse and Emma (Pickett) Cargill, died while he was still young, so his uncle, Charles P. Cargill of St. Joseph, raised him. From 1912-1914, Jesse Cargill attend­ ed the University of Missouri-Columbia. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War I and served on the U.S.S. Texas ^#/Z*rf*<- — in the North Sea at Scapa Flow. After State Historical Society the war, he studied under cartoonist The cartoonist labeled this "Sidewalk Su- Carey Orr for ten months at the Chi- perintendents," during the post World War cago Art Institute. After free-lancing, he II reconstruction period in Western Europe, began working for the Kansas City Journal in 1921. By this time, his car­ toons already had begun to earn him a reputation as an excellent editorial car­ toonist. In 1924, the Central Press Association of Cleveland, later a part of King Features Syndicate, hired Cargill. Under their employ until his retirement in 1965, Cargill published his cartoons on the editorial State Historical Society pages of leading newspapers and in periodicals such as Literary Digest and The Outlook. Orr encouraged Cargill in the early years of his career by saying "you are doing excellent car­ toons, and it is a mark of genius to be always feeling out for a new and better method of expression." With his first wife, Agnes Gilbert of St. Jo­ seph, he had a son, Drury Holmes Cargill. After her death in 1930, he married Marian Garver Wagner of Cleveland and helped to raise her son, John Wagner, and daughter, Marian Wag­ ner Brown. Jesse T. Cargill died in 1977. Cargill's "The Tin Woodman" appeared in the No­ vember 8, 1961 issue of King Features Syndicate editorial section. 98 Missouri Historical Review

Charles Schwartz Enhances Society's 5™, Art Collection

State Historical Society For these mural studies Schwartz depicts a conservation agent removing fish from an illegal trap and newly hatched gos­ State Historical Society lings. Charles and Elizabeth Schwartz are long-time friends and major donors to the State Historical Society. In the 1960s, they gave a large collection of wildlife studies to the Society. These works had illustrated their book, The Wild Mammals of Missouri. This past spring, they gave the Society numerous working sketches (framed and unframed in black and white and color) and layout sheets for Charles Schwartz's murals in the Missouri Department of Conservation headquarters building in Jefferson City. Both Charles and Elizabeth Schwartz are former employees of the Department of Conservation, now retired and living in Idaho. Schwartz planned eight mural panels to decorate the reception area of the new headquarters, but only completed four panels by the dedication of the building on October 1, 1965. Other assignments interrupted his work, and he did not find the time to finish the project until after retirement in 1981. The four remaining panels were dedicated on April 14, 1987. For the murals, Schwartz chose the theme: a pictorial history of wildlife in Missouri. Dedication of this work fittingly marked the 50th anniversary of the department's organization. Charles Schwartz is a native of South St. Louis and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he majored in zoology. While at the university, he met his future wife, Elizabeth Reeder, a native of Columbus, Ohio. A graduate of Ohio State University and Columbia University, she completed her doctorate in zoology at UMC. After marriage, the couple combined their talents and interests in wildlife, collaborating on a number of projects that brought them national and international acclaim. Their work included some 20 wildlife films, books and professional and popular articles. Historical Notes and Comments 99 NEWS IN BRIEF

In June, four history students from Missouri won awards at the National History Day competition at the Uni­ versity of Maryland. Trenton Tubbs from Joplin Junior High School won first place in the category of Indi­ vidual Projects with his presentation of "An Equal Chance in the Battle of Life." His teacher is Maria Marantz. In the category of Individual Media, Susan Halla from Webster Groves High School won second place for her project entitled "Heroines of the Homefront." She also won the Wo­ WHMC-Columbia & SHS men's History Award, a special prize Dean Arthur V. Nebel addressed for the best women's history project. the audience at a reception in his Jim Muth is her teacher. Tanya Mat- honor. zat and Jennifer Kopf from Cape On May 4, the Joint Collection, Central Junior High School in Cape University of Missouri Western His­ Girardeau were awarded the prize for torical Manuscript Collection and the Outstanding Entry from Missouri. State Historical Society of Missouri Their group project was entitled Manuscripts hosted a reception in "Shaker Children: Their Rights and honor of Arthur V. Nebel, former Responsibilities." Brenda Woemmel dean of the University of Missouri is their teacher. College of Public and Community Becky Jammett, Heather Kemp, Services. The reception was held to and Doug Ledford from Joplin Junior recognize Nebel's generous gift of High School; Matthew Fullerton, two personal computer systems to the Sean Boswell, Mike Eck, Jamie Beav­ Joint Collection, a gift made in mem­ er, Troy Royko, Gina Gurley, Janelle ory of W. Francis English, the first Turner and Barbara Agan from Sar- director of the Western Historical coxie High School advanced to the Manuscript Collection, and in honor semifinals in the competition. of Elmer Ellis, president emeritus of the university and former president Laura Bullion, Archivist at the of the State Historical Society. The Western Historical Manuscript/State computers have enabled the manu­ Historical Society Manuscripts Col­ script collection to keep information lection at the University of Missouri- on their holdings and many of the Columbia, served as director for the reference and administrative statis­ National History Day in Missouri. tics in machine-readable form. In From that same office she was as­ addition, the word processing capa­ sisted by Sharon Fleming, Lynn bility of the computers has greatly Gentzler, Nancy Lankford, Randy facilitated both the composition of Roberts, Cindy Stewart, Elizabeth finding aids and the writing of refer­ Uhlig, Claudia Powell, Linda Ridge- ence letters. way and Sue McCubbin. 100 Missouri Historical Review

Sidney Larson, professor of art at floor of the capitol building, north of Columbia College and curator of the the rotunda. Franz Schwarzer, a Ger­ State Historical Society's fine art man immigrant, came to America in collection, Columbia, has been named 1864. A furniture maker by trade, he 1987 Missouri State Professor of the opened a zither factory in 1872. Al­ Year by the Council for Advancement though he died in 1904, the business and Support of Education. Larson, operated until the 1920s. A number who is entering his 37th year at Co­ of Schwarzer Zithers, in various lumbia College, was nominated by stages of completion, are featured in his peers and selected from a group the exhibit, which will remain on of over 400 nominees from Missouri view through December. Hours are 8 colleges and universities. The nomi­ A.M. to 5 P.M., daily. nation makes Larson eligible for the national award which includes a $5,000 prize from the Carnegie Foun­ James W. Goodrich, director of the dation. The first Columbia College State Historical Society, was a fea­ professor nominated for the award, tured speaker at the Working Jour­ Larson is one of only 20 to receive nalists Program, sponsored by the the state honor since the award be­ University of Missouri-Columbia gan in 1981. Nominees are judged on School of Journalism, July 1-4. He extraordinary efficiency as a scholar spoke on "Special Library Collec­ or teacher, service to the institituon tions." A question-and-answer session or profession, evidence of impact and followed his presentation. involvement with students and qual­ ity of nominations by former stu­ dents. On July 17, R. Douglas Hurt, as­ sociate director of the State Histori­ cal Society, participated in the annual Society staff members, Laurel Boeck- meeting of the Society for Historians man, reference librarian, and Kay of the Early American Republic in Pettit, newspaper librarian, partici­ Philadelphia. At the session called pated in a workshop, "Resources in "The Northwest Ordinance: Bicenten­ Genealogy." Held June 16, at the nial Reconsiderations," he read a Holiday Inn, Kansas City, the meet­ paper entitled "Historians and the ing emphasized the genealogical ma­ Northwest Ordinance." terials available in various institu­ tions in Missouri. Boeckman and Pettit told about the services at the From July 1 to 31, the Museum of State Historical Society. Fifty-five Ozarks History, in the 1892 Bentley persons attended the event, spon­ House, 603 E. Calhoun, Springfield, sored by the Kansas City Metropoli­ hosted two special exhibits. "The tan Library Network Continuing Ed­ Blessings of Liberty," a twelve-panel ucation Committee. display celebrated the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution. This exhibit outlined the process which went into On July 1, the State Museum in the writing of our constitution and Jefferson City opened a new exhibit, the prominent men who met at the "Schwarzer Zithers: Old World Crafts­ constitutional convention in Phila­ manship From Washington, Mis­ delphia in the summer of 1787. souri." It includes artifacts, photo­ Funded by the Missouri Committee graphs and text displayed on the first for the Humanities, it was sponsored Historical Notes and Comments 101 by the Greene County Historical So­ writer. Those wishing to enter their ciety. The second exhibit, "History books or articles should send four in the Eyes of Children," featured copies to Professor Charles G Nauert, artwork from Springfield elementary Jr., Department of History, 143 Arts schools. The museum is open Tues­ and Science Building, University of day through Saturday from 9:30 A.M. Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211. to 2:30 P.M., and Sunday from 1:00 to Submissions must be received by De­ 4:00 P.M. cember 1,1987.

State Historical Society staff mem­ The Missouri Division of the Ameri­ bers Leona Morris and Mary K. Dains can Association of University Women presented a slide show on "Missouri is sponsoring a Missouri Women's History Project. For the project, the Women in History," at the Columbia association is seeking biographies of Public Library, July 8. Show-Me State Missouri women who have made im­ Chapter of American Business Wom­ portant contributions in their profes­ en's Association sponsored the pro­ sion, their community, state or nation. gram which was open to the public. These sketches will be published in a forthcoming book, planned for 1989. Historians and writers, as well as The Missouri Conference on History AAUW members, are welcome to con­ will be held April 29-30,1988, at Mis­ tribute to this worthwhile project. For souri Southern State College in Joplin. more information, please contact Proposals for papers and sessions Mary K. Dains, Missouri Women's should be submitted by December 1, History Project, Route 3, Columbia, 1987, to Virginia J. Laas, Social Sci­ Missouri 65203. ence Department, Missouri Southern State College, Joplin, Missouri 64801. The national headquarters of the Oregon-California Trails Association At its 1988 meeting, the Missouri recently moved from Gerald, Mis­ Conference on History will present souri, to St. Louis. The new address awards for the best article on Mis­ is 1701 S. Eighth Street, St. Louis, souri history and for the best book Missouri 63104, and the phone is (314) on any historical topic by a Missouri 436-3242.

Why Advertise?

Edina Sentinel, January 13,1876. The road to fortune is through printer's ink.—P.T. Barnum. Success depends upon a liberal patronage of printing offices.—J.J. Astor. How can the world know a man has a good thing unless he advertises his possession of it?—Vanderbilt. My son deals with men who advertise. You will never lose by it.—Ben Franklin. 102 Missouri Historical Review LOCAL HISTORICAL SOCIETIES Adair County Historical Society museum opened for visitors the last The Society has a new address: Sunday afternoon each month through Box 342, Kirksville, MO 63501. September. It is open at other times by appointment. Affton Historical Society The quarterly meeting of the So­ Barton County Historical Society ciety was held July 23 at Oakland, a On June 14 and 21, members of local historic house. Following the the Society helped guide homes tours Affton Chamber of Commerce barbe­ in the Lamar community during Heri­ cue, the meeting featured a program tage Days activities. The Society met by the quilters in the Society; enter­ July 12 at Law Chapel, Lamar United tainment by William Childress, syndi­ Methodist Church, with 73 persons cated columnist, poet and songwriter; present. A program, presented by sev­ and a raffle for a quilt. Members eral members, related to "Our Faded Aggie and Rich Wunderlich were fea­ Past." It featured local industries tured in the June 1987 issue of that once thrived but are now only Quilters Newsletter Magazine. Other faded memories. Society quilters took part in the re­ Bates County Historical Society cent St. Louis production of Quilters, The Society meets at the Stage­ in which quilt blocks were used to coach Depot, Butler, on the second introduce various sections of the Thursday of each month at 7:30 P.M. play. On June 6 and 7, the Society, in Andrew County Historical cooperation with the Butler Business Society Professional Women's Club, hosted a Current officers of the Society are special display of items from the Mu­ Mary Helen Hower, president; Dwight seum of Pioneer History, at the City Hall, vice president; Diane Dewey, Hall Auditorium. In addition, Steve secretary; and Leola Nicholas, trea­ Hanson displayed many of his Indian surer. artifacts, a large portion of which were found in the Bates County area. Audrain County Historical The Club also supervised an open Society house at the museum. The Society reported it has begun Marvin Cumpton of Overland Park, to restore the interior of Graceland, Kansas, discussed "Old Settlers its historic home in Mexico. A grant, Day—Way Back When," at the July recently received from the Allen P. 9 meeting. This event has been an and Josephine B. Green Foundation, annual Bates County celebration will support the restoration of a since 1897 and continues today. period dining room in memory of Martha Green Staley. The first floor Belton Historical Society of Graceland will be maintained as a Society members helped plan and house museum for the period 1870- participated in Community Days in 1900. June. The Society and the Little Blue Chapter of the Daughters of the Amer­ Barnard Community Historical ican Revolution shared a booth at Society the celebration. The Society meets on the third The July 19 meeting, at Old City Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M. Hall, featured a program entitled at the Depot Museum, Barnard. The "Father of Our Country," which told Historical Notes and Comments 103 about George Washington's experi­ nedy, historian. Following the meet­ ences during the Constitutional Con­ ing, members and guests toured the vention and period of ratification. museum construction site and Maple­ Displays, provided by the Sons of wood. the American Revolution and the Daughters of the American Revolu­ Boone/Duden Historical Society tion, augmented the program. The Luxenhaus Farm, near Mar- thasville, provided the setting for the Bethel German Colony June 28 meeting of the Society. Adolf Bethel's third annual Mid-America Schroeder, retired professor of Ger­ Old-Time Fiddling Convention took man studies at the University of Mis­ place June 12-14. The convention fea­ souri-Columbia, presented the pro­ tured champion fiddlers, master call­ gram entitled "They Came From ers, square and jig dancers. Germany." James Denny, Department of Nat­ Blue Springs Historical Society ural Resources, spoke at the August The Society held a pancake day 31 meeting held in Femme Osage. fund raiser in May, at the Old Chi­ His slide presentation featured the cago & Alton Hotel. The Society's proposed KATY-Missouri River Trail. youth group also sponsored a fund- raising fish and chicken fry on the Caldwell County Historical Dillingham-Lewis Museum grounds Society on July 31. The Society met on July 19, at the courthouse in Kingston. Members re­ Bollinger County Historical ceived sale copies of the organiza­ Society tion's new publication, A Peek in the Rush H. Limbaugh, Sr., of Cape Past The book, dedicated to the late Girardeau, spoke to the Society at June Thomson, contains 63 stories the quarterly meeting, July 12, at the heard on the Society's weekly radio courthouse in Marble Hill. "We the program and advertising from old People," subject of the program, Caldwell County newspapers. traced the origins of the Constitution from the Magna Carta to the final Carroll County Historical Society draft of the Constitution. Sharon Van Members held their May 28 meeting Deven and Elaine Stroder presented at the Community Hall in Tina. Bud patriotic, musical entertainment, and Long and Ken Epley, who operate Paul Hahn played a medley of patri­ the Sheltered Workshop in Carroll­ otic songs. ton, gave the program. Several mem­ bers appeared on Channel 5 in Kansas Boone County Historical Society City in June, promoting the museum. The Society held its annual meeting Merrill Myers presented the program in the yard of the Maplewood House, "Early Bosworth History" at the Columbia, June 28. Approximately meeting on July 23 at the Bosworth 100 persons attended the barbecue Community Hall. and business session. A special report featured the museum building project. Cass County Historical Society Officers elected were Bill T. Crawford, Nancy Riggs of Pleasant Hill pre­ president; Helen Wilson Wulff and sented a program on the Constitution Francis Pike, vice presidents; Nelda at the June 28 meeting in Pearson McCrory, secretary; James E. Saun­ Hall, the Information Center, Harri- ders, treasurer; and Elizabeth Ken­ sonville. 104 Missouri Historical Review

