All nominees are included in the exhibit. They are listed alphabetically by last name here.
Mrs. Martha Barney
Mrs. Ruben Barney, “Mattie,” was born Martha Prindle in Vermont in 1846. She married Dr. Ruben Barney in November 1866 and they moved to Chillicothe in 1868, Four sons were born to them: Ruben Junior, Percy, Mortimer, and Hawley.
With Mrs. Paul Kitt, Mattie organized the Olive Prindle Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution #1004. The chapter was commissioned on May 20, 1911 with 15 members. At the age of 65, Mattie became the first Regent, responsible for everything in the organization.
In 1912-1913, Mattie and her DAR Chapter collected the amazing sum of $2,000 to pave Cemetery Lane, renamed Edgewood Avenue in the Edgewood Cemetery. DAR collected funds from 1913-1917 for the Missouri State Highway Department campaign to “Lift Missouri Out of the Mud.”
During WWI, Mattie and the DAR Chapter joined with the National Society to collect funds to aid Belgian and French non-combatants left destitute by the WWI. She and her Chapter donated to the Missouri Ambulance Fund and established the first auxiliary of the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross. They rolled bandages, made up care kits, knitted socks, and hemmed handkerchiefs. The Chapter also sewed utility bags, then sold them to raise money for war relief. All together the Chapter spent almost $1000 on aid; that would be over $17,000 in 2020. They raised money to send an Edison machine to our local nurse in France. They also donated books to the soldiers at Ft. Bliss, Texas, and adopted a little French orphan.
Mattie donated her mother’s American flag to Company I of Livingston County. Originally, the flag was flown on Admiral Prindle’s battleship in 1876, then brave soldiers carried it to Mexico and it then flew for Chillicothe’s soldiers in France. Eventually, it came back with Company I and was placed in the cornerstone of the Livingston County Courthouse.
After the war, Mattie did not slow down. She was instrumental in compiling an honor roll of the names of Livingston County soldiers who served in WWI and hung it in the Missouri State Capitol Building, where it still resides. Her DAR Chapter joined with other Missouri chapters to establish the School of the Ozarks. What a nice change to go from helping soldiers survive to educating young minds, especially helping those who would not otherwise be able to attend college.
Martha Barney passed on to glory August 16, 1918.
The Olive Prindle Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution has been a vital part of this community ever since fifteen women, led by one special woman, decided to make a difference in their world.
With Mrs. Paul Kitt, Mattie organized the Olive Prindle Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution #1004. The chapter was commissioned on May 20, 1911 with 15 members. At the age of 65, Mattie became the first Regent, responsible for everything in the organization.
In 1912-1913, Mattie and her DAR Chapter collected the amazing sum of $2,000 to pave Cemetery Lane, renamed Edgewood Avenue in the Edgewood Cemetery. DAR collected funds from 1913-1917 for the Missouri State Highway Department campaign to “Lift Missouri Out of the Mud.”
During WWI, Mattie and the DAR Chapter joined with the National Society to collect funds to aid Belgian and French non-combatants left destitute by the WWI. She and her Chapter donated to the Missouri Ambulance Fund and established the first auxiliary of the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross. They rolled bandages, made up care kits, knitted socks, and hemmed handkerchiefs. The Chapter also sewed utility bags, then sold them to raise money for war relief. All together the Chapter spent almost $1000 on aid; that would be over $17,000 in 2020. They raised money to send an Edison machine to our local nurse in France. They also donated books to the soldiers at Ft. Bliss, Texas, and adopted a little French orphan.
Mattie donated her mother’s American flag to Company I of Livingston County. Originally, the flag was flown on Admiral Prindle’s battleship in 1876, then brave soldiers carried it to Mexico and it then flew for Chillicothe’s soldiers in France. Eventually, it came back with Company I and was placed in the cornerstone of the Livingston County Courthouse.
After the war, Mattie did not slow down. She was instrumental in compiling an honor roll of the names of Livingston County soldiers who served in WWI and hung it in the Missouri State Capitol Building, where it still resides. Her DAR Chapter joined with other Missouri chapters to establish the School of the Ozarks. What a nice change to go from helping soldiers survive to educating young minds, especially helping those who would not otherwise be able to attend college.
Martha Barney passed on to glory August 16, 1918.
The Olive Prindle Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution has been a vital part of this community ever since fifteen women, led by one special woman, decided to make a difference in their world.
