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Full text of "Annals of Platte County, Missouri, from its exploration down to June 1, 1897; with genealogies of its noted families, and sketches of its pioneers and distinguished people .."



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ANNALS 



OF PLATTE COUNTY, MISSOURI, 



FROM ITS EXPLORATION DOWN TO JUNE I. 1891 

WITH GENEALOGIES OF ITS NOTED l'AMI 

LIES, AND SKETCHES OF ITS PIO 

NEERS AND DISTINGUISHED 

PEOPLE. 



Showing that, by Intermarriage, We have Become 

One Great Family. 



BY 

W. M. PAXTON, 

OF 

Platte City, Mo. 



■ 






■ ■ • 



Kansas City, Mo.: 

HUDSON-KIM BERirY PUBLISHING CO. 

1897. 



94 



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ANNALS OF PLATTE COUNTY. 



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* 



PREHISTORIC INHABITANTS. 

Our county records claim 
No heroes known to fame, 

No mystic legends old; 
No monuments are found. 
No ruins mar the ground, 

No minstrel tale is told. 

PLATTE COUNTY has little to inspire the rhapsodist, or to 
kindle the enthusiasm of the antiquary. Our native rocks have 
no rude inscriptions; no chronicler records the prowess of our 
aborigines, and few remains attest the high civilization of a race 
now extinct. But our undulating prairies, our fertile soil, our 
ancient forests, and our gurgling streams charm the utilitarian 
and philanthropist. Sublimity may attract us for a day, or deso- 
lation awe us for an hour, but we make our home on the well- 
watered domain, where fields of cereals wave before the breeze, 
and grazing herds respond to our call. 

Relics are rarely found. 1 have never, myself, picked up an 
arrow-head, but I have seen several collections of arrow-heads, 
tomahawks, and mills, or mortars. Dr. J. A. Baldwin has the 
largest store of Indian relics in the county. 

Except on the bluff at Iatan, and in the extreme southeastern 
corner of the county, no mounds appear. No Indian village was 
ever established, and scarcely a wigwam erected on our soil. 
Though the Iowas and the Sacs and Foxes set up claim to our 
lands, their titles were shadowy, and not supported by prescription. 

EVIDENCES OF A PREHISTORIC RACE. 

In 1859, Col. Geo. S. Bark plowed up in his orchard, adjacent 
to Farkville, large, square, well-burned brick, held together by 
straw, in the Egyptian style. They were covered by only a foot 
of earth, and were part of a large building. 

In 1877, a party of antiquarians, from Kansas City, opened 
four mounds on the Beter Brenner farm, below Parkville, and 
found stone enclosures eight feet square and four feet high. A 
number of human skulls were uncovered, some indicating large, 
and others very small, people. They suggested a*n earlier race 
than the Indians, but scarcely above them in intelligence. Near 
the mounds were scattered large quantities of Hint arrow-heads, 
tomahawks, and spear-heads. They discovered a large number 
of small mills for crushing grain. See the Landmark for March 
22, 1S77. 

In the Rerrillc of May 10, 1871, is an account of the mounds 
on Dan'l Bixlev's farm, four miles east of Parkville. One lar^e 



PRE-HISTORIC. 



central mound is surrounded by sixteen smaller ones, the whole 
occupying only a few acres of ground. It is stated that early in 
May, 1871, a party of Indians came down the Missouri River, and 
went straight to these mounds, and opened several of them. 
They took out many human bones, and threw them away, but the 
purpose of the visit is a mystery. Further examination of these 
mounds disclosed human bones in layers, separated by large 
flat stones. 

Near latan, on a bluff overlooking the Missouri, is a group of 
mounds, several of which have been opened by Prof. George J. 
Remsburg, of Atchison. Under date of July 16, 1896, he writes 
to the St. Joseph Gazette an account of his explorations, from 
which I extract the following account of the contents of a mound 
on the farm of James Palmer, two miles east of latan: 

"The mound measured 25 feet in diameter and was probably 
the largest ever explored in this vicinity. Huge stones were im- 
bedded firmly in the earth and formed a rude vault. There were 
about three wagon-loads of rock in the mound. These had been 
carried by the Indians from the base of the bluff and served as a 
protection from the ravages of wild animals. But it remained 
for the eager antiquarian, who is always prying into the mysteries 
of the past, to visit the sepulcher, and, like the angel of the resur- 
rection, 'roll the stone away.' What did it reveal? Lying pros- 
trate in the vault, under this massive pile of earth and stone, with 
the head to the north, was the skeleton of an Indian almost com- 
pletely decayed. 

"We first commenced removing the earth and stone on the 
north side of the mound, going no deeper than the base of the 
tumulus or the surface of the earth. We first struck the skull, but 
it was so uearlv decaved that it could onlv be traced by the crum- 
bling particles in the soil. By allowing the earth to adhere to it 
and by very delicate handling, we managed to save a small portion 
of one of the jaws containing six teeth. They were worn down 
very short and smooth, which would indicate that the deceased 
was of an advanced age or that he had subsisted on a very 
coarse diet. 

"We gradually penetrated the mound, working like tigers in 
the oppressive heat, removing the huge stones, most of which 
seemed to be set in the ground with the larger end down, which 
made them difficult to remove. Some of the stones were over a 
foot in thickness and from two to three feet long. 

"By carefully removing the earth with a pocket-knife, several 
good-sized pieces of the leg-bones were saved. One of the thigh- 
bones has a small round hole in it. which very much resembles a 
bullet-hole. Tt is singular, considering the decomposed state of the 
skeleton, that one of the bones of the toe with the nail on it was 
well preserved. The few remaining fragments were charred and 
calcined, and the walls of the vault were red. showing unmistak- 
able signs of fire. There were also bits of charcoal and burnt 



PREHISTORIC. 



earth in the mound. It is evident thai cremation was practical 
by the tribe to which the deceased belonged. It serins that the 
stone vault had been built on the surface of the ground, the body 
placed in it and burned, and then the pile of stone and earth 
reared above it. No relics of any kind were unearthed excepl a 
few pieces of wrought Hint. 

"The mound was located on one of the highest points in this 
region and commands a splendid view in every direction. No 
doubt at least a century has elapsed since the mound was built. 
Mr. Palmer, who settled there in 1845, more than half a century 
ago. says the mound looked as old then as when it was opened 
yesterday. A large white oak tree originally grew on top of the 
monnd, but it was cut down in 18GG and convened into ties for the 
K. C. railroad. The tree measured nearly four feet in diameter. 

"On the same hill, about 10 or 15 rods south of this mound, is 
another similarly constructed, but a little smaller. There is also 
one in Mr. Palmer's garden, and several on another hill just east 
of his house. Looking northwest from the mound opened yester- 
day,. one may see three very prominent mounds on Pud Smith's 
farm, about a mile away. There is a very large mound in front of 
John Vandrel's kitchen door. Several men dug into the side of 
it some time ago, and exhumed several skulls. There are a num- 
ber of smaller mounds on the terraces of the creek bottom which 
runs through Iatan. Several of these are near the old mill on the 
south side of the creek, and one on the north side, in Bud Palmer's 
field. Some of these mounds are the remains of Indian lodges, 
and the writer found a portion of a pottery vessel near one of 
them. 

•'Some time ago the writer explored a small mound on the old 
Major Bean farm near Bean Lake. Although similarly eon 
structed, it presented somewhat of a contrast to the mound on 
Mr. Palmer's farm in some respects. From the Large mass of 
charred bones it was evident that several Indians had been de- 
posited in one mound. The bones were scattered about promis- 
cuously, which indicated that they had been buried with little or 
no regularity. A layer of burned substance resembling brick 
had to be penetrated before reaching the remains. The pieces of 
skull found in this mound were unusually thick. Indian mounds, 
camp-sites, and other remains are scattered along the bluffs at 
intervals all the way from Rushville, in Buchanan County, to 
Iatan and Weston, in Platte County, and it presents one of the 
best fields for the antiquarian in this region. Hundreds of in- 
teresting relics have been picked up in the fields hereabouts. The 
writer has a tomahawk which Mr. Palmer's father picked up 
in 1845." 

Ancient walls and graves have been uncovered, near Park- 
ville, but little of interest has been disclosed. 



4 MINES. 

MINES. 

Sulphur, in large quantities, was discovered near Beverly, 
but no mines of any kind have been opened. Chalybeate and 
other mineral waters are found in many places. 

COAL. 

Coal has been found cropping out in many places. Near 
Linkville, in the bed of Second Creek, a layer of coal appears, and 
many tons of it have been used by blacksmiths, but the admixture 
of sulphur has condemned it. Near Waldron there is a vein of 
coal of better quality, and, at one time, plans were laid to mine it. 
Coal has been found near the surface in other places, but not in 
paying quantities and qualities. The miners of Leavenworth 
County, Kansas, find an excellent article of coal at a depth of 
seven hundred feet. They are now removing coal from beneath 
the Missouri River, and have even reached our shore. They have 
bought coal rights under some twelve hundred acres of Platte 
County lands, and, in a few years, expect to open shafts on this 
side of the river. There is no doubt that, at the depth of five to 
si j ven hundred feet, there is an abundant supply of the best of 
coal. Though companies have been formed to bore for coal at 
Platte City, at Weston, and at Parkville, and the necessary funds 
raised, yet the money was returned and nothing done. The day 
will come when the rich stores of coal beneath our soil will be a 
source of wealth to our people. 



ROME DATES OF THE DISCOVERY, SETTLEMENT, 
AND PROGRESS OF MISSOURI. 



1755. 

The first settlement of whites in Missouri is made at 
Ste. Genevieve. 

1764. 
Laclede and his companions establish a trading-post at St. 
Louis. 

1798. 
PopulatioD of St. Louis. 025. 

1800. 

Indian traders have headquarters a1 Roubidoux (St. .Joseph) 
and a1 Randolph Bluff, three miles below the mouth of the 
Kansas River (Kansas Ci1 vi. 

1803. 
Louisiana ceded t<> the railed States by the first Napoleon, 
fur |15,000,000; formal delivery of possession. December 20. 1803. 

1804. 
March 10 — JurisdictiOE surrendered at St. Louis. 



DATA. 



Man-It 26 — Congress divides tin- new territory into two parts. 
The northern department is called the District of Louisiana, and 
is attached to Indiana, of which den. \Y. EL Harrison is governor. 

May 1 'i — Lewis and (Mark, with 28 men, start from their 
camp opposite the mouth of the .Missouri, on their expedition to 
the Pacific. On (heir return, they reach St. Louis September 
2.°>, 1806. 

1S05. 

By act of Congress the District of Louisiana becomes the 
Territory of Louisiana, and dames Wilkinson is appointed the 
first governor. 

1807. 

Meriwether Louis is governor of the Territory of Louisiana. 

1808. 

The Missouri Fur Company is organized at St. Louis by the 
Chouteaus and others. 

1809. 
The Missouri Gazette issued at St. Louis by Jos. Charless. 

1810. 

Benjamin Howard, Governor of Missouri. 

Pioneers occupy the Boonslick lands. The United States 
census shows the population of Missouri, 20,845. 

1812. 

June '/ — Congress changes the name of the Territory of Louis- 
iana to the Territory of Missouri, the change to take effect Decem- 
ber 7, 1812. 

1813. 

William (Mark. Governor of Missouri. 

1810. 

The steamers Expedition, Captain Craig, Jefferson, Captain 
Offut, and the R. M. Johnson, Captain Colfax, with nine keel 
boats, left St. Louis June 21, on the long, arduous, and perilous 
voyage to the mouth of the Yellowstone, to ascertain the prac- 
ticability of navigating the Missouri. Accompanying the voy- 
agers was part of the 5th U. S. Infantry, under command of 
Colonel Chambers. The Jefferson sank at Cote-Sans-des-Sans. 
Smith Calvert, then a lad, was errand-boy on the steamer Expedi- 
tion. At Cow Island, the winter of 1819-20 was passed. In the 
spring, the steamers ascended the Missouri to Council Bluffs, and 
here young Calvert was detailed with a party to construct Fort 
Atkinson. 

The crew preferred to winter at Cow Island, opposite Iatan, 
because some cabins were found there, left by Captain Martin. A 
cow, found on the island, doubtless left by Captain Martin, gave 
it the name of Cow Island. John C. McCov. late of Kansas Citv, 



6 YELLOWSTONE EXPEDITION. 



in a paper entitled "Survey of Kansas Indian Lands," read Jan- 
uary 15, 1889, before the Kansas State Historical Society, and 
printed in the fourth volume of ''Kansas Historical Collections," 
page 303, writes : 

"Captain Martin, in 1818, camped for the winter with three 
companies of XT. S. Riflemen, on Cow Island, ten miles above 
Leavenworth, and during that winter killed between two and 
three thousand deer, besides great numbers of bears, turkeys, etc." 

I have often conversed with Mr. Calvert upon his stay at 
Cow Island. He said that hunting companies often crossed to 
the Missouri side, in Platte County, and found abundance of 
game. Indians were not found east of the Missouri. 

VALENTINE BARNARD'S STORY. 

In the Landmark of March 23, 1883, is a long, rambling, and 
apochryphal statement, by Mr. Barnard, which is reproduced in 
Gatewood's "History of Platte." He says that, with several young 
friends of Clay County, he boarded one of the Yellowstone 
steamers, and was put off at Rialto, below the site of Weston, 
where a few Indian traders had established themselves. Mr. 
Barnard did not come to Missouri earlier than 1835. About that 
time a gang of discharged soldiers built cabins at Rialto, and 
engaged in the illicit sale of whisky to soldiers of Fort Leaven- 
worth and to the Indians. To dislodge them, the northern limit of 
the Military Reserve was extended so as to embrace Rialto. But 
Mr. Barnard's story is absurd in its conception and contradictory 
in its details. 

1823. 

A wagon road is opened from Liberty, by way of Smithville, 
to Council Bluffs. An express was at times run on the trail, by 
"•ontractors, traders, and trappers. Smithville, being the last 
town a train of pack-mules left, and the first to entertain the 
drivers on their return, became for a few years a resort for 
drunken whites and begging Indians. This ceased when Fort 
Leavenworth was established, and when steamers ascended the 
Missouri frequently. 

WRITE ALLOE BRANCH. 
A French Canadian trader and trapper spent his winters in 
;i ciivc or "dugout" on the bank of the branch emptying into the 
Missouri ;ii Parkville. His name was Alloe; and the Kickapoo 
Indians, across the Missouri, railed him "White Alloe," and gave 
(his nniiic to the branch. Thai is the name by which it is 
known to-day. 

SMITHVILLE. 

Bumphrey (Yankee) Smith, in 1S22, located on Smith's Fork, 
so named from him, near whal was then the western line of the 
State. Bere he built a dam, and constructed a mill of round. 
unhewn white-oak logs. A pair of 24-foot millstones were cut 



STEAMBOATS. 



from what was called "lost rock," or boulders. The wheel was 
the old-style flutter wheel. A horse mill had previously been 
erected near Liberty by Tillery, but Smith's was the first, in 
Clay, run by water power. It was a matter of immense interest, 
and half of the people of < 'lay attended the raising. In 1827, Mr. 
Smith cut from "lost rock" a pair of Si-foot stones, aud bolts were 
added to the mill. Thus i he first hour mill arose in Clay and was 
a great convenience. I patronized these mills for a number of 
years and used dark but wholesome bread. 

STEAMERS. 
The Western Engineer, with a corps of topographical sur- 
veyors, reached Old Franklin May 19, 1819, and went up as high 
as Chariton, returning the 22d of May. The people were intensely 
excited, and Old Franklin was ablaze with gunpowder. In 1819, 
Clay County received its first pioneers, and, the same year, a por- 
tion of the land was surveyed. 

MISSOURI ADMITTED. 

March 6, 1820 — Congress passes the Compromise Bill, ad- 
mitting Missouri. The Constitutional Assembly met in St. 
Louis, and assented to the terms of admission. August 10, 1821, 
President Monroe recognized Missouri as a State. The first gov- 
ernor of the State was Alexander McNair. He was elected in 
August, 1820. His successor, Frederick Bates, was elected in Au- 
gust 1824. John Miller succeeded, December 8, 1824, and was 
followed, in November, 1832, by Daniel Dunklin. In November, 
1830. Lilburn W. Boggs became governor, ami was followed, in 
November, 1840, by Thomas Reynolds. This completes the list 
down to the first general election in Platte County. 

CLAY COUNTY. 

In 1822, Clay was organized. It extended north to the Iowa 
line. The same year, Liberty was made the county seat. Feb- 
ruary 11, 1822, the first county court was held at the house of 
John Owens, in Liberty. John Thornton, Elisha Cameron, and 
James Gilmore were Judges ; William L. Smith, County Clerk ; and 
John Harris, Sheriff. 

August 5, 1822 — The first election was held in Clay County, 
in a booth at Liberty. 

December 0, 1822 — St. Louis is incorporated. 

1824. 
Commissioners are appointed to locate and open a road to 
Santa Fe\ 

1825. 
April 29 — Lafayette is in St. Louis. Westport is the starting- 
point for Santa Fe\ Kansas City was then known as Westport 
Landing. Steamboats commence to make occasional trips up 
the Missouri. One or two reach Liberty Landing, each season. 



PIONEERS. 



1826. 

This is the year of the great rise in the Missouri. The rise of 
1S11 was four feet higher. The Indians say the Missouri over- 
flows every fourteen or fifteen years. 

November 11 — A company of 93 emigrants from Bourbon 
County, Kentucky, arrive in Clay, after a long and tedious over- 
land journey, and settle near Smithville. The heads of fami- 
lies are: 1, Captain James Duncan; 2, Matthew Duncan; 3, Wil- 
liam Duncan; 4, Rice Davenport; 5, James Winn; 6, Sarah 
Music (widow) ; 7, James Gray (teacher). The caravan embraced 
7 wagons, 1 carts, 5 dearbons, 150 sheep, and 75 cattle. In their 
immediate settlement they found only the following families in 
possession: 1, Humphrey Smith; 2, Cornelius Gilliam; 3, John 
Gilliam; 1, William Riggs; and 5, Samuel Croley. There were 
no other neighbors. 

'November 20 — The seat of government is removed from St. 
Charles to Jefferson City. 

1827. 

THE CANTONMENT OF LEAVENWORTH LOCATED. 

The following order was the initiative step for the establish- 
ment of Fort Leavenworth : 

"Adjutant-General's Office, 

"Washington, March 7, 1827. 

"Colonel Leavenworth, of the 3d Infantry, with four com- 
panies of his regiment, will ascend the Missouri, and when he 
reaches a point on the left bank, near the mouth of the Little 
Platte River, and within a range of twenty miles, above or below 
its confluence, he will select such position as, in his judgment, is 
best calculated for a site of a permanent cantonment. The spot 
being chosen, he will construct, with the troops at his command, 
comfortable, though temporary, quarters, sufficient for the accom- 
modation of four companies. This movement will be made as 
early as the convenience of the service will permit. 

"By older of Major-General Brown." 

R. JONES, ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 

April /?', 1821 — Colonel H. L. Leavenworth and his four com- 
panies of 3d Infantry came up the Missouri on a steamer, touch- 
ing ;il Liberty banding, as Mrs. Shnbal Allen well recollects. At 
the mouth of the Platte (Parkville) he landed and made an accu- 
rate examination of the locality, but condemned it as a site for a 
i antonment. 

May 8, 1821 — Colonel Leavenworth reported that there was 
no place od I lie left bank of the Missouri he could recommend ; but 
thai there was ;i site on (he right, or west, side of the river, known 
;is Rattlesnake Hills, that he approved. His recommendation 
was approved September 1!». lsi'7. In the meantime Colonel 
Leavenworth had erected temporary barracks, and his men had 



FT. LEAVENWORTH. 



named the post "Cantonmenl Leavenworth." The name is 
adopted in General Orders, dated November 8, lsi'7. Bu1 Feb- 
ruary s, lX3i\ by (leneral Order No. 1, the title "Cantonment," in 
ihis, and all other instances, is changed to "Fort." Irs locality is 
39 degrees -1 minutes north latitude and 96 degrees 44 minutes 
west of Washington. 

THE. MILITARY RESERVE. 

A large body of land on the west side of the .Missouri was. 
at an early day. reserved from Indian grants, and in 1838 Presi- 
dent Viin Buren designated the lands previously surveyed be- 
tween Bee Creek and the Missouri, as a .Military Reserve for 
Fort Leavenworth. The northern line was so ran as to embrace 
Bialto, and dislodge a nest of outlaws, who had established them- 
selves at that place, and were selling liquor to soldiers and 
Indians. October 18, 4844, a large portion of the Reserve, on the 
Missouri side, was vacated, and, after survey by Daniel G. 
Saunders, was entered by preemptors. The present Reserve con- 
tains only 936 acres. Most of it is low and swampy bottom land. 
The original timber has been removed, and the land is now a 
waste of young elm, sycamore, willow, and cottonwood. It is of 
no use to the Government, and ought to be sold to settlers. When 
I first passed, in 1830, through the Reserve, it was densely set in 
large cottonwood and sycamore trees. 

ROBERT ELLIS, 

Late of Weston, was a corporal in one of the companies that 
located the Cantonment. He always took to himself much honor 
tor the part taken by himself. With his little hatchet, he blazed 
an oak tree, and inaugurated the grandest military post of 
the West. 

1 S28. 

FISHING AT THE FALLS OF PLATTE. 
George 1 . Duncan, now of Clinton County, Mo., but in 1828 
of Smithville, says he accompanied James Winn, Abijali Brooks, 
and Alex. B. Duncan on a fishing excursion to the Falls of Platte. 
Three wagons were taken, and provision for man and beast. 
Fish were then — in the spring — coming down the river; and as 
they descended the inclined plane of flat rocks, the fishermen 
caught them in nets, or lanced them with pikes. There were 
some buffalo, but catfish were abundant, and weighed from 10 to 
TO pounds. The wagons were well loaded. Zadock Martin had 
not then come to the Falls, and the military road from Fort 
Leavenworth to Barry had not been opened. 

THE MILITARY ROAD. 

For ten years after Fort Leavenworth was established (May 
County was the base of supplies for the soldiers. Beef, bacon, 
lard, and vegetables, and other marketing were brought from 



10 . THE MILITARY ROAD. 



Clay. But there was no wagon road. Platte River was often 
past fording. Bee Creek had no fords, and at that time every 
branch was a creek, and every creek a rivulet. In the first settle- 
ment of Platte, hundreds of mill-sites were selected on streams 
that now do not run three months in the year. In the summer of 
182S soldiers were detailed to open a good road from the Fort to 
Barry. A ford of brush and stone was made on Bee Creek, and a 
perfectly straight road from the Missouri to Bee Creek was cut 
out, twenty feet wide. At Whiteley's farm it rose to the top of 
the ridge, and followed the divide to within a mile of the Falls. 
After crossing the road, it followed another divide to Barry. It 
passed in front of Garrard Chesnut's, crossed Todd's Creek at 
Ben Jack's, headed the hollows to Longpoint, and by a straight 
course went to Barry. The heavy work on the west end of the 
route was done by soldiers; but the people of Clay gave much 
assistance on the east end. 

FERBIES. 

But still two streams had to be crossed; and Zadock Martin 
was authorized to settle at the Falls and keep ferries over both 
the Platte and the Missouri rivers. Keel-boats were used on the 
Missouri, and for the Platte gunwales were hewed, and plank 
ripped out by the whip-saw. 

ZADOCK MARTIN, 

In the fall of 1828, came from Clay with his sons and slaves, and 
built, of hewed lynn logs, a two-room house on the bluff on the 
eastern shore, below the Falls. Two shed-rooms were added, 
making a house of four rooms. Here he kept a tavern in the 
wilderness. His force was a half-dozen negro men and as many 
stalwart sons. Besides these, there were his good wife and three 
handsome daughters. He had no neighbor within fifteen miles. 
Martin was peculiarly fitted for his calling. Tall and 
brawny, he weighed about 175 pounds. He wore a broad-rimmed 
hat and carried a hickory cane. His eyes flashed lightning, and 
liis mouth reverberated thunder. He demanded instantaneous 
obedience of friend or foe. Yet he was just and charitable, and 
loved by his family and his servants. His sons and negroes 
formed a military troop that even the commander of the Fort 
hesitated to exasperate. He cultivated corn in a field opposite 
his house, in the bottom, and in a thirty-acre field where Tracy 
now st ;i lids. He also had a field of corn in Sand Prairie, opposite 
the Port, and another in Fancy Bottom, above Weston. He had a 
sugar camp ou the bluff, above the present mouth of Bee Creek. 
nis hay wns cni on the prairie, three miles southeast of his home. 
His cattle wintered on the rashes that then abounded in all the 
Missouri bottoms. His hogs ran wild, and fed upon the mast, 
thai consisted of acorns, hickory-nuts, and pecans. His hog- 
killing was done with dogs and guns. When pork was wanted. 



11 XADOCK MARTIN. 



he shouldered his rifle, called his dogs, and went game-hunting. 
His negroes had cabins scattered around on his lands and were 
ready at all hours to do him feudal service. 

POST-OFFICE. 

May 29, J 828 — A post-office was established a I Fort Leaven- 
worth, and Philip P. Hand was the first postmaster. Previously, 
the officers and men received their mails at Liberty. 

STATEMENTS OF WOODS AND BERRY. 

Adam C. Woods and James H. Berry were citizens of Clay in 
1828, and frequently visited the Fort. They saw the soldiers 
constructing their quarters of hewed logs, and their stables of 
round cottonw T ood trees. The Cantonment afforded a market for 
the surplus produce of the west half of Clay. There were no 
Indians in Platte. A few Iowas were at Blacksnake Hills, and at 
Agency, in Buchanan. The best-known officers at the Fort were 
Maj. Riley and Cols. Sumner, Harvey, and Kearney. 

THE FALLS OF PLATTE. 

Mr. Geo. B. Duncan says: "I travelled the new road from 
Barry to Fort Leavenworth, by way of the Falls, in 1 he autumn of 
1828. The road in the timber was very rough. We crossed the 
Platte betw r een the upper and the lower falls, which were about 2 
perpendicular feet each, and about 200 feet apart. The interim 
was a gently inclined plane, formed of large Hat rocks, divided 
into parallelograms by seams, 4 to inches wide. They extended 
from shore to shore, and when the river was full, a sheet of water, 
with flume-like rapidity, descended over them. When low. the 
surface of the rocks was bare, and the noisy water rippled through 
the seams. The natural fall, before the dam was built, was about 
6 feet." 

1 829. 

FORT LEAVENWORTH, PRICES, CAME, ETC. 

Mr. Duncan continues: "In the fall of 1829, Rice Davenport 
and my father, James Duncan, sold a lot of bacon to the quarter- 
master at the Fort for lj cents per pound. I drove the team. 
We crossed the Missouri in a flat-boat, constructed at Liberty, 
and brought up the river by a steam-boat. Two yoke of oxen 
were first taken over, and then the wagon. Net pork, in 1829. 
sold for 75 cents per hundred; horses brought $15 to $20, oxen per 
yoke $30, and large steers $10. A purchaser of horses look a lot 
to Ohio. T made two trips to Ohio as a drover. After selling our 
horses, T returned on foot. We often visited the Platte territory, 
hunting deer and bees. Both were abundant. Ben Cornells was 
the champion bee-hunter. He often camped on lice Creek, and 
gave it its name. One fall T killed one hundred and twenty deer. 
There w T ere no buffaloes on this side of the Missouri. T never saw 
but one elk, and that was after if was killed. Beeswax was a 



12 BARRY. 

staple. It sold for 25 cents per pound. John and William Liv- 
ingston bad a large quantity of honey, and pressed it for the wax, 
throwing away the honey. They sold the wax to John Aull, of 
Lexington, and with the proceeds entered 80 acres of land. We 
had a sugar camp, but our neighbors sweetened their coffee with 
honey, which was called "sweetening." It sold for 10 cents per 
pound. Bear's meat was not sold; but when one was killed, the 
meat was divided among the neighbors. The first winter after 
our arrival in Clay we found a bear's hole, near the house. When, 
by strategem, we had killed it, it weighed 310 pounds. Wolves 
were abundant, and would have annoyed us, had we not 
kept dogs." 

September 2^, 1829 — J3y treaty, the Delaware tribe of Indians 
were granted a. body of land extending from the Kaw River to the 
Leavenworth Reserve. 

BARRY. 

March 9, 1829 — A town and post-office are established at 
Barrv. Thev were so named in honor of W. F. Barrv, Postmaster- 
General. The enterprise of Peter H. Burnett made it a point of 
importance. He afterwards became the first territorial governor 
of California, and latelv died in San Francisco. 

1830. 

STEAMBOATS. 

Prior to 1830, only an occasional steamer ventured up the 
dangerous Missouri. The first regular boat was the Otoe, Captain 
J. B. Hill. She was succeeded by the Hancock. The Globe, Cap- 
tain Wineland, made a trip for the Government in 1830. Boats 
came in the spring and summer, but never stayed over winter. 

SURVEYS. 

In the fall of 1830, John C. McCoy, who died at Kansas City 
September 2, 1889, surveyed the north line of the Delaware lands, 
and laid off the Reserve, on the east side of the Missouri. The 
smith and east line of the Reserve was the old bed of Bee 
Creek. The original limits of the Reserve, east of the Missouri, 
embraced 0.000 acres — but it has been reduced to less than 1,000 
;ht<-s. On 1lie west side of the Missouri, 5.904 acres were re- 
served. Tin- south line is four miles long. 

INDIAN COUNCIL. 

September .?.'/, 1830 — Maj. John Dougherty, agent for the 
Pawnees, held ;i council with his tribe nt Fort Leavenworth. 

1831. 

The mails from Liberty to the Forf, at first carried weekly by 
horse, are now conveyed triweekly by hack. Robert Cain is al- 



13 BEE CREEK. 



lowed to settle ai Todd's Creek, for change of horses. Subse- 
quently change of horses was made at the house of Win. Fox. of 
Longpoint — so called because a long point of timber (here ex- 
tended out into the prairie. 

BEE (REEK. 

Several crossings of Bee Creek were constructed by tin- 
soldiers, between L828 and 1839. In the latter year a high frame 
bridge was built at the point where Bee Creek enters t he .Missouri 
bottom. It was erected at the joint expense of the county and 
the Government. This was, for many years after the settlement 
of the county, the approach to Weston. It was much later that 
the direct route from Platte City to Weston was opened. 

1832. 

The Mormons come to Jackson County. 

Libert// Arsenal is erected this year. David Bivens did the 
carpenter's work, and Riley and Dykes the brick-work. The 
Arsenel and Robert Anil's house were the first brick buildings 
elected in Clay. 

About 1832 the main channel of the Missouri changed from 
the west to the east side of Weston Island. 

1833. 

The Mormons, robbed and threatened by the people of Jack- 
son County, pass over into Clay, and thence move on to Caldwell 
County. 

1835. 

This spring Thos. Johnson and Sashel Brown, of Clay, crossed 
the State line into Platte and raised corn, which they sold at Fori 
Leavenworth. 

ANNEXATION OF THE PLATTE COUNTRY. 

At this time the western boundary of the State of Missouri 
was a nortli-and-south line running through the mouth of the 
Kansas River. The territory lying west of the State line and east 
of the Missouri, and traversed by the Little Platte, was known as 
the "Platte Country." The Iowas and the Sacs and Foxes sei 
claim to this land. Gen. Andrew Hughes was agent for these 
tribes, holding his headquarters at Agency, in what is now 
Buchanan County. By the treaty made with these tribes July 15, 
1830, the Government was granted the privilege of locating other 
tribes temporarily on this territory. In 1832, it was offered to the 
Delawares, and refused by them, because there were no buffalo 
upon it. In 1833, the Iowas and Sacs and Foxes expressed a de- 
sire to sell their territorial rights, on account of the encroach- 
ments of the whites. In 1834, by the treaty of Chicago, a part of 
the Pottawatomie tribe was located, temporarily, in Platte 
County. This called forth from Senator Linn, of Missouri, the 
following letter to H. Ellsworth: 



14 SENATOR LINN'S LETTER. 



SENATOR LINN'S LETTER. 

"Washington, January 23, 1835. 

"Sir, — It has long been desired by the people of Missouri to 
have annexed to the State that portion of territory lying between 
the western boundary of the great river Missouri, for the pur- 
pose of preventing the location upon it of an annoying Indian 
population; and for the purpose of having points to receive their 
supplies, and to ship their produce, within a moderate distance 
from their homes, upon the frontier. The location of the Potta- 
watomies, by the treaty of Chicago, on this territory, interposes a 
barrier to the attainment of these objects so important to the 
welfare and tranquillity of the inhabitants of the western coun- 
ties. Will you be so good as to furnish me your opinion of the 
propriety of ratifying that treaty, and the dangers of a collision 
between the two races, from placing the Indians between the 
white population and the Missouri River? 

"Very respectfully, 

"L. F. Linn." 

Mr. Ellsworth, January 27, 1835, replied favorably to Senator 
Linn's suggestions, and advised the rejection of the Chicago 
treaty, and thus prevent the occupancy of the Platte Country by 
the Indians. Other correspondence on this topic will be found in 
Gatew'ood's "History of Platte," pages 545-9. 

GEN. HUGHES AND ANNEXATION. 

In the summer of 1835, at a militia muster on Weekly Dale's 
farm, three miles north of Liberty, Gen. Andrew Hughes, agent of 
the Iowas, presented the matter of annexation to those present, 
and a committee consisting of D. R. Atchison, A. W. Doniphan, 
W. T. Wood, Peter H. Burnett, and Ed. M. Samuel, was appointed 
to prepare a memorial to Congress, in favor of extending the limits 
of the State to the Missouri, so as to embrace the Platte Country. 
The memorial was written by Judge Wood, and was numerously 
signed. 

But action had already been commenced by our Legislature. 
In 1834 and 1835, Article 2 of the State Constitution was so 
amended as to embrace the Platte Country, with a proviso that it 
should not take effect until the assent of Congress is given. This 
assent was given by act of Congress, approved June 7, 1836, con- 
ditioned upon the extinguishment of the Indian title, and the 
acceptance of the terms by the State. This acceptance w r as given 
by the Legislature December 16, 1830. 

FIRST SETTLERS. 

Tn 1835 and 1836, ninny of the people of Clay crossed the line 
and made improvements in Platte. Though Senator Linn esti- 
mates their number at three hundred. I have been able to get only 
the following names: Robert and William Asher. Felix Beau- 
champ. Nat Boydston. William Brown. Ar. and Rob't Chance, 



1835 15 THE POTTAWATOMIES. 

Chas. Cook, Ben Cornelia, Sol Kudos. Leander .Jones, Jos. Porter, 
Eph. Gilliam, David and .las. Rupe, H.Vance, and William Woods. 
An officer and posse were sent from the Fort, and with kindness 
they were required to leave. Several of their cabins were burned. 
Nat Bovdston and others returned in 183G, and no notice was 
taken of them. But, for the convenience and safety of travelers, 
Rob't Cain was allowed to remain at Todd's Creek, and Joseph 
Todd between Fort Leavenworth and the Falls of Platte. Zadock 
Martin, with his servants, family, and hands, kept the two ferries; 
but in 1837, Rob't Cain took charge of the ferry at the Fort. Wil- 
liam Brown and Wilson Williams lived at the Issue House after 
the arrival, in 1835, of the Pottawatomies. 

THE POTTAWATOMIES. 

In the summer of 1835, two parties of this tribe, of several 
hundred each, were located, temporarily, in Platte. One party 
was placed in what has since been called the Pottawatomie 
Prairie, and the other in the bottom and hills opposite Fort 
Leavenworth. Rations of beef, flour, bacon, etc., were issued to 
them. An issue house was built some sixty yards north of the 
present house of B. F. Whitely, of round logs, floored with 
puncheons, and covered with clapboards. Thompson, Wallis & 
Co. had the contract to furnish the Indians with beef. John 
Boulware was their superintendent. I remember attending 
Esquire Chas. Wells' court, in this old landmark, in 1S39. Jus- 
tice's courts, at that day, were attended by hundreds of men, and 
a jury was easily summoned. The Indians were here only two 
years. They were removed to western Iowa in the summer of 1837. 

PERSONAL NOTES— JOS. TODD (iii). 

Mr. Todd having been driven from the claim he selected in 
1835 on Todd's Creek, which took its name from him, he applied 
for permission to settle on the Military Road, three miles west of 
the Falls. This license was granted him, and the rich body of 
hackberry lands is still called the Todd Settlement. His neigh- 
bors were Martin, at the Falls, and Boulware, Brown, and Wil- 
liams, at the Issue House. The Pottawatomies were around him, 
and the old chief, called Col. Caldwell by the whites, and known 
by his warriors as Socanois, pitched his wigwam in Mr. Todd's 
yard. He took pleasure in reciting his adventures in broken En- 
glish. He claimed that he was with Tecumseh at the battle of the 
Thames. With assumed dignity, he would say: "Before the 
battle, Tecumseh gave me the order: 'You go to the left, and 1 
will go to the right. But farewell ; you will never see me again.' " 
Socanois was straight, and about 6 feet 3 inches high. He was 
kind and genial, and a great favorite with Mr. Todd's family. He 
had some education, and read newspapers with difficulty. He 
was much interested in the Florida War, and did not conceal his 
sympathy for the Indians. Mr. Todd's post-office was at the Fort, 



1835 16 FOX AND LEWIS. 

be traded at Liberty, and did bis milling at Sinitbville. He said 
tbat squirrels were rarely seen, but became abundant after tbe 
country was settled. There were no quails. Paroquets, witb 
green and yellow plumage, went in flocks, screaming as tbey 
passed. Bald eagles were common, and wolves and owls made 
night hideous. Before removing to the west of the Falls, Mr. 
Todd bad a sugar camp at tbe mouth of Todd's Creek. 

LONGPOINT, BILLY FOX AND BILLY LEWIS. 

Billy Fox settled half way between tbe Falls and Liberty. 
Tbe stage tbere changed horses. He was a genial and compan- 
ionable host. William Lewis, wbo lived with him, was a curiosity. 
He was called "Laughing Billy" Lewis. His stentorian laugh 
would shake the hills. He would come to town, and, when merry, 
would commence his performance. Everything was the subject 
of ridicule. In a few minutes tbe whole town would be out. He 
proved tbe old saying true, tbat laughing is catching. After bis 
loudest and merriest cachinnation, all present would join in 
chorus, until one would think Bedlam bad been turned loose. I 
have heard him tell bow he outwitted a steamboat captain. He 
bad but one dollar, and bad not paid his passage. The captain 
tapped the bell, and Lewis begged him to let him tap it again. He 
did so, and then burst into one of his loudest laughs. The passen- 
gers came forth, and were merry. The captain tried to stop the 
sport, but the passengers enjoyed it. Finally, Lewis offered his 
dollar if he would let him go on tapping the bell. Tbe captain ac- 
cepted it. thinking that Lewis would soon get tired. But he was 
mistaken. He grew more and more hilarious, until the captain 
gave him back bis dollar, and agreed to charge no fare for bis 
passage. 

ROBERT CAIN 

Possessed all the kindness, hospitality and good nature of the 
typical pioneer. No kindness was ever asked of him in vain. 
He had nothing too good for a guest. He was true and generous 
to ;i fault. He was rich in lands and stock; but he could not cope 
with the arts and frauds of civilization, and he left but little for 
ln's children. 

JOHN BOULWARE 

Took charge of the issue House in 18:15. It was located on his 
claim. Be sold goods to tbe Indians and early settlers. He led 
a battalion to the Mormon War, and for years was a leader in civil 
and military affairs. 

J. BRADLEY COX 

Still lives on the old Military Road, throe miles from Barry. He 
selected land in 1835, while living in Clay. He often visited tbe 
Fori with marketing, from the first year of its location in 1827. 
He \\;is born in Virginia January 0. 1X00. When be was a child 



1836 17 THE TREATY. 



his parents removed to Anderson County, Kentucky. In 1827, 
they came to Clay. In 1837, he settled where he yet lives. He 
m'd Angeline Arnold, dr. of Younger Arnold. She died in 1895. 
Their ch: 

I. BENJ. COX, 1. single. EL Mary, m'd Newt. Grooves. Ch: 
1. Henri/. 
in. JAMES M. COX, b. Aug. 18, 1841, served as assistant as- 
sessor seven years, m'd December 17, 1865, Bettie Downs, 
dr. of John Downs of Barry. Ch: 

1. Laura, m'd November 29, 1888, Jos. Couch. 2. Clay. 
3. Pink. 
TV. VIRGINIA COX, m'd Calvin Samuel, live in Kv. 
V. HENRIETTA COX, m'd Stephen B. Williams. Ch: 

1. Alice. 2. Kelseij. 3. Bradley. 4. Annie. 5. .iridic. 

VI. MATTIE, m'd Wm Woods, son of Adam. Ch : 

1. Cooper. 2. Jesse. 3. Clifford. 

VII. IRENE, m'd 1st, Wm. Wilhite, d. Ch: 1. Frank. 2. Bertie. 

Irene m'd 2d, Lute Barnes. No ch. 

1836. 

THE TREATY 

For the extinguishment of the titles of the Iowas and the Sacs 
and Foxes was made at Fort Leavenworth September 17, 1836. 
It consisted of four articles: 

Art. I. The tribes relinquish to the United States their 
rights of every nature, to all the land lying between the State 
line and the Missouri River, for the consideration of $7,500. 

Art. II. The United States assigns to the tribes, as a reserva- 
tion, a strip of about 400 square miles, on the south side of the 
Missouri River, between the Kickapoo northern boundary and 
the Grand Nemaha River. 

Art. HI. The United States are to remove the Indians to 
their reservation, and to build temporary lodges, and to supply 
agricultural implements and stock. 

Art. IY. The treaty is to take effect when ratified by the 
Government. 

It is signed by William Clark, Superintendent of Indian 
Affairs : by White Cloud and eleven Iowas, in behalf of the Iowas : 
and by Red Fox and fourteen others, for the Sacs and Foxes. 
Among the witnesses are John Dougherty, Andrew S. Hughes, 
and H. Roubidoux. Jr. The full text of the treaty may be found 
in Gatewood's "History of "Platte." page 550. 

PLATTE ATTACHED TO CLAY. 

December 6, 1836 — In advance of the settlement of the lands, 
Platte County, by an act of the Legislature, was attached to 
Clay for civil and military purposes. The law was to take effect 
on the ratification of the treaty. All the territory between Clay 

2- 



1837 18 TREATY RATIFIED 

and the Missouri River was attached to Clay; and all north of a 
line running to the Missouri from the northwest corner of Clay 
was attached to Clinton County. This left to Platte less than the 
constitutional limit of 400 miles; and hence, on the survey of 
Platte, the north line was extended several miles further north. 

1837. 

TREATY RATIFIED AND LAND SETTLED. 

February 15, 1837 — The Indian treaty was ratified, and im- 
mediately the horde of "sooners" gathered in Clay and Clinton 
dashed into the new territory. Jackson, Lafayette, Boone, and 
Howard counties sent contingents, but Virginia, Kentucky, and 
Tennessee sent thousands of their sturdy, intelligent, and enter- 
prising citizens — constituting a population equal morally and 
superior physically to any other people on earth. Choice claims 
were selected, cabins erected, clearings opened, fences built, and 
corn planted. The roads were crowded with emigrants. They 
dashed north until stopped by the Iowa line. They sought the 
lands densely covered with timber of the most superior quality, 
and at once commenced to destroy it. The lovely prairies, ready 
for the plow, were neglected. In the summer of 1839 I first passed 
through the lovely undulating meadows between Barry and the 
Falls, and not a house was found, except that of John Bryant; and 
as late as the fall of 1840 the beautiful prairies between Second 
Creek and Todd's Creek were in Nature's loveliness and without 
a tenant. But the rocky hills along the wooded streams were 
taken up. In 1841 1 built the first house on the open prairie east 
of Todd's Creek. I bought a claim in what was then called the 
White Oak Woods, on Smith's Fork, for rail timber. At that 
time the forest was unbroken — the white oaks were crowded, were 
about twenty inches in diameter, and as straight as southern 
pines. I hauled to the prairie ten thousand rails, and they are 
there now after nearly sixty years. 

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE APPOINTED. 

There is very little found in the records of Clay in relation to 
Platte. But the county court appointed justices of the peace, as 
follows: William Banta, Jacob A damson, P. S. Benton, J. R. 
Bonds, Michael Byrd, Henry Brooks, J. C. Bywaters, And. Camp- 
bell, Daniel Clary, J. B. Collier, Peter Crockett, Jas. Flannery. 
Win. A. Fox. Jas. Fulkerson, J. W. Gibson, Josiah Higgins, Arch. 
Hill, Jas. H. Hord, Hugh McCaffrey. Matthias Masten, H. D. Oden, 
Robert Patton, J. B. Rogers, Jacob Smelser, J. V. Smith, John 
Stokes. Robert Stone, Jer. H. Spratt, S. B. Thorp. Chas. Wells. 

These justices were farmers, of native intellect, and, witb 
scarcely an exception, of unimpeachable integrity. I venture to 
Bay that wo have never since had a board of justices to equal them. 



1837 19 MARTINSVILLE. 

MARTINSVILLE. 

Zadock Martin, who for nine years had had undisputed sway, 
set up claim to all the lands adjacent to the Falls. But the de- 
mand for business property, and the liberal prices offered for lots, 
induced him to issue permits to build houses on the hill-side, near 
where the African M. E. church now stands. He gave no written 
conveyances. In the fall of 1837 there were some 35 houses and 
L'OO inhabitants in the town of Martinsville. I became a citizen of 
Martinsville in 1839, and I remember the following: Adkins, Jos.; 
Bonnell, W. D. (carpenter); Branham, C. C. (merchant); Brown, 
Milt; Burnett Bros, (merchants) ; Cannon, Alex. E. (lawyer); 
Compton & Morin (merchants); Dorriss, (1. P. (merchant); Faylor 
(hotel); Gibson, Dr. J. W.; Hope & Irwin (saddlers); Johnston, 
Jas. H. (postmaster and merchant); Johnston, Stephen (mer- 
chant); Marshall, Dr. F.; Martin, Z. and family; Martin, Ander- 
son; Mulligan, John and Joe (saloon); Owen, Riley (deputy 
sheriff); Paxton, Wm. M. (lawyer); Samuel, G. W. (merchant); 
Sherwood, A. B. ; Spratt, W. H. (saloon); Thomas, Jas. S. (lawyer). 

Martinsville was a busy little town, but drinking and gam- 
bling were the chief employments. 

PLATTE CITY MILLS. 

