We’re Proud To Be Located in Marceline!
From an obscure beginning in a one-room Marceline office in 1937, the Walsworth firm has enjoyed phenomenal growth during each of the years it has been in business and today is recognized as one of the leading publishers of quality yearbooks in the United States. Walsworth Brothers, a partnership of Don, Bill, and Ed Walsworth, began in February 1937 in an office in Cater’s Hall. Constant expansion of business brought on a series of moves of the Walsworth concern. Before moving to its present location in 1946, Walsworth Brothers was operated from the following locations: (1) Cater’s Hall, (2) the McLaughlin Building, (3) the Hiers Building (upstairs of present Stanley’s Locker). (4) the Gallagher Building (then upstairs of Hahn’s Grocery), and (5) the Park Hardware Building (where the American Legion is now located). In April of 1946, Walsworth’s purchased a two-story building from the Adolph Horn Estate. After lengthy repairs to both floors of the building, the Walsworth firm made its final move. Three more properties adjacent to the Horn Building were purchased (from the Gallaghers, Kenneth Burgener and Wolfe-Briggs Motor Company) in later years for forming the present Walsworth “one roof” operation. The original partnership of Walsworth Brothers became two corporations, Walsworth Publishing Co., Inc. (Sales) and Walsworth Press Co., Inc. (Production) in 1955. Until his death in October 1956, the late Don O. Walsworth, Jr. held the presidency of the newly-organized firms. Ed Walsworth then succeeded his older brother as president, William F. Walsworth remained as vice-president and Don O. Walsworth III was elected as treasurer. Rush Johnson, Jr. joined the firm in 1947 and has served as sales manager since 1953. Walsworth’s pioneered the cooperative advertising plan for selling year-books, a unique idea at that time which permitted thousands of small schools to enjoy a quality yearbook that they would not. likely have had otherwise. Organizational publications, as well as the cooperative advertising plan for publishing school yearbooks, was discontinued in 1957 In addition to yearbooks, Walsworth’s also does commercial printing for various governmental agencies, industrial firms and other area customers. At the present time, 300 employees work at the modern, air-conditioned Walsworth plant in Marceline. During the heavy production season (January . through June), day and night shifts are maintained with employees commuting daily from a radius of thirty miles or more. The latest, specialized equipment and machinery known to the yearbook industry will be found in the Walsworth plant today which permits Walsworth salesmen to bid on a competitive basis, with any yearbook publisher, regardless of location. The Walsworth sales force currently consists of 40 resident representatives who sell and service accounts in all but a few of the 50 states. A part-time force, of nearly 200 salesmen handling related school products and services also carry the Walsworth yearbook line. The sale of Walsworth yearbooks internationally began in 1958 with the establishing of a sales office in Toronto, Canada. To this was added an office in Wiesbaden, West Germany, in 1961. The largest yearbook believed published to date was produced by Walsworth’s in 1962, under one cover, for 10 U. S. Air Force Dependent’s schools located in Europe, Africa and Asia. WALSWORTHPUBLISHING COMPANY, INC. Home Office, Marceline, Mo. District Offices Through-out the United States, in Canada and Overseas. Member, National Yearbook Manufacturers Association. RECOGNIZED LEADER IN QUALITY YEARBOOKS FOR OVER A QUARTER CENTURY
Chariton County Boosters