Dr. W. W. Edgerton
Dr. William Wilburforce Edgerton was born in Ohio in 1845. He enlisted in the Army at the age of 16, serving during the Civil War from 1862 to 1865. He was in Company A, 107th New York volunteer infantry.
He moved to Wheeling, Missouri in April 1872 after graduating from Rush Medical College in Chicago. While practicing medicine in Wheeling, he performed a medical exam on two young men, both vying for one spot at West Point Military Academy. Dr. Edgerton broke the tie by choosing the one in the best physical condition: a man named John Pershing who went on to become a famous general in World War I.
Edgerton then opened and ran a general merchandise store in Wheeling from 1881 to 1889 with partner William Scruby. Edgerton and Scruby built the first grain elevator in Wheeling in 1884.
In 1876 he married Elizabeth Davis and in 1889 they moved the Chillicothe. Here he recognized the need for a bank and helped create Citizen’s National Bank, serving as vice-president and the first cashier. He became President upon the death of the first President, Thomas McNally. Citizens National Bank was the only bank in Chillicothe and 1 of only 3 in the county that managed to stay afloat during the Depression of 1929; there had been 5 banks in town and 22 in the county prior to that time.
Edgerton was a member of the Masonic Order and served as an officer on the Chillicothe Cemetery Association.
From 1903 to 1905, he was mayor of Chillicothe and brought about “many important improvements” during his term. He helped to pass an ordinance in 1904 requiring property owners to “pave” the streets in front of their lots. (By “pave” they meant brick on a sand base.) He was involved in the Milwaukee Depot land ownership dispute with all the shops on railroad property reverting back to the City. He had to do away with the “merchant police” due to budget issues as well as an unclear chain of command and vague responsibilities. Edgerton was also involved in keeping the fire insurance rates down when the insurance trust tried to raise rates. He also helped re-organize the fire department and spoke against raising light rates.
Edgerton died at his home at 1003 Locust Street, at the corner of Locust and Polk, on November 11, 1931. That home is still standing.
He moved to Wheeling, Missouri in April 1872 after graduating from Rush Medical College in Chicago. While practicing medicine in Wheeling, he performed a medical exam on two young men, both vying for one spot at West Point Military Academy. Dr. Edgerton broke the tie by choosing the one in the best physical condition: a man named John Pershing who went on to become a famous general in World War I.
Edgerton then opened and ran a general merchandise store in Wheeling from 1881 to 1889 with partner William Scruby. Edgerton and Scruby built the first grain elevator in Wheeling in 1884.
In 1876 he married Elizabeth Davis and in 1889 they moved the Chillicothe. Here he recognized the need for a bank and helped create Citizen’s National Bank, serving as vice-president and the first cashier. He became President upon the death of the first President, Thomas McNally. Citizens National Bank was the only bank in Chillicothe and 1 of only 3 in the county that managed to stay afloat during the Depression of 1929; there had been 5 banks in town and 22 in the county prior to that time.
Edgerton was a member of the Masonic Order and served as an officer on the Chillicothe Cemetery Association.
From 1903 to 1905, he was mayor of Chillicothe and brought about “many important improvements” during his term. He helped to pass an ordinance in 1904 requiring property owners to “pave” the streets in front of their lots. (By “pave” they meant brick on a sand base.) He was involved in the Milwaukee Depot land ownership dispute with all the shops on railroad property reverting back to the City. He had to do away with the “merchant police” due to budget issues as well as an unclear chain of command and vague responsibilities. Edgerton was also involved in keeping the fire insurance rates down when the insurance trust tried to raise rates. He also helped re-organize the fire department and spoke against raising light rates.
Edgerton died at his home at 1003 Locust Street, at the corner of Locust and Polk, on November 11, 1931. That home is still standing.
Dr. J. W. Greene
Jacob Wesley Greene was born January 18, 1839 in Indiana. He enlisted in the Army in 1862. On October 25, 1863 he married Miss Ann Pitt. Four children were born to them: Dora, Zeffa, Philo, and Hebe.
In 1867 they moved to Chillicothe and Greene became a partner with dentist T. J. Sherman. In 1884 he purchased a large tract of land near Third Street and the Industrial Home for Girls and established the Eden Greene Fruit Farm. An active member of the Livingston County Horticultural Society, his farm also included angus cattle, horses, poultry, hogs, German carp, and Italian bees. He invented a farming practice to raise grapes and corn referred to as “dust mulching,” but someone stole his idea before he could get it patented.