Cedar County Historical Society Civil War Round Table of The Society met April 27, in the Kansas City New Savings and Loan Building in At the March 24 meeting of the El Dorado Springs. El Dorado Springs Round Table at the Homestead Coun­ members showed slides of their mu­ try Club, Prairie Village, Kansas, seum in the Wayside Hotel. Also, an Sonny Wells spoke on "Of Grave Mat­ invitation was read from the Dade ters." Major John Reichley, U.S.A. County Historical Society to visit (Ret.) presented a program on "The their museum in the Washington Ho­ History of Fort Leavenworth," at the tel in Greenfield. April 29 meeting. Members held their June 1 meeting "Personal Experiences at the Re­ in the old Jail building where the cent Battle of Oak Hills (Wilson's Stockton museum is located. Gentry Creek)," was the topic of the program Davis, director of the George Washing­ at the May 27 meeting. Thomas P. ton Carver Monument Museum in Sweeney, M.D. of Springfield, por­ Diamond, Missouri, presented a pro­ trayed Dr. Caleb Winfrey, who partici­ gram about Carver's life and work. pated in the battle. The Society met on June 27, at the Civil War Round Table of Community Hall in Jerico Springs. St. Louis Allene Reynolds of Caplinger Mills New officers for 1987-1988 were gave a program about the Northern elected as follows: Frank McGuire, Cherokee Indians and their efforts to president; Jack Grothe, vice presi­ maintain their tribal identity. Mem­ dent; Bill Winter, secretary; Marshall bers decided to open the Stockton Hier, assistant secretary; Skip Rix- museum by appointment only because man, treasurer; and Mike St. Vrain, of hot weather. assistant treasurer. The Round Table met May 20, at Centralia Historical Society Garavelli's Restaurant. The meeting In June, the Society exhibited wed­ included a fashion show depicting ding dresses dating from 1865 to the the finery of Civil War era clothing: present in the museum, formerly the women's, men's, Southern, Northern, home of A. Bishop Chance. The Au­ Canadian, military and civilian. gust exhibit featured needle crafts, especially articles with Battenburg Civil War Round Table of trim. the Ozarks The May 13 meeting, held at the Chariton County Historical 89er Restaurant, Springfield, featured Society a program entitled "The Missouri The Society met July 19, at the Mule Goes To War." Long-time mem­ United Methodist Church, Salisbury. ber Gene Beauchamp made the pres­ Lyle Vasser, an artist who recently entation. returned from a year of study in Clay County Historical Society Europe and Russia, presented a slide The Society held a dinner meeting, program. Members also discussed the June 6, at the Dinner Horn Country research project to be undertaken by Inn, Kansas City. Gary Chilcote, di­ Jere Gilles, professor of rural soci­ rector of Patee House Museum in St. ology, University of Missouri-Colum­ Joseph, spoke to the group about the bia, documenting the history of Chari­ Patee House, early history of St. Jo­ ton County over the past fifty years. seph and the Pony Express. Historical Notes and Comments 105

Clay County Museum Association DeKalb County Historical Society On June 20, the Association met at Officers of the Society for two-year Mt. Gilead Park in Clay County for terms include Earlene Vaughn, presi­ its annual picnic. Walter Plourd dent; Bill Free, Martha Spiers, Martha spoke about some of Missouri City's Goodwin, Hah Marie Pulley, Caroljean prominent citizens of the 1850s and Goucher, Lora Lockhart and Cuma 1860s. Milton Perry, administrator of Ellis, vice presidents; Dorothy Hors- Clay County's Historic Parks, gave man, recording secretary; Lavada a status report on local parks. Pearce, corresponding secretary; Ruth Owens, treasurer; Noma Vaughn, fi­ Cole Camp Area Historical nancial secretary; Beulah Winger, Society curator; Ralph Wolf, Beulah Winger The Society met June 8, in the and Lora Lockhart, presidents emeri­ Home Economics Room of the Benton tus; and Burnis Winger, executive County R-l School in Cole Camp. coordinator. Don and Becky Carver presented a The Society held its April 26 meet­ program entitled "Civil War Events ing at the Society Building, Maysville. In and Around Sedalia." Projects and It featured a program by Warren Mc- activities related to Cole Camp's up­ Elwain, circuit judge, about his fam­ coming sesquicentennial in 1989 are ily who were early settlers of the in the planning stages. county. Concordia Historical Institute At the June 14 meeting, Ann Wolfe Mr. and Mrs. Victor E. Snyder of and Allen Doak presented the pro­ Perryville serve as the new curators gram. They discussed the history of of the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in the Osborn School. Frohna. Owned and operated by the In lieu of a July meeting, the Soci­ ety participated in the "Clarksdale Institute, the Memorial commemo­ Centennial Celebration," July 17-19. rates the Saxon Lutheran immigrants Members manned a booth displaying who settled in Perry County in 1839 and selling publications pertaining and helped found the Missouri Synod. to the Clarksdale area. The Institute also announced that a life-sized painting of Dr. C.F.W. Dent County Historical Society Walther has been restored and is on The Society met on July 10, at the display in the Institute's Waltke lobby Community Center in Salem. Repre­ in St. Louis. sentative Kenneth Fiebelman pre­ sented the program, an update about Dallas County Historical Society the "Book of Cemeteries in Dent The Society's May 3 meeting in­ County." Al Hayman gave a status cluded a slide program titled "A Visit report on the Trail of Tears histori­ to the State Historical Society" pre­ cal marker to be erected on Highway sented by Lawrence Holt and nar­ 19 North. rated by Leni Howe. The meeting took place at the Dallas County Mu­ Ferguson Historical Society seum in Buffalo. In June, the museum featured an At the June and July meetings, exhibit on baseball. During July, the members moved items into the new display honored police and fire de­ Dallas County Museum and discussed partments and military personnel. exhibits for the annual Prairie Days, The Society held its annual picnic August 22-23. on July 18, at the First Presbyterian 106 Missouri Historical Review

Church, Ferguson. "The Young in Friends of Missouri Town-1855 Heart" singers provided entertain­ The Friends designated June 20 as ment. Children's Day and sponsored a vari­ ety of activities for children at Mis­ Franklin County Historical souri Town near Blue Springs. The Society group also conducted a rummage and The annual meeting of the Society, bake sale at Woods Chapel, July 24 held at First Nation-Wide Bank, and 25. Proceeds will be used to help Union, June 28, featured a slide pro­ renovate Woods Chapel. Richard and gram by James Denny, Department Donna Ashenfelter, Trenton, gave a of Natural Resources. Members viewed storytelling workshop on July 25, at the historic sites along the proposed Missouri Town. KATY-Missouri River Trail. New offi­ cers for 1987-1988 are LeRoy Danz, Friends of Old St. Ferdinand president; Judith Hunt, vice presi­ The Friends elected the following dent; Jane Lause, secretary; and officers for 1987: Richard Oyen, presi­ Helen Vogt, treasurer. dent; Theresa Burmeister and John Hutchens, vice presidents; Josephine Friends of Arrow Rock Horenkamp, treasurer; and Clara The Friends have received two Faatz, secretary. grants this year from IBM and the The Friends reported the Old St. Missouri Press Foundation. The MPF Ferdinand's Shrine in Florissant grant helped members repaint the opens every Sunday, from 1:00 to 4:00 I.O.O.F. Hall which houses the print P.M., until December. shop. Other restoration and mainte­ nance work this summer included Gasconade County Historical rebuilding the forge and chimney, Society replacing the tin roof on the Gun On August 16, the Society's annual Shop and repainting the trim on the picnic took place at St. Paul's church Sites house. near Bay. This summer the Friends Informa­ Glasgow Area Historical and tion Center housed two exhibits: the Preservation Society, Inc. Missouri Mule Exhibit, July 10-20, Sharon Korte spoke at the June 3 and a display of woven coverlets, general meeting in the Glasgow Com­ sponsored by the Arrow Rock Hand- munity Museum. She discussed the weavers Guild, August 1-23. survey of Glasgow which she and Mary Ellen McVickers will conduct. Friends of Historic Boonville A "Riverfront Fourth Fest," held The Friends sponsored a Brown July 4 on Water Street, included many Bag Concert Series on Fridays during craft dealers, antiques, games, enter­ June and July, showcasing local tal­ tainment, a raft race, a mud volley­ ent in lunch-hour concerts in the Hain ball tournament and more. House Garden, Boonville. The Kansas City Women's Club On August 21-29, the Friends spon­ toured Glasgow, August 9, visiting sored the 12th Annual Missouri River the city's historical sites. Festival of the Arts in Boonville. This Restoration work on Old City Hall year's Festival featured the Kansas has been completed. The building has City Symphony, a violin recital, the been repaired and the rooms painted. Festival picnic, golf and tennis tourna­ ments, and the performance of the Granby Historical Society "Marriage of Figaro." Recently, the Society moved the Historical Notes and Comments 107

Miners Museum to a historic store, The annual observance of the Bat­ built around the turn of the century tle of Wilson's Creek anniversary was on Main Street. The museum is open held August 10, at Battlefield Na­ Saturdays and holidays, 9:00 A.M.-4:00 tional Park near Springfield. P.M., and Sundays 1:00-4:00 P.M.; ad­ mission is free. Grundy County Historical Society During Old Mining Town Days, and Museum July 2-4, the Miners Museum housed Since its opening, May 9, many a "saloon" complete with bar girls, activities have taken place at the singers and dancers and nonalcoholic Grundy County Museum, Trenton: refreshments. More than 1,000 people May 10, a one-act play presented by enjoyed the "saloon." the Trenton Acting Guild; May 24, slides of area railroads; June 6, "The Grandview Historical Society Orphan Train" slide show; June 20, The Society meets quarterly, Au­ "Melbourne Mines and Miners," slide gust, December, March and June, on presentation by Tom Brown, Trenton the first Monday of the month at Junior College teacher; June 21, the 7:30 P.M. in the basement of the Kan­ film, A $10 Horse and a $40 Saddle sas City Southern Depot Museum, about Tom Veach, well-known saddle- Grandview. maker; and July 18-19, Craft Days In May, the Society participated in demonstrations of quilting, basket Harry Truman's birthday celebration weaving, broom and rug making, and by entering cars in the parade and wood working. During the North Cen­ by selling ice cream and cake. In tral Missouri Fair, July 27-31, the 9- July, the Society held its sixth an­ County Green Hills Art Exhibit was nual, old-fashioned ice cream supper. on display. New officers are Bonnie White, pres­ ident; Jim Botts and Ruby Jane Hall, Harrison County Historical vice presidents; Maurine Buchanan, Society recording secretary; Ruth Gray, cor­ The Society meets the fourth Tues­ responding secretary; and Forest day of each month in the Bethany John, treasurer. Trust Community Room at 7:00 P.M. Officers are Howard Smith, presi­ Greene County Historical Society dent; and Margaret Burk, secretary. The May 28 meeting of the Society On June 23, the Society met for a in the Battlefield Heritage Cafeteria, special business meeting at the Har­ featured Ann Fair Dodson, a reporter rison County Museum. A picnic din­ covering Springfield city government ner took place on July 28. At the for forty years. She spoke about the business meeting on August 25, mem­ merging of the Springfield and North bers discussed plans to restore the Springfield governments in 1887. Cuddy House. On June 25, the Historic Preserva­ tion Society of Springfield and the Henry County Historical Society Greene County Historical Society held The Society met on May 21, at the a joint meeting at Nathanael Greene historical museum in Clinton. Martha Park, Springfield. Betty Jane Turner, Washington, portrayed by Martha past president of the Preservation So­ Harbaugh of Clinton, told the story ciety, discussed the present status and of her life. prospects of the Gray-Campbell In conjunction with the Fescus Fun- House and its on-going restoration. fest in Clinton, the museum hosted A tour of the house followed. an open house on June 13, to display 108 Missouri Historical Review an extensive collection of quilts from Historical Association of the local area. A brown bag lunch in Greater Cape Girardeau the courtyard served as a fund-raiser The Association held its annual for museum acquisitions. A wool-spin­ meeting on the grounds of the Glenn ning demonstration also occurred dur­ House, Cape Girardeau, May 17. ing the day. Delores Lindell gave a slide presen­ Historical Association of tation on quilts at the June 18 meet­ Greater St. Louis ing. The July 23 meeting featured an Persons interested in membership old-fashioned ice cream social. in the Association should contact Rev. William B. Faherty, S.J., 4517 Heritage Seekers West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. The Seekers met April 20, at the Gardner House in Palmyra. Kermit Historical Society of Maries Hildahl, horticulturalist with the Uni­ County versity of Missouri Extension Center At the May 14 meeting, held in the in Palmyra, presented a program on Maries County Courthouse, Vienna, vegetables. The president announced Adolf Schroeder, retired professor of a gift of $500 from the Palmyra BLP German studies at the University of Club to help replace the shutters on Missouri-Columbia, gave the program. the Gardner House. The slide-tape presentation featured In April, trees donated by several "Missouri Origins: The German Heri­ groups were placed around the Gard­ tage." ner House in memory of past presi­ The July 19 meeting, at the home dent, William Owsley, and Ron Devlin, of Jean Henderson, featured a pro­ Allen P. and Tony Green. gram entitled "Heirloom Afternoon," Marjorie Westmoreland presented in which the members participated. a program about Kelion Franklin Pet- Work on the Old Records Library in ticord, prominent local citizen, at the the courthouse continues. May 18 meeting. On June 15, many Officers for 1987-1988 are Jean people enjoyed a Heritage Seekers Asher, president; Paula Fannon-Meyer showing of Corbyn Jacobs's "Old- and Henry Kaiser, vice presidents; Tyme Picture Show," at the Palmyra Debbie Byrd, secretary; LaVaughan State Bank. Zimmer, treasurer; John Viessman and Mozelle Hutchison, publicity; and Hickory County Historical Society Mozelle Hutchison, newsletter editor. The Society held a Black Powder Rendezvous at the VFW Grounds, Historical Society of Polk County Hermitage, May 30 and 31. The two- John P. Campbell provided the pro­ day event included competition with gram at the May 28 meeting in the black powder weapons, "mountain North Ward Museum, Bolivar. Mem­ men" camped in teepees, a buffalo bers viewed a video tape of scenes of chip throwing contest and musical historic sites around Polk County. entertainment including The Will The Society took part in "Country Rogers Indian Dance Club. Days," in Bolivar, over the July 4th weekend. At the July 25 meeting, mem­ Harvey J. Higgins Historical bers reviewed the history, natural re­ Society sources, manufacturing and educa­ On July 30, the Society enjoyed a tional facilities within the state. tour of coal mines in the Higginsville area with commentary by Hubbard Iron County Historical Society Smith, former coal miner. The First Baptist Church, Ironton, Historical Notes and Comments 109 provided the setting for the July 20 Research Library and interpreter for meeting of the Society, which featured the National Park Service at the Tru­ the doll collections of several mem­ man Home, Independence. She gave bers. a presentation, in period dress, about "Civilians on the Border 1854-1865." Jackson County Historical Society Kimmswick Historical Society Officers of the Society are Virginia At the June 2 meeting, in Kimms­ J. Nadeau, president; C.W. Ohrvall, wick Hall, James Denny, Department Jean Morrison and Jean Helmers, of Natural Resources, presented a vice presidents; Tommye Dodd, secre­ slide show about the proposed KATY- tary; Janet Kelly, treasurer; and Missouri River Trail. Cathy Campbell, assistant treasurer. The July 6 meeting had a patriotic flavor. Tom Maples, professor of his­ Jasper County Historical Society tory, Jefferson College, Hillsboro, Melissa Beiswanger, Carthage High spoke about the drafting of the U.S. School senior, presented her winning Constitution. National History Day paper, "A Ques­ tion of Loyalty Test Oaths in Mis­ Kingdom of Callaway Historical souri, Before, During, and After the Society Civil War," at the June 14 meeting On June 15, Sylvia Rummel and of the Society. The meeting was held Kay Lawrence, in period costume, at the home of Eleanor Coffield, presented a musical program of songs Carthage. from the gaslight era, at the First Presbyterian Church, Fulton. The So­ Jefferson Heritage and ciety held its annual ice cream social Landmarks Society on July 16, in the Warrene Tuttle Officers are Marion Piper, chair­ Williams Garden, Fulton. man; Jean O'Brien, president; Frank Kirkwood Historical Society Magre, vice president; Catherine Craw­ The Society held its annual Straw­ ford, secretary; and Betty Olson, trea­ berry Festival on June 12, at History surer. House, Kirkwood. The Society reported Jennings Historical Society its increased membership dues: $15, The Society meets the second Tues­ individual; $20, family; $50, business; day of each month at 7:30 P.M., at the and $150 for life membership. Civic Center, Jennings. The annual Laclede County Historical Society picnic of the Society took place June The Society has a new address: 9, at Lion's Park, Jennings. P.O. Box 1341, Lebanon, MO 65536. Members met April 27, at Tiny's Kansas City Westerners Smokehouse, Lebanon. Debbie Moore, Richard Lane gave the program, of KLWT Radio, presented a program "Waterloo at Wellington: The Day on the history of radio in the United They Almost Destroyed the Myth of States and the Lebanon area. the Gunfighter," at the Homestead The Old Jail Museum opened May Country Club, Prairie Village, Kan­ 1, in Lebanon. The May 25 meeting, sas, site of the June 9 meeting. also at Tiny's, featured a slide pres­ The July 14 meeting featured Con­ entation about the history of the nie Soper, former archivist for the Titanic by a past president of the Jackson County Historical Society's Titanic Historical Society. 110 Missouri Historical Review

