Other Stoddard County Items
The Populist Movement In
Stoddard County
Compiled & Written By Paul Arnold
The Populist Movement was a politically oriented group of generally agriculturally related reformers in the Midwest and South in the late 19th century. Democrats were afraid that a third party, a Populist Party, would ensure that Republicans would win elections since most populists came from the Democratic Party.
The Agricultural Wheel comes to Stoddard County
The Agricultural Wheel was a farm protest organization of farmers in the U.S. It was formed to expose and reform the problems faced by small farmers. Farmers believed that merchants, grain elevators, and railroads took advantage of them. The Wheel supported a lot of populist ideas but was not committed enough to support the Populist Party enough to endorse a third party because they knew that would mean defeat of both the populists and the Democrats.
They wanted: expansion of currency through silver, close all national banks, regulation or nationalization of railroads, telephones, and telegraphs, only Americans to be able to purchase public lands, income tax on high incomes, elect senators by popular vote (not by legislatures as during that time). Members were encouraged to join cooperatives, avoid debt, and void one crop overemphasis.
They wanted: expansion of currency through silver, close all national banks, regulation or nationalization of railroads, telephones, and telegraphs, only Americans to be able to purchase public lands, income tax on high incomes, elect senators by popular vote (not by legislatures as during that time). Members were encouraged to join cooperatives, avoid debt, and void one crop overemphasis.
The first Agricultural Wheel in Southeast Missouri was established in Poplar Bluff in 1887, but the group had met informally as early as 1886 in Mississippi County. In 1888 it held its first state convention in Missouri at Dexter. The state president of the Wheel was H. W. Hickman (From Stoddard County). Later another group called the Farmers' Alliance would merge with the Wheel to create the Farmers and Laborers Union (Southern Alliance), with Hickman as president.
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Henry W. Hickman was born in Humphreys County, Tennessee on December 2, 1832. His mother and father were natives of South Carolina but moved to Tennessee in 1835. Young Hickman was raised in Obion County, Tennessee but moved to Laclede County, Missouri where he taught school for three years. He returned to Tenneessee and married Mary L. Howard of Obion County. On August 3, 1861 he enlisted in Company A, 33rd Tennessee Infantry. He was first elected 1st lieutenant and then captain and served at the rank the rest of the war. He fought at Corinth, Perryville, Chickamauga, and many other battles. He was sent home to recruit for his company when he was captured and was not released until the end of the war. From 1865 until 1879 he served in various political officers in Obion County as a Democrat. In 1879 he moved to Stoddard County Missouri where he was instrumental in populist politics.
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H. W. Hickman, 1st President of the Agricultural Wheel (Photo: Missouri Historical Review).
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The Agricultural Wheel and the farm protest movement in general in Southeast Missouri had educational, economic, and political goals. They sponsored lectures on more efficient farming techniques and planned to open stores in which members could by supplies at cost. Local Democrats were afraid that Wheel members might erode the power of the established mainstream party, they printed news articles that denounced the Wheel members as sore losers in general politics. In an article printed on September 17, 1886, the Charleston Enterprise said:
"These side organizations-almost invariably gotten up by disappointed office seekers and sore-
headed politicians - always have as their prime object the defeat of the party in power and they
always come in an alluring form, with such sweet-scented and seductive names as 'Farmers
Union.'"
J. W. Rogers was from Stoddard County and acted as the state secretary of the Agricultural Wheel and late the Farmers' Alliance (Photo: Missouri Historical Review).
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When slander did not work, local Democrats tried to link the "independent" Democrats of the Wheel with having Republican backing as a way to undermine support for them. What Democratic leaders did not say after the election was that it was obvious that farmers may have been unhappy with the Democratic Party, they were not upset enough to leave the party and vote Republican.
While Stoddard Countians no doubt supported a lot of Populist ideas, they were not willing to splinter the Democratic Party and start a third party. They sought to reform and inform Democratic voters of the problems faced by farmers. When the Populist Party had their convention in Omaha, Nebraska, not a single representative came from Southeast Missouri. |
A 1903 photograph of Populist Party presidential candidate, William Jennings Bryan at Dexter, Missouri (Daily Statesman-Messenger).
Sources:
Missouri Historical Review, Volume 065, Issue 2, 1971
Charleston Enterprise Newspaper, Charleston Missouri
Bloomfield Vindicator, Bloomfield, Missouri
Dexter Statesman-Messenger, Dexter, Missouri
Missouri Historical Review, Volume 065, Issue 2, 1971
Charleston Enterprise Newspaper, Charleston Missouri
Bloomfield Vindicator, Bloomfield, Missouri
Dexter Statesman-Messenger, Dexter, Missouri
1920s
Ku Klux Klan in Stoddard County & Surrounding Area
1921
Dexter - July 22, 1921 - Daily Statesman - the Imperial Wizard of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan issued a statement to those in Missouri who believed that two men were whipped at Fairplay, Missouri. This is the first entry of the Klan in the Dexter paper for the 1920s. He wrote a considerable amount in defense of the Klan.
1922
Cape Girardeau, July 7, 1922 - Daily Statesman - Cape Klan has 118 members. A lecturer from the Klan in Atlanta came to Cape to speak to the Cape Klan. Said Missouri has 35,000 members.
Poplar Bluff, August 22, 1922 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - 3 Klan visit 2nd Baptist Church, donate $40. Pastor appreciates donation goes to building fund.
Poplar Bluff, September 8, 1922 - Daily Statesman - article about the Poplar Bluff Klan that put out an article in their paper that warned against gamblers, boot-leggers, moonshiners, narcotic venders, houses of ill repute, and male attaches of the same, who live off the traffic of fallen womanhood. Klan goes on to suggest that “We think such a Klan would not be a bad thing for Dexter, although it doesn’t need it near so badly as does Poplar Bluff.”
Poplar Bluff, August 22, 1922 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - 3 Klan visit 2nd Baptist Church, donate $40. Pastor appreciates donation goes to building fund.
Poplar Bluff, September 8, 1922 - Daily Statesman - article about the Poplar Bluff Klan that put out an article in their paper that warned against gamblers, boot-leggers, moonshiners, narcotic venders, houses of ill repute, and male attaches of the same, who live off the traffic of fallen womanhood. Klan goes on to suggest that “We think such a Klan would not be a bad thing for Dexter, although it doesn’t need it near so badly as does Poplar Bluff.”
Poplar Bluff, September 14, 1922 - The Poplar Bluff Republican - “...presumably taken from a local organ in this city, that Poplar Bluff now has a Ku Klux Klan with a membership of 500. This a good way to keep prospective investors away from Poplar Bluff.”