Dr. Greene wrote a number of books on dentistry and travelled the country lecturing. He obtained two patents for plates for false teeth. In 1911 he invented a set of aluminum trays to be used with modeling compound he also created. His book, Method of Taking Impressions, was immensely popular and an authority in prosthetic dentistry.
He made the “first public tirade against saloons,” determined to eradicate these “halls of hell” and was often quoted in the newspapers of his day. He ran for County Treasurer on the Greenback party ticket and won in 1878 and 1880. In 1882 he was elected chairman for the Bottoms Roads which was concerned with building good roads.
Dr. Greene had a big heart and gave his dental services free of charge to those who needed it but could not pay. He tried to create a home for wayward boys, similar to the Industrial Home for Girls and was going to donate his Eden Greene Farm for it. For whatever reason, it never came to fruition.
Perhaps he is best remembered for creating Elm Park. After the third courthouse was torn down in about 1865, the Square became overrun with black locust trees and livestock. Dr. Greene had the forethought to create a city park here. Money was raised and permission given by the county for him to clear out half of the locust trees. When Dr. Greene reported back to the county in August of 1876, he claimed to having cut down the wrong half of the trees, “confessing his blunder in a way that convulsed the court with laughter.” Not your typical dentist. He was then given permission to clean out the remainder of the area. The planting was completed by April 21, 1877 and the three involved made a solemn vow to protect the trees. This became Elm Park. Dr. Greene was Park Commissioner from 1877-1887.
Of course, many of the trees had to be removed to build the new courthouse in 1914. Dr. Greene, the only surviving member of the original planting group at that time, “denounced” the move as “wicked folly.”
Dr. Greene passed away at the age of 77 on February 27, 1916 in Kansas City following complications from surgery. He is buried in Edgewood Cemetery in Chillicothe. In 1918 he was cited as one of two men in Missouri to have most advanced the “prosthetic art.”
In 1867 they moved to Chillicothe and Greene became a partner with dentist T. J. Sherman. In 1884 he purchased a large tract of land near Third Street and the Industrial Home for Girls and established the Eden Greene Fruit Farm. An active member of the Livingston County Horticultural Society, his farm also included angus cattle, horses, poultry, hogs, German carp, and Italian bees. He invented a farming practice to raise grapes and corn referred to as “dust mulching,” but someone stole his idea before he could get it patented.
Dr. Greene wrote a number of books on dentistry and travelled the country lecturing. He obtained two patents for plates for false teeth. In 1911 he invented a set of aluminum trays to be used with modeling compound he also created. His book, Method of Taking Impressions, was immensely popular and an authority in prosthetic dentistry.
He made the “first public tirade against saloons,” determined to eradicate these “halls of hell” and was often quoted in the newspapers of his day. He ran for County Treasurer on the Greenback party ticket and won in 1878 and 1880. In 1882 he was elected chairman for the Bottoms Roads which was concerned with building good roads.
Dr. Greene had a big heart and gave his dental services free of charge to those who needed it but could not pay. He tried to create a home for wayward boys, similar to the Industrial Home for Girls and was going to donate his Eden Greene Farm for it. For whatever reason, it never came to fruition.
Perhaps he is best remembered for creating Elm Park. After the third courthouse was torn down in about 1865, the Square became overrun with black locust trees and livestock. Dr. Greene had the forethought to create a city park here. Money was raised and permission given by the county for him to clear out half of the locust trees. When Dr. Greene reported back to the county in August of 1876, he claimed to having cut down the wrong half of the trees, “confessing his blunder in a way that convulsed the court with laughter.” Not your typical dentist. He was then given permission to clean out the remainder of the area. The planting was completed by April 21, 1877 and the three involved made a solemn vow to protect the trees. This became Elm Park. Dr. Greene was Park Commissioner from 1877-1887.
Of course, many of the trees had to be removed to build the new courthouse in 1914. Dr. Greene, the only surviving member of the original planting group at that time, “denounced” the move as “wicked folly.”
Dr. Greene passed away at the age of 77 on February 27, 1916 in Kansas City following complications from surgery. He is buried in Edgewood Cemetery in Chillicothe. In 1918 he was cited as one of two men in Missouri to have most advanced the “prosthetic art.”