Lafayette County Historical held at the home of R.L. Hawkins III Society in Jefferson City. The Society met, June 28, at St. James AME Church, Odessa. Mrs. Miller County Historical Society Donald Samuels presented the pro­ The Society met in the courthouse gram "Orphan Trains to Missouri," annex, Tuscumbia, July 12, for its written by Evelyn Sheets for the Mis­ quarterly meeting. Peggy Hake, St. souri Humanities Committee. Several Elizabeth, narrated the slide presen­ orphan train children and descen­ tation, "A Visit To Your State His­ dants attended as guests. torical Society."

Landmarks Association of Missouri Historical Society St. Louis During July, the Society sponsored The Association held the annual a special series of programs for chil­ membership meeting, June 7, at the dren, which focused on life in St. Masonic Temple in St. Louis. Mem­ Louis during the 1920s. bers approved a slate of directors and The Society shared a tent with TWA toured the temple before a catered Airlines at the V.P. Fair over the meal. Officers for 1987-1988 are Rose­ Fourth of July weekend in St. Louis. mary Davison, president; Richard Exhibits in the tent featured Charles Bliss, Dorothy Martin and Melanie Lindbergh and the development of Fathman, vice presidents; Bill Wisch- air travel. meyer, secretary; and Jim Wheeler, On August 15, the Society and the treasurer. St. Louis Post-Dispatch cosponsored the Fourth Annual Fire Engine Rally Lawrence County Historical and Tournament. Firefighters from Society all around the country met near the The May 17 meeting at Jones Me­ Jefferson Memorial Building to com­ morial Chapel, Mount Vernon, fea­ pete, socialize and compare old and tured a program by LeRoy Armstrong new firefighting equipment and tech­ on "Early Ozark History," and a pres­ niques. entation about quilts by Maxine Arm­ On June 4, the Women's Associa­ strong. tion held their annual meeting at the Greenbriar Hills Country Club, St. Macon County Historical Society Louis. The Society's Costumes Guild Society members met on June 19, presented the program on "Art Deco at the First Christian Church in Fashions." New officers are Edie Fay, Macon. Charles Thompson presented president; Kathy Fulstone and Me- the program about the Missouri towns lany Kniffen, vice presidents; Dot of Elmer and Mercy ville. Rupich, treasurer; M. Lee Gerdelman, The Society helped celebrate the recording secretary; and Beth Flani- Macon County Sesquicentennial, July gan, corresponding secretary. 2-5. Moniteau County Historical Mid-Missouri Civil War Round Society Table Beryl White presented a program John Karel presented a program on basketry at the meeting on May on the career of Sterling Price at the 18, in the Christian Church in Cali­ May 19 meeting held at the Columbia fornia. The Society has decided to Tribune building, Columbia. accept a gift of old records from the A June 27 meeting and picnic was county. Historical Notes and Comments 111

Margot McMillen from the Missouri secretary; Harriet Cain, correspond­ Cultural Heritage Center, University ing secretary; and Wilma Hall, trea­ of Missouri, spoke at the meeting on surer. Members also viewed a film July 20. She gave information about entitled, The Making of the U.S. Con­ conducting oral family histories. stitution. Morgan County Historical Society Old Trails Historical Society The Society met, June 15, in the On July 15, Fran Stuart's log cabin, Drive-in Bank of Versailles. Becky Chesterfield, was the site of the an­ Roam gave the program, "The Ancient nual picnic. Art of Basket Weaving." Oregon-California Trails The Society held its annual ice Association, Trails Head Chapter cream social at the Morgan County Several members attended the na­ Museum, Versailles, on July 27. The tional convention of the Association, Ozark Mountain Cloggers provided August 12-16, in Casper, Wyoming. the entertainment. Osage County Historical Society John G. Neihardt Corral of The Society held an open house at The Westerners the Zewicki House Museum in Linn James Denny, Department of Nat­ on July 5. Circuit Judge John C. ural Resources, spoke about historic Brackmann of New Haven spoke on homes along the proposed KATY-Mis- the Declaration of Independence. souri River Trail at the May 14 meet­ Linn's VFW Hall provided the site ing, at the Days Inn, Columbia. for the August 6 meeting. It included On June 11, the Corral held its a walking tour of the historic district Annual Spring Buffalo Barbecue at and a slide presentation of historic the home of Chub and Sue Gerard, buildings in the county by Gary Columbia. Kremer, an Osage County native. Newton County Historical Society Kremer, a professor at Lincoln Uni­ The Society met June 14, at the versity, serves as director of the cur­ Jolly Mill, in Newton County. Orville rent historic structures survey in the Goodman showed his scale-model rep­ county. lica of Jolly Mill, presented his tape Ozark County Genealogical & "Ghost of Jolly Mill," and shared his Historical Society collection of Indian artifacts. The Society reported the appoint­ Nodaway County Historical ment of Hilda E. Lincoln to the office of secretary-treasurer. Current address Society of the Society is: 16 Harlin Hgts. The Society sponsored an exhibit Apts., Gainesville, MO 65655. on the sesquicentennial of the Platte Purchase at the Patee House, St. Pemiscot County Historical Joseph, on June 12-14. Mr. and Mrs. Society Dale Bird demonstrated broom mak­ Members elected the following offi­ ing at the celebration. cers at the May 22 meeting: Naomi The June 22 meeting, held at the Morgan, president; Augusta Bigham, A&G Pizza and Steak House, Mary­ vice president; Wilma Edwards, secre­ ville, featured the annual dinner and tary; and Carolyn Newton, treasurer. election of officers. They are Jennie The June 26 meeting featured a mem­ Newby, president; Elizabeth Bird, bership participation affair. Each Thomas Carneal and Edgar William­ member brought an antique or family son, vice presidents; Clarence Lloyd, heirloom. 112 Missouri Historical Review

Perry County Historical Society Pony Express Historical The Society has joined the city of Association Perryville to renovate the Duerr The May 10 meeting, at Patee House, for a museum specializing in House, St. Joseph, included a program the county's history. Built in the by Marion Ganote on "Old Time 1880s by Joseph Duerr, the eight- Music Boxes." He demonstrated some room, two-story brick home, once part machines from his collection. of a farm, presently stands in the At the Patee House Museum through city park. Renovation will include up­ mid-September, the George Warfel grading the electrical wiring, replac­ Western Art Collection, "Westerners ing the plumbing and plastering the walls and ceilings. On Wood," was on exhibit. Phelps County Historical Society Randolph County Historical The Society held a business meet­ Society ing in the Fine Arts Center, Rolla, Members recently have finished on April 26. The Society's museum the 1870-1880 index to marriages in in Rolla opened on Sundays, May 1 Randolph County, and it will soon through August 30. be ready for sale. Two members attended the Missouri Pike County Historical Society Conference on History in Columbia, The Vera Community Center pro­ and participated in the St. Louis vided the site of the Society's meeting Genealogical Fair in Fenton. on July 11. Prior to the meeting, mem­ bers attended the second annual Ray County Historical Society Wheat Threshing and Straw Baling The Society held a picnic on the at the Wayne Gamm farm. Following lawn of the Ray County Museum, the picnic meeting, Wayne Gamm and Richmond, on June 11. John Crouch Judge Paul Williams gave a program of Richmond presented the program, entitled "Vera, Our Home Town." "Life and Times of Robert Ford and Bess Gamm narrated a slide presen­ Charles Ford, assassins of Jesse tation of the Vera area. James." Platte County Historical Society Raytown Historical Society On June 27, the Society and the The Society's annual picnic and Platte County Business & Professional quarterly meeting were held at Kup- Association sponsored a salute to the fer's Chalet, Raytown, on July 22. Platte Purchase sesquicentennial at Ed Sellers and Randy Denney enter­ the Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum, tained with blue grass music. in Platte City. The celebration fea­ The Museum featured an exhibit tured museum tours, awards and pres­ on "Antique Clothing," during June entations, music, special entertain­ and July. Lester Pierce provided his ment and a street party buffet. collection of handmade flags for dis­ play in August. Pleasant Hill Historical Society Brandi McConville spoke at the Saint Charles County Historical July 26 meeting of the Society, held Society in the historical museum. She pre­ The Society met at the Odd Fellows sented a history of the Pleasant Hill Hall on April 23. The program focused school system. on the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. Historical Notes and Comments 113

St. Francois County Historical ciety Manuscripts, was a guest at Society the June 1 meeting at the courthouse Members met, May 27, at the Ozarks in Benton. He received the Harris D. Federal Savings and Loan Building, Rogers papers for the manuscript col­ Farmington. Fay Morris discussed lection to microfilm. the life of Thomas Hart Benton, the politician. Shelby County Historical Society At the June 24 meeting, Jon Cozean The Society met in the Mercantile showed slides and gave some history Bank, Shelbina, on July 7. Mindy on the Best barn in St. Francois Shephard, local record analyst with County. Mabel Reed talked about the secretary of state's office, dis­ county cemeteries, where some of the cussed the completed inventory of early settlers are buried, and showed Shelby County records. She reported photos of grave markers, at the July that regional archives may be estab­ 22 meeting. lished for county records in the fu­ ture. Saint Joseph Historical Society Shrewsbury Historical Society The Society celebrated the birthday The first meeting of the Society of Joseph Robidoux, founder of St. was held June 17 in the Community Joseph, on August 9, with a picnic at Room of City Hall, Shrewsbury. State Robidoux Row. Dennis Domer, associ­ Representative Marian Cairns dis­ ate dean of the School of Architecture cussed state assistance to local his­ at the University of Kansas, spoke torical societies. to the group. Officers of this new Society are: Scotland County Historical Helen McMahon, president; Danny Society Faupel, vice president; Adelaide The May 25 meeting of the Society Fischer, secretary; and Richard Ack- at the Downing House Museum, Mem­ felt, treasurer. Meetings are held the phis, included a program on Jesse second Wednesday of every other James presented by June Kice. month. June Kice also gave the program The Society sponsored an ice cream on June 22. It featured the many booth at the Shrewsbury Days Festi­ technological inventions developed val, August 7-9, and held a logo during the era of the Civil War. contest. On June 28, Keith Boyer and family Smoky Hill Railway and officially presented keys to the So­ Historical Society ciety for the Jeff Boyer house, as a The June 12 meeting, held aboard memorial to his parents. Built in 1915, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe the Boyer house stands next to the Instruction Car 80 at Richards-Gebaur Downing House. Members held their Air Force Base, featured the movie, annual picnic, July 27, at the Mem­ Miles of Smiles, Years of Tears. phis City Park and Lake. Society members met aboard Car 80 on July 10 and enjoyed two movies, Scott County Historical Society 100 Years in Texas, and Clear Signal. Several book projects now under­ way by Society members are progress­ Sons & Daughters of the Blue & ing well. Gray Civil War Round Table Mark C. Stauter, associate director New officers were elected at the at Rolla of Western Historical Manu­ May 17 meeting in the Community script Collection-State Historical So­ Room of the American Bank, Mary- 114 Missouri Historical Review ville. They are James Curram, presi­ peter and the firing of a Civil War dent; George Hinshaw, vice president; cannon. Special events at the museum and Harley Kissinger, secretary-trea­ during the summer included: a doll surer. Bob Nedderman presented the exhibit, June 21; display of guns, program, "Montgomery Meigs, Quar­ knives, caps and dishes, July 12; and termaster General of the Union an exhibit of engines, old cars, arti­ Army." facts and fossils on August 9. The June 21 meeting featured a report by George Hinshaw and James Union Cemetery Historical Society Curram about their "March on Spring­ In lieu of the May meeting, the field" trip, during which they visited annual open house was held at Union several battlefields in southwestern Cemetery, Kansas City, over the Me­ Missouri and northwestern Arkansas. morial Day weekend. Members greeted visitors to the cemetery, gave tours Tom Keaveny presented the pro­ and exchanged information about the gram at the July 19 meeting. He told cemetery. about the general strategy of the Civil War. The Society met on June 27, at the Bill Mauzey discussed Confederate Westport Library, Kansas City. Larry submersibles and infernal machines Phister, a descendant of John C. Mc­ at the meeting on August 16. Coy, spoke about moving his family from the family cemetery to Union South East Missouri Civil War Cemetery. Round Table Vernon County Historical Society Suzanne Ninichuck and family pre­ The Society held a special meeting sented a program of "Music of the on April 26, at the City-County Com­ Civil War" to the members of the munity Center, Nevada. Members Round Table on July 2, at the Ozark viewed a slide show entitled "A Visit Regional Library, Ironton. to the State Historical Society." The Sullivan County Historical Society group also made final arrangements Members participated in the pro­ for opening the Bushwhacker Museum gram for the July 13 meeting at the for the season on May 3. Presbyterian Church, Milan. Inez Warren County Historical Society King served as program leader. At the May 14 meeting, in the mu­ seum, Warrenton, Erin Renn, director Tri-County Historical Society of Deutschheim, State Historical Site, and Museum Hermann, presented a program about The Society meets on the first Mon­ the immigrants that settled in Warren day of each month, May through and surrounding counties. She also September, at the Tri-County Museum, showed slides of old homes in Her­ King City. Officers for 1987 are mann and displayed various items James Gibson, president; Ron Willis, that the early settlers used. vice president; Laura Simmons, secre­ tary; Madelyn Gregory, treasurer; and Washington Historical Society Marilyn Propheter, reporter. James Denny, Department of Nat­ The Society held a special ceremony, ural Resources, presented the program, May 30, to commemorate opening of "Homes Along the River," to the So­ the museum for 1987. A Civil War ciety at its meeting on June 9, at reenactment, it began with a flag- Riverfront Park, Washington. New raising ceremony, the playing of the officers are Bonnie Miller, president; "Star Spangled Banner" by a trum­ Doug Otto, vice president; Lucy Heid- Historical Notes and Comments 115 mann, secretary; Joan Hahne, trea­ Wentzville Community Historical surer; and Ralph Gregory, curator. Society The Society offers several group Society members met June 15, at tours. For more information contact the Crossroads Cafe, Wentzville. The the Chamber of Commerce, (314) 239- program, presented by John Denny, 2715, or Dotte Geisert, (314) 239-2512. featured "Threshing," and included slides and memorabilia. Ruby Mensch- Wayne County Historical Society er gave a vivid presentation of the The Society met on June 16, at the part played by women at threshing Wayne County Courthouse in Green­ time. Also, Ira Witthaus of Warrenton ville. Wanda E. Doolen, staff member demonstrated a working model of a from the Sam A. Baker State Park, steam engine and separator, capable presented a program entitled, "A of separating the wheat from the Brief Biographical Report on Sam A. straw. He had made the machinery Baker." Roy Payton gave a status entirely by hand. report on agreements with the Corps of Engineers regarding the Greenville Weston Historical Museum cleanup. As part of Weston's sesquicenten- nial celebration, the Museum flys the Webster Groves Historical official 1837 U.S.A. flag, along with Society 32 other businesses and residences. The annual meeting, held at the The Museum also has issued a cobalt Hawken House, May 12, honored blue ceramic bottle with Weston's Susan Halla, Webster Groves High seal to commemorate the sesquicen- School sophomore, for her winning tennial. entry in the Missouri State History Day competition in Columbia. Worth County Historical Society The Society is undertaking to inven­ Pansy Rinehart and Mary Ellen tory and catalogue its collection of Kimble presented a program on the papers and manuscripts. New officers history of Allendale at the Society's are Bette Zakarian, president; George meeting on May 3, in the courthouse, Gooden, vice president; Charles Reh- Grant City. The Society is proceeding kopf, secretary; and James Werner, with its plan to reprint the Gentry treasurer. Worth County History 1882. Members Members had a booth at Commun­ held their annual picnic, August 2, ity Days in Memorial Park, July 1-4, at the shelter house in the courtyard, where they sold Society items. Grant City.