Poplar Bluff, September 14, 1922 - The Greenville Sun - “Postal Laws Violated By Klan” via Poplar Bluff Repubulican - Warned of Klan’s use of mail to send threats such as the full page add in the paper and especially a letter written to Newt Frisby, manage of the Loyal Hotel at the corner of Maple and Broadway. In an article the following week on September 21, it mentions that eleven women that were known to police, left Poplar Bluff due to the ad in the paper.
Poplar Bluff, September 14, 1922 - The Greenville Sun - “Postal Laws Violated By Klan” via Poplar Bluff Repubulican - Warned of Klan’s use of mail to send threats such as the full page add in the paper and especially a letter written to Newt Frisby, manage of the Loyal Hotel at the corner of Maple and Broadway. In an article the following week on September 21, it mentions that eleven women that were known to police, left Poplar Bluff due to the ad in the paper.
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Doniphan, October 19, 1922 - The Poplar Bluff Republican - reports that the Presbyterian church in Doniphan received a visit from two Klansmen in that town. “Time was when some churches would not accept donations from a saloon and a similar sentiment may exclude the “Klucks” when the absurdity of such methods of giving is better understood.”
Chaffee, October 27, 1922 - Daily Statesman - Chaffee KKK issues a page advertisement in their paper that warns people of certain actions in their town. They will seek to expose any elected officers or officials that partake in such things as gambling. It warns that men of the family should make sure their families are properly cared for and will not practice infidelity. Klan warns that they will patrol remote places that might harbor inappropriate actions. Warns that parents should pay attention to what their sons and daughters are doing. Article states that they are obligated to help officers of the law with their duty. Dexter, November 30, 1922 - The Poplar Bluff Republican - “The Dexter paper indulges in a lot of weasel words, trying to sugar-coat the organization by saying that the editor is not a member, but if the Klan stands for what it says it doe it must be all right and the town will await developments to pass judgement on the merits of Klan. That is another way of endorsing a thing that you are ashamed to come out boldly and endorse. The editor of the Dexter paper knows that the Klan membership is a hidden mystery, or at least they try to make it such. He knows that its membership is developed largely through an appeal to age old predudices. He knows that where the Klan has become strong enough to make itself felt that the first thing it does is to get into politics where it operates in the dark like a nasty, hideous coward. The editor knows that every Klansman will stand up and look you in the eye and though he be preacher or layman he will lie to you about his membership. In other words the first lesson in good citizenship this organization teachers is to tell a lie.”
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First Appearance In Stoddard County
The Bloomfield Vindicator, October 27, 1922 (Puxico & Chaffee Related article)
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Bloomfield Vindicator, December 1, 1922
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The Bloomfield Vindicator, December 29, 1922
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1923
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Dexter, January 5, 1923 - Daily Statesman - On Christmas Eve, three robed Klansmen entered the services of the First Baptist Church and handed the minister an envelope that contained gold. This was the first confirmation of the Klan in Dexter according to the article.
Dexter, January 12, 1923 - Daily Statesman - A letter to the Dexter Statesman from Mr. Montgomery discusses the KKK in Dexter. “I do not doubt that those who have joined the Klan in Dexter have been impelled by patriotic motives of the highest order but I am equally sure that they have not stopped to consider the possibilities for evil to a Democracy that an organization of this character may foster.” Includes a Continent article (a Presbyterian journal), about a bad Klan incident in Louisiana. Dexter, January 26, 1923 - Daily Statesman - The aims of the American Legion are different than that of Klan. American Legion in Iowa intends to fight the Klan. Poplar Bluff, February 2, 1923 - Daily Statesman - The Poplar Bluff papers are debating whether the Klan is good or not. “It was the result of a sermon preached there recently by a local pastor favoring the klan. Just previous to his sermon, another local pastor had delivered his soul against the klan.” Bernie Methodist Church visited by Klan and given donation. The money contained enough to pay off money owed to Marvin College. The letter the Klansmen handed the pastor, Rev. A. N. Burris, is printed in the paper. Dexter, February 2, 1923 - Daily Statesman - “Last weeks Bernie paper stated that one Mr. O’Daniel and his brother, living between Dexter and Bloomfield, had found a bundle of switches on their porch with a note ordering them to leave the country, and signed by the K.K.K. We have been requested by a member of the Klan in Dexter to state that the Klan does not do that way, and when it sends any notice it is on the printed letterhead of the Klan and officially signed. It is not the habit of the Klan to send anonymous letters on scraps of paper, or lay switches on people’s steps. What it does is done legally. We publish this by request, as we hold no brief for the Klan, believing them able to take care of themselves. Nothing is gained by misrepresentation of any man or measure.”
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Klandale
Bloomfield Vindicator, July 13, 1923
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February 9, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Has a long article that the Mer Rouge, LA affair of the Klan was a set up against the Klan.
-anti-immigrant article
Poplar Bluff, February 14, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - “Ku Klux Klan Steps To Defense of Negro Rights” Local blacks were threatened by unknown individuals south of Poplar Bluff, the Klan put out circulars that indicated it was not them and that they should be left alone because such behavior, “would not be tolerated.” Blacks were given three days to leave and a bundle of switches as a warning by unknown group (see article about Walker).
Dexter, February 16, 1923 -Daily Statesman - article that says little girl who blamed Klan for cutting ten crosses on her actually did it herself.
Dexter 1st Baptist Church, February 23, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Dr. Spurgeon, pastor of First Baptist Church, Poplar Bluff, address packed crowd at the “big new Baptist church” in the auditorium and gallery. The address was called, “Better Citizenship.” In it he defended the Klan and said that it had been misrepresented. “He showed how it was void of prejudice against any man because of his religion or race, that it stood for law observance and against all kinds of crime, and that the high moral character of its membership, their commercial and social standing precluded the possibility of a band of Christian patriots endorsing or allowing anything illegal done either in the name of the Klan or by Klansman. He stated that 95 per cent of the Klan’s membership were members also of the Masonic fraternity, and it was the only 100 per cent American secret order on this continent, as any and all of its members MUST BE native born.”
-he also said immigrants that possess all of the American ideals and quality were Americans by principle.
-admits many native born Americans are not truly American.
-continues to give defense of Mer Rouge incident and that Klansmen were framed.
-anti-immigrant article
Poplar Bluff, February 14, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - “Ku Klux Klan Steps To Defense of Negro Rights” Local blacks were threatened by unknown individuals south of Poplar Bluff, the Klan put out circulars that indicated it was not them and that they should be left alone because such behavior, “would not be tolerated.” Blacks were given three days to leave and a bundle of switches as a warning by unknown group (see article about Walker).
Dexter, February 16, 1923 -Daily Statesman - article that says little girl who blamed Klan for cutting ten crosses on her actually did it herself.
