Est in 1857 as G.A. Burkhardt; McKnight's 1914-1968

Moniteau County, Missouri

McKnight's

1914-1968

Est as G. A. Burkhardt & Co. on August 28, 1857

Chambers Mercantile Co. (April 1912)

Chambers-McKnight Mercantile Co. (April 1914)

T. B. McKnight Mercantile Co. (October 1914)

According to the 1889 Goodspeed History of Moniteau County Gustave A. Burkhart was born in Germany and came first to the United States in 1851, initially settling in Hermann, Missouri and a short time later started clerking in a hardware store in St. Louis. In 1856 he went back to Germany to get a legacy left from his father's estate, and in August, 1857, arrived safely again in New York. On August 28, 1857, he began merchandising in California in partnership with C. F. Eberhardt, continuing thus associated until 1861, when the latter died. C. F. Eberhardt seems to be Christoph Ferdinand Eberhardt that was born July 18, 1833 and baptized into the German Lutheran church on July 28, 1833 in Germany. G. A. Burkhardt was the executor of C. F. Eberhardt's estate when it was probated in August 1861.

Advertisement in the April 9, 1859 Weekly California News

Advertisement in the May 17, 1859 Weekly California News

From the October 28, 1865 The Central Missourian:

Wheat Drills and Sugar Mills

G. A. Burkhardt has for sale at St. Louis prices, Wheat Drills and Sugar Mills, of the latest patents. Those in want of such articles would save time and expense by calling on him and supplying themselves at once.

Advertisement in the October 28, 1865 The Central Missourian

Advertisement in the July 21, 1881 California Democrat

Advertisement in the May 13, 1886 California Democrat

Advertisement in the January 7, 1892 California Democrat

From the March 17, 1892 California Democrat:

An Old Time Firm Changed

Mr. G. A. Burkhardt, who has been engaged in general merchandising in California for the past thirty-five years under one name, until it has become a household word throughout Central Missouri, this week associates with himself his sons-in-law, R. Blumstengel and A. F. Snow, and his son C. A. Burkhardt, under the firm name of G. A. Burkhardt & Co. Each of the new members of the firm is well known in California and vicinity. Mr. Snow has been engaged in the drug business for years, whilst the other two gentlemen have been able assistants of Mr. Burkhardt. The store room has been enlarged and the business will be extended.

From the May 26, 1892 California Democrat:

To My Friends and Patrons

Having sold my stock of Drugs to Messrs. Mengel & Russell, I desire to thank one and all for the kind patronage extended me while in the drug business, and hope to merit and receive the same in my present business with G. A. Burkhardt & Co.

As to the new drug firm of Mengel & Russell, they are both young men and well qualified for the drug business, accommodating, and I would recommend them to my friends and customers.

Respectfully, etc. A. F. Snow

California, Mo., June 23, 1892

Advertisement in the March 16, 1892 Moniteau County Herald

G. A. Burkhardt died January 22, 1907 and in his obituary it says Mr. Burkhardt was born in Saxony, Germany, May 31, 1835. He came to America in 1851. . . in 1857 he came to California and engaged in the mercantile business, and has had an interest in the business since, being an active member of the firm until he was elected president of the Farmer's and Traders Bank in 1898. Since that time he has given much of his attention to the bank, but still retained an interest in the Mercantile Company that bears his name. He was elected a member of the city council in 1862, served many years and then became mayor for several years. Later he agian served as a member of the council, and of the city school board. He was elected sheriff and collector in 1868, and served for four years. Mr. Burkhardt was a charter member of the German Evangelical church [now United Church of Christ] in 1866. He married in the year 1857 to Miss Kehr and was survived by six children, Mrs. A. F. Snow, Mrs. R. R. Blumstengel, Theodore G., in business at Jefferson City, Chas. A., State Bank Examiner, Mrs. C. E. Born and Mrs. T. M. Fulks.

Advertisement in April 20, 1911 Moniteau County Herald

From the March 28, 1912 Moniteau County Herald:

J. J. Chambers of the Racket Store has purchased the stock of goods of the Burkhardt Merc. Co., and will move his stock of goods to the building now occupied by Burkhardt's. Watch for his ad next week.

From the April 4, 1912 Moniteau County Herald:

A Business Change

J. J. Chambers, the Racket man, has purchased the stock of the Burkhardt Mercantile Co., and is moving his stock to that stand this week. In the two years that Mr. Chambers has been here he has built a fine trade, his former quarters being entirely too small.

Mr. Snow, the retiring merchant, has been a business man in California for so long, and is such a public spirited and agreeable citizen, that we will sadly miss him. He thinks of going to New Mexico.

Advertisement in the April 4, 1912 Moniteau County Herald

Advertisement in the January 30, 1913 California Democrat

From the December 4, 1913 Moniteau County Herald:

To Become Resident of California

Mrs. A. D. [should be T. B.] McKnight was here from Linn last week visiting her husband who is with the Chambers Mercantile Company. Mr. McKnight has purchased the handsome J. L. Buchanan home on East street and the wife and three children will move to California soon. Mr. McKnight formerly owned a large store at Linn, and when he sold was attracted to California by its splendid schools and other advantages, and has made arrangements to become one of us.