Thomas McNally
Thomas McNally was born in Ireland in 1841 and grew up farming and attending school. He came to the United States in 1863 to seek his fortune, making his way to Livingston County in 1869-1871 while working for the railroad. McNally then set down roots here and opened a grocery store. In 1874 he was elected Marshal and in 1875, Street Commissioner. He married Ida Fitzpatrick in 1877. In 1881-1882 he was Township Trustee and Treasurer. He won election as County Treasurer in 1882 and 1884. And he was Treasurer for the effort to secure the Chillicothe Normal School, later called the Chillicothe Business College, in the late 1880s.
In 1886 McNally, along with Dr. W. W. Edgerton and a few others, founded Citizens National Bank. McNally then built a fine home on Tenth Street around 1893 for his wife and six children near their church, St. Columban’s. McNally owned the bank building as well as the post office building on Washington Street (now the Chamber of Commerce building). He remained President of the bank until his death in 1899 from kidney disease at the age of 59. His obituary says he was a man of “wealth and influence at the head of one of the city’s strongest financial institutions” and had “one of the finest homes in north Missouri.” What he achieved in his life was the result of his “energy and business ability.”
In 1886 McNally, along with Dr. W. W. Edgerton and a few others, founded Citizens National Bank. McNally then built a fine home on Tenth Street around 1893 for his wife and six children near their church, St. Columban’s. McNally owned the bank building as well as the post office building on Washington Street (now the Chamber of Commerce building). He remained President of the bank until his death in 1899 from kidney disease at the age of 59. His obituary says he was a man of “wealth and influence at the head of one of the city’s strongest financial institutions” and had “one of the finest homes in north Missouri.” What he achieved in his life was the result of his “energy and business ability.”
Zebulon B. Myers
Zebulon “Zibe” B. Myers was born at 423 Jackson Street in 1860. Zibe, son of prominent parents Jacob and Carolina Myers, was very well-known throughout the county in his day. A true entrepreneur, he managed multiple businesses. By 1878, at just 18 years of age, he was working in the transfer, baggage and express business, with a livery on the corner of Jackson and Cherry. As part of the livery business, he kept updated and stylish carriages, buggies, and surreys. He was also reported to be in the poultry business, breeding several kinds of fancy chickens and selling eggs.
He married Mary Luella Lile, a local girl, in 1882. Although they never had any children, they raised two orphaned relatives, Mac and Margaret Henry.
Zibe transitioned into theatre life, managing the City Hall’s grandiose Opera House, as well as continuing to work in the transfer line in the early 1890s. In 1895 he hired George H. Johnston from Kansas City, a theatre architect and scenic artist, to design a new theatre. The Luella Grand Theatre was known as “the finest show house in north Missouri” with 650 theatre seats. During his time at the Luella Grand, he brought “some of the finest entertainment” to Chillicothe. Many old-timers fondly remembered his theatre and its “splendid bills” during the 1937 county centennial. In Julius Cahn’s Theatre Guides, a nation-wide theatre publication, the Luella was the only theatre listed for Chillicothe for many years, even though there were numerous other theatres in town. Not afraid to stand up for his rights, he fought with City Council a number of times over ordinances not allowing theatres to operate on Sundays. He also owned interests in theatres in Moberly, Brookfield, and Chanute, KS.
In 1905 he ran for and was elected to city council. He also remodeled the Luella Theatre, adding 100 more seats. In 1911 he again ran for mayor, but lost.
In 1912 when he traded the Luella Theatre for farmland, but stayed on for a few years as manager.
In 1923 and 1926 he ran for police judge. And in 1926 he also ran for county representative. It doesn’t seem that he won any of those elections.
In 1927 Zibe was elected as county representative to the state legislature. He was also involved with the Anti-Horse Thief/Anti-Thief Association and was even state president of that organization at one time.
Zibe died in the same house he was born in, on Oct. 12, 1938. It seems he may have lived there his entire life!
He married Mary Luella Lile, a local girl, in 1882. Although they never had any children, they raised two orphaned relatives, Mac and Margaret Henry.
Zibe transitioned into theatre life, managing the City Hall’s grandiose Opera House, as well as continuing to work in the transfer line in the early 1890s. In 1895 he hired George H. Johnston from Kansas City, a theatre architect and scenic artist, to design a new theatre. The Luella Grand Theatre was known as “the finest show house in north Missouri” with 650 theatre seats. During his time at the Luella Grand, he brought “some of the finest entertainment” to Chillicothe. Many old-timers fondly remembered his theatre and its “splendid bills” during the 1937 county centennial. In Julius Cahn’s Theatre Guides, a nation-wide theatre publication, the Luella was the only theatre listed for Chillicothe for many years, even though there were numerous other theatres in town. Not afraid to stand up for his rights, he fought with City Council a number of times over ordinances not allowing theatres to operate on Sundays. He also owned interests in theatres in Moberly, Brookfield, and Chanute, KS.