Dexter 1st Baptist Church, February 23, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Dr. Spurgeon, pastor of First Baptist Church, Poplar Bluff, address packed crowd at the “big new Baptist church” in the auditorium and gallery. The address was called, “Better Citizenship.” In it he defended the Klan and said that it had been misrepresented. “He showed how it was void of prejudice against any man because of his religion or race, that it stood for law observance and against all kinds of crime, and that the high moral character of its membership, their commercial and social standing precluded the possibility of a band of Christian patriots endorsing or allowing anything illegal done either in the name of the Klan or by Klansman. He stated that 95 per cent of the Klan’s membership were members also of the Masonic fraternity, and it was the only 100 per cent American secret order on this continent, as any and all of its members MUST BE native born.”
-he also said immigrants that possess all of the American ideals and quality were Americans by principle.
-admits many native born Americans are not truly American.
-continues to give defense of Mer Rouge incident and that Klansmen were framed.
Greenville, March 22, 1923 - The Greenville Sun - Republicans held a primary to select their candidate for mayor. F. H. Williams was known as an anti-klan man and L. T. Metz had the backing of the klan. Williams won 527 to 194.
Malden, March 23, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Malden - The Klan visited a widow who had several children baskets of needed items for the family. “We just don’t understand it. According to the daily papers, the Klan’s duties are to scare off niggers and cut up bodies and throw them in lakes in Louisiana. This gives the Poplar Bluff Republican something to howl about. Down Malden way, everybody but evil-doers count the Klan a blessing. Well, they haven’t much use for criminals, they say. But when they do handle them, it is done LEGALLY, but very thoroly.”
April 20, 1923 -Daily Statesman - “The Ku Klux Klan in this county will suffer severely both in reputation and in feelings because of the criticism of one who was advertised in the public prints as indicted for bribery on two counts by the Grand Jury of Stoddard County. When holy saints who accept bribes from wildcat distilleries, and stand in the way of the enforcement of the law they have been sworn to enforce, when such as these condemn the Klan no wonder -GROWS.”
Poplar Bluff, May 17, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - -583 Klansmen answer roll call of Bluff Klan.
“Spurgeon Resigns As Head of Poplar Bluff Ku Klux Klan But Holding Connection There.”
-Rev. Otis I. Spurgeon, former 1st Baptist Minister of Bluff. He resigned the Monday before and indicated he was moving to Memphis to work for the Klan there.
-They were starting the construction of the Klavern building in Bluff.
-Meeting November 12, 1923, the Rev. Otis I. Spurgeon resigned as Grand Cyclops of Poplar Bluff Klan No. 48.
DexterFirst Methodist Church, June 1, 1923 - Daily Statesman - The First Methodist Church hosted a lecture by J. P. Plummer of Oklahoma who discussed the positive nature of the KKK. Outlined some of the principles for which the Klan stood for such as the separation of church and state. Admits White Supremacy, but also added it stood for the “sacredness of the home,” and “purity of womanhood.” As well as the defense of the Constitution. He pointed out how the Klan is for limited immigration and no foreign interference in matters, especially when labor was involved. Mr. Plummer was a lawyer and the group said he was well spoken.
Senath, June 15, 1923 - Daily Statesman - From the Dunklin Democrat - Rev. Mathis, an ex-Baptist minister was invited to speak at the Methodist church in Senath. When the minister began his speech, six Klansmen in robes marched in and handed Mathis three messages. One contained twenty-five dollars, and it thanked the congregation for their support in upholding the law. Signed, Knights of the Klu Klux Klan of Senath, Missouri, Realm No. 78. The other two envelopes contained twenty-five dollars each and thanked the Church of Christ and another Methodist church in Senath.
Malden, June 29, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan gave a widow (Mrs. Wm. Weldon) in Malden with a son that needed an operation, enough funds to get the mother to Cairo where the operation was to be done. Because of this donation, the boy was able to get the operation and did, it went well. -from Malden Merit.
Malden, July 5, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff- Two miles west of Malden was the largest Klan rally to date in Southeast Missouri. They burned a 50ft. Cross and had a large circle lit by torches all of the way around it. 2,500 plus attended.
Malden, July 6, 1923 - Daily Statesman - “A number of Dexter Klansmen attended the open air meeting of the Klan at Stokes’ farm near Malden, last weekend. There were over 600 present and 49 new members were initiated. The autos stretched from the farm into the City of Malden after the meeting broke up. The Malden Merit says it was a wonderful sight.
Poplar Bluff & County, July 12, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - According to Captain C. D. Unsell, kleagle or organizer of Klan in Southeast Missouri, there are 6,000 Klansmen in Southeast Missouri. Poplar Bluff has more than any other single town at 600. Dunklin County leads by county at 2,500, then New Madrid second, Pemiscot third, and Butler County 4th. C. D. Unsell and H. S. Ahrens organized the Bluff Klan.
Dexter, July 13, 1923 - Daily Statesman - On Thursday July 12, there was a large Klan meeting southeast of Dexter on the Johnson farm (one mile and half away). They drove down Stoddard Street, hundreds watched with astonishment of the numbers. Most of the klansmen were from Bernie and Malden, but some had traveled from Poplar Bluff. There was an initiation of thirty new candidates and a fifty foot tall and fifteen foot wide cross set on fire. Afterwards there was a meal.
The Poplar Bluff Klan plans to hold the largest Klan rally in southeast Missouri on July 26 two miles north of Poplar Bluff on the St. Louis road to celebrate a new 40 acre Klan meeting place. They plan to parade through town, have a barbeque, and induct at least more than one hundred candidates. “Poplar Bluff is the largest and oldest Klan in Southeast Missouri and there attaches more than an ordinary interest in this event among Klansmen of two states because of the relentless fight made by bitter foes of the Invisible Empire.”
The site of the Klandale is believed to be just northwest of Poplar Bluff from the vicinity of the Grotto building to Gilmore Tire.
Poplar Bluff and Greenville, July 26, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - “Caravans of Ghostly Fraternity Arriving in Poplar Bluff.” - there was a scarcity of robes to be had for the large number of klansmen attending. Article said the parade will be held anyway. It was the first annual gathering of the Poplar Bluff Klan. So many klansmen came from Arkansas that a special train car was used to carry them. Part of the celebration of the meeting as that at the end of the nights ceremonies, the Greenville Klavern will be started with the new members inducted. It was also noted that some would march in the parade without robes.
Illmo, Morley, Chaffee, Oran, Morehouse, July 27, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Morley, Missouri - Morley had a big Klan rally that was attended by Klansmen from Illmo, Chaffee, Oran, Morehouse, and other towns. Over 500 Klansmen attended and more than fifty were inducted into the group. -Poplar Bluff American.
Dexter, August 3, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan held an initiation in Dexter at Chautauqua Grove, or the field beyond it.
Dexter and Malden, August 10, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Article about August 3 meeting. Said it was held in the field behind Thomas Nichols’ residence. There will be another meeting on the next Friday, this time it will be in the field behind Lee Williams. There is also another large Malden Klan gathering that will be in the near future.