In 1837 Martin and his sons built a substantial dam, a few 
yards above the falls, tore up the large flat rocks on the west side 
of the river, and constructed a mill with one turbine water-wheel. 
A pair of good stones were cut from "lost rock," found on the east 
of Platte, three miles northeast of Platte City. On these stones 
only corn w r as ground. But in the spring of 1838 a larger building 
was constructed, a pair of French buhr millstones w r ere brought 
up the Missouri, bolts were put in, and a good article of flour was 
made. It w T as a better mill than that of Yankee Smith at Smith- 
ville; and the abundant w T ater-power never failed. Running 
night and day, accommodation was afforded not only to Platte, 
but to numbers from Clay, Clinton, and Buchanan. Wagons 
from a distance would remain for a week, to secure their turns. 
Some brought provisions for man and team ; but parched corn was 
the staple. Some two to three hundred hogs were fed. In 1838 
a saw 7 -mill was added, and thenceforth good farm-houses were 
erected. 

Zadock Martin had little use for horses. Dlis hauling and 
plowing w r ere done by oxen. His teams seldom got an ear of 
corn. They worked by day and grazed on native grasses and 
rushes by night. His cattle were of primitive breeds. Among 
them was a buffalo steer. He had caught it when ;i calf, and 
reared it with his cattle. His hogs w 7 ere of the "wind-splitter'' 
breed. Their fat yielded oil. and not lard. 

GAME AND FOWL. 
Game w T as never so abundant on the east of the Missouri as 
on the west. Buffalo and antelope were unknown; and the elk 



1837 20 SNAKES. 

was seldom seen. Until cereals were cultivated by man, no 
quails, and but few squirrels, turkeys, and prairie-fowl, were 
seen. Rabbits at an early day were scarce, because the wolves 
destroyed them. Bears were seldom seen. I never saw a wild 
bear, and have no personal evidence that there was a wild bear in 
Platte. Wolves seldom raised their young on this side of the 
Missouri. They came over in vast numbers whenever the Mis- 
souri was frozen. They lived on rabbits. They did little harm ; 
but their dismal howling made the night hideous. Though their 
presence was unknown to the sleeping family, the morning dis- 
closed their tracks at their very door. Gophers cast up fheir 
little hills in all the wet prairies. Deer had been abundant; but, 
after the country was settled, they were seldom seen. In the 
prairies west of the Clay line there were what were called "deer- 
licks." They were bare places in the prairie, visited by deer to 
lick the soil for salt. The hunter erected three poles, twepty feet 
high, and on the top laid a platform. Here the huntsman lay 
awaiting his victim, and assassinated the unwary animal. But 
the invasion of man was followed by the exodus of the deer. In 
winter the prairie-fowl were too abundant, and did damage to 
the standing corn. An occasional prairie-hen remained over 
summer and reared her young. I have found their nests. Otters, 
minks, beavers, and musk-rats were found in the Platte and are 
not yet extinct. Paroquets were here still in 1839. A beautiful 
flock made their home at the Falls. They were not disturbed, but 
in circles they flew, like pigeons, screaming in their course. 

SNAKES. 

The rattlesnake was found in timber and prairie. Cattle 
and horses sometimes suffered from their bites; but I have never 
known a man fatally poisoned by them. Blacksnakes were more 
domestic. Pardon me if I relate 

AN ADVENTURE WITH BLACKSNAKES. 

In October, 1839, I bought the claim owned now by Jesse 
Collins, one mile southwest of Martinsville, and, to secure a pre- 
emption, made the cabin thereon my home. The cabin was of 
round logs, pointed on the outside with mud, and the cracks 
covered within with clapboards. My bed was four poles on tres- 
s«ls. covered with hazel brush. This I placed against the wall, 
blew out my candle, and wont to bod. But I could not sleep, be- 
cause of ;i uoiso of something rubbing behind the clapboards at 
my side Expecting to dislodge rats, I re-lit my candle, and. with 
;i pole, prized off ;i board. Two large blacksnakes, wrapped in 
close embrace, fell into my bod. These I dispatched with the 
pole, crushed their heads, and cast out of the cabin. I then pro- 
vided myself with an axe,, and prized off another board. Two 
other large blacksnakes fell, which T cut in pieces, and cast out. 
I then removed my cot into the middle of the puncheon floor, and 
slept until morning. But the two snakes whose heads I had 



1837 ' 21 FISH. 

crushed were gone, while those 1 ml up remained. 1 lived in 
I his cabin three months, and secured in v land by preemption. 

FISH. 

As in most new countries, fish were abundant. The creeks 
were stocked with perch and catfish; and, with these, buffalo, 
bass, and campbellites were found in the lakes and larger 
streams. The Falls of Platte was a favorite resort for fishermen 
from abroad. I have sometimes seen, at one time, a hundred per- 
sons fishing at the Falls. At the spawning season vast quantities 
of large catfish, unable to pass the falls, would gather in the 
rapids below. In the riffles I have seen the tails and fins of 
large fish so close and numerous that a spear cast in would often 
bring a fish to the shore. Venturesome watermen would go under 
the dam with a grab-hook, and harpoon large fish lying in the 
crevices of the rocks. As buffalo and catfish were coming down 
the river, great numbers were caught in the trap set at the foot of 
the falls. The water-wheels of the mill were sometimes stopped 
by them. Rut from year to year they became less. Bean's Lake 
and other lakes of the county still supply quantities of buffalo 
fish. Traps and seines are prohibited. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

The first homes of the settlers were rude huts constructed of 
round logs, daubed with mud. floored with puncheons, and cov- 
ered with clapboards held down by weight-poles. The chimney 
was of logs to the arch, and then of laths filled in with mud. The 
door was of clapboards, and the latch-string, night and day, hung 
outward; for the pioneer is both fearless and hospitable. But, as 
soon as lumber could be procured, these cabins were succeeded by 
warm hewed-log houses, with plank floors and stone chimneys. 
Stoves came in later. 

CLEARING LAND. 

Prairies were neglected, but farms were opened in the 
timber with much labor. All trees under a foot in diameter were 
felled, and cut into lengths of ten feet, for rails. The brush was 
piled, and the large trees were girdled. For these services $5 per 
acre was the usual price. As the trees decayed and fell, they were 
dragged together and burned. Log-rollings were common. The 
rule was, You help me and I will help you. A jug of whisky and 
a general notice of the day brought together a merry crowd. The 
larger piles of logs were covered with rock, to be burned into 
lime. 

FARMING IMPLEMENTS. 

Blacksmiths used charcoal, made from burning large piles of 
timber covered with dirt. T made many of them, for one of my 
servants was a blacksmith. Many a bar-share and Cary plow 
he made. The moldboard was made from a twisting oak. which 



1837 22 SOCIETY. 

always, like the bean-vine, follows the sun in twisting. An im- 
provement on the bar-share was the Gary plow, and the next 
advance was the Diamond plow. A story was told on an old 
farmer, who had always used the bar-share. A friend prevailed 
on him to try the Diamond plow. After a day's work, he re- 
turned the plow, saying: "It won't last a week; for it has already 
turned as bright as a dollar." The top of a bushy tree was the 
ordinary harrow, and wheat was cut with the sickle or the cradle. 
Oxen were used for all kinds of farm-work. Wagons were made 
by the carpenter, and ironed by the blacksmith. 

SOCIETY. 

The settlers had come from all States and countries. Each 
brought the arts, skill, and acquirements of his old home. 
Society, as a whole, has never been better. Every trade and 
profession was represented. Each one contributed something 
to the general fund of knowledge. Society was not divided into 
classes and circles. Each was esteemed according to his merit. 
Xo one was arrogant from wealth, and none cast out from poverty. 
Family distinctions were unknown. People were genial and 
social. All were on a level. 

RELIGIOX. 

Hardshell Baptists were the leading denomination. Their 
log churches, built in the form of a cross, were found in every 
settlement. They were an excellent people, but their ministers 
were not educated, and were seldom paid. The Missionary Bap- 
tists, Cumberland Presbyterians. Methodists, and Disciples 
divided the people. They preached in the log school-houses and 
in camp-grounds. Xo churches were built for ten years after the 
county was settled. 

MILITIA. 

In the fall of 1837 the State Militia was organized in the 
county. S. L. Leonard was appointed major-general, and Wm. B. 
Almond brigadier-general. The 77th Regiment was commanded 
by Col. Fielding Bnrnes; H. L. Wilkerson was major, and Lewis 
Burnes adjutant; Jas. Bradley was drum major, and John A. 
White. D. D. Burnes, and others were captains. The 78th Regi- 
ment was commanded by Colonel H. D. Oden, with John Mulligan 
;>s lieutenant-colonel, and John Boulware. Jas. Lilliard. and 
others as captains. Drilling, musters, and reviews were grand 
occasions. 

SUPPLIES FOR FT. LEAVENWORTH. 

Prior H> 1837, and for five or six years after the opening of 
Platte, Clay County furnished the supplies for the Fort. Thos. 
Gordon was the largest contractor for corn, bacon, and beeves. 
Wlun tli<- Mexican War commenced, there was great demand for 



1837 23 TOWNS. 

horses, mules, oxen, and wagons. Business upon the plains built 
up Platte County in wealth. 

TOWN SITES. 

I have already referred to Martinsville. No reliable titles to 
land could be procured until March, 1813, when the Plattsburg 
Land Office was opened. Yet towns grew up at Weston, Park- 
ville, la tan, New Market, Ridgely, and other places. The Mis- 
souri strikes the bluff at but three places in Platte, and each has a 
town or two — Iatan, Weston, and Parkville, with Kialto and 
Winston. The law to grant towns a preemption, and to authorize 
sale of lots, was not passed until 1843. No good improvements 
were made until after the land sales. But there was a Federal 
law granting to counties a preemption of 160 acres for county 
seats. Under this law, Platte City was the first town in the 
county where good titles could be obtained. 

WESTON. 

In 1837 Joseph Moore took up the claim upon which Weston 
is situated. (Several streets were laid off and some locations sold. 
But Moore possessed no business qualifications, and the town did 
not prosper. In 1838 Gen. Bela M. Hughes, the only child of Gen- 
eral Andrew S. Hughes, already mentioned, purchased a half 
interest in the claim. The new firm laid off what is known as the 
city proper, and commenced selling lots. At that time, there 
were only two families in the town. General Hughes yet lives in 
Denver, burdened with age and honors, but he was then only 21 
years old. He took control in the winter of 1838-9, and sold 
many lots. The purchasers took the risk of getting the fee-simple 
title. Some lots were given away, to secure good and enterpris- 
ing settlers. The first store was established by Thornburg & 
Lucas. It stood on Warner's corner. I was in Weston, July 11 
to 20, 1839. It was a busy, bustling town of three hundred peo- 
ple. Ben Wood was a saddler. Ben Holladay kept a saloon. 1 
had my first case in Missouri. A man was taken up for stealing a 
saddle, and was tried for the felony by a justice. A jury was 
summoned and instructed. If found guilty, he was to go to the 
penitentiary. I let the jury try him, intending, in case he were 
found guilty, to move to set the verdict aside. But the jury 
cleared him, and I got my fee. I remember meeting John B. 
Wells, Smith Calvert, Ben Holladay, General Hughes, William 
and D. P. Willingford. Dr. Sam'] McAdow, and Milton Byrum. 
I attended the sale at Nelson P. Owens' place, where the brick 
house of the late Lewis Pence stands. But among the new r -comers 
some roughs and desperadoes, who "jumped" lots and defied 
all authority. The tow 7 n was on public land, but we had a State 
law — "forcible entry and detainer" — that was used to put tres- 
passers off of claims. Right or wrong, the settlers interpreted the 
law to suit their purposes, and "jumpers" had to beware. Gen- 
eral Hughes was equal to the emergency, and the lot-jumpers 



1838 24 PRE-EMPTION. 

bad to be quiet or leave. Weston, under General Hughes' whole- 
some management, became a safe and prosperous town. A man 
named Ferguson made a deadly attack upon Hugbes with a 
knife, but tbe latter eluded the stroke and witb bis fist felled tbe 
assassin. Ferguson, wben well, tbougbt it prudent to enlist in 
tbe armv. James Moore, a brother of Joseph, had to be brought 
to terms, and a man named Durbin was ordered to leave. Other 
jumpers were chastized until peace and prosperity reigned. 
Though the town site was not entered under tbe Federal law until 
1844, nor the plat filed until September 19, 1844, yet in the mean- 
time the town grew in numbers and in the enterprise of its 
inhabitants. After the plat was filed and the town chartered, 
The board of trustees gave deeds for lots at nominal prices. 
There were no public sales of lots. Except Platte City and 
AYeston, no towns succeeded until after the land sales. 

March 27, 1837 — Geo. W. Smith and Sallie Gentry were mar- 
ried. This is the first entrv of a marriage in Platte in the records 
of Clay. 

July 20. 1837 — Ben Jacks born. He is supposed to have been 
the first child born in Platte. E. N. Harrington, late of the 
Dearborn Democrat, was born July 24, 1837. 

1838. 
Tbe season of 1838 was propitious. The most interesting 
event was the passage of a. general preemption law, granting 
160 acres, each, to settlers. This law gave preemptions to all who 
were then, at the passage of the law, actual settlers on public 
lands. A sale or abandonment of tbe claim worked a forfeiture. 
But in 1841 tbe present prospective preemption law was passed, 
and such as bought claims and took possession at once acquired 
title which he could enforce at law. The law of 1838 quieted 
titles, improvements progressed, population increased, churches 
were organized, school-houses built, orchards planted, and pros- 
perity ruled. 

APKIL. 
April 7 — A Methodist church was organized in the vicinity of 
Weston. The original members were: Win. Adkinson. Joel Al- 
bright. Wm, Bailey, Henry Barker, Win. Clay, Thos. Edwards, 
Thus. Parmer, Phil S. Gill. Jesse Green, B. Holland. H. Hopeland, 
Thos. Kenion, Frank Newman, C. C. Nichols, and Wm. Toole. 

AUGUST. 
Aug. 'i — The county court of Clay, having divided Platte into 
townships, appointed justices and constables, and designated 
places for voting, the regular election was held. The county was 
then, as now. thoroughly Democratic, and the officers elected were 
of tIk- same political faith. No county officer was elected, as the 
appointments made were until the creneral election of 1840. 
Platte was regarded as part of Clay. The State senators elected 



1838, AUG. 25 COUNTY ORGANIZKD. 

were: Judge Jas. T. V. Thompson, of Clay, and Cornelius Gil- 
liam, of the attached part of Clinton. The representatives were: 
D. R. Atchison and Jas. M. Hughes, of Clay, and Jesse Morin, of 
Platte. T. W. Boggs was chosen governor. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 19 — The Legislature convened at Jefferson City. 

DECEMBER. 

THE COUNTY ORGANIZED. 
Dec. 31 — The act to organize Platte and Buchanan counties 



to* 



approved. The north line of Platte was to be run west from the 
old boundary of the State, so as to embrace 400 square miles; and 
to this end the governor was to appoint a surveyor. He was also 
to appoint three county justices and a sheriff. 

The county court was to meet the second Monday in March, 
1839, and was authorized to appoint a county clerk, a treasurer, 
and an assessor. 

The county was attached to the First Judicial Circuit (Judge 
A. A. King), and to the Twelfth Senatorial District. 

Circuit courts were to meet the first Mondays in April, Au- 
gust, and December, and the judge to appoint a circuit clerk. 

The Falls of Platte was to be the temporary seat of justice, 
and S. D. Lucas, of Jackson, John H. Morehead, of Ray, and 
Bam'l Hadley, of Clay, were appointed commissioners to select a 
permanent seat of justice. 

One representative was granted to Platte 

THE MORMONS. 

In the fall of 1838 Governor Boggs called for a. contingent 
from Clay and Platte to aid in suppressing the Mormons of 
Caldwell County. Three companies were raised in Platte, by 
Major John Boulware. They hastened to the scene of war, but 
order had been restored, and the battalion returned, and were 
discharged. 

1830. 

SURVEY OF THE COUNTY. 

The governor appointed Matthew M. Hughes as surveyor, to 
run the line between Platte and Buchanan, so as to include 400 
square miles. Mr. Hughes, assisted by .lames Brasfield, repaired 
to the southeast corner of the proposed county, and meandered 
the east bank of the Missouri River to a point ;it which a line run- 
ning east to the Clinton County line would include exactly 400 
square miles. Xi islands of the Missouri were embraced in this 
survey: nor did Applegato. in his subsequent survey, include any 
island. When the county was sect ionized by Applogate. in 1840. 



1839, MARCH. 26 COUNTY COURT. 

it proved to be 412 square miles. Applegate's lines run about one 
half degree east of north, and north of west, as compared with the 
surveys of the east and the north lines of the county. There is 
no copy of Hughes' survey found in Platte. I presume the orig- 
inal field-notes are at Jefferson City. 

MARCH. 

THE COUNTY COURT. 

Governor Boggs appointed Jones H. Owen sheriff of Platte 
County, and Michael Byrd, John B. Collier; and Michael M'Caf 
ferty county court justices. As appointed by statute, the first 
session of the county court was held at the Falls of Platte, on the 
11th day of March, 1839. The tavern house of Michael D. Faylor 
was used as a court-house. After organizing, the court appointed 
Hall L. Wilkerson county clerk, 'Hamilton Linnville assessor, 
and Ira Norris treasurer. The assessor gave bond for $300, and 
the treasurer for $5,000. 

PROCEEDINGS OF COUNTY COURT. 

March 11 — Isaac McEllis is granted ferry license at Kickapoo. 
Jeremiah H. Spratt is appointed administrator of John Hens- 
ley. Bond, $1,800. 

ALLOTING JUSTICES. 

Court accepts the names and lines of the six municipal town- 
ships laid off by the county court of Clay, and appoints allotting 
justices as follows: 1, Peter Crockett for Preston Township; 2, 
Matthias Masten for Carroll Township; 3,W.M.Kincaid for Green 
Township ; 1, Robert Patton for Lee Township ; 5, Sam'l T. Mason 
for Marshall Township; and 6, James Hurd for Pettis Township. 
Weston Township was not laid off until 1840. 

George P. Dorriss was the first to take out a merchant's 
license. 

Dram-shop license was issued to Jonathan and Mch. Owens, 
on payment of $5 to the State and $1 to the county. 

Ed Wilcox was appointed constable for Carroll Township, 
but could not give bond. 

March 21 — John A. Ewell m'd Eliza Houshell. This is the 
first record of a marriage found on the books of Platte County. 

FIRST CIRCUIT COURT. 

March 25 — Judge Austin A. King commenced his first term of 

circuit court for Platte, at the log tavern of M. D. Faylor in "The 

Palls of Platte." His first act was to appoint Jesse Morin circuit 

clerk. Sheriff Jones H. Owen returned the following Grand Jury: 

I, James Beagle; 2, Isaac Blanton; 3, James Brown; 4, John 
r.rown; 5. Sam'l A. Brown; 6, Robert Cain; 7, Patrick Cooper; 
S. Daniel Dearborn; 0, Jas. Flannery; 10, Isaac Glasscock; 

II. Jesse Lewis (foreman); 12, John McCarty; 13, Wm. McClain; 
14, JohD S. Malott; 15, Henry Matheny; 10, Peyton Murphy; 



1839, MARCH. 27 CIRCUIT COURT. 

17, Isaac Norman; 18, Sol Tetherow; 19, Jos. Todd, Sr.; 20, Joshua 
Yates. 

The following attorneys were enrolled: 1, W. B. Almond; 
2, D. R. Atchison; 3, Peter H. Burnett; 4, Alex. E. Cannon; 
5, A. W. Doniphan; 6, John A. Gordon; 7, Russell Hicks; 8, And. 
S. Hughes; 9, Amos Rees; 10, J. S. Thomas; 11. T. D. Wheaton; 
and 12, Wm. T. Wood (circuit attorney). 

The Grand Jury found indictments for gaining against: 1, John 
Baldon; 2, S. A. Brown; 3, G. P. Dorriss; 4. John Green; 5, John 
Larkin; 6, H. D. Martin ; 7. Ira Norris; 8, J. II. Spratt, and others. 
John Ferguson and A. W. Hughes were indicted for keeping 
gambling-houses. 

March 26 — John B. Wells appointed administrator of Horeb 
Wells; bond, $1,000. Horeb Wells left a widow, Rachel, and an 
only child, Fannie A. Wells. 



i ? 



APRIL. 

April 3 — County court raised the fee for county, for dram shop 
license, from $1 up to $5. The State fee had been fixed at $5, mak- 
ing the full fee 



MAY 

May 6 — M. M. Hughes files his report of survey of Platte, and 
the county court refers it to S. T. Leonard and James Brasfield, 
who approve the same, and recommend the payment of the sur- 
veyor's bill, $102. 

Petition filed for a road from English's Landing (Parkville) 
to the Falls of Platte. 

The county court pays $100 towards the cost ($280) of the 
bridge over Bee Creek, near its present mouth. The remaining 
$1 80 was paid by the United States ( Jovernment . 

May 7 — Geo. P. Dorriss is allowed $20 for a county seal. 

May 11 — The county court orders an election of justices and 
constables to be held June 22d. 

Ben Holladay is granted dram-shop license at Weston. 

Wm. Hague is granted ferry license at Fort Leavenworth. 

JUNE. 

SURVEYS COMMENCED. 

June 4 — Lisbon Applegate commenced his work of sectioniz- 
ing the county. He started at the old State line, between town- 
ships 50 and 51. The work was finished in June. 1840. A certified 
copy of his field-notes, originally in two volumes of 1,100 pages 
each, is in the custody of the county surveyor, and is the "Domes- 
day Book" of Platte. Surveyor Applegate was experienced in his 
calling, and no errors have been detected in his work. He died, 
greatlv honored and loved, in Chariton County, Mo., in Janu- 
ary, 1875. 



1839, JUNE. 28 THE BRASFIELDS. 

THE BRASFIELDS. 

June 10 — Major James Brasfield died at his home on Todd's 
Creek. His widow, Jane, and his oldest son, Thos. W. R., were 
appointed, November 9, administrators, with the will annexed. 
The father of deceased was Wylie Roy Brasfield, of English line- 
age, born in Virginia April 19, 1766; removed to Kentucky, and 
m'd Elizabeth Berry, daughter of Thomas. She was b. November 
4, 1771, and d. October 21, 1837. Their son, 

JAMES BRASFIELD 

Was b. in Clark Co., Ky., September 25, 1790, and d. in Platte. 
June 10, 1839. He was a major in the War of 1812 — lost an eye 
in the service, drew a pension to the day of his death, m'd, June 
6, 1816, Jane Lafferty, b. February 5, 1799, d. January 15, 1880. 
She was a dr. of Thos. Lafferty, of Scotch parentage, b. January 
14, 1771, d. Julv 25, 1828, and his wife, Eleanor Strode, b. in Vir- 
ginia, February 16, 1783, and d. April 17, 1868. 

Maj. James Brasfield received a finished education, read 

extensively, and was a chaste writer of both prose and poetry. 

He was sheriff of Clark County, Kentucky, for eight years, and a 

practical surveyor of large experience. He came with his family 

to Clinton Co., Mo., in 1834, and removed thence to Platte, in the 

spring of 1838. He was the surveyor who, under Commissioner 

M. M. Hughes, fixed the northern line of Platte County. Ch : 

I. THOMAS WYLIE ROY BRASFIELD, b. in Clark Co., Ky., 

Sept. 6, 1S17; d. in Platte Nov. 8, 1873. He was tall and 

handsome, and highly esteemed for intelligence, honor, and 

integrity. He m'd Elizabeth Breckinridge, b. 1829 ; d. May 

15, 1883. She was a dr. of Len. Breckinridge, of Clay. Ch: 

1. James Brasfield, went to Oregon, m'd a Miss Smith, 

and has reared a family. 

2. John C. Brasfield b. 1841, a Knight and an Odd Fel- 

low, m'd, Dec. 22, 1864, Minerva (Minnie) Thatcher, 
dr. of Daniel. She was b. Sept. 22, 1848, d. at Lib- 
erty, Mo., March 19, 1891, and buried at Smithville. 
Ch: [o] James W. Brasfield ; p] John S. ; \c] Morton 
(Dock); and \&] Eleanor (Nellie). Mr. J. C. Bras- 
field is now a merchant of Smithville. He m'd 2d, 
Dec. 25, 1895. Mollie E. Duncan, dr. of Theo. 

3. Sallie Brasfield m'd Dr. C. H. Morton. He d. at Smith- 

ville Nov. 6, 1885, ;iii<1 was buried at the Brasfield 
Cemetery, in Platte. Ch: ["] Loar Morton, m'd 
Sidney Williams; [''] John S.. m'd Miss Rollins. 
I. Robert Brasfield, b. 1846; d. Aug. 23. 1882. 

5. Ellen Brasfield, m'd 1st. Frank Brooks; m'd 2d. ■ 

Summerville. Live in Oregon. 

6. Wylie A'. Brasfield, m'd 1st. December 19. 1872. Elwilda 

De P.. mtv. dr. of .John L. Ch: \"] Ernest; p] Lou. 
n<- m'd 2<1. Florence Hord. No ch. 



1839, JUNE. 29 THK BRASFIELDS. 

7. Polly Ann Brasfield, b. April lit. L850; m'd - 1 1 1 1 .\ 2, L867, 

Montgomery P. Balsley, l>. in Boone Co., Ky., Nov. 

27, lH'Mi. He lives in Platte, on pari of the old I>ras- 
field homestead, near South-Gale, and is a much 
respected gentleman. Ch: |"| George Balsley, 
b. March 31, 1808. [''] Adelia. b. .July 2, 1870. 
p]Eva, b. July 27. 1872. Mr. Balsley moved from 
Ky. to St. Joe in 1858; and, after visiting Colorado 
and Idaho, settled in Platte in 1807. lie possesses 
large experience, and is genial and companionable. 

8. Thomas W. /?. Brasfield (ii). single, lives in Oregon. 

II. POLLY ANN BRASFIELD, b. April 23, L820; m'd Elijah 
Fry, a worthy farmer of Clinton. Ch: 

1. Mary G. Fry, m'd John Reed, who will he noticed. 

(See.) 

2. America, m'd Thos. H. Clay, a cultivated gentleman 

and farmer, living near Edgerton. Oh: \ a ] Geo. 
Clay, d. Dec. 0, 1896. [ 6 ] Ida M. and ['] Maggie, wives 
of Stephen Johnston. (See.) 

3. James, m'd a dr. of Ben Lampton. 

5. Alice, m'd McPhelridge. 0. Manor, single. 

ni. WILLIAM A. BRASFIELD, b. May 28, 1822; d. in the mines 
of Cal, January 20, 1850. 

IV. JOHN STRODE BRASFIELD. h. in Clark Co.. Ky., April 5. 
1825. Came with his parents, in 1834, to Clinton County, 
Mo.; and thence to Platte, in the spring of 1838, settling 
in the "Great Bear Rough" on Todd's Creek. I will give 
an account of his early life in his own words: 

"We settled in what was known as the "Great Bear 
Rough." We caught four cubs. I worked on the farm; 
paid off father's security debts; had to walk three miles 
to school. A sow was given me; raised a litter of pigs; 
sold 1,200 pounds of pork for $12; bought a fiddle with $4; 
borrowed $2 from our old servant, Aleck, and bought four 
calves for $10; broke them, and had two yoke of oxen. In 
1842, went to Santa F6; was hunter and cook for the party; 
was once near being captured by the Comanches; returned 
with a pack-mule and $5."); became a clerk in a store at $25 
per month. In the spring of 1840 went to California with 
brother William, John G. Haydon. Win. Davenport, and 
R. P. Wood. In Humboldt Desert we were lost : R. P. Wood 
became crazy for a time; Davenport dashed forward, and 
returned with water; wintered at Hang-town; went to 
Sacramento; was offered $350 per month to clerk, but 
declined it. Potatoes sold at $1 per pound, and eggs at 
$1 each; the proceeds of my 1,200 pounds of pork would 
have bought a dozen eggs; our teams came through in good 
order. I engaged in mining, and made $1,500; went into 
the mercantile business with L. J. Wood and J. M. Clav as 



1839, JUNE. 30 THE BRASFIELDS. 

my partners; went to San Francisco, and returned with a 
stock of goods; sold them at great profit. My brother 
William died; and, in discouragement, I came home." 

December 11, 1851, Mr. Brasfield m'd his relative, Kate 
Brasfield, dr. of Claiborn. She was b. in Woodford Co., 
Ky., October 15, 1826; d. March 30, 1890. Several children 
were born to them, but died in infancy. He m'd 2d, Sept. 
1, 1894, Kate Briggs, of Kansas. 

In 1870, Mr. Brasfield was elected a judge of the county 
court of Platte, and served three years. He is an enthu- 
siastic Mason, and has attained the highest honors of the 
order. His genial, generous, and hospitable nature has 
made him a general favorite. His first wife was a beau- 
tiful and lovely woman, and possessed a remarkably sweet 
disposition. The Judge is wealthy, and, with his young 
and accomplished wife, lives on his farm adjacent to Tracy. 
V. ELIZABETH WILLIS BRASFIELD, the youngest child of 
Major Brasfield, was born June 3, 1831; m'd January 18, 
1849, Judge Jas. G. Spratt, who came from Smith County, 
Virginia, in 1842. August 7, 1843, he was appointed a jus 
tice of the peace of Carroll Township; was deputy county 
clerk in 1852; read law privately; was elected probate 
judge in 1858, over Jas. Kuykendall, the late incumbent. 
Mrs. Spratt was an intelligent and amiable lady. She 
died May 9, 1861. In September, 1864, Judge Spratt went 
to Virginia City, and, while practicing law, engaged in 
speculation in mining stock. He died N6v. 13, 1881. His 
remains were brought back to Platte, and found rest be- 
side his wife. In the practice of law, he was partner of 
Hon. Joseph E. Merryman, in Platte City. He was a good 
lawyer, and was an honorable man. Ch: 

1." John TT 7 . Spratt, b. Dec. 29, 1849; m'd October 4, 1875, 

Mary A. Thatcher. After her death he m'd 

Duncan. No ch. 
2. Edqar Spratt, b. Aug. 30, 1855; d. Aug. 11, 1882; m'd 
Auo-. 30. 1877, Salena (Sibbie) Thatcher, b. April 27. 
1 860 ; d. April 8, 1882. He was a. merchant of Smith- 
ville. The deaths of husband and wife within four 
days of each other, of typhoid fever, created much 
alarm. Both were buried in the Brasfield Cemetery. 

ELECTION OF JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 
June 2.2 — The election of justices of the peace for the town- 
ships resulted as follows: 

1. For Preston Township: 1. Win. Banta; 2, Peter Crock- 
ett; 3, Arch Hill; 4, H. D. Oden. 

2. For Carroll Township: 1, Dan'l Clary; 2, Jas. Flannery; 
3. J. W. Gibson; 4. Matthias Masten. 

• :. For Pettis Township: 1. Andrew Campbell; 2. W. A. 
Fox: ::. Robt. Si one: 4. S. B. Thorp. 



1839, JUNE. 31 JUSTICES. 

4. For Green Township: 1, Jac. Adanison; 2, Henry 
Brooks; 3, J. C. By waters; 4, J. M. Fulkerson. 

5. For Lee Township: 1, Kohl. Logan; 2, Robt. Patton; 
3, J. H. Spratt; 4, Chas. Wells. 

6. For Marshall Township: 1, .John B. Bounds; 2, Milton 
Byram; 3, Thos. Lovelady; 4, John P. Smith. 

A constable for each township was also elected, and the busi- 
ness demanded their whole attention. 

The county court appointed Robt. Patton public adminis- 
trator for riatte County. 

JULY. 

July 3 — Zadock Martin is granted ferry license at the foot of 
the Falls of Platte. 

July 15 — Judge King held his first term of the Buchanan Cir- 
cuit Court at Roubidoux. 

July 17 — The first deed filed for record in the recorder's office 
for Platte County. It is from Church to Hughes, for a lot in 
Weston. Deeds were seldom made, as no title passed. A pre- 
emption right could not be assigned, but it might be leased. 
Hence many leases for 99 years are found of record. 

This month I arrived in Platte. I landed from a steam- 
boat, with several companions, at Lexington. We purchased 
horses, and rode through Lafayette and Jackson counties to 
Westport — then three houses in the woods. Thence w r e went to 
Liberty, crossing at Fort Osage. After passing through Barry 
and Martinsville, we reached Weston, by way of the lower Bee 
Creek bridge. Between the bridge and Weston, on what was 
then the Military Reserve, the ruins of a number of cabins, whence 
trespassers had been driven by the soldiers, were still smoking. 

Judge King held his second term of circuit court at the 
tavern of M. D. Faylor in Martinsville. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 7 — The county court appointed for Carroll Township the 
following patrol: 1, Milton Brown; 2, David Carson; 3, A. B. 
Sherwood; and 4, W. H. Spratt. 

JOHN DUNCAN. 

The county court appoints Hiram Stephenson administrator 
of John Duncan. His widow is named Elizabeth, and his ch: 
1, Williamson Duncan; 2, Adeline; 3, Tilford; 4, Nelson; 5, Davis; 
C>, Susan Stephenson; 7, Martha Duncan; 8, Sam'l; 9, Mary. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 2 — Sol. L. Leonard is appointed county surveyor. 
Jones H. Oiecn gives bond of $5,000 as collector. 
Sept. 3 — Adam Crook is appointed administrator of William 
Crook. 



1839, SEP. 32 A FREE BLACK. 

HENRY DEAL— A FREE BLACK. 

Sept. 'i — In ;i habeas corpus case before the county court the 
following order is of record : 

"On motion, the court resumes the examination of the case 
of Henry Deal. W hereupon, it is considered by the court thai 
said Deal is not a runaway slave, as was alleged, but the said 
Deal not establishing a righl to reside in this State, as the law 
requires, it is therefore ordered by the court, that ho be lined 
$20; and that he be hired out by the sheriff, as the law directs, 
for such time as shall be sufficient to raise from the hire the sum 
aforesaid, together with the costs and expenses of imprisonment. 
And it is further ordered, thai the said Deal shall depart this 
State, within three days after such time of service expires, 
allowing one day for every twenty miles he shall necessarily have 
to travel to get out of the State. 

Slept. 7 — One hundred dollars is allowed Harrison Linville for 
assessing the county, one-half to be paid by the State. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 7 — Preston Dunlap is appointed administrator of Alex. 
Houston. Bond, $3,000. Oh: 1, Roberl F. Houston; 2, Mary F. ; 
3, Virginia A.; J. William P.; 5, das. A. 

NOVEMBER, 

LOCATION OF THE COUNTY SEAT. 

A <>r. 10 — The county court ordered notices to be served on I he 
commissioners appointed by the Legislature, to meet at the Falls 
of Platte, and select a site for the county seat of Platte. On the 
L5th Hadley and Lucas appeared, but Morehead made default. 
The report made is as follows: 

"Martinsville. November 10, 1839. 
"To Hi< Hon. Circuit Court of the County of Platte, State of 

Missouri: 

"The undersigned commissioners, appointed by the Legisla- 
ture of the State <>f Missouri, on the 31st of December, 1838, to 
select a seat of justice for the county of Platte, hog leave to 
n-port: That in obedience to an order of the tribunal transact- 
ing county business for such county, they convened at Martins- 
ville, in said county, on the 15th insl. and entered upon their 
duties as commissioners aforesaid, and that they have selected a 
portion <>f Sections 25 and 30, Township 53, Range 35, near the 
l":ills ef Platte River, in said county, as an eligible and suitable 
site for the seal of justice of said Platte County. For further 
particulars, etc., we respectfully refer you to 11m bond of Zadoclc 
Martin, herein ith enclosed. 

"Samuel TJ adieu. 
"Da rid 0. LUC08, 

"Commissioners." 



1839, NOW COURT AT ROUBIDOUX 

1 have I h -.-ii unable to find the bond of Zadock .Martin, 
ret urned with the report. He was desirous of securing the water- 
[towci'iii th<- Falls of i Ma iic River, and se1 up a pretended Spanish 
"float," which be said had been located <>ii all the lands contiguous 
to the tails. Tli.- falls are on Ha- S. W. | of Bee. 25, T. 53, R 35. 
The county waa to take bo much <>r thia quarter as lay east of 
Platte Biver. Hat this fraction was less than L60 acres, which 
the Federal law allowed counties to preempt The bond of 
Martin was an agreement '<> convey to the county 24 aires from 
the N. W. | of Bee. 36, T. 53, B. 35, upon which he held a pre- 
e;npt ion. on this 2 1 acres, which Mart in conveyed, the firsl addi 
Hon to Rial te ( Sty was located. 

The question of the propriety of this contraci with Martin 
w us by the county courl referred to Judge King. Tn a Letter from 
Judge Bong now on file, and dated December •".. 1839, the count;. 
our! is advised to approve the contract On the Ith of December 
the courl approved the location, and named the county seal 
Platte City. 

COXJBT AT ROUBIDOUX. 

\i,r. i~> — The third term of circuil courl was held },\ Judge 
Kimr at Pa dor's hotel. Bis next term was for Buchanan, and thia 
I intended. I went up t<> Boubidoux the evening before court. 
His house was perched on the hill-side, ii was of logs on a atone 
basement. T was shown to my bed on a plank frame in the bae 
ineiii. and waa given two blanketa. I Bpread one blanket on the 
boarda, and covered with the o1 her. It waa a cold, bluatery nighl . 
and I nearly froze. In the morning, before day. r heard Roubi- 
doux stirring in the room overhead, and I went ap the rude lad- 
der. He aaked me in hia broken Bngliah, French, and Indian 
how T had passed the night T told him I had Buffered from the 
cold. "What!" Baid he, "cold with two blankets?" I explained 
how I had used the blankets. lie replied with contempt: "You 
haven't pot even Indian Bense, or you would have wrapped up 
in them." 

The old man had built a roaring Are, and 1 wo prairio-ehb-kens 
and a half-dozen eara of old eorn on the rob were boiling in the 
pot. I made a hearty breakfasi on these vianda. Before court 
met, T took a survey of the future site of Bt Joseph. T saw hut 
two houses: that where I h;id -pent the nighl and the store above 
the mouth of the creek. The Blackanake Hills were romantic. 

They seemed to be composed of fed Crumbling earth, with here 

and there a tuft of grasa From the -ides of the lolls, at intervals, 
broke ou1 oozing springs of pure water, which gathered into a 
bold stream thai couraed the prairie bottom to the river. In 
the rear of the house, on the hill side. Btood four or five scaffolds, 
supported by poles. On these scaffolds lay the bones of Koubi- 
doux's children. His wives were fndians, and he buried ids dead 
in Tndinn fashion. 
3- 



1839, DEC. 34 NEWSPAPERS. 

Court was held in one room and the elevated porch. The 
docket was short. The most interesting cases were several in- 
dictments against Roubidoux for gambling. All the bar except 
W. T. Wood, the circuit attorney, entered our names in the margin 
of the docket as for Koubidoux. We got the old man clear on 
some quibble, and he was happy. We charged him nothing, but 
he made all of us pay our tavern bills. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 4 — The county court, having approved the location of the 
county seat, appointed Jesse Morin to enter the land. Sol. L. 
Leonard, county surveyor, was ordered to lay off the town, and 
Stephen Johnston was selected as commissioner of the seat of 
justice. 

Dec. 15 — S. L. Leonard commenced the survey of Platte City. 
I helped him in running the first line, on the east side of the town. 
The ground was covered by a foot of damp snow, and the Platte 
was hard frozen; and we could cross it conveniently. The work 
was complete in time for the sale of lots February 3, 1840. 

NEAYSPAPERS. 

No newspaper is published in Platte County. During 1837- 
38-39-40 legal advertisements were published, chiefly, in the Far 
West, issued weekly at Liberty, by Benj. Hays. 



1840. 

Population of Platte County, 8,913, of which 858 are slaves; 
1 white over 100. Engaged in agriculture, 2,207; in commerce, 
56; in manufactures and trades, 195; in professions, 37. Pen- 
sioners, 3; deaf and dumb, 2; blind, 6; insane, 11. Schools, 27; 
scholars, 1,048. Population of the State, 383,702; the United 
States, 17,068,666. 

Assessment of Platte County: slaves, f 223. 020; money and 
notes, $21,642; other property, $123,814; total, $369,076. 'Land 
not taxed. 

BUSINESS MEN AT WESTON. 1840. 

X. J. Alexander, Thomas Aull. H. Basye, Blaine, Tompkins & 
Barret, A. M. Belt, A. G. Cunningham, G. V. Dawson, Thos. Ellis, 
Abel Gilbert, Ben Holladay, A. N. Hailey, Bela M. Hughes, Geo. 
Kelhr. A. J. Lucas, Richard Meek, W. S. Murphy, Chas. Neal, W. 
A. Newman, \Y. G. Noble, G. P. Post. John Thornbnrg, Thornton 
X- Burnett, Ben Wood. Jerry Woods. Wells. 

AT PLATTE CITY. 1840. 
In the spring of 1840 Martinsville moved "bodily" over into 
Platte City. In addition to those named as citizens of Martins- 
ville. I recollect: Wm. B. Almond. Jas. Athy, Win. E. Black, 
Sam'] Benton, Isaac Burnes, Hamp. Brown. G. W. and W. P. 
Dougherty, Jas. H. Baldwin. Isaac Farris, J. R. Hardin. W. R. 



1840, FEB. 35 COURTS. 



Kelly. Col. Lancaster, Dr. W. M. Macey, Janes II. and J. K. Owen, 
John S. Porter. Geo. Strouse, Sam'] Paul, W. ( \ Remington, Shad. 
B. Taylor, John I). Murray, Jacob Baker. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. J— The first sale of lots in Platte City. Alternate lots 
a\ ere sold, and in June the remainder were offered. Smit h < Jalvert 
was auctioneer. The lots were sold on the .mound, the party go- 
ing from lot to lot. The weather w as favorable. < reo. McAfee was 
living where the cemetery now is. and had a preemption on the 
whole quarter under the law of L838. No respect was shown to 
his rights, and he was too poor to assert them. Lot 1, Block 29, 
whore the post office is now kept, was sold to G. P. Dorriss for 
$709. This is the highest price paid for n lot. Bidding was 
spirited, and the sales of February and June aggregated $20,000. 
The law appropriated the proceeds of the lots to the erection of 
public buildings. Improvements were rapidly constructed, and, 
in a few months, there were six dry goods stores and about 400 
inhabitants. All trades ami professions were represented. Car- 
penters were in demand. The hist brick house erected was .1. TT. 
Johnston's store, on Lot 0. Block 25. It still stands. 

COURTS. 

Feh. 23 — The February term of circuit court was held in the 
double log cabin, on Lots 11 and 12, Block 34. This was bought by 
the county court from Zadock Martin for $10(1. Until the court- 
house was complete, this house was used for county courts, and for 
preaching. I kept my office there until I bnilt one on Lot 10. 
Block 24 (the present public square). The next circuit courl was 
held in a booth constructed of poles and brush, back of G. V. 
Dorriss' store. Several terms were afterwards held by Judge 
Atchison in Murray's store, on Lot s. Block 25. Preaching was 
also held at the latter place. 

SALE OF Kith SECTIONS. 
Applications were made for the sale of the Kith sections which 
a Federal law gave to the State for school purposes. Township 
54, R. 33, and T. 53, R. 35, were the first to tile petitions; and the 
county courl made the orders. These sales passed a good title. 
The squatter generally got his land. Nearly all the school lands 
were sold in 1840 and 1841. 

BANK NOTES. 

The banks, with the exception of the Bank of Missouri, sus 
pended specie payments in 1837, and gold, silver, and Missouri 
money were demanded for lots and for 10th sections. 

This State was flooded with Kentucky and Ohio money. 
which was exchanged for gold at a shave of 5 to -0 per cent. Yet 
it was the currency of the State. Property had three values: 
1st, specie; 2d, currency; and 3d, trade or exchange. 



1840, FEB. 36 A FREE FERRY. 

S. L. Leonard was allowed $50 for his survey and plat of 
Platte City. 

Lots 10, 11, and 12 in Block 25 were set apart for public 
buildings. Lots 7 and 8, Block 23, were selected for the jail. 

The purchasers of lots were authorized to cut and use the 
timber in the streets. 

A road from Platte City to Smithville was ordered to be 
opened. 

A road was ordered from the east end of Main Street to con- 
nect with the old Military Road a mile from town. 

A FREE FERRY. 

The county court ordered the bank of Platte River, at the 
west end of Main Street, cut down, and established a free ferry. 
Zadock Martin found his occupation gone, at his licensed ferry 
below the falls, and sued the county for damages. Nothing 
came of it. 

MAY. 

May 3 — Dr. F. Marshall is appointed treaurer of Platte County 
in place of Ira Norris, who resigned. Bond, $10,000. 

WESTON TOWNSHIP FORMED. 

May 4 — A petition was presented to the county court for a new 
township. It states that Weston has 72 voters; and it is signed, 
among others, by Robert Allen, Isaac Archer, Aquilla Aull, Nick 
Benner, Henry Basye, Henry Brill, Jas. Burnett, L. B. Church, 
Jas. Cox, Jos. Cox, W. H. Crawford, A. G-. Cunningham, John S. 
Davis, Sam'l Downey, Dan'l Durbin, Nat Finch, S. C. Fugate, Geo. 
(loss, Hiram Hailey, Jacob Hamm, Ben Holladay, Ben Leach- 
man, Jas. Leachman, A. J. Lucas, Geo. J. Lucas, Jas. Lynch, Hus. 
McFarland. W. S. Murphy, W. A. Newman, W. G. Noble, Wm. 
Noel. Hosea Norris, Lawrence Page, Elkanah Risk, John Stillwell, 
Elisha Stone. John Thornburg, M. A. Thornburg, Jesse Vineyard. 
J. W. Vineyard, Barnet Wells, H L. Wilkerson, Ben Wood, Jerry 
Woods, A. G. Woodward. 

The prayer of the petition was granted, and Weston Town- 
ship was cul ont of Marshal] and Lee. 

CULTURE OF TOP>ACCO. 

Emigrants from Virginia, Kentucky, and central Missouri 
entered enthusiastically into the culture of tobacco, and realized 
Large re1 urns in quanl iiy, but the article was not of the quality to 
-nil i in- market. Freights were high, prices low; and in some 
cases, expenses exceeded returns, and the shipper was brought in 
debt. For ten or fifteen years the culture of tobacco continued. 
I'M i finally was given up. 



1840, JUNE. 37 HEMP. 

HEMP. 