Unfortunate Perfection

Boonville Daily Advertiser, October 30, 1875. [From the Danbury News.] "How much is that lobster?" asked a tallow- faced man in treble voice of a white street fish dealer this morning. "Eighty cents." "Ain't you got one for fifty cents?" "I haven't; no, sir." "Not one that is a little lame in one leg, or so?" pleaded the customer. The dealer was forced to admit that he hadn't. 116 Missouri Historical Review

GIFTS Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Anders, Warrensburg, donors: "Shady Grove Baptist Churchyard," Benton County, Racket, Missouri, compiled by donors, Mardellya M. and Roy Leslie Anders, Jr. R* Daniel E. Anderson, San Diego, California, donor: The Burckhartt Family of Boonslick Country, Missouri, by Mary Miller Smiser, edited by donor. R John Ashcroft, Jefferson City, donor: Photograph of donor. E Sandy Asher, Springfield, donor: Everything Is Not Enough, by donor. RFC Elizabeth Bailey, Columbia, donor: Items relating to several women's groups in Columbia. R Mrs. Leonard E. Bartz and Gladys Wyckoff, Appleton City, donors: Photograph of hotel, Monegaw City, E; History of Trinity United Methodist Church, Appleton City, Missouri. R Mary Alice Blaylock, Hannibal, donor: "Crossroads United Methodist Church Cemetery, Bollinger County, Mis­ souri," compiled by donor. R Roy D. Blunt, Jefferson City, donor: Photograph of donor. E Virginia Botts, Columbia, donor: Virginia Botts Collection concerning Boone County organizations and genealogical records. M Roger Louis Byler, Sweeny, Texas, donor: Jacob Byler . . . And His Descendants; The Kaempfer-Graff Book and Rev. Robert Harris Harris: Ancestry, Ministry, Descendants, 1818-1909, all compiled by donor. R Shirley Ellen (Vawter) Byler, Sweeny, Texas, donor: The Family of Albert and Josie Vawter, With Albert's Ancestors, Vol. I, compiled by donor. R Cass County Historical Society, Harrisonville, donor, through Esther Troutt: Colton's Map of the U.S., 1848. R Mrs. Guy Chaney, Clearwater, Florida, donor: Information on Perry William Fletcher and Missouri Transit bus line. R

*These letters indicate the location of the materials at the Society. R refers to Reference Library; E, Editorial Office; M, Manuscripts; RFC, Refer­ ence Fitzgerald Collection; N, Newspaper Library; B, Bay Room; and A, Art Room. Historical Notes and Comments 117

Mrs. P.A. Coleman, Brownfield, Texas, donor: Pemiscot County, Missouri, Deeds. M Timothy R. Coughlin, Ballwin, donor: Publications relating to the Young Democratic Clubs of Missouri, 1974- 1984. R Daughters of the American Colonists, John Corbin Chapter, Colum­ bia, donor, through Mrs. Issac Lawson Nichols, Columbia: Our Thomason-Morris Heritage: Some Descendants and Ancestors of Robert H. Thomason and His Wife Ann Eliza Morris, compiled by Mrs. Nichols. R Daughters of the American Colonists, John Forster Chapter, Farm- ington, donor, through Mrs. William G. Murdick, Farmington: Pendleton Baptist Church Minutes, Doe Run, St. Francois County, Missouri, 1826-1968, copied by Mrs. Murdick. R Daughters of the American Colonists, Saint Louis Chapter, donor, through Mrs. Lucille Bennett, Affton: Material relating to the Missouri Society of DAC. R Daughters of the American Revolution, General John Sullivan Chap­ ter, Milan, donor, through Mrs. William Swisher, Green Castle: Marriages Performed by Rev. T.C. Taylor in 13 Missouri Counties, 1894- 1935, typed by Mrs. William Swisher and Mrs. Todd Williams. R William T. and Mary F. Delcour, Hayward, California, donors: The Delcour Road: Nicholas B. Delcour and His Descendants, 1780-1987, compiled by donors. R Mary Thomas Dennis, Nashville, Tennessee, donor through Lola Hook Rice: Family history materials on Jean Pierre Bondurant lineage, compiled by Donald C. Bondurant, loaned for copying. R Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Mis­ souri-Columbia, donor, through Roger L. Mitchell, Columbia: Soil Surveys for 61 Missouri counties, pre-1940. R Department of Community Development, University of Missouri- Columbia, donor, through Jack Timmons, Columbia: Macon, Missouri: An Enduring Town, compilation of papers from class taught by Marian M. Ohman. R Tim Derryberry, Columbia, donor: "Oakland Cemetery," Boone County, compiled by Mary Ann Pagett and donor. R DeWitt Town & Country Betterment Club, DeWitt, donor, through Bertha Beeler: DeWitt History, 1836-1986. R Timothy D. Dollens, Thompson, donor: "Laddonia Cemetery, Laddonia, Audrain County, Missouri," transcribed and edited by Opal McCollum, indexed by donor. R 118 Missouri Historical Review

Bertha Dunivent, Clayton, donor, through Irma Canada, Jefferson City: Material relating to Johannes Goetz and his music. R J.D. Edmonston, Mexico, donor: J.D. Edmonston Genealogical Materials. M Mary Susan (Moberly) Estill, Columbia, donor: One Hundred Years of Memories: Harris, Missouri, 1887-1987, compiled by History Book Committee. R Alice Irene Fitzgerald, Columbia, donor: Eight Missouri-related books, RFC; material relating to the Univer­ sity of Missouri-Columbia and education. R Genealogical Society of Liberty, Inc., Liberty, donor: 1860 Census, Clay County, Missouri. R George and Betty (Jacoby) Gibson, Columbia, donors: Ancestry of the Goble Family ..., compiled by donors. R Isabel S. Giulvezan, Affton, donor: Copy of register of New Bethel Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Sedalia and Pettis County, 1891. M Bartlett Hagemeyer for National Weather Service, Columbia, donor: U.S. Weather Service, Columbia, Missouri, Records, 1890-1904 and 1950- 1981. M William K. Hall, St Louis, donor: Abstracts and indexes for Springfield newspapers: Democrat, 1891, 1892, 1893; Republican, 1909; and Leader and Republican, 1910. N Blanche Doggett Heflin, Redding, California, donor: Descendants of Rev. Benjamin Doggett of Virginia, compiled by donor. R Historical Society of Polk County, Bolivar, donor: Polk County High School Graduation Book, Through May, 1986. R Thelma Hickok, Eldon, donor: The Meriwethers and Their Connections, by Nelson H. Meriwether; Thomas Ancestors, A History of a Thomas Family, by Mark E. Thomas, Sr. R Veryl Duncan Hoenig, Columbia, donor: "The Digges Family of Lt. Dudley Digges (1760-1842) to Judith E. Diggs Bloom & James W. Diggs," compiled by donor, and material on Jame­ son and Holeman/Holman families. R Mrs. Charles Johnson, Mulvane, Kansas, donor: Photographs of Jesse James, Frank James, Zerelda Samuel, Belle Starr, Cole Younger, Bob, Emmett and Bill Dalton, and Flora, Zelma and Metta Parmer. E Historical Notes and Comments 119

Margaret B. Kelly, Jefferson City, donor: Photograph of donor. E Nancy E. Kennedy, Columbia, donor: Bible records of the Gibbs, Hubbard, Fisher and Spencer families. R Martin S. Kenzer, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, donor, through Theodore H. Wolff, Gerald: Material on William Albert Sauer and Carl Ortwin Sauer. R Larry King, Hendersonville, Tennessee, donor: Rector Records, Ancestors and Descendants of John Jacob Rector and Elisabeth Fischbach ..., compiled by donor. R George Kishmar, Chamois, donor: Pilot's Report of the Missouri River From St. Joseph, Missouri, to the Mouth. November 7 to 16, 1930, loaned for copying, R; two photo­ graphs relating to the river. E Lee Koury, Columbia, donor: United States Marshals of the Western District of Missouri, 1813 to the Present, by Phillip S. Farmer. R Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Missouri, donor, through Eugenia Reese, St Louis: Proceedings of the Department Convention, 1985. R Mr. and Mrs. Ed Lakin, Raymore, donors: B.G Pulliam Daybook, 1836, for dry goods store in Middletown, Mo. M Mark H. Laughlin, Honolulu, Hawaii, donor: Harrington Family Scrapbook. M Howard C. Litton, Festus, donor: Material on the Festus Centennial, 1987; Yearbook, 1984-1985, Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association; other items relating to Festus High School and Jefferson County schools and hospital. R John W. McClure, Columbia, donor: Material on the McClure, Wilson, Shelton and Stephens families, loaned for copying. R June M. McCoy, Nelson, donor: Index, History of Saline County, Missouri, 1967, compiled by donor. R Ruth Minner, Columbia, donor: "Sulphur Springs Cemetery," Howard County, by Janice Berve and donor; inscriptions for Bethlehem, Cochran Family, Ellington Family, Fountain, Old Rocky Fork, Sexton Family and Sugar Creek cemeteries, all in Boone County; and Index to Boone County Cemeteries, compiled by donor. R Siegmar Muehl, Iowa City, Iowa, donor: Hermann, Missouri, 1852, News and Voices, compiled by Lois B. Muehl and donor. R 120 Missouri Historical Review

Mutual Savings & Loan Association, Jefferson City, donor, through Loretta Raithel: "We've Made History Together! A Family Album: Jefferson City, Mu­ tual Savings and Loan, and You! (1906-1986)." R Geary Norris, Slater, donor: Materials relating to the United Methodist Church, Slater. R Charles A. O'Dell, Columbia, donor: Copy of minutes and roll of charter members, Triple Alliance, Camp No. 351, Thompson; collection of editorial cartoons from Columbia, St. Louis, Kansas City and other newspapers, 1930s-1970s. R Joel Overholser, Fort Benton, Montana, donor: Joel Overholser Papers, relating to commerce on the Missouri River. M Thomas A. Perry, Commerce, Texas, donor: Book by T. C. Perry. R Walter L. Pfeffer II, Columbia, donor: Programs relating to the University of Missouri-Columbia; publications of Columbia Chamber of Commerce, R; color photographs taken at 1987 Jefferson Club dinner, UMC. E Bill Phillips, Wynnewood, Oklahoma, donor: Photographs and copies of material on Dalton/Phillips family. R & E Peggy Platner, Columbia, donor: Walt Disney, An American Original, by Bob Thomas. R R.L. Polk & Company, Kansas City, donor: City directories for Independence, Kennett, Trenton and Washington, 1985, Carthage, Monett and Sedalia, 1986. R Lola Hook Rice, Jefferson City, donor: "Schwartze Family Reunion . . ., 1984," loaned for copying. R Alice E. Baker Richardson, Kansas City, Kansas, donor: Lehman-Ermold/Armold-Rueb, compiled by donor. R C.C. Roberts, Hartville, donor: C.C. Roberts Railroad Collection. M Enders A. Robinson, Lincoln, Massachusetts, donor: Genealogy of the Robinson Family of Callaway County, Missouri, com­ piled by donor. R William C. Rounds, Lawton, Oklahoma, donor: "Bloomfield & Rounds Family History," compiled by Alice Janiece Bloomfield Loveland, printed by donor. R St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association, St Louis, donor: St. Louis: Its Neighborhoods and Neighbors, Landmarks and Mile­ stones, compiled by Robert E. Hannon. R Historical Notes and Comments 121