Malden, August 24, 1923- Daily Statesman - Announces the big Malden Klan rally will be September 6th. It is expected that thousands will participate from all over. Specifically invites all Klan members and even female and children that are members. It will be held in a field adjoining the city of Malden. Sponsored by Malden No. 61.
Naylor, August 30, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff- “Ku Klux Klan Parade Through Naylor Streets Wednesday Evening.” “As the procession passed through the streets there were outbursts of applause, tense silence and an occasional jest.” They marched down the main street and burned a cross at the center of the downtown.
Malden, August 31, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Contains the schedule of events for Malden Klan rally.
Dexter First General Baptist Church, September 21, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan donates $25 to Rev. J. C. Baker’s First General Baptist church.
Dexter, September 28, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan meeting at New Bethel General Baptist church, where Rev. T. D. Davis is pastor. Made a donation then left.
-Klan visited the home of George Stanfill the Saturday before, he was a feeble old man and his wife was a 70 bed ridden woman with tubercular disease in her hips. They gave the family a donation to help with expenses. Since the Stanfills own their home (which was in poor shape), they could not get assistance from the county.
-There’s a full page add for the Dexter Klan. “Organized and Chartered August 20, 1923”
Stoddard County, October 5, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Klan is seeking information about two dwellings that were burned in southeast Stoddard County on the farm of J. A. Walker. It is thought the dwellings were going to be used to house black tenant farmers. The Klan said they didn’t do it and offered a reward for those who did. A reward is offered.
Poplar Bluff, November 1, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - Describes the Klan funeral of T. N. Caldwell who was buried at Sparkman Cemetery in Cane Creek Valley. The delegation of Klansman began at the funeral parlor. The grave had an American flag and “fiery floral cross” at the head with robed klansman at the foot and around the grave. Caldwell was 75 when he died and was the son of the first captain of the original Klan in Butler County during “during the carpet bagger days following the Civil War.” Caldwell had recently been awarded the cross of honor by the klavern. He was a former deputy sheriff and candidate for county judge.
Bernie, November 2, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Bernie Klan No. 89 makes two donations. Donated groceries and ten dollars to an elderly couple (William Bullinger and wife). Also presented Rev. A. N. Burris and Methodist church of Bernie with a check.
Dexter, November 9, 1923 - Daily Statesman - There will be a three day clinic, free for anyone in and around Dexter for any medical needs. The Miller-Carter Company is offering rooms above their store for free for those who cannot afford hotel rooms. The specialists, surgeons, and nurses will be helping anyone in need for free. The event was sponsored by the city of Dexter, American Red Cross, the KKK, churches, and several others.
Dexter First Baptist Church, November 16, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan speaker made a big address at the large and newly built First Baptist Church in Dexter. Packed house. It was a great speech.
Illmo, Morley, Chaffee, Oran, Morehouse, July 27, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Morley, Missouri - Morley had a big Klan rally that was attended by Klansmen from Illmo, Chaffee, Oran, Morehouse, and other towns. Over 500 Klansmen attended and more than fifty were inducted into the group. -Poplar Bluff American.
Dexter, August 3, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan held an initiation in Dexter at Chautauqua Grove, or the field beyond it.
Dexter and Malden, August 10, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Article about August 3 meeting. Said it was held in the field behind Thomas Nichols’ residence. There will be another meeting on the next Friday, this time it will be in the field behind Lee Williams. There is also another large Malden Klan gathering that will be in the near future.
Malden, August 24, 1923- Daily Statesman - Announces the big Malden Klan rally will be September 6th. It is expected that thousands will participate from all over. Specifically invites all Klan members and even female and children that are members. It will be held in a field adjoining the city of Malden. Sponsored by Malden No. 61.
Naylor, August 30, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff- “Ku Klux Klan Parade Through Naylor Streets Wednesday Evening.” “As the procession passed through the streets there were outbursts of applause, tense silence and an occasional jest.” They marched down the main street and burned a cross at the center of the downtown.
Malden, August 31, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Contains the schedule of events for Malden Klan rally.
Dexter First General Baptist Church, September 21, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan donates $25 to Rev. J. C. Baker’s First General Baptist church.
Dexter, September 28, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan meeting at New Bethel General Baptist church, where Rev. T. D. Davis is pastor. Made a donation then left.
-Klan visited the home of George Stanfill the Saturday before, he was a feeble old man and his wife was a 70 bed ridden woman with tubercular disease in her hips. They gave the family a donation to help with expenses. Since the Stanfills own their home (which was in poor shape), they could not get assistance from the county.
-There’s a full page add for the Dexter Klan. “Organized and Chartered August 20, 1923”
Stoddard County, October 5, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Klan is seeking information about two dwellings that were burned in southeast Stoddard County on the farm of J. A. Walker. It is thought the dwellings were going to be used to house black tenant farmers. The Klan said they didn’t do it and offered a reward for those who did. A reward is offered.
Poplar Bluff, November 1, 1923 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - Describes the Klan funeral of T. N. Caldwell who was buried at Sparkman Cemetery in Cane Creek Valley. The delegation of Klansman began at the funeral parlor. The grave had an American flag and “fiery floral cross” at the head with robed klansman at the foot and around the grave. Caldwell was 75 when he died and was the son of the first captain of the original Klan in Butler County during “during the carpet bagger days following the Civil War.” Caldwell had recently been awarded the cross of honor by the klavern. He was a former deputy sheriff and candidate for county judge.
Bernie, November 2, 1923 -Daily Statesman - Bernie Klan No. 89 makes two donations. Donated groceries and ten dollars to an elderly couple (William Bullinger and wife). Also presented Rev. A. N. Burris and Methodist church of Bernie with a check.
Dexter, November 9, 1923 - Daily Statesman - There will be a three day clinic, free for anyone in and around Dexter for any medical needs. The Miller-Carter Company is offering rooms above their store for free for those who cannot afford hotel rooms. The specialists, surgeons, and nurses will be helping anyone in need for free. The event was sponsored by the city of Dexter, American Red Cross, the KKK, churches, and several others.
Dexter First Baptist Church, November 16, 1923 - Daily Statesman - Klan speaker made a big address at the large and newly built First Baptist Church in Dexter. Packed house. It was a great speech.
1924
Dexter Sadler's Chapel Methodist Church, February 1, 1924 - Daily Statesman -Klan visited Sadler’s Chapel. Made a donation to minister Rev. J. W. Allen.