From the first settlement of the county, hemp was the 
staple product. We became wealthy by its culture. No soil on 
earth, whether timber or prairie, is better adapted to hemp than 
Platte County. After ;i few years, the South looked more to 
Missouri than to Kentucky for a supply of hemp for bagging and 
rope, riatte, for several years prior to the war, was the banner 
county of the world. But no machinery ever invented super- 
seded the hand-break in cleaning it ; and that was such arduous 
labor that the abolition of slavery put an end to the culture of 
hemp. Negroes were, therefore, in demand, and stout men sold 
readily for $1,200 to $1,400. But in 1840 there were not 200 
negro men in the county. This number had quadrupled before 
the war came on. 

# LAND TITLES. 
June 22, 1838, the first general preemption law was passed, 
giving the actual settler the choice of the quarter-section whereon 
he resided, or that on which his field was situated. June 1, 1840. 
a second law, of like provisions, was passed. September 4, 1841, 
a third law was passed, in favor of such as thereafter might settle 
on public land. But these rights were not assignable; yet the 
purchaser would take possession, and the law of 1841 gave him, 
at once, a preemption. The prohibition of selling thereby became 
a dead letter. The owners of the 16th sections, and of lots in 
Platte City, could convey fee-simple titles. 

COUNTY REVENUE. 

The collector's settlement for 1840 shows the county revenue 
collected was $042.84. The levy was 25 cents on the $100. 

JULY. 

July k — The national anniversary was observed for the first 
time. Sherwood & Martin were erecting a storehouse at what is 
now the southwest corner of the public square; and from the lum- 
ber provided we erected a platform, and had a glorious time. I 
read the Declaration of Independence, and Dr. D. R. Holt delivered 
an excellent oration. He was then a candidate for the Legislature. 

July 27 — Robt. C. Ewing and W. M. Paxton were enrolled as 
attorneys. 

July SO — J. H. and L. D. Winston are appointed administra- 
tors of Gen. Jos. Winston. Bond. $20,000. General Winston had 
a store at the mouth of the Platte, at the point at which the town 
of Winston was afterwards laid off. When last seen, he was on 
the bank of the Missouri. He was supposed to have been 
drowned. 

AUGUST. 

At the State election held the 1st Monday in August, 1840. 
the following officers were chosen: 



1840, AUG. 38 D. R. HOLT. 

Governor. Thus. Reynolds; Representative, D. R. Holt; 
Sheriff, Jones H. Owen; Circuit Clerk, Jesse Morin; County 
Clerk, J. H. Johnston; County Justices, Jas. Kuykendall, Dan'l 
1\ Lewis, and M. M. Hughes. 

The vote for President. National: 

W. H. Harrison. Whig. . . 1,274,203 

Martin Van Buren, Democratic 1,128,303 

James Birney, Abolition 7,609 

Harrison received 231 electoral votes; Van Buren received 
60 electoral votes. 

OCTOBER, 

Oct. 5 — John Boulware contracts with the county to run a 
tree ferry at the foot of Main Street for twelve months, at $250. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 6 — The county court made an order that Grand Jurors 
must serve without pay! 

Kuykendall and Lewis take their seats as county court jus- 
i ices. Judge Hughes does not qualify until December. 

] )ECEMBER. 

Dec. 7 — David R. Holt dies at Jefferson City. He was our 
county representative, and had been chosen speaker of the House. 
The Legislature honored him by naming a county for him, and, at 
i he cost of $15,000, erected in the State Cemetery at Jefferson City, 
where he was buried, a beautiful monument, with the following 
inscription: 

"Sacred to the memory of David Rice Holt. M.D., late 
representative from Platte County, Missouri, who was born in 
Green County, Tennessee, the 8th of March. 1803, and died the 
17th of December, 1810. Erected by an act of the General 
Assembly." 



'n 



THE HOLT LINEAGE. 

i. TIlo.MAS PAXTON, b. in Ireland, 171!); d. 1788; m'd Betsy 
McClung. They came to Pennsylvania, and thence to 
Rockbridge Count v. Virginia. Their oldest son, 
II. KHIX PAXTON, m'd Sarah Walker. They were progenitors 
of uwiiiv illustrious Presbyterian divines, including the 
Paxtons, Houstons. Edmondsons, Campbells, Oarrs, Cow 
ans. Rices, and llolls. A dr. of John and Sarah was 
111. ELIZABETB PAXTON, 1». April 1.5, 1771: m'd October 17. 
1794, David Holt, b. Feb. 21. 1764; d. Aug. 2. 1837. Their 
issue: 

1. I. urn W. iinll. b. O.-t. 17. 1795. 
•_'. Edi'cd. Holt. b. July 29, 17!i7. 
::. John I'. II nil. 1,. April 17. 1800. 



1840, DEC. 39 I). R. HOLT, M.I>. 

4. David /,'. Holt, b. March s.-lso:;. 

5. Sally W. Holt, b. March LO, L805. 

6. \^//r// /'. Holt, b. March 26, L807. 

7. W. W. Holt, b. April 1, L810. 

8. Mary /.'. Holt, b. September is, L812. 
!». /os. .1/. ffoZf, h. Xo\. I. 1814. 

10. Elij. P. Holt, b. March 27, 1819. 
David Holt was an eminent Presbyterian minister, and his 
posterity arc in the high places of the South; we arc concerned 
only with David R. and .Jos. M. Holt, who came to Platte in 1838. 

I. DAVID RICE HOLT, M.D. 

After graduating at Washington College, Va., he studied 
theology, and was licensed by his presbytery. In 1828 he went to 
Virginia, and studied medicine. In 1830 be m'd Isabella White, 
dr. of Maj. White, of Washington < N>.. Va. They came to Boone 
< V).. Mo. and lie preached a while at ( Columbia. Removing thence 
to Saline Co., we find him in Platte in 1838, and elected to the 
Legislature in 1X40. without opposition. His ministerial char- 
acter, handsome person, and dignified bearing, with the polish of 
a gentleman and the intelligence of a scholar, pointed him out 
as one well fitted to become the speaker of the House. .But he 
died ere he had fully entered on his work. TTe left two daughters, 
but T have no trace of them. 

II. JOSEPH MILTON HOLT, M.D. 
Born in Greene Co., Tenn., he studied medicine, and came to 
Platte in L838. He removed in 1841, lo Savannah. Mo., and re- 
turned to Parly, Platte Co., Mo., in 1863. After twenty-one years 
of practice in our county, he removed, in 1884, to Newark. Mo., 
where he died in 1895, honored for his virtues and revered for his 
holy walk and affectionate demeanor. He married four times: 

1st, Rachel, dr. of William and Lucretia Gordon. She was 
b. July 11, 1822; d. Feb. 8, 1851. They were m'd June 8, 1841. Ch: 
I. DAVID R. HOLT. b. March 22, 1842; d. June 7. 1883. 
TL W.GORDON HOLT, b. .May 9, 1st I ; m'd Oct. 17. 1871, Jennie 
Prior. They had one child. Eva Holt, and were divorced. 
Win. lives in Cal., and Jennie m'd John G. Carpenter. 
II r. JOHN PAXTON HOLT. b. Jan. 25, 1851; d. Aug. 31, L886, 
They removed to Texas, where he married, and where his 
widow and children now reside. 

Dr. J.M. Holt m'd I'd. Aug. 23, 1852, Mrs. Susan E. Drake, 
a dr. of Robert Todd. She was b. in (May Feb. 24, L828; 
d. April 12, 1870. 1 remember her as a most beautiful and 
accomplished lady. She was the widow of Charles Drake, 
who d. without ch. Her ch. by \h\ Holt : 
IV. ALONZOT. HOLT, M.D., b. June 10. 1854; m'd 1st, April 20, 
1872, Elsie Simpson. She d. leaving an only ch., May Holt, 
Alonzo m'd 2d. November 5, 1879, Lucy B. Campbell, dr. of 
Dr. John A. Campbell, of Larkville. Dr. Holt and his 



1840, DEC. 40 W. M. PAXTON. 

wife are related through the Alexanders and Paxtons. Dr. 
Holt has practiced at Farly, Waldron, and Parkville. He 
is a man of superior intelligence, and enjoys universal con- 
fidence. His ch. by his 2d wife: 

1. Susie; 2. Albert; 3. Carlton; 4, Mary. 
V. ROBERT TODD HOLT, b. June 12, 1855; m'd Alice Cox, 
They live in Kansas City. No ch. 
VI. EUGENE E. HOLT, b. Sept. 14, 1858; single; lives in Idaho. 
VH. JAMES MILTON HOLT, b. Nov. 24, 1863; single; lives in 

Idaho. 
Vm. ANNA E. HOLT, b. Sept. 4, 1868; m'd Nov. 4, 1887, Joe L. 
Freeland, b. July 11, 1863; son of Jas. M. Freeland, and 
grandson of Judge John Freeland. He was elected cir- 
cuit clerk in Nov., 1890, and for a second term in 1894. Ch : 
1. Eulalia, b. Nov. 8, 1888. 2. Susie, b. Aug 31, 1892. 
Dr. J. M. Holt m'd 3d, Nov. 11, 1870, Louisa J. Turner, b. 
March 28, 1826; d. Oct. 28, 1871, childless. She was a dr. 
of Elder Thomas Turner. (See.) 

Dr. J. M. Holt m'd 4th, Nov. 22, 1874, Georgia E. Porter, 
b. in Miss. April 29, 1838. Ch: 
IX. SAM'L WINN HOLT, b. Sept. 25, 1875. 
X. JOSIE ELOISE HOLT, b. Feb. 19, 1877. 

LINEAGE OF W. M. PAXTON. 

As the Paxtons and the Holts are from the same Scotch- 
Irish stock, let us commence with 

I. JOHN PAXTON, b. in Ireland 1721; came to Rockbridge 
Co., Va., with his brother, Thomas Paxton, from whom we 
have derived the Holts. John Paxton m'd in 1742, Martha 
Blair. Their son, 
H. CAPT. JOHN PAXTON, b. in Rockbridge Co., Va., 1743; d. 
Oct. 3, 1787; m'd Phoebe Alexander, dr. of Capt. John 
Alexander, uncle of Dr. Archibald, of Princeton. Their son, 
in. JAMES PAXTON; m'd March 23, 1786, in Rockbridge, Pho-be 
McClung, dr. of John McClung and Elizabeth Alexander. 
Their onlv ch: 

IV. JAMES ALEX. PAXTON, b. Sept. 13, 1788; d. in Mason Co., 

Ky., Oct. 23, 1825; m'd Maria Marshall, b. in Mason Co., 
Ky., July 20, 1795; d. in Columbus, O., Feb. 0, 1824. She 
was a dr. of Alex. K. Marshall, a Kentucky reporter, and 
brother of Chief Justice John Marshall. Their son, 

V. WILLIAM MoCLUNG PAXTON. b. in Mason Co., Ky., March 

2, 1819 ; m'd Mary Forman Oct. 1, 1840. Ch : 

1. Anna Paxton. 

2. Tillir Paxton, m'd Alg. S. Tebbs; ch: fa] Laura G. 

Tebbs, m'd Chas. B. Miller. Ch: \1] Bethine. 
[''] Mary P. Tebbs. 3. Plioehe Paxton. 
The vacancy occasioned by the death of Dr. D. R. Holt as 
representative was filled at a special election bv the choice of 
D. A.Sutton. 



1840, DEC. 41 ROADS. 

ROADS. 

The county court of Clay County never established a road in 
Platte. The Garrison Road was made by military authority, and 
had no civil sanction. Up to 1840, roads generally followed the 
ridges; but now farms are fenced on the lines of the surveys, and 
there are calls for established roads. For several years the coun- 
ty records are filled with proceedings to establish roads. The 
settlers had no well-defined titles, and no damages were allowed. 
The best ground was chosen, and subsequent changes injured the 
roads. 

CHURCHES. 

The earliest and largest churches in the county were those 
of the Hardshell Baptists. The Methodist Church and the Disci- 
ples, or Christians, followed. The Cumberland Presbyterians 
were numerous. The two last named sects had just come into 
existence, and were full of fire and zeal. Immense camp-meetings 
were held in the woods, with logs for seats. Sectarian zeal was 
warm and religious discussions enlivened society. The mode, 
subject, and design of baptism, the operation of the Spirit, creeds 
and confessions of faith, education, the anxious seat, call to the 
ministry, and close and open communion called forth the 
polemic talent of all classes. 



THE COURT HOUSE 

Was built in 1840. Demetrius A. Sutton, an experienced 
architect, drew the plan and specifications, and was paid for his 
work $10. He and Jesse Morin, with Elijah Moore, were the 
building committee. The house was built on Lots 10, 11, and 12, 
Block 25, and 20 feet back from the streets on the south and east. 
It was 50 feet square, two 12-foot stories, and pointed roof, sur- 
mounted by a cupola, ball, and spire. There were four offices on 
the south, 18 by 18 feet, two below and two above. A passage 
led from the front or south door to the court-room below, and 
another on the second floor to a large room, long used for preach- 
ing. The circuit clerk used the lower office in the southeast 
corner, and the county clerk used the room in the southwest cor- 
ner. The rooms above were for the probate judge and for juries. 
The work was sufficiently advanced as to be used for the Novem- 
ber term, 1841, of the circuit court. The whole house was. at first, 
covered with tin; but so defective was the work thai all the tin 
was removed, except upon the cupola, and shingles substituted. 
The following marriages. 1840, are not elsewhere noted: 
March 10. 1840, Metcalf Smith married Mary Collet. 
December ?». 1840, Hosea Nonas married Mary Pottigrew. 



1S41, JAN. 42 OFFICERS. 

1841. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor. Lilburn Boggs; State Senator, And'w Johnson; 
Circuit Judge, D. R. Atchison; County Clerk, J. H. Johnston; 
County Assessor, W. C. Remington ; Circuit Attorney, P. H. Bur- 
nett; Sheriff, Jones H. Owen; Representative, D. A. Sutton; 
Circuit Clerk, Jesse Morin; County Treasurer, F. Marshall; Jus- 
tices County Court, Jas. Kuykendall, D. P. Lewis, and M. M. 
Hughes. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — W. B. Almond, A. E. Cannon, 
S. L. Leonard, W. M. Paxton, Jas. S. Thomas, C. P. Brown. 

Physicians — W. M. Macey, F. Marshall, I. TV. Gibson. 

Merchants, etc. — Adkins & White, Black & Dickson, Bran- 
ham & McCausland, G. W. Dougherty, M. D. Faylor, Ferguys & 
Ranson. Hope & Irwin, G. P. Dorriss, Johnston & Lewis, Stephen 
Johnston. Jas. H. Johnston (post-master), Perry Keith, W. R. 
Kelly, John D. Murray, W. H. Spratt, J .H. Spratt, Shad. Taylor, 
G. W. Samuel. Platte City Mills (Martin & Co.), Sherwood & 
Martin. 

At Weston: N. J. Alexander, George Aull, Peter Blanjour, 
Abel Gilbert, H. N. Hailev, Ben Holladav, Bela M. Hughes. W. A. 
Newman. W. G. Noble. C. A. & E. W. Perry, G. P. Post, J. M. & 
E. W. Railey, D. P. Wallingford. W. S. Murphy, C. R. Wentworth, 
I '.ell Wood, Jerry Woods. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. (>' — The county court appropriated $8,000 to build a jail 
ou Lots 7 and 8. Block 23, and appointed Jesse Morin commissioner 
to report a plan, and to let out the contract. The plan adopted was 
;i square, Two-story building, with three outer walls of squared, 
hard limber — the logs of the inner Avail being set on end. A door 
was in the southwest corner, whence a stairway led to the room 
above, where a trap-door opened to the cell below. 

Jan. 21 — Since the sales of 16th sections, deeds for land are 
filed. The firs) is from Crook to Patton, for part of the N. W. ]- 
of S.t.ii;. T. 53, R. 35. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. '/ — loscpli Loan and family settle three miles east of 
PlatteCity. 

MARCH. 

The Legislature having formed Platte County into the 12th 
Judicial Circuit, the governor appoints (Jen. D. R. Atchison 
circuil judge. He therupon removes from Liberty to Platte City. 
which is his home until the war. 



1S1I, MARCH. 43 FINANCES. 

March 22 — Fudge Atchison holds his first term, in an arbor, 
constructed for the purpose, buck of < ;. P. I >orriss' store, <»n Lot 1, 
Block 29, Platte City. 

Chris. P. Brown and -las. II. Baldwin art- enrolled as 
attorneys. 

A large number of citizens arc indicted for gambling. They 
plead guilty, and arc fined $5 each. A number of gamblers, 
prominent among whom was one of the 5Tounger boys, followed 
the judge on liis circuit, to engage in gambling. 

The will of Richard Jacks (X) is probated. II is dated Febru- 
ary 1(1, 1841. His widow is Sophia, and his children: 1. Thomas 
-lacks; 2, .John; ::. Elias; 4, Richard; 5, Polly Lewis; 6, Cath. 
Anders; 7. Elizabeth Anders; S. Fanny; 9, Nancy Worrell; 
10, Reb. Childers; 11. Louisiana -Tacks. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

M ay 1 — Township School Fund paid in ft 4,108.47 

All of which is loaned out at 10 per cent. 

Road and Canal Fund 810.00 

This is tines collected, and is added to the 
County School Fund and distributed. 

Lot Fund — sale of lots 16,577.03 

Of which there has been paid out 9,669.58 

The collector has paid in taxes collected 3,169.00 

Expenditures, ordinary 1,868.07 

May 6 — The county court appoints a committeeman for each 
township, to solicit subscriptions for a free bridge at Platte City. 
James H. Johnson resigns as commissioner of the scut of jus- 
tice, and s. L. Leonard is appointed to the place, and gives bond 
for $30,000. 

JUNE. 

June 21 — Ira Norris is appointed to advertise and lei out the 
construction of a free bridge over Platte River ai Platte City. 

June 22 — S. L. Leonard, commissioner, is ordered to sell pub- 
licly, the first Monday in August, all lots not disposed of. 

The county court rents for the July term of the circuit court 
the room over J. D. Murray's saloon, on Lot 8, Block 25, in 
Platte City. 

J FLY. 

Juhi 1 — Tavern license is granted to J. V. Cockrill on Lot 12. 
Block 25, Platte City. 

July hi — Circuit court held over .Murray's saloon by Judge 
A tchison. 

R. R. Rees. John Wilson, das. B. Gardenhire, S. B. Campbell, 
P. L. Hudgens and J. R. Hardin enrolled as attorneys. 



1841, AUG. , 44 JOSIAH HIGGINS. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 3 — Jacob Hamm, administrator of G. F. List. Bond, 
$4,000. 

County court grants $25 for the support of Henry Fulks — the 
first pauper granted aid. 

John Lewis, having taken the contract to build the jail, is 
granted $966. 

Aug. 28 — The Weston Presbyterian Church organized. 

SEPTEMBER 

Sept. 5 — S. L. Leonard, commissioner, reports the amount of 
sales of lots since his appointment is $3,635.23. 

Sept. 8 — Ira Norris, commissioner, reports that he has let out 
to Thos. W. Mercer, for $8,000, the contract for a lattice bridge 
over Platte Eiver at Platte City, of one track, 20 feet wide. The 
contract approved. 

Congress grants to the State of Missouri for Internal Im- 
provements 500,000 acres of public lands. 

Sept. 21 — Bela M. Hughes enrolled as an attorney. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 10 — Jesse Morin, superintendent of public buildings, re- 
ports the court-house, except plastering, complete. Medlin & 
Anderson did the stone-work, David Hunt the brick-work, and 
Sam'l Paul, B. K, Morton, W. D. Bonnell, and Elijah Moore the 
carpenter-work. The jail was finished in December. 

Oct. 25 — The circuit court met for the first time in the court- 
house, yet unplastered. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 7 — Josiah Higgins' will probated ; dated March 26, 1841. 
Ch: 1, Josiah Higgins (ii); 2, Benjamin; 3, Harmon; 4, Jackson; 
5, William; 6, Susan Cooper; 7, Jacob; 8, Peggy Ford; 9, John. 

Nov. 10 — B. B. Mitchell, administrator of Luke Dorland. 
Bond, $2,000; widow, Martha. 

Nov. 16 — Smith & Henderson, administrators of John P. Smith. 
Bond, $25,000. Ch: 1, Wm. V. Smith; 2, Jas. C; 3, Hiram S.; 
4, Gershom; 5, Sarah Ann Chance; 6, Mary Ann; 7, Jane C: 
v . Lucretia; 9, Webster. 

Legal advertisements are now printed at Liberty in the Far 
West, Ben Hays editor, and in the Liberty Herald, J. H. Darling- 
inn editor. The latter worked on the Reveille and the Landmark. 
Ee died in November, 1896, in the St. Joseph Lunatic Asylum. 

JAMES F. ADAMS, from Tennessee, settled this year at 
Ridgely, and started the town on his claim. A saddler by trade, 
he set up a shop, and a small town grew up. It was a gambling 
and drinking place, and was first called "Hell Town." He m'd 
Mary Owens, <lr. of Nicholas. Ch: 



1842, JAN. 45 OFFICERS. 

I. MARY E. ADAMS. 
II. SARAH M., m'd Rob't Reed, of St. Joseph. 

III. LOU M., m'd W. L. De Berry. (See.) 

IV. MAGGIE, m'd Dr. J. L. Misener. 
V. JULIA M. 

VI. J AS. E. ADAMS. 

Mr. Jas. F. Adams was the first post-master at Ridgely. His 
parents were Jas. Adams and Sarah Barnard. 

MARRIAGES IN 1841, NOT ELSEWHERE 

March 2, 1841, J. H. Spnrlock married Martha Spencer. 
March 12, 1841, Calvin Smith married Aggie Gordon. 
February 6. 1841. James Moore married Mary A. Grayson. 



1842. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, Thos. Reynolds; Senator, And. Johnson; Circuit 
Judge, D. A. Atchison; County Clerk, J. H. Johnston; Treasurer, 

F. Marshall; County Justices, Jas. Kuykendall, D. P. Lewis, and 
M. M. Hughes; Representative, D. A. Sutton; Circuit Clerk. 
Jesse Morin; Sheriff, J. H. Owen; Assessor, W. C. Remington; 
Circuit Attornev, P. H. Burnett. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — W. B. Almond, Jas. H. Baldwin. 
R. P. Clark, Nat Burrows, J.^R. Hardin. W. P. Hall. I. N. Jones, 
W. C. Jones, S. L. Leonard, Wm. M. Paxton, J. E. Pitt, J. G. 
Spratt, Jas. S. Thomas, John Wilson. 

Physicians — Wm. Baldwin, Delford Benton, J. H. McFall, 
N. M. Shrock, W. M. Macey, F. Marshall. 

Merchants, etc. — Black & Dickson, I. V. Cockerell, G. P. 
Dorriss, Ferguys & Ranson, Hope & Irwin, J. II. Johnston (post- 
master), Stephen Johnston, Johnston & Lewis, Martin & Sher- 
wood, Martin & Sons, McCausland <fc Branham, John D. Murray, 

G. W. Samuel. 

At Weston: Attorneys— L. D. Bird. J. N. Bnrnes, B. M. 
Hughes, John R. Tylee. 

Merchants, etc. — Geo. Anil. Peter Blanjour, Elijah Cody, 
Abel Gilbert, Ben Holladay, W. <:. Noble, C. A. & E. W. Perry. 
G. P. Post, J. M. & E. W. Railey, D. P. Wallingford, T. F. Warner, 
0. P. Wentworth. Ben Wood, Jerry Woods. 

JANUARY. 

Early in 1842, E. Sangston Wilkinson started the Eagle, the 
,first newspaper printed in Platte. March 5. 1S42, Allen McLane 
took editorial charge of the paper, and made it interesting and 
influential, as well as strongly Democratic in its politics. 

E. S. WILKINSON until 1805 resided on a ranch near Denver, 
Colo. He was born in Harrisonville, Va., 1S10: died 1896; was 



1842, JAN. 46 WESTON INCORPORATED. 

married June 21, 1837, in Indiana, to Maria Freeland, b. May 20, 
1820; d. 1896; daughter of the late Judge John Freeland. After 
editing the Shelby ville, Indiana, Statesman two years, he came 
with the Freeland family to Platte; here he spent nineteen years 
in editing and publishing the Eagle, the Argus, the Tenth Legion, 
and other papers, all strongly Democratic. But when the war 
came on, and dangers threatened on account of his Southern 
sympathies, he went to Helena, Montana, where he published the 
Rocky Mountain Gazette, from August 11, 1866, to September 2. 
1872. He afterwards published the Bozeman Times for three 
years. His living children: 

I. ALLEN McLANE WILKINSON, b. at Platte City, Novem- 
ber 13, 1848. 
II. BALEIGH T. WILKINSON, b. at Camden Point, August 13. 
1853. His ch : 

1. Henri/ G, 2. John W. (a captain in the U. S. Army), 
3. Dora. 
Mr. E. S. Wilkinson was in Winston's Begiment, and at Pea 
Bidge, Corinth, etc. He and his wife both died in Cal. in 1896. 
whither they had gone for their health. 

WESTON INCOKPOBATED. 

Jan. 11 — The county court incorporated Weston. Geo. Beeler, 
Abel Gilbert, John Thornburg, T. F. Warner, and Jerry Woods 
were the trustees. 

ORGANIZATION OF SCHOOL TOWNSHIPS. 

Jan. 12 — The county court, on application, ordered notice to 
be given for the inhabitants of T. 52, B, 31, to meet at the house of 
Michael Byrd, to organize for school purposes, the 3d of March, 
1812. The State law made each congressional township a corpora- 
tion, to be divided into districts, for separate schools. The 
Kith sections were "squatted" upon, and no one dared to bid 
against the "squatters" for their lands. They therefore got 
i heir lands at the minimum price of $1.25 per acre. The principal 
<>f the Township School Fund is only $21,000. Had there been a 
Fair sale, the fund would now be $200,000. Allen McLane had 
independence enough to condemn this fraud, in the Eagle, and 
when he offered for office, he found his course had lost him votes. 
Nearly all the townships of the county were organized in 1841 and 
L842, ;iiul school-houses were built in many districts. They were 
of round or hewed logs, with a door on one side, and a long hori- 
zontal window on the other. Below the window a sloping board 
Berved for desks. Scats were puncheons or slabs set upon 
wooden poles, for legs. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 7 — Peter Simmons' will probated — John Bretz executor. 
Bond, |2,000. 



L842, FEB. 17 OFFICIAL SURVEY. 

Martha Ambrose, administratrix of Win. Ambrose. Bond, 
|1,500. 

Matthias Masten, administrator of his son, Joseph Masten. 

Feb. 9 — Park & Parsons are granted tavern license at 
Parkville. 

Feb. 11 — The comity clerk is ordered to procure copies of I he 
Official Survey of the lands of Platte County. The field notes were 
furnished. The consisted of I wo thick square volumes, of 1,100 
pages each, and are now in the possession of the comity sur- 
veyor. They are invaluable, and I have made and indexed n copy 
for use in my business of abstractor of tit les. 

MARCH. 

March 28 — ludge Atchison held circuit court in the new and 
mi plastered court house. 

Enrolled as attorneys. R. P.Clark, T. N. Jones, and \V. P. Hall. 

APRIL. 

April 9 — The comity court incorporated Platte City, with X. 
Burrows, W. E. Black, W. P. Dougherty, D. S. Irwin, and Mark 
Mc< Jausland, trustees. 

MAY. 

Hay 1 — The annual county statement shows: 

Receipts $ 3,503.10 

Expenditures 2,824.64 

Principal of Township School Fund 10,876.00 

May ) — Edw'd Clarke, administrator of Abner Bozarth, with 
his will annexed, lie left a widow and two daughters. The 
widow m'd Col. Lewis Burnes. (See.) 

JUNE. 

June 3— Elisha Green buys Lot 6, Block 28, in Platte ('it v. 
Here he erected the hotel known as the Green House. His enter- 
prise and public spirit gave a new impulse to the improvement of 
Platte City. 

June 20 — Allen McLane announced himself a candidate for 
the Legislature, but is beaten, on account of his opposing the 
sacrifice of 16th sections to the "squatters." 

.ILLY. 
July 13 — Circuit court held by Judge Atchison in the court- 
house. Bright P. Martin, a son of Zadock, is enrolled as an 
attorney. 

AUGUST. 

RESULT OF THE ELECTION. 

Aug. 1 — Senator. Andrew Johnston; Congressman, das. M. 
Hughes; Representatives, Bethel Allen and J. A. AN'li i i « - : Sheriff, 
J. H. Owen; Assessor. W. C. Remington. 



1842, AUG. 48 CROPS, ETC. 

« 

Aug. 4 — The bridge specifications are changed, and $1,500 is 
added to the price allowed Mercer, the contractor. 

Aug. 23— Robert Todd died. (See.) 

The plastering of the court-house is finished, and the house 
complete. 

Aug. 28 — The Weston Presbyterian Church reorganized, with 
the following members: 1, Mary Cowles; 2, R. A. Cummins; 
3, Amer'a P. Hudson; 4, Anna Nash; 5, Eliz. Neville; 6, Sam'l 
Morton; 7, Eliz. Norton; 8, R. G. Stephens; 9, P. M. Underbill. 

OCTOBER 
Oct. 14— Weston Lodge, No. 53, A. F. & A. M., chartered. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 8 — Jones & Waller, administrators of Lewis M. Waller; 
and W. B. Wood, of Edwin Wood. 

Nov. 10 — W. L. Brightwell, R. P. and Harrison Gaines, Joseph 
Coons, and their families, arrive in Platte, coming overland in 
wagons. They bought corn at 10 cents per bushel. 

Nov. 18 — Temperature at zero. 

The President locates the land office at Plattsburg. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 13 — Under this date, Book 3, page 87, of records of the 
county court, a statement of the sales of 16th sections is found. 

The President's message was nine hours in going from 
Washington to New York, considered quick time. 

Two vagrants sold, publicly, in Platte City. 

The removal of the land office from Plattsburg to Platte 
City advocated. 

Allen McLane makes the following entry in his diary: "The 
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was opened to Cumberland (171 miles). 
on the 3d day of November, 1842. This will bring the mail in ten 
hours to Cumberland, and in thirty-two hours to Wheeling! Who 
would have dreamed of this ten years ago?" 

Dec. 24 — A ball at the court-house for warming. The upper 
story of the court-house has been seated by subscription, for 
n-liginus services. 

John S. Malott's (see) will probated. It is dated March 9, 
1842. Be was a son of Wm. Malott. (See.) 

CROPS, MARKETS, ETC. 
A.bundan1 crops were raised in 1842, but there was no market 
for them. Now settlers, however, had money to spend, and 
needed supplies. Corn sold for 10 cents per bushel, and wheat at 
50 cents. Freights to St. Louis were from $1 to $2 per 100 pounds, 
:ith1 the tobacco and hemp shipped brought but small returns. 
All good binds in Platte had claimants, and emigrants pressed 
further north. Claims upon the host land sold for $3 to $8 per 



L842, DEC. 49 IMPROVEMENTS. 

acre. Under the law of 1841, the new seniors got a preemption 
right. With no market, money became scarce. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

Farms were rapidly opened, and substantial and comfortable 
houses erected. Martin & Sons have added an upright saw to 
their mill; Hall Medlin has constructed a grist- and saw-mill, on 
Smith's Fork; and Judge M. M. Hughes and Capt. Andrew John- 
sou have each built a good mill on Bee Creek. Huston McFarland 
has a saw-mill near Weston, and the Perrys are building a large 
ilouriug-mill at Weston. The finest oak and walnut timber ever 
seen is offered for nothing; and $1.25 is the price of the best 
squared timber. Goods are selling at from 50 per cent to 150 
per cent on cost. 

NEW-COMERS TO PLATTE CITY. 

Howell Jenkins (see), a native of Wales, settled at Platte 
City in 1842. A stonemason by I ratio, he built with his own hands 
the rock mansion on Lots 4 and 5, Block 28, and did all the best 
stone-work in town for years. From our native rock, he cut out 
and lettered all the tombstones for our graveyard, for twelve 
years. The first marble monument erected in the cemetery was a i 
the grave of Dr. N. M. Shrock in 1855. 

Robert Davis Johnston (see), a native of Kentucky, came to 
us. by way of Indiana, and formed a partnership with John 
Lewis, in a general store, on Lot 6, Block 29. He subsequently 
formed a partnership with Jas. H. Johnston, in the same line. 
The adversities of trade and the calamities of war drove him from 
the mercantile business. His military career is familiar to all. 

DRS. SHROCK, McFALL, AND CALLAHAN. 

The two first named were brothers-in-law. Dr. McFall died 
soon after his arrival from Kentucky, and Dr. Shrock formed a 
partnership with Dr. H. B. Callahan, and they w r ere favorite phys- 
icians for years.- Dr. Shrock was an enthusiastic .Mason, and to 
him we owe the organization of Platte Lodge, No. 5G. He was 
well informed in the mysteries of Masonry, and with diligence 
instructed his brethren. Dr. Callahan left us in 1857, and in the 
war found no rest for his feet. He resided at Leavenworth many 
years, honored as a physician and revered as a citizen. He died 
in 189G and w^as buried al Platte City. 

John Zeek established a tan-yard on Block 17. but found it 
not profitable, and left us for some better local ion. 

Benj. R. Morton (see) worked on the court-house, and erected 
a carding machine on Block 28. 

William C. Remington (see), a handsome and genial youth, 
wrote an excellent hand, and found ready employment as deputy 
clerk, until he arose to the office of circuit clerk. 



L842, DEC. 50 STATE LAND OFFICE. 



William E. Black, after working on the bridge over the 
Platte, became a merchant, and then a physician. He returned 
to Virginia. 

John Eitner located near Smithville, and, being an excellent 
millwright, became a partner with Jas. B. Martin in the Platte 
City Mills. 

James Davis, a large, genial, and agreeable gentleman, and 
an excellent clerk, wrote in the circuit clerk's office, read law, 
formed a partnership with John W. Forbis, and disappeared very 
mysteriously; but was heard from again in one of the Northwest- 
ern States. 

Archibald Woods and James M. Estill came from Kentucky 
with money, bought a large body of land, and built the Union 
Mills. They became also merchants in Weston. Their business 
was immense, and their creditors suffered. Estill went to Cali- 
fornia, took some large contracts, and speculated unsuccessfully. 

E. S. Wilkinson removed the Eagle to Weston, but the winter 
caught him without paper. He went on horseback to Boonville, 
but got but little paper. The Eagle therefore was issued only as 
a handbill, until the river opened in the spring. 

THE STATE LAND OFFICE. 

September 4, 1841, Congress granted the Western States 
public lands within their borders. Five hundred thousand acres 
were granted to Missouri. The gift was accepted, and commis- 
sioners were appointed to select the lands. They were located 
chiefly in the Platte Purchase. S. L. Leonard and Dr. A. M. Robin- 
son were commissioners. The Federal law required locations to 
be in bodies of not less than 320 acres. To induce the settlers to 
give in their lands to the State, a liberal preemption law was 
passed, giving time for payment, and sanctioning sales by the 
settler, after the first payment. These lands appear on the official 
plat as "Internal Improvement Lands." About one-eighth of the 
county of Platte was selected as State lands. The land office was 
located at Savannah. 



1843. 
OFFICERS. 



Governor, Thos. Reynolds; Senator, And. Johnson; Con- 
gressman, J. M. Hughes; Circuit Clerk, Jesse Morin; Treasurer, 
F. Marshall; Representatives, B. Allen and J. A. White; Circuit 
Attorney, P. H. Burnett; Circuit Judge, D. R. Atchison; County 
Clerk, -l. II. Johnston; Sheriff, Jones H. Owen; Assessor, W. C. 
Remington; County Justice. Jas. Kuykendall. D. P. Lewis, and 
M. M. Hughes. 



1843, JAN. ;,l BUSINESS MEN. 



BUSINESS MEN. 

!/ PlatteCity: At toi -n.-ys— W. B. Almond, Jas. II. Baldwin 
X. Burrows, K. P. Clark, J. R. Bardin, I. X. Jones, W. C. Jones, 
S. L. Leonard, W. P. Hall, Jno. E. Pitt, .1. <;. Spratt, -Ins. P. 
Thomas, John Wilson. 

Physicians — Drs. Win. Baldwin, Delford Benton, John < 'lark.-. 
J. II. McFall, F. Marshall, W. M. Max:ey, X. M. Shrock. 

Merchants, etc.— Atkins & White <;. P. Dorriss. Ferguys & 
banson, E. P. Gaines. J. II. Johnston (postmaster), R. 1 >. John- 
ston, Stephen Johnston. Terry Keith, McCausland & Branham, 
Phil. Lnles. J. 1). Murray, G. W*. Samuel, Z. .Martin & Sons. Eope & 
Irwin, W.E. Black, E.Green. 

At Weston: Attorneys — L. I>. Bird, B. M. Bughes, J. P. 
Tylee. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers, Malin. 

Merchants, etc.— P. Blanjour, E. Cody, A. Gilhert. F. G. Cock 
rill, Ben Holladay, W. G. Noble. C. A. & E. W. Perry, W. S. Mur 
phy, G. P. Post. J. M. & E. W. Railey, D. P. Wallingford, T. F. War- 
ner, C. P. Wentworth, Ben Wood. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 2 — The Democrats of the county met at the court house 
and organized the party. 

Jan. 'i — A slight earthquake. 

Mails come triweekly, by hack, from Liberty, arriving at 
2 p. m. at Platte City. 

Alex. E. Cannon, the first lawyer to locate at Martinsville, is 
now teaching school. His legal erudition knew no book but the 
statutes. 

Arch'd Woods buys lands in Preston Township. 

The State Road from Weston to Plattsburg established. 
I See Session Acts 1843, p. 345.) 

Jan. 9 — E. S. Wilkinson still in search of printing paper. 

Jan. 15 — Subscribers to the Platte River bridge refused to 
pay. Suit is instituted — hung jury; but they finally triumph. 

Jas. H. Baldwin and Allen McLane discuss, privately, county 
finances, and decide they are badly managed. 

The Legislature establishes a State Road from Liberty to 
Weston. Damages are allowed preemptioners. 

Jan. 20 — The county court secretly applies to the Legislature 
to make the Platte River bridge a toll bridge, which caused much 
indignation, when discovered. 

Weston is rapidly improving. The Eagle is now known as 
the Platte Eagle <ni<l Weston Commercial Gazette, and is issued 
occasionally. 

The State Land Office is located at Savannah, and iu due 
Time A. Jasper is appointed receiver and Nat Burrows register. 



1843, FEB. 52 , BENTON. 



FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 23 — Weston is incorporated by statute, acquires title to 
the site, and deeds are made for the lots that have been sold. 

The Legislature legalized the irregular sales of 16th sections 
and Platte City lots. 

Feb. 27 — Peter H. Burnett spoke at the court-house on the 
Oregon question, and advocated emigration thither. 

The war on Senator Benton has commenced. The Eagle is 
-.villi Benton. 

The Missouri is still closed, and Wilkinson's printing paper 
is still in abeyance. 

MARCH. 

It takes twenty days to get news from Washington. 
W. L. Brightwell buys smoked hams at 3 cents, and young 
oxen at $13 per yoke. 

March 6 — The United States Senate confirms the appoint- 
ment of J. H. Birch as register and E. M. Samuel as receiver of the 
Plattsburg land office. 

The Democrats meet at the court-house, Achilles Jasper in 
the chair, and approve Benton's views on hard money. Bela M. 
Hughes and L. D. Bird, of Weston, and Leander Kerr, chaplain at 
the Fort, are present. 

Many are preparing to emigrate to Oregon. 

The population of St. Louis is 28,354. 

March 16 — The ground is still covered with snow, and very 
cold — the coldest winter on record. 

March SO — Another fall of snow and still cold. 

Peter H. Burnett, having resigned, the bar recommends Bela 
M. Hughes for the place of circuit attorney. 

APRIL. 

April 7 — The Plattsburg land office opens with Birch as 
register and Samuel as receiver. 
Six inches of snow fell. 

April ) — Warmer, with rain at intervals. 

Jesse Morin is appointed commissioner of the seat of justice 
in place of s. L. Leonard, resigned. 

I >. A. Suit mi is appointed commissioner of Platte River 
bridge in place of Era Norris, resigned. 

April ID — Phinehas Skinner buys land cast of Camden Point. 

Tlir Missouri River ice commences moving.. 
Vpril 18 The Steamer Tone roadies Weston, bringing Wilkin- 
son's paper. The Eagle now comes mil regularly. The John Aull 
arrives a1 Weston on Hie 14th. 

Vpril l~> Tin- first regular issue of the Eagle at Weston — ■ 

x... i. voi.n 

ApHl 12- Pritehard is killed in Weston by Price. 



1843, APRIL. 53 HARD TIMES. 

April 21 — The Platte City Presbyterian Church organized 
with the following members: 1, Win. 15. Almond; 2. John Y. 
Cooper; 3, Dr. John Clarke; 4, Ann, his wife; .">. X. B.Hope; 6, S. 

P. S. .M. Curdy; 7. Jos. Patton; 8, Allen Sloan; 9, Anna M.. his 
wife; 10, Jas. E. Walker. Dr. J. .M. Fulton was invited to supply 
the pulpit. W. M. Paxton and wife united a few months later, 
The organization took place in the largo upper room of the court 
house, where preaching was held by all denominal ions. 

MAY. 
COUNTY FINANCES. 

Amount received $2,017.12 

Paid out 1,022 .07 

1395.05 
The season was backward, and no ground was plowed before 
the 20th of April. For three weeks the ground was in good order 
for the plow, aud corn planted before the 10th of May did well: 
but in May the windows of heaven were opened, and late-planted 
corn and hemp were failures. Hemp and wheat were covered by 
snow from November to April. Wheal was protected by the 
snow, but hemp did not rot until the spring rains; and then tin- 
weather was so wet that the hemp could not be broken out. Much 
of it was left in the shock and lost. Throughout the winter one 
snow was added to another, and by Spring formed a solid covering 
for the earth, a foot thick. Not half the corn was gathered before 
the snows commenced, and vast flocks of prairie-fowl from the 
west damaged the standing corn. 

LAND ENTRIES. 

Samuel and Birch were able and accommodating officers. A 
specific time was fixed for the settlers of each township to prove 
their preemptions. The settlers of each neighborhood went in a 
body, and there was no trouble to get witnesses to prove residence. 
A prescribed oath was taken, a neighbor was called to prove 
settlement, the money was paid in gold, silver, or Missouri 
bank-notes, and a certificate given that made the preemptioner 
a freeholder. There were but few controversies, and these 
generally were settled to the satisfaction of both parties. There 
was not an appeal from Platte County. It required $320,000 
to enter the lands of Platte, or $2,000,000 for the Platte Country. 
Until the Mexican War brought relief. I witnessed a state of 
awful pecuniary distress. Some of the settlers had money 
laid by to enter lands; but a greater number had to sacrifice theii 
personal property to save their hinds. Property had three prices. 
1st, trade or exchange price: 2d. currency prire: and 3d, land- 
office money price. Tin 1 unfavorable seasons of 1843 and 1844 
added to the distress. Tn 1843 the county assessment of slaves 
and personal property, including notes and money, was only 
1412.000. Land was not assessed. 



1843, JUNE. 54 THE BURNETTS. 

JUNE. 

June 1 — Heavv rains retarded agriculture. 

The Oregon emigrants, having gathered at Westport, organize 
by choosing Peter H. Burnett as captain, J. W. Nesmith orderly 
sergeant, and 9 councilmen. 

PETER II. BURNETT. 

We will hear no more of Peter H. Burnett in the history of 
Platte; and I cannot dismiss so honored a friend without a tribute 
to his merits. The whole family possessed talent, and a religious 
sentiment made them enthusiasts in every good cause. The 
enterprise, hardihood, intelligence, and devotion of Peter H. Bur- 
nett have blessed and benefited four States of our Union. He 
was our first prosecuting attorney, and discharged the duties of 
his office with marked success. He led the first overland expedi 
tion to Oregon, mid untold dangers, privations, and suffering; 
passed to California over a trackless wilderness, became the first 
governor of the newly acquired territory, and surrendered his 
office with clean hands and an unclouded name. He published 
"A Lawyer's Reasons for Joining the Catholic Church" in a neat 
volume; and in another volume, "An Old Pioneer." he has given 
sketches of his eventful life. His style is jdain and simple, and 
his adventures are replete with interest. He died in San Fran- 
cisco May IS. 1895. I will give his genealogv: 

GEORGE BURNETT, the ancestor, was b. in Va, Sept. 2G. 
1770: went to Tenn.; m'd 1802. Dorothv (Dolly) Hardeman, b. in 
Tenn. May 15. 1780; d. in Platte March "17, 1843. Issue: 

I. CONSTANTINA BURNETT, m'd 1st. Jas. M. Miller, who was 
killed by lightning. 1821, at Boonville. She m'd 2d, W. L. 
Smith, a merchant of Liberty. I knew him well. He was 
;ui accomplished gentleman. 
II. PETER HARDEMAN BURNETT, b. at Nashville. Tenn.. 
\n\. 15. 1807; d. in San Franscisco May IS. 1895; m'd a dr. 
of Judge Peter Rogers. I have already noticed him. Issue* 
1. Dwight •/. Burnett. 2. Martha L. 'X Romietta. 
4. John. 5. Aiinistead. 0. 8 alUe G. Burnett. 

III. (ILEX OWEN BURNETT, a Christian preacher. 

IV. GEO. WM. BURNETT, al one time constable of Carroll 

Township, Platte County. 
V. ELIZABETH A. BURNETT, m'd 1st. in Clay Co.. Dr. Ware 
S. May, whti d. in Nov.. 1847. Mis. May possessed beauty. 
spirit, virtue, and intelligence. Dr. May was a pioneer 
physician, and successful in his practice. His fund of 
anecdotes and bis genial disposition, seasoned with mirth 
and humor, made him popular with all classes. Yet he 
was not ;i happy man. and in one of liis sprees took mor- 
phine and died. Tssne: 



1843, JUNE. 55 TI 1 1 ■: BURNETTS. 

1. George R. May, m'd Oct. 9, L869, Miranda J. Waller, and 

went to Iowa. 

2. MaryC. May, m'd May 27, L858, Edwin R. Williams, b. 

Nov. L5, L826. 

3. Dorothy {Dolly), d.; m'd July 27. L866, Oliver Todd. 

Ch: |"| George Todd; \>>\ Lizzie; |'| Millie. Mr. 
Todd will be noticed again. 

