'Jack of all trades' doctor killed near Stringtown in 1881

The early history of communities such as Stringtown and Lohman is filled with fascinating stories. Some include morsels of intrigue that appear to have been sensationalized during retellings. But others, such as the tragic tale of the late Dr. Montezuma Hemstreet, are imbued with lurid facts that make it difficult to determine whether it is a colorful work of fiction.

Oswald W. Soell was a lifelong resident of the Lohman area and became involved in many civic organizations. He later served as the town's mayor and, before his passing in 1972, wrote a brief summary of local history in an effort to ensure it was not lost to future generations.

"About 200 feet on the west bank of the Moreau, a small knoll which was always surrounded on three sides by flood water, when the Moreau was up, here Dr. Hemstreet, a man from Martinsburg, New York, settled and built his home," Soell wrote.

Born in 1819, Hemstreet was a postmaster in Wisconsin before moving to Cole County shortly after the Civil War. Local oral and written histories note although he carried the esteemed title of "doctor," it is uncertain whether he truly had any formal education in the healing arts for treatment of either humans or animals.

"He was a farmer, also acted as a dentist, also legal adviser and lawyer for the people," Soell wrote.

The Peoples' Tribune (Jefferson City) reported July 2, 1873, "Dr. Hemstreet sold 600 pounds of wool last week. It is well known the doctor raises fine sheep. The wool was of extra quality."

Later newspaper reports indicate he became deeply involved in local politics and, in 1881, achieved the distinction of being one of the wealthiest farmers in Mid-Missouri. Additionally, the economic growth of the area continued to expand after the Missouri Pacific Railroad built a branch through nearby Lohman.

Married with two daughters, it appeared Hemstreet possessed all of the necessary ingredients for a successful life. Sadly, history reveals the astute businessman soon fell victim to lustful impulses.

"He was known to have been something of a ladies' man and was reputed to have been involved in relationships with some wives of farmers who lived around Stringtown and Lohman," Don Buchta, a local historian, said.

On the evening of Sept. 4, 1881, there was a dance in Stringtown at the home of Andrew Bohnenberger. Hemstreet, in a state of intoxication, passed by on horseback and decided to stop and partake in the party, but soon became involved in a quarrel with some young men.

"A man named Thompson interfered, and induced (Hemstreet) to remount his horse, going with and assisting him to do so, after which the doctor rode away," the Salem Monitor reported on Sept. 15, 1881.

A short time later, Hemstreet was found down the road in an unconscious state and after being carried to a nearby house and laid on the porch, he died. On Sept. 5, 1881, the day after his death, the Kansas City Times reported his passing was initially perceived as an accident.

"A little before noon today, a report reached here that Dr. Montezuma Hemstreet had been killed by his horse," the newspaper added, "About a year ago, he had his skull fractured by a refractory mule."

But after a coroner was dispatched to the scene, evidence emerged his death may have involved foul play. It was determined someone had struck Hemstreet twice in the head with a hardy oak board, fracturing his skull. This soon led to suspicions he had been killed by a local farmer who had grown tired of the doctor's illicit affair with his wife.

Missouri Gov. Thomas Crittenden on Sept. 24, 1881, issued a proclamation calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Hemstreet's death while offering a $100 reward.

Initially, three suspects were arrested - brothers William and John Gemeinhardt in addition to Adam Teirhoff. The Gemeinhardt brothers were eventually exonerated.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported on Dec. 18, 1882, that Teirhoff, "who was indicted by a grand jury of (Cole County) for the murder of Dr. Hemstreet entered a plea of guilty to manslaughter in the third degree." Records could not be located that describe the sentencing Teirhoff received.

After Dr. Hemstreet's death in 1881, his body was to be buried in the cemetery adjacent to the former St. Joseph Catholic Church, which sat on a hill overlooking Route C approximately a quarter-mile west of the North Moreau Bridge.

Instead, his remains were conspicuously buried outside the fenced cemetery. One story passed down through generations states the Catholic priest serving the parish strongly disapproved of Hemstreet's drinking and womanizing. As such, he was not allowed to lie at rest within the holy confines of the cemetery. Another story notes he was placed outside the fence because he was not Catholic.

Local resident Kathryn Linsenbardt explained that shortly after Route C was moved in the mid-1970s, the county was seeking names for the old highway. In her mind, there was only one name that seemed appropriate.

"Hemstreet was a jack of all trades and had lived in the area," she explained. "The old bridge was always referred to as Hemstreet Bridge by the older residents from Stringtown and Lohman because his house was supposedly just up the hill from it."

She added, "When the county sought suggestions to name the old highway, I submitted the name Hemstreet, and perhaps others did, too. Regardless, it now carries the name Hemstreet Road."

Jeremy P. Amick is writing a series of articles highlighting the history of the Russellville area in honor of Missouri's bicentennnial.