Poplar Bluff & Butler County, February 29, 1924 -Daily Statesman - “Arson Used Against Negro Farmers in Butler County: Reward Offered for Arrest; Effort to Blame Klan, which then took Hand in Case.” Large article. Pike Slough, three miles south of Poplar Bluff, three houses burned by those who opposed black cotton growers. One house was three miles south, another was futher three miles from first and the last house was a mile east of Harviell. The owner of the homes, Earnest Bacon, and the sheriff of Butler County, J. R. Hogg offered a reward for information.
-Local cotton farmer, E. R. Bonacker hired William Young and his wife to work and live near his farm, he was also going to hire more blacks from Poplar Bluff to work for him. “Most whites in that section did not care to labor as cotton raisers, but objected to negroes coming in to do the work.”
-Two weeks prior, about 15 masked men called at the Young cabin to get them to come out, which they would not.
-Young loaded a double barrell shotgun and was able to slip out the back and hide his family. He went to Bacon the next day who then took him to the prosecuting attorney and Sheriff Hogg who both said he was within his rights.
-The fifteen masked men informed the Youngs they were from the Klan and had three days to get out. Bacon offered to provide transportation to Young if he was scared and wanted to leave. Since the sheriff and his boss both said they would back him, he returned home.
-Klan maintained they did not do it and matter of fact had circulated papers saying as such.
Poplar Bluff & Butler County, February 29, 1924 -Daily Statesman - “Arson Used Against Negro Farmers in Butler County: Reward Offered for Arrest; Effort to Blame Klan, which then took Hand in Case.” Large article. Pike Slough, three miles south of Poplar Bluff, three houses burned by those who opposed black cotton growers. One house was three miles south, another was futher three miles from first and the last house was a mile east of Harviell. The owner of the homes, Earnest Bacon, and the sheriff of Butler County, J. R. Hogg offered a reward for information.
-Local cotton farmer, E. R. Bonacker hired William Young and his wife to work and live near his farm, he was also going to hire more blacks from Poplar Bluff to work for him. “Most whites in that section did not care to labor as cotton raisers, but objected to negroes coming in to do the work.”
-Two weeks prior, about 15 masked men called at the Young cabin to get them to come out, which they would not.
-Young loaded a double barrell shotgun and was able to slip out the back and hide his family. He went to Bacon the next day who then took him to the prosecuting attorney and Sheriff Hogg who both said he was within his rights.
-The fifteen masked men informed the Youngs they were from the Klan and had three days to get out. Bacon offered to provide transportation to Young if he was scared and wanted to leave. Since the sheriff and his boss both said they would back him, he returned home.
-Klan maintained they did not do it and matter of fact had circulated papers saying as such.
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April 25, 1924 - Daily Statesman - Bloomfield - There was a parade of 700 Klansmen in Bloomfield, as they were returning home, about two miles from Bloomfield they were nearly hit head on by a drunk driver and a passenger who both had moonshine with them, illegal moonshine. The Klansmen detained them until the sheriff arrived and they were arrested.
May 9, 1924 -Daily Statesman - Malden plans to have its big Klan rally there, thousands are expected with a lot of well known speakers. The event is planned for June 6, one day after Poplar Bluff plans to have its large Klan gathering to dedicate its new $6,000 Klavern building and 40 acre farm. Date was later moved to June 12 according May 30 Dexter Statesman. May 16, 1924 -Daily Statesman - Large article about “Baiting the Ku Klux Klan” May 29, 1924 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - Klavern north of Bluff has electric lights. Place is referred to as Klan Park. May 30, 1924 -Daily Statesman - Poplar Bluff Will Dedicate Klavern - Will happen June 5, at 2PM. There will be uniformed guards there. Public will be allowed to see Klavern, located two miles north of Poplar Bluff on St. Louis rd on 40 acres known as Klandale. July 11, 1924 -Daily Statesman - Dexter - “Big KKK Initian Will Be Held at Dexter On Wednesday, July 16th” There will be a parade and fireworks. Parade begins at 7PM and will be led by the Klan band. July 17, 1924 - The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - “Giant Klan Gathering At Dexter” - 2 miles southeast of town on a farm (Johnson). The Baptist ladies’ refreshment stand at Klan grounds. Over 2,000 automobiles traveled through Stoddard St. to the grounds, an estimated 6-8,000 Klansmen. Rev. O. L. Spurgeon delivered the message, he was also a former preacher from Bluff. Fireworks were shot afterwards. July 18, 1924 -Daily Statesman - “Thousands are present at Big KKK Doings” - Dexter - Streets of Stoddard and Walnut full of people to watch Klan parade. 2,000 automobiles passed through, an estimated 8,000 people. Twenty-five were inducted into the organization. Believed to be largest gathering of people to date in Dexter. July 25, 1924 -Daily Statesman - Jefferson City, “Klan Sends Money To Four Negro Churches” article talks about the Klan sent envelopes with $25 each to four black churches in Jefferson City. “Members of the klan are glad to make public acknowledgement of the patriotism of thousands of negroes whose blood stains our national fields of honor along with that of our gallant white soldiers. We know there are thousands of negroes in America who are 100 per cent patriots and citizens.” August 15, 1924 - Daily Statesman -Poplar Bluff. Federal agents raided several stills around Poplar Bluff, Klan claims they helped nab some of the offenders, but in an article next that, the General Prohibition Agent, James Dillion, refutes an assistance from the Klan. September 5, 1924 -Daily Statesman - the Southeast Missouri Press Association met in Dexter, as part of the entertainment, about fifty Klansmen dressed up and walked through the banquet meetings. November 14, 1924 -Daily Statesman - Puxico to hold a Klan meeting there. Poplar Bluff is going to send some to help them out. There was a parade as well. |
A Debate!
Bloomfield Vindicator, April 18, 1924
A Klan Parade
Bloomfield Vindicator, April 25, 1924
Malden Klan No. 61
May 30, 1924. Malden Klan
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May 30, 1924, Bloomfield Vindicator, Poplar Bluff Klavern
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Bloomfield Vindicator, July 18, 1924. George Hinkhouse is the most likely person as the host referred to in the article. He was 42 years old and was originally from Iowa (1920 census).
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1925
February 13, 1925 -Daily Statesman - “Ladies of the K. K. K. will entertain at the Klavern near Poplar Bluff tonight, and several of the local klan expect to attend.”
April 17, 1925 - Daily Statesman -“Klan Blamed With Abducting Witness” - Bloomfield, April 13 - “A story of having been abducted at the point of a revolver by an unidentified man carried in an automobile several miles in the country to a secluded spot and there subjected to a severe examination by a band of hooded and masked men, was told today by Mrs. Susie Stroud, a widow witness against Sherman Tippett, of Advance, soon to go on trial here for manslaughter in connection with the death of Rev. C. O. Fitzpatrick near Dexter several weeks ago.”
-the masked men tried to get her to admit she was an eye witness to the killing.
-she refused to speak to them, was later returned to Bloomfield by same man who abducted her.