4. Susan May, m'd April 4, 1866, Sam'] C. Park. Ch: 

[a] Edward Park; \'»\ Burnett 
.">. Ben;. /.. May, b. June 17. 1841; d. April 24. 1882; m'd 
Sept. 28. 1865, Mary A. NTicol, b.' April 4. L846, a dr. 
of David Nicol. Ch: [«] Geo. E. May, b. 1866: 
[&] David \\\. b. 1868; p] Anna E.. b. 1870; j"d] Ben. 
W., b. 1872; and p] Frank, b. 1879. Dr. B. L. May 
studied medicine with liis fat her, graduated at Belle- 
vue Medical College, settled at Barry, and became 
an eminent physician. From him May Township 
took its name. He died April 24. 1882. His widow 
and children live at the old Xicol homestead. 
6. Elisabeth May, m'd May 10, 1866, Lee M. Williams, b. 

May 15, 1843. son of William. 
Mrs. Elizabeth May, widow of Dr. W. S. May. afterwards 
m'd Robert Tain. (See.i 
VI. JAR. WHITE BURNETT, m'd Sarah Jane Turner, dr. of 

Elder Thomas Turner. 
VIT. MARY H. J. BURNETT, m'd 1836 Dr. Benj. S. Long, b. at 
Versailles, Ky., Jan. 12, 1808; graduated at t Do medical de- 
partment of Transvlvania Universit v in 1835. She d. in 
1843, and hed. May 11. 1877. Ch: 
1. George M. 2. InnaB. S.James, i. Mary A. S.Har- 
riet. <'>. Louisa, who m'd John Fulton, of Parkville. 
\I IT. THOMAS S. BURNETT, a M. E. preacher. 

June6 — Heavy rains have raised the streams. The Platte and 
Missouri are overflowing, and many bridges have been washed 
away. Cut-worms are damaging corn. 

June 16 — The Steamer Col. Woods came round from Weston to 
Platte City, bringing as passengers E. s. Wilkinson and Isaac 
Carter. They mel with do trouble on the way. The boat lay all 
night at the foot of Main Street. The town go! drunk, and Gr. P. 
Dorriss shipped a hogshead of sugar to New Orleans. 

JULY. 

July 5 — W. II. Edgar takes out tavern license for Platte City. 
His hotel was the Faylor lop; house, that stood where the Wells 
Bank now stands. 

j„j lf tO— Atkins & White, merchants of Platte City, fail, and 
Stephen Johnson buys their storehouse, on Lot 7. Block 25, for 
8400. 



1843, JULY. 56 ST. JOSEPH. 

July 18 — Branham & McCausland buy Lot 6, Block 26, in 
Platte City, for $50. Here tliey built a frame store. 

Dudley Wells convicted of manslaughter in the fourth degree, 
and fined $1,000. 

The members of the bar recommend Allen McLane for regis- 
ter of the State land office at Savannah ; but Nat Burrows receives 
the appointment. 

July 26 — St. Joseph was laid off in June, 1843, and named the 
26th of July. The latter day is observed as Founders' Day. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. If — Letters are granted to Philip Walker on the estate of 
Daniel Varble. Ch: 1, Margaret Varble; 2, Henry; 3, James; 
4, Sallie; 5, Manon; 6, Jasper; 7, a daughter. 

Aug. 7 — Letters granted to G. D. Toole on the estate of Samuel 
Staggs. Bond, $6,000. Ch: 1, Samuel Staggs (ii), m'd May 29. 
1873, Ada M.Dooley. 

Aug. 13 — M. N. Owen buys land one mile west of Platte City. 

Aug. 19 — J. H. and R. D. Johnston buy the N. E. '4; of Sec. 9, 
T. 52, R. 34, for $800. 

Aug. 23 — H. D. Martin sells to Zadock and Jas. B. Martin his 
interest in the water mills at Platte City, and goes to Oregon. 

Jerry V. Cockrill sells to R. P. Gaines his hotel on Lot 12, 
Block 24, Platte City, for $3,000. 

At a special election, held the first Monday in this month. 
Lycurgus Shepard was chosen county surveyor in place of S. L. 
Leonard, resigned. 

SEPTEMBER 

Sept. 1 — Phinehas Skinner buys a large body of land near the 
Narrows, and, forming a partnership with Zabina Babcock, opens 
a country store. 

Sept. 7 — Platte City incorporated with W. C. Remington, Phil. 
I jiles, John S. Porter, John Edwards, and W. E. Black as trustees. 

OCTOBER. 

Oet. 1 — Zadock Martin conveys to Platte County 24 acres in 
1 1n- X. \V. | of Sec. 36, T. 53, R. 35; Jesse Morin is appointed com- 
mission, r. and lays off an addition to Platte City, consisting of 
Blocks 35 to 41. 

The banks are resuming specie payments. 

Oct. 3 — Senator Lewis F. Linn dies at Ste. Genevieve, and 
Judge D. R. Atchison is appointed to the vacancy. 

Judge Henderson Ynun»- succeeds Atchison as circuit judge. 

Fielding and Clinton Cockrill buy farms two miles west of 
Platte City, and Felix G. Cockrill starts a store in Weston. 

Oct. 9 — Judge Henderson Young holds circuit court. B. F. 
Loan is enrolled as an attorney. 



1843, OCT. 57 THE HUGHES. 

A Democratic meeting is held ai Platte City with <!. I*. Dor- 
liss as chairman. Allen McLane and A. Jasper were appointed 
delegates to the Dennx -ratic State Convention. 1). A. Sutton 
pronounces Van Bureu a broken-down horse, and Jesse Moris 
agrees with him; but 1>. M. Bughes, A. Jasper, and Capt. Andrew 
Johnson defended Van Buren. 

S. Penn, editor of the Si. Louis Reporter, attacks Benton 
vigorously. 

Oct. !'i — hellers granted John Lewis on the estate of George 
St rouse. Strouse m'd a dr. of Abrani .Miller and left a son, who 
went to Kansas. 

Oct. 28 — The great naturalist, Audubon, passes down the 
.Missouri, after a visit to the Yellowstone in the interest of science. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. .'f — A lot is bought for the Line Creek Regular Baptist 
Church in N. W. j of Sec. 19, T. 51, R .",::. 

Nov. 7 — R. P. Gaines lakes out tavern license at Platte City. 
Letters are granted John Land on the estate of Leroy Stapp. 
D. R. Atchison left Weston for Washington. 

Nov. 25 — G. P. Dorriss bins of J. H. Johnston the W. -i of 
S. E. i of Sec. 36, T. 53, R. .35, for $600. 

Nov. 30 — J. G. Shultz sells to Dougherty & Swords his interest 
in the site of Iatan. Much sickness prevails. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 5 — John R. Hardin administered on the estate of G. W. 
Doughertv. 

Dec. .9— W. J. Norris buys the N. E. } of Sec. 18, T. 53, R. 35, on 
the road from Platte City to Weston, for $1,400. 

Dec. lJf — Died suddenly, while attending court at Plattsburg, 
Gen. Andrew S. Hughes. 

THE HUGHES FAMILY. 
David Hughes was descended from Jesse Hughes, who came 
to America from Wales, about 1730. David was b. in 1756, in 
Powhatan Co., Va.; came to Kentucky in 1785. settled in Mont- 
gomery Co., and d. in 1805. His ch: 1, William Hughes: 
2, James; 3, John; I.Jesse; 5, Andrew S.; 6, David; 7. a dr.. m'd 
lien Bowen, and was mother of Elizabeth C. Bowen, wife of J. J. 
Throckmorton. Of these children we shall notice only 

ANDREW S. BUGHES, 
Who wash, in Montgomery Co.. K,v.. Feb. !». L789; d. at Plattsburg 
Dec. !). 1st::. His mother was Margaret Frame, b. 1758, a dr. of 
David Frame. After attending the best schools of his day, he 
read law. and practiced in the counties of northern Kentucky. 
He m'd Dec. 20. 1814, Rhoda Dent Metcalfe, b. Feb. 28, 1789, in 



L843, DEC. 58 THE METCALFES. 

Fayette Co., Ky. In 1829 he came to Clay Co., Mo., and for some 
years was an agent for the Sacs and Foxes, and was stationed at 
the ford of Platte River, east of Blacksnake Hills. He was 
active in having the Platte Purchase attached to Missouri. While 
in Kentucky, he represented Bracken and Nicholas counties in the 
State Senate for two terms. When I knew him, he was a bustling, 
genial, and generous-hearted old gentleman. He knew every- 
body, told a good story, and was very influential with a jury. He 
had but one child: 

I. BELA METCALFE HUGHES, b. at Carlisle, Ky., April 6, 
1817; educated at Augusta College; he studied law and 
practiced in Platte County; he was a brigadier-general of 
militia, register of the land office at Plattsburg, represented 
Platte in the State Legislature, and went west. He now 
resides in Denver, a hale and happy old gentleman. He 
m'd Jan. 9, 1838, Catherine Neal, b. Aug. 20, 1820; d. Sept. 
6,1844. Oh: 

1. Mary C. Euglies. b. March 27. 1842. 

2. Andrew 8. (ii), b. Dec. 19, 1843. 

Gen. B. M. Hughes m'd 2d. in June, 1S49. Laura L. Allen, 
dr. of Tandy Allen, of Bourbon Co.. Ky. Ch : 

3. Jessie C. Euglies, b. May 21. 1851. 

4. Edith A., b. June 17, 1852. 

5. Gcorf/iajHi, b. June 11. 1854. 

6. Tandy A., b. March 17. 1800. 

THE METCALFES 

Are one of the most distinguished families of Kentucky. A 
volume would be required to record their- houors, in both civil 
and military life. We can only give the lineage of Mrs. Rhoda 
D. (Hughes) Metcalfe: 

T. FRANCIS METCALFE, of Yorkshire. England: His son. 
TT. JOHN METCALFE, cam.' to Virginia about 1700: His son. 
m. JOTIX METCALFE, b. in Fauquier Co., Va.. in 1780. came 
with his parents to Kentucky, in 1784. His ch. were: 

1. Thomas M<t<-<tlj< } . the old "Stohehammer," governor 

of Kentucky. 

2. Brio. 3. Sarah, 4. Lucy. 5. Rhoda D. 

[V. RHODA DENT METCALFE, m'd Con. Andrew S. Hughes. 
V. BELA M.Tirr.nES. of Denver. 

WILLIAM BROWN 

Diedaboul August, 1843. He was the father of a largo family of 
children, most of whom will be hereafter noticed. He was a son 
of Samuel Brown (i), and was 1>. in Kentucky in 1 7S2. He m'd 

Ann . and his administrator thus enumerates his ch: 

1. William Brown (ii); 2. Adam C: 3. Susanna, wife of Samuel 
Brown (iii); 4, Arch'd; 5. Thomas: 0. The ch. of Mrs. Thomas 
Moberly as follows: |""] Newton Moberly; \ h ~\ Susan, wife of 



1844, JUNE. 59 MARRIAGES. 

0. R. Barnett; |'| Nancy, wife of Win. Chandler; \<'] Ann; 
p] Elizabeth; [f] Mary; [ff] Jus. Moberly. 7, Ch. of .Mrs. Scollin. 

MAKRIAGES IN 1843 NOT ELSEWI I EKE X( >TI< JED. 

January 1, Tbos. Allen m'd Sidney Ann Drais. 
January 10, < i. \Y. Dye m'd Louisa Hague. 
February 2, G. A. Crobarger m'd Elizabeth Cooper. 
February 16, R. C. C. Gray m'd Susan M. Bart. 
February lti, Tbos. A. Dye m'd Lucinda Cook. 
March 3, C. P.Robertson m'd Elizabeth CJssary. 
June 8, Ben Sim]>son m'd Nancy Cooper. 
June 15, Brooking Jeffers m'd Cath. Ellsworth. 



1844. 
OFFICERS. 



Governor, Tbos. Reynolds; Circuit Judge, Henderson Young; 
County Justices, Lewis, Kuykendall, and Hughes; Sheriff, J. H. 
Owen; Treasurer, F. Marshall: Public Administrator, Robt. Pat 
ton; State Senator, And. Johnson; Representatives, B. Allen and 
J. A. White; Circuit Clerk, Jesse Morin; County Clerk, J. H. 
Johnston; Circuit Attorney, Jas. Craig; Assessor. \V. C. Rem 
ington; Surveyor. L. Shepard. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

.1/ I'hith City: Attorneys— W. B. Almond, J. H. Baldwin, 
R. 1'. Clark, J. R. Hardin, 1. N. Jones. W. C. Jones, S. L. Leonard, 
J. E. Pitt, J. <i. Sprat t. Jas. S. Thomas. \Y. P. Hall, John Wilson. 

Physicians — Drs. Baldwin, Clarke, .Marshall, Callahan, 
Shrock, Black. 

Merchants, etc. — Wm. Brown, G. I*. Dorriss, L. Fleshmau, 
H. P. Kutchenthall, J. H. Johnston (postmaster), Stev. Johnston, 
R. D. Johnston, McCausland & Branham, J. D. Murray, Ferguys' 
& Ranson. G. \Y. Samuel. Z. Martin & Son. R. P. Gaines, Elisha 
Green. L. Tracy. W. C. Remington. Win. II. Sprat t, R. R. Morton. 

At Weston: Attorneys — L. D. Bird, Bela M. Hughes. J. R. 
Tylee, 11. J. Wolf. 

Physicians — B. Bonifant, Jos. Malin, J. M. Fulton. 

Merchants, etc.— P. R.Ian jour. F. G. Cockrill, E. Cody. Ben 
Holladay. W. s. Murphy, A.Gilbert, W. G. Noble, G. P. Post, O. A. 
ami F. W. Perry. T. F. Warner. I>. R. W'allingt'ord, Richie & 
Miller, J. I'. Georgens, James Osborn, C. R. Wentworth, Ben 
Wood, Railey & Bro. 

JANUAKY. 

j mL 2— The will of Win. Spencer, dated October 7, 1843, is 
probated. His wife. Nancy, qualifies as executrix. 



1844, JAN. 60 BUSINESS. 

Jan. 6 — Capt. Win, Triplett buys land two miles north of 
Platte City. 

Heavy rains. 

Jan. 8 — Democratic meeting at Platte City, nominate Van 
Buren. 

Jan. 23 — Elislia Green buys of Ira Norris the S. E. | of Sec. 
30, T. 53, K. 35, adjoining Platte City, for $1,600. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 9 — Governor Reynolds commits suicide, and is succeeded 
by Lieutenant-Governor Marmaduke. 

Bond, $1,500. 

Feb. 24 — Hugh Swaney buys land five miles east of Platte 
City. 

MARCH. 

Feb. 14 — John R. Hardin, administrator of Dr. J. H. McFall. 

March 1 — Nelson Faulconer buys the N. E. \ of Sec. 13, T. 51, 
R. 34, at $1,400. 

Democrats in State Convention, nominated J. C. Edwards, 
for governor, in place of Reynolds, deceased. The Democratic 
party is divided into "Hards" for Benton, and "Softs" against him. 

Allen McLane buys the Eagle of Wilkinson, and, bringing the 
press and type to Platte City, issues the Platte Argus. He goes to 
St. Louis to purchase paper and new tvpe. 

Andrew Tribble buys the N. E. I of Sec. 3, T. 52, R. 35, for 
$G00. 

March 6 — Baptist Church at Ridgely organized. 

March 26 — Thompson T. Jones buys land three miles east of 
Platte City. 

APRIL. 

April 3 — The county court orders Commissioner Morin to lay 
<>H an addition to Platte City on the 24 acres deeded to the county 
by Z. Martin, and sell the lots publicly. 

The court orders the bridge commissioner (Sutton) to let out 
the construction of aprons for the Platte City bridge. The court 
demanded of Mercer, the contractor, that he build the approaches 
to 1 In- bridge under his contract to build the bridge — but this 
point was ^iven up. 

April 18— The first plat of Parkville filed, by Geo. S. Park. 
He had already sold lots, but had not conveyed them. 

MAY. 
THE COUNTY FINANCES. 
May t— Revenue collected, $3,650.52; expended, $3,472.30. 
The county levy is 50 cents on the $100. 

Assessment, lands $576,000.00 

Assessment, personalty, notos. mid money 709.076.00 

Total $1,285,076.00 



1844, MAY. 61 JARVIS MURDKR. 

THE JARVIS MURDER. 

This spring, a gang of desperadoes, chiefly from ( "lay County, 
went west on the Santa Fe" Trail, and met the train of Jarvis, a 
.Mexican, coming with money to buy goods at Independence. 
After killing Jarvis, they robbed the train of a large amount of 
money and everything valuable. The perpetrators of this crime 
bragged of their success, and it was found that o1 her men of good 
standing had furnished the outfit, and had shared in the booty. 
Brown, a saloon-keeper at Hell-Town (Ridgely), and McDaniel, a 
son of a worthy farmer of Clay, were apprehended, tried in a 
Federal court, convicted, and hung. Quite a number implicated 
suddenly disappeared. 

The first number of the Platte Argus is issued at Platte City 
by Martin L. Harden, publisher, and Allen McLane, editor. 

The United Baptist Church of Pleasant Ridge buys an acre of 
land at the center of Sec. 5, T. 53, B. 35, and builds a brick church. 

Henry Clay is nominated, at Baltimore, by the Whigs, for 
President; and James K. Polk is nominated May 27th. by the 
Democrats. 

POSTAGE. 

For long distances, is now, for letters 25 cents. 

May 30, 1845, reduced to 124 cents. 

May 2, 1840, reduced to 10 cents. 

May 23 — Congress passes an act granting preemption to 
trustees for town sites. Under an enabling act of the State Leg- 
islature, Weston entered its site and sold lots. 

Incessant rain. 

JUNE. 

June 6 — John Linville's will probated, dated March 28, 1844. 
His widow was Nancv, and his children: 1, Nancy; 2, William; 
3, Robt. S.; 4, John B.; 5. Richard B.; 6, Jubal; 7, Henry H. 
Linville. 

THE OVERFLOW. 

For several weeks, this month, the .Missouri and Platte 
rivers spread from bluff to bluff, driving out to the hills families 
and their stock. The site of the town of Tracy was covered. This 
is the only flood ever known to cover the highest grounds in the 
Missouri bottoms. The overflows of 1858 and 1881 Left some 
ground above the water. The Indians have no tradition of 
its equal. The great rise of 1820 was 4 feet lower. That of 
1858 was."! feel lower. The Platte kepi pace with the Missouri in 
every great rise, f had marks in the old mill at Platte City, of the 
overflows of 1844. 1858, and 1881. The waters in 1844 were 20 
inches higher than 185s, and tlie waters in L858 have never since 
been reached by 2 feet. The Mississippi River attained its great 
est elevation at St. Louis. June 24th. It was then 7 feel 7 inches 
above the city directrix. The overflow of 1S44 is an era in our 



1844, JUNE. 62 HIGH WATERS. 

history. Sickness, especially chills and fevers, followed the over- 
flow, and the mortality was fearful. The people were discour- 
aged. Their fields were overgrown with weeds, the furrows were 
running with water, the land sales had exhausted their money, 
and to the failure of their crops, sickness is added. With faint- 
ing hearts, they stood upon the bluffs and cast tearful eyes upon 
the dismal and ruinous waters. 

June 14 — The floods are at their height. 

June 16 — John Austin is appointed administrator of Milton J. 
Byram. Bond, $20,000. He came from Lewis Co., Ky., and settled 
near Iatan. He was a handsome, courteous gentleman. He ru'd 
1st. a Watkins, who died, leaving : 1, Wm. P. Byram ; 2, Almarinda 
R,. wife of John J. Young; 3, Jas. G. Byram; 4, Milton J. Byram. 
Jr. Mr. Byram then m'd Margaret Lay, b. in Woodford Co., Ky., 
May 10, 1819. who bore him, 5, Susan J. Byram. His widow. 
Margaret (Lay) Byram, m'd 2d, Nov. 5, 1816, Arnold Blythe, born 
in Favette Co.. Ky., May 10, 1815. He was a son of Sam'l Blythe 
and Jemima Lay, and settled in Marshall Township in 1844. He is 
wealthy, and possesses much land. Their ch: 

I. MARY BLYTHE, a lovely and interesting girl, was educated 
by Prof. H. B. Todd, and m'd W. W. Goodwin, of Memphis, 
Tennessee. 
II. SARAH J. BLYTHE, m'd in 1879 Jessie Force, of St. Joseph, 
son of Daniel Force and sister of Maud, wife of W. F. Nor- 
ton. Ch: 

1. Arnold D. Blythe, Jr. 2. Sam'l. 3. Nellie. 

June 25 — Geo. B. Sanderson buys a large body of land be- 
tween Weston and Platte City. 

Continued high water in the Platte tempted several steamers 
to ascend the river to Platte City. Among these steamers were 
1he Col. Woods, the Anawan, and the Lexington. A small steamer 
subsequently sank in the woods below the Falls and a man named 
Hutchinson lost all he had on her. The visit of these steamboats 
oxcited the visionary people, and, for some years, it was thought 
Platte City was destined to become an important seaport. 
G round for a wharf was reserved/ an act was passed to lock and 
•lam the stream, and a company was formed which bought the 
steamer Haider, and with Anderson Martin as captain, Jas. S. 
Thomas as clerk, and John Bane as mate, ran the Missouri for a 
fow years, but never ventured into the Platte. 

JULY. 

July 1 — Theo.F. Warner buys land at Rialto and starts a store. 
John I'.. Wells is punning the Rialto ferry. The rivers are still 
high. 

Juh/ 5 — Philip Lutes, who has been living in the country, buys 
Lo1 in. Block 22. PlatteOity, which for long years was the 'family 
homestead. 



1844, J I I. V. 63 THE SILVEVS . 

July 18 — Andrew Tribble, administrator of Win. Markwell. 
Bond, $4,000. 

Though the hemp crop \\;ix damaged by rain, it is estimated 
tlwil il brought ftStUMMI lo I lie county. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 1 — The campaign of the "Hards" and the '•Softs'' re- 
sulted in a victory for Benton. Edwards was ihoseu governor. 
W. B. Almond ran tor lieutenant-governor, as a "Soft/' and was 
I »ea ten. 

The total vote lor President: 

For James K. Polk, Democratic 1,325,013 

For Henry Clay, Whig 1,231,643 

For Jas. Birnev 66,304 

Bela M. Hughes and Achilles Jasper were chosen to repre- 
sent Platte in the Legislature. 

-las. Kuykendall was chosen sheriff; D. P. Lewis, H. B. Mayo, 
and John Freeland were chosen count}' justices; W. C. Remington 
assessor; L. Shepard surveyor. Robt. Ellis was elected State 
Senator. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 3 — The newly elected county justices, Lewis. Mayo, and 
Freeland, take their seats. 

Sept. 4 — Samuel Brown's will probated, dated January 8, 183s. 
His widow is Susanna, and their ch : 1, Sashel Brown ; 2, Robt. S., 
m'd March 13, 1862, Eliz. S. Duncan; 3, Townsend F. Brown, m'd 
Dec. 10, 1855, Mary Tolson; 4, James; 5, Samuel (ii); 6, Wm.; 
7, Josiah; 8, Frances, m'd May 13, 1858, Ben F. Kimsey; 9, Eliza- 
beth, m'd Jones Hoy; 10, Nancy, m'd Fugate. These children 
become heads of large families, and will be hereafter noticed. 

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, near Camden Point, or- 
ganized. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 9 — Ben Simpson, administrator of Sam'l Kimsey. Bond, 
$1,000. 

Oct. 15 — Lucretia Gordon, administratrix of Wm. Gordon. 
Bond, $10,000. His will was dated August 14, 1841, and probated 
October 14, 1844. They were parents of Silas Gordon, the guer- 
rilla, of Mrs. Dr. Holt, and others. (See Lucretia Gordon.) 

NOVEMBER. 

Noi\ 4 — Lucy Silvey (widow) administers on the estate of 
James Silvey. Bond, $800. 

THE SILVEY FAMILY. 
James and Lucy Silvey came from St. Charles Co., Mo., about 
1840, leaving some of their children there. They settled near 
Smithville. James d. in 1844, but Lucy survived him many years. 
Children: 



1844, DEC. 64 THE BENNERS. 

I. DARIUS SILVEY, was a merchant in Parkville, and a man 
of integrity. He m'd Lucy Boone, a niece of Dan'l Boone, 
the great pioneer. He d. Dec. 1, 1852, and T. H. Starnes 
administered, giving bond for f 2,400. His ch. were: 

1. Ami Eliza Silvey, m'd Alfred Winter. 

2. Malinda, m'd May 28, 1872, D. D. Buie. 

3. Wm. B. Silvey. 4. Jane Silvey. 

5. Lucy B. Silvey, m'd Jan. 6, 1857, Alf. Owens. 

6. Thos. Silvey. 

7. Martha C. Silvey, m'd January 5, 1857, John M. Martin. 
These seven children all died childless and Darius 

Silvey's family is extinct. 

H. ELIJAH SILVEY, m'd Susa S. Brown and went to California. 
in. CASSANDRA, m'd Mont. Trimble, of Denver. 
IV. PHCEBE E., m'd Mounce Byrd, Jr. 1 ch., Alfred. 

V. JOHN, m'd Mel. Stewart, of St. Charles. 

VI. MALINDA, m'd Boone Calloway, of St. Charles. 

VII. MARTHA A., m'd John McFall and moved to Arizona. 
Vm. JAMES MADISON SILVEY, b. April 10, 1828; m'd May 10, 

1860, Harriet Warfield. She d. Nov. 28, 1891. Mr. Silvey 
is one of the solid men of the county. He is an intelligent 
and prosperous farmer. He lives seven miles east of 
Platte City. Ch : 

1. Jeff. J. Silvey, m'd December 18, 1884. Nancy K. Wal- 

ler, dr. of Abs. Waller. Ch: ["] Solon: Pi Jas. 
M. (ii) ; p] a babe. 

2. Elijah Silvey (ii), b. Nov. 10, 1863; m'd Feb. 26. 1885, 

Virginia Kindred, dr. of Joshua. Ch: ["] Mabel; 
[''] Bvrd. 

3. Lnella Silvey, m'd Feb. 22. 1883, W. H. Barnard. Ch: 

\a>] Silvey; [6] Carrie. 

4. Byrd Silrcy. 

5. E attic Silvey, m'd Oft. 13, 1889, Henry H. Brooks. 

6. Georr/ia. m'd Dor-. 14, 1887. John R. Lott. Ch : \n] Byrd 

Lo'tt. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. .'/ — Prices: At the sale of the personal property of Wil- 
liam Gordan, deceased, the following prices were obtained: Large 
hogs, |2.60; sheep, 81.10; mares, $20. $40; horses. $25; oxen. 
19.10; cows, |8.55; heifers, $4; steers, $4.30; calves. $1; small 
hogs, 60 cents. At the appraisement of Jas. Silvey's personalty, 
property was rated as follows: Horses. $20: sheep, $1: cows. 
>.". These prices ruled until the Mexican War. 

THE BENNERS. 

hi L844, Nicholas Benner, a German, and his wife. Martha, 
settled ;it Weston, and still live there. Their children are highly 
i onnected, and are us follows: 



L846, JAN. 65 BUSINESS. 

I. JACOB BENNER, b. in Weston November 28, 184(5; m'd 
March, L870, Annie Bland, b. Jan. 8, L850. Ch: 
1. John. -. Louise. '■>. Allie. 4. 11'///. 
II. .1. \\ . BENNER, m'd -Ian. 27, L892, Stella Allison. 
ill. DAN'L BENNER. 
IV. EUZ. BENNER, m'd Jona. Bonnell. 
V. EMMA BENNER, m'd Oct. 11. 1*77. Oscar B. Mitchell. 
VI. ('HAS. BENNER, m'd -Inn. 27, L885, Annie Rumpel, dr. of 

William. 
VIT. MARY BENNER, m'd Oct. 24, 1st;:,, Sam'1 Risk, son of 
Elkanah. He served ;i vear in the Southern army. Ch: 
1. 11*///. /■:. Risk. 2. II. /•'. Risk. :'». Emma M. \. Mam E. 

VIII. HENRY BENNER. 

IX. LYDIA A. BENNER, m'd -Ian. 27, 1880, J. W. Layton. Ch: 

1. Estill. 2. Claude. 3. Elvira. 4. C7/„.9. C. 5. C7/n.v. C. 
Layton. 

MABBIAGES IX 1844 NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED. 

April 7. Francis Brown m'd Nancy Bell. 
November 2."). G. B. Sanderson m'd Ellen Johnson. 



1845. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, John < '. Edwards; Representatives, A. .Jasper and 
Th. Ward; Circuit Judge, S. L. Leonard; Sheriff, Jas. Kuyken- 
dall; County .lust ices. Lewis. Mayo, and Freeland; Surveyor. L. 
Shepard; Circuit Attorney. .las. Craig; Circuit Clerk. Jesse 
Morin; County Clerk. .1. II. Johnston; Treasurer. F. Marshall; 
Public Administrator. R. Patton. 

Judge Henderson Young had resigned, and S. L. Leonard 
had been appointed to his place. B. M. Hughes had resigned as 
representative, ami den. T. Ward had been elected at a special 

election. 

BESIXESS MEX. 

.1/ Platte City: Attorneys — Almond. Baldwin, Clark, Hardin, 
Jones. Pitt, Spratt, Thomas, Vories, Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Clarke, Marshall. Benton, Lam-aster. 
Callahan. Shrock. 

Merchants, etc. — Branham & McCansland. Brown, Dorriss & 
Johnston, Fleshman, S. Johnston. R. I >. Johnston, Kutchenthall, 
Samuel. Murray, J. n. Johnston (postmaster), Green, Edgar. 
Gaines, Martin & Son, Morton, Black & Dixon, Tracy. 

.4/ Weston: Attorneys — Bird, Barnes. Hughes. Tylee. Wolf. 

Physicians — Bonifant. Bowers, Malin. Fulton. 

Merchants, etc.— P. Blanjour. F. G. Cockrill, E. Cody, Ken 
Holladay (postmaster), W. S. Murphy, A. Gilbert, W. <'-. Xoble, 
5- 



1845, JAN. 66 THE HOYS. 

G. P. Post, Perrys & Young, Raileys, Georgens, Osborn, Warner, 
Wallingford, Wentworth, Wood, Basye, Chadwick, Fellows, 
Middleton, Bell & Venable. 

At Parkville: Geo. S. Park, Summers & Hord, Bar. Sisk, 
D. Silvey, Bueneman. 

JANUARY. 
JONES HOY'S FAMILY. 

He was born in Estill Co., Ky., May 1, 1773 ; and d. in Platte 
•Jan. 8, 1845. He m'd in Ky., Eliz. Brown, dr. of Samuel. (See.) 
She was b. April 7, 1778. Tbey came, as early as 1815, to Howard 
Co., Mo., where they incurred privations, and dangers from In- 
dians. In 1837 they came, with a large emigration of Browns, 
Woods, etc., and settled a few miles north of Parkville. The 
settlement was known as Brown Town. By will, he gave all he 
had to his wife. She d. in 1856, and I administered. The estate 
was large, and the heirs numerous. Their children were: 

I. SAMUEL B. HOY, b. Sept. 13, 1806, in Kentucky; removed 
to Howard Co., Mo., with his parents, in 1815; m'd Dec. 27, 
1836, Mary Ann Burton, dr. of Jas. She was b. Dec. 16. 
1815, in Henry Co., Ky. After her death, he m'd 2d, Mrs. 
M. L. Watts, July, 1865. Mr. Hoy came, in 1837, to Platte, 
with his parents, and settled in the same neighborhood. 
He was a jovial and companionable gentleman, and pos- 
sessed sound judgment and ability. His ch: 

1. Bettie Hoy, b. June 29, 1848; m'd March 5, 1874, Thos. 

L. Moore. 

2. May Hoy, b. Feb. 5, 1856 ; m'd Feb. 18, 1877, Mortimer 

M. Miller, b. Nov. 1, 1849. He is a son of the late 
Capt. Warner J. Miller, and is a successful farmer, 
residing near Settle. Mrs. Miller is a handsome and 
spirited ladv. Ch: [«] Mabel L. Miller; p] Mort. 
M. (ii) ; p] Robt. T. 

3. Lydia Hoy, b. Feb. 8, 1853 ; m'd Sept. 12, 1878, G. W. 

Rixey; 7 ch. (See.) 

4. Nannie Hoy. b. March 3, 1840; m'd Sept. 18. 1878, Chas. 

Clarke, son of Edw. No ch. 

5. Rowland Hoy. b. Aug. 10, 1838; m'd Sept. 18, 1866, Belle 

L. Anderson. They live in Colo. 

6. Luther Hon. b. July 24, 1843; m'd Feb. 14. 1875, Lou 

Brown, dr. of Frank. They live in California. 

7. Robt. Hoi/, b. Dec. 16. 1850; d.'. single. June 30. 1883. 
tl. WILLIAM HOY, b. 1806; m'd Addie McQuiddie. Ch: 

1. Ben). Hon. m'd Laura Hackler. Ch: ["] William; 

PI Myrtle. 
T? ii fas, lives near Artesian Springs. 
Mattie Hoy. m'd Sept. 1, 1881. Huntley Summers, of St. 

Louis. Ch: p] Charis; p] Addio Summers. 

4. John Hoy. 

5. Leora, m'd March 23. 1880, David Strang, of Rates Co. 



o 

Q 



1845, JAN. 67 THE HOYS. 

6. WilUam, m'd A.bbie Biggins, dr. of Littlebury. Ch: 

["] Edith; [&] Benj. 

7. Katie, m'd Feb. 14, 1888, Lewis \Y. Morrow. No ch. 

8. Strother Hoy liii. b. Oct. LI, L867; m'd Oct. 7. L896, 

Mintie Turner, 
ill. FANNIE HO,Y, m'd Merryman Pemberton. She d. in 1852. 
( Jhildren: 
1. Albro Pemberton, d. in Ark. 2. Stephen, ?>. WilUamT. 

4. Sail ic Pemberton, m'd June 21, L866, Rev. Asa L. Bird. 

2 eh. 

5. /'///or Pemberton, m'd -luly 10, 1S70, Virg. Offutt. 

6. Martha. 7. Fannie, nfd Thompson. 
8. J/(//// /•'., m'd May Burton. 

IV. DOSHA NOV. was the 1st wife of Patrick Cooper. She d. 
1857. Ch : 

1. Bettie Cooper, m'd Sam. B. Tolson. 2 ch: [«] Polly; 

[''] Dosha. They live in California. 

2. Hoji Cooper. 

3. Stephen Cooper, b. 18:!!>; m'd Nancy Hooper. 

4. Joseph Cooper, married and died, leaving 8 ch. 

5. Nancy Cooper, married and died, leaving 6 ch. 

6. Susan Cooper, m'd a ( 'arson, and left 2 ch. 

After the death of the first Mrs. Cooper, Patrick Cooper 
married her sister, 
V. ALGIVA HOY. No children. Mr. Cooper returned to 
Howard County. He was genial and jovial, and spent 
much of his time in town. 

VI. NANCY HOY, m'd Hendley Cooper. They lived in Howard 

County. 

VII. RFFFS HOY. went to California. 

VII. STROTHER HOY, b. in Estill Co.. Ky., June 18. 1824; d. in 
Platte Nov. 29, 1802. He went with Gen. Doniphan to 
Mexico, and after spending some years in the West, re- 
turned, and m'd April 3, 1850, Margaret Hazlerigg, sister 
of Mrs. W. C. White and of Mrs. W. J. Summers. During 
the war, he went to Montana, and returned after eighteen 
years. He was highly esteemed as a gentleman of integrity. 
His widow lives witli her sister, Mrs. White, in Platte 
City. No oh. 

IX. MARY E. HOY. m'd March 27. 1800. Milton P. Thompson, 
of Clay. They removed to Pates County. 
X. MARTHA HOY, d. Oct. 24. 1800; m'd Dec. 22, 1850. Gran- 
ville L. Brightwell, son of Waller L. They live near 
Hampton. Ch: 

1. Waller L. Brightwell (ii). 

2. Ada. m'd Jas. P,. Ferrel. Ch: \«] Renj.; f»] Nannie 

Ferrel. 
.°>. Permelia Brightwell, m'd -lames W. Thomas. Ch: 
[ a ] Lurena Thomas. 



1845, JAN. 68 E. H. NORTON. 

« 
4. Henry Brightwell. 5. Nannie. 6. Samuel. 

XL J. CALLOWAY HOY, d., single, 1864. 

XII. ROBERT HOY, d. after marriage, in California. No ch. 

Jan. S — Elijah H. Norton this day arrived in Platte City. The 
Democrats were holding their 8th of January meeting. Gen. 
Thompson Ward was in the chair. Jesse Morin was the chief 
speaker. 

Many are preparing to go to Oregon. Prominent among the 
emigrants are Wm. J., P. B., and H. D. Martin. 

Rev. Charles D. Herbert is preaching for the Presbyterian 
Church in Parkville. 

Kansas City is laid off into lots and blocks this year. 

The M. E. Church at Ridgely is organized by the Ellingtons, 
Gravsons, Mavos, et al. 

• i 7 

G. W. Goodlander is appointed public administrator. 

The aprons of the Platte City bridge are complete, and the 
public are using the bridge. 

Jan. 10— Wm. R. Bane takes out tavern license at Platte City. 

Jan. 22 — Nebraska Lodge, No. 12, I. O. O. F., is chartered at 
Platte City. 

Jan. 2//— Platte City is incorporated by the Legislature. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. .'i — Wm. Conway is appointed administrator of Miles 
Keeton. Bond, f 1,200. 

Feb. 8 — Joshua Noland is appointed administrator of Obed 
Xoland (i). Bond, $1,400. 

Feb. 10 — Bela M. Hughes having resigned as representative, 
a special election is held this day, and Thompson Ward is chosen 
over Elisha Green. 

MARCH. 

March 1 — The winter has been delightful — almost summer. 

The new bridge over Bee Creek, on the lower road, is now 
complete. 

The county court authorizes the upper room in the court- 
house to be used for preaching. It has long been so used, but 
withoul authority. 

March 10 — Sam'l McAdow administers on the estate of H. B. 
I [ornbuckle. 

Zenar Collins buys the E. I of the N. W. 1 , of Sec. 28, T. 
53, R. 34. 

March 19— John Ferrier buys Lot 11, Block 32, Platte City, 
for $34. 

APRIL. 

ipril 8 — Circuit Court: Judge Leonard presiding, Morin 
clerk, Kuykendall sheriff, and Jas. Craig circuit attorney. 



1845, APRIL. 69 THE MARTINS LEAVE. 

William Gabbed buys the S. \Y. 1 of Sec 31, T. 54, K. 35, for 
si 75. 

Zadock Martin sells his half interest in I he Platte City Water 
Mills, to his son, G. B. Martin, for $9,000, and the ohl man goes 
with several of his sons to Oregon. He could not stand civili- 
zation. 

April 9 — Hail storm and heavy frost injure fruit. Spring 
backward. 

A COPY OF THE -PLATTE AKGT7S." 

April 12 — Through the courtesy of Mr. J. B. Mnndy, I am 
permitted to examine the Argus of this date. It is Vol. I., No. 4!»: 
showing that the first number was issued in May, 1844. Prior to 
that time it was called the Eagle. It is published by Martin L. 
Hardin, with Allen McLaue as editor. 

ITS CONTENTS. 

The first two columns are from the Missourian and the Cou- 
>-ivr, deploring the rejection, by the State Senate, of the appoint- 
ment of Allen McLane as register of the State land office at 
Savannah. Mr. McLane is extolled, and his qualifications com 
mended; but ah! he was a Benton man. 

The 8th Senatorial District, composed of Clay. Kay. and 
Platte, has 14,421 free white males — more than any other district 
in the State, except St. Louis. The districting bill w 7 as passed by 
the last Legislature. 

The controversy with England over the northwest boundary 
is the chief topic of discussion. The war-cry is "54° 40' or fight !" 
The message of President Tyler, declining to make public the 
correspondence with the British minister, is printed. 

(J. P. Post, of Weston, at the last election of officers of the 
Lexington Branch of the Bank of Missouri, was chosen a director. 

Many are starling to Oregon. H. D. Martin is president of the 
Emigration Company. 

A Democratic meet ing at the court house is called for the 14th 
of April, signed by 150 mimes, to express condemnation for 
McLane's rejection as register. 

Anion*;' the Platte City signers are: W. B. Almond. W. C. 
Bates, -I. 11. Baldwin. J. C. Brady, John Bryant, Hamp. Brown. 
Mich'] Byrd, Gr. I'. Dorriss, Henry and John Freeland, Abe and 
Wm. Hartman, R. P. Gaines, J. H. Johnston, W. R. Kelly. H. P. 
Kutchenthall, John Kuykendall, D. P. Lewis. Phil. Lntes, J. P.. 
Martin, T. W. Mercer. Jesse Morin, J. D. Murray, Ira Xorris. A. B. 
Sherwood, Chas. Wells. E. S. Wilkinson. 

From Weston are: X.J. Alexander, -I. C. Bell, Lewis Calvert. 
Smith Calvert. T. S. Dabney, -las. Perguys, Ben Holladay, B. M. 
Hughes, E. Codv, R. P. S. Elley, Jo. Holladay, G. W. Hood. Jo. 
Malin. W. J. Xorris. John Owens. Thos. E. Jordan. C P. Post. 
J. C. Ranson, R. G. Stevens, J. R. Tvlee. J. B. Wells. C. R. Went- 



1845, APRIL. 70 THE "ARGUS." 

worth. Here we find the "Hard" or Benton branch of the Demo- 
cratic party. 

The marriages of Dr. Win. Baldwin and Miss Ann Johnson 
and of A. B. Sherwood and Miss Sidonia Gaines are announced 
as occurring April 6th. Elder Thos. Turner was the adminis- 
trator. 

Robert Brown, executor of Sam'l Brown, gives notice that on 
the 19th instant he will sell, publicly, at the court-house, the slaves 
of the deceased. 

A list of 140 letters is published, as remaining in the post- 
office at Platte City, by J. H. Johnston, postmaster. At that day 
every letter in the office at the end of the quarter was published. 
Among the names are: W. B. Almond, David Bruton, Z. Babcock, 
Jacob Boydston, Isaac Cotton, Bradley Cox, E. M. Dobson, Stev. 
English, Israel Heath, Rev. S. P. Heath, Free B. Jones, Daniel 
King, Phil. Lutes, S. L. Leonard, Elijah Morgan, Alex. Reed, Amos 
Rilev, M. Y. Snell, W. H. Speed, Barnet Sisk, J. P. Srite, Phin. 
Skinner, Jeff. Walls. 

Legal advertisements from Clinton, Buchanan, and even from 
Clay, appear. 

The editor announces that |3 will be charged subscribers not 
paying in advance. 

Philip Lutes advertises a sale of furniture at auction. 

Michael Byrd advertises a likely negro girl for sale, publicly. 

Stephen Johnston advertises dry goods, shoes, clothing, etc. 

McCurdy & Norton advertise as attorneys. 

Dorriss & Johnston advertise as general merchants. 

Nat Burrows advertises as an attorney at Weston, dated 
August 3, 1844. 

The law authorizing a Constitutional Convention, approved 
February 20, 1843, is printed. 

The Mary Tompkins and the lone advertise regular trips be- 
tween St. Louis and St. Joseph. 

April /J— E. H. Norton, S. P. S. McCurdy, and H. M. Vories 
are enrolled as attorneys. 

The Presbyterian Church at Parkville is organized, by 
E. Wright, of Weston. The first members were: G. S. Park, 
R. A. Parsons. H. Penick and wife, and R. G. Stevens and wife. 

MAY. 

May 1 — Judge Henderson Young, having resigned, S. L. 
Leonard is appointed in his place as circuit judge. 

Allen McLane and family visit the McLane homestead in 
Delaware. Their servant is stolen by Abolitionists. 

Way 8 — John P. Hardin sells his Platte City property, and 
removes i<» Weston. S. J. Lowe settles in Weston and becomes a 
merchanl and Baptist preacher. 



1S45, MAY. 71 JUDGE S. L. LEONARD. 

There is a post-office at Todd's ( Ireek, kept by Robt. Cain. 
T. II. Talbott buys the S. E. ± of Sec. 36, T. 54, R. 36, for 
$2,250. 

JUNE. 

Emigration to Oregon continues. 

June 73 — S. L. Leonard is commissioned as circuit judge. 

Sarah A. Fox is appointed administratrix of Richd. L. Fox. 
Bond, $1,000. Mr. Fox was a native of Mason Co.. Ky., and an 
urbane gentleman. He m'd Surah A. Williams and came to Mis- 
souri about 1842. and settled four miles west of Platte City. They 
had several children. 

JULY. 

July 5 — F. Kaufman and Peter McDuff buy property in 
Weston. 

July .26— A. V. Baldwin buys 40 acres in Sec. 0, T. 52, R. 35, 
for $250. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 3 — The result of the election of delegates to the Con- 
stitutional Convention was the choice of Col. John E. Pitt and 
Gen. Thompson Ward. 

WILLIAM ASHER 

Died this year. He was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, 
Oct. 17. 1771 ; m'd in 1813, Lucinda Clayton. They came to Clay in 
1828, and in 1830 crossed into Platte before the Indian title was 
extinguished. Their ch: 
I. W. D. Asher, b. Dec. 16, 1816; went to California. 
II. ROBERT D. ASHER. b. in Clay Co., Sept. 14, 1831 ; m'd Jan. 
18, 1857, Mary E. Russell, b. April 15, 1830; d. Juno 25, 
1881. Ch: 

1. William, b. Dec. !>, 1857; m'd Eleanor Breckinridge, 

of Clay. Ch: ["] Cleveland; [&] Lela; [«] Estill; 
[d] Melvin. 

2. Jas. R. Asher, m'd Emma Eston. 

3. John Asher, m'd Lou. Breckinridge. 

4. Nannie P. Asher, m'd Nov. 7. 1886, Ronton Rogers, of 

Clay. 

5. Anna V. Asher, b. April 20. 1872; m'd Wm. Sherman, of 

Clav. 
0. Thos. J. Asher. b. May 15. 1875. 

Mr. R. D. Asher m'd 2d. Dec. 15. 1881, Lvdia A. Hinton. 
b. Mav 15. 1848. dr. of John. Ch: 
7. Wi/lie Asher, b. Oct. 11. 1882. 



1845, SEPT. 72 THE COLLINS. 

S. Lewis Asher, b. April 2, 1884. 
9. Ruth Asher,b. Sept. 9, 1887. 

SEPTEMBER 

COLLINS. 