Savitar, University of Missouri-Columbia, donor, through Beth Elli­ ott, Columbia: Savitar, University yearbook, 1983,1984,1985. R Janet Weir Scott, Maryville, donor: Brink-Crary, The Ancestry of Joshua Franklin Brink (1845-1929) and His Wife Anna Mary Crary (1851-1919) ..., compiled by donor. R Georgia Langkop Sewell, Warrensburg, donor: In Case You Didn't Think to Ask, by donor. R Shelby County Library District, Shelbyville, Kentucky, donor, through Sherrell R. Morrison: Copy of "Autobiography of Benjamin P. Tevis, Written At Request of His Daughter Julia T. Stevenson." M Helen F. Smither, Shawnee Mission, Kansas, donor: University of Missouri publications; information on the St. Louis World's Fair and on John M. Smither; One Hundred Fifty Years, 1826-1976 of Gashland United Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, R; over 80 post­ cards of Kansas City, St. Joseph and other Missouri towns. E Stephens College, donor, through Kristie Northington and Loup Langton, Columbia: Stephens Life, 1986-87. R Gay lord Strange, Eldon, donor: Descendents of John W. Strange, compiled by donor. R Francis Stubbs, Columbia, donor: Antique album with 39 photographs of Crews, Maupin and other Howard County families' members. E Mrs. Francis L. Stubbs, Columbia, donor: Parker Funeral Home Records, 1 January 1926-28 June 1960, Columbia, Boone County, Missouri. R Paul Sturgeon, Centralia, donor: A Genealogical History of the Sturgeons of North America, by Claudius T. McCoy, and Index, by Katharine Sturgeon Crabb. R Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Tisdel, Columbia, donors: Publications of Columbia and St. Louis businesses and organizations. R U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, donor, through, John Kawamoto, Omaha, Nebraska: Harry S Truman National Historic Site ... Historic Structures Report. R University of Missouri-Columbia, Office of the Registrar, donor, through Dana Barton, Columbia: Commencement programs, 1982-1987. R Richard L. Walk, Columbia, donor: Photograph of Reverend Mark Rich. E 122 Missouri Historical Review

Janice M. Walker, Columbia, donor: "The Hayden Duncan Cemetery," in Pulaski County, compiled by Jan and David Walker. R William L. Webster, Jefferson City, donor: Photograph of donor. E Lee Whiteside for United Methodist Church, Columbia, donor: Lake of the Ozarks Parish, United Methodist Church Records. M Isabel Whitney, Upland, California, donor: A Chapter on George E. Harrison, 1844-1911 . . . and a Harrison Directory; A Chapter on Louan Birch Harrison . . . and a 1987 Birch Descendant Directory, both edited by donor. R Kathleen Wilham, Shelbyville, donor: Reprint of Standard Atlas of Macon County, Missouri. . ., 1918. R H.E. Williams, Inc., donor, through Dale Shipman, Carthage: Twelve prints by artist Jim Lish featuring Missouri Ozarks scenes and historic residences in Carthage. A Harriett Woods, Jefferson City, donor: Photograph of donor. E Mrs. Virgil Yates, Marshall, donor: Irvine Withers Account Book, 1864-1876; Modern Woodmen of America, Malta Bend Camp, Minute Book, 1895-1906. M

Record-Breaking Rations

Weston Border Times, March 3,1865. A big cheese has been shipped from California for the use of the army. Its weight is 3,930 pounds. It was made from the milk of 6,000 cows, given at seven milkings, and is nearly six feet in diameter. This beats the famous Cheshire cheese, presented to Mr. Jackson, on his accession to the Presi­ dency.

The Bite of a Rattlesnake

Springfield Advertiser, June 4,1844. The most simple and convenient remedy, I ever heard of was alum. A piece the size of a hickory nut, dissolved in water and drank, or chewed and swallowed, is sufficient. I have good authority for saying it has been tried many times, on men and dogs, and that they have invariably recovered. I know of some planters whose hands are exposed to be bitten by rattlesnakes, who always have them, provided with it in their pockets, and they have several times found use for it. Historical Notes and Comments 123

MISSOURI HISTORY IN NEWSPAPERS Ashland Boone County Journal July 30, 1987—"Goshen church full of history and character," for Primi­ tive Baptist congregation, by Jacki Gray. Belle Banner July 29,1987—"Summerfield Area Rich In History." Bland Courier July 8, 1987—"Historic Paydown Mill; Reminder Of Changes In Area," story and photos by Carole Carpenter. Blue Springs Examiner July 23, 29S7—"Group unearths remains of steamboat" lost in Missouri River. July 24—James R. Ross "Living legend, Judge recalls his grandfather- son of outlaw Jesse James," by Donna Biddle. Bolivar Herald-Free Press June 3, 1987—Photographs of dedication of Slagle Baptist Church in 1911. July 2—"Local history" of Bolivar and Polk County. Boon ville Daily News May 20, 27, June 10, 24, July 8,1987—"Remembrances From the Friends of Historic Boonville," a series, featured old photographs and personalities of the area. July 23—"Steamship sunk in 1819 believed found near Boonville," by Judy Green. July 31—"Local dairy farms and 'home delivery'," by D.K. Larm. Bowling Green Times May 27, July 8, 1987—"Pike County Memories" featured old area photo­ graphs. Brookfield Daily News-Bulletin May 22, 1987—1911 photograph of men at Linn County Courthouse before serving in World War I. June 9—Old photograph of women's softball team of Paynes Cleaners. Cabool Enterprise July 2, 1987—"Cabool Concrete Block School House 1906-1937," by Jack E. Johnson. Canton Press-News Journal May 21, June 25, July 9, 23, 1987—"Yesteryear's Pictures," a series. Carrollton Daily Democrat May 1, 8, 15, 29, June 5, 12, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 1987—Old area photographs. Carthage Press May 1, 1987—Carthage Historic Preservation Inc., "CHP plans major restoration project for Baker House." This and the articles below by Marvin L. VanGilder. 124 Missouri Historical Review

May 7, 27, June 12, 25—"Brief For History," a series, featured histories of Carthage, Jasper County and early settlers. May 15—Former country estate of William H. Phelps, "Proposed cultural site has proud past, future promise." May 21—"Old log house has a new future as a feature at Foxfire Farm," former home of James L. LaForce. May 28—"First trolley drew crowd" in Carthage. June 19—"For Meetings, Tours . . . Phelps House museum opens in July." June 25—Col. Franz Sigel and Claiborne Fox Jackson, "Two central figures in Battle of Carthage now on display." July 3—"Municipal Park had a colorful beginning half a century ago." July 3—"Civil War Legacy ... Memory of battle courage lingers." July 8—"Phelps house, a CHP project, to be opened Saturday for public tours and as museum." July 10—Alonzo Parkell "Pioneer merchant tailor was man of many skills, talents." July 10—Old area photograph. July 10—Burt Garnett, "Carthage native approaches 100 mark with enthusiasm," by Beverly Harris, reprinted. July 15—Jasper County Youth "... Fair has roots deep in local history," by Marvin VanGilder, reprinted. Charleston Enterprise-Courier May 7,1987—Photographs, "Birds Point Turn of the Century." Chillicothe Constitution-Tribune April 30, 1987—Special edition, "Sesquicentennial 150th Anniversary of Chillicothe & Livingston County" featured numerous historical articles. May 20—Photograph of class of 1937, Utica High School. Clinton Daily Democrat May 5, June 5, 16, 17, 19, 25, July 2, 9, 29, 1987—"Remember When," a series, featured old area photographs. June 3—"Columbia Hall still serving community of Mt. Zion," by Steve Otto. June 17—Clinton Eye "Local Newspaper quietly passes centennial mark," by Steve Otto. Columbia Daily Tribune May 3, 10, 17, June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26, 1987—"Whatever Happened To ...," a series by Francis Pike, featured respectively: the Model Farm of Missouri, Boone County; the Jefferson Monument; the YMCA home; the E.W. Stephens building clock and tower; George Caleb Bingham's mina- ture portrait of Thomas Miller; "Eagle's Nest," home of Gen. Odon Guitar; old courthouse bell; Columbia's statue of liberty; the Shack; the Confederate Rock; and the murals at the old post office. Columbia Missourian April 26, 1987—"Looking Back on Life in the Pits," Otis Stone, Emmett McCown and Donald Clark recall working for Marriott-Reed Mining Co., by Mark Seghers. Historical Notes and Comments 125

April 26—"Tommy's Class Menagerie," Thomas Lanier "Tennessee" Williams at the University of Missouri, by Laura Malt. May 13,17, 20, June 10, 24—"Tales of History," a series by Tom Ladwig, featured respectively: first state capitol in Jefferson City; Mary Easton Sibley; Jimmie Barnes and Bethel Baptist Church, Boone County; stage­ coach travel; steamboats as source of popular phrases. May 17—"Ravenswood," historic home of the Leonard family in Cooper County, by Kirk Curnutt. May 17—"Tracing our Pioneer Trails," led to publishing career of Gregory Franzwa, by Catherine Seaton. May 24—"Flapper & Flivver Fever, The Spirit of Columbia in 1927," by Jenny Herner. July 5—Friedrich "Papa Muench," by James Muench. Concordia Concordian June 10, 1987—Built for John Kroencke family in 1888, "Another of Concordia's old homes restored," by Gary Beissenherz. Creve Coeur West Citizen Journal June 3, 1987—"Place in history, Most of St. Louis' 113 breweries have long since disappeared," by Nina Thompson. June 5—"House's history makes for great historical home," of Kirkwood Historical Society, by Phyllis Hyman. Dexter Daily Statesman May 14, June 5, 8, July 1, 9,1987—Old area photographs. Festus Courier Journal June 26, 1987—Vineland Railroad "Bridge Battle Was Important In Civil War," by Jim Thomas. Festus Jefferson County Journal June 12,1987—"Hillsboro's 'Union Church' Stays United Methodist, 117 Years Later," by Jo Burford. Festus News Democrat May 14, 1987—A special section in commemoration of the town's cen­ tennial featured numerous historical articles. May 19—Old area photograph. Forsyth Taney County Republican June 11, 1987—Photograph of golf course at Shepherd of the Hills Estates. July 2—Old area photographs. Grant City Times-Tribune June 24, 1987—"History of Sheridan: From the River to the Rails to the Future," reprinted. July 22—Worth County "Courthouse has long history." Greenfield Vedette April 30,1987—Postcard view of south side of Greenfield Square in 1909. Hannibal Courier-Post May 2, 30, June 15, 20, July 8, 25,1987—Old area photographs. 126 Missouri Historical Review

Hermitage Index June 25, 1987— "Hickory County History" featured an old area photo­ graph. Holden Progress June 18, 1987—"Longview, Turn of the Century Elegance Recaptured," farm of Robert A. Long, near Lee's Summit, by F. Kirk Powell. Huntsville Times-Herald July 22, 1987—Randolph County "Medical springs 100 years old in July." Independence Examiner April 27, 1987—Benjamin Wallace, "Bess Truman's kin owned Main Street homes." May 4—"Many outlaws took refuge in Luttrell cabin." June 1—"Winner Road homes built by Van Horn still standing," Col. Robert T. Van Horn. June 29—Harry Truman to George C. Marquis "Letters from Truman found in Ruby Street home." July 13—"Blue Mills, Thriving industry on banks of Little Blue once put tiny town near Atherton on map," in Jackson County. This and the articles above by Charles Burke. July 23—"Steamboat may be a farm field's treasure" from Missouri River, by Forrest Martin. July 24—"The true story of Jesse James and son," by Donna Biddle. Ironton Mountain Echo May 6, 13, July 1, 1987—"Focus on Iron County . . . ," a series, featured old area photographs. Jefferson City Daily Capital News July 23, 30, 1987—"Our Heritage" featured paintings by Gari Melchers in the Capitol of Mark Twain and Maj. James S. Rollins, respectively, by Scott McQuary. Jefferson City Post-Tribune April 29, June 10, 17, July 1, 1987—"Our Heritage" featured part of Thomas Hart Benton's mural in the Capitol, by Bob McEowen. June 10—"Former slave cabin now a Kansas City Museum . . . ," exhibit at Black Archives of Mid-America. Joplin Globe May 8, 1987— "Webb City Preservation Day to be held." July 5—"Cox Cemetery, Scout, society trying to save local landmark," by Marti Attoun. Kansas City Times May 22, June 5, 19, July 3, 17, 31, 1987—"Postcard from old Kansas City," a series by Mrs. Sam Ray, featured respectively: bathing scene, Fairmount Park; Brooklyn Ave. homes built by A.J. King Realty Co.; bird's eye view of Grand Ave., looking north; Carnival Park, Kansas City, Kan.; "The Grove," an early city park; and Main Street, north from 12th St. Historical Notes and Comments 127

Kennett Daily Dunklin Democrat May 22,1987—"Refurbished Church, Renewed Spirit Mark Presbyterian Anniversary," First Presbyterian Church, Kennett, organized 1887, by Linda Redeffer. LaBelleStar May 6,1987—"The Changing Scene on LaBelle's Main Street." Lamar Democrat June 22, 1987—"Heritage Edition" featured several historical articles, some reprinted. Lee's Summit Journal June 12, 1987—William B. Howard "Farmer and Railroad assure a booming town," Strother renamed Lee's Summit. Lexington News July 1,1987—William Aull, Sr. "Lawyer's Home Built In 1904." July 2—"Classic Home Built For Banker," Robert Taubman. July 24—Minnie Talbott "Lady sheriff elected in 1919" for Lafayette County. Macon Chronicle-Herald July 1, 1987—Special Souvenir Edition included numerous historical articles in commemoration of the Macon County Sesquicentennial. Marceline Press June 18, 1987—"Cornett House reveals 19th Century Linn County," by Jim Aucoin. Marshfield Mail July 2, 1987—Photograph of Rocky Point School in Webster County, 1931. Marshall Democrat-News May 5, 11,15, 26, 29, June 1, 4, 9,12,16,18,19, 22, 29, July 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,15,16,17, 21, 22,1987—Old area photographs. June 19—"Collecting Civil War mementos opens doors to area's history" for Bruce Bartlett, by Glenita Browning. Marthasville Record July 9,1987—"Warren County Over 150 Years Ago," by Ralph Gregory. Maryville Daily Forum April 29, 1987—"Flashback: Worth tornado revisited," 1947, by Marvin Wilmes, reprinted. May 18, July 20—Old area photographs. July 8—"Heritage Room displays more local works" at Maryville Public Library, by Opal Eckert. Mexico Ledger June 12, 1987—"Centralians Remember Deadly Twister Of 70 Years Ago," by Cindy Dolan. 128 Missouri Historical Review