-The Klan was suspected of the kiling of the Nazarene minister who was run over south of Dexter.
-Dexter paper does not believe it was the klan because, “We have doubts as to the men involved being klansmen. As far as we know, the klan doesn’t work that way.”
April 24, 1925 -Daily Statesman - J. W. Mayes, passed away. “Was one of the original members of the Ku Klux Klan in 1865, and was often hear to refer to the trying times of those early days.”
May 8, 1925 - Daily Statesman -“Flag Incident Causes Arrests” - Steele. May 1 - There was a disagreement between the Klan and anti-Klan people about where to put a flag at the local school (Holland). The superintendent, J. H. O’Conner and the president of the school board, James E. Cahoon were arrested on charges of showing disrespect to the American flag. They were specifically charged with refusing to allow a flag to remain in the school building. They were released on a $300 bond. The supt said he was acting on orders from the board, who did not want a flag that was given to them by Ku Klux Klan. The Klan offered to have the ladies of the town offer it to the school but the two said it was still the same flag and would not accept it. Klan tried to be allowed to present it as robed members, but two said no. The flag was left on the wall of the study hall for two days, students refused to attend school while it was there, others refused due to the fact there was no flag at all. The flag in question was bought by public subscription at a cost of $65.
July 3, 1925 -Daily Statesman - “New Anti-Klan Party At Caruthersville” Caruthersville, June 26 - Party is made up of both Democrats and Republicans. Would not vote for anyone that did not condemn the KKK. Created only to defeat Klansmen candidates. It will, “dominate the political situation in the county in such a thorough fashion that the klan will ‘cease to be anything but a memory.” From the Sikeston Standard.
August 27, 1925 The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - James W. Brannum - Was an old farmer and preacher that died. Knights of the KKK and Knights of Kamelia (red baldrics) marched in the shape of a cross, there were over 100. Eight pall bearers, all over 6ft tall carried the casket. Klan quartette sang three songs. Rev’s H. L. Watkins and W. S. Smelser (who was given money by the Klan as a donation to his church earlier). Some of the Klansmen uncovered their faces for the services.
October 2, 1925 -Daily Statesman - “Orator Loses Fight For Pay From K.K.K.” Otis L. Spurgeon, former pastor of a church at Poplar Bluff sued the Klan for money he said they did not pay for his services ($100) a week. He lost the suit.
October 16, 1925 -Daily Statesman - Poplar Bluff - Oct 9, Dr. W. M. Campbell of St. Joseph grand dragon of the KKK and Frank WInters, head of KKK in St. Louis, attended ceremony and parade. Dinner given at Klandale.
April 17, 1925 - Daily Statesman -“Klan Blamed With Abducting Witness” - Bloomfield, April 13 - “A story of having been abducted at the point of a revolver by an unidentified man carried in an automobile several miles in the country to a secluded spot and there subjected to a severe examination by a band of hooded and masked men, was told today by Mrs. Susie Stroud, a widow witness against Sherman Tippett, of Advance, soon to go on trial here for manslaughter in connection with the death of Rev. C. O. Fitzpatrick near Dexter several weeks ago.”
-the masked men tried to get her to admit she was an eye witness to the killing.
-she refused to speak to them, was later returned to Bloomfield by same man who abducted her.
-The Klan was suspected of the kiling of the Nazarene minister who was run over south of Dexter.
-Dexter paper does not believe it was the klan because, “We have doubts as to the men involved being klansmen. As far as we know, the klan doesn’t work that way.”
April 24, 1925 -Daily Statesman - J. W. Mayes, passed away. “Was one of the original members of the Ku Klux Klan in 1865, and was often hear to refer to the trying times of those early days.”
May 8, 1925 - Daily Statesman -“Flag Incident Causes Arrests” - Steele. May 1 - There was a disagreement between the Klan and anti-Klan people about where to put a flag at the local school (Holland). The superintendent, J. H. O’Conner and the president of the school board, James E. Cahoon were arrested on charges of showing disrespect to the American flag. They were specifically charged with refusing to allow a flag to remain in the school building. They were released on a $300 bond. The supt said he was acting on orders from the board, who did not want a flag that was given to them by Ku Klux Klan. The Klan offered to have the ladies of the town offer it to the school but the two said it was still the same flag and would not accept it. Klan tried to be allowed to present it as robed members, but two said no. The flag was left on the wall of the study hall for two days, students refused to attend school while it was there, others refused due to the fact there was no flag at all. The flag in question was bought by public subscription at a cost of $65.
July 3, 1925 -Daily Statesman - “New Anti-Klan Party At Caruthersville” Caruthersville, June 26 - Party is made up of both Democrats and Republicans. Would not vote for anyone that did not condemn the KKK. Created only to defeat Klansmen candidates. It will, “dominate the political situation in the county in such a thorough fashion that the klan will ‘cease to be anything but a memory.” From the Sikeston Standard.
August 27, 1925 The Weekly Citizen Democrat - Poplar Bluff - James W. Brannum - Was an old farmer and preacher that died. Knights of the KKK and Knights of Kamelia (red baldrics) marched in the shape of a cross, there were over 100. Eight pall bearers, all over 6ft tall carried the casket. Klan quartette sang three songs. Rev’s H. L. Watkins and W. S. Smelser (who was given money by the Klan as a donation to his church earlier). Some of the Klansmen uncovered their faces for the services.
October 2, 1925 -Daily Statesman - “Orator Loses Fight For Pay From K.K.K.” Otis L. Spurgeon, former pastor of a church at Poplar Bluff sued the Klan for money he said they did not pay for his services ($100) a week. He lost the suit.
October 16, 1925 -Daily Statesman - Poplar Bluff - Oct 9, Dr. W. M. Campbell of St. Joseph grand dragon of the KKK and Frank WInters, head of KKK in St. Louis, attended ceremony and parade. Dinner given at Klandale.
1926
February 26, 1926 - Daily Statesman -Large ad for Dexter Klavern to meet on March 1, 7:30PM.
1929
February 15, 1929 -Daily Statesman - “Roadhouses Padlocked” Article mentioned that The Metropolitan Club north of Poplar Bluff was padlocked (prohibition related), the Club had been the KKK Klavern but was sold to Jess Priest when the group disbanded.
Farm Labor Race Problems
From the Dexter Statesman, March 9, 1923- "Pemiscot, mainly, and Dunklin slightly have had race ructions recently. These were caused by bringing in negro laborers to work cotton lands, as the negre is peculiarly fitted for such farming as cotton culture.
But he also costs less as a tenant than the white cropper, being satisfied with a smaller portion of that he produces, and the average living condition of the negro is lower than the average required by the white laborer. For this reason, the avarice of the large land owners of this section, manifesting itself in a desire for the largest possible profits, no doubt plays its part in hiring negroes in preference to whites. We have said thus much to fairly present the views of the whites who are trying to run the negro out.