BILL & BILL’S SERVICE STATION – Keytesville, Missouri LOUNSBURY’S – Keytesville, Missouri PRATHER REXALL STORE – Keytesville, Missouri Compliments of DR. J.D. DORRELL – Keytesville, Missouri H.D. GARNETT FUNERAL HOME – Keytesville, Missouri ARENSMEIER MOTOR CO. – Keytesville, Missouri KEYTESVILLE CIGAR & TOBACCO STORE – Keytesville, Missouri WALTHER HARDWARE – Keytesville, Missouri PETERS I.G.A. – Keytesville, Missouri KEYTESVILLE BARBER SHOP, Jim Brown HOWARD GARAGE – Keytesville, Missouri PERKINS AUTO PARTS – Keytesville, Missouri WILSON TAVERN – Dalton, Missouri TAYLOR’S CAFE – Keytesville, Missouri JESSIE LEE COLEMAN, Postmaster – Dalton, Missouri SUNDOWN GARAGE, M.H. Guilford – Dalton, Missouri DALTON HARDWARE & LUMBER COMPANY, Established 1910 – Dalton, Missouri DICK’S APCO STATION, Highway 24 – Salisbury, Missouri NORRIS GROCERY – Mendon, Missouri FORD’S GARAGE, General Repair & Wheel Balancing – Mendon, Missouri JAMES PECAN FARM (THE NUT HUT) – Brunswick, Missouri FOSTER PLUMBING & HEATING – Mendon, Missouri Compliments of EAST END PACKAGE & GROCERY – Brunswick, Missouri COX CIGAR & TOBACCO STORE – Brunswick, Missouri RIVERSIDE MOTEL – Brunswick, Missouri LEIP ARD FUNERAL & FURNITURE CO. – Mendon, Missouri GAIL’S BEAUTY SHOP – Mendon, Missouri VINCENT DRUG & LIQUOR – Triplett, Missouri
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company
The first telephone exchange in Marceline was built about 1896. Four years after it went into operation, it was purchased by the Western Telephone Company of Princeton, Missouri. Ira B. Hyde and his sons, Arthur and Ben, owned a substantial part of the Western Telephone Company and were actively engaged in managing the company. The first manager of the telephone operation in Marceline was a man named George A. Smith. He was sent here in 1900 by the Missouri and Iowa Union Telephone Company which controlled the Western Telephone Company. Just how many phones were serviced by the telephone company in Marceline during the early years is uncertain due to the lack of records. However, by 1906 there were over 580 phones in the community. In December 1905, the Missouri and Kansas Telephone Company purchased the Marceline exchange. The Missouri and Kansas Telephone Company is the “parent” company from which Southwestern Bell Telephone Company was formed in 1912. Southwestern Bell operates today under a charter granted to the Missouri and Kansas Telephone Company. In 1909 the company’s facilities were badly damaged by a severe sleet storm. After the storm, the company sought to expand its service as it rebuilt and repaired. However, the franchise under which the company operated permitted only $1.50 a month rate for business phones and $1 per month for residence. Under these rates capital for expansion was not available. A petition was circulated in the town to allow an increase in rates, and 74% of the residents signed. However, the Marceline city council refused to alter the franchise to allow for higher rates at that time. By 1911 Marceline was served by over 40 miles of telephone line. After operating at a loss for several years, the company finally obtained a rate increase in 1919. A severe rain and wind storm on May 20, 1933, did considerable damage to the plant and disrupted telephone service. Approximately 200 phones were put out of service. Telephone repair crews were sent to Marceline from Chillicothe, Carrollton and Trenton. Some of the early employees of the telephone company in Marceline were C. E. Chenoweth, wire chief from 1915 to 1921; Lula Laws who was the first telephone operator in Marceline and remained with the company until 1910, and Ethel Alderson who was the chief operator and cashier from 1923 to 1935. A decline in customers was experienced during the 1930’s and reached a low of 565 stations in 1933. Since World War II there has been a steady growth in the telephone business in Marceline. Today more than 1,100 customers are served by Southwestern Bell. In 1950 the Marceline exchange was converted to dial service and the present building at 110 West Howell Street was completed. Two full time employees, Mrs. Edna Collins, service representative, and Robert Ward, plant combination man, work out of the Marceline office. Mrs. Collins has been with the firm since the mid 1930’s and was hired for her job by Ethel Alderson the chief operator from 1923 to 1935.