Miller Press July 23, 1987—"The Old Mill of yesterday will long be remembered," by Gray W. Holmes. Monett Times June 16,1987—1912 photograph of Frisco Engine No. 614 in Monett. June 27—"Monett Bids Farewell to Gillioz" Theatre, by Wilma Henbest. Mt. Vernon Lawrence County Record June 25, 1987—Kenneth Perkins, "Chief jailer reminisces, Jail history hasn't faded from memories," by Luann Flegel. Neosho Daily News June 7, 1987—"Trip to Wilder home interesting" Laura Ingalls Wilder- Rose Wilder Lane Museum at Mansfield, by Harlan Stark. Nevada Daily Mail April 30, June 4, July 2, 16, 30, 1987—'Tales of History," a series by Tom Ladwig, featured respectively: barter system; apprentice system of medical training in 1800s; Mary Easton and George Sibley; the Grand Duke Alexis; and pioneer cooking. May 13—Photograph of students of Metz Grade School, 1920-1921. Nevada Sunday Herald June 28, 1987—" 'Nevada City' became 'Nevada' in 1869," by Betty Sterett, reprinted. New London Herald-Enterprise June 3,1987—Members of Salem Church in 1800s view. New Madrid Weekly Record May 1, 1987—Photographs of New Madrid in 1907. Noel McDonald County Press June 12, 1987—Old photograph of first Main Street bridge in Noel. Oak Grove Banner June 4, 1987— "Memories of a battle are preserved at Lone Jack" in Civil War Museum, by Robert A. Fahey. July 30—"Happy birthday, Banner!" newspaper founded in 1890, by Mary Ann Lowary. July 30—Photograph of the newspaper and staff in 1890s. Owensville Gasconade County Republican July 29, 1987—Photographs of a fire at corn cob pipe factory and mill in Owensville, 1909. Perry ville Monitor June 4, 25, July 16, 1987—"Perry County Album" featured old area photographs. Piedmont Wayne County Journal May 7, 14, 21, 28, June 4,11, 18, 25, July 2, 9,16, 23, 30,1987— "Historical Wayne County," a series, featured old area photographs. Historical Notes and Comments 129

Pleasant Hill Times June 10,17, 24, July 8,15, 29,1987—"Snapshots of yesterday," a series. July 2—Union Pacific Railroad "Depot was hub of 'New Town'." July 2—"City, railroad officials discuss future of depot." Poplar Bluff Daily American Republic May 1,1987—Old photographs of Poplar Bluff Public Library. June 3—"Falling Spring Old Mill Opens Door to Past," by Andy Collins. July 22—"Blue Water Reunion July 18" former school students and teachers in Mount Zion area. Richmond Daily News May 5, 1987—"Old West Group May Stage Bloody 1867 Bank Robbery," by Tom Bogdon. May 5—"Cannonball Remains a Puzzle After Battle of Lexington" in 1861, by Lee Meador. June 15, 16, 17—An account of the life and times of Robert Ford and Charles Ford, assassins of Jesse James, delivered to the Ray County Histori­ cal Society by John Crouch. July 6, 7—Old photographs of buildings on the Richmond square. Rolla Daily News May 24, 1987—"Following a Historical Trail Of Joys and Sorrows," Missouri path of the Cherokee's Trail of Tears in Dent County, by Laura Barnitz. St Louis Business Journal May 11, 1987—"looking back" featured the St. Louis County National Bank. St. Louis Neighborhood Journal December 10, 1986—Lillie Suggs and family "Dedication Aids School For 80 Years" at Lafayette School, by Ken Walk. January 14—"Leonard Lipic, Penmaker Preserves A Victorian Legacy," at Joseph Lipic Pen Co., by Lois Kendall. February 4—" 'New Jay' Memories Of McKinley" High School, by Harry Coates. February 11, May 13, 20, 27, June 3—"Now & Then," a series by Skip Gatermann, featured respectively: St. Louis, known as Pain Court; City Plan Commission's Comprehensive City Plan of 1947; Civil War lore in Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis; teens at O'Fallon Technical High School, 1960s; and Oak Hill neighborhood resulted from coal and fire-clay industries. May 13—"What's Brewing in Soulard," a tour of brewery sites in the neighborhood, by Robbi Courtaway. June 3—"St. Mary and Joseph: country church revisited," by Robbi Courtaway. June 3—"Second-oldest Catholic parish in city celebrates 50th anni­ versary" of church picnic, by Robbi Courtaway. St Louis Post-Dispatch June 8,1987—"A New Entrance For Remodeled Southwest Bank." July 26—"Look Here/Glimpses Of St. Louis" featured 1927 photograph of last horses used by the St. Louis Fire Department. 130 Missouri Historical Review

Sedalia Central Missouri News July 29, 1987—"Mt. Herman Baptist Church, 100 year Anniversary," by Lawrence Roe. Sikeston Daily Standard May 4, 1987—"Hardwick's Bulletin," published at Bertrand, 1927, re­ printed. June 2—"Some thoughts on old towns of region," especially Graysboro in Scott County, by Edison Shrum. Smithville Lake Democrat-Herald May 13,1987—Old photograph of west side of Bridge Street, Smithville. May 27—History of Spelman Memorial Hospital's 50 years told in a series of ads. Springfield News & Leader May 11, 1987—"Muskets mustered, Collector displays Civil War weap­ ons," by Connie Farrow. Stockton Cedar County Republican June 3,1987—"Cedar County yesterday" featured a group photograph of 1925 meeting of Vernon and Cedar County Medical Society. Sweet Springs Herald April 30,1987—"More History Of Sweet Springs." May 22—"The First Memorial Day, Decoration Day In 1865," reprinted. Troy Free Press June 3,1987—"Old Town Spring," by Charles R. Williams. June 17—"Davis, Mo.," by Charles R. Williams. Vienna Maries Gazette-Adviser July 22,1987—"Historic Paydown Mill; Reminder Of Changes In Area," story and photos by Carole Carpenter. Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal April 30, 1987—Old photograph of students at Lone-Star School, Tater Hill. June 18—"Chilhowee Once Was Thriving Town," by Travis Pryor. June 24—Johnson County "Courthouse Statue Has Weathered Changes," by Travis Pryor. Warrenton News May 6,1987—"First Warren County settlements were located in Marthas­ ville." This and the articles below, by Mildred Simon. June 3—"Public buildings of the county through the years." June 24—"Early history of the county seat—Warrenton." July 2—"More about the early history of Warrenton." Washington Missourian June 3,1987—"Early Union Business Changes." West Plains Daily Quill May 4, June 2, July 1,1987—Old area photographs. Willo w Springs Ne ws June 4, 1987—"Story of early settlement of North Fork River . . . ," by Leonard Rowe, reprinted. June 11—"Ferguson-Hogan descendants gather at old home site" in Willow Springs, by Claude Ferguson. Historical Notes and Comments 131

MISSOURI HISTORY IN MAGAZINES American Jewish Archives, April, 1987: "Joseph Pulitzer's Roots in Europe: A Genealogical History," by Andras Csillag. American West, June, 1987: "Trailing Lewis and Clark on the Missouri" River, by Dayton Duncan; "Historical murals by early Taos artists Decoration of the Missouri Capitol," by George Schriever. Badenfest News, June, 1987: "A whiff of Nostalgia" recalled street car rides to school in St. Louis. Bear Facts, March, 1987: "Missouri Militia fought U.S. Army in 1861-62," by Orval Henderson; "Macon welcomes Company D," 1138th Engineer Battalion Combat, by Ron Holbrook. , April, 1987: An article on the history of mobiliza­ tion of the Missouri National Guard, by Orval Henderson. Chariton Collector, Winter, 1986: Morlan's Store in Greencastle, "Biggest Little Store in Northeast Missouri!" by Karla Baugher; "Cardy in its Hay Days!" by Jean McCullough; "The Life of Don Faurot," by Jonathan Walker and Rick Gooch; Owenby Lake "Uncle Ben's Place," by Renee Wilson; "Scenes from the Past," unveiling of statue of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in 1917 in Kirksville; Adair "County Trivia," by Andrea Vorkink and Denny Smoyer; "End of an Electrical Era," Chester Bell and Bell Electric Service, by John Hill and Ben Thomas; "A Pioneer in Education," Joseph Baldwin, by Dana Kollar and Gayla Hill; "Flying High!" at Dodson Field and Kirksville Municipal Airport, by Tony Frost and Corey Pritchard. , Spring, 1987: "Escape-Proof?" Adair County Jail, by Rick Gooch and Tony Frost; "A Picturesque Landmark!" round barn on the Black and White Farm, Adair County, by Jean McCullough; Beekeeping, "An Age Old Tradition," by Ben Thomas; "Muzzle-Loading in Missouri," by Brent Winn; Quilting, "Preserving a Heritage," by Gayla Hill; "Scenes from the Past," the Maggard home in Scotland County, photos by Denny Smoyer; Orphan "Train of Promise" for Conrad, Mark, Norman and Arthur Ornes, by Dana Kollar; Jones Candy Kitchen, Novinger, "A Family Affair," by Karla Baugher; "A Centennial Anniversary" for town of Gibbs, by Jonathan Walker; "Doc Savage," fictional character created by Lester Dent, by Corey Pritchard; "Water Witching," by John Hill. Cherry Diamond, May, 1987: Bob Dunn "Treasurer Prepares Club for Fu­ ture"; "Looking Back," at Missouri Athletic Club in 1947. , July/August, 1987: "Quiet Oasis Was Once Busy Place," Art Lounge of Missouri Athletic Club formerly German Ameri­ can Bank lobby. Collage of Cape County, June, 1987: "Revolutionary Soldiers who came to the Cape Girardeau District Upper Louisiana Territory, John Hitt"; "Famous Names in Cape Girardeau's History: Hiram Love Sloan," reprinted. 132 Missouri Historical Review

Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly, Spring, 1987: "The Saxons in Mis­ souri," by William A. Kramer. Courier, Missouri Conference of the United Church of Christ, December, 1986: "Church of the Month, Epiphany UCC, St. Louis," by Kay Moel­ lenhoff. , January, 1987: "Church of the Month, St. John's Church UCC, Springfield," by Kay Moellenhoff. _, February, 1987: "Church of the Month, Good Shep­ herd UCC, St. Charles," by Kay Moellenhoff. May/June, 1987: "Church of the Month, Grace Church United, O'Fallon," by Kay Moellenhoff. July/August, 1987: "Church of the Month, St. Martin's UCC, Dittmer," by Kay Moellenhoff. DeKalb County Heritage, April, 1987: "Hopewell Baptist Church Celebrates 71st Anniversary," in 1937, reprinted; "Autobiography of Mrs. Amanda Jeffries Bearss," reprinted; "Organized Commercial Club," in 1912, reprinted. , July, 1987: "Autobiography of Mrs. Amanda Jef­ fries Bearss, Chapter 11, Chapter 12," reprinted. Diggin' History, Andrew County Historical Society, July, 1987: "The Cumber­ land Ridge Presbyterian Church." Drury Quarterly, June, 1987: "Thought you'd like to know . . . S.S. Drury" Victory, a ship built during World War II and named after Drury College. Florissant Valley Quarterly, July, 1987: "Florissant Valley of Flowers Fes­ tival" history, by Rosemary Davison; "Bonded winery #22 and the vineyards of Florissant," by Andrew J. Theising. Genealogists' Exchange, Spring, 1987: "Piece Of the Past, Three Rivers Baptist Church," in St. Francois County, by Nellie Best; "Pioneer Genealogies, A Genealogy of Nicholas Antoine Boyer." Graceland Gazette, Audrain County Historical Society, June, 1987: "Hail to Thee, McMillan!" High School in Mexico, by Leta Hodge. Historic Kansas City Foundation Gazette, May/June, 1987: "Mainstreet (Empire) Theatre Update"; "Stone in Local 19th Century Architecture: A Brief Sketch," by Doran L. Cart. , July/August, 1987: "A Kansas City Architect: Clar­ ence Erasmus Shepard," by Doran L. Cart; "The Clay County Court­ house," in Liberty, by Doran L. Cart. Hoof prints, Yellowstone Corral of the Westerners, Spring-Summer, 1987: "Yellowstone's William Clark, Soldier, Explorer, Governor and Chief of Indian Affairs." Journal of the Historical & Genealogical Society of Douglas County Mis­ souri, May, 1987: "An Interview With Lena McClendon," by Bob House; Historical Notes and Comments 133

"First White Settlers"; "Buck Kester Remembers The Mount Tabor School"; "Memoirs of an Ozarks Childhood," by Janie Davis Givens; "Early Douglas County Hartley's," by Glen Dale Hartley; "The John Singleton Family of Douglas County," by Barbara DeVore and Sharon Sanders. Kansas City Magazine, May, 1987: "Star and Remembrance," Pete Welling­ ton, newspaper editor, by James R. Patterson. , July, 1987: Clarence M. Kelley, "The Kansas City Cop," by Clarence M. Kelley and James Kirkpatrick Davis. Keys to Springfield, June, 1987: "Ozark County," by Annabelle Scott Whob- rey. Kirksville Magazine, Summer, 1987: "Portraits of Leadership," presidents of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, George A. Still, Summerfield S. Still, George M. Laughlin, Morris R. Thompson, H. Charles Moore, Max T. Gutensohn and Fred C. Tinning, articles by Peggy Smith, drawings by Grady Miller; "Preserving Traditions, Wal­ lace Pearson looks back on osteopathy's beginnings," by Vicki Horn. Laclede County Historical Society Newsletter, Spring, 1987: "Hazel Dell School District," by Kirk Pearce; "Brush Creek Cemetery," by Dorothy Calton. Landmarks Letter, March/April, 1987: "Education and Design: The St. Louis Public School Buildings." Lawrence County Historical Society Bulletin, July, 1987: "Killed At Carthage In 1876: The Assassination of James F. Hardin," by Fred G. Mieswinkel; "Samuel Preston Binney," contributed by Catherine Mattson; "The Turnback Story, Turnback Creek," by Fred G. Mieswinkel; "The German Methodist Episcopal Church of Spring River Prairie"; "German Metho­ dist Episcopal Church Of Mount Vernon"; "Maple Grove Cemetery," by Fred G. Mieswinkel. Maramec Miner, May, 1987: "Maramec History," conclusion of a series. Midwest Motorist, May/June, 1987: Charles A. "Lindbergh Soars Again," in exhibit at Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis, by Bret Berigan; Ad­ miral, "The Rebirth of a Glamour Girl," former excursion boat, by Jean Kennedy. , July/August, 1987: "Escape City Life to a Country Oasis" following the Lewis and Clark route along the Missouri River, by Greg Holzhauer; Kansas City "Missouri's Western Jewel," by Jean Kennedy. Midwest Review, Spring, 1987: "Mormons and Missourians: The Uneasy Truce," 1846-1847, by Richard E. Bennett. Missouri Archaeological Society Quarterly, January-March, 1987: "A Kansas City Hopewell Effigy from the Kansas City Museum Collection," by Jim D. Feagins; "Two Effigy Pipes from the Davis Site, St. Louis County," by Michael Fuller and Neathery Fuller; "The Shippee Mural" J. Mett 134 Missouri Historical Review