The ancestor was James Collins, of Maryland. His son, 
ZENAS COLLINS, was b. in Md. Feb. 27, 1797, d. in Platte 
Sept. 28, 1815. In 1803 he came with his father, James Collins, to 
Fairfield Co., Ohio. Here Zenas received an academic education, 
and m'd Katherine Sites, dr. of Henry. She was b. in 1797, in Vir- 
ginia, and d. in Platte in Nov., 18(32. Zenas was a short but 
heavy man, full of spirit, of sound judgment, and social tempera- 
ment. Ch : 

I. JOHN COLLINS, b. in Fairfield, Ohio, Dec. 19, 1819; d. in 
Platte City May 12, 1890; m'd Nov. 1811, Jemima Browu. 
dr. of Pitts Brown. She still lives with her children, who 
are much attached to her. John Collins was well educated, 
of sound judgment, firmness, independence of thought and 
action, zealous in the performance of Christian duty, delib- 
erate in his speech, and nearly always right in his religious, 
social, and political views. He was a Whig before the war, 
opposed secession, and in his latter years a moderate Demo- 
crat. He was an elder in the Christian Church, and a pro- 
moter of temperance and every order of benevolence. Ch : 

1. Marion P. Collins, b. in Platte May 10, 1841. He lives 

at the ancestral farm, four miles east of Platte City, 
is a farmer, but possesses talents that would adorn 
a profession. He is an excellent manager, and is 
rapidly accumulating wealth. He m'd 1st, Mollie 
Waller, dr. of Hiram. She was b. in Platte Nov. 22. 
1850; d. Dec. 3, 1884, leaving ch: [«] Lela Collins, 
b. Dec 2!). 1873; m'd John Throckmorton, b. Nov. 9, 
1809. Ch: [1] Richard W.. b. Aug. 7. 1895. [&] 
Dora Collins, b. July 28, 1875; m'd June 20, 1S94. 
R. C. Elgin. 

Mr. Collins m'd 2d. May 5, 1880, Miss Jane Colman. 
dr. of Henry, a tall, handsome. Christian lady, of 
superior education and admirable qualities. No ch. 

2. \ cmnie Collins, b. Dec. 2. 1845; m'd Nov. 2(1. 1800, D. F. 

Masterson, ;i large and handsome gentleman, much 
regarded for social virtues. They live on a farm 
in Preston Township. Ch: ["] Anna Masterson; 
[»] Myra. 

3. Elmira fMyra), b. Jan 12, 1850; m'd Nov. 24. 1874, And. 

Jackson Colman, b. Dec. 17. l^o. Mrs. Colman is 
an agreeable ladv, and. like all her family, fond of 



1 1-' 



1845, SEPT. 73 THE COLLINS. 

church music. .Mr. Column Learned the tinner's 
trade with his father, carried on the business with 
him in Weston and in Texas. After the war, they 
came to Platte City. Prom a tinner's shop A. J. 
Colman's establishment lias become a large hard- 
ware store. His industry is remarkable, and his 
success surprising. He is wealthy, and by his 
politeness and urbanity has surrounded himself with 
friends. He is an enthusiastic Mason — has taken 
exwy degree, and attends the highest conventions 
of the order. Ch: ["] Guy C. Colman, b. May 1, 
1870; [>>] Ada, b. .June 4, 1880; [f] Alma, b. July 18, 
L883; [''] Mary, b. dan. 25, 1886. 

4. Mary E. Collins, b. Dec. 17, 1851; m'd dan. 26, 187C. 

William M. Lewis, of Kansas City. Ch: [«] Grace 
Lewis; [&] Nellie; ['J Etta; [''] George. 

5. Hattie B. Collins, b. Sept. 20. 1859; m'd Feb. 27, 1S77. 

Sidney J. Park, son of Jeff. J. They live in Clay. 
Ch: '["] Garland Park; [&] Maud; [>] John. 

0. Jesse Collins, b. Nov. 7, L861; m'd Nov. 10, 1886, Sallie 

Miller, dr. of Jas. L. Mr. Collins possesses the char- 
acteristics of the family, both in person and mind. 
He is an elder in the Christian Church, and zealous 
in every good work. His wife possesses loveliness 
as well as intelligence. Ch: ["J Marv Lee Collins 
7. Henry Clay Collins, b. April 12. 1864; m'd Nov. 29, L888, 
Jennette I. Young. No ch. They live in Chicago. 
■ II. HARRIET COLLINS, m'd dan. 23, 1849, dames Swaney. 
They live in Kansas I Sty. Ch: 

1. Dr. Lorin Swaney, m*d Georgia Robinson. Their ch: 

[«] James Swaney; ['»] Ethel; [c] Georgia. 

2. Rebecca. .">. Haley. 4. Lee. 5. Collins. 

III. KATHERINE COLLINS, m'd W. T. Carrington. Ch: 

1. Geo. Carrington. 

IV. PERRY H. COLLINS, m'd 1st, Mary J. Swaney, dr. of Hugh. 

She d. Feb. 9, 1854, leaving: 

1. Hugh Collins, m'd 1st, dan. 13, 1874, Ella Heath, dr. 

ofW. E. Ch: [«] Perry Collins. 
Hugh m'd 2d, dan. 3, 1877, Agnes Miller, dr. of dona. Ch: 
[''] Lula: [c] Chas.; [*] Grover L.; ['] Hattie; 
[/'] David. 

2. Harrison Collins, m'd Eliza Herndon, dr. of Simeon. 

Ch: ["] Clav; [6] Carrie; [e] Mary; [''] William: 
[e] Effie; [f] Lola; [9] Ella. 
Mr. Perry II. Collins m'd 2d. dose Miller, dr. of Sam'l. 

3. Z. Samuel Collins, b. Sept. 13, isr>7; represented the 

county in 1805-00. 4. Chas. Collins. 
5. Kate, m'd H. H. Snail. No ch. 



1845, SEPT. 74 THE SISKS. 

Mr. Perry H. Collins m'd 3d, Jan. 24, 1867, Elizabeth 
Rice, dr. of Chas. She d. Oct. 27, 1896. 
6. John Collins. 

BARNET SISK 

Died, and Jos. Still is appointed administrator. Bond, $1,200. 
Mr. Sisk was a hotel-keeper in Parkville. He married twice. By 
his first wife he had: 

I. FANNIE SISK, m'd Nov. 15, 1878, A. B. Darnall. 
II. JORDAN SISK. 

Barnett Sisk m'd 2d, Feb. 7, 1843, Lois Brown. Ch: 
III. LUCRETIA SISK. m'd March 6,1860, John Tribble, his second 
wife. Ch: 

1. Mary, m'd I. M. Oliver. 2. Jennie, m'd W. H. Harley. 
3. Susan, m'd W. J. Coates. 4. James Tribhle. 
Sept. 28— The Todd's Creek Old Baptists buy a site in Sec. 11, 
T. 52, R, 34, and proceed to build a log church in the prescribed 
form of a cross. 

OCTOBER 

Oct. 1 — Larkin Fleshman makes his first appearance in Platte 
City as a. merchant. 

Oct. 11 — Jas. Kuvkendall sells to W. H. Bell his 160-acre farm 
on the S. E. \ of Sec/lO, T. 54, R. 36, for $1,500. 

NOVEMBEPv. 

Xox. 3 — Elizabeth Massie appointed administratrix of W. R. 
Massie. Bond, $4,500. 

Xox. IJf— Allen McLane buys Lot 9, Block 31, Platte City, for 
$575. 

R. C. Ellifrit buys a lot in Ward's Addition to Weston, 
lor 825. 

Nov. 11' — The Constitutional Convention meets at Jefferson 
( in. Pitt and Ward are our delegates. 

THE SEASON. 

Pine crops are raised — prospects brighten. The crop of hemp 
is large, and brings readily $5 to $6 per 112 pounds. Pork-packing 
commences a1 Weston. Owen & Estill commence their pork op- 
erations, they build a large pork-house on the wharf at Weston. 
The Santa IV trade lias increased. People have learned to live 
upon their own resources. Banks are paying specie. Orchards 
are bearing fruit. 

The Legislature repealed the barbarous "forthwith law," 
by which a poor debtor was apprehended and security for the 
debl demanded. If not given forthtcith, the justice rendered judg- 



1845, SEPT. 75 BUSINESS MEN. 

ment. Nothing but one's clothing was exempt from execution. 
Constable sales were almost daily. The "forthwith law" w;is a 
disgrace to our civilization. 



1846. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor. John C. Edwards; Circuit -Judge, S. L. Leonard: 
County Justices, Lewis, Mayo, and Freeland; Sheriff, Jas. Kuy- 
kendall; Surveyor, L. Shepard; Representatives, A. Jasper, 
Thompson Ward; Circuit Clerk, Jesse Morin; County Clerk, J. H. 
Johnston; Treasurer, F. Marshall. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys— W. B. Almond, J. H. Baldwin. 
H. M. Vories, B, P. Clark, I. N. Jones, W. C. Jones, S. P. S. McCurdv, 

7 7 7 */ 7 

E. H. Norton, J. E. Pitt, Amos Bees, J. G. Spratt, John Wilson. 

Physicians— Wm. Baldwin, H. B. Callahan, W. E. Black, F. 
Marshall, N. M. Shrock. 

Merchants, etc. — Black & Dickson, Wm. Brown. Branham & 
McCausland, Dorriss & Johnston, John Ferrier, S. Johnston, R. 
D. Johnston, H. P. Kutchenthall, E. Green, R. P. Gaines, J. B. 
Martin & Co. 

At Weston: Attorneys — L. D. Bird, N. Burrows, J. R. Hardin, 
Bela M. Hughes, J. R. Tylee. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers, Malin. 

Merchants, etc. — N. J. Alexander, H. Basye, W. H. Bell, Peter 
Blanjour, B. Holladav (postmaster). Bell & Venable. Middleton, 
Perry & Co., E. Codv, S. J. Lowe, Peter McDuff, Tost & Bailey, 
W. S. Murphy, W. G. Noble, F. Kaufman. R. P. Wentworth, Ben 
Wood. W. B. Barnett, D. P. Wallingford. Parrott & Bro.. Jas. 
Osborn, J. P. Georgens. -las. Ferguvs, F. G. Cockrill, Owen & 
Estill. 

At Parkville: Aspling & Stevens, G. S. Park, Summers & 
Hord, Geo. Roberts. 

At Ridgely: J. F. Adams (postmaster), P. Ellington, H. B. 
Mayo. Dr. S. Phillips. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 1 'i — Stone & Freeland, administrators of Joshua Stone. 
Bond, |2,000. 

j fnK jf) — Dan'l T. Jones, administrator of Rodham Jones. 
Bond. |4,000. 

Jan. 23 — Bear Creek Church (Salem) buys a site in the S. E. | 
of Sec. 22. T. 54, R. 37. 



1846, FEB. 76 MEXICAN WAR. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. Jf — Tbos. M. Lewis, administrator of R. T. Lewis. Bond, 
$2,000. 

Feb. 10 — G. W. Grayson, administrator of Isaac Moody. 
Bond, $2,000. 

Feb. 11 — A private letter of this date, from Platte City, says: 
"Hemp is worth $2.50 and $2.75 per 112 pounds. It is dark and 
inferior, owing to the dry fall, succeeded by a warm and wet 
winter. Bain has colored and injured the lint." 

Feb. 27 — Elm Grove M. E. Church buys ground in the N. W. i 
of Sec. 29, T. 52, B. 34. 

MARCH. 

March J— Alex. P. Beed buys land in Sec. 31, T. 54, E. 34, at 
$4.50 per acre. 

Camden Point Christian Church buys a building site in the 
N. W. % of Sec. 32, T. 54, B, 34. Some years earlier, a Scotch 
school-master tried to get a post-office established at his house, 
on a high hill or point, near the present town. He gave it the 
name of Camden; but there was another Camden in the State. 
So, with Scotch persistency, he called the proposed office Camden 
Point. The Female Academy was purchased on another point. 
and the Scotchman's name was adopted. Subsequently, the town 
was laid off by Mr. Logue, and called Camden Point. 

March 12 — Clinton Cockrill buys of F. B. Martin 480 acres of 
land, including the site of Tracy, for $5.25 per acre. 

March U— Lewis J. Wood buys the N. E. i of Sec. 19, T. 51. 
B. 33. at $8.10 per acre. 

Allen McLane is commissioned register of the land office at 
Plattsburg. 



&• 



THE MEXICAN WAR. 

March 28 — Gen. Zachary Taylor, provoked by the invasions of 
the Mexicans, takes possession of Matamoros; and thereupon 
Mexico declares war against the United States. Congress appro- 
priated ten millions to prosecute the war, and a call is made for 
50,000 volunteers. 

WILLIAM CELL 

I n<s rust of Camden Point. His widow is Sultana C. Bell, and his 
ch: 1. James Bell; 2. David Bell; .">. William W. Bell; 4, John 
Bell, <1. leaving Eugene Bell, liis only child; 5, Elizabeth Bell: 
6, Mis. Jerome Arnold: 7. Mrs. Win. Boyston. 

March 30 — Willard P. Hall is nominated for Congress by the 

CD t/ 

Democratic Convention ;ii Gallatin. The State has been dis- 



1846, APRIL. 77 MEXICAN WAR. 

tricted, and lie is the first nominee from the 4th District for Con- 
gress. Mr. Hall had moved to St. Joseph. 

APRIL. 

April 2 — The Presbyterian Church of Weston buys part of 
Lot 147, Block 14, for $1,000. 

F. B. Martin, for $3,000, sells to J. 15. and T.B.Martin his one- 
foni'th interest in the Platte City Water Mills. 

April If — The Liberty Tribune established. 

April 11— -las. Kuykendall buys the S. W. ', of See. 24. T. 53, 
R. :>."), at $5 per acre. 

MAY. 

Mnjll — The Mexican War commences in earnest. The Presi- 
dent having- called for 50,000 volunteers, Governor Edwards 
about the middle of May. calls for a regiment. W. S. Murphy, of 
Weston, raises a company of infantry. 

JUNE. 

June 2 — The appraisement of W'm. Wood's estate shows the 
following prices: Mares. $20 and $80; fillies, $25; cows and 
calves, $7. $10; steers, $2. $4; sheep, $1; hogs, $1; geese, 13 cents. 

June 'i — I. M. Rogers, administrator of Wm. M. Fox. Bond, 
$1,500. 

June 15 — Swope & Henderson, administrators of John Hen- 
derson. Bond, $2,000. 

June 18 — When the volunteers reached Ft. Leavenworth, 
they were formed into a regiment, and A. W. Doniphan was chosen 
colonel, C. F. Ruf lieutenant-colonel, and William Gibson major. 
A list of part of Capt. Murphy's company will be found in Gate- 
wood's "History of Platte," page 613. 

June26 — The brigade of L,658 men started to Santa Fe under 
command of Gen. Kearney. They reached Santa Fe" August L8th. 
On Setpember 25th Gen. Kearney left for the Pacific coast, and 
Col. Doniphan, now general, succeeded to the command, and im- 
mortalized himself by another "march to the sea." He has been 
called "the Xenophon of the West." 

JULY. 

Jul)/ 1 — Sterling Price, a member of Congress from Missouri, 
resigned his seat, and returned home to recruit another regimen t 
for the war. 

Jesse Morin raised a company in Platte. They met at Platte 
City, and elected Isaac W. ( ribson first lieutenant and John Larkin 



1846, JULY. 78 MEXICAN WAR. 

second lieutenant. The ladies, represented by Miss Kutchenthall, 
presented the company with a national flag. A list of the men 
may be found on page 615 of Gatewood's "History of Platte." 

July 13 — William Bywaters purchases land at Camden Point. 

AUGUST. 

GENERAL ELECTION. 

Aug. 3 — W. P. Hall, though nominated by the Democrats 
of the 4th District for Congress, volunteers as a private, and joins 
Price's regiment. Nevertheless, he is elected over Jas. H. Birch. 
Heretofore. Congressmen were elected on a general ticket. Hall 
is the first to represent our congressional district. Lewis Burnes 
is elected State senator; Wm. Conoway and Lewis Calvert are 
chosen representatives, Ira Norris circuit clerk. Dan'l P. Lewis 
county clerk, and M. N. Owen sheriff. The new Constitution was 
rejected by the people. 

William Jack buys of S. P. S. McCurdv Block 41, in Platte 
City, for $950. 

Aug. 9 — Jesse Morin's company joins the remainder of his 
regiment at Fort Leavenworth. Col. Price is chosen as com- 
mander, D. D. Mitchell lieutenant-colonel, and Capt. Edmondson 
major. The 2d Regiment united with Gen. Doniphan's command 
at Santa Fe\ 

Aug. 20 — A third regiment* is authorized, but the order is 
countermanded. Yet James Denver, a spirited youth of Platte 
City, who had been writing in the clerk's offices, and aiding in the 
work upon the Platte Argus, raised a small company, and hurried 
to the front. He was inexperienced and unknown, but, by intelli- 
gence and energy, rose to be a statesman and soldier of whom our 
country is proud. He rose by merit, without friends or influence. 
He died a few years ago, a millionaire, leaving several children. 

ELDER THOMAS TURNER. 

Aug. 21 — Elder Thomas Turner died at Barry. He was a 
good and earnest minister of the Old Baptist Church. He came 
from Madison Co., Ky.. to Howard, and thence to Platte, settling 
iul 838, on Todd's Creek. He was b. 1791 ; m'd 1815, in Kentucky, 
Fanny Sisk. wlin. d. Jan., 1859. He built up a large church at 
Todd's Creek and was a faithful laborer in his Master's vineyard. 
I \v;is ;it liis bedside. ;i few hours before his death, and found his 
faith fasl changing into sight. Oh: 

T. JOEL TURNER, d. Ma v. 1889, in California. 
H. MARY B. TFRXER, m'd Jos. F. Still. They yet live, with 
seven childien. in California. 



1846, AUG. 79 THE TURNERS. 

III. REB. TURNER, m'd Simeon Fugato. She is now a widow. 

with three children, in California. 

IV. LUCRETIA M. TURNER, was the third wife of John Tribble. 

Both are dead, and their tliree children live in Kansas. 
John Tribble m'd 1st, April 11, 1850, Elizabeth Redman. 
dr. of Rev. Win. Redman. He m'd 2d. .March <;. L860, 
Lucretia Sisk, dr. of Barnet. 
V. LOUISA TURNER, m'd Nov. 17, 1870, Dr. J. M. Holt. (See.) 

VI. SARAH J. TURNER, widow of J. White Burnett (see), with 

three children, lives in Oregon. 

VII. JOHN TURNER, single, lives in Kansas. 

VIII. THOS. L. TURNER, b. April 7. L833; m'd March 9. 1858, 
Mary A. De Berry, dr. of John L. Mr. Turner lives in Tracy. 
He has long been a deputy sheriff, and has been a justice 
of the peace. He is much esteemed for intelligence and 
virtue. 

1. Lida Turner, m'd Feb. 28, 1887, F. Richey. 

IX. JAS. CALVIN TURNER, single, lives in California. 

X. FANNIE M. TURNER (Mildred I, m'd Jan. 7, 1855, Lemuel 
T. Oliver (his second wife), b. July 19, 1820. He is a son of 
John Oliver, b. 1793, and Libella Eskridge. Prof, L. T. 
Oliver resides at Farley, and has devoted his life to teach- 
ing. He is an active spirit in the M. E. Church, and a pro- 
moter of every scheme of improvement. His children by 
his first wife, Libella Eskridge, whom he m'd June 8, 
1848, are: 

1. William Oliver, b. April J, 1849. 

2. Sallie Oliver, b. 1851; m'd June 29, 1881, Jacob Den- 
neller. 

Libella died August, 1853, and Mr. Oliver m'd Fannie 
Turner. Ch: 

3. Vernie Oliver, d. March 22, 1893. 

4. Helen M. Oliver, b. April 25, 1858; d. June 15, 1892; m'd 

April 12. 1877, Cole L. Banning, his second wife. 
Mr. Banning was b. in Newcastle Co.. Del., March ^, 1835. 
His parents were John A. Banning, a graduate of Prince- 
ton College, and Elizabeth Cole. He came west in 1851. 
He has had large experience as a farmer, a merchant, a 
stock-raiser, and a speculator. He possesses sound judg- 
ment, and is well educated. Being a Republican, he has 
held no office except that of postmaster at East Leaven- 
worth and justice of the peace. His public spirit and in- 
telligence make him a leader in every local enterprise. Mr. 
Banning m'd 1st. Aug. 23, 1855, Mrs. liuhla A, Stewart, dr. 
of Sol. Funk. She d. in 1873, leaving ch: ["] Nicholas; 
[6] Alice Banning, m'd Chris. Farris, of Kansas; ['] Mamie 

Banning, m'd Oct. 4. 1S93. Adam Oliver. 

* 



846, AUG. 80 MOORE AND HAMMOND. 

Mr. Banning m'd 2d, April 12, 1877, H. M. Oliver. Ch: 
[d] Jessie, b. 1879; [e] Henry, b. 1881; [f] Kate, b. 1883. 

Mr. Banning now lives at Stillings. He is a Mason and 
an Odd Fellow in good standing. 

5. Sunie Oliver, m'd Chas. Pitts. 2 ch. (See.) 

6. Lula Oliver, m'd Oct. 3, 1883, George Flynn. 1 ch. 

7. Middle Oliver. 8. Thos. Oliver. 

Elder Thomas Turner volunteered as a soldier of the War of 
1812, and was with Commodore Perry on Lake Erie. His widow, 
Fannie, survived until January, 1859. Mr. Oliver administered, 
giving bond for $16,000. 

Aug. 26 — L. D. Bird, administrator of A. M. Chadwick. Bond, 
$9,000. 

SEPTEMBER, 

Sept. 8 — N. W. Asbury, administrator of Phantley R. Bean, 
who died some years earlier. Bond, $6,000. Mr. Asbury, July 1, 
1 846, m'd Susan Bean, widow of Phantley R. 

Sept. 15 — Dr. Joseph Walker, an army surgeon, resigns, and 
purchases land in Sec. 21, T. 52, R. 34. at $6.25 per acre. 

Sept. 28 — Col. Price's regiment reaches Santa Fe". 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 13 — -J. R. Lynch, administrator of John Lynch, Sr. 
Bond, $300. 

Oct. 24 — John Bigham, administrator of John Miller. Bond, 
$500. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 20— G. W. Gist buys in Block "N," Weston. 
Thos. Cox, administrator of Jos. Cox. Bond, $4,000. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 6 — Battle of San Pasqual, California. Here fell two 
sons-in-law of M. M. Hughes, of Platte. 

T. (APT. BENJ. D. MOORE, b. in Bourbon Co.. Kv.. Sept. 10, 
1810; m'd Maitha M. Hughes, dr. of M. M. Hughes. Ch: 
1. Matthew J. Moore, m'd Mary Helen Webb; 7 ch. They 
live in California, Mr. Moore is a highly educated 
and accomplished gentleman. 
II. LIEUT. THOS. C. HAMMOND was the oilier son-in-law of 
Judge Bughes who fell at San Pasqual. He was b. at 
Fort McHenry, Md., Aug. 19, 1819. Ho m'd Mary A. Hughes. 
dr. of Judge Hughes. Ch : 
1. Thos. G. Hammond, Jr., now of Platte; born May 22, 
is Hi. He studied medicine with bis step-father, Dr. 
Sam'l Bixey; attended lectures in Philadelphia. 



L846, DEC. 81 SCHOOL 1 TNDS. 



where he met, wooed, and m'd, Feb. 14, 1869, the 
lovely Miss Ella Uphain. They live six miles east 
of Platte City, on ;i large and fertile farm. Dr. 
Hammond practices among his aeighbors, by whom 
he is much beloved and trusted. Ch: ["J Samuel 
R. Hammond; [»] Richard H; f] A E.; [*] Letian; 
[ e ] a daughter. 

The remains of Oapt Moore and Lieut. Hammond were never 
recovered. The troop of dragoons of which they formed a part 
were surprised and massacred to a. man. A monument to their 
memory stands in Platte City cemetery. 

INVESTIGATING SCHOOL FUNDS. 

A grand jury having reported a deficiency in the Township 
School Funds, of more than a thousand dollars, the county court 
appointed a committee, consisting of W. B. Almond, James Davis, 
and W. M. Paxton, to investigate the matter. The committee 
discovered that the county court had attempted to cancel sales of 
the 16th sections, and had returned to purchasers the money paid. 
Upon the report of the committee, these purchasers were required 
to restore the money. Patents had been issued for the land, and 
yet no payment had been made or secured. All was satisfactorily 
adjusted. 

HEMP CHOP. 

Dec. 22 — A private letter of this date, speaking in relation to 
the hemp crop of Platte, says: "The farmers of Platte County 
put in less hemp than usual last spring (1846), but the fiber is bet- 
ter and heavier, and will equal last year's (1845). Lafayette 
County produces the most hemp — perhaps 1,500 tons. Platte 
and Jackson come next, producing, each, 1,000 tons; and Clay 
900 tons. Hemp has sold here as low as $1.50 per 112 pounds, and 
none, since spring, at over $2. The farmers of Missouri seldom 
stack hemp. They suffer it to receive enough rain, after cutting, 
to color it. It is then taken up and shocked, without binding. 
About the middle of October it is spread out to rot. Our winters 
are so dry that the hemp must receive several rains before it is 
shocked. I have frequently seen hemp taken up in the spring 
not half rotted." 

Dec. 2If — Isaac Dean, administrator of Francis Dean. Bond, 
$2,000. Francis Dean and Patsy Swearengen were married Feb 
ruary 15, 1844. 

Green T. Martin sells to -las. B. Martin his half of the Platte 
City Water Mills. 

Dec. 25 — Battle of Brazito, New Mexico. 

6- 



1846, DEC. 82 PRODUCE, SILVER, ETC. 

REVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR. 

The year of 1846 was the transition period from financial 
distress to financial prosperity. From this time until 1860, the 
county advanced rapidly to wealth. Every article of produce 
rose in price: hemp, from $2 to $4; hogs from $1 to $3. I sold, 
myself, potatoes at 6, and butter at 5 cents. Constables were 
busy collecting money on executions. I saw many poor families 
robbed of beds and household furniture. There was no exemption 
law worthy of the name. The situation of the poor called for pity. 

But the Mexican War made a change. Produce, as well as 
land, w T ent up in price; and every hand found employment. To 
carry on the war, a foreign loan was made, and German gold took 
the place of silver and depreciated paper. The low tariff that pre- 
vailed had carried to foreign lands the little American gold in 
circulation. The balance of trade was against us. Horses, mules, 
oxen, wagons, forage, and provisions were demanded at Fort 
Leavenworth for the Army of the West. The discovery of gold in 
California added to our prosperity. Every article of produce 
was wanted by the overland emigrants ; and when the Civil War 
commenced, we were in affluence. 

For years Mexican silver and American half-dollars were the 
chief circulation. From 1845 to 1849 I was buying hemp for the 
Louisville Manufacturing Company and dealt chiefly in silver half- 
dollars. In 1847 German gold was abundant. For several years 
I purchased one-third of the crop, and paid for it chiefly in sub- 
sidiary silver. Bank notes were at a discount. Merchants often 
sent silver to St. Louis by steamboats. There were no banks 
then, and there were no robbers. I made hundreds of horseback 
trips, from Parkville, Platte City, and Weston, with saddle-bags 
weighted with silver. The foreign gold soon disappeared. 

The building of the Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad is now 
agitated. 



1847. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, J. C. Reynolds; Congressman, W. P. Hall; Circuit 
Clerk. Ira Norris; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Treasurer, J. S. 
Thomas; Assessor, E. S. Wilkinson; Representatives, W. Cono- 
\v;iy mid L. Calvert; Circuit Judge. S. L. Leonard; County Jus- 
tices. Mayo, Freeland, and Barnett; Sheriff, M. N. Owen; Sur- 
veyor. L. Shepard; Public Administrator, G. W. Goodlander. 



1847. 83 TOWN l'I,ATS. 



BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys— W. B. Almond, J. H. Baldwin, 

R. P. Clark, I. N. Jones, W. C. Jones, s. P. S. McCurdy, E. II. Nor- 
ton, J. E.Pitt, Amos Rees, J. G. Sprat I. II. M. Vories, .John Wilson. 

Physicians — Wm. Baldwin, H. B. Callahan, F. Marshall. X. 
M. Shrock. 

Merchants, etc. — Black & Dickson, Wm. Brown, Dorriss & 
Johnston, John Ferricr, L. Fleshman, S. Johnston, B. D. Johnston, 
H. P. Kutchenthall, E. Green, R. P. ( laines, J. B. Martin & Co. 

At Weston: Attorneys — L. I). Bird, N. Burrows, J. R. Hardin, 
Bela M. Hughes, J. R. Tylee. 

Physicians— B. Bonifant, Jos. Malin, R. P. C. Ridley. 

Merchants, etc. — N. J. Alexander, H. Basye, Peter Blanjour. 
W. H. Bell, Bell & Venable, Belt & Murphy, D. Bowman, E. Cody. 
Ferguys & Ranson, B. Holladay, Middleton & Perry, Post & Railey, 
J. V. & D. P. Parrott, W. G. Noble, T. F. Warner, R. P. Wentworth, 
Ben Wood. 

At Parhoille: G. S. Park, Summers & Hord, J. H. Bueneman. 
Aspling & Stephens. 

At Ridgely: J. F. Adams (postmaster), P. Ellington, Dr. S. 
Phillips, Dr. H. D. Oden, H. B. Mayo. 

DATES OF FILING TOWN PLATS, AND BY WHOM. 

TOWN PLAT FILED. FOUNDER. 

Atchison Junction, March 30, 1881 Simon Barton. 

Barnard Place, Dec. 10, 1886 J. F. M. Stine. 

Camden Point, Oct. 23, 1848 M. M. Logue. 

1st Ad., June 21, 1851 M. M. Logue. 

Hardisty's Ad., March 29, 1887 J. W. Hardisty. 

Biscoe & Wright's Ad., Nov. 19, 1890 Biscoe & Wright. 

Dearborn (Kimball), Feb. 15, 1883 A. H. Burgess. 

1st Ad., March 8, 1883 C. A. Stagner et al. 

2d Ad., March 24, 1884 C. A. Stagner et al. 

3d Ad., Oct. 24, 1884 C. A. Stagner et al 

4th Ad., Feb. 20, 1889 C. A. Stagner et al 

5th Ad., Jan., 1890 C. A. Stagner et al 

6th Ad., May 5, 1890 A. H. Burgess. 

7th Ad., Maple L., Dec. 15, 1890 J. R. Ferrel. 

8th Ad., May 4, 1891 Stagner et al 

East Leavenworth. Aug. 2, 1869 N. L. Bickford. 

Edgerton, May 29, 1871 Jas. N. Barnes. 

White's Ad., Jane 2, 1887 H. P.. White. 

Standiford's Ad.. April 30, 1894 J. Standiford. 

Brace's Ad., Oct. 3, 1894 T.H.Bruce. 

Farley, Oct. 14, 1850. Josiah Farley. 

Rapp's Ad., Feb. 20. 1852 John G. Rapp. 

Iatan, Mav 22, 1841 Dougherty, Swords & Shultz. 

Linkville.'Nov. 12, 1885 ' Eli J. Link. 

Linkville. Nor. 10. 1888 W. M. Coach. 



1847, JAN. 84 TOWN PLATS. 

TOWN PLAT FILED. FOUNDER. 

New Market, Oct. 14, 1843 Jacob Adarnson. 

Thompson's Ad., Feb. 10, 1891 T. M. Thompson. 

Parkville, April 18, 1844 G. S. Park. 

1st Ad., June 4, 1851 G. S. Park. 

2d Ad., June 4, 1851 G. S. Park. 

3d Ad. (College), June 4, 1851 G-. S. Park. 

North Park Ad., March 7, 1889 McGeehan & Hamilton. 

Brightwell's Ad., Nov. 17, 1890 R. T. Brightwell. 

6th Ad., Dec. 6, 1886 G. S. Park. 

Platte City, Feb. 3, 1840 Platte County. 

1st Ad., May 6, 1845 Platte County. 

Almond, P. & O. Ad., Sept. 24, 1857 . . Almond, Paxton & Owen. 

Eastern Extension, Sept. 2, 1886 Mrs. M. A. Norton. 

Roster's Ad., June 17, 1892 H. A. Koster. 

Ridgely, Dec. 22, 1846 Adams, Black & Phillips. 

Black's Ad., March 12, 1852 C. N. Black. 

Phillips' Ad., Feb. 15, 1854 .. ..S.Phillips. 

Ellington's Ad., March 1, 1854 P. Ellington. 

Stillings, Aug. 12, 1889 Vinton Stillings. 

Tracy, April 30, 1872 , W. C. Wells, trustee. 

1st Ad., Sept. 20, 1882 W. C. Wells, trustee. 

Waldron, May, 1869 J. M. & W. H. Waldron. 

Weston, Nov. 5, 1844 City of Weston. 

Burnett & Teals' Ad., Dec. 30, 1842 Burnett & Teals. 

Ward's Ad., Dec. 19, 1846 Th. Ward. 

Warner's Ad., Feb. 11, 1851 T. F. Warner. 

Meek's Ad., Oct. 7, 1851 R, Meek, Jr. 

Jas. Moore's Ad., May 7, 1848 Moore, Bird & Holladav. 

Wilhite's Ad., Feb. 10, 1852 E. S. Wilhite. 

Abiram Moore's Ad A. Moore. 

Doniphan's Ad John Doniphan. 

Woodruff, May, 1869 W. H. & C. C. Montgomery. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. ,'i — Thos. F. Richardson, administrator of Robert R. 
Richardson. 

The German M. E. Church of Weston organized. 

Jan. 11 — Capt. And. Johnson buys the E. .1 of Block 37, 
Platte City. 

Jan. 24 — Battle of La Canada, New Mexico, in which Capt. 
Murphy's company of infantry, from Weston, now in command of 
Capt. Jonas S. Woods, shared in a gallant charge upon a superior 
force of .Mexicans, and gained a noted victory. In this charge 
Lieut. Van Valkenburgh and private John Graham were killed: 
and several others from Platte were wounded. 

The battle of Rforo, in which Capt. Morin's company achieved 
a victory, followed close on the ha I tie of La Canada. 

Jan. 16— Thomas Flannerv. administrator of 



1847, JAN. 85 THE FLANNERVS. 

JAMES FLA X N T E II Y, 

Who was l». in Virginia, in 178:!. He was a son of .John Flannery. 
and m'd llaehel Benham, b. 1784, dr. of John Benham. James 
Flannery came to Platte in 1837, and settled three miles east of 
rial to. He was one of the first justices of the peace, appointed by 
the county court of Clay County in 1837, and died in office. lie 
was a man of sound judgment and unimpeachable integrity. His 
education was limited, but his honesty, justice, and firmness won 
for him the esteem of the people. We will first give a list of all 
his children, and then notice, fully, those whose posterity are yet 
in Platte: 

I. JOHN FLANNERY. 
H. WILLIAM, d. in Iowa. 

III. REBECCA, m'd N. Chrisman, of Jackson ( Jo., -Mo. 

IV. MARTHA, m'd Jas. Crabtree, of Texas. 

V. NANCY, m'd T. Dougherty, of Andrew < Jo., Mo. 

VI. PHCEBE, m'd Fletcher Crabtree. 

VII. FRANKLIN Y. 

YIH. ELIJAH, m'd Oct. 3, 1839, Tabitha Brock, and d. in Iowa. 
IX. THOMAS. 
X. RACHEL. 

I believe all are dead. We will now notice those who left 
posterity in Platte: 

I. JOHN FLANNERY, 

Farmer and physician, was b. in Lee Co., Va., Sept. 17, 180G; d. in 
Platte Nov. 0, 1891. He received a classical education and came 
to Randoplh Co., Mo., when a youth. He studied medicine with 
Dr. W. B. Magee, attended lectures at the Medical Department of 
Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky., in 1835-6, and practiced 
until 1865. From that time, he devoted his attention to his farm. 
In Christian Co., Ky.. he m'd 1st, Winifred Perkins, dr. of 
Jesse. Ch : 

I. NANCY JANE FLANNERY, m'd July 3, 1849, L. Dearing 
(first wife), and d. childless. 

n. AMANDA, m'd 1st, Josiah Comstock; m'd 2d, Barnes. 

in. JOHN FLANNERY nil. b. September 8, 1844; m'd Phoebe 

Crabtree. 
IV. LOUISA FLANNERY, m'd Chris Peters. 
V. GEO. D. FLANNERY, went to California, and d. Feb.. 1896. 
Dr. John Flannery m'd 2d. May 6. 1856. Mary Ann Brooks, 
dr. of Sanders Brooks, of Fauquier Co., Va. 
VI. VIRCIE FLANNERY, b. March 28. 1857; m'd Aug. 20, 1877, 

James Mason. 
Vn. REBECCA, single. 

Vni. JOSIAH FLANNERY. single, went to Colorado. 
IX. LUCY D., m'd March 16, 1890, Robert Jacks. 
X. FRANKLIN, m'd Dec. 21. 1889. Jennie M. Ford. 



1847, JAN. 86 THE FLANNERYS. 

II. THOMAS FLANNERY 

Was b. Nov. 10, 1820, in Lee Co., Va.; d. in Platte April 25, 1889; 
came with his father in 1837; m'd June 8, 1843, Fanny Brunts, 
dr. of John. She was b. in Howard Co., Mo., Feb. 6, 1822; d. Feb. 
18, 1SS6. Ch: 

I. JOHN B. FLANNERY, b. June 11, 1844; m'd April 7, 1868, 
Alice Freeland, dr. of H. J. Mr. F. is a gentleman of supe- 
rior business qualifications. He was deputy sheriff and 
collector under Geo. W. Belt, and was elected county 
treasurer in 1868; was in the insurance business, and cash- 
ier of the Bank of Parkville, and was considered one of the 
most reliable business men of the county; but in 1886 his 
health failed, and he removed, with his family, to Colorado, 
where he now resides. Ch: 

1. Thos.H.Flannery. 2. Minnie F. 3. JohnC. 4. Nora A. 
5. Anna E. 6. William E. 
Mr. Flannerv is a Knight Templar. 
II. MISSOURI A. FLANNERY, b. Dec. 14, 1846; m'd May 10. 
1866, James H. Daniel, son of Shelby, b. in Kv., Dec. 7. 
1835. Ch: 

1. Ben. F. Daniel, b. Sept. 19, 1869; a worthy and exem- 

plary young man, residing with his father. 

2. Issie Daniel, b. Nov. 15, 1879. 

HI. JAMES F. FLANNERY, b. Jan. 13, 1849 ; d. May 2, 1891. He 
was a genial, kind-hearted gentleman, social and exceed- 
ingly agreeable in his manners. He engaged in mercantile 
ventures, at several places and times, but was too generous 
and accommodating to gather wealth. He received an 
academic education at Platte City Academy, and was highly 
esteemed as a business man. He was elected county 
treasurer in 1878, over Jas. Adkins, by a vote of 889 to 684, 
and was re-elected in 1880, without opposition. He was a 
Knight Templar, and at one time mayor of Platte City. He 
m'd Feb. 9. 1870, Marv L. Mason, dr. of R, F. She was b. 
July 17, 1849, and d. Nov. 24, 1877. Ch: 

1. Dora, m'd P. H. Sullivan, of Ky., and d. childless. 

2. Lillie F. Flannrn/, b. Jan. 9. 1875; d. Nov. 17, 1895, 

in Platte City. 

Mr. Jas. F. Flannerv m'd 2d, April 17. 1879. Issie D. 
Million, h. Fob. 7, 1856; educated at Camden Point Orphan 
School. She possessed intelligence, personal graces, and 
religious zeal. She d. childless, at Platte City, in August, 
1 887, much lamented. 

Mr. Flannery's life \\ ;is i he visit of a prince to his garden: 
IN- plucked the flowers, inhaled their fragrance, cast them 
to I lie ground, and left to return no more. 
I knew ami admired both his wives. I paid to each, at her 
death, a poetic tribute, from which I select a stanza: 



1847, JAN. 87 THE FLANNERYS. 

TO MRS. MARY L. FLANNERY. 

Tin- loveliest flowers are culled to grace 

The halls where royal feasts are spread; 
And so the purest of our race 

Adorn the banquei of the dead. 
No vestal had a purer heart — 

No seraph had a sweeter voice. 
Her sympathy could joy impart, 

And make despairing souls rejoice. 

TO MRS. ISSIE D. FLANNERY. 

The earth is fresh upon thy grave; 
No evergreens above it wave; 
For only yesterday we gave 

Thy body to the sod. 
A few years since, a lovely bride, 
Yon came in health and youthful pride, 
And chose the Savior for your guide, 

And in His footsteps trod. 

IV. THOMAS B. FLANNERY, b. June 16, 1857; m'd Sept. 17, 
1879. Kate McComas, b. April 10, 1860. She is the lovely 
dr. of Judge Stephen McComas. Mr. Flannery is a worthy 
farmer, residing in Platte City, and is the present superin- 
tendent of the M. E. Sunday-school in that place. Ch: 

1. Lora Flannery, b. Sept. 12, 1878. 

2. Estill S., b. Sept. 23, 1888. 

3. Paul Ditzler Flannery, b. March 25, 1895. 

V. BIRDIE FLANNERY, b. Aug. 21, 1866; d. May 1, 1896: m'd 
Oct. 8, 1892. Thos. Cecil, son of Kimsey B., b. Oct. 2, 1861. 
Children: 

1. Rhea, b. July 25. 1893. 2. Ruth, b. March. 1893. 

III. FRANKLIN Y. FLANNERY 

Wasb. Feb. 27, 1821; d. March 16, 1890; m'd Sept. 18, 1848, Rhoda 

Martin, b. Sept. 30, 1827; d. Oct. 3, 1861. Mr. Flannery was a 

farmer, residing three miles east of Platte City. He possessed 

superior mental powers and some education. Ch: 

I. JENNIE FLANNERY, 1». March 24, 1851; m'd Oct. 19, 1870, 

J. T. Dunkin. b. June 27, 1837; d. Aug. 7, 1883. He was for 

years constable of Carroll Township; was of immense 

stature — 6 feet 4 inches in height,, and weighed 300 pounds. 

His wife weighed about 110 pounds. Ch : 

1. Waller W. 2. Fannie. 3. Lena. 4. Jessie. 
n. MARY ANN FLANNERY, b. Aug. 10. 1853; m'd March 2, 
1881. James nollifiekl. Ch: 



1847, JAN. 88 THE FLANNERYS. 

1. Nellie, b. Feb. 5, 1885. 2.' Georgella, b. Nov. 24, 1888. 
3. Mabel, b. June 12, 1890. 
ILL GEORGE FLANNERY, b. July 13, 1855; m'd Feb. 7, 1878, 
Ella Day, b. July 28, 1863. Cb : 

1. Battle Pearl Flannery, b. Sept. 13, 1880. 

2. James F. Flannery, b. July 17, 1883. 

3. Nora, b. Aug. 18, 1891. 

4. Silvey M. Flannery, b. Oct. 29, 1894. 

IV. IDA FLANNERY, b. Aug. 12, 1857; m'd June 20, 1879, Merit 
Estes, b. 1859. Cb: 

1. Dora, b. June 5, 1881. 

2. Nellie, b. Oct. 29, 1882; lives in Kansas. 

V. LULA FLANNERY, b. Sept. 7, 1859; m'd Feb. 9, 1881, Ste- 
phen Brown. Cb : 

1. Thos. Brown, b. Dec. 3, 1882. 2. Pearl b. May 2, 1885. 

3. Delia, b. Aug. 17, 1888. 

Mr. F. Y. Flannery m'd 2d, July 14, 1868, Mary J. 
Holland. Cb: 
VI. ELLA MAY FLANNERY, b. May 21, 1871; m'd Aug. 20, 
1889, N. T. Dick. Cb: 
1. N. T. Dick, Jr. 
VTL FRANKLIN, b. Mav 3, 1873 ; lives at Edgerton. 
Vm. JAS. C. FLANNERY, b. March 31, 1875; m'd Sept. 24, 1896, 
Lillie Davis, dr. of James. 

IV. RACHEL FLANNERY. 

She m'd in 1843, John Walker, b. in Tenn., Sept. 10, 1814; d. 
near Linkville Nov. 10, 1894. He was a man of sound judgment, 
and highly esteemed. He lost an eye in early life. Cb : 
I. JAS. WALKER, living in southern Missouri. 

Mr. John Walker's second wife was Sarah J. Martin, dr. of 
John. Ch: 
H. WILLARD H. WALKER, b. April 8, 1855; m'd Aug. 15, 1876, 
Nannie De Berry, dr. of Robt. Ch : 

1. John. 2. Guthrie. 3. Sallie. 4. Florence. 5. Cecil. 

6. Yernle. 

HI. IRA NORRIS WALKER, b. Jan. 16, 1857; m'd Oct. 27, 1880, 

Luella Chinn. Mr. Walker was twice county assessor, and 

is now county collector. He is an accomplished gentleman, 

and is bis highly esteemed for his probitv. Ch: 

1. Lula. 2.' F still. 3. Curtis. L Mary. 5. Sarah. 
('). A boy. 
IV. MARY WALKER, 
V. VIRGINIA WALKER. 

VI. NANNIE. 

VII. FRANK WALKER, m'd Dec. 24. 1896. M. Liza Clardy. 
Jan. 29 — H. D. Oden, administrator of Hcnrv A. Llovd. Llovd 



1847, FEB. 89 THE HUVENDAHLS. 

left a widow, Judith, and a son, Henry. The widow m'd March 2, 
1884, David Vaughn. 

FEBKUAKY. 

Feb. 4 — The county pays Thos. Gray fllio for digging a public 
well near the center of Block 25 in Platte City. 

The county pays Davis and Paxton $70 for investigating the 
Township School Funds; and Denver Shrock and McCurdy a it- 
appointed to investigate the Revenue Fund and the Three per 
cent Fund. 

Feb. 5 — F. Marshall resigns the office of county treasurer, and 

James S. Thomas is appointed in his place. 

The storming of Fort Pueblo-de-Taos, by Gen. Price. 

The M. E. Church of Platte City purchases Lot 3, Block 33, 
for $50, and two years later erects a frame church 25x40 feet. 

Feb. 6 — Mary Rupe, administratrix of David Rupe. Bond. 
$2,000. 

MARCH. v 

March 2 — Circuit Court: James Davis is enrolled as an 
attorney. 

HENRY HUVENDAHL. 

