Friday, April 8, 2022

Freeman Barrows the First County Clerk of Bates County

The first story this year will be about Freeman Barrows and his connection with Harmony Mission, Papinville and Bates County. If you have read the stories or heard them on the radio last year you will remember that Harmony Mission closed in 1836. The American Board had their annual meeting in September of 1935 and had decided to send some people to investigate how the mission was doing and to see if it still served a purpose to the Osage.

Revs Kingbury and Byington were sent to the mission in the autumn of 1834 spending some time at the mission to talk to the ministers and laborers at the mission. They brought back the information to the board that the mission should be closed, because most of the Osage had left the area. 

Freeman Barrows came to the mission in 1838. He was born in Middleboro, Massachusetts and later moved to New Bradford with his family to establish a wholesale grocery business. Freeman decided he was going to head west and arrived at Harmony Mission. When he first  came to Harmony he taught at a private school for George Douglas. William Waldo owned a store in the large building at Harmony that was built for the school, housing the Osage children and church services. Waldo hired Freeman to be the manager of the Waldo-Douglas store and he managed the store for two years.

In 1841 Bates County was established.  With permission being obtained from the governor, Thomas Reynold, on March 11,  1841 Harmony Mission was renamed Batesville.  It was the  third county south of the Missouri River. Freeman was elected County Clerk, recorder and circuit clerk. The post office was also located in the building and Freeman was also the postmaster. Batesville had the first post office, voting precinct and where court was held.

Freeman married Asenath A Vaill on August 23, 1842. She had come to Balltown to visit her sister Elizabeth (whom was married to Waldo owner of the store Freeman managed) and one year later they married. They lived in a log cabin two miles to the east of Papinville. Freeman was still working at the county seat and worked there for twelve years. Later he built a nice house which is still standing today. It is now the home of Elsie Klinksick.

About 1858 Freeman’s health was declining so he gave up his county seats positions. He died in April 1861 of tuberculosis and is buried at the Green Lawn Cemetery in Rich Hill, Missouri.

The next story will be about Asenath Barrows. She had a very interesting life and I am sure you will enjoy reading the story. The Papinville Historical Association is planning on doing the Harmony Mission Tour this spring. Those of you who made reservations last year will be called to let you know when the tour will take place. If you haven’t made reservation and would like to go to the location where Harmony Mission and Bates County was established call either of these telephone numbers 417-395-4288 or 417-395-2594 and make your reservation. There will be two tours 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served on both tours so you can eat on the grounds where Harmony and Batesville were established. Pray we won’t have a flood this year.

The Papinville Historical and Cemetery Association would like to thank every one who donated to the donation drive. Since we haven’t been able to have any events for two years this helped with our finances which was greatly appreciated. If there is any organization or school that would like to see the museum, school or hear more about the history of Harmony Mission or Papinville call the numbers that were given to make the reservations. We have a nice shelter house that can be used for family reunions with a kitchen and restrooms. Anyone that is interested in helping with the  Papinville Association (to keep the history alive for the future generations )you are welcome. We would love your help. 

              Submitted by Phyllis Stewart

Information for this story was taken from the following books:

“Papinville History Book 1997” Co-Compilers Beverly Sullins and Phyllis Stewart

“The First Protestant Osage Missions 1820-1837 “ Wm. W. Graves

“History of Bates County Missouri” W.O. Atkeson 1918

Obituary - Angela Ann Penwell

Angela Ann Penwell, 60, Raymore, Missouri, previously of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, April 1, 2022 at her home in Raymore. Services will be held at a later date.

Angela was born December 11, 1961 in La Grange, Kentucky, a daughter of Jesse O'Dell and Bonnie (Nolan) Bowman. She was united in marriage to Jay Penwell, June 3, 2002, in St Joseph, MO. She lived in St. Joseph, Missouri, fifty-five years before moving to Raymore in January, 2022. Angela loved to work in the garden and her pets were her constant companions.

Angela was preceded in death by her husband, Jay, on January 1, 2022; her parents; and a brother, Danny Bowman. She is survived by one daughter, Tasha (Kyle) Hamilton, Raymore, MO; two brothers: Jesse Bowman and Keith Bowman, both of St. Joseph, MO; and two grandchildren: Alexander and Nicholas Hamilton.

News from Michael G's Greenhouses

The last two years must have spoiled me. Sales were extraordinarily strong which helped make room for late planted things like tomatoes and vegetables. This year has been the exact opposite so far. I do know that spring will be here soon, I am just not sure of the day. Just like you, I am ready to set plants outside, but the wind, cold, and rain make that rather hard. I do thank those of you who have been out and bought things. Set them outside on the good days to acclimate them, leaving them on the porch or in the garage isn't good for them.