Shippee pictured in mural on James S. Rooney Justice Center, Clay County, Liberty, by Jim D. Feagins. Missouri Conservationist, July, 1987: This 50th Anniversary Edition fea­ tured historical articles commemorating the Department of Conserva­ tion's 50th anniversary. Missouri Farm Bureau News, July, 1987: University of Missouri Department of Food Science and Nutrition in Eckles Hall, "Dynamic Department... and ice cream too!" Missouri Folklore Society Newsletter, April, 1987: "MFS—A History—1977- 1987," by Rebecca B. Schroeder. Missouri Highway and Transportation News, June, 1987: V.B. Unsell " 'Brownie' Takes His Bow," by Sue W. Muck. Missouri Press News, May, 1987: Hugh Tarwater shot Wes Robertson "Irate Subscriber Killed Gallatin Publisher in 1919," by James J. Fisher, reprinted. , June, 1987: "Dedication Ceremony April 23 in Columbia, MPA Remembers First Wilderness Newspaper," Columbia Herald-Statesman, formerly Missouri Intelligencer. Missouri State Genealogical Association Journal, Spring, 1987: "Records of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons (A.F. & A.M.) in Missouri," compiled by Betty Harvey Williams; "The LeGrand Family of New Madrid County, Missouri," contributed by Leslie Ann McCrary; "St. Joseph's Cemetery, White Church, Howell County, Missouri," by Nor­ man R. Peters; "Joseph Hamilton Hopkins," contributed by Richard Hopkins. Mojuco News, Moberly Area Junior College, June/July, 1987: "Memories" of the college in 1932, by Ralph Gerhard. Muleskinner, April 23, 1987: Ophelia "Gilbert witnesses improvements dur­ ing 33-year career at . . . ," Central Missouri State University, by Jennifer Henning. NEHGS NEXUS, New England Historic Genealogical Society, April-May, 1987: "Sarah (Adams) (Bond) Warren of Massachusetts, Maine, and Missouri," by Lois Ware Thurston. New Mexico Historical Review, April, 1987: "Fairs, Expositions, and the Changing Image of Southwestern Indians, 1876-1904," including the St. Louis World's Fair, by Robert A. Trennert. News, Museum of Art and Archaeology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Summer, 1987: "Architectual Sculpture from 1898 St. Louis Building," Lincoln Trust, later Title Guaranty building, by Michael Haggans. Newsletter of the Phelps County Historical Society, June, 1987: "Union or Disunion: The Letters of Allen B. Johnson," written in Missouri in 1860- 1861, introduction and epilogue by Charles L. Perkins, edited by John F. Bradbury, Jr. Historical Notes and Comments 135

Newton County Saga, June, 1987: "History of the Old School," by Harold Geyer. Osage County Missouri Historical Society Newsletter, May, 1987: "The Koenig Methodist Church ... A History." , June, 1987: "A History of Chamois Newspapers," contributed by Dorothy Engelage. Ozark Happenings Newsletter, March/April, 1987: "Life in Houston, Mis­ souri Around the Turn of the Century," by Elvin A. Smith. Ozarks Mountaineer, May-June, 1987: "Where I Learned To Read And Write," in rural school in Lawrence County, by Alma Jones Underwood; Luke Disch "Country Cobbler," by Marti Attoun; memoirs by Robert S. Norton; "My Old Neighbors the Youngers," in St. Clair County, by Fern Nance Shumate; "When the Tales Grew Tall in the Ozarks," by Edith McCall. Ozarks Watch, Summer, 1987: "Agriculture, A Team of Horses and a Wagon—Family Farm Basics" at turn of the century, by J.N. Smith; "Environments, The Square in Mountain Grove," by David M. Quick. Patrol News, May, 1987: "Patrol History Trivia," capture of escaped inmates from the penitentiary in 1960 by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. , June, 1987: "Patrol History Trivia," capture of bank robber, Mearle James Turpin in 1937. Pemiscot County Missouri Quarterly, April, 1987: "Willie K. (Norton) Gill"; "Powell's Ferry and L.B. Powell Family." Perry County Heritage, Spring, 1987: "Perry County's Circuit Court, 1838"; "The Von Wedelstadt Family Legend"; "Mr. J. Frederick Ferdinand Winter's Account of the Stephanite Emigration" to Perry County, re­ printed; "Proceedings of the County Court, Perry County, Mo.," in 1820s. Pioneer Times, April, 1987: "A brief history of the Mid-Missouri Genealogical Society," by Mrs. Osal Capps, reprinted; "Some Early Missouri Pio­ neers," by Lorena Shell Eaker; "Fowler Family, Cole County Pioneers," by Roger Hager; "Memories," by Christine Rose Funke; "Josiah Turpin, The Pioneer," by Tom Turpin; "Stiefermann, Johann Henrich-Maria Magdalena (Werkes)," submitted by Betty McDonald Williamson; "Mis­ souri Probate Packets, The Estate of Wm. H. Seamans," in Dallas County; "The Hanbys: Lumber Kings of Carroll County," by Jim Lair, submitted by Opal Carol (Hanby) Gum; "Phoebe Couzins," by Lew Larkin, reprinted; "Stoddard County Aslin Beginnings," by Osal and Nita Capps; "Some Background Information on Stoddard County Bar- ham Descendents"; "Milton Capps Family," by Osal Bennett Capps and Juanita Magee Capps; "Some Early Magee and Linville Beginnings"; "Daniel Ezekiel Whitledge-Annis Mandyville Swor Family"; "Shores Price Hunter Family," submitted by Kleber Conway Jones, Jr. Pioneer Wagon, Spring, 1987: "Independent Order of Svithiod of America, Gotha Lodge No. 24, Kansas City, Missouri"; "Revolutionary War Soldiers Buried in Missouri," submitted by Jane Mallinson. 136 Missouri Historical Review

Pipeline, Campbell Area Genealogical and Historical Society, March, 1987: "Campbell R-II School," reprinted. Platte County Missouri Historical & Genealogical Society Bulletin, Spring, 1987: "The William O. Tate Family," by Richard Hopkins. Prairie Gleaner, June, 1987: "Benton County, History of Brandon Methodist Church 1916-1968," contributed by Mardella Anders; "Jackson County . . . Pink Hill Optimistic, but Village Withered," by Don L. Fields, reprinted, contributed by Mildred Campbell; "Saline County, Concord Christian Church," contributed by Mary Lou Bramer. Preservation News, June, 1987: "Reviving the New Deal spirit" rehab of Camp Sherwood Forest in Cuivre River State Park, by Bonnie Stepenoff. Preservationist, Franklin County Historical Society, June 19, 1987: "See Franklin County First," a talk by Edna (Altheide) Smallfelt. Resume, Historical Society of Polk County, May, 1987: Pomme de Terre "Inquiry as to Origin of River's Name"; "Newell Strong Replies About Schools," reprinted. Royal Arch Mason Magazine, Summer, 1987: "The Masonic Presidents," including Harry Truman, by Raymond R. Beardsley. Rural Missouri, May, 1987: Wilhelm Keil, "Saint or mad mystic?" by Joan Gilbert. , June, 1987: "The Squirrel Cage: Gallatin's rotary jail was no place to do time," in Daviess County, by Jim McCarty; " '... by man his blood be shed'," execution of Joe Jump and John Smith for the murder of William Gladson, story by Jim McCarty. St. Louis, May, 1987: "Family Album: The Clays, A political dynasty in the making?" by Robert Lowes; "Presidential Designer, Jane Ganz puts her personal touch on the President, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer" boats, by Maggie Ries. , June, 1987: "Family Album: The Riches," by Sue Schneider. July, 1987: "Family Album: The Inmans," by Cheryl Kane; "Interview: Loreen Gephardt, The mother recalls the candidate's childhood," Richard Gephardt, by Maggie Ries; "Down by the River," riverfront development, St. Louis, by Maggie Ries; "Under­ ground Museum, Under the Arch lies a trip through the Frontier" at Museum of Westward Expansion, by Maggie Ries. St Louis Bar Journal, Spring, 1987: "When Law Failed: The Death of Elijah Lovejoy," by Keltner W. Locke. St. Louis Commerce, May, 1987: "lone eagle's aerie gets a new look, St. Louis celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of Charles A. Lindbergh's epochal transatlantic flight," by Mary Kimbrough. , June, 1987: "officers on the hoof beat," St. Louis Mounted Police, by Robert L. Lowes. Historical Notes and Comments 137

St. Louis Genealogical Society Quarterly, Summer, 1987: "The Carrico Family of Florissant, Mo.: Additions and Corrections," by Mrs. Russell Kaiser, Sr.; "A History of Richwoods, Washington Co., Mo.," by Roger L. Tucker. St. Louis Home Magazine, March, 1987: "Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Inc., St. Matthew's School"; "From Stardust to Star Bright," Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood, by Elizabeth Freeman; "The White Squirrels of Crystal Lake Park," by Al Foster. , April, 1987: "Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Inc., Concrete block houses"; " 'Watermark' Frank Popper's multi-image slide show covers the riverfront's evolution from wooded shore to enter­ tainment center," by Jan Rabushka. May, 1987: "Landmarks Association of St. Louis, Inc., 705 Olive Building"; "When Watson and Chippewa were dirt roads lined with truck farms, A Day To Remember ...," by Jinny Ravenscroft Danzer. Saints Herald, June, 1987: "The Spot for the Temple," in Independence, by Richard P. Howard. Santa Fe Trail Researchers Newsletter, March-April, 1987: "Rural School Experiences," at Mobley School in Howard County, by Omer Foley. School & Community, Summer, 1987: "An Eye for Detail," the Missouri State Teachers Association building in Columbia. Show-Me Libraries, March/April, 1987: "The A.T. Still Memorial Library, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine," by Lawrence W. Onsager and Georgia A. Walter; Carpenter Branch of St. Louis Public Library " 'Andy's Library' Celebrates 60th Birthday," by Jean A. Roberts. Soulard Restorationist, May/June, 1987: "Latest Plaque Honors Midwifery," residence and office of Isabella C. Kling marked in St. Louis; Charles A. Lindbergh, "Lindy Returns to the Historical Society," in Forest Park. Spectrum, April 23, 1987: James Butler " 'Wild Bill' Hickok spent time in Phelps County." Springfield! Magazine, May, 1987: Dabbs "Greer Led the Way," at Spring­ field Little Theatre, by Bob Glazier; "The 1887 North-South Merger" of Springfield and North Springfield, by Ann Fair Dodson; "Campfire Still Burns Brightly As Camp Wakahni Turns 25" Camp Fire Camp in Polk County, by Dan Harper, Renee Buxton, Anne Bryan and Jill Baker; "The R.T. French Story, Part II," by Judson Howell; "Local Color In the Queen City of the Ozarks, Part XIII-Resurgence in Prize Fighting Follows World War I," by William J. Moore; "Your Neighbor's Faith, South Street Church Born Out of Organ War," at Springfield Christian Church, by Sandra Holmes Tinsley; "Richard Taylor Gardner Born A Christian Church Historian"; "Buffalo: Town on the Move," by Denelle Spear; "Portrait of an Artist . . . ," Susi Ettinger, by Edgar A. Albin; "When TV Was Young, 1958 Sunshine School Show Predicts Springfield Boom," on KTTS-TV, Channel 10. 138 Missouri Historical Review

, June, 1987: "Kenneth Raab: Success Doesn't Just Knock and Wait," by Theresa A. Bade; "Ray Forsythe: A Rare Combi­ nation of Foresight, Perception and Innovation," by Theresa A. Bade; "The Evolution of a Junior High School Principal: Julie Leeth," by Sherlu Walpole; "Part I-What Really Happened Here July 21,1865? Was the Hickok-Tutt Shoot-Out a Duel Or a Case of Murder in Cold Blood," James Butler Hickok shot Davis K. Tutt, by Robert H. Gibbons; "Local Color In the Queen City of the Ozarks Part XIV—Springfield Overcomes Joplin in Growth To Justify Its Title as the Queen City," by William J. Moore; "Your Neighbor's Faith, South Street Thrives During Roaring 1920s," Christian Church, by Sandra Holmes Tinsley; "Preserving Church History: Isabel Gelsheimer," by Sandra Holmes Tinsley; "Por­ trait of an Artist. . . ," John Carreggio, by Edgar A. Albin; "Real Story of Tiny Parker of the Smokehouses Shows Day of Self-Made Million­ aires Not Past," for Walter Parker, by Sherlu Walpole. July, 1987: Johnny Morris started outdoor shops, "The Bass Pro Story (Part I)," by Reta Spears-Stewart; "Early Strike Breeds Violence, The 1937 Lipscomb Grain & Feed Labor Walkout," by Robert D. Turner; "E.E. Neely: Educator," by H.P. Edmondson; "Betty Ames: First Woman President Of Missouri's Bowling Proprietor's As­ sociation," by Kelly Foster; "Part Il-What Really Happened Here July 21, 1865? Was the Hickok-Tutt Shoot-Out a Duel Or a Case of Murder in Cold Blood," by Robert H. Gibbons; "Water Mills Were Staff Of Life To Early Settlers" of Ozarks, by Theresa A. Bade; "Local Color In the Queen City of the Ozarks, Part XV—Memories of the 1920 Opening of Springfield's New White City Baseball Park," by William J. Moore; "Portrait of an Artist.. .," Mary and Jim Escalante, by Edgar A. Albin; "Your Neighbor's Faith, South Street Christian Church Offers Pageant," by Sandra Holmes Tinsley.

Trains, July, 1987: "Rock Island's mountain railroad, Recollections of the St. Louis Line," by F. Wesley Krambeck. United Methodist Reporter, Mid-Missouri Advocate edition, July 17, 1987: "Bethel UMC, Montgomery County." Vincentian Heritage, Volume VIII, Number 1, 1987: "John Timon and the Succession to The See of Baltimore in 1851," by Leonard R. Riforgiato. Waterways Journal, May 18, 1987: "The Str. Golden Eagle Sank 40 Years Ago," by James V. Swift. , May 25, 1987: "River Giants Are Honored By Hall of Fame," Henry Miller Shreve and the steamer Sprague, by James V. Swift. _, June 1, 1987: "Missouri River History to Be Re­ lived," by James V. Swift. , June 8, 1987: Mississippi River "The Valley Re­ calls the Flood of 1927," by James V. Swift. _, June 29, 1987: "Through the Years With the 'River- man's Bible'," Waterways Journal, by James V. Swift. Historical Notes and Comments 139

, July 20, 1987: Chilli Simpson "Towboat Returns to Her Old River," edited by James V. Swift. Whistle Stop, Volume 15, Number 2, 1987: "The Two Careers of America's Court Painter," Greta Kempton painted portraits of the Truman family and administration officials, by Clay Bauske. White River Valley Historical Quarterly, Spring, 1987: "An Ail-American One Room School With a Proud Name 'STAR'," Barry County, by Bill Cameron; "Character Built From The Inside: Ozark Folktales and Char­ acter," by Donald R. Holliday; "Willis Keithley," by Teckla Keithley; "The Backward Trail," an interview of Lyle Owen by Viola Hartman.

Sure Cure

Hamilton News-Graphic, September 25, 1884. A lady who has tried it says the following is a sure and not unpleasant cure for freckles: "Bathe the face lightly with cologne water after tea, and about 10 p.m. brush both cheeks, forehead and chin with a carefully selected moustache. If the freckles are not removed they will at least, under ordinary circumstances, be, for the time being, forgotten."

World's Best Land

Maryville Weekly Republican, August 16,1870. In the Missouri bottoms, opposite Cairo, 111., Mr. William Rodney raised a crop of corn that will do to talk about. On eight acres he produced 1,050 bushels. This is equal to 131 lA bushels to the acre. Talk about the valleys of the Nile and the Amazon; the Scioto and Miami! They are barren wastes compared with our Missouri bottoms.

A Weighty Matter

Canton Press, July 2,1880. A ship tips over when she don't have ballast enough, and a man when he has too much.—Waterloo Observer.