In 1905 he ran for and was elected to city council. He also remodeled the Luella Theatre, adding 100 more seats. In 1911 he again ran for mayor, but lost.
In 1912 when he traded the Luella Theatre for farmland, but stayed on for a few years as manager.
In 1923 and 1926 he ran for police judge. And in 1926 he also ran for county representative. It doesn’t seem that he won any of those elections.
In 1927 Zibe was elected as county representative to the state legislature. He was also involved with the Anti-Horse Thief/Anti-Thief Association and was even state president of that organization at one time.
Zibe died in the same house he was born in, on Oct. 12, 1938. It seems he may have lived there his entire life!
Florence Leaver Pendleton
One woman’s kind bequest fifty- three years ago has helped over 900 Chillicothe High School graduates further their education through interest-free loans amounting to approximately $2,094,874. Florence Pendleton died in Portland, Maine in 1968, leaving her estate of $214,730 to a “school committee of the Chillicothe High School.” The Pendleton Trust is under the supervision of the Livingston County Circuit Court, Probate Division. Seven Trustees appointed by the Court grant the student loans each school year. When students graduate or leave their degree programs, they repay their loan over a specified number of months.
Mrs. Pendleton, the former Florence Leaver, was born in 1873 in Chillicothe to Frank (1839-1913) and Margaret McDonald Leaver (1846-1910). Frank was born in Pennsylvania and was a tailor at Leaver and Butler, 706 Locust Street. Margaret was born in Canada. The family lived at 438 Elm Street with their children Florence (Flora), Katherine (Kitty), Frank (1879-1894), and Horace (1878-1880). The family is buried in Edgewood Cemetery. Florence graduated from Chillicothe High School and attended the University of Missouri. She was a senior at the University of Missouri in1895 when the student body numbered about 660 students. She taught at Central School for a time and later in New York for many years, according to Miss True Sawyer. According to the Constitution Tribune, Florence married E.G. Irwin, assistant general ticket agent at the Union Depot in St. Louis in 1906 in a wedding kept secret for eleven months. The Constitution Tribune also reports that Florence married Walter Pendleton in 1908. Walter was employed by the Kansas City Southern Railway. His obituary says he was from an old New England family “whose forbearers were of distinguished English ancestry.” Walter died in New York in 1934 at the age of 71. Florence returned to Chillicothe following Walter’s death and made her home with her unmarried sister Kitty at 506 1/2 Washington Street. Kitty was the Livingston County Deputy Treasurer and worked in the abstract and loan department of People’s Trust Bank. She was a shrewd businesswoman who made loans to people to buy automobiles at a time the banks would not. Kitty died in 1949 leaving an estate of $79,375.63 to her sister Florence.
After her sister’s death Florence returned to the East coast. Chillicothe Attorney Randall Kitt traveled to Portland, Maine in 1962 to draft Florence’s Will which stated that only white male Protestant students should receive the interest-free loans. After Florence’s death in 1968, the Chillicothe School District received a ruling from Missouri Attorney General John Danforth that a public school cannot place “discriminatory limitations on the Trust based on race, religion, national origin, or sex.” After receiving this ruling at the end of October 1969, the Chillicothe School Board managed the loan requests from Chillicothe graduates who showed financial need. Eventually the School Board appointed an eight -member board because the work of the Trust involved too much time for the School Board.
Mrs. Pendleton, the former Florence Leaver, was born in 1873 in Chillicothe to Frank (1839-1913) and Margaret McDonald Leaver (1846-1910). Frank was born in Pennsylvania and was a tailor at Leaver and Butler, 706 Locust Street. Margaret was born in Canada. The family lived at 438 Elm Street with their children Florence (Flora), Katherine (Kitty), Frank (1879-1894), and Horace (1878-1880). The family is buried in Edgewood Cemetery. Florence graduated from Chillicothe High School and attended the University of Missouri. She was a senior at the University of Missouri in1895 when the student body numbered about 660 students. She taught at Central School for a time and later in New York for many years, according to Miss True Sawyer. According to the Constitution Tribune, Florence married E.G. Irwin, assistant general ticket agent at the Union Depot in St. Louis in 1906 in a wedding kept secret for eleven months. The Constitution Tribune also reports that Florence married Walter Pendleton in 1908. Walter was employed by the Kansas City Southern Railway. His obituary says he was from an old New England family “whose forbearers were of distinguished English ancestry.” Walter died in New York in 1934 at the age of 71. Florence returned to Chillicothe following Walter’s death and made her home with her unmarried sister Kitty at 506 1/2 Washington Street. Kitty was the Livingston County Deputy Treasurer and worked in the abstract and loan department of People’s Trust Bank. She was a shrewd businesswoman who made loans to people to buy automobiles at a time the banks would not. Kitty died in 1949 leaving an estate of $79,375.63 to her sister Florence.
