Dockery Hotel, Kirksville, Missouri.Photo byNRHP Nomination Form.

The Dockery Hotel was located at Elson and McPherson Streets in Kirksville, Missouri (Adair County). It was listed on the National Register on February 10, 1983. Since it was destroyed in 1991, it may be delisted.

The historic two-story brick Dockery Hotel was constructed in 1891. The Dockery Hotel was important because of its association with Thomas Jefferson Dockery, a prominent Kirksville resident. It was also important because of its architecture.

The building was originally known as the Leslie Hotel when it was built. It was enlarged in 1904 by Thomas Dockery. It was a beautiful hotel with 75 furnished rooms. There's not a lot of information about the original owner, Mr. Leslie.

Thomas Jefferson Dockery

Dockery was born in 1845 in Indiana. In 1855, he moved to Adair County with his parents. From 1861 to 1864, Dockery served in the Union forces. In 1867, he married Julia E. Linder. They had three children.

In Dockery's early life, he was a farmer and teacher. In 1876, he and his family moved to Kirksville after he was elected to a county office. For eight years, he served as a Bridge Commissioner and County Surveyor.

In 1879, Dockery platted the town of Adair and in 1881, he platted New Baden. He became wealthy with his land investments, real estate, and abstract businesses. He built and owned the Dockery Building and Dockery Hotel.

Dockery had various political roles including two terms as mayor. He was prominent in Republican politics. Dockery died on November 25, 1922, at age 77. According to the Find-a-Grave record, he and Julia had six children.

Kirksville was a trade center for Northeastern Missouri. Commercial activity prospered in 1868 and 1872 when the railroads arrived. It's believed the Leslie Hotel and its large lobby were constructed when Dr. A.T. Still, founder of osteopathic medicine, arrived in Kirksville.

At one point, the Dockery Hotel was the only hotel still in existence out of others built to accommodate the needs of patients coming to Kirksville to see Dr. Still.

Dockery acquired the hotel in 1895. The hotel was reopened in December 1904 after it was enlarged.

Fast forward, the hotel was acquired by owners who were discussing the rehabilitation of the building. The renovation never happened.

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