Names of members of the first class, then known as the Palmyra class, Wakarusa Mission, Missouri Conference, organized July 22, 1855:

• Henry Barricklow
• David Eldridge
• Hulda Eldridge
• William Graham
• Jane Graham
• Daniel Johnson
• Farrington Barricklow
• Lewis F. Green
• Nehemiah Green
• Archibald Harris
• Perces Harris
• Rosella Harris
• Helen Harris

Mr. Henry Barricklow, experienced Methodist class leader, held the first class meeting in his “claim home”, just east of where Signal Oak Park exists.

Other class members opened their homes for their Sunday services of Bible study, testimony, prayer, and sometimes song.

Barricklow’s own influence remained strong. A good farmer, and soon a trustee and supporter of Baker University, his resourcefulness set the course for a strong church.

The tombstone of Henry and Mary Barricklow in the old Pioneer cemetery just south of Baldwin, contains the words, “Two of the Founders of Baker University.”