After her sister’s death Florence returned to the East coast. Chillicothe Attorney Randall Kitt traveled to Portland, Maine in 1962 to draft Florence’s Will which stated that only white male Protestant students should receive the interest-free loans. After Florence’s death in 1968, the Chillicothe School District received a ruling from Missouri Attorney General John Danforth that a public school cannot place “discriminatory limitations on the Trust based on race, religion, national origin, or sex.” After receiving this ruling at the end of October 1969, the Chillicothe School Board managed the loan requests from Chillicothe graduates who showed financial need. Eventually the School Board appointed an eight -member board because the work of the Trust involved too much time for the School Board.
Platter Brothers
The Platter family came to Chillicothe in 1863. The patriarch, Andrew Platter, bought a building in town in 1864 and started his livery business on Locust Street. The Jan 31, 1867 Chillicothe Spectator shows the business of “A. Platter & Sons” included a livery and feed stable, livery business with top and open carriages, animal boarding, and a hearse that ran out to the train depot.
Two of Andrew’s sons, William “Bill” and Frank, worked in or were connected with the hardware business at Dunn & Daly and with H.H. Edsall in Chillicothe, in addition to being involved with the livery business. When Andrew died in 1875, these two sons inherited his livery business. The business is listed in the 1878 Atlas for Livingston County as a livery, feed, and boarding stable, with the Platter brothers also as proprietors of the Chillicothe and Trenton Stage Line and Browning House Bus Line. They also ran the Platter, Crew & Company, dealers in horses and mules.
By 1886, Bill and Frank turned their full attention to their livery business. They “built up the greatest horse and mule firm in the country outside the great central cities where the market is supplied.” It is said that Bill’s “word controlled the prices of horses in St. Louis for many years.” Frank and Bill “established probably the largest original supply depot for horses and mules in the world.” In 1894 the Platter brothers claimed to have “bought and shipped 3,504” horses and mules. They even shipped horses to Germany as an experiment when the market had slowed down.
Bill Platter never married and made his home, at least late in his life, next to the Platter Stables. He died in 1901 and is buried at Edgewood Cemetery. That left Frank with sole ownership of the livery business.
Frank Platter married Ella Van Every in 1879. She died in about 1890 or 1891, and he later married Bessie Guitar in 1898. His home was at 118 South Locust where the current fire station is now, at the corner of Locust and Second on the west side of Locust. The home had been built by Edward Crellin.
The second floor of the Platter Barn was used as a community meeting room, dance hall, and opera house since at least 1868. This may sound odd, but this was quite common in those days.
In 1868, Nelson Kneass, who wrote the song “Ben Bolt,” after whom the Chillicothe movie theatre was named in 1949, came to town. He was the manager of a theatrical troupe. Most locals know the story: he came, performed, got ill, and died at the Browning Hotel at the corner of Jackson and Locust. His pivotal last performance in Chillicothe was held at the Platter Barn “opera house” above the stables. Many famous actresses came to this venue and Kneass’ last performance was to a packed house.
Around 1870-1871, Mabel Jones Bryan recalls being taken to the Platter Hall, above the stable, to see her first plays Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Lady of Lyons, and Rip Van Winkle, put on by a travelling theatre troupe. Mrs. Bryan states that the building had stood since before the Civil War. Her mother and an aunt had attended several performances at this Hall between 1867 and 1871.
Grace Episcopal Church met in this upstairs area until 1869 when their building was completed. Grace Episcopal Church claimed it “lacked a congenial atmosphere”. Not sure if that meant it was too plain or too fancy! The Platters were founding members of the Grace Episcopal Church.