From the January 8, 1914 California Democrat:

The firm of J. J. Chambers Mercantile Co., are invoicing this week preparatory to making a change in the personnel of the company. Mr. T. P. [should be T. B.] McKnight who recently moved here from Osage county, and purchased the residence property of J. L. Buchanan on East street has purchased a half interest in the firm, the name of which will in the future be the Chambers-McKnight Mercantile Co.

Advertisement in the April 2, 1914 Moniteau County Herald

From the October 22, 1914 California Democrat:

Announcement

On account of ill health Mr. J. J. Chambers has sold his interest in the Chambers-McKnight Mer. Co. to his partner Mr. T. B. McKnight.

In transferring to the new firm Mr. Chambers wishes to thank his many customers and friends for their liberal support and patronage and many kindnesses while he was in business.

All accounts and obligations will be assumed and settled for, by the new firm. Eagle stams will be continued as usual.

Thank the people generally of California and vicinity for their past support and hoping for a continuance of the same, I remain yours for a square deal.

T. B. McKnight Mer. Co.

Advertisement in the October 29, 1914 Moniteau County Herald

Advertisement in the January 8, 1920 Moniteau County Herald

Advertisement in the September 22, 1921 California Democrat

From the December 30, 1921 Tipton Times:

California Sustains Fire Losses Aggregating $75,000

Flames Started From Unknown Origin at 3 o'clock Thursday Morn.

Fire in California did a damage of about $75,000 to the Ed Nischwitz Furniture Co., T. B. McKnight, R. R. Blumstengel and Eckerle blacksmith shop in California Thursday morning of last week. The origin of the fire is unknown. The loss is partially covered by insurance.

The blaze started in the store of the Nischwitz Furniture Company and was discovered about 3 o'clock a.m. Because of the prompt response by members of the fire department the fire was contained to the Nischwitz store where the damage is believed to have reached $60,000.

The store of T. B. McKnight was damaged by smoke and water and the Blumstengel hardware store was damaged by a wall falling the following day after the fire was exterminated. The damage to the Eckerle blacksmith shop was not great.

It is estimated that the loss will reach $75,000. It is partially covered by insurance. But for the efficient work of the fire department and good water pressure the fire would have probably destroyed every building and place of business on the north side of the public square.

A portion of the 1918 Sanborn Fire Map showing the Courthouse and the buildings that housed the McKnight store on the north side of the square in California.

From the July 19, 1923 Moniteau County Herald:

Bought Business Property

T. B. McKnight has purchased the Burkhardt property he has been occupying for several years. He has not purchased the part of the building occupied by R. R. Blumstengel, and the clothing department of the McKnight store, but has secured a lease on the clothing part and will continue to occupy it. The location is one of the best in California and Mr. McKnight does a business to correspond.

From the August 19, 1927 Tipton Times:

T. B. McKnight Mercantile Co.

The T. B. McKnight Mercantile Company, one of the County Seat's complete mercantile establishments, uses space in this issue with its fourteenth annual announcement.

Mr. McKnight is a product of Osage county, where he was born and reared on a farm near Linn. He engaged in farming for a number of years near the place of his birth, later operating a drug store in Linn after a number of years of school teaching.

In 1913 he removed with his family to California, where he purchased what is known as the Burkhardt buildings, immediately north of the Courthouse, where he has since conducted, succesfully, his department store.

Part of obituary in the December 7, 1939 Moniteau County Herald:

A. F. Snow Lived Civic, Business Life

His parents went to Texas and in 1871, Dr. J. J. Russell who was a physician here at that time brought him to California to learn the Drug business. He first worked in a store that stood on the corner of the Lumber Yard block, west of McKnights. After he was married G. A. Burkhardt erected the building now occupied by Mr. Dawson and he operated a drug store there for a long period of years and it became known as the Snow building.

After he retired from the Drug business Mr. Snow was with the Burkhardt Mercantile Co. for many years, and after Mr. Burkhardt's death remained until the business was sold.

Advertisement in February 22, 1962 Moniteau County Herald

Part of obituary in the May 9, 1940 Moniteau County Herald:

T. B. McKnight, Veteran Merchant

Helped to Make the Life of Trade For California For 27 Years - Leader in Church and City

T. B. McKnight, interested in the business and civic life of California since 1913, died at the family home on East street at five o'clock Sunday May 5, 1940. He had been in failing health for several months but was not seriously ill for only a few days. Mr. McKnight was a native of Osage county. His father was born near Linn in 1835. Mr. McKnight was a student in the common school there and was one of the graduates of Hooper Institute. He saw much of the pioneer life of that section. He was born March 25, 1867, and married to Ida Melin August 19, 1895. Mr. McKnight taught school in a district and high school for fourteen years and had been engaged in the Mercantile business before coming to California. He brought the stock he owned there to California and added it to one he purchased here.

