Early History of Moro (Hampton)
The Founding of Moro
The
unincorporated village of Moro, on Rattan’s Prairie in Moro
Township, began with the building of the railroad through the area
in 1853. The tracks ran north and south through the township, with
depots at Moro and Dorsey. Moro was first called Hampton, and was
laid out by James H. Smith and James Montgomery. The plat was
recorded March 7, 1855. On August 23, 1855, Smith and Montgomery
made a small addition, re-platted the town, and renamed it Moro.
Hugh and James P. Smith built a frame storehouse soon after the
railroad was completed, and sold general goods. The next house – a
two-story and a half dwelling - was a residence, built by Samuel
Smith.
Lowder Tatman, Peter Hassinger, Mrs. Matilda Dorsey, and several
other began building about the same time, and in a year or two, a
nice little village had sprung up. A large general warehouse for
shipping purpose was also erected by James Montgomery.
In 1856, James Montgomery and Hugh Smith erected a large, frame,
three-story steam flour mill, with a run of three burrs. It did a
good business until the winter of 1870-71, when it was destroyed by
fire.
William Montgomery, a prominent merchant of Moro, was elected to the
State legislature three times, beginning with 1902, and died in
office.
By 1882, the following businesses were located in Moro:
Blacksmiths – Mr. Skiles (the first blacksmith), John Klaus, George
Griffith
General Stores – William Montgomery and T. A. Mutchmore
Shoemaker – Carl Boettger
Tailor – William Zoelzer
Wagon Maker – T. J. Sapp
Saloon – George Schubert and William Meyer
Postmaster – James Perd Smith and William Montgomery
Physician – Frank Gere
Brickyard – Henry DeWerff (3/4 mile north of Moro)
There were two or three coal mines operated by horsepower in the
vicinity of Moro. The vein ran about five feet thick, and coal was
found about thirty feet from the surface.
Early Schools of Moro
A one-story brick schoolhouse was constructed in 1880 at a cost of
$2,500. It was located about three-quarters of a mile north of the
town.
Early Churches of Moro
The Presbyterian Church in Moro was organized December 9, 1848 by
Revs. Valentine Pentzer and P. D. Young. The Presbyterian Church, a
frame structure erected in 1852, was the first and only house of
worship built in the village. It stood just across the township line
in Fort Russell.