In 1904 a book titled The State of Missouri was published with two pages devoted to Livingston County and only two pictures. One picture was of a cattle herd with a steer inset, showing how important agriculture was to the economy. The other was the Platter Livery. It even states that Chillicothe has one of the largest horse and mule markets in the state. Clearly this shows the great importance of the Platters in this community with their livery business.
But all things have their season and in 1909 Frank Platter closed down the livery business and moved to Dennison, Texas. His wife and son David wintered in Texas, but otherwise could often be found either in Columbia, Missouri visiting her family or here in Chillicothe. In fact, Frank seems to have visited Chillicothe often. In 1914 he leased his building to Christison & Hershey who briefly held a livery business there. In 1915, Adams Automobile & Supply Company owned the building and tore down the old livery to build their sales and service garage in its place. In 1928 it became Montgomery Wards. From the mid-1970s it became the home of the Senior Citizens Center, Joy Toys, and Threads thrift store. Frank died in the 1930s in Texas and is buried there.
Two of Andrew’s sons, William “Bill” and Frank, worked in or were connected with the hardware business at Dunn & Daly and with H.H. Edsall in Chillicothe, in addition to being involved with the livery business. When Andrew died in 1875, these two sons inherited his livery business. The business is listed in the 1878 Atlas for Livingston County as a livery, feed, and boarding stable, with the Platter brothers also as proprietors of the Chillicothe and Trenton Stage Line and Browning House Bus Line. They also ran the Platter, Crew & Company, dealers in horses and mules.
By 1886, Bill and Frank turned their full attention to their livery business. They “built up the greatest horse and mule firm in the country outside the great central cities where the market is supplied.” It is said that Bill’s “word controlled the prices of horses in St. Louis for many years.” Frank and Bill “established probably the largest original supply depot for horses and mules in the world.” In 1894 the Platter brothers claimed to have “bought and shipped 3,504” horses and mules. They even shipped horses to Germany as an experiment when the market had slowed down.
Bill Platter never married and made his home, at least late in his life, next to the Platter Stables. He died in 1901 and is buried at Edgewood Cemetery. That left Frank with sole ownership of the livery business.
Frank Platter married Ella Van Every in 1879. She died in about 1890 or 1891, and he later married Bessie Guitar in 1898. His home was at 118 South Locust where the current fire station is now, at the corner of Locust and Second on the west side of Locust. The home had been built by Edward Crellin.
The second floor of the Platter Barn was used as a community meeting room, dance hall, and opera house since at least 1868. This may sound odd, but this was quite common in those days.
In 1868, Nelson Kneass, who wrote the song “Ben Bolt,” after whom the Chillicothe movie theatre was named in 1949, came to town. He was the manager of a theatrical troupe. Most locals know the story: he came, performed, got ill, and died at the Browning Hotel at the corner of Jackson and Locust. His pivotal last performance in Chillicothe was held at the Platter Barn “opera house” above the stables. Many famous actresses came to this venue and Kneass’ last performance was to a packed house.
Around 1870-1871, Mabel Jones Bryan recalls being taken to the Platter Hall, above the stable, to see her first plays Uncle Tom’s Cabin, The Lady of Lyons, and Rip Van Winkle, put on by a travelling theatre troupe. Mrs. Bryan states that the building had stood since before the Civil War. Her mother and an aunt had attended several performances at this Hall between 1867 and 1871.
Grace Episcopal Church met in this upstairs area until 1869 when their building was completed. Grace Episcopal Church claimed it “lacked a congenial atmosphere”. Not sure if that meant it was too plain or too fancy! The Platters were founding members of the Grace Episcopal Church.
In 1904 a book titled The State of Missouri was published with two pages devoted to Livingston County and only two pictures. One picture was of a cattle herd with a steer inset, showing how important agriculture was to the economy. The other was the Platter Livery. It even states that Chillicothe has one of the largest horse and mule markets in the state. Clearly this shows the great importance of the Platters in this community with their livery business.
But all things have their season and in 1909 Frank Platter closed down the livery business and moved to Dennison, Texas. His wife and son David wintered in Texas, but otherwise could often be found either in Columbia, Missouri visiting her family or here in Chillicothe. In fact, Frank seems to have visited Chillicothe often. In 1914 he leased his building to Christison & Hershey who briefly held a livery business there. In 1915, Adams Automobile & Supply Company owned the building and tore down the old livery to build their sales and service garage in its place. In 1928 it became Montgomery Wards. From the mid-1970s it became the home of the Senior Citizens Center, Joy Toys, and Threads thrift store. Frank died in the 1930s in Texas and is buried there.