Be all this true, and granting the negro cheapens all kinds of labor he engages in, even this doesn't justify those white men who are causing trouble in the lower counties.
The writer is a Southern man, both by birth and in instincts. He has no race prejudice rankling in his bosom. He believes in the dominance of the white race - that it is peculiarly fitted by the Almighty to rule, not only this, but every other nation.
On the other hand, the negro has his rights. He must live. He is here in this country, not by his own choice, but because avaricious men, to increase their material wealth, took the forefathers of these negroes by force from their native soil in Africa, and brought them here to be sold in involuntary servitude.
That's how the negro came here. Now that he is here, if he wants to do honest toil for his livelihood, he ought to be allowed to do it, in Pemiscot and Dunklin, or in Stoddard County. Those who with violence oppose his coming or his remaining are acting outside the law. There's no need of argument or illustration to prove the truth of this conclusion. A mean negro is despicable-so is a mean white man.
It is true that the negro ought not to be a competitor of the white man as a laborer, and he is not. The white man who year after year remains in the same poor, honery social level where he feels that the negro is his competitor has no right to complain. If he be content to remain in the social cellar, because he is too indolent, shiftless and ambitionless to rise, he may expect such competition. We have lived in the South where negroes largely out-numbered the whites. The cotton field negroes worked on adjoining plantations to those share-cropped, or rented by white tenants. These white tenants, by superiority of race and management, arose above their colored competitor, or else remained on his level became what is known down South as "pore white trash," and as such were considered by Southerners no better than the negro.
Observe race segregation by a strict race pride, which prevents self respecting members of Both races from trying out the damnable experiment of "Social Equality," keeping thus the blood of Both Races Pure, and the two races can live amicably in the same commonwealth, country, or community. Treat the negro humanely, generously, fraternally, but don't pet him, hug him, kill him, even to get his vote, and you can live peaceably with him, but take this from one who knows a negro from the ground up, if you try to "Equalize" yourself with him, you will soon learn from him that there is no such estate- he will soon convince you he thinks he is Better than you are, and he will act accordingly. He will be impudent, domineering, dangerous.
The white man and woman who holds ever in mind their superior endowment of Caucasian blood by God Almighty, and who wisely see that Social Equality is the first false step toward racial mixture, a thing that has borne the curse of Heaven since the birth of time-these whites need not fear the presence of the negro in their midst, but the softly sentimental who can believe Plato was a Hottentot and Minerva a mulatto, and the careless political huckster who would sell his race for a mess of political pottage-these are the gentry who sow the seeds of race hatreds and race riots.
Down in Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia they may occasionally decorate a telephone pole, tree, or stake with a single negro malefactor, but it is in Illinois where Jack Johnson legally married a white wife, that at East St. Louis, Pana, and Chicago, they killed off negroes by the scores and hundreds, and as soon as the riots were quelled, they went back to hobnobbing with Mr. Johnson and Sister Brown, and sent their children to mixed schools. As we told our numerous relatives in Illinois, they must revise their code.
We are blind indeed not to learn from this the safe way is to Keep Separate the Races. By Observing Racial Sanctity Rather Than By Social Equality.
As one has said of the trouble South of us in Pemiscot and Dunklin, "It is not the Best people who are trying to run the negroes out." If Dexter had 1000 negroes, not one would live in My realm, and I would never fear his presence, nor consider him competitor. But he could be my friend, as I would be his.
But he also costs less as a tenant than the white cropper, being satisfied with a smaller portion of that he produces, and the average living condition of the negro is lower than the average required by the white laborer. For this reason, the avarice of the large land owners of this section, manifesting itself in a desire for the largest possible profits, no doubt plays its part in hiring negroes in preference to whites. We have said thus much to fairly present the views of the whites who are trying to run the negro out.
Be all this true, and granting the negro cheapens all kinds of labor he engages in, even this doesn't justify those white men who are causing trouble in the lower counties.
The writer is a Southern man, both by birth and in instincts. He has no race prejudice rankling in his bosom. He believes in the dominance of the white race - that it is peculiarly fitted by the Almighty to rule, not only this, but every other nation.
On the other hand, the negro has his rights. He must live. He is here in this country, not by his own choice, but because avaricious men, to increase their material wealth, took the forefathers of these negroes by force from their native soil in Africa, and brought them here to be sold in involuntary servitude.
That's how the negro came here. Now that he is here, if he wants to do honest toil for his livelihood, he ought to be allowed to do it, in Pemiscot and Dunklin, or in Stoddard County. Those who with violence oppose his coming or his remaining are acting outside the law. There's no need of argument or illustration to prove the truth of this conclusion. A mean negro is despicable-so is a mean white man.
It is true that the negro ought not to be a competitor of the white man as a laborer, and he is not. The white man who year after year remains in the same poor, honery social level where he feels that the negro is his competitor has no right to complain. If he be content to remain in the social cellar, because he is too indolent, shiftless and ambitionless to rise, he may expect such competition. We have lived in the South where negroes largely out-numbered the whites. The cotton field negroes worked on adjoining plantations to those share-cropped, or rented by white tenants. These white tenants, by superiority of race and management, arose above their colored competitor, or else remained on his level became what is known down South as "pore white trash," and as such were considered by Southerners no better than the negro.
Observe race segregation by a strict race pride, which prevents self respecting members of Both races from trying out the damnable experiment of "Social Equality," keeping thus the blood of Both Races Pure, and the two races can live amicably in the same commonwealth, country, or community. Treat the negro humanely, generously, fraternally, but don't pet him, hug him, kill him, even to get his vote, and you can live peaceably with him, but take this from one who knows a negro from the ground up, if you try to "Equalize" yourself with him, you will soon learn from him that there is no such estate- he will soon convince you he thinks he is Better than you are, and he will act accordingly. He will be impudent, domineering, dangerous.
The white man and woman who holds ever in mind their superior endowment of Caucasian blood by God Almighty, and who wisely see that Social Equality is the first false step toward racial mixture, a thing that has borne the curse of Heaven since the birth of time-these whites need not fear the presence of the negro in their midst, but the softly sentimental who can believe Plato was a Hottentot and Minerva a mulatto, and the careless political huckster who would sell his race for a mess of political pottage-these are the gentry who sow the seeds of race hatreds and race riots.
Down in Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia they may occasionally decorate a telephone pole, tree, or stake with a single negro malefactor, but it is in Illinois where Jack Johnson legally married a white wife, that at East St. Louis, Pana, and Chicago, they killed off negroes by the scores and hundreds, and as soon as the riots were quelled, they went back to hobnobbing with Mr. Johnson and Sister Brown, and sent their children to mixed schools. As we told our numerous relatives in Illinois, they must revise their code.
