Elston
Elston was surveyed by W. VOGDT in 1867, for A. M. ELSTON, who acknowledged the plat
March 29, 1867. Walnut, Main and High Streets are shown running north and south, intersected
by First, Second and Third Streets. Dr. FISHER's house on Block 6, the school-house on Block 1,
the meeting-house just north, and three houses on Blocks 2 and 3 are shown; while south of the
railroad is A. M. ELSTON's house, the store and railroad warehouse. The founder was
commissioned justice of the peace in 1832, and in centennial year was the senior justice of
Missouri in point of service.
The Union Church at Elston was dedicated March 29, 1885, Messrs. G. L. MOAD, of the
Cumberland, J. P. L. MAXEY, of the Baptist, and J. C. COSS, of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South, officiating. The building committee comprised A. and J. M. ROUTSONG and P. P. MCNEAL.
St. Martin's Catholic Church dates back for membership to the 40's, but not until June 1, 1885,
was the parish established. Rev. John SCHRAMM was the first priest. He was succeeded by
Father SENNERICH. Among the first members of the congregation are the following: Seraphin
KAUFMAN, Ben BARKERS, Herm. SCHROER, John BAUMEL, John WALSH, Lourenz CASHEN, Nic
STEHLEIN, Carl SCHMITZ, Joseph BRUNDEL, Herman HEITKER, H. SCHULTE, Carl LEHMAN,
Anton BRUTO, H. ROSEN, Joseph SIKINGER, Joseph STEHLEIN, Thomas CASPARI, Ernst BENE,
Frank DISTLER. The present number of families is forty-four. The church building was dedicated
August 26, 1885, and the priest-house subsequently, the cost of both building and furniture
being $5,376.