Leonard Robertson
Leonard E. Robertson was born in Livingston County on January 9, 1907 in a farmhouse in the river bottoms west of the U.S. 65/Chula junction. His parents were Edwin Allen and Vola Pearl (Shepard) Robertson.
His family later moved to a farm just southwest of Chillicothe where he lived until graduating from college. He attended grade schools in Chillicothe and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1925. In 1927 he graduated from the Chillicothe Business College, where he met his wife Ruth G. Melvin.
Robertson worked in sales in Kansas City for some time. He then returned to Chillicothe where he was a salesman for the Ford dealer.
In 1933 Robertson bought the service equipment from the Ford Dealer’s estate and became the youngest Ford Motor Company franchised dealer in the United States west of the Mississippi River. He continued as a Ford franchised dealer in Chillicothe for 44 years until August 1977, selling Ford cars and trucks, Mercury cars and Lincoln cars.
Robertson was a charter member of the Chillicothe Lions Club. He sponsored the American Legion baseball team in Chillicothe for several years, and was a member of the Chillicothe Planning and Zoning board. During World War II he served as an auxiliary Missouri State Highway Patrolman. He was also a charter stockholder in the Chillicothe Industrial Development Corporation.
He owned about 1500 acres south and east of Chillicothe bordering both sides of the old U.S. 36 Highway where he raised cattle and grew soybeans and corn. On part of that farm along the south side of the highway, he built a large cattle custom order buying facility which was operated by Byron Hayes for many years. That facility later was the site of the Sav-Mor Lumber Company.
His dream was to build a modern motel for Chillicothe. In fact, he and his son, Eddie D. Robertson, secured a national Holiday Inn franchise in the early 1970s for a site at the southeast corner of U.S. 65 and old U.S. 36 Highways. His dream was realized when his son built and opened the Grand River Inn, a full-service hotel with restaurant, bar, and convention center, on that same site in 1986. That construction started a new wave of fresh economic development in the south part of Chillicothe.
Robertson’s farm is the current location of the FEC Industrial Park, the U.S. Social Security Office, Kubota dealer, a used vehicle dealership, the Missouri State Highway Department Maintenance Center, the Forest O. Triplett Animal Shelter, Lowe’s, three hotels, a bank, Applebee’s restaurant, Casey’s convenience store, and other businesses.
His family later moved to a farm just southwest of Chillicothe where he lived until graduating from college. He attended grade schools in Chillicothe and graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1925. In 1927 he graduated from the Chillicothe Business College, where he met his wife Ruth G. Melvin.
Robertson worked in sales in Kansas City for some time. He then returned to Chillicothe where he was a salesman for the Ford dealer.
In 1933 Robertson bought the service equipment from the Ford Dealer’s estate and became the youngest Ford Motor Company franchised dealer in the United States west of the Mississippi River. He continued as a Ford franchised dealer in Chillicothe for 44 years until August 1977, selling Ford cars and trucks, Mercury cars and Lincoln cars.
Robertson was a charter member of the Chillicothe Lions Club. He sponsored the American Legion baseball team in Chillicothe for several years, and was a member of the Chillicothe Planning and Zoning board. During World War II he served as an auxiliary Missouri State Highway Patrolman. He was also a charter stockholder in the Chillicothe Industrial Development Corporation.
He owned about 1500 acres south and east of Chillicothe bordering both sides of the old U.S. 36 Highway where he raised cattle and grew soybeans and corn. On part of that farm along the south side of the highway, he built a large cattle custom order buying facility which was operated by Byron Hayes for many years. That facility later was the site of the Sav-Mor Lumber Company.
His dream was to build a modern motel for Chillicothe. In fact, he and his son, Eddie D. Robertson, secured a national Holiday Inn franchise in the early 1970s for a site at the southeast corner of U.S. 65 and old U.S. 36 Highways. His dream was realized when his son built and opened the Grand River Inn, a full-service hotel with restaurant, bar, and convention center, on that same site in 1986. That construction started a new wave of fresh economic development in the south part of Chillicothe.
Robertson’s farm is the current location of the FEC Industrial Park, the U.S. Social Security Office, Kubota dealer, a used vehicle dealership, the Missouri State Highway Department Maintenance Center, the Forest O. Triplett Animal Shelter, Lowe’s, three hotels, a bank, Applebee’s restaurant, Casey’s convenience store, and other businesses.