We are blind indeed not to learn from this the safe way is to Keep Separate the Races. By Observing Racial Sanctity Rather Than By Social Equality.
As one has said of the trouble South of us in Pemiscot and Dunklin, "It is not the Best people who are trying to run the negroes out." If Dexter had 1000 negroes, not one would live in My realm, and I would never fear his presence, nor consider him competitor. But he could be my friend, as I would be his.
Race Conflict In Southeast Missouri
Dexter Statesman, March 9, 1923 - "In Southeast Missouri." Reprinted from the St. Louis Star. " Superficially, there is a race conflict in Southeastern Missouri, resulting in 2,500 negroes being driven out of the counties which project below the northern line of Arkansas. Fundamentally, it is an economic conflict, with an accidental racial aspect. Pemiscot and Dunklin counties have had a large negro population for years, living peaceably enough with their white neighbors. The trouble started when a huge cotton crop brought thousands of negro laborers in from the South. They have been displacing white labor, or threatening the wage scale, resulting in the following cleavage.
On the one side are the cotton planters and other substantial citizens, defending and protecting the negro laborers. On the other side are the white laborers, intent on driving out the competitors, not alone because of racial antipathy, but because of economic disparity between the two sets of laborers. The economic aspect is so preponderant that the Ku Klux Klan in those counties, recruited from the land owners, is actually defending the negroes.
This struggle in Southeast Missouri is not so different from the Japanese conflict on the Pacific Coast. The opposition to Japanese there is fundamentally economic is is based on rivalry between American and Japanese farm labor. The race difficulty has grown out of competition in labor...
In California, the Japanese are protected by the fact that a powerful nation stands behind them. If there were not national force behind the Japanese in California, they would be treated as the Southeast Missouri negroes are: mobs would drive them in the sea.
If the United States is to reduce the danger which lies in racial conflicts, serious attention must be given to the economic basis for it. Every effort should be made to prevent large groups of different races from coming into direct economic competition in such a fashion as to dislocate blocks of labor.
The community owes protection to all residents, whether black or white and all have a legal right as citizens to go where they please, live where they please, and work where they please. But it is an undeniable and permanent truth that when legal rights come into conflict with the vital economic interests of dominant groups, the economic interests are preserved at the expense of legal rights. This is true of big business, little business, and labor.
In dealing with this factor of our social life, tact is more important than force. The rough corners of economic and racial contact must be smoothed off. Sending troops into Pemiscot and Dunklin counties would not solve the difficulty; they could merely prevent the open clash of mobs. If both races are to live and work in the same community, the leading citizens will have to deal with the economic problem, adjusting conditions so that the white laborers either will preserve their jobs and their standards, or effecting a transition to colored labor which will make other provision for the white population."
On the one side are the cotton planters and other substantial citizens, defending and protecting the negro laborers. On the other side are the white laborers, intent on driving out the competitors, not alone because of racial antipathy, but because of economic disparity between the two sets of laborers. The economic aspect is so preponderant that the Ku Klux Klan in those counties, recruited from the land owners, is actually defending the negroes.
This struggle in Southeast Missouri is not so different from the Japanese conflict on the Pacific Coast. The opposition to Japanese there is fundamentally economic is is based on rivalry between American and Japanese farm labor. The race difficulty has grown out of competition in labor...
In California, the Japanese are protected by the fact that a powerful nation stands behind them. If there were not national force behind the Japanese in California, they would be treated as the Southeast Missouri negroes are: mobs would drive them in the sea.
If the United States is to reduce the danger which lies in racial conflicts, serious attention must be given to the economic basis for it. Every effort should be made to prevent large groups of different races from coming into direct economic competition in such a fashion as to dislocate blocks of labor.
The community owes protection to all residents, whether black or white and all have a legal right as citizens to go where they please, live where they please, and work where they please. But it is an undeniable and permanent truth that when legal rights come into conflict with the vital economic interests of dominant groups, the economic interests are preserved at the expense of legal rights. This is true of big business, little business, and labor.
In dealing with this factor of our social life, tact is more important than force. The rough corners of economic and racial contact must be smoothed off. Sending troops into Pemiscot and Dunklin counties would not solve the difficulty; they could merely prevent the open clash of mobs. If both races are to live and work in the same community, the leading citizens will have to deal with the economic problem, adjusting conditions so that the white laborers either will preserve their jobs and their standards, or effecting a transition to colored labor which will make other provision for the white population."
Cotton
In 1924, Stoddard County plans to have its largest cotton planting yet to date. The newspaper article from the Bloomfield Vindicator (April 25, 1924) warns farmers not to plant their cotton before May 1 or risk loss to frost or bad weather. On average the latest frost is no later than April 20, but in 1923 there was a frost in very early May.
In a May 2, 1924 article, the Vindicator warns that it is best to plant your cotton with two stalks every ten to twelve inches. It is important to do this in regions with a shorter growing season.
In a May 2, 1924 article, the Vindicator warns that it is best to plant your cotton with two stalks every ten to twelve inches. It is important to do this in regions with a shorter growing season.
1930s
Black Teachers School - January 10, 1930 - A school to train African-American teachers was established in Charleston, Missouri. Other schools with the same design have been or were forming at this time in Cape Girardeau and Caruthersville (Bloomfield Vindicator).
Attempted Lynching - August 11, 1932 - Clem Houston, a seventeen year old African- American boy from Charleston, was arrested for kissing an eighteen year old white girl (Louise Black, daughter of C. P. Black, foreman of the Roy Williams Ranch) near Wyatt. The girl was walking down the tracks headed toward her home when Houston allegedly came out of the bushes and assaulted her, tearing her dress and taking what money she had. Upon arrest, Houston was taken to the New Madrid County jail where sheriff's deputies and members of the Missouri Highway Patrol were able to deter nearly sixty carloads of would be lynchers. Later that night a crowd again began to form with the intention of lynching Houston. The sheriff removed Houston from the New Madrid County jail around midnight by sneaking him out the back door. The sheriff took him to the Butler County jail for safekeeping. Mississippi County Sheriff Jesse Jackson refused to release details of where the man had been taken. Houston allegedly attempted to assault a girl at Charleston yesterday and was later arrested in Wyatt. Physicians who examined the girl said she was not assaulted. Houston claimed he only kissed the girl, which is the daughter of the overseer on the farm that Houston is employed by.
Southeast Missouri Memorial Association June 6, 1937, an organization was formed for the preservation of historical information concerning Southeast Missouri. Called the Southeast Missouri Memorial Association, the group first met after the anniversary celebration of the Battle of Pilot Knob. A president was elected, Clifford Leonri, with the plan that twenty-two vice presidents be elected, one from each Southeast Missouri County. Their goals are to create increased tourism, roadside signs, radio broadcasts, as well as gathering a large archive of information for a future museum.