Pioneer Families
Oldham & Adair Families Mary Ann Sportsman and M. G. Oldham both of Chariton County, were united in marriage July 29, 1857, moved to a home two and one-half miles southeast of Marceline, and became the parents of nine children: J. G. Oldham, H. H. Oldham, M. G. Oldham, Richard Oldham, Alva Oldham, Sally Oldham, Kitty Ann Oldham, and Elizabeth Oldham, all now deceased. On February 1, 1894, Elizabeth was united in marriage to Charles Adair from another pioneer family. He was the son of Willis and Sarah Catherine Adair, who came to Missouri from Illinois in the year 1882 and settled on a farm in Chariton County three miles southeast of where Marceline is now located. Mr. and Mrs. Willis Adair were the parents of eight children: Mary Adair Butler, Charles Adair, Louisa Adair, Jane Adair Bealmear, Thomas A. Adair, Olive Adair Manard, Weaver Adair, and Jesse Adair. All are deceased except Mrs. Manard of Moberly, Missouri, and Jesse Adair of Huntington Park, California. Descendants of the Oldham family still living are Lewis Adair, Lula Adair, Lucy Duckworth, Lola Medlin, Claude Oldham, Verner Oldham, H. A. Oldham, Catherine Hodgerson, Viola McMillan, LeRoy Oldham, Raymond Oldham, Mary Esther Pope, Jesse Coe, Raymond Cupp, Elmer Bealmear, J. E. Adair, Mary Armstrong, Stevan Adair, Stephanie Adair, Gayle Armstrong, Gary Armstrong, all of the Marceline area. Other descendants are Luther Adair, Casper, Wyoming; Lota Adair, Kansas City, Missouri; and Peggy Prose, Forrest City, Arkansas. Clarence & Grace Kendrick C. M. Kendrick, attorney, came to Marceline, Missouri in a covered wagon in 1889 with his parents, Morton G. and Sara Wilson Kendrick, and his two sisters, Mrs. Viola Webster and Mrs. Nina Kendrick Woodworth. With Mr. Bradford McAllister, his father operated the first bakery in Marceline in the south part of town just off Missouri Avenue. C. M. Kendrick was city attorney fourteen years and editor of the Marceline Mirror from 1893 to 1902, continuing his practice of law from the Mirror Office as his headquarters. The Kendrick family united by letter with the Christian Church here in 1889 when the church was one year old. His sister Nina was choir director and soloist in the church and his sister Viola taught in the public school. Mr. Clarence’s genial and persuasive manner earned him the title “The Silver Tongued Orator of Linn County.” The late Mr. Clarence Kendrick and his wife Mrs. Grace Kendrick made their home on West Santa Fe Street. It was here that the late Mrs. Don (Joy Kendrick) Walsworth, Sr., was reared. Mrs. Clarence Kendrick retains her home with her grandson Don Walsworth, Jr. and family. Her granddaughter, Mrs. Don (Sondra Walsworth) Lake and family live here. The late Mr. Don Walsworth, Sr. has two brothers residing in Marceline, Mr. William Walsworth and Mr. Ed Walsworth. The late Mrs. B. F. (Minnie Kendrick) Simpson was a first cousin to Mr. Clarence Kendrick. Her daughter, Mrs. Robert (Thelma Simpson) Cruze resides in the late B. F. Simpson home.
The Landreths
Rush Floyd, the son of Stephen Albert and Elsie (Bryant) Landreth, was born November 7, 1847, near Hillsville, Carroll County, Virginia. As the name implies, this was in a densely wooded mountainous section. The soil, in order to be cultivated, required clearing of the trees and removal of the rocks. However, the mountain slope with its many trees, wild berries and laurel made a beautiful setting for the Landreth homestead. Great-grandfather Stephen Albert Landreth and Grandfather Rush Floyd Landreth were Union sympathizers but were drafted by the Confederacy to serve in the Home Militia. They served in Bond’s Cavalry which was guarding the lead mines at Fowler’s Crossing near Austinville, Virginia. Great-grandfather was the oldest man in the regiment, and Grandfather, then 18, was the youngest. General Sherman was making his famous “march to the sea” at this time. Capture of the lead mine at Fowler’s Crossing was another Union goal, a part of the overall plan to cut the South in two. As the Union army approached, Bond’s Cavalry, so outnumbered, hastily retreated. Although fired upon many times, Great-grandfather made his escape by hiding in a flock of sheep on the mountainside, later making his way to Fowler’s General Store from which, dressed as a woman, he returned to his regiment. After the Civil War was over, Rush Floyd and Arenia, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Evans) Lineberry decided to get married. The nearest minister was in North Carolina, 16 miles away. Accompanied by Arenia’s oldest brother and his bride-to-be, they made the wedding journey on horseback, were married, and returned that evening. This double wedding took place June 10, 1866. Rush Floyd cleared a few acres in the valley of his father’s farm and here he and his father, who was a good carpenter, built a cabin of split logs. This cabin had three windows and a large fireplace which provided both heat and a place to cook. Great-grandfather also made some walnut furniture, including a spool, bed and a safe for dishes. Grandfather continued clearing the land which required many weeks of hard labor. Meanwhile, many letters were being received from relatives and friends who had already migrated to Linn County. George and Catherine (Lineberry) Coulson had come in 1840 and settled at the point which later became Coulson Mills, Missouri, which was the United States Frontier Post Office (1848- 1853). Other