I have some nice 2 gallon pots of geraniums that take up too much room on sale for $8 each, they are usually $12.50. I have some wave pansies in baskets on sale for $10, they can be planted in the ground when you get tired of them and should come back next year. This Saturday and Sunday only I am going to have foliage baskets on sale for $15. They are nice but block a lot of light and put a lot of weight on my greenhouses.

Easter is the 17th, and I would like to be open only between one and four that afternoon. Someone will be here in the morning after ten if you forget. Come out when it gets warm, say a prayer for the greenhouses when the weather is bad.

The thing I dislike the most after 38 years in business are severe storms and strong winds. Only two layers of plastic are between everything and outdoors and I probably have an anxiety about that.

God tells us to be anxious about nothing, so I need to improve in that department! See you soon.

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Frosty Saturday Morning....

Chilly this morning, but down right frosty Saturday morning. Low's in the mid to upper 20°s across the region Saturday morning.

A freeze warning is in effect for Saturday morning. Bundle up and protect those sensitive outdoor plants if they've started to bloom.
 
Image Description: Dog wrapped in blanket outside surrounded by trees. Words, "Frosty Saturday Morning." Three Day forecast, Friday, partly sunny, lows in the 30s and highs in the upper 40s to 50. Saturday, sunny, lows in the mid to upper 20s highs in the mid 50s to lower 60s. Sunday, partly sunny, lows mid 30s to mid 40s, highs mid to upper 70s.

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Obituary - Donna Lou Terry

Donna Lou Terry was born to Ruth Nichols and Kermit Dempsey on September 11, 1938, in Osceola, Missouri. Donna passed away Sunday, April 3 , 2022, at Truman Lake Manor in Lowry City, Missouri.

Donna married Charles Terry in 1958, and had a daughter Janice Terry on January 21, 1960, in Osceola, Missouri. Donna lost her beloved daughter unexpectedly on June 2, 2014.

Donna worked at Rivals in Clinton, Missouri for 30 plus years making crock pots, and where she retired from.

She lived in Gerster, Missouri until her journey at the nursing home started in 2019. Donna was a beloved mother, sister, friend, and aunt. There was never a dull moment with her. She enjoyed
working in the garden, taking walks, and doing her puzzle books.

Donna also loved doing the chicken dance to make people laugh. She loved all her nieces, great nieces, and nephews, and loved her great-great nieces and nephews. She would always say “them were her babies.” Donna is proceeded in death by her parents: Kermit and Ruth Dempsey, daughter Janice Terry, nephew Joe Lee Drake and great-great niece Carmen.

She is survived by 3 sisters: Debbie Thomas of Osceola, Mo, Sharon Harrelson of Clinton, Mo, and Bonnie Garret of Harrisonville, Mo. 1 brother, James Dempsey of Clinton, Mo. Niece Twila and Robert Manlove of Collins, Mo. Great nieces, and nephews: Daniel, Kimberly, Travis, Michaila and Bobby JR. Great-great nieces, and nephews: Destiny Jayden, Harley, Bailey, Kenley, Paxton, Elijah, Maddix, Huxley, and Brixton.

You will be greatly missed Aunt Bee. Always and forever, I love you!

Visitation
Saturday, April 9, 2022
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel

Service
Saturday, April 9, 2022
11:00 AM
Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel

Interment
Yeater Cemetery

Butler Public Water District #6 24 hour boil water advisory

Butler Public Water District #6 has issued a 24 hour boil water advisory for people in the district who have had low pressure or no water on April 7th. This effects the area north of H Highway east of Butler.

Mid America Live will update when more information is made available to us at a later time. 


Hard Freeze Friday Night To Saturday Morning

Heads up! Cold temps are on the way for the end of the week.

Wanted Individual out of Pittsburg Kansas

Wanted Individual

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Released by Lt. Adàn Nance

The Pittsburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with locating Belenda Sue Camren in reference to multiple felony warrants for her arrest. Ms. Camren has warrants out of the Crawford County, Kansas, District Court, and the Bourbon County, Kansas, District Court. Ms. Camren is not believed to be armed and dangerous, but law enforcement officials should be contacted immediately if she is observed.

Anyone with information on Ms. Camren’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Pittsburg Police Department at 620-231-1700, or at our tip line, 620-231-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.

(Booking photo from October 5, 2019)

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