Love It or Leave It

California Greenback Derrick, April 8, 1882. We find California a delightful city. A man who could not live, love and be happy here, should be sent to Kansas. 140 Missouri Historical Review

IN MEMORIAM BARROW, E. CAVE, Sarasota, Flor­ MEIER, HERBERT G., Glendale: July ida: October 8, 1907-June 24, 1987. 15, 1908-April 5,1987. CALDWELL, ARTHUR B., Chevy Chase, MOSER, ARTHUR PAUL, Willard: Sep­ Maryland: September 1,1906-June 18, tember 26, 1901-May 4, 1987. 1987. MOTTERT, TED, Florissant: December 18,1902-August 26,1986. COLLINS, ARTHUR, Trenton: May 19, 1902-February 23,1987. SCRUBY, MRS. S.R., Chillicothe: March 14, 1905-April 22, 1987. GILLETTE, R.E., Merritt Island, Flor­ ida: November 6, 1904-December 25, STEPHENSON, MRS. WILLIAM J., St. Louis: April 10, 1922-March 2, 1987. 1986. STOKER, ED, St. Louis: February 24, INGELS, C.S., Toulon, Illinois: Novem­ 1907-July 29, 1986. ber 18, 1904-March 6, 1987. TAYLOR, VAN W., Jefferson City: KLING, HEINRICH, Marshall: Decem­ June 22, 1900-July 20, 1986. ber 30, 1907-September 12, 1986. THOMAS, HATTIE L., Macon: Septem­ MCCLAIN, MRS. M.E., San Marino, ber 23, 1895-July 8,1987. California: November 7, 1898-August WARD, R.K., Leawood, Kansas: July 17, 1986. 24,1906-April 16,1987. MANRING, H.H., McFall: November WEINMAN, JOSEPH K., Town & Coun­ 17, 1889-January 16, 1987. try: August 16, 1912-July 9, 1987. Historical Notes and Comments 141

BOOK REVIEWS A History of Missouri, 1919-1953. Volume 5 of the Missouri Sesquicentennial Edition. By Richard S. Kirk- endall (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 1986). 438 pp. Essay on Sources. Indexed. $28.00. In writing A History of Missouri, 1919-1953, Professor Richard S. Kirkendall, a leading student of Harry S. Truman and currently the Henry A. Wallace Professor of History at Iowa State University, offers a synthesis of material based on numerous primary and secondary sources. Had the editors not designated the book as Volume 5 of the Missouri Ses­ quicentennial Edition, the author could, as he suggests (and perhaps should) have entitled it The Truman Years. Truman dominates the last thirty-one pages and figures prominently in another seventy-one. The volume begins with Truman's return from World War I France and ends with his welcome home from Washington. The strength of this volume exists in KirkendalPs astute political and economic analysis of Missouri's historical legacy. In particular, the author offers an excellent assessment of key figures like Truman, Thomas Pendergast and James Reed. More than a political and economic overview, Kirken- dall's History exhibits the author's talent for giving life to the key figures of the period. This well-rounded study focuses on all major aspects including art, music, the woman ques­ tion, race relations and sports. It is a treatise based on objective criticism of the "Show Me State," including its failure to attain its economic promise, its history of racism and its political corruption. 142 Missouri Historical Review

Of course, every book exhibits some weaknesses. Review­ ers disagree with authors' emphasis of factors, interpreta­ tions, the evidence used and the conclusions drawn from the evidence. Students of Missouri's history may regret the lack of footnotes and the author's decision to base his "Essay on Sources" on topics rather than chapters. In a large sense, the state failed to reach its potential. Kirkendall's juxtaposition of Missouri and California in 1919 and again in 1953 is interesting—and revealing. Another key factor is the state's failure to develop a politically unified leadership (current St. Louis leaders take heed!) that might have facilitated Missouri's realization of its full potential. For example, in spite of major efforts to build a nationally ac­ claimed transportation system during the twenties (a desire that may be traced back to the 1840s), the leaders failed to exploit opportunities afforded by the Jazz Age boom. Kirk- endall does not argue that Missouri lacked leaders but that they tended to divide rather than unify the electorate. Even worse, ambitious and talented men like Truman and Bennett Clark (but not Pendergast) became mired in, what Kirkendall calls, the "low tax mentality" that still retards progress in the state today. Missouri stepped into the twentieth century but kept one foot in the nineteenth. To Kirkendall, "the low tax mentality [may have been] the greatest obstacle in the path of major programs of growth." Although it is an interpretative history, much of Kirk­ endall's view is focused through Harry Truman's glasses. Using Truman as a focal point creates both a strength and weakness. Certainly, it is an effective method of depicting Missouri's failure to realize its once bright promise, its in­ effective use of superior natural advantages, its divisive lead­ ership and its inability to succeed in its efforts to utilize its central location and a nationally microcosmic socioeconomic structure. To what extent should the history of a state be seen through the views of one person—even the indomitable Harry S. Truman? As a writing device, it proves effective. Certainly Kirkendall's analysis of Truman is objective—even critical of the president. Finally, Truman's analysis of Missouri's prom­ ise (and failure to achieve that promise) seems to be the correct one. Southeast Missouri State University J. Christopher Schnell Historical Notes and Comments 143

Immigrants on the Hill: Italian-Americans in St. Louis, 1882-1982. By Gary Ross Mormino (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1986). 289 pp. Illustrated. Notes. Bibliography. Indexed. $21.95. Immigrants on the Hill, written by a native of the St. Louis area, provides a loving description and often insightful analysis of the history and development of a unique ethnic neighborhood. Italians from Lombardy and Sicily settled the Hill (or, formerly, Dago Hill), in the late nineteenth century. They immigrated to work in the area's clay mines and brick factories. Although incorporating broad structural and cul­ tural explanations for the community's character and per­ sistence, Mormino argues that American ethnic history ulti­ mately is, or should be, "local history, the story of how specific individuals from specific old-world villages settled in specific new-world settings." (p. 254) Employing this micro- cosmic approach, Mormino traces the Hill's settlers from families and towns in northern and southern Italy to their new patterns of work, residence and association in west St. Louis. He demonstrates how imported traditions, such as mutuality and family solidarity, were adapted to the oppor­ tunities and exigencies of urban-industrial life, ultimately producing a remarkably stable, cohesive, and enduring work­ ing-class, ethnic community. Recent scholarship generally contends that immigrant urban ghettos shared inner-city locations, ethnically-diverse populations, and high rates of geographic and eventually, social mobility, but Mormino dis­ covers that the Hill conformed more to the older stereotype of an immigrant colony. Its highly concentrated, unusually homogeneous population experienced little outward or up­ ward mobility until after World War II, due in large part to the district's geographic and socioeconomic isolation from the rest of the city. By contrast, St. Louis's other major Italian-American neighborhood, Little Italy, experienced the rapid and ultimately disintegrative changes which have decimated most ethnic enclaves. Their inhabitants assimilated as their physical boundaries eroded under the impacts of urban renewal, suburbanization and Black migration. Some of the most interesting chapters in Mormino's book concern ethnic crime, sports and religion. Although never deeply embroiled in the gangland wars which convulsed Little Italy in the 1920s, Hill residents participated whole- 144 Missouri Historical Review heartedly in illegal distillation and brewing during the Pro­ hibition decade. The consequent income supplemented work­ ing-class salaries, partly compensating for the absence of organized labor in local industries, and gave an enormous stimulus to the immigrants' dreams of home-ownership. Also, the need to protect their illegal activities from government interference propelled the area's hitherto apolitical and un­ naturalized residents into cooperation and overwhelmingly loyal membership in the city's Democratic party organiza­ tion. In his chapter on "The Playing Fields of St. Louis," Mormino describes how participation in organized athletics, especially soccer and baseball, revitalized ethnic and com­ munal solidarity during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly among the American-born generations. These activities simul­ taneously breached the neighborhood's social isolation from the rest of the city. Mormino also shows how the Catholic church, served on the Hill by a fortunate succession of dynamic pastors, became the central focus of ethnic and local identity. The church helped residents overcome the divisive "spirit of campanilismo" and melded Lombards and Sicilians, unskilled workers and aspiring entrepreneurs, into a cohesive, centralized parish community. In addition to more conventional sources, Mormino makes extensive use of naturalization records to chart the process of adaptation. He also employs the techniques of oral history, although at times his selected quotations from interviews with elderly residents seem inappropriate or digressive. Mormino's early chapter on the immigrants' Italian back­ ground is rather weak, and sometimes his writing style is repetitive and less than surgically precise. Nevertheless, the author has great respect and even affection for his subjects. This book is valuable and welcome reading for both general and scholarly audiences interested in the history of Italian immigration, of St. Louis, and of ethnic communities, gen­ erally. University of Missouri-Columbia Kirby A. Miller

The German-American Experience in Missouri. Edited by Howard Wight Marshall and James W. Goodrich (Colum­ bia, Missouri: Missouri Cultural Heritage Center, 1986). 218 pp. Selected bibliography. Not indexed. $10.00. This volume is an outgrowth of the "German tricenten- Historical Notes and Comments 145 nial" in 1983 and an honors college course designed by Howard Marshall to commemorate that event. Eleven schol­ ars from a variety of disciplines highlight various aspects of German culture in Missouri from the early nineteenth cen­ tury to the present. While the essays are written in a style that is accessible to the layperson, serious scholars will find little that is lacking besides footnotes. The bibliography is keyed to the various articles. A number of attractive photos and illustrations round out the book. Two of the essays present broad overviews of German culture in the state. Adolf Schroeder, coming from the per­ spective of literature and folklore, deals primarily with organ­ ized immigration efforts of both secular and religious nature, those whose bourgeois leaders left most of the eyewitness reports from the times of settlement. Geographer Walter Schroeder (no relation) makes the important point that towns such as Hermann or Altenburg, founded by such organized groups are not the typical immigrant cultural landscape, as often believed. One might argue, however, that the leadership role of such organized immigrants gives them an importance disproportionate to the numbers. Two essays focus around the Pelster housebarn in Frank­ lin County. The Cultural Heritage Center has both physically preserved this remarkable example of German-American architecture and reconstructed the social context of its crea­ tion. Coeditor Marshall combines the reminisces of the house- barn's octogenarian former resident and • grandson of its builder with on-site research in material culture. Marshall contends the housebarn is a cultural synthesis with Ameri­ can elements rather than an unaltered transplantation of German form. Osmund Overby's piece on the German churches of the surrounding community illustrates the in­ teraction of theological and architectural traditions. Germans of colonial origins, often overlooked in Mis­ souri's migration history, are at least touched upon in four pieces, almost an overemphasis. Robert Spier offers a brief excurse into the etymology of "Dutch" and "Deutsch." Lynn Morrow presents an explanation of the Yocum silver mine legends that is bound to leave treasure hunters disappointed but should satisfy the rest of us. Combining the disciplines of sociology and theology, Joel Hartmann gives an insightful overview of both the historical background and the con- 146 Missouri Historical Review temporary situation of Amish and Mennonite groups in Mis­ souri. And Laura Barnitz, one of the students in the honors seminar from which the book arose, offers a personal per­ spective, tracing five generations of her Pennsylvania Ger­ man family in the Ozarks and showing a fascinating inter­ play of ethnic values and economic pressures. Linguist Donald Lance observes that Missouri Germans and their Illinois counterparts east of St. Louis represent an island of North Midland dialect within an Anglo-American population speaking South Midland. Lance proposes several possible explanations, but overlooks the fact that these Ger­ mans, in contrast to their Little Dixie neighbors, identified strongly with the North and the Republican party during the Civil War era. In fact, the role of German-Americans in politics, although touched upon in Steven Rowan's excellent overview of the St. Louis German press, is the one area that is seriously neglected in the collection. Nonetheless, there is much stimulating material here for both amateurs and professionals. For those who find their appetites whetted to pursue family or community history of Missouri Germans, James Goodrich provides a helpful over­ view of the resources of the State Historical Society of Mis­ souri. University of Miami Walter D. Kamphoefner

State Historical Society Closed for Annual Meeting Saturday, October 17, 1987 The State Historical Society of Missouri will be closed for research on Saturday, October 17, 1987. On this day of the annual meeting, members and friends of the Society are invited to participate in the morning workshops, view the exhibits in the newly remodeled Art Gallery and attend the luncheon festivities. Although the Newspaper and Reference Libraries will be closed for research, each will feature special exhibits. The libraries of the State Historical Society will reopen for research on Monday, October 19, 1987. SCOTLAND COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Late in November 1971, an active group of history-minded individuals organized the Scotland County Historical Society. Members began efforts to secure a museum to house and preserve a growing collection of Scotland County memorabilia. Located in the Glacial Plains region of Northeast Missouri, the area's first settlers came in the 1830s to take up land ceded by the Iowa, Sac and Fox Indians. Named by a pioneer for his former home, the county was organized in 1841. Later, it was reduced in size by the formation of Knox County. Memphis became the second county seat in 1843. During the Civil War years, skirmishes and guerrilla activity occurred causing heavy casualties. Livestock and grain farming characterized the area. Members of the Scotland County Historical Society found a small room in the basement of the courthouse to serve as the first museum. Officially opened in May 1975, the museum's collection soon filled its small space. Fund raising for new quarters began, and in the fall of 1977, members took an option to buy the historic 14-room brick Downing Home, at 311 South Main. Built about 1858 for William G. Downing, it is one of the oldest remaining structures in the county. Architect Solomon Jenkins and contractor Thomas Broadwater are believed to have designed the Greek Revival and Italian Villa-style building. Downing's slaves pro­ vided the labor force. Downing had come to Missouri with his father and brother from Virginia in 1837. They settled west of Memphis, where William taught school. Later, he moved to Memphis, established a mercantile business and served as one of the original town trustees. Downing married Mary Jones, whose father was the county's first sheriff. He gave the young couple a city block south of the courthouse square to build their home. The story is told that during the Civil War, Downing, a Southern sympathizer and slave owner, feared Union soldiers would burn his newly built house. So, he traded houses with his friend and neighbor, H. G. Pitkin. Following the death of the Downings, the mansion changed hands several times. It once served as the Park Hotel, where salesmen and theatrical people roomed. Scotland County giantess Ella Ewing was a customer of the hotel. Dr. A. M. Keethler, a prominent local citizen, purchased the house in 1923 and lived there until 1967. Keethler always wanted the mansion to be a local museum, but he did not live to see his dream realized. Members of the local historical society raised $35,000 to purchase the home in 1978. St. Louis architect Phillip C. Cotton worked with the museum advisory board to plan authentic restorations. The museum opened to the public during the summer of 1979, with Wilma June Kapfer as the museum chairman. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Downing House has been restored and renovated as near as possible to the original plan, which included six fireplaces, six porches, numerous 10-foot entrance doors, floor-length windows, 12-foot ceilings, and a three-story square tower. Many area residents have donated or loaned furnishings for the museum's parlor, living room, gift shop, dining room, kitchen, library, bedroom and barbershop. Other features include a Civil War collection of artifacts and books and an Ella Ewing Room filled with personal belongings. The elegant mansion may be used for community activities, club meetings, weddings and receptions. Volunteers keep the museum open daily, free of charge, May to September and other times by appointment.