He later bought the store building and divided the merchandise into departments, Dry Goods and Ladies Wear, Groceries, Clothing, and Men's Furnishings. As a business man Mr. McKnight was kindly and courteous, and the business has grown into a large and successful one.

He is survived by his wife and three children, Frank McKnight, in charge of the Grocery and Meat department of the company; Mrs. Grace Dwyer, in charge of the Ladies department, and with her husband owner of the Men's Shop; Mrs. Mary Pizer, wife of F. Norris Pizer of the Tipton Times. There are three grandchildren.

Part of obituary in the May 18, 1961 California Democrat:

Rites Mon. For Mrs. McKnight

Came Here From Linn in Dec. 1913

She was married to T. B. McKnight a native of Osage county. He spent 14 years in the teaching profession, part of this time he was an instructor in high school and was a member of the county board of examiners. He was a graduate of Hooper Institute at Clarksburg. He was in the drug business at Linn, and later conducted a general merchandise business at Linn. In December 1913 Mr. and Mrs. McKnight and family moved from Linn to California. Mr. McKnight purchased the former Burkhardt Store. He died May 5, 1940.

The McKnight Store is now operated by a daughter, Mrs. Cliff Dwyer and a son Frank McKnight.

From the January 10, 1963 California Democrat:

Mens Shop Moves to McKnight Store

Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Dwyer are moving the Mes's Shop from the VFW Building to the McKnight building. Many new improvements have been made. The space occupied by the Men's Shop was formerly used as the grocery department at the McKnight Store.

A partition has been built across the back in the new shop and in the dry goods department. A gas furnace and new display window has been added.

The Men's Shop had been in the former Hinkel building since 1935.

From the June 30, 1966 Moniteau County Herald:

Close Out Sale At Men's Shop

Opened in 1935 By Cliff Dwyer

The Men's Shop in Downtown California is going out of business, according to the store manager, Cliff Dwyer.

A close out sale of the entire stock of men's furnishings and hats is advertised in this issue of the newspaper, to being today (Thursday).

Mr. Dwyer opened the Men's Shop in 1935. For many years it was housed in the building adjacent to McKnight's Store, north of the courthouse. the shop was moved into the McKnight building a few years ago when Mr. Dwyer's brother-in-law, Frank McKnight, discontinued the grocery and dry goods department of McKnight's.

McKnight's Store, now a women's wear shop owned and operated by Mrs. Grace McKnight Dwyer, will continue in operation.

Mr. Dwyer says that his future plans are indefinite at this time.

Advertisement in November 14, 1968 Moniteau County Herald

From the December 13, 1968 Tipton Times:

Editorial

Store Close To This Newspaper

"An era in California is coming to an end," says Jack Crawford's California Democrat in a news account that McKnight's Store in California is quitting business.

The closing out sale now in progress at McKnight's touches the Times since one of the publishers, Mrs. Tommy Miller, is a niece of the store's owner, Mrs. Clifford (Grace) Dwyer.

McKnight's Store has had a long and successful career and dealings through the years have been both pleasant and profitable to buyer as well as seller.

McKnight's has been a familiar name to members of families of several generations who have continued their patronage not only through friendliness but because of the quality of merchandise sold the store's location being "On the Square," which has been its motto.

Not because of the Times relationship, but it goes without saying that the McKnight family has been nice to deal with one reason why it has served many patrons over a wide area.

May the retirement of Grace and her husband, Cliff, be all that they want it to be.

Advertisement in the December 13, 1968 Tipton Times

From the December 5, 1968 California Democrat:

First Established in 1857

McKnight Store Quitting Business

An era in California is coming to an end. The last department of the original McKnight Mercantile Store is going out of business. Its owner, Mrs. Grace McKnight Dwyer, is advertising a sale in this issue of the newspaper.

The store is the oldest place of business in Calfiornia. It was established by the late G. A. Burkhardt in 1857. He had a partner at the time and when the partner died, Mr. Burkhardt became the sole owner. the first store burned in 1905 and the present building was put up in its place. Burkhardt continued in business until his death in 1907.

T. B. McKnight moved to California from Linn in 1913 and bought an interest in the store from J. J. Chambers. Several years later Mr. Chambers sold his share to his partner and left town.

Mr. McKnight's son, Frank, came home after serving in World War I and took charge of the grocery and meat department. Mrs. Dwyer had charge of the dry goods and ladies ready-to-wear. Her husband, Cliff, took over the men's furnishings in 1935.

McKnight's quit handling groceries in 1964, so Mr. Dwyer moved the men's department back into the main building after it was remodeled. He closed out the men's department two years ago.

The store will be closed all day Thursday while Mrs. Dwyer prepares for the sale.

McKnight's went out of business in June 1969, in which this ad appeared in the June 5, 1969 California Democrat

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