relatives and friends lived near Bucklin. These letters urged them to come to Missouri and enjoy the many advantages the rich Prairie land had to offer. After much deliberation, my grandparents decided to come to Linn County. Accompanied by Nimrod and Elizabeth (Lineberry) Newman, Andrew and Elizabeth (Landreth) Bowers, and the several children of the three couples, they boarded a west-bound train which was crowded with fellow emigrants. After a long and tiresome trip they arrived at Bucklin on a rainy afternoon in the fall of 1870. At first Grandfather settled near Bucklin, later moving to a farm north of Marceline. In 1882, he bought a farm just west of Marceline from the Hannibal and Saint Joseph Railroad Company. Six years later, Marceline was incorporated. It was at this time that Grandfather opened a coal mine on his farm. It proved to be a good mine which remained in production many years. Grandfather was successful in farming which he enjoyed. Especially did he enjoy his garden, orchard and vineyard which were large ones that produced a bountiful supply of fruit and vegetables which were used to advantage. Here they reared their seven children, Elsie, Joseph, Rebecca, Stephen, Harry, Enoch, and Luvinia. There are over 235 descendants of my grandparents, many of whom live in Linn County. Grandfather was an active member of the Methodist Church and assisted in the erection of the church building. After a lingering illness, grandmother passed away April 16, 1919. Harry, who was deaf from birth, was fatally injured when struck by a car and died October 24, 1923. Grandfather died April 3, 1938 at the age of 91 years. Mable Landreth Wolfe
John R. Wrenn
John R. and Florence Twyman Wrenn, who were pioneer citizens of Marceline, were united in marriage in 1872 in Chariton County and came to Marceline in 1888 from Thomas Hill, Missouri. This union was blessed with seven children: Frank William, Anna Wrenn Barnes, Everett, Lillian Wrenn Gridley, Mabel Wrenn Wallovick, and R. Mitchell. All are now deceased but one, Mrs. Mabel Wallovick. When the town was only a few weeks old, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Wrenn bought lots and built one of the substantial homes of the early life of the city at the northwest corner of Chestnut Street and Houser Street. In Thomas Hill, Mr. Wrenn engaged in the dry goods business known as Wrenn and Rigg. Previous to that he had a business in Huntsville, Missouri. After taking residence in Marceline, he operated a dry goods store in a building on West Santa Fe Street, just west of the present Methodist Church, that street being the main street at that time. Later he moved into a building a short distance north of what is now the Wolfe-Briggs Motor Company. In 1896 he decided to make a change, so he established the Wrenn Real Estate and Insurance business on August 7, which is still in operation, headed by the third generation, Jack C. Wrenn, son of R. M. Wrenn, and grandson of J. R. Wrenn. In 1912 J. R. Wrenn was joined in the business by his son R. M. Wrenn. Father and son continued to operate the agency until 1923 when J. R. Wrenn died, then R. M. Wrenn took over the business and operated it until his death in February 1947, at which time Jack took over. In August of this year, the agency will be observing its 67th year in business, thus making it one of the oldest businesses in town under the ownership of one family. J. R. Wrenn was a life-long member of the Methodist Church and held many official offices in the church here while he was a resident of Marceline. Jack C. Wrenn’s mother is also a pioneer citizen being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Cantlon, who came to Marceline when the town first started. She and R. M. Wrenn were married September 19, 1917. To this union was born 2 children, Jack and Betty Wrenn Austin. Jack and Wilma King Wrenn who were married in 1948 have two sons, Mitchell and Michael Wrenn, one of whom may well be the fourth generation to own the Wrenn Real Estate and Insurance business.
The Wolfe Family
In 1874 Warren and Sarah E. Buck Wolfe with their growing family, migrated from Williamsfield, Illinois, to Chariton County, Missouri, and a short time later to a farm home two miles west of Marceline. There the seven sons and four daughters grew to adulthood. The second son, in order of birth, was Frank M. Wolfe, born June 14, 1868. A determined and resourceful person, Mr. Wolfe obtained his education in country schools and gave his early years to farming. In 1903, the Frank Wolfe family moved to Marceline where he became prominent in business and church circles. He was first associated with Gucker & Wolfe, Implements; then Hutchinson-Wolfe Furniture; and in 1909 was appointed postmaster where he served four years. In 1914 he established the first auto sales agency in Marceline, and this agency continues in the Wolfe-Briggs Chevrolet Co. In December 1894, Frank M. Wolfe and Mabel E. Burch, daughter of Dennison D. and Stella P. Burch, were married. Three daughters were born – Ruby, Tessie, and Ferne. Today they are Mrs. H. R. Wolf and Mrs. H. V. Boddy of Marceline and Mrs. F. O. Judy, of Washington, D.C. This family has been active for more than 60 years in the life of the Methodist church, lodge, club, and other organizations. Two other grandchildren of Warren Wolf reside in Marceline – Mrs. F. H. Schutte, daughter of Arzelia Wolfe Smith, and Ralph H. Wolfe, son of Willard Wolfe.