March 3 — Henry Huvendahl buys land north of and adjacent 
to Weston. He was b. in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, Sept. 3, 1828; 
d. in Weston in July, 1800. His father, John H. Huvendahl, was b. 
Jan. 7, 1780; and his mother, Mary A. Brill, b. Jan. 26, 1788. They 
came to America in 1834, and settled at Weston in March, 1839. 
Their son, Henry Huvendahl, m'd March G, 1853, Amanda Fortune, 
o. Feb. 10, 1838. Theirs is a Christian family, zealous of good 
works. They are all workers in the church and Sunday-school. 
Children : 

I. ELIZABETH HUVENDAHL, b. March 28, 1854; m'd Dec. 
29, 1870, William S. Siler. Ch: 

1. Lewis H. sihr, m'd Dec. 25, 1894, Dora B. Bious. of 
Dearborn. 2. G. G. Siler. 3. Artie. 4. Norman. 
5. Estella. G. Jason Sihr. 
II. LYDIA A. HUVENDAHL, b. Sept. 14, 1858; d. May 16, 1896; 
m'd Nov. 24, 1881, Chas. B. Carrico. Ch: 
1. Alma Carrico. 
IH. MARY, b. Oct. 4. 1860; m'd March S. 1882, Price S. Simmons, 
son of Peter. Ch: 

1. Bertha. 2. Gertie Simmons. 
IV. LOTTIE, b. Aug. 8, 1864; m'd Nov. 24. 1S90, Hickman J. 
Kruser, son of William. Ch: 
1. Vernie Kruser. 
V. HENRIETTA, b. June 11. 18GG. 



1847, MAY. 90 COUNTY FINANCES. 

VI. J. B. HUYENDAHL, b. Jan. 16, 1869. 
Vn. MATTIE B., b. Nov. 2, 1870. 
VHL CATHERINE, b. Nov. 2, 1874. 

MAY. 

THE FIRST FINANCIAL STATEMENT. 

This year I made for the county clerk his annual financial 
statement. Though the law commands the statement to be made, 
yet it had been neglected. 

Warrants Drawn ...$9,009.86 

Revenue Collected 6,981.47 

Deficit $2,028.39 

The items of expenditure are the following: 

Paid Treasurer (Marshall) $230.00 

Paid for paupers 562.00 

Paid Justices of County Court : .. 424.00 

Paid for public well . .. 100.00 

Paid County Attorney 2.00 

Restored to School Funds 420.00 

Miscellaneous 450.47 

Paid Circuit Clerk (Norris) 814.00 

Paid County Clerk (Lewis) . . 730.00 

Paid for bridges 2,201.00 

Paid Assessor (Wilkinson) 86.00 

Paid Sheriff (Owen) 635.00 

Paid interest on warrants 327.00 

Total $6,981.47 

May 3 — Geo. Martin, administrator of Isaac Miller. Bond, 
$4,000. ' 

May 7 — A. J. Goodyear buys property in Parkville. 

May 17— J. W. Christy buvs 80 acres in Sec. 1, T. 52, R. 35. 
for $ 780. 

Hemp is selling at $3.50 and hemp seed $2. 

The mails have come from St. Louis tri-weekly, but now. 
o wing to the failure of the contractor, we get them irregularly — 
qo1 more than once a week. 

JUNE. 

Jtme — S. P. S. McCurdy removes to Weston. 

s. P. s. McCurdy, administrator of Thos. N. Mitchell. Bond. 
$40,000. 

June 10 — T. F. Warner, administrator of Michael Nve. Bond, 
$8,000. 



1847, JULY. 91 THE EASTBORNS. 

Allen Mi-Lane buys Lot 11, Block 26, Platte City, and re- 
moves to it the Argus office. 

JULY. 

July 6 — Jas. M. Estill takes out ferry license at his mills, 
known as Union Mills, on Platte River. Mr. IOstill and his father- 
in-law. Gen. Arch. Woods, came from Kentucky, bought a large 
tract of land, set up a circular saw, and enclosed a large farm, 
then erected a dam on the Platte, and built Union Mills. In com- 
pany with Owen, Estill built a large pork-packing house, ware- 
house and store in Weston, and, by enterprise, brought about a 
new era of prosperity. He ultimately failed, and went to Cali- 
fornia, to renew his schemes. 

July 9 — The Battle of Cienega, New Mexico, in which the 
following men of Capt. Jesse Morin's company fell: 1, Lieut. John 
Larkin; 2, W. Owen; 3, J. A. Wright; 4, W .S. Mason; 5, A. S. 
Wilkerson. The following were severely wounded: 1, Hayden 
Lewis; 2, John Huntington; 3. William Story. 

THOMAS EASTBORN. 

July 1~> — Thomas Eastborn died. He was b. in Baltimore 
Sept 5, 1803; m'd Sept. 2, 1835, Elizabeth Jones, b. in Mason Co., 
Ky., Aug. 30, 1810; came to Platte in 1839. Ch: 

I. MARTHA EASTBORN, b. Dec. 1, 1836; m'd Dec. 15, 1855. 
Jas. Allison. 
n. JAS. EASTBORN, b. Dec. 23, 1838; m'd Aug. 5, 1866, Cor. 
Goss. 

III. FRANK EASTBORN, b. March 17, 1841; m'd in March, 1866, 

Marv Brown. 

IV. MARY EASTBORN, b. Jan. 30, 1844; m'd July 4, 1861, Jasper 

Allison. 

After Mr. Eastborn's death, his widow, Eliz., m'd Aug. 
28, 1849, William Brown. Ch: 
V WILLIAM BROWN, b. June 12, 1850; m'd June 1, 1882, Tillie 
Bland. 
VI. ROBERT BROWN, b. March 23, 1854; m'd Feb. 14, 1881, Cora 
Lucas. 

DR. WM. M. MACEY. 

July 22 — Dr. Wm. M Macey's estate administered .on by J. S. 
Thomas. Dr. Macev was a native of Kentucky. After reading 
his preparatory course, he attended medical lectures at Cincinnati. 
He came west in 1S40, and settled at Platte City. He m'd Sept. 
29. 1841. Ann P. Winston, dr. of (Jen. Joseph. She died, leaving 
one child, Joseph P. Macev, now of Colorado. Dr. Macey was 
genial and sociable. He was given to speculating in land. Being 
without means, he purchased on credit. To engage in trade, he 



1847, AUG. 92 A. MILLER. 

forsook his profession. After the death of his first wife, Dr. 
Macey married again. His wife lives, childless, in Jackson 
Count}', Mo. Joseph Macey espoused the side of the South, and 
in the border warfare made his name famous by his deeds of 
daring. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 2 — John Miller's estate administered on by John D. and 
Jas. A. Miller. Bond, $6,000. 

ANDREW MILLER, 

Aug. 3 — Andrew Miller's estate administered on by Thos. 
Allen. His widow was Nancy, and his ch: 1, Sarah Miller, m'd 
John M. Pauley; 2, Margaret Miller; 3, Eliz. Cowan; 4, Mary R,, 

m'd Samuel Lawson; 5, Rebecca Miller, m'd Noland, and 

their ch were: [«] Jas. Noland; [ & ] Andrew; [ c ] Margaret E.; 
[<*] Nancy; [e] Wesley; [f] Sarah A.; [9] Mary A. Noland; 
[*] Jas. Noland. 6, Children of Isaac Miller : i, Eveline ; 2, Sarah 
A. ; 3, Martha J. ; l h Minerva ; 5, Kate Miller. 

WILLIAM H. LEACHMAN. 

Aug. 4 — William H. Leachman's estate administered on by 
James Leachman. His only child was 

I. JAMES LEACHMAN, m'd Matilda, who survived him, 
and died in August, 1855. Ch. of James and Matilda: 

1. Mary Leachman, m'd Jas. Saunders. 

2. Matilda Leachman, m'd Dr. Ben Bonifant. 

3. Amanda, b. 1840; d. childless, July 30, 1865; m'd Judge 

H. J. Wolf, who d. July 10, 1867. Judge Wolf was a 
classical scholar, an excellent lawyer, and a finished 
gentleman. He was the partner, for years, of Hon. 
Jas. N. Burnes; served a term as judge of the Weston 
Court of Common Pleas, and at the time of his death 
was a member of the Legislature. 
I ug. 10 — Henry Colman buys in Block 17, Weston. 

HUGH McEOWEN. 

Aug. II — Hugh McEowen's estate administered on by T. T. 
• ''Hies. Bond, |12,000. Ho was b. in New Jersey in 1804; removed 
to Ohio, whore he m'd Juliana Shrader, b. in Philadelphia in 
L809; d. in Platte Feb. 24, 1876. Mr. McEowen d. Juno 27, 1847. 
I [e was a fanner of little education, but, by industry and fair deal 
ing, had accumulated a good estate. Ch: 
T. -lOHN McEOWEN (ii), b. May 26. 1829, in Ohio-, m'd Feb. 14, 
1866. Lucella Anders, dr. of David. Ch : 
1. Kate Lor McEowen. b. Fob. 27, 1867. 



1847, SEPT. 93 MEXICAN SOLDIERS. 



II. HUGH McEOW IvX iii), b. July 8, 1831, in Indiana; m'd Feb. 
28, 18GG. Mary M. Sloan, b. June G, 1833, dr. of William. 
They are living comfortably, but childless, in Kansas city, 
.Missouri. 

III. SAMUEL McEOWEN, m'dJoanna Swinford, and d. childless. 

SEPTEMBER 

Sept. 1 — Simpson Park and Win. A. White buy farms five 
miles east of Platte City. 

Sept. 3 — Col. Lewis Burnes buys Lot 14, Block 52, Weston. 

at |1(H). 

E. S. Wilkinson is now living in Platte City, and assists 
McLane in publishing the Argus. 

Sept. lJ f — Geo. W. Kay's estate is administered on by Thos. J. 
Keller. Bond, '$3,000. 

THE SOLDIERS OF THE MEXICAN WAR. 

Sept. 3 — The soldiers of the Mexican War return, the term 
of their enlistment having expired. A grand barbecue is given 
them, in the Platte bottom, opposite Platte City. A rain cast a 
damper on the meeting, yet the concourse was immense. Two 
long trenches were dug, filled with wood, which was burned, and 
over the embers whole oxen were roasted. 

Albert G. Wilson's estate administered on by Hiram Rich. 
Bond, |2,000. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 5 — J. A. Wright's estate administered on by Colden 
Brown. Bond, $1,200. He fell at Cienega, New Mexico. His 
widow married L. Shepard. 

Jas. B. Martin administered on the estate of John Riley Owen, 
a corporal in Jesse Morin's company. He fell. July G, 1847. at 
Senegal Creek, New Mexico. 

THE OWEN FAMILY. 

Two brothers. Wilson and Abel Owen, were reared in North 
Carolina. Their ancestor came from Wales. Only one of Wilson 
Owen's children interests us — Stacy Owen, who married L. C. 
(Cub) Jack. She d. Feb. 3. 1896, in "(Irani City, Mo., and will be 
noticed with her husband. But three of Abel Owen's sons were 
distinguished in the annals of Platte: 



1847, SEPT. 94 THE OWENS. 

I. JONES HARVEY OWEN, was appointed by Gov. Boggs, 
early in 1839, the first sheriff of Platte, and was subse- 
quently elected to the same office. He possessed vigor, 
both of body and mind, and made an excellent officer. He 
went to Santa Fe" with Gen. Doniphan, and distinguished 
himself as a soldier. After the Mexican War, he went to 
California, where he d. May 8, 1858, aged 55. He never 
married. 

II. JOHN RILEY OWEN'S death has just been noticed. He 
was deputy sheriff under his brother Jones H, and was a 
meriw, carousing young man; but sobered down after 
marrying the lovely Josephine Martin, dr. of Zadock 
Martin, the pioneer. She died a year after marriage, 
leaving an infant, Susanna Owen, who died just as she was 
verging on womanhood. Mr. Owen then entered the Army 
of the West, and was killed as stated. 
m. MOSEBY NEELY OWEN, son of Abel Owen and Eliz. 
Gooch, was b. in North Carolina Oct. 11, 1802; d. in Platte 
City July 4, 1860; m'd April 1, 1831, in Lexington, Mo., 
Eveline Jack, dr. of Capt. William Jack. She was b. Jan. 
4, 1810; d. in Jacksonville, Oregon, Dec. 14, 1869. Mr. 
Owen was a Whig, but was twice chosen sheriff of Platte. 
His agreeable manners and just deportment, his generous 
nature and boundless hospitality inspired love and con- 
fidence and made him exceedingly popular. He purchased 
Dr. Callahan's interest in the Platte City Water Mills, and, 
for years we were partners. The following verse from a 
poem I wrote at his grave expresses my esteem: 

An honest man lies 'neath this sod — 

My genial friend and elder brother. 
We knelt together serving God ; 

With mingling souls we loved each other. 
His generous heart and open hand 

In hospitality abounded; 
His hand was true, his words were bland. 

And faithful friends his board surrounded. 

LIEUT. JOHN LARKIN, 

As has been stated, fell July 9, 1847, at the battle of Cienega, New 
Mexico, ne was a tall and agreeable man, and lived four miles 
soiiilic;isl of Platte City. His widow, Elizabeth, administered. 
ITis large and valuable farm was partitioned among his children. 
Mrs. Larkin d. in Oct., 1869. 

I. CEO. W. LARKTN, m'd March 15, 1877, Mary J. Cole, dr. of 

William. No ch. 
TT. ROWENA LARKIN. 
ITT. RTJFTJS O. LARKIN. 



1847, NOV. 95 JOHN H. HARPER. 

NOVEMBER, 

Nov. 2 — James Finch's estate administered on by Margaret 
Finch. Bond, |3,000. 

JAMES WILLIAMS. 

Nov. 4 — James Williams' estate administered by his widow. 
Harriet. Their ch: 
I. ELIZ. CRABTREE. 
II. LAURA WILLIAMS, m'd 1st, a Hill, who d., leaving 
1. Laura Hill, m'd Henry C. Reynolds. 
in. ELIZA WILLIAMS, m'd a Mulkey," and d., leaving 
1. Sarah H. Mulkey. 
Jesse Morin bought one undivided half of the Platte City 
Water Mills, of Bright. Martin, for $2,000. 



JOHN H. HARPER'S ACQUITTAL. 

Nov. 18 — J. H. Harper, son-in-law of Sam'l Owens, of Inde- 
pendence, having obtained a change of venue from Jackson, was 
tried here for murder, and acquitted. The trial was interesting 
and the whole community was excited. That night the friends 
of Harper had a grand drunken carousal. "Old Sacramento," the 
cannon brought back from New Mexico by the soldiers, was 
brought forth and doubly charged with powder; the heavens were 
made to tremble and the earth to shrink w r ith terror. In the 
morning there was not a whole light in the court-house windows, 
and the county court had to appropriate $50 for repairs. 

Nov. 22 — Richard Meek, Jr., buys ten acres of land north of 
Weston, and lays off his addition. 

Nov. 29 — James G. Hodge's estate is administered on by Geo. 
Quimby and Eliza Hodge. Mr. Hodge was the father of Mrs. Mar- 
cella Young, and was the first husband of Mrs. Eliza Tolley. 

DECEMBER. 

REV. JESSE MOORE. 

Dec. 4 — Rev. Jesse Moore, of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, died. Born and reared in Kentucky, he m'd Mary Ann 
Story, of Mt. Sterling, b. Oct. 23, 1807. They came to Missouri in 
1847, and the same vear Mr. Moore died. The widow m'd in 1854. 
John Smith, and they lived in Weston. She died Feb. 7, 1893, and 
Mr. Smith survived her only a few days. Her ch. by her first 
husband: 



1847, DEC 96 THE MOORES. 

I. S. B. MOORE, of Lamed, Kansas. 
II. JAMES E. MOORE, now of De Kalb, was assistant cashier 
of the Weston branch of the Mechanics' Bank of Missouri, 
and a man of much sprightliness. 
in. KATE MOORE, wife of J. C. Crook, of St. Joe. 
IV. HARRIET, m'd 1st, H. N. Risk. She m'd 2d, Nov. 26, 1896, 
Robert Collier, Sr. 
V. DR. WILLIAM E. MOORE, of Kansas. 
VI. THOMAS M. MOORE, now a merchant of Dearborn, and a 
gentleman of refinement and business qualifications. 

1. Jettie Moore, m'd Dec. 25, 1892, R, H. Bruce. 

2. Lida Moore, m'd Feb. 24, 1894, B. F. Sampson. 

VIL BEN F. MOORE, b. in Indiana March 18, 1847. In 1883 he 
located in Weston, where he held the office of postmaster. 
He m'd Jan. 19, 1877, Augusta A. Dickson, a step-daughter 
of Ad. Smith, late of Iatan. Ch : 
1. Lena D. Moore. 2. Inez C. 3. Ben F., Jr. 

Dec. 6— Dr. W. S. May's will probated. He had become in- 
temperate, and in a spree at Parkville took morphine, and died. 
He was buried at the graveyard on his homestead. (See his 
sketch.) He was a surgeon in Doniphan's regiment, and went to 
Santa Fe\ 

Dec. 8 — James H. Nash buys property in Parkville. 

MARRIAGES IN 1847 NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED. 

February 14, Melvin McKee m'd Mary McAdow, dr. of Geo. 
March 18, W. A. Singleton m'd Cath. Miller. 
March 23, Ben Wood m'd Mary A. Menifee. 
June 10, Mad. J. Drais m'd Lucinda J. Swaney. 

REVIEW OF THE YEAR 1847. 

Heaven was propitious, and crops were good. The hemp crop 
leached 1.500 tons; at flOO per ton, this brought |150,000 into the 
county. But chills and fevers were almost universal. I, myself, 
suffered with them for three months. Lands were in demand at 
$8 and $10 per acre. The war brought gold into circulation. The 
paper of only specie-paying banks was received. Owen & Estill 
phi up ;i $10,000 packing-house and bought 8,000 hogs. Perrys & 
5Toung erected a spacious steam flouring mill. Freight to St. 
Louis is ::7 cents. The rushes in the Missouri bottoms are ex- 
hansted and herders are now driving to the islands, above, in the 
river. 

James O. Cochran came in 1847, and settled in Preston Town- 
ship, and has prospered by farming. He is a son of Jonathan 
Cochran, and wasb. in Wes1 Virginia Oct. 15, 1820. He m'd Mary 
Ann Payne, of Fleming Co., Ky. Ch: 



1847, DEC. 97 THE COCHRANS. 



I. HENRY S. COC UK AX. m'd March r>, IS!)!*. Nannie Dougherty. 
II. NETTIE T. COCHRAN, m'd Taylor Keerv. 

III. GEORGIA A. COCI I KAN, m'd Win. Mays. 

IV. MARGARET A. COCHRAN, m'd Horace Chrisman. 
V. MARY V. COCHRAN, m'd Ken Carpenter. 

VI. JOHN COCHRAN, d.; m'd Amanda Lanham. 

Postage stamps were used for I lie first time in the United 
Slates in 1847. 



!848. 



OFFICERS. 

Governor, John C. Edwards; Circuit Judge, S. L. Leonard; 
County Justices, Mayo, Freeland, and Barnett; Sheriff, M. N. 
Owen ; Surveyor, Israel May ; Representatives^ Wm. Conway and 
L. Calvert; Circuit Clerk, Ira Norris; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis: 
Public Administrator, G. W. Goodlander; Assessor, Levi Macey. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

.If Platte City: Attorneys — Almond, Baldwin, Clark, Jones. 
Norton, Pitt, Rees, Spratt, Thomas. Vories, Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Callahan, Benton, Marshall, Shrock, 
Black, McCalister. 

Merchants, etc. — Black & Dickson, Brown, Johnston & Keith, 
Johnston (postmaster), Fleshman, Kuykendall & Remington, 
McCausland & Branham, Murray & Freeland, Green, Gaines, 
Martin & Co. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Bird, Burnes, Hardin. McCurdy, 
Tylee, Tutt, Wolf. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers. Malin, Ridley, Fulton. 

Merchants, etc. — Basye, Blanjour, Bell & Venable, Belt & 
Murphy, Bowman. Briggs. Burnes Bros., Ferguys & Ranson, Hat 
tenback & Dessaux, Holladay, Hood, Noble, Parrott, Perrys & 
Young, Post & Railey, Owen & Estill, Lowe. Warner, Wentworth, 
Wood, Dye, McHolland. 

At Parkrillr: Aspling & Stephens, Burney, Burnes, Crust, 
Davis, Ringo, Park & Parsons, Summers & Hord. Miller, Good- 
year. 

At Farley : Burnes & Stiles. 

At I atom: N. J. Alexander. 

At New Market: Dr. Bishop, Dr. Field. Sol. Bishop. 

At Ridgely: Adams (postmaster). Ellington. Phillips. 
7- 



1848, JAN. 98 THE McQUEENS. 

JANUARY. 

THOMAS McQUEEN. 

Jan. 11 — rHis estate is administered on by John Bane. Bond, 
*2.700. He was a farmer, living southeast of Platte City. Oh: 
I. THOMAS McQUEEN (ii), went to California. 

n. SARAH, ni'd Henry Ratliff. Oh: 

1. Mary Ratliff, m'd Clerk Warder, and lives in Johnson 

County, Mo. 
Sarah died and Henry Ratliff m'd 2d, Jan. 1, 1873, Eliza 
J. Blanchard. 
III. URIAH McQUEEN, m'd Nov. 30, 1860. Mary E. Joiner. No 

children. 
JY. MARY J. McQUEEN, m'd 1st, G. W. Morehead. She m'd 2d, 
Adam Mann. No ch. 
Y. SAMUEL. 
VI. WILIJAM McQUEEN. 

Jan. 12— H. B. Callerman buys the S. Yv. \ of Sec. 16, T. 51, 
R. 33, near Barry, for $600. 

This year G. W. Threlkeld, father of John E.. of Parkville, 
settled, with his wife, Eveline (Sexton) Threlkeld, at Kansas City, 
and started a livery stable. There were then only three resi- 
dences in the town. Geo. W. d. in 1851, aged 38. 



FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 2 — Treaty of peace with Mexico concluded. 
Feb. 3 — Stephen Johnston buys the Eades farm, three miles 
east of Platte City. 

Feb. 9 — Ann Strode, administratrix of Constant Strode. 
Henry Smith, administrator of Francis Early. 

Feb. 19 — Jacob Swope succeeds G. W. Goodlander as public 
administrator. 

MARCH. 

Uarch I — Dramshop licenses arc now granted to all appli- 
cants, l'<>r $30. divided equally between State and county. 

March 8 — S. S. Larose. administrator of W. G. Smith. Bond, 
si. (MM). 

March .''—The county purchases the X. W. 1 of See. 24, T. 54, 
R •">•!. lor a poor-house farm. The claim was bought, and the 
laud entered a1 si'oo. 

March 1 / — 1. P. Thompson, administrator of Shelby Graves. 
Bond, |400. 



1848, MARCH. 99 D. A. SUTTON. 



March 25 — Wm. Wilson, administrator <>f Samuel Wilson. 
Bond, |2,000. 

Jas. S. Thomas resigns as county treasurer, ;m<l -las. Kuyken- 
dall succeeds. Bond, $20,000. 

APBIL. 

April I — Many new Siato roads are established by the Legis- 
lature. Large damages arc claimed on the State roads from 
Parkville to Plattsburg, and from Weston to Plattsburg, for the 
right of way. 

DEMETRIUS A. SUTTON. 

\pril Jf — His estate was administered on by his son, John G. 
Sutton. Bond. $5,000. 

Hon. D. A. Sutton was l>. in 1795; m'd 1820, Garo Grant; re- 
sided in the Missouri bottom, above Farley. A fatal epidemic pre- 
vailed in 1848, in the vicinity of Farley, and Mr. Sutton was one 
of the victims. His wife's death followed three weeks later. He 
was a native of Fayette Co., Ky. He was a man of native intellect, 
as well as of educational acquirements. He was an excellent 
architect, and prepared the plan and specifications of our first 
court-house, and was superintendent of its construction. He 
also superintended the construction of the first bridge over Platte 
River, at Platte City. After the death of Dr. Holt, in 1840, he 
was chosen his successor in the Legislature. He was well read in 
literature and science, and agreeable as well as instructive in 
conversation. Oh: 

I. WILLIAM B. SUTTON, b. in 1821; d. in the West, April 20, 
1847, before his parents. He was a private in Maj. Jesse 
Morin's battalion of mounted volunteers in the Mexican 
War, and d. on duty. Never married. 
IT. HENRY D. SUTTON,' b. in 1831; m'dT)ct 0. 1856, Nancy Ban- 
ter, dr. of Thomas. Thev went to Texas. 
J II. JOHN G. SUTTON, b. May 2, 1823; m'd Dec. 27, 1849, Aurey 
Hunt, dr. of David, by his first wife. She died, leaving 
1. David; 2, Henry, both of whom died unmarried. 
John G. has married again, and lives in northwestern 
Missouri. 
IV. MARY T. SUTTON, b. March 15, 1832; m'd March 22, 1849, 
Marion Todd, son of Major William Todd isee), and b. in 
Clay Co., Mo., Aug. 10, 1823; d. in Bates Co., Mo.. Oct. 3. 
180::. She survives. Oh: 

1. Sarah Ellen Todd, b. May 13, 1850; m'd Feb. 1, 1871, 
Dr. John S. Tisdale, b. July 17. 1817; d. in Clay. May 
13, 1S74; buried at Todd Cemetery in Platte. Ch: 
[«] Fannie S. Tisdale. b. Dec. 6, 1871. 

9 



1848, APRIL. 100 NAT SCOTT. 

Sarah Ellen m'd 2d, Nov. 16, 1876, Peter H. Harsel. Oh: 
[&] Thos. L., b. March 11, 1878; [c] Mary P., b. 
June 22, 1883. 

2. Henry E. Todd, b. Dec. 28, 1851 ; d. in Colo., May 18, 1883. 

3 and 4. Wm. G. and Lucy F. (twins), b. Feb. 3, 1855. 
William is an epileptic. Lucy F. m'd Feb. 14, 1878, 
Alf. D. Moore. Ch: [«] Clinton C. Moore, b. May 
20, 1880; [&] Grace, b. June 5, 1883; others not 
recollected. 

5. Mollie Paulina Todd, b. April 4, 1857. 

6. John 8. Todd, b. Aug. 12, 1859 ; m'd Dec. 4, 1884, Amelia 

B. Stewart. Ch: [«] Marcus T., b. Sept. 22, 1885; 
[B] Mollie, b. Oct. 23, 1888; [c] Nellie May, b. Aug. 
13, 1890. 

7. Marcus P. Todd, b. March 9, 1863. 

8. Annie L. Todd, b. Nov. 26, 1865 ; m'd Oct. 6, 1885, W. H. 

Erwin. 
The Todd familv live in Merwin, Mo. 
V. RUTH ELLEN SUTTON, b. in 1826; m'd Geo. P. Southard; 
d. in Oct., 1863. Ch: 

1. Juliet Southard, m'd Feb. 28, 1872, Win. McWhirt. 

2. Elizabeth, 3. George D. Southard. 

NATHANIEL SCOTT'S 

Will probated, and W. C. Scott and Jos. Shannon qualify as 
executors. Bond, f 2,500. He left a widow and ch : 1, Elizabeth ; 
2, John L.; 3, Nathan. 4, Julian Clark. 5, Susan Cain. 6, Mary 
F. : 7, Ch. of Ben Snider. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

M ay 1— Expenditures $5,090.14 

Receipts 4,184.99 .f 905.14 

Add estimated debt, 1847 6,001.00 

Debt, 1848 $6,906.14 



1848, MAY. lol COUNTY FINANCES. 

PRINCIPAL EXPEX DITTJRES. 

Poor-house farm f 672.00 

Paupers 341.00 

Roads and bridges 241.00 

Assessor (Macey) L73.00 

Investigating committees 312.00 

County Court Justices 288.00 

Jail. .' 198.00 

Sheriff (Owen) 132.00 

Circuit Clerk (Norris) 2(58.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 913.00 

Miscellaneous 1,202.14 

Total $6,906.1J 

W. B. Almond resigns as county attorney. 
The county court orders a house to be built on the poor-house 
farm. 

EDWARD HERNDON. 

May 4 — His will probated, dated March 15, 1848. He was a 
wealthy and influential man. His widow, Rebecca, d. in May, 
1855. Ch: 

I. MARY C. HERNDON, m'd Rev.Robt.Scotta pioneer Presby- 
terian preacher, who built up Ridgely Academy, became 
involved, went to West Virginia, and died. Ch : 

1. Edward H. Scott. 2. James. 3. Maggie. 4. Robert. 
5. Kate. 6. John. 7. Paxton. 8. Louisa Scott. 
II. MARIA L. HERNDON, m'd John Darst. He d.. leaving 

1. Margaret, b. April 26, 1846; m'd Oct 8, 1867, Rev. T. 
R Valliant, b. in Talbot Co., Aid., April 12, 1835; 
came west, enlisted in the Confederate army, and 
served four years; went to Clarksville, Tenn.; was 
ordained an Episcopal minister in 1878, by Bishop 
Quintard; the same year commenced preaching at 
Weston, and in a short time came to Platte City to 
take charge of the business department of the Land- 
mark. Tn a short time he became proprietor and 
editor. He was a true friend of the South, and an 
ardent Democrat. He was a good writer of skel dies. 
proficient in rhetoric, but deficient in logic. Under 
his management the Landmark became an influential 
paper. His Christian spirit, kindness of heart, and 
his suavity of manner made him a general favorite. 
Though I repeatedly offered to pay for the paper, he 
would accept nothing. With so unselfish a spirit. 
he was always in pecuniary straits. Of course he 
was loved and trusted. Tn December. 1888, he de- 
termined to devote his life fullv to the ministry, and 



1848, MAY. 102 THE HERN DONS. 

the Landmark was sold to J. B. Mundy. But an 
insidious disease had already attacked his frame, 
and Feb. 6, 1890, he was called to a glorious reward. 
He was an ardent Mason, and found delight in the 
duties of that faternity. Ch: ["] Louise Valliant, 
b. Aug. 10, 1868; d. Aug. 5, 1890. She enjoyed the 
distinction of being the "Daughter of Belt Coin- 
mandery." But she did not live long to wear the 
mantle, which no other young lady has been thought 
worthy to take up. ['»] Laura Valliant, b. June 
30, 1878. [«] E. Darst Valliant, b. Oct. 6, 1875; an 
officer in the Camden Point Military Institute. 
[d] Augusta S., b. July 22, 1878; [e] Thos. R., b. June 
28, 1881; [f] Margaret, b. Dec. 9, 1885; [</] Varda M., 
b. Aug. 22, 1888. 
2. John E. Darst, b. Aug. 31, 1849; ni'd Cassie Elley, b. 
Feb. 13, 1855. Oh: [«] Elley Darst. Live in Bates 
County, Mo. 

III. SETH R. HERNDON, m'd Ange Shortridge. Ch : 

1. Dora. 

2. Judge W. 8. Herndon, b. Nov. 5, 1855; m'd Nov. 28, 1892, 

Maggie McPhetridge, of Plattsburg. He studied 
law and was enrolled a member of our bar April 4, 
1881. After practicing in Platte City, he removed 
Oct. 20, 1883, to Stewartsville, and thence to Platts- 
burg. Having received the Democratic nomination 
for judge of this circuit, he was elected in November, 
1892, to that office, wdiich he now holds. 

3. Albeit 8. Herndon. 4. Harry. 5. Julia. 

IV. EDWARD B. HERNDON, d. in Mav, 1853, unmarried. 

V. HENRY HERNDON, m'd March 31, 1863, Augusta A. Young. 
She died, and he married again. Thev live in California. 
VI. SUSANNA HERNDON, b. in Kentucky May 21, 1838; d. 
March 9, 1877; m'd Nov. 2, 1863, Huston McFarland, b. in 
Ste. Genevieve. Mo., Dec. 28, 1813; d. June 8. 1888. He 
removed to Cooper Co., Mo., and thence, in 1837, to Platte. 

He m'd 1st, by whom he had 

1. William McFarland, of Gallatin, Mo., a man highly 
csleemed and beloved. 
IInsioii McFarland had by his secofcd wife, Sus. B., ch: 
•_'. Maggie McFarland, b. Jan. 14, 1852; <1. Feb. 17, 1889: 

m'd Nov. 3, 1887, Arthur G. Mends. No ch. 
::. Mary McFarland, b. March 17, 1867; m'd Nov. 3, 1887. 
Clinton B. Cockrill, b. Sept 11, 1862, son of Clinton. 
Sr. They now live at the old Cockrill homestead, 
two miles west of Platte City. Mr. Cockrill is a man 
of business qualifications and financial ability. He 
is farming, and assisting his aged father in managing 
his largo estate: Ch : ["} Maggie May Cockrill. 



1848, MAY. 103 GEO. K. MITCHELL. 

b.Od. 5, L888; «1. June l l. L896; [''J Tims. M.. b. Sept. 
7. L890; |'J John, b. Feb. 8, L893. 
VIL SARAH E. HERNDON, m'd March 2, L860, E. S. Dalton. Ch: 
1. Mary Dalton. 2. Harry. 3. Robt. L., m'd Effie Smith, 
of Clinton. 4. William. 5. Junior Dalton. 

GEO. K. MITCHELL. 

May 6 — His estate was placed in charge of Mitchell & Collins. 
He m'd Elizabeth Walls. Ch: 

I. NANCY, m'd a Walker. 
II. MADISON W. MITCHELL. 1». in Woodford Co., K\.. Dec. L2, 
1811; came to Platte in 1844; m'd Feb. 8, 1838, Mary M. 
Guthrie, dr. of Wm., b. Dec. :;, L823; d. March 4, 1896. 

1. Thomas A. Mitchell, b. Sept. 4, 1848; m'd Dec. 22, 1870. 

Jennie McKinnin. Ch: ["] -John M., b. Nov. 1*4. 
1871; m'd Dec. 14, 1802, Lydia A. Wallace; [>>] Thos. 
F.. b. -Jan. J. 1873; [c] Hugh C, b. Nov. 18, 1S7»; : 
[''] Maud E., b. April 2, 1880; [e] Harry F., b. 
Aug. 18, 1882. 

2. Oscar B. Mitchell, b. Oct. 11, 1855; m'd Oct. 11, 1877, 

Emma Benner, dr. of Nic. Ch: ["] Ida Ruth; 
[6] Chas. D. 

3. Wm. W. Mitchell, d. April 12. 1888. 

Ceo. K. Mitchell left •*> sons in Kentucky: 1. Geo. B. 
2, Jas. W. •">, William. 

CAMDEN POINT FEMALE ACADEMY. 

Chiefly through the enterprise of Hon. Wm. M. Kincaid, of 
Camden Point, a joint stock association was formed, and eight 
acres of ground purchased for a female academy: The board of 
managers was composed of twelve men, each of whom subscribed 
$200. Their names: 1, John C. Bywaters; 2. Ed. P. Duncan: 
."!. John Freeland; 4, Jona. F. Forbis; 5, John W. Forbis; 6, Alt', 
-lack; 7, Hiram Jeter; 8, W. M. Kincaid: 9. W. M. Paxton; 
10, A. L. Perrin; 11, A. P. Reed; 12, Phinehas Skinner. Subscrip 
tions were circulated in all parts of the comity, and the necessary 
amount was raised. 

May 20 — The county courl appropriated $100 to buy a 
money safe. 

JUNE. 

June 5 — James EL Biggs' estate administered on bv J. P. 



•>->-* 



Thompson. Bond. $1,000. 

SAM'L R. HUGHES. 

Sam'l R. Hughes' estate administered on by Smith Calvert. 
Loud, $2,000. Mr. Hughes was the only son of Judge M. M. 



1848, JUNE. 104 FANNY OWENS. 

Hughes He was intemperate, and, with him, the name became 
extinct in Judge Hughes' posterity. Samuel m'd Ann W. Calvert, 
dr. of Smith. She survived her husband, and d. childless July 6, 
1851, aged 22. 

, M. N. Owen is paid by the county f 75 for taking the census of 
the county. 

June 6 — Joseph James' estate administered on by Barbara 
James. Bond, $500. 

The county court appropriates $300 to pave in front of the 
court-house. 

June 12 — John Adams' estate administered on by Geo. Gab- 
bert. Bond, $3,500. 

FANNY OWENS. 

Fanny Owens' will probated, and J. W. Vineyard qualifies as 
executor. Bond, $40,000. She was the widow of the celebrated 
Sam'l Owens, of Independence, Mo., who fell at the battle of 
Sacramento, in the Mexican War, by a suicidal exposure of him- 
self. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Owens came to Platte 
to dwell among her relatives — the Vineyards, Mitchells, and 
Williams. 

JULY. 

July 3 — Henry Lowman's estate administered on by Jacob 
Swope. 

WILSON POTTER. 

Wilson Potter's will probated, and Holland and Potter 
qualify as executors. He names in his will no widow, and men- 
tions only part of his children : 1, Mary Ann Boydston ; 2, Sarah 
Jones, who had died, leaving ch: [°] Anna M. Jones; [ & ] Wilson 
W. Jones; [c]Eliz. Jones; 3. John Potter. 

WILLIAM MALOTT . 

William Mnlott's will probated, and his widow, Christina 
(Moore) Malott, qualifies as executrix. Ch: 

I. JOHN SOUTH MALOTT, m'd Sarah B. McAlexander. He 
was a farmer, and a man of note in his day. He sold to 
Simpson Park his fine farm, tour miles southeast of Platte 
Oity. Ch: 

1. Polly Malott, m'd Joel Turner Moore (first wife), who 

will lie no1 iced. 

2. 1//// /.'. Malott, b. May 23. 1850; m'd April 28, 1870. 

John L. Piburn, b. Jnlv 10, 1840. in Ray Co. Ch: 

["] Simon O. Piburn, b. June 20. 1S72: |" h ] Jas. W.. b. 

Dec. 27. 1874: [©] f4eorao. b. Nov. 0. 1S77; [<?] Milton, 



1848, JULY. 105 THE MALOTTS. 



b. Oct. 1. L88G; [e] Franklin, b. June 22, 1882; 

[/'] Grant, b. An- 8, L885; ['■'] Isaac I.. April 26, 

1888; [''] Sallie, !.. Dec. 30, L891. 
3. Alice Malott, iu'd .Ins. Flgin. Live in Colorado. 
L Geo. Malott. 5. Izona Malott, \\\\\ Robert Gregory. 
6. Melissa Malott, m'd Schuyler Gregory. 7. Wmt (!., m'd 

Emma Rogers. 8. Eulda •/.. m'd .lames F. Taylor. 
!». John IF., b. Sept. 20, 1870. 10. Kate, m'd Peyton Wade. 
n. ELIZ. J. COLLINS. 

III. JOSEPH MALOTT. 

IV. WILLIAM MALOTT. 
V. MARY J. MALOTT. 

VI. KATE MALOTT, m'd Madison Rogers. 

VII. JASPER N. MALOTT. m'd Mary F. Moore. 

VIII. SALLIE MALOTT. m'd Franklin Starkie. 

IX. REBECCA MALOTT. m'd John Rogers. 
X. LOUISA MALOTT, m'd Dan'l Dunagan. 

XL ANDREW MALOTT, lives in Kansas. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 4 — Rpv. Edmund Wright, Presbyterian minister, buys 
property iu Weston. 

THE ELECTION. 

Presidential Tote: Z. Taylor (Whig), 1.302.242; Cass (Demo- 
crat), 1,223,795; Van Buren (Free Soil). 291 ,378. Austin A. King- 
was chosen Governor; Wm. P. Hall reelected to Congress, from 
the 4th District, by a majority of 0.422. over E. M. Samuel (Whig). 

Count// Ticket: Representatives. II. L. Wilkinson and A. M. 
Robinson; Sheriff, M. X. Owen; County Justices, Baraett, Wood, 
and Chinn. 

Aug. 9 — The Roman Catholic Church of Weston buy Block 1. 
for a church lot. 

C. R. P. Wentworth is appointed guardian for his wife, who 
is declared insane. 

Aug. 15 — The people of Barry bny a site for a schoobhouse. 

Aug. JS — The county mad running east from Main Street. 
Platte City, after much litigation, is established. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. '/ — The site of the Quinn school house is purchased. 
The site of Camden Point public school is bonght. 

JAMES C. LINDSAY. 

Sept. 9 — His estate is administered on by Emily Lindsay. 
Bond. $1,200. James C. Lindsay lii came from Pennsylvania in 



1848, SEPT. 106 MARRIAGES. 

1S3S with Emily, his wife, and settled near Bee Creek Mills. She 
was killed, a year after her husband's death, by a fall from a horse. 
Their only ch : 

I. JAMES C. LINDSAY (ii), b. July 15. 1840; m'd Feb. 29, 1S65, 
Ruth Crutchfield. They live near Woodruff. Ch : 

1. Edward G. Lindsay, m'd Dec. 20, 1891, Ida McClain, dr. 

of A. J. Ch: I'') Thurman. 

2. Lida Lindsay, m'd Jan. 31, 1894, Jas. T. Fairhurst. 

3. Cora £., m'd Feb. 28, 1894, B. M. Van Meter. 

4. Jos. H. Lindsay. 5. Jas. P. G. Sallie. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. lit — Bishop Kendrick buys a site in the N. E. \ of See. 31, 
T. 51, R. 34, for a Roman Catholic church. 

Judge Wm. B. Barnett, of the county court, disappears, but 
returns with excuses for his absence. Yet subsequently he leaves 
to return no more, much to the embarrassment of his creditors. 

W. L. Blanton locates at Platte City as a shoemaker. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 7 — Matthias Masten's estate administered on by Lem. 
Sparks. Bond, |500. He was one of the justices of the peace 
appointed. by the county court of Clay. His only child, Joseph, 
died before him. 

Thos. W. Davis buys property in Parkville. 

Trices : Bacon, hams, 4 cents; beeves, 2-J cents; coffee. 10 
cents; corn, 20 cents; hemp, per ton, flOO; hogs, dressed. 2 J cents; 
sugar, 6| cents; wheat, 70 cents. 

MARRIAGES IX 1848 NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED. 

February 14, Elisha Green (ii) m'd Eliz. J. Hamilton. 
March 10, John Houls m'd Eliz. S. Bowman. 
March 30. Ben Grable m'd Serilda Rose. 
May 16. Peter Klamm m'd Margaret Brenner. 
June 20. Jacob Cox m'd Susan Noble. 



is lit, JAN. 107 BUSINESS. 



1849. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, A. A. King; Congressman, \V. 1'. Hall; Repre- 
sentatives, 11. L. Wilkerson, A. M. Robinson; Circuit Judge> S. L. 
Leonard; Circuit Clerk,Ira Norris; County .lust ices, W. B. Barnett, 
R. Chinn, and L. J. Wood; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Sheriff, 
M. N. Owen; Treasurer, J. S. Thomas; Assessor, E. M. Dobson; 
Public Administrator, Jacob Swope; Surveyor, Israel May. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Shubal Allen, \Y. B. Almond, 
Jas. H. Baldwin, Jas. Oardenhire, Thos. Herndon, 1. N. Jones, E. H. 
Norton,, Amos Rees, Jas. (i. Spratt, J. S. Thomas, H. M. Vories. 
John Wilson. 

Physicians — Wm. Baldwin, H. B. Callahan, F. Marshall, N. 
M. Shrock. 

Merchants, etc. — Black & Dickson, Blanton, Brown, Ferrier, 
Fleshman, Horr, Hyatt, Green, Gaines, Johnston (postmaster;, 
S. Johnston, R. D. Johnston, McCausland & Branham, Murray & 
Freeland, Remington & Kuykendall, Townsend, Martin & Morin. 

At Weston: Attorneys — L. D. Bird, J. N. Burnes, John Doni- 
phan, J. R. Hardin, J. R. Tylee. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Malin, Ridley, Fulton. 

Merchants, etc. — Basye, Bell & Venable, Belt, Blanjour, 
Burnes & Bros., Bowman, Cody, Dye, Ferguys & Ranson, Knud- 
son, Hattenback & Desseaux, Holladay, Noble, Owen & Estill. 
Perrys & Young, Post & Railey, Parrotts, Rich & Wilson. Wall- 
ingford. Went worth, Wood. 

At Parkville: Aspling & Stephens, Burney, Davis, Embry, 
Barnes, Crust, Hord, Nash, Summers. Ringo. 

.1/ Yew Market: Armstrong. Bishop, Cartwright, Singleton. 

At Ridgely: Adams, Ellington, Oden, Phillips, Hill. 

. 1 / Farley: Stiles, Burnes & Co. 

JANUARY. 
Jan. 20 — The bridge over Sugar < 'rook is finished. 



*&' 



THE ADKLNS FAMILY. 

Jan. 2o — Edwin <!. Adkins died. He was b. in Owen Co., Ky, 
in 1800; m'd in 1823, Eli/.. Garvey, dr. of Job Garvey, a soldier of 
the Revolutionary War. She survived her husband, and died 
April 4, 1883. In ls:!4 the family came to Lewis Co., Mo., and in 
1846 to Platte, settling three miles southeast of Plat to City. < Jh : 
I. BEAUFORT) I). ADKINS. b. in Owen Co., Kv.. Nov. 15, 1824; 



1849, JAN. 108 THE ADKINS. 

d. in Platte, Jan. 21, 1878; m'd Jnne 3, 1847, Margaret F. 
Bivins, b. Feb. 16, 1831, in Clay; d. in 1895. She was a sis- 
ter to the widows of Daniel Carey and John Cain. Mr. Ad- 
kins was an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, living 
six miles southeast of Platte City. Ch: 

1. Lizzie Adkins, b. Dec. 7, 1848; m'd Jan. 21. 1868, John 

L. Collier, b. in 1836 ; d. March 23, 1896. They lived in 
Kansas City. Ch: [«-] Maggie Collier, m'd Clark 
Simpson; [.&] Lucy, m'd June 14, 1893, W. L. Rock; 
[c] Annie D. 

2. Jas. D. Adkins, b. May 29, 1852. 

3. Anna, m'd Oct. 15, 1871, Dav. E. Pendleton. 

4. Nora B. Adkins, b. Sept. 30, 1859; m'd Jan. 22, 1883, 

John L. Baldwin, of Clay. 

5. HattieH. Adkins, b. Feb. 7, 1862; m'd Sept. 14, 1886, G. 

M. Adair, of Illinois. Ch: [<*] Willie. 

6. Willie Adkins, b. May 1, 1864; m'd Nov. 19, 1885, W. L. 

Black, of Kansas City. 

7. Ben). G. Adkins, b. May 5, 1866; m'd Mamie Clark, and 

lives in Springfield, Mo. 