L. L. Hamilton
The L. L. Hamilton family moved to Marceline from Leffler, Missouri in 1900 in a spring wagon with a cow tied behind it. Curt Minich moved their furniture in another wagon. There had been a drought and very little water was available as most wells were dry. They were fortunate to find a small house with a well but had to share it with another family until it rained and water was more plentiful. In 1901 they bought the house where Victoir Svensson now lives and moved the family to it. Mrs. Svensson is the daughter of the Hamiltons. Mr. Hamilton purchased a general store from Jim Ellis and his clerks were Ethna Smedley and Alice Hier. He sold this store and later bought a grocery store and had as his partners, his brother Al, Harve Staats, and Robert Cairns. Mr. Hamilton served as tax collector for 12 years and then was an agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company until his retirement. He was married to Maggie Lee Moss and they had five children: Mrs. Pearl Prunty, Bethany, Missouri; Gail Hamilton, Prairie Village, Kansas; Howard Hamilton, Chula Vista, California; Mrs. Alta Hainds, and Mrs. Josephine Svensson of Marceline, Missouri. Mrs. Hamilton died in 1921 and Mr. Hamilton in 1939.
Edwin Franklin Hayden
Edwin Franklin Hayden, son of W. S. and Eunice E. Hayden, was born December 10,1866, at Detroit, Illinois. In 1874, when he was about 8 years old, he and his parents moved to a farm in this community. It was located near the site of the Marceline Coal & Mining Company Mine No. 2; in fact, the Haydens sold the land to the mine. When Marceline was incorporated in 1888 and the streets were named, a street was called Hayden Street. It is the street on which the site of the new St. Francis Hospital is being located and is in the vicinity of the original farm. Mr. Hayden and Miss Bertha Dawkins were married on March 28, 1896, and three children were born to this union: Mrs. J. H. (Lucille) Hoff. Waukesha, Wisconsin; Mrs. Elmo (Maxine) Buck; W. F. Hayden, Ft. Madison, Iowa. On his retirement from business in 1953, he had been in the meat and grocery business 65 consecutive years. His first partnership was in 1388 with James Shriver. The partnership continued one year. For the next 10 years Mr. Hayden’s father, W. S. Hayden, was associated with him. About 1900 the partnership of Hayden and the late Sam Moore, father of E. A. Moore of Marceline, was formed. This partnership continued several years until the firm of Hayden and Hez Anderson was formed. This association lasted for the next eight years at which time Walter Morrison and Mr. Hayden formed a partnership, which lasted until 1918. From 1918 until the sale of his business in January, 1953, Mr. Hayden was the sole owner of his food market. In February 1953, after his retirement, the Marceline Rotary Club honored him at a luncheon, and he was awarded a framed certificate and a life membership in the Marceline Chamber of Commerce. He was also honored by the Marceline Lodge No. 481 A. F. & A. M. on May 17, 1949, with a 50-year pin. In 1955 Mr. and Mrs. Hayden celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Hayden preceded him in death, December 18, 1955, at the age of 80. Mr. Hayden died September 14, 1957, at the age of 91.
Thomas J. Sportsman
Thomas J. Sportsman was born September 4, 1862, at Thayer, Missouri, and spent his entire life in Linn County. For many years, he engaged in farming in the vicinity of what is now Marceline. When he was a young man, he used his team of horses and did grading for the road bed on the Santa Fe Railroad. He was married to Jennie Warner on June 26, 1892. Miss Warner had come to Missouri with her parents, Erastus and Lettie Jane Akerson, from Pennsylvania. They were direct descendants of Andrew Warner who settled in America in 1632. In 1902, Mr. Sportsman sold his farm and moved to town locating on East Bisbee Street where his widow still resides. He started working as a laborer on the construction of the building now known as the Zurcher Building. For many years he worked in the coal mines in this area and also for two years as janitor at the Park School. After leaving the mines when he was past seventy- four years old, he became the caretaker of the Ripley Square Park, a position he held for several years. He died in 1950 at the age of 88 years. Mr. and Mrs. Sportsman were the parents of six children: Andy M., Elmer O., Ira Thomas, and infant daughter, all deceased; Gerald W. of Amarillo, Texas, and Della, who resides with the widow in their home on Bisbee Street. They also have several grandchildren. Among those still residing in Marceline are Mrs. Jean Lee Hoskins and William Gail Sportsman.