8. Ella 0. Adkins, b. Dec. 8. 1868; m'd Sept. 10, 1889, Rev. 

James Froman, of the Cumberland Presbvterian 
Church. 

9. Minnie D. Adkins, b. Nov. 17, 1871 ; m'd Sept. 28, 1892, 

Benj. F. Oldham 
fl. JAMES ADKINS, b. in Owen Co., Ky., Dec. 7, 1830; d. at 
Jefferson City, Mo., Feb. 6, 1885; m'd May 27, 1851, Calista 
Remington, b. May 4, 1830, in Vermilion Co., 111., and now a 
widow in Platte City. Mr. Adkins was a politician of popu- 
larity and distinction. He went to Atchison Co., Kansas, 
prior to the war, and was elected sheriff of the county, mem- 
ber of a Constitutional Convention, and of the Legislature. 
But he was not allowed, for political reasons, to take his 
seat in the House. Returning to Platte, he served as dep- 
uty sheriff, under Bryant, and was three times elected 
representative; he died in office. 

Mr. Adkins was one of my intimate friends, and in the 
embroglio of Ring and Sorehead, we stood shoulder to 
shoulder, in support of the latter. A stanza from one of 
the poems T published in his memory expresses my appreeia 
lion of his character: 

A bold and magnanimous knight, 

He knew neither fear nor reproach; 
On innocence, virtue, and right 

He suffered no man to encroach. 
Impetuous, firm, and severe. 

Discouragement quickened his zeal; 
And prudent, when dangers were nenr. 
Tl is nerves wore as rigid as steel. 



1849, JAN. 109 THE ADKINS. 



His children: 

1. Edwin /.'. Idkins, i». May I. 1852; m'd Dec 17. 1S7::. Har- 

riet L. Searcy; went to Utah. 

2. Eugene R. Adkms, b. Oct. L2, L854; d. July 21, 1880; m'd 

Sept. 2, 1879, Carrie King. 

3. Frank I'. Adkins, b. Oct •'!. L856; m'd in Utah. 

4. Helen C. Adkins, b. Aug. 4, 1860; m'd Jan. 7. 1880, Jas. 

Wren, b. Sept. !». L844. Be is an enterprising and 
prosperous farmer, Living three miles northwest of 
Platte Citv. Oh: ["] Hula Wren. b. Dec. 25, 1880; 
[»] Jas. A., b. May 5, L882; [o] Susan E. Wren. b. 
Jan. 7, 1888. 

5. Joel M. Adkins, b. Nov. 10, 18G2. 

6. Birdie, b. April 23, 1865; m'd Jan. 6, 1S86, Thos. J. 

Thatcher, of Smithville. 

7. James G. Adkins, b. Feb. 1:5, 1869. 

III. GRANVILLE ADKINS, m'd Dee. 16, 1856, Medelina (Delia) 

Patterson. She was the only child of the distinguished 
Prof. Arch. Patterson and his wife, a Miss Kemper, of 
Walnut Hills, Cincinnati. She was a lady of superior 
education and accomplishments. She died childless. May 
31, 1875, in Leavenworth, and was buried at Platte City. 
Mr. Adkins is still single, and lives at St. Joseph. He repre 
sented Buchanan County in the Legislature and was coal 
oil inspector. 

IV. AMANDA M. ADKINS, b. in Lewis Co., Mo., Sept. 15, 1837; 

d. at Winchester, Kan., Oct. 15, 1881; buried at Platte City; 
m'd April 21, 1854, \V. C. Remington, b. March 8, 1819j d. at 
Omaha, Neb., Dec. 20, 1S64 ; buried at Platte City. He came 
to Platte City in 1813; was appointed assessor, and subse- 
quently elected circuit clerk. He refused to take the oath 
required by the ousting ordinance, and opened a hotel in 
Omaha. His handsome brick residence in Platte City was 
burned in July, 1864, by Federal orders. 

He first m'd July 2. 1848, Sarah J. Kuykendall, dr. of 
Judge James, who d. Aug. 30, 1853, leaving 

1. Jennie Remington, who m'd Sept. 28, 1871, W. L. 

Blakely. They live in Denver. 
By second wife: 

2. Craight Remington, b. 1855; d. in Kansas. Feb. 13, 1882. 

3. Jas. ^Y. Remington, m'd Laura Johnson; and d. in Leav- 

enworth, leaving 7 ch. 

4. May (a boy), lives in Kansas City. 
V. JANE ADKINS. m'd Howard Conlev. 

V I. JOHN ADKINS, d. Sept. 5, 1868. 

VII. WALLER ADKINS. <1. April 20. 1868. 



1849, FEB. 110 TO CALIFORNIA. 

FEBRUARY. 

EMIGRATION TO CALIFORNIA GOLD MIXES. 

Feb. 3 — The discovery of gold in California creates intense 
excitement. Wm. B. Almond, an old mountaineer, as well as an 
educated and accomplished jurist, forms a company of forty emi- 
grants, and draws up a constitution for their government. The 
volume in which their proceedings were recorded has lately come 
to light. It is now a record of the San Francisco Court of First 
Instance, and was used as a minute book in the court over which 
Gen. Almond presided, from October 17, 1849. to May 6. 1850. 
The book shows the company was organized February 3. 1849. 
The last entry is July 29, 1849, when the company reached Fort 
Sutter, and dissolved, with a vote of thanks to Capt. Almond for 
his discretion, enterprise, and energy. Among the emigrants of 
1849 I remember: W. B. Almond, ""W. K. Bane, G. F. Dorriss, 
Perry Keith, Ben Holladay. R. Mat. Johnston, Richard Murphy, 
John S. and Wm. Brasfield, R. P. Wood. John G. Hayden. Platte 
sent 350 emigrants. 

Holladay & Warner sent a train to Salt Lake with .$70,000 
in goods. 

Feb. 5 — John Doniphan enrolled as an attorney. 

The county court appropriates $1,000, and appoints Dr. H. 
D. Oden commissioner, to build a bridge over Platte, at Skinner's 
Mill. A further amount is raised by subscription. 

PLATTE RIVEE NAVIGATION. 

Feb. 27 — An act of the Legislature incorporated "The Platte 
River Navigation Company," with J. H. Baldwin, Elisha Green, 
Andrew Johnson, Jas. Kuykendall, Hugh Swaney. and John Wil- 
son, directors, with power to make locks and dams, and to create 
water-power. Nothing was done. 

MARCH. 

\farch •? — Rev. Geo. S. Woodward, a graduate of Bowdoin 
('ollciic commences preaching to the Presbyterian Church at 
Parkville, with only three members, aud yet a house of worship 
;ni(] ;i parsonage are built. He laid a foundation for the immense 
work that followed at Parkville. 

March 10 — The office of county treasurer is made elective, and 
an election appointed for August. 

The Jackson pro-sla very resolutions passed bythe Legislature, 
and the Democratic party is disrupted in Missouri. 



1849, MARCH. Ill COUNTY FINANCES 

BEMP. 

There were no fall rains, and hemp was covered throughout 
the winter by from 10 (<> 15 inches of snow. The spring opened 
with continued rains. The price was $4, and ;it thai sum I en 
gaged 125 tons before the niarkei opened. The farmers were late 
in breaking out their hemp, but all was saved. 

APRIL. 

April 'i — Lewis J. Wood resigns as county court justice, and 
Peter Rogers is appointed in his place. 

April IS— A copy of the Pl«tt< Argus of this date is extant. 
J. W. Denver is editor. The California fever is raging. 

Prices: Bacon and lard, 1) cents; coffee, 10 cents; corn. 50 
cents; sugar, cents. The county court pays $12 for a cow and 
calf for the poor-house. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Warrants drawn $8,398.75 

Revenue collected 6.922.1 7 

Deficit $1,476.58 

Purpose of Expenditures. 

Poor-house and poor $1,769.00 

Assessor 89.00 

County Justices 160.00 

Roads, besides Internal Improvement Fund 160.00 

Jail son 

Treasurer (Thomas) 279.00 

Sundries 1,376.75 

Printing 2.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 1.077.00 

County Attorney 150.00 

Paving 800.01) 

Sheriff (Owen) 255.00 

Circuit Clerk (Norris) 64.00 

Bridges 2.4:55.00 



$8,398. 



* .> 



County levy. .°>0 cents. Assessment of real estate. $1,091,155. 
State school moneys, $1,236.31. 

Remington & Kuvkendall buv of Dorriss Lot 1. Block 29 
Platte Citr. 



1849, MAY. 112 THE BOWMANS. 

May 7 — Fielding Cockrill is appointed commissioner to build 
a bridge over Burckhartt's Branch. 

Judge W. B. Barnett appears, after his escapade, and takes his 
seat as county judge. In his absence the court had recommended 
Geo. T. Hulse. 

Phinehas Skinner takes out ferry license, at Ringold, until 
the bridge is finished. 

May 9 — Senator Benton publishes his appeal from the resolu- 
tions passed by the Legislature, denouncing them as treasonable. 

James Kuykendall is appointed treasurer until the next gen- 
eral election in August. 

Isaac Eades' estate is administered on by John Eades. Isaac 
nrd Harriet Brunts, dr. of John. 

May 15 — Alex. Baker is appointed administrator of Richard 
Dillon. ' 

May 27 — Mount Zion Baptist Church buys a site for a house 
of worship in Sec. 20, T. 54, R. 33. 

May 30 — Eliezer Wilhite buys property in Weston, ajnd erects 
a steam flouring mill. 

This month the great fire in St. Louis occurred; 23 steamers 
and $2,750,000 worth of property burned. 

JUNE. 

SAMUEL BOWMAN. 

June 2 — Samuel Bowman's estate is administered on by L. P. 
Stiles. His will is dated May 22, 1849. He had a beautiful bot- 
tom farm, near Parley. His widow's name was Jane, and their ch : 
I. GEO. W. BOWMAN, 
n: MICHAEL BOWMAN, d. single. 
TH. JACOB BOWMAN, died, and his only child soon followed, 

leaving his widow, Sarah, sole heir. 
TV. HENRY, d. in Jan., 1803, leaving a widow, Sarah, and a child: 
1. Mary J. 
V. HARBISON. 
VI. EDWARD. 
\TT. THOS. H. 
VTH. JOHN M. 
TX. SARAH BOWMAN, m'd March 16, 1848, John Honts. Ch: 

1. J a roh. 
X. LAVINIA, m'd McClain. 
XT. SAMUEL BOWMAN (ii). 

June .1 — Humphrey Finch's estate administered on by Finch & 
Muore. 

OBED BROWN, SR. 

His estate was administered on by W. M. Paxton. He was 
born in Ohio. ; md there lie was married, and there his wife died In 



L849, JUNE. 113 THE BROWNS. 

L838 he came to Platte, wii li his children, and se1 1 led on Wildcat 
Branch of Todd's < 'reck. Several of his children never came west. 
Those that came: 

I. OBEt) BROWN (ii), m'd Eliza Groverand will be noticed. 
II. LOIS BROWN, was the second wife of Barnel Sisk. 

III. LUMMUS BROWN, m'd Feb. 8, L848, Drusilla, dr. of Leonard 

Prunty. 

IV. CLARISSA BROWN, m'd Jed. Brunt. v. and went to Kansas. 

June 6 — Ooleby Powell's estate administered on by R. F. 
Mason. Bond, $7,000. 

PLATTE CITY BRIDGE. 

For some years after this bridge was built, the trestle at its 
center was left standing, but it was washed out by drift that 
lodged against it. The bridge then careened over, and threatened 
to fall up stream. But a stout brace was fastened in the rock bot 
torn of the river, and secured it. But this was liable to bo torn 
out by drift, and the court appoints Elisha Green commissioner, 
and appropriates $1,500 to erect a pier in the middle of the si ream. 

David Cordray's estate administered on by John Doniphan. 

June 10 — B. F. Warren's estate administered by John Meek. 

WILLIAM O. TATE. 

William O. Tate's estate was administered on by Lydia Tate. 
Bond. $2,200. He was an officer in J. Morin's company, and was 
severely wounded in New Mexico. He came home, and died 
March 10, 1849. He m'd in 1825, Lydia Sloan, b. May L5, 1804, 
d. Jan. 18, 1894. She was a dr. of David Sloan. < 5h : 
I. ROBERT, lives single. 
II. JAMES TATE, m'd Miranda B. Lewis, dr. of Judge D. P. 
Lewis. She d. Nov. L3, 1894. He is a prosperous farmer, 
four miles southeasi of Platte City. Ch: 

1. Wm. O. Tate (ii). 

2. Da nl Boone Tate, m'd Aug. 9, L896, Ida B. Armstrong. 
::. John W. Tate, m'd Etta Cole. 

4. Tollman Tote. 

5. Benj. F. Tate, m'd Aug. 20, 1872, Cyrena Sloan. 
G. David Tate. 

7. Jennie Tate, m'd March 14, 1875, Manns A. Cox, d. 
s. Belle Tate. 

III. NANCY J. TATE, m'd John Boyd, who left her. 

IV. ALEX. TATE, killed in a well. 

V. MINERVA A XX TATE, m'd Wm. Allison, and lives in Kan 
sas City. 5 ch: 
VI. JODN A.'TATE. 

June 16 — Senator Benton spoke in Liberty against the resolu- 
tions passed by the Legislature. 
8- 



1849, JUNE. 114 THE COCKRILLS. 

THE COCKRILL FAMILY. 

June 19 — Felix G. Cockrill, a merchant of Weston, died, and 
his widow, Elizabeth, administered, with Fielding Cockrill, giving 
bond for $30,000. 

The father of the Cockrill brothers was Joseph Cockrill, of 
Maryland. He m'd Nancy Lucas, and removed to Fayette Co., 
Ky., and here the sons were born. The family removed to Howard 
Co., Mo., and thence to Randolph Co. Here Joseph, the father, 
died in 1826. His widow came to Platte, and died in 1853. In 
1842 the three brothers came to Platte. Felix G. went into the 
mercantile business in Weston, and Fielding and Clinton settled 
three miles west of Platte City, on a splendid body of land. Ch: 

I. FIELDING COCKRILL, 

Born in Fayette Co., Ky., April 10, 1804; d. in Platte Jan. 28, 
1852; m'd Sept. 3, 1834, Martha A. Chapman, b. April 6, 1806; d. 
Sept. 4, 1859. She was a dr. of Edmund Chapman, b. Jan. 3, 1764. 
Mr. Cockrill was tall and imposing in person, formal in address, 
deliberate in speech, and sound in judgment. After engaging 
successfully in various enterprises in Randolph County, Mr. Cock- 
rill came to Platte, and selected, three miles west of Platte, a fer 
tile and beautiful farm, and was accumulating wealth, when death 
called him away. Ch: 

I. EDMUND CHAPMAN COCKRILL, b. in Randolph Co. Feb. 
4, 1840; d. at Kansas City Nov. 11, 1892, and buried at 
Platte City; m'd Feb. 3, 1863, Lucretia McCluer, b. Nov. 
24, 1840; living in Platte City. She was a dr. of Maj. John 
H. McCluer and Ann McGrew; and a most lovely woman. 
Mr. Cockrill was a gentleman of education, business quali- 
fications, and urbane address. He held the offices, suc- 
cessively, of treasurer and collector of Platte County. 
1 !<■ was a zealous member of the Christian Church in Platte 
City, an elder of the church, and a superintendent of 
the Sabbath-school. He removed to Kansas City a few 
years before liis death. His generous heart and liberal 
hand caused him to live beyond his income, and he left 
little more than a good name to his widow and children. 

1. Emma, b. Feb. 25, 1864; m'd May 13, 1886, Archie R. 

•lack. b. May 20, 1S55. Mr. .lack is a son of the late 
Alfred -lack, is cashier of the Platte City Exchange 
Bank, ami is regarded as one of the best accountants 
in the State. He enjoys universal confidence and 
esteem. Oh: ["] Lu'cia a M.. lack, b. March 23, 1887; 
[6] Archie O, b. Oct. 28, 1SSS; ['•] Gordon L„ b. 
Oct. 27, 1890. 

2. Joseph <-<><L- rill. h. Feb. <;. L866. 
::. Frank M., b. Dec. 24. 1869. 



1849, JUNE. 115 THE COCKRILLS. 

4. Mattie L. Cockrill, b. March 7, 1872; m'd Jan. 1, 1895, 
J as. T. Clark. 

Mr. Cockrill served a term in Winston's regiment of Con- 
federates, lie \v;ts a Knighl Templar, and was buried with 
the honors of the order. 
11. F. GRUNDY COCKRILL, b. March 23, 1X47; d. Oct. 28, 1879; 
m'd Oet. 18, 1866, Cynthia Tribble, b. Nov. 23, 1849; living 
at Tracy. He was a man of engaging address, gentle man- 
ners, and much beloved for Ins amiable disposition. He 
received a finished education at Bethany College, Va., and, 
from 1872 until his death, he was the senior member of the 
banking firm of Cockrill & Co., at Platte City. We were 
friends, and met daily in our respective duties; and when 
cut off by death, I paid him a poetic tribute, from which 1 
copy a stanza : 

We grieve not if the fruit-tree die, 

Before it blooms, or after bearing; 
But o'er its lovely flowers we sigh, 

If rudely crushed by hand unsparing. 
Farewell ! the flower so harshly crushed 

In heaven is now in beauty blooming: 
Farewell! the lamp that feebly flushed 

Is now the throne of God illuming. 

His children: 

1. Lizzie M. Cockrill b. July 24, 1876; m'd Nov. 23, 1887. 

John A. Bryant. They live in Kansas City. 
2 Clarence L., b.'Oct. 8, 1869. 

3. Nellie M., b. March 17. 1ST:'.; m'd Oct. 1, 1891, Arthur 

Meads. 

4. C,nn«l ii, b. Oct. 10. 1878. 

5. Cynthia (Genie), b. Oct. 6, 187(5; m'd Oct. 29, 1895, 

Andrew B. Fish. 
III. WILLIAM F. COCKRILL. b. March 5, L851; m'd Oct. 3, 1872, 
Helen Cockrill (cousin), b. July 11. 1854, dr. of Clinton Cock- 
rill. Their ch : 

1. Walter Cockrill, b. Oct. 2.",, 1880. 

2. Coates, b. Oct. 27. 1884. 

Mr. Cockrill became intemperate, was divorced, and now 
lives in Chicago. 

II. CLINTON COCKRILL, 

Born in Fayette Co., Ky„ April 10, 1810; m'd Sept. 29, 1836, Mary 
E. Coates, b. April 25, 1822, dr. of Judge Thomas P. Coates, of 
Randolph Co.. Mo. Both are living at Platte City. Mr. Cockrill 
learned the hatter's business, but never engaged in it. He also 
tried merchandising with success, in Randolph Co., Mo. In 1842 
he came to Platte, with his brothers, and settled three miles west 
of Platte City. He purchased a large tract of land, which he dis- 



1849, JUNE. 116 THE COCKRILLS. 

tributed among his children. He is the largest capitalist in the 
county, and is still wealthy, though he has advanced his children 
largely. He loans money on real estate, makes his office in the 
Exchange Bank, and, though hard of hearing and of defective 
sight, manages his large estate with judgment and success. His 
insight into character is remarkable, and his judgment is so pro 
found that he is seldom deceived. The aged couple celebrated 
their golden wedding in 1886, and on every birthday of the father 
the whole family gather around their parents. Mrs. Cockrill yet 
seems a young woman. Mr. Cockrill depends upon his own judg- 
ment in all his dealings. He never formed a partnership, and has 
but seldom had a lawsuit. Ch: 

I. EMMA COCKRILL, b. Oct. 1, 1845; m'd Nov. 25, 1862, John 
W. Spratley. They live in Leavenworth. Emma is now a 
fresh, hale, and hearty woman, and though moving in the 
highest sphere of society, is zealous in every good work. 
She graduated at Prof. H. B. Todd's Academy, and by read- 
ing and by literary association keeps up with the learning 
of the day. She has traveled extensively, and has seen 
much of the world. Mr. Spratley has a turn for financial 
schemes, and has profited by his superior judgment and 
acumen. Ch: 

1. John Spratley, Jr. 
II. THOMAS G. COCKRILL, b. Oct. 3, 1849 ; m'd Nov. 22, 1870, 
Bettie Chesnut, b. May 25, 1852, dr. of Judge Wm. Chesnut. 
After receiving a good education, Mr. Cockrill became a 
member of thebanking firm of Merryman,Paxton& Cockrill. 
in Platte City, and was cashier for the house. But he re- 
moved to a fine farm, five miles east of Platte City, and is 
engaged in raising stock. He is generous and honorable, 
and enjoys universal esteem. Mrs. Cockrill is a lovely 
woman, beautiful in person and fascinating in her man- 
ners. Ch : 

1. Dr. Chesnut Cockrill b. Sept. 14, 1871; m'd Sept. 23, 

1896, Nellie Oaks. 

2. Ida. 3. June Cockrill b. April 10, 1878. 4. David. 
5. Grundy. 6. Lucetta. 7. Narbomie. 

in. FIELDING (FEDE) N. COCKRILL, b. Dec. 4, 1851; m'd 
March 18, 1880, Dora B. Moore, dr. of John. 

IV. HELEN C. COCKRILL, noticed above, m'd April 16, 1891. 
Byron Woodson, a young lawyer of finished education and 
superior mquirements. He practiced in Platte City and 
St. Joseph, but is now on the ancestral farm of the Cock- 
rills. Ch: 
1. Jarvis Woodson. 
V. CLINTON BARTLETT COCKRILL, b. Sept. 11, 1862; m'd 
Nov. 3, 1887, Mary Mr-Farland. (See.) 

VT. ELLA MAY COCKRILL, b. Dec. 24, 1865; m'd Feb. 11, 1885, 
John T. Mason, b. Nov. 4, 1860. He is a man of native mind 



1849, JUNE. 117 SENATOR BENTON. 

and solid acquirements. He is an amateur in photography, 
and keeps an office in Platte City. He has erected a spa- 
cious and costly residence near Platte City, and the old 
people, parents of -Mrs. .Mason, live with their daughter. 
Ella May is a small, sweet, pure, and lovely woman. < >h : 

1. M.M. Mason, h. March 9. 1887. 

2. Emlie Mason, b. Jan. 22, 1889. 

III. FELIX G. COCKRILL, 

Born in Fayette Co., Ky., Dec. 27, 1811; m'd in 1S42, in Randolph 
Co., Mo., Eliz. Oxley; came on to Weston, and engaged in the dry 
goods trade. He d. June 19, 1849, leaving an estate of $20,000. 
which was divided between his widow and his brothers. The 
widow m'd Aug. 10, 1852, Perry Keith, and died, leaving no child 
by either husband. Mr. Keith m'd 2d. March 19, 185G, Mrs. Emma 
Mulhurn, ne'e Boyd. 

SENATOR BENTON. 

June 18 — Senator Benton spoke at Platte City, in support of 
his appeal to the people from the Jackson resolutions, passed 
March 10, 1849, intended to instruct Benton out of the Senate. In 
his circuit of the State, Benton appeared at Platte City. A stand 
had been erected, where Koster's Addition was subsequently laid 
off. The town was full of people opposed to Benton. At the 
stand there w T ere only two or three hundred. Representative 
Wilkerson, who had voted for the resolutions, took a prominent 
place, immediately in front of the speaker. 1 was reclining on the 
grass, in the rear, conversing with Col. J. W. Reid, wdio had just 
returned from the Mexican War. Suddenly. Benton's voice rose 
to its highest pitch, and Col. Reid instantly sprang to his feet, and 
dashed to the stand. I followed, and found him standing at Bon- 
ton's side, with two revolvers in hand, and two more at his sides. 
Wilkerson having pronounced some statemeni of Benton's "a lie," 
the latter was pouring bitter denunciation on the treasonable 
Legislature, and pointing the finger of scorn and the voice of im- 
precation upon the pale and crouching form of Wilkerson. Ben- 
ton was severe in his denunciation of Judge Birch, and brought 
charges for which a suit of slander was instituted, but which never 
came to trial. 

June 21 — William Brown, a merchant of Plalte City, having 
died, James W. Denver was appointed administrator. Mr. Brown 
left a widow, who still lives in Kansas City, and a dr., Laura V. 
Brown, who m'd Feb. 2. 1860, A. Milton Johnston, son of Capt. R. 
D. Johnston. Ch: 1. Milton; 2. Robt. !>.: ". Albert L. 



1849, JUNE. 118 A. ROSS. 

ALEX. ROSS. 

June 22 — Alex. Ross having died, Andrew Tribble adminis- 
tered. Bond, f 4,000. He m'd Jane Stewart, dr. of Arch. Stewart 
and Elizabeth Tribble, a sister of Andrew. Mrs. Ross had two 
ch: 1, Wm. A. Ross; 2, Sue Ross. The latter was a lovely and 
accomplished lady. She m'd A. L. Reneau, who d., leaving two 
children. Jane, the widow of Alex. Ross, m'd John Smith, who 
died, leaving a widow and one child. The child died, leaving the 
real estate to its mother, Jane Smith, who m'd Z. A. Washburn, 
and died, leaving the Smith land to descend to Wm. A. and Sue 
Ross, who sold it. 

BRIDGE OVER BEE CREEK. 

A new State road having been opened on a straight course 
from Platte City to Weston, H. L. Wilkerson is appointed commis- 
sioner to construct a bridge over Bee Creek. 

A hail-storm injures hemp. The Missouri River is high, but 
not out of its banks. 

JULY. 

July 1 — The State road from Weston to St. Joseph, by way of 
De Kalb, is opened. 

July 11 — James H. Stockton having died, Martha Stockton 
is appointed administratrix. Bond, f 1,000. 

PRICES. 

At the sale of personal property by the administrator of Alex. 
Ross, stock brought the following prices: Cows, $6 and $9; 
horses, $10, $18, $30, $50; oxen, per yoke, $13, $35, $30, $40; steers, 
$6, $8, $9. 

AUGUST. 
THE ELECTION. 

Aug. 6 — A special election : The Legislature has established 
a probate court for Platte County, and has made the office of 
assessor elective. Jas. Kuykendall is chosen probate judge, and 
K. M. Dobson assessor. 

Phoenix Lodge, No. 30, 1. O. O. F., buys property in Weston. 

H. L. Wilkerson agrees to build the bridge across Bee Creek. 
on the dired road from Platte City to Weston, for $2,200. 

1 in/. I~> — Tim 1 )owling and John Lafferty contract to build the 
pier under the Platte City bridge, for $2,100. 

Aug. 13— Under the act of March 10, 1849, the county court 
lavs off i he county into 63 road districts, and appoints an overseer 
for each. 



1849, SEPT. 119 ALLEN McLANE. 

SEPTEMBER 

Sept. -i — The county clerk is ordered to hand ever to the pro*- 
bate judge all probate papers, and to make certified copies for him 

of all probate records. This was done in a slovenly manner. The 
records are without an index and of little value. 

Sept. 5 — The Odd Fellows are ordered to vacate the upper and 
east office of the court-house, that it may be used as a probate 
office. Amos Eees is also ordered to vacate the upper and west 
office. 

The Me1 liodist ( Mmrch on Lot 3,Block 33, of Platte City, is now 
complete, and is used for worship by all denominations. A bar of 
steel is suspended at the door, and is struck with a hammer, as a 
bell. 

Thos. Herndon is enrolled as an attorney. 

Sept. 21 — Shubal Allen is enrolled. 

OCTOBER 

Oct. 6— Hinkle, Holladay, Goff & Warner buy of Estill & 
Woods the Union Mills and a large body of land. 

ALLEN McLANE. 

Oct. 9 — Allen McLane d. on his way to California, at the age 
of 31. He was one of the rising young men of Missouri. He was 
a son of Dr. Allen McLane, of Wilmington, Delaware, and Cath- 
erine, dr. of John W. Reed, a signer of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence. He was a nephew of Hon. Lewis McLane, minister to 
England. He was b. in 1818, and came to Platte in 1842, after- 
extensive travel in Europe. With E. S. Wilkinson, he started the 
Eagle> the first paper published in Platte. Hem'd March 25, L844, 
•fane Kay, dr. of George. She was born April 3, 1827; d. in 1895. 
He became a warm supporter of Senator Benton. He was ap- 
pointed register of the State land office at Savannah; but his 
appointment, for political reasons, was rejected by the State 
s.-nate. But President Polk subsequently appointed him register 
of the United States land ottice at Plattsburg. This position he 
resigned to emigrate to California. Thos. Birch succeeded him 
as register. Only one child survives: 

L GERTRUDE McLANE, b. Dec L3, 1844; m'd Jan. 3, 1872, 
Levi Allen Hurst, son of Rev. Thos. Hurst. He w;is b. Oct. 
8, 1840, in Ross Co., Ohio; came with his parents to Platte. 
and settled near Ridgely. He is honored for his intellectual 
acquirements and religious walk. Tlis wife is beloved for 
her Christian graces and exemplary deportment. Ch : 

1. Jennie Hurst, b. in Oct., 1st;:. ' 

2. Thos. I. Hurst, b. Sept. 22. 1879. 

3. Lizzie Hurst, b. Aug. 10, 1882. 

Mrs. Allen .McLane m'd 2d. X. E.Wilkinson. (See.) 

Oct. IS— Rev. W. H. Thomas buys the Rupe farm of 320 acres. 
in T. 53, R. ?A. 



1849, OCT. 120 COUNTY COURT. 

Oct. 16— Col. J.olm E. Pitt buys the N. W. ^ of Sec. 1, T. 52, 
E. 35. 

NOVEMBER. 

A'or. i—Judge Chinu, of the county court, having resigned, 
James B. Martin is appointed. And Judge Wood having resigned 
May 4, Judge Rogers is appointed. And Judge Barnett having re- 
signed June 3, Gen. Thompson Ward is appointed to his place. 
The court is now: Martin, presiding, with Rogers and Ward, 
associates. 

Nov. 28 — Owen & Estill sell their business property in Weston 
to Wm. H. Bell and Shelton J. Lowe, for $10,000. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 31 — The California emigration is the distinguishing fea-> 
Jure of the year 1849. From three to four hundred of our most 
enterprising citizens fell victims to the gold fever. One Jaalf never 
returned, and that half did well or died from home. The other 
half returned, broken in fortune, but satisfied with adventure. 

MARRIAGES NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED, 1849. 

January 25, J. H. Surratt m'd M. J. Spratt. 
February 1, Perry A. Duncan m'd Hannah Butler. 
February 12, H. J. Moody m'd Malinda Hawn. 
March 20, Jesse Cox m'd Margaret I. Bonnell. 
Uarch 23, Jas. Drais m'd China Richardson. 
April 29, John Menton m'd Mary W. Barbee. 
May 20, Charles Tompkins m'd Polly Lovelady. 

A LIST OF PREACHERS. 

Who Ministered in Platte, from 1837 to 1850, with Dates of 
Arrival and of Church Connection. 

Allen, Jesse, 1840 Cumberland Presbvterian. 

Allen. Moses, 1840; R. H., 1846 

Allen Thos., 1842 

Archer, Singleton, 1843 Baptist. 

Alkins, John, 1842. 

Barker, A burr, 1849 

Barker, Jas., 1842 

Baxter, W. R, 1848 Methodist Episcopal. 

Bowers, Henry, 1849 Baptist. 

Brooks, D. G., 1847 Baptist. 

Burnett, Glen O., 1842 Christian. 

Burruss, Phil. J., 1842 Baptist. 

Callerman, John, 1 S47 Christian. 

Caples W. G., 1848 Methodist Episcopal. 



1849, DEC. 121 PREACHERS. 

Chandler, G. W., 1844 Methodist Episcopal. 

( line. Mat., 1844 

Cox, Jas., 1838 Christian. 

Davis, Claib, 1847 Cumberland Presbyterian. 

Devlin, Jos., 184G Methodist Episcopal. 

Dryden, C. F., 1843 

Evans, J. M., 1843 

Fanning, Jos., 1841 

Farmer, Samuel, 1840 

Gregory, J. D., 1843 

Grooms, Joel, 1842 Methodist Episcopal. 

Guthrie, Wm. A., 1847 

Heath, John, 1842 Methodist Episcopal. 

Heath. Stephen P., 1842 Methodist Episcopal. 

Herbert, Chas. D., 1847 Presbyterian. 

Holland, R. W., 1846 

Holt, D. R., 1839 Presbvterian. 

Jordan, R. H., 1843 

Kavenaugh, Wm., 1839 

Lanear, W. P.. 1844 

Lewis, Byran, 1839 

Linville, John, 1839 

Love, G. W., 1847 Methodist Episcopal. 

Loveladv, Jas., 1830 

Lowe, S. J., 1840 Baptist. 

McCreerv, Ben, 1848 Cumberland Presbvterian. 

McQueen, J. B., 1843 

Markham, T. B., 1841 Methodist Episcopal. 

Marvin, E. M., 1848 Methodist Episcopal. 

Miller, Richard, 1844 

Oliphant, Kam'l, 1847 Christian. 

Payne, A. H. F.. 1843 Christian. 

Perry. John T., 1842 Methodist Episcopal. 

Redman, W. W., 1840 ' Methodist Episcopal. 

Renick, Henry, 1840 

Richardson, Manoah, 1844 

Rush, Wm. M., 1848 .Methodist Episcopal. 

Scott. Robt., 1845 Presbvterian. 

Simpson, Wm.. 1830 

Smith, R. H.. 1844. Cumberland Presbvterian. 

Knelling. Vincent. 1S41 '. 

Steele, O. C., 1839 Christian. 

Talbott. A. M.. 1843 

Turner, Thos., 1839 ,. ..Baptist. 

Tutt, John A.. 1840 Christian. 

Vaughn. L., 1840 Methodist Episcopal. 

White. Luther. 184." 

Williams. A. P., 1848 Baptist. 

Williams. Tsaiah. 1848 Baptist. 



1850. 122 BUSINESS MEN. 

Wilson, J. D., 1846 

Wilson, Joshua, 1847 Methodist Episcopal. 

Woodward, G. S., 1849 Presbyterian. 

Wright, Edward, 184G Presbyterian. 



1850. 

OFFICERS. 



Governor, A. A. King; Congressman, W. P. Hall; Repre- 
sentatives, H. L. Wilkerson and A. M. Robinson; Circuit Judge, 
S. L. Leonard; Circuit Clerk, Ira Norris; County Justices, Martin, 
Rogers, and Ward; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Sheriff, M. N. 
Owen; Assessor, E. M. Dobson; Treasurer, Jas. S. Thomas; Pro- 
bate Judge, Jas. Kuykendall; Surveyor, Israel May; Public Ad- 
ministrator, Jacob Swope. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Almond, Baldwin, Clark, Denver, 
Gardenhire, Herndon, Norton, Pitt, Lawson, Spratt, Thomas, 
Wilson, Rees. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Callahan, Marshall, Shrock, Wallace. 

Merchants, etc. — Black & Dickson, Fleshman, Fox & Brooks, 
Johnston Keith, Johnston, McCausland & Branham, Murray & 
Freeland, Thos. Metcalfe (postmaster), Shrock & Jack, Green, 
Gaines, L. Ramey, Townsend, Paxton & Callahan, Remington & 
Kuykendall, Ferrier, Martin & Ritner. 

At Weston: Bird.Burnes, Doniphan, Tvlee,Bonifant, Bowers. 
Ridley. 

Merchants, etc.— Basye, Bell & Venable, Bell & Lowe, Belt & 
Murphy. Bowman, Briggs, Burnes & Bros., Holladay, Perrys & 
Young. Noble. Parrott, Raileys, Warner, Wood, Dye, McHolland. 

.1/ Parkville: Aspling & Stephens, Burney, Arnold, Davis. 
Barnes, Crust, Ringo, Summers, Park. 

.1/ New Market:, Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright. 

.1/ Ridgely: Ellington, Phillips, Black. 

. 1 1 Farley: Stiles, Burnes & Co. 

CENSUS. 
Comparative Population. 

THE UNITED STATES. 

1810 7,239,881 

1820 9,633,822 

L830 12,866,020 

L840 17,069,453 

L850 23,191,876 



1850, JAN. 123 REV. F. STARR. 



THE STATE OP MISSOURI. 

1810 20,815 

1820 66,557 

1830 140,455 

1840 383,702 

1850 682,044 

PLATTE COUNTY. 

1840 .. 8,913 

1850 16,845 

PLATTE COUNTY BY TOWNSHIPS, 1850. 

< Jarroll 302 1,824 

Green.. 471 2,12:: 

Lee 340 1,454 

Marshall 420 1,823 

Pettis 45!) 2,494 

Preston 142 1.128 

Weston 625 3,150 

White 13,090 

Colored 2,849 

Total 16.845 

Towns: Parkville, 309; Platte City, 411; Weston, 1,915. 
Produce of Platte County, 1850: Hemp, 4.355 tons; wheat, 
129.067 bushels; corn, 1,814,287 hushels. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 1 — William M. Paxton and H. P.. Callahan form a part 
nership, buy the store of das. H. Johnston, and continue his busi- 
ness of general merchant. 

The Bethel M. E. Church organized. The original members: 
1. Richard Babcock; 2. Serelda Babcock; 3, Lucinda Babcock; 
4, Jose Elkin; 5, John Flannery; 0. Winifred Flannery; 7, John 
Hatfield; 8, his wife; 9. John Keys; 10, his wife; 11. W. H. Kim- 
sey; 12. Susanna Kimsey. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 1 — Frederick Stan-, a Presbyterian minister from 
Rochester, X. Y., settles in Weston, as pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church. He was an outspoken Abolitionist; and dining the 
border strife he fearlessly promulgated his principles, and built 
up, at Weston, a strong ant i slavery party. His life was often in 
danger from mob-violence. In the midst of the excitement, he 
thought it prudent to remove to Si. bonis. He traveled east, and 
was lionized by his party. He visited Weston during i lie war and 
was kindly received. He died in St. Louis Jan. S. L867. 



1850, FEB. 124 THE WILLIAMS. 

Feb. 6 — L. D. Bird buys' for f 5,905 a large bottom farm of 
Lewis Biirnes, in T. 52, R. 35. Burnes goes west. 

Feb. 16 — Dr. G. W. Bayless, of the Louisville Medical School, 
removes to Missouri, and buys of G. B. Sanderson a large farm 
(Hazlewood) on the road between Weston and Platte City, for 

^8.000. 

MARCH. 

March 9 — Pleasant Ellington gives a site for a church to the 
Methodists of Ridgely. 

March 18 — W. J. Norris buys a farm, including the site of 
Tracy, and builds the brick house now owned by Judge Talbott 

March 22 — Capt. Andrew Johnson buys a farm three miles 
east of Platte City, and builds the Carmack brick house. 

AARON OSBORN. 

Aaron Osborn,of New Market, d. in Holt Co.; he was a cabinet- 
maker ; m'd Sarah Harker. Ch : 

I. MA LINDA, m'd John Chambers. 

II. ELIZABETH, m'd Wm. Gan. 

III. CAPT. AARON F., m'd Winnie A. Merchant, widow of Thos. 

6 children. 

IV. JOHN W., m'd Julia A. Armstrong. 
V. SARAH, m'd Wm. Lewis, son of Jesse. 

APRIL. 

1 April 5— Dr. E. C. Redman settles at Platte City. 

The last of the Martin family, except his son James, goes to 
Oregon. 

Holladay & Warner send out to Salt Lake a consignment of 
$150,000 of goods. 

WILLIAM T. WILLIAMS. 
April 12 — William T. Williams d. near Barry. He was b. in 
Pittsylvania Co., Va., June 5, 1800; m'd in Ivy. Olive M. Shelton, 
1 ,. 1 tec. '24. 1 805. They came in 184.°,. Ch : 

T. SARAH E. WILLIAMS, m'd W. F. Hobbs, and went to 
Kansas. 

II. .IAS. W. WILLIAMS, b. April 10, 18.",:!; m'd Jan. 28, 1862, 

Sarah F. Drennon, b. Sept. 14, 1841. Ch: 

1. Robert Williams, m'd Ola Hughes, dr. of Robert, a son 

of William S. 

2. [lice, m'd Wm. Moseby. 3* Wm, A. Williams. 

III. EMILY A. WILLIAMS, m'd J. L. Hamlet, and removed to 

Kansas. 
[V. BENRIETTA, m'dNathan Edans. 
V. JOHN W WILLIAMS, m'd Sarah E. Williams. ch. 
VI. ("HAS. A.. 1.. Eel.. :',. 1844: m'd Nov. 14. 1881. Ella Henry. 

Live near Barrv. 



1850, APRIL. L25 COUNTY FINANCES. 

1. Jessie 0. Williams. 2.CoraE. S.AzleC. L Sarah A. 
VII. VICTORIA, m'd Willis Redman. 

Geo. S. Park this year erects the stone holel in Parkville. 
which, in 1875, lie gave to Park College, and was known as No. 1. 
until 18!)."!. Jl was then remodelled and rebuilt, and a stone tablet 
says it shall be known as "Woodward Hall" in honor of Rev. Geo. 
S. Woodward, the founder of the Parkville Presbyterian Church. 

CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS. 

April t~> — 1, -las. Adkins and brothers; 2, N. C. Boydston; 3, T. 
J. Carson; 4, R. P. Clark; 5, Clint. Cockrill ; 6, T. J. Keller; 7. Abe 
Hartman; 8, W. C. Hatton; 9, Dr. F. Marshall; 10, Pres. McDon- 
ald; 11, M. N. Owen; 12, Thomas Ramey; 13, Lewis Ramey; 
14, Daniel Stagg; 15, Jeff. Thompson; 16, Robert Thompson, and 
others, visit California. Did any of them bring back more than 
they took away? 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Receipts. 

Revenue Fund $4,838.35 

Poor house Fund 285.71 

Internal Improvement Fund 626.95 

$5,751.01 
Warrants drawn 9,928.12 

Overdrafts $4,177.11 

Purpose of Expenditures. 

Bridge at Iatan I 470.00 

1 badge at Platte City 300.00 

Bridge at Skinner's Mill 700.00 

Bridge at Sugar Creek 827.00 

Bridge at Bee Creek 1,250.00 13,550.00 

Other roads and bridges 1,016.00 

County Justices 213.00 

County Clerk 856.00 

Assessor 210.00 

Circuit Clerk 8.00 

Jail 266.00 

Poor and poor house 825.00 

Probate office 208.00 

Sheriff 175.00 

Sundry purposes 2.280.12 

Total $9,928.12 

Principal of Township School Funds. $23,880.39. 



1850, MAY. 126 CHOLERA. 



Assessment. 

Slaves, 2,045, assessed at $ 714,195.00 

Money and notes 287'639.00 

Real estate 1,684,710.00 

Total $2,686,544.00 

County levy on $100, 40 cents. 

May 9— r Upper Bee Creek bridge reported finished. 

May 10 — Compass Lodge, No. 120, A. F. & A. M., chartered at 
Parkville. 

JUNE. 

June 3 — Judge W. B. Barnett, having resigned as county jus- 
tice, disappears, much to the mortification of his friends and 
creditors. 

CHOLERA. 

The first visit of cholera to Platte City was this summer. 
A stranger got out of the stage, and commenced screaming and 
cramping, at the post-office. A hasty consultation was held, and 
Judge Norton, N. H. Hope and W. M. Paxton determined to lead 
him to a vacant house, standing on the lot occupied by the present 
jail. But the man fell on Main Street, with cramp, and screamed 
so as to alarm the town. We gave him the best of care, but, in 
thirty-six hours, he died. The breath had hardly ceased before a 
trembling gang, who had given no help in the man's lifetime, 
hurried him off in a box, by night, to an improvised grave. His 
name was never learned. Fear settled on the whole county. The 
disease was fatal among emigrants on the plains. Several 
strangers and some citizens died at Weston. 

JULY. 

JAMES R. BROWN. 

July 9 — James R. Brown died. He was a son of Henry Brown, 
and came from Kentucky to Ray Co., Mo., and thence to Clay, 
where he married Jane Campbell. He was not related to Wil- 
liam Blown, whose posterity covered the eastern side of Platte. 
I 'hildren: 

1. WASH. H. BROWN, b. Sept. 6, 1831; m'd in 1859, Susan 
Pierce, b. Jan. 8, 1829. Oh: 

1. Mary Jane Broun, b. Oct. 27, 1860. 

2. Robert Broun, b. Nov. 11, 1865. 

II. NAT. R. BROWN, twin of Wash. H., m'd Cath. Campbell. No 
children. 

III. Wm. S. Brown, m'd Sarah Newell. Ch: 

1. Mary. 2. Mattie. •".. Jessie. 4. Courtney Brown. 

IV. REP. BROWN, m'd Abs. Grooms. 4 ch. 



1850, AUG. 127 BAPTIST CHURCH. 

AUGUST. 

THE ELECTION. 

The election resulted in the choice of Congressman, W. P. 
Hall; Senator, A. M. Robinson; Sheriff, L. Shepard; Treasurer, 
W. Christison; Representatives, D. D. Barnes, \Y. EL Summers, 
and R. D. Johnston; Assessor, Jas. F. Bradley; Coroner, A. L. 
Perrin. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 2 — Andrew Tribble is appointed commissioner to re- 
build the Lower Bee Creek bridge. 

Sept. lJf — S. A. Jack and W. A. Fox buy business property in 
Platte City, and open stores. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 1 — The pier under the Platte City bridge is complete. 
The road from Parkville to Platte City is ordered to be opened, 
and f 200 is appropriated to build a bridge over Brush Creek. 

Oct. 8 — H. N. Jenks is appointed public administrator. 

The county paid $300 to Kuykendall & Lewis, for their copies 
of the probate records. 

Oct. 10 — E. H. Norton is appointed county attorney, with a 
salary of $100. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 20 — The Platte City Baptist Church is organized, with 
the following members: 1, Smith Alnut; 2, Nancy Blanton; 
3. Joshua Boyd; 4, Nancy Boyd; 5, Sarah J. Norris; 6, Braxton 
Pollard; 7, Eliz. Pollard; 8, E. T. Perkins; 0, Eliz. Prewitt; 
10, Mary A. Stone; 11, Jas. Stone; 12, Sarah Stone. 

MARRIAGES IN 1850 NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED. 

February 3, Michael Hartman m'd Nancy Spratt. 
April 23, J. T. V. Thompson m'd Emily Drew. 
July 20, M. L. Young m'd Maria L. Lee. 
November 8, James Mulkey m'd Sarah Perkins. 
December 17, Dr. J. D. MeCurdy m'd Aletha Walker. 

R. P. Clark is appointed county judge in place of Rogers. 



1851, JAN. 128 BUSINESS MEN. 

1851. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, A. A. King; Congressman, W. P. Hall; Repre- 
sentatives, Burnes, Summers, and Johnston; Circuit Judge, S. L. 
Leonard; Circuit Clerk, Ira Norris; County Justices, Martin, 
Ward, and Clark; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Sheriff, L. Shepard; 
Assessor, J. F. Bradley; Treasurer, William Christison; Sur- 
veyor, Israel May; Coroner, A. L.'Perrin; Public Administrator, 
H. X. Jenks. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Clark, Denver, Herndon, Law- 
son, Pitt, Norton, Rees, Spratt, Thomas, Vories, Wilson, Baldwin. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Callahan, Marshall, Guthrie, Redman, 
Shrock, Wallace. 

Merchants, etc. — Black & Dickson, Fox & Brooks, Johnston & 
Clark, Fleshman, S. Johnston, R. D. Johnston, Murray & Freeland, 
Paxton & Callahan, Morin & Martin, Shrock & Jack, T. Metcalfe 
(postmaster). Remington & Kuykendall, Townsend, Gaines, Green, 
Ferrier, J. W. Denver, editor of Argus. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Bird, Burnes, Doniphan, Ramage, 
Tvlee, McCurdv. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers, Ridley, Fulton. 

Merchants, etc. — Basye, Belt & Colman, Bowman, Briggs, 
Burnes & Bros., Deckelman, Cody, Ferguys, Noble, Osborn, Railey, 
Parrott, Post, Perrys & Young, McCown, Warner, Wood, Snider, 
McHolland. 

At ParJcville: Aspling & Stephens, Arnold, Burney, Davis, 
Goodyear & Roberts, Park, Bueneman, Ringo, Silvey, Summers, 
Drs. Barnes, Crust, Love, Young. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright. 

At Rkh/ely: Ellington, Phillips, Oden. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 11 — Joseph Todd (i) died at his home four miles west of 
Platte City. 

THE TODD FAMILY. 

Kiirly in the eighteenth century, Thomas Todd and his wife. 
Elizabeth, came from England, and settled in central Pennsyl- 
vania. They removed thence to North Carolina. They had other 
children, but we are interested in only two: 

I. JEMIMA TODD 

\V;is i fie younger of the two. She was b. in Pennsylvania Jan. 19, 
1759, and d. in Platte April 30, 1850; m'd in North Carolina March 



1851, FEB. 129 T HE TOUDS. 

17, 1778, -John Wagle, b. in Nort h ( Carolina < >ct. '.». 1 T~> 1 . He was a 
son of John and Mary Wagle. John and Jemima were progeni- 
tors of the Platte County family of that name, and will be noticed. 

II. JOSEPH TODD (i) 

Was b. in Pennsylvania about 174S. He m'd Ann < 'rose, a German 
lady, and, after residing a time in Rowan Co.. X. C, removed to 
Hardin Co., Ky., and thence to .Madison Co., Ky. In 1817 la- 
pressed forward to Howard Co., Mo. Here most of Ids children 
remained. We will name his 13 children, reserving full notices 
for those who came to Platte: 

I. THOMAS TODD, lived and died in Howard. 
II. ISAIAH TODD, went to St. Louis Co. 

III. ELISHA, lived in Clay. 

IV. DAVIS, lived in Howard. 

V. JONATHAN, was killed by Indians. 

VI. LEVI, lived in Howard. 

VII. JESSE, lived in Clay. 
Vni. JOSEPH, came to Platte. 

IX. NANCY TODD, m'd Murphy, and went to St. bonis Co. 
X. SUSAN, m'd McCrea, and went to Illinois. 

XI. BETSY, m'd Burnan, and lived in Howard. 

XII. PHOEBE, m'd John Wagle, perhaps a cousin. 

XIII. MAJ. WILLIAM TODD, came to Platte. 

Joseph and William were the only sons that came to Platte. 
We will therefore notice them only: 

I. JOSEPH TODD (i). 
He was b. in Rowan Co., X. C, Nov. 4, 1777; d. in Platte Feb. 
17, 1851; m'd in Madison Co.. Ky., Cynthia Williams, dr. of Jarret 
Williams, of Jefferson Co., Ky.' She d. in Platte June 27, 1870, 
aged 89. The marriage took place about 1803. In 1817 the 
family came in wagons to the Boonslick Country of Missouri, and 
formed a large settlement in the new lands. In the spring of 1823 
the pioneers pressed forward to Clay, the utmost verge of civiliza- 
tion. Mr. Todd's homestead was one mile east of the site of Barry. 
Here he was known as an expert hunter, and an unerring rifle- 
man. Attracted by the lovely prairies and the noble forests of 
our present home, frequent excursions were made into the terri- 
tory. Mr. Todd and his sons, with Robert Cain, established a 
sugar camp at the month of the creek still known as Todd's Creek. 
Long before our lands were open for settlement, tin 4 patriarch and 
his sons had chosen valuable claims in the neighborhood known as 
"Hackberry," which is remarkable for fertility. It lay three miles 
west of the Falls of Platte, and on the Military Koad from Ft. Leav- 
enworth to Liberty. I often met the tall and stately old gentleman. 
He was upwards of six feet high, and weighed over 200 pounds. 
He had spent his life on the western border, and was a typical 
backwoodsman. He was buried in the sacred graveyard of the 
Todds. where several generations of his descendants already lie. 
Children: 

9- 



1851, FEB. 130 THE TODDS. 

I. ROBEET TODD, was b. in Madison Co., Kv, Oct. 28, 1804; 
d. Aug-. 23, 1843 ; m'd Aug. 13, 1826, Ann Mullins, who d. 
in 1852. His grave was the first in the Todd cemetery. Ch : 

1. Susan E. Todd, b. Feb. 24, 1828; d. April 12, 1870; m'd 

1st, Dr. Chas. R. Drake, who d. childless. She m'd 
2d, Dr. Jos. M. Holt. (See.) 

2. Joseph Todd (iv). 3. Robert Todd (ii). 

4. Annie T. Todd, b. Sept. 20, 1837; d. Jan. 17, 1878. She 

m'd 1st, Dr. J. P. Earickson, who d. childless. She 
m'd 2d, Sept. 28, 1866, Hon. Joseph E. Merryman 
(see) (his third wife). Mrs. Merryman possessed 
beauty, vivacity, grace, and amiability. I was a law 
partner of Mr. Merryman for ten years. He was one 
of the most successful practitioners I ever met. She 
left: [»] Joseph Merryman; [&] Robert; [c] Todd 
Merryman. 

5. James Todd. 6. Benton Todd, d. in the Southern army. 
II. ANN TODD, b. Sept. 28, 1806; living in Platte City; m'd Feb. 

6, 1822, John Gumm, who d. leaving one child, Joseph 
Gumm, who d. single, in California. Mrs. Gumm, m'd 2d. 
1839, David Hunt (see) (his second wife), b. in Harden Co.. 
Kv., Mav 20, 1798; d. in Platte in Aug., 1864. His first wife 
was Reb. Boggs, b. Aug. 15, 1796; d. April 16, 1838. Ch. of 
Ann and David: 

1. Elizabeth Hunt, b. Dec. 5, 1840; d. June 13, 1866; m'd 

March 16, 1858, Joseph E. Merryman (his second ^ 
wife), and died, leaving one child, David, who d, single, p 

2. David Hunt (ii), b. Sept. 13, 1842; m'd Nov. 15, 1866, j^ 

Ella Cockrill, dr. of Jerry V. Da-vM; lives in Kansas, 

and is a well-educated and accomplished gentleman. 

Ella, his wife, was beautiful in youth, and grows 

old gracefully. Their ch: [«] Louise; p] Clifton: 

['] Earl Hunt. 
::. Amanda Hunt, b. Jan. 11, 1844; m'd Oct. 31, 1860. Henry 

]-;. Queen, b. in 1835. Ch: ["] Anna M. Queen, 1.. 

Aug 23, 1861; m'd June 12, 1883, Tanney Beaumont. 

b. July 16, 1856. Ch: [./] Amanda, b. June 22, 1884. 

{'>] Mary L. Queen, b. May 18, 1863. 
.Mrs. Queen m'd 2d, Dr. Thomas Beaumonl (see), b. Dec. 
21, 181 1 : (1. Sept. 25, 1871; no children. He will be noticed 
hereafter. Al is. Queen is a handsome and lovely woman, 
and unites a charming grace with business qualifications, 
sin- opened, April 21, 1881, ;i variety store in Platte City, 
which she si ill keeps. Nov. 12. 1885, she became post- 
mistress ;ii Platte City, ami was in office throughout Cleve- 
land's lirsl administ nil [on. 

4. William II. II mil. b. Oct. 1<>. 1845; m'd Feb. 4. 1868, 

Ann M. < 'ail weight. He was twice elected sheriff and 






1851, FEB. 131 THE TODDS. 

collector of Platte County. He is an affable gentle- 
man, of fine address and superior business qualifica- 
tions. He has been a resident of Kansas City for 
someyears, Ch: ["J Effie; [ B ] Normand; [<>] Cart- 
wrighl Hunt. 
5. Mary Franhie Hunt. b. March 31, IMS; m'd Oct. 18, 
1860, James L. McCluer, b. March 6, L838. Frankie 
is still a lovely woman. In her maidenhood she was 
chosen Queen of Love and Beauty, by a vote of all 
i lie ladies attending the first great tournament held 
at the fair grounds. Maj. McCluer is a handsome 
and well-educated gentleman. At one time editor, 
and for many years a contributor to the Landmark. 
his literary talent is established. For many years he 
has devoted his atention to fire insurance, and in this 
department he has few equals. Though his business 
calls him to all parts of the West, his family and 
home are now at Platte City. Ch: [«] Edna McCluer, 
b. May 1, 1808; m'd Dec. 25, 1887. Hugh C. Gilbert. 
Ch: [1] Frances; [2] Sylvester Gilbert. [ 6 ] Beau- 
mont McCluer, b. July io, 1870; [«] -las. L. (ii), b. 
Aug. 23, 1872; [<?] Bennett W., b. June 18, 1870; 
[«] John D., b. Jan. 7, 1881; [f] Mary F.. b. Aug. 27, 
1878; [ff] Anna M. McCluer, b. Jan. 7, 1883; 
[><] Kathleen, b. July 20, 1885; ['] Ruth, b. April 
7, 1888. 
in. JOSEPH TODD (iii), b. Feb. 8, L808; d. April 30, 1870; m'd 
April 10, 1831, Susan Tribble, dr. of Thomas (see), who d. 
Sept. 22, 1886. Mr. Todd has already been noticed as a 
pioneer; but he deserves further honor for his generous 
heart and liberal hand. When, in 1858. the raging Platte 
overflowed and destroyed for us, at the Platte City Water 
Mills, many thousand bushels of grain, which had been 
deposited by fanners, he was the only one who offered to 
sustain the loss of his wheat. But 1 knew that, by law, we 
were to suffer t he loss, because we had mixed his wheat with 
other lots; and we declined his generous offer. Whenever 
he left home, he filled his saddle-hags with the choicest 
fruits, for his friends. He lies beside his father in the 
family burying-ground. His widow m'd John Ellet. (See.) 
< )hildren: 

1. Joseph Todd i vi. b. Feb. 2, 1840; m'd dan. 8. 18G8, Jose 
Madding, b. Aug. 2:'.. L851. Be is a highly respected 
gentleman, and lives among his kindred, near the old 
homestead. Ch: ["] Annie Laurie, b. Aug. 3, 1869 ; 
m'd Dec. 27. L894, Prof. (i. W. Broddus, a graduate 
of Centre College. Kv.. and a rising young lawyer; 
[6] Mamie Todd. b. Sept. 4. 1871 : [o] Ed. C Todd, b. 
Aug. !). 1873; \d~\ Jessie K.. b. Aug. 25, 1870. 



1851, FEB. 132 THE TODDS. 

2. Oliver 8. Todd, b. July 7, 1844; m'd Jan. 28, 1859, Elina- 

rene Pence, dr. of Milton Pence. (See.) She was edu- 
cated at Prof. H. B. Todd's female academy, and was 
a lovely girl with an abundant growth of hair that 
reached to her feet. She died leaving: [«] Susan 
Todd, b. Dec. 19, 1861; m'd 1st, Jan. 7, 1879, Thos. J. 
Morgan, who was killed April 5, 1879, by Ben Ful- 
cher. She then m'd 2d, May 2, 1882, Judge Harmon 
D. Miller (second wife), and has ch: [1] Maud; 
[2] Harmon; [3] Bobert W.; [.'/] Anderson Miller. 
[6] Oliver, m'd Aug. 20, 1885, Anna Smith, dr. of 
Adam; [ c ] Joseph Todd (vi), twin. 

Mr. Oliver S. Todd m'd 2d, July 17, 1866, Dolly F. 
Mav. (See.) 

3. Andrew T. Todd, b. Jan. 30, 1846; m'd Feb. 12, 1872. 

Laura Madding, b. in Oct., 1854. Ch: [ a ] Alice 
Todd, m'd F. W. Hennegar; [ & ] Andrew, d. Feb. 13, 
1897; [c] Helen; [<*] Park; [»] Wilber Todd. Mr. 
Todd lives in St. Louis. 
IV. JOHN W. TODD, b. Feb. 20, 1810, in Harden Co., Ky.; d. Dec. 
29, 1894, in Colorado; m'd June 23, 1836, Nancy Chance, b. 
June 3, 1817, dr. of Allen. She d. in 1859, and Mr. Todd lived 
single thereafter. He was a soldier in four wars: the 
Black Hawk, the Mormon, the Mexican, and the Civil War. 
He was with Gen. Price in 1961. From his own lips I took 
the following statement of his pioneer experience: "I was 
12 years old when my parents settled in Clay. We took 
a farm a half-mile east of Barry. When we left, my father 
sold to Wm. Thompson. Among our neighbors were Bobert 
Cain, Wm. Woods, Wm. Brown. Jos. Gash, Geo. Burnett 
(father of Peter H.), and John Wilson.. In 1827 Fort Leaven- 
worth was located. I was on the hill when the soldiers 
were in tents. Col. Leavenworth was in command. The 
Third Infantry first came, and then the Sixth. There were 
no buildings of any kind. At first corn was taken from 
Clay County to the Fort. The next year a detail of soldiers 
cut out a road to Barry, by way of the Falls of Platte, where 
the river was conveniently fordable. The citizens of Clay 
helped on the east end of the road. The Platte was forded 
on the rapids, between the upper and lower falls. The 
stream was then much larger than it now is. The water 
descended the inclined plane of the falls in an unbroken 
sheet with a mournful murmur. It was found necessary 
to have t'criics upon the two rivers, and Zadock Martin was 
employed to keep them. An old Mackinaw boat had been 
used at the Fort. Mai-tin built a flat ferryboat for the 
Platte. Tn 1830 I was employed to assist him. and con- 
tinued three years in his service. Though harsh and over- 
bearing. Martin was humane and just in his dealings. He 



1851, FKB. 133 THE TODDS. 



was large and muscular, and a1 that time aboul ~>n years of 

age. His children were: 1, Green T. Martin; 2, Harden 
D.; 3,WilliamJ.; lAiillE.; 5,JamesB.; 6, Milly; 7, Eliza- 
beth; 8, Jane; 9, Josephine. Where Tracy now stands he 
had a 30-acre field. Another field was in Sand Prairie, 
opposite the Fort. In 1830 he had a contract to furnish the 
Fort with beef. He bought his rattle in Clay and Ray. 
When, in 1836, the Pottawatomies were preparing to leave, 
I was employed by We Gordon, their agent, to go with 
him and 25 of the Indians to seleci a reservation for them. 
We traveled up the Missouri, on horseback, with packed 
mules, ;is far as Council Bluffs. Thence we passed through 
Iowa to Pock Island, and through Illinois to Chicago. 
Here I was paid my wages, and returned by stage to St. 
Louis, and by steamer to (May. The Pottawatomies chose 
land in Iowa, easl of I he Missouri. The Indians left in 1837. 
just as the flood of while population poured upon the rich 
and virgin soil of Plat te." < Jh : 

1. Ann Todd, b. March 17. 1837; dead; m'd Jacob F. 

Hawke; no children. 

2. William Todd, b. dan. 29, L839; m'd Lydia A. Horn- 

buckle. Ch: ["] Joseph Todd (viii); [ & ] Robert; 
[c] Give,, (iv); ['/] May Todd. 
:;. Green />. Todd (ii), b. July 23, 1841. 

4. Sarah Todd, 1». Jan. 15, 184 t; dead; m'd Aaron Durfee. 

Ch: [«] Chas. Durfee; [&] Joseph; [c] Abbie; 
[<*] Sarah. 

5. Samuel T. Todd, b. Sept. 4. 1848; dead. 

6. Joseph A. Todd (ix), b. June 25, 1851; m'd March 7. 

L877, Jennie Owens, b. Sept. 21, 1824; d. May 1, 1893. 
Children: [«] Duff A. Todd, lives in Oregon. 

7. .hunt Todd mi), b. April 26, 185<>; dead. 

V. MARY (POLLY) TODD, b. in Feb.. 1812;m'd August 14, 1828. 
David English; both dead. Ch': 

1. Charles English. 2. Cynthia. 3. Robert. 4. David. 
5. Joseph. 
VI. WILLIAM TODD (ii), b. Feb. 23, 1814; m'd July 16, 1838, 
Susan English, sister of David and Stephen; both dead. 
( 'hildren : 

1. Sarah E. Todd, m'd Sept. 29, L857, .lames Wallace, b. 
Nov. 14, 1825, in Tyrone. Ireland, son of Andrew. 
(See.) lie is a man of sterling integrity, and enjoys 
universal esteem. Tie lives with his family, opposite 
Leavenworth: Ch: ["] William A., m'd Minnie 
draw dr. of Jas. L. Ch: \ I] May; [2] James. 
[8] Sue. ['-] Ella M. Wallace, b. .Ma\ 21. L870; m'd 
May 21. 1888, John R. Meyer; ['] Emma S. Wallace. 
twin. 



1851, FEB. 134 THE TODDS. 

2. PoUy Todd m'd Dec. 27, I860, Wm. M. Jones. 11 ch : 

3. Cynthia Todd, m'd Dec. 26, 1865, John H. Carson, son 

of John. 

4. Lucretia Todd, m'd Oct. 17, 1871, McCormick. 

Mrs. Susan A. Todd m'd 2d, March 4, 1854, Nathan Pryor, 
who d. May 1, 1868, leaving: [«■] Jennie Pryor, who m'd 
Wm. G. Holt. (See.) 
VH. JONATHAN TODD, b. Feb. 20. 1816; m'd June 20, 1846, Pat- 
seyA. Brock. Ch: 

1. Robt. Todd. 2. Mary. 3. Cynthia. 4. John. They 
live in Oregon. 
VIE. JARRET TODD (i), b. April 10, 1818; d. in a Federal prison, 
at St. Louis, in 1861; m'd Feb. 4, 1841, Matilda Ellet, dr. of 
John. Ch: 

1. J arret Todd (ii), a lawyer, now of Texas. 

Jarret (i) m'd 2d, Mrs. Martha Hornbuckle (ne'e Ellet), sis- 
ter of his first wife; 2 children. Mr. Todd was a man of 
sprightliness, a genial companion, and an enthusiastic 
Mason. 
IX. GREEN D. TODD (i), b. March 14, 1820; m'd March 2, 1845. 
Lucretia Muer. He liyes in southwestern Missouri. Ch: 

1. Robert. 2. Taylor. 3. James. 4. Samuel. 5. Mollie. 

6. A daughter. 
X. ELIZABETH J. TODD, b. April 20, 1822; m'd Dec. 20, 1838, 
Andrew Tribble, b. April 15, 1806; d. May 17, 1874. Mrs. 
Tribble still lives to bless her posterity. She is intelligent, 
lively, and spirited, with a heart full of kindness for all. 
Mr. Tribble possessed the energy, nerve, and sound judg- 
ment that ensures success. He was an elder in the Chris- 
tian Church, much attached to its order, and was trusted 
and highly esteemed. Ch : 

1. Robert P. Tribble, b. Sept. 10, 1845; m'd Oct. 18, 1866, 

Mary J. White, b. April 4, 1848, dr. of Wm. A.; she d. 
Jan. 30, 1S94. Robert possesses intellect and enter- 
prise, but ventured too far in debt, during the Kansas 
City boom of 1887. He lost heavily, but is slowl}' 
rising. Ch : [«] William Tribble, b. March 6, 1868; 
[&] Thomas (J., b. Oct. 14, 1870; [c] Robert; [<*] Bes- 
sie Tribble. 

2. Thomas I). Tribble. b. Dec. 8, 1847; d. in 1889; m'd Dec. 

4. 1866, Laura V. White, b. Feb. 26, 1851. Ch: 
["] Andrew A. Tribble. b. Dec. 7, 1867: [&] Bertie 
Tribble. 

3. Cynthia Tribble, m'd F. Grundy Cockrill. (See.) 

4. Jos. 8. Tribble. b. .Jan. 22, 1852; is wandering in the far 

West 
XI. SARA II TODD, b. Dec. 23, 1824; m'd F. G. Bush. Their son. 
Glen r.nsh. lives in Texas. A tier the death of Mr. Bush, his 
widow m'd 2d, -lames R. Burckhartt, a farmer who resided 



1851, FEB. L35 THE TODDS. 

three miles west of Platte City; and subsequently a grocer 
in Platte City. He died in April, L872, and .Mrs. Burckhartt 
soon followed. No children. 

II. MAJ. WILLIAM TODD (i) AND FAMILY. 

He was a soldier of the War of lSli*. under < Jen. Andrew .lack- 
son, and acquired his title in the Southern campaign. He was 
born in Rowan Co., N. C, came with his parents to Kentucky, 
i hence to Missouri in 1S17. and to (May in 1823. In 18:57. with the 
Hood of settlers, he came to the Todd settlement, three miles west 
of Platte City. His first care was to set out a large and well- 
selected orchard. He originated the splendid White Pearmain, or 
the Todd apple, and in honor of his faith he called it the Campbell - 
ite. which for a generation, was t he finest apple grown in 1 he West. 
It has now run out. Mr. Todd was genial and companionable. 
He often came to town with his pockets filled with choice apples. 
He would dwell upon the excellencies of the Cainpbellite, and 
then would hand you for contrast, a knotty and sour apple, which. 
with a scowl, he called the Methodist. Maj. Todd was born about. 
1782. and died in April. 1861. He married Lucy D. Fugate, who 
survived him. < Jh : 

I. MARION TODD, born in a tent, in Clay Co., Mo., Aug. 10. 
1823; d. Oct. : > .. 1893; m'd March 22. 1849, Mary Sutton, dr. 
of Demetrius A. (See.) 
H. MARTHA TODD, m'd Timothy Dowling, who d. in March. 
1800, leavmgch: 

1. Isabelle. 2. Ed. Dowling. 

Tim, as his name intimates, was a genial, hearty, and 
good humored Irishman; and. as his nationality implies, 
a splendid stonemason. He was a master workman on the- 
first court-house and the abutments and pier of the Platte* 
River bridge. But, as Tim's pedigree necessitates, he was 
a Roman Catholic, while his father-in-law was a Cainp- 
bellite. These extremes could not dwell together at peace, 
and a feud was the natural consequence. 
HI. MARY J. TODD, m'd Tim C.lev. 

IV. FANNIE M. TODD, m'd March 1!). 1848, Albeit KutchenthalL 
b. in 1818; d. Feb. 21. 1872. 
V. RILEY TODD, went to Kansas. 
VI ANN M. TODD, m'd Nov. 7. 1850, John S. Lightburn, of Olav. 
YTT. ALBERT H. TODD, m'd Dec. 7. 1S74. Susan Morgan, dr. of 

Elijah. 
YIH. MARCUS L.TODD,m'd Sarah E. Coleman, dan. 14. 18(18. B> 
m'd 2d. Nov. 5, ls74. Nannie, widow of 11. A. B. Anderson. 
and dr. of Wm. By waters. They live in Cedar Co., Mo. Ch: 

1. Lcr Todd. 2. Leah. 
Nannie had one child by Anderson, named Tidie Anderson. 
IX. WM. L. TODD, m'd Missouri Y. Spratt. dr. of Wm. H. 



1851, FEB. 136 PLATTE LODGE. 

PLATTE LODGE, No. 56, A. P. & A. M. 

This lodge was incorporated by the Legislature, with N. M. 
Shrock, W. M.; W. E. Black, S. W.; and John E. Pitt, J. W. The 
lodge had been incorporated or chartered by the Grand Lodge as 
early as 1S46, and this legislative charter was to enable the lodge 
to hold the real estate it acquired the following year, when the 
Presbyterian Church and the lodge built a meeting-house and hall. 

The meetings of the lodge were held each Saturday night be- 
fore full moon, in the upper story of Johnston & Lewis' store, on 
Lot 6, Block 29, in Platte City, until about 1853, when the new hall 
was built over the Presbyterian church, on Lot 6, Block 31. The 
lodge became very prosperous, but was in debt. This was more 
• onerous from a division made by the members from Todd's Creek 
taking di.mits, and forming a new lodge, chartered as Zerubbabel 
Lodge, No. 191. The colony consisted of the Darnalls, Brasfields, 
Swaneys, Moores, and De Berrys. But the war came on; the 
brethren were scattered; and. July 14, 1864. the hall of Platte 
Lodge, No. 56, with all its records, was burned, and little left but 
i he debt. A few of us determined this should be paid, and we 
brought about a reunion. The charter of Platte Lodge, No. 56. 
was surrendered, and the colony took in the members of the 
mother lodge, under the name of Zerubbabel Lodge, No. 191. This 
name may still be read on the tablet on the front wall of Platte 
City Lodge, No. 504. After the reunion, we worked in the upper 
room of the brick warehouse, in the rear of the Virginia Hotel. 
YVe applied to other lodges for help to rebuild, and about f 100 was 
contributed. After working for twenty years under the charter 
to Zerubbabel Lodge, it, too, was surrendered, and Platte City 
Lodge. No. 504. was chartered. 

Feb. 22 — H. S. Geyer, elected to the United States Senate, re- 
ceiving 80 votes, to 55 for Benton. 

PLATTE CITY MALE ACADEMY. 

This academy was incorporated by the Legislature, with the 
following Board of Trustees: 1, E. Green; 2, Win. Baldwin; 
::. [{. I). Johnston; 4, Amos Rees; 5, N. M. Shrock: 0. Wm. Trip- 
lett; 7. John Wilson. Lots 11 and 12, Block 30, in Platte City. 
were purchased and a brick two-story school-honse. 35x50 feet. 
erected, and seated. Archibald Pa1 terson, a scholar and a learned 
Mason, was i In- firs! teacher; Prof. Win. Dickey ^vas the next, and 
Prof. Gaylord the last. The house was burned. July 11. 1864, by 
Federal orders. 

MARCH. 

March I — An ad approved establishing a court of common 
picas ai Weston with jurisdiction over Weston and Marshall 
townships. A judge to be elected thefirsl Monday in August. 



Is:, I, MARCH. L37 THK PERRINS. 

March 8 — Weston is granted a n<-\\ charter by the Legislature. 

Postage is reduced to :*> cents for half an ounce, for all 

distances. 

March 10 — The Lower Bee Creek bridge is complete, and S. P. 

Yoemn is paid $1,000 for building it. 

H. D. Oden reports the Skinner bridge complete. 

ACHILLES PERRIN. 

March l .' — Achilles Perrin buys of \V. M. Paxton L58 acres 
adjacent to Camden Point, at $16 per acre. After living for sev- 
eral years in Platte, Mr. Achilles Pen-in returned to Boyle Co., Ky. 
He was a son of Josephus Perrin, and was born in North Carolina 
in 1778; came to Kentucky; ni'd Jane Smith. Ch: 
I. AYTCHMONDE LANE PERRIN, b. in Lincoln Co., Ky., 
April 8, 1811; removed in 1835 to Palmyra, Mo., where he 
continued the mercantile business, which he had pursued 
in Kentucky. There, in 1838, he m'd Julia Morton, b. in 
1823, a dr. of Samuel Morton. She d. in 1849, after coining 
with her husband, in 1812, to Platte, and settling near Cam 
den Point. Aytchmonde m'd 2d, Sarah Jam' Shy. nee 
Shanks. Here he turned his attention to farming, but in 
1867-8 he was cashier of the Platte Savings Institution at 
Weston. He served a term as coroner, and has been a 
leader in the Christian, the benevolent, and the educational 
enterprises of his locality. For years past he has been 
lame from a fall from a horse, and has to use crutches. 
1 1 is children by his tirsl wife: 

1. Susan /'. Perrin, b. Aug. 27. L839; m'd March 11. 1861, 

Thomas E. Campbell, of St. Joseph. Ch: ["] Achie 
Campbell. 

2. Achilles {Ache) Perrin, b. March 7, 1843; m'd Dec. 25, 

1869, Sallie.I. Shanks. Lives in Nevada. Mo. 

3. Morton Perrvn, b. May 5, L845; d. April 1. 1886; m'd 

May 5, 1875, Anna Chiles. Ch: ["] Aytchmonde: 
[&] Mary. 

4. Julia J. Perrin, b. July 29, 1847; m'd II. C. Chiles. 7 ch. 
Bv his second wife Aytchmonde Perrin had: 

5. Mary Margaret Perrin, b. March 30, 1854; m'd May 19, 

1871. Stephen C. Woodson, b. Nov. 11, 1845, in Knox 
( '«).. Ky., sun of Ben .1. Woodson, b. Nov. 2, L808, and 
•Margaret Fulkerson, b. April 30, L815, in Lee Co., Va.. 
dr. of John Fulkerson. He came with his parents 
to Platte, and sen led on a farm near Camden Point: 
received a good academic education at Daughter's 
College; entered on the study of law with Merryman 
& Paxton, at Platte City; was admitted to the bar in 
1868; elected commissioner of common schools of 



1851, MARCH. 138 THE PERRINS. 

Platte County in Nov., 1870; chosen prosecuting 
attorney in Nov., 1872; re-elected in Nov., 1874; en- 
gaged in various enterprises germane to the practice 
of law; in 1885 he turned his attention to banking, 
and subsequently speculated successfully in finance, 
until he became wealthy. He is now one of the lead- 
ing financiers of St. Joseph, and one of the most solid 
and enterprising men of the West. His sound judg- 
ment, supported by decision, firmness, independence, 
and nerve, has brought him commercial name and 
fortune. Mrs. Woodson is one of the most lovely and 
accomplished women of the day. They have two 
children: [«] Olive M. Woodson; [ & ] Aytchmonde 
P. Woodson. 

6. Aytchmonde (Aytch) Perrin, single; b. Dec. 31, 1857. 

7. Jessie 8. Perrin, b. May 24, 1862. 

8. Nannie J., b. Nov. 3, 1866; nrd May 9, 1894, Dr. Al. S. 

Herndon. 

II. WILLIAM FEANKLIN PEEKIN, b. Sept. 14, 1894, in Lincoln 
Co., Ky.; m'd in Ky., May 31, 1841, Mary C. Shanks, b. Oct. 
31. 1S25, dr. of William;' she d. Feb. 21, 1875. Mr. Perrin 
possesses fine business qualifications, and has held the office 
of notary public since 1852. ( His neighbors confide in his 
integrity, ability, and judgment. Ch : 

1. Bettie E. Perrin, m'd Phinehas Skinner (ii). (See.) 

2. Achilles (Ake), m'd Flora Rich, of Kentucky. Mr. Per- 

rin is an accomplished gentleman, and is highly 
esteemed. 

3. Alice 8. Perrin, m'd Dr. D. I. Christopher. 

4. Rebecca Perrin, m'd C. O. Bailev. They now live in 

Platte. 

5. Tempie Perrin, m'd Dec. 23, 1891, C. F. Grimpley. 

6. Birdie Perrin, m'd Austin McMichael; separated. 

7. William S. Perrin, m'd Carrie Hawkins. 

8. Katie Lee Perrin, m'd M. S. Hardesty. (See.) 
March 22 — R. F. Mason buys property at Farley. 

APRIL. 

ipril 3 — Thompson Ward elected mayor of Weston. 
April tO — Paxton & Callahan buy a storehouse of Ed Clarke, 
on Block 29; Platte City, for #800. 



1851, MAY. 139 COUNTY FINANCES. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Collections. 

Revenue Fund $7,315.05 

Internal Improvement Fund 599.50 

Road and Canal Fund.. 289.87 

$ 8,204.4^ 
Warrants drawn 10,796.20 

Overdrawn $2,591.78 

Expenditures in Detail. 

Bee Creek bridge, upper $1,573.00 

Skinner's bridge 1,470.00 

Pier under Platte City bridge 1.800.00 

Burckhartt bridge L75.00 

Other bridges 346.00 

Weston and Parkville bridge 205.0(1 

Treasurer (Christison) 354.00 

Poor-house and paupers '.150.00 

Countv Court Justices 172.00 

County Clerk 1,070.00 

Sheriff 597.00 

Other obiects 1,050.00 

Jail 125.00 

Total #10,790.20 

County levy, 10 cents. Amount taxed. $15,278.23. 

JUNE. 

June / — The cupola of the court-house re-covered with tin, by 
E.Ohlhausen. 

DR. JOHN M. FULTON. 

j une s— Dr. John M. Fulton d.a1 Weston, lie was b. Oct. 12, 
1705, in Gterardstown, Ya.; m'd Sept. 20, 1820, Mary M. Hix, who 
survived him several years. She was b. May 20, 1797. Dr. Fulton 
was a Presbyterian preacher, as well as a practitioner of medicine. 
lie was well educated, genial in his manner, and generous by 
nature. He preached at Platte City and Weston, and organized 
1 he former church. Ch : 

1. REB. F. FFLT< >N. b. Sept. 0. 1821 ; d. in 1850. 
II. MARY W. FULTON, b. Dec. 20, 1827; d. March 30, 1892; m'd 
Oct. 17. 1S44. at Brunswick, Mo., Dr. J. F. Bruner, b. April 
19, 1822. He was prepared for the Presbyterian ministry 



1851, JUNE. 140 THE FUI/TONS. 

by taking a thorough literary course and theological in- 
struction at Albany, Indiana, and at McGormick Seminary; 
but, after several years' preaching, his throat was affected, 
and he had to become a physician. He came to Weston in 
1848, and soon afterwards took the male academy at Platte 
City. In 1859 he took charge of Pleasant Ridge Academy ; # 
entered the Union army, as a surgeon, in 1862, and served 
to the end. In May, 1889, he removed to Omaha, where he 
now resides. He m'd 2d, Oct. 23, 1893, Miss Jessie A. Van 
Doren, dr. of Rev. Wm. T. Van Doren, D. D., of Washington, 
D. C. Ch. by his first wife: 

1. Lily Br uner, a prominent teacher in Omaha. 

2. Alice Bruner, m'd 1866, Calvin Johnson, of St. Joseph. 

3. Anna Bruner, m'd J. M. Gordon. 

4. Jessie, m'd Carey Lubeck. 

III. DANIEL J. FULTON,^ b. Dec. 10, 1821. Lives at Salt Lake 
Citv. 

TV. MARTHA J. M. FULTON, b. Jan. 4, 1834; m'd W. F. Yo- 
cum. (See.) 
V. MARIA L. FULTON, b. Sept. 20, 1836; dead. 

VI. SAMUEL D. FULTON, b. Nov. 26, 1838. He is an earnest, 
laborious, enthusiastic, conscientious, and successful Pres- 
byterian minister, now living at Danuba, Tulare Co., Cali- 
fornia. His health is now poor, but his zeal augments 

BENJAMIN BEAN. 

Benjamin Bean died this year and J, P. Thompson adminis- 
tered. He came from Mason County, Ky., in 1838, with the Dies. 
McAdows, et ah, and settled on the lake called Bean's Lake for 
him. lie entered a large body of bottom land and encumbered it 
wiili deeds given without consideration. There was much con- 
i roversy over his lands after his death. His ehildren were: 1, Le- 
roy II. P. C. Bonn: 2, Mary A., wife of John McAdow, 3, Finnelle 
Bean; 4. Benj. Bean, Jr.; 5, Phantley R. Bean. d. in August, 1846: 
his widow, Susan, married Nic Asbury. 

June 9 — The Weston Court of Common Pleas holds its first 
term with I.. D. Bird appointed judge, O. Diefendorf clerk, and 
■ ';is. Hughes marshal, 

FRENCH S. WILSON. 

June 11 — French S. Wilson and his brother, Norvel, both died 
with cholera. The disease prevails in the county, and the people 
are greatly alarmed. F. S. Wilson was a sen of Azariah Wilson 
nnd Margarel Nox. He was born in Virginia, and m'd Harriet 
Utzenberg, who d. June 23. 1848. Children by his first wife: 
I. WTL1 [AM A. WILSON, b. June 15, 1848; m'd April 16, 1882, 
Lena R. Leavel, dr. of Arch. No children. 
Children bv liis second wife: 
II. LA I'KA Wll SON, b. in 1850; d. Sept. 18, 1.895; m'd Dec. 23. 
1865. Coleman Laurance.b. March 31.1844, in Mason Co.,Kv. 



1851, JUNE. HI THE WILSONS. 

He is a son of G-. r>. Laurance and Sarah A. Kiddle Be is 
n man of integrity and enterprise, and is now engaged in 
business at New Market. Ch: 

1. French S. Laurance. 

2. Allie, m'd Sept. 11, 1889, Gus. S. Elgin. (See.) 

:». Clara, m'd R. L. Jones. 4. Ora. 5. OVwer. ^.Bertha. 
7. YornV. 8. Oafcfey. 
TIL FRENCH S. WILSON (ii), m'd Eliz. Rnle, dr. of Bolivar. Ch: 
1. Norvel. 2. Hattie. •".. Lena U7/.so>/. 
June25 — The Parkville Presbyterian Church bays Lots 2 and 
:;. Block .")<;, for a parsonage, and Bev. G. S. Woodward, R. Gr. Ste 
phens, W. -I. Snmmers, Thos. Aspling, and \V. P. Burney are mad< 
trustees. 

The Southern Democrat is issued by F. M. McDonald, at Park- 
ville. It was continued, at least. 10 the year 1856. 

JULY. 

July 1 — The lot;- jail has been weatberboarded and painted. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 1 — A special election was held for circuil judge, to till the 
vacancy caused by the expiration of Judge Leonard's term; and 
Wm. P>. Almond Avas chosen. Judge Leonard removed to St. 
Joseph, where he died. He came from Tennessee in 1837; he was 
a self-made man. and full of energy, self-reliance, and aggres- 
siveness. 

John Houts is appointed administrator of John E. Brown. 
Bond. -|2.200. 

Aug. 12 — James Ferguys is appointed administrator of Martin 
B. Brooks. Bond, $1,600. ' 

Ed. P. Dunean is appointed administrator of Thos. Phelps. 
Bond, $30,000. He lived near New Market, was a man of wealth 
and abilii v; he left a widow and 10 children. 

I//'/. 23 — J. F. Broadhurst is appointed administrator of Rev. 
J. W. Faubion. Bond. $3,000. 

OCTOBKK. 

Oct.13 — JudgeS. P. S. McCurdy, having been elected judge of 

the Weston Court of Common Pleas, holds his first term. 

HALL L. WILKERSON. 

Oct. 20— Hall L. Wilkerson was shot by John Floersh. 
Floersh and Wilkerson lived on adjoining farms, west of Bee 
Creek bridge, on the road from Platte City to Weston. Floersh's 



1851, OCT. 142 THE JETERS. 

stock trespassed ou Wilkerson, and be put them up in a pen. 
Floersh and his sons undertook to take the stock away, and in an 
altercation, Wilkerson was shot with a rifle by Floersh. The 
Floershs were indicted for murder, and taking a change of venue 
to Clay, were convicted, and the old man, John, was sentenced to 
25 years in the penitentiary, where he died. One of the sons was 
sent for a shorter term. 

Wilkerson was a man of intelligence and fearlessness. ■ He 
was the first county clerk, and was elected to the Legislature in 
1848. He voted for the Jackson resolutions, passed by the House, 
March 10, 1849, which Benton appealed from. (See.) 

Hall L. Wilkerson was b. in Knox Co., Tenn., Aug. 8, 1809; 
d. Oct 20, 1851; m'd Oct. 11, 1835, Elizabeth Cannon, b. Dec. 12, 
1812; d. Aug. 23, 1859. She was a sister of Alex. E. Cannon, the 
first lawver that came to Platte. Ch : 

I. LEONIDAS JACKSON WILKERSON, b. in Platte June 18, 
1840; m'd Dec. 31, 1863, Jennie Gabbert, dr. of Geo. She 
was b. Nov. 15, 1848. She is a woman of learning and re- 
finement. Ch : 

1. Nora Wilkerson, b. Oct. 20, 1805; m'd Dec. 4, 1886, Jac. 

A. Miller. 

2. Priscilla, b. Aug. 3, 1869; m'd Emil Svdon. 

3. Eva, b. May 12, 1871. 

II. WILLIAM, b. Jan. 6, 1843; m'd Sallie Patton, dr. of M. M. 
1. Rosa. 2. Mary, 3. Birdie. 

III. JAS. C. WILKERSON, b. June 8, 1846; m'd in 1877, Amanda 

Logan, dr. of Columbus. Ch : 
1. Okal 2. Myrtle. 
TV. JOHN WILKERSON, b. Jan. 15. 1852. 

Oct. 21 — Thomas J. Moberlvs estate administered on by W. M. 
Paxton. Bond, $4,000. 

Alfred Moore's estate administered on by Wm. Ralston. 
Bond. |2.500. 

HIRAM JETER. 

Oct. 2") — Hiram Jeter's estate administered on by M. Harring- 
ton. Bond, $8,000. He left a widow, and children: 

I. OLIVE A. JETER, m'd Jan. 25. 1S59. M. Harrington. (See.. 
TL LITTLETON JETER. 
TIL WILLIS. 

IV. TURNER. 
V. SARAH J. 

VL AMANDA, m'd T. J. Carson. (See.) 
VII. MARGARET. 
Vm. JAMES N. 

IX. ANDREW -I.. m'd Aug. -J<i. 1869, Mary P. Middleton. 
X. COLUMBIA A. 

XI. MARTHA. 

XII. MA \l\ FRA X< !ES .1 ETER. 



1851, OCT. 143 THE GRAYS. 



Oct. 28 — Eli Moore's estate administered oe byJas. II. Layton. 
Bond, $3,600. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 3 M. W. Dryden's estate administered on by P. W. 
Ellington. Bond, $3,000. 

John \Y. Sanford's estate administered on hv Sanford & 
Mitchell. Bond, $12,000. 

A Cumberland Presbyterian Church organized ai Bethel. 
Nov. 19 — A site is bought in Camden Poinl for a male 

academy. 

DECEMBER 

lite. 1 — Chas. F. Shell's estate administered on by Sol. Shell. 
Bond, $8,000. 

Dec. 5 — Peter Overly's estate administered on by William 
Ralston. Bond, $8,000. 

Jonathan Henshaw's estate administered on by Wm. \Y. Hen- 
shaw. Bond, $3,500. 

JAMES GRAY. 

Ihc 21 — James Gray's estate administered on by Jacob 
Smelser. Bond, $4,000. He m'd 1st, a Lammond. By his first 
wife he had: 

I. CASPER C. GRAY, m'd dan. 8, L846, Amanda Elkins. Ch: 
1. Sophia. 2. James. ?>. Thomas.. 4. John (Inn/. 
II R. C.C.Gray, m'd Malinda Martin, dr. of James. Ch: 

1. Henry H. (Inn/, m'd -. Ch: ["] Flora 

Gray, m'd Not. 11. 1894, Alva Naylor. 

III. JOHN M. < IRA Y, d. in April, 1801 ; m'd Mary A. Ball. 

IV. TELITHA GRAY, m'd Obed Noland, son of Nic. Ch: 

1. America, m'd L. B. Higgins. 

2. James I /.. m'd Jane Brown. 

3. John Wm.. m'd Jane Noland, dr. of Rufus. 

4. George W., m'd Ida Noland, dr. of George. 

5. Sarah, m'd Thos. Brown. 

Y. ANN GRA V. dead; m'd Harvey Medley, dead. 1 child: 
1. Chas.W. Medley. 
dames ( Ira v m'd 2d, Nancy Wheeler. Ch: 

VI. THOMAS GRAY, dead. ' 

VII. FRANKLIN GRAY, dead; m'd Eli/.. Artman. living. No 

children. 

VIII. GEO. W. GRAY, 1>. Dec. 4. 1838; m'd April 25, 1861, Melissa 

A. Martin, dr. of Thomas. Ch: 

1. Wm.W.Oray. 2. BenF. 3. Mattie, m'd T. J. Thomas. 
IX. JOSHUA GRAY, dead. 



1851, DEC. 144 MARRIAGES. 

Dec. 27 — James F. Bradley resigns as assessor, and John Kuy- 
kendall is appointed in his stead. 

The Missouri Pacific Railroad is under contract for 45 miles 
out of St. Louis, and 1,000 hands are at work upon it. 

The rivers overflow this summer, and sickness prevails in the 
bottoms. 

MARRIAGES IN 1851 NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED. 

May 20, H. B. C. Harris married Sarah C. Calvert. 
May 22, Boen. Roberts married Courtney V. Drew. 
May 22, S. H. Pitcher married Margaret Drew. 
June 5. J. J. Drais married Margaret M. Jennings. 



1852. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, A. A. King; Congressman, W. P. Hall; Repre- 
sentatives, Burnes, Summers, and Johnston; Circuit Judge, W. B. 
Almond; Circuit Clerk, Ira Norris; County Justices, Martin, 
Ward, and Rogers; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Probate Judge, 
Jas. Kuykendall; Sheriff, L. Shepard; Treasurer, W. Christison; 
Assessor, John Kuykendall; Coroner, A. L. Perrin; Public Ad- 
ministrator, H. N. Jenks; Surveyor, Israel May. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — J. H. Baldwin, R. P. Clark, Jas. 
Davis, Thos. Herndon, J. E. Pitt, A. Rees, E. H. Norton, J. H. 
Headley, J. G. Spratt, H. M. Vories, Jas. S. Thomas, John Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Callahan, Marshall, Redman, Shrock. 

Merchants, etc — Black & Dickson, Fox & Brooks, Johnston & 
Clark. R. D. Johnston, Perry Keith, L. Fleshman, John Ferrier, 
Kuykendall & Remington, R. S. Richards, Townsend & Christison, 
S. Johnston, E. Green, R, P. Gaines, Elder A. P. Williams, Thos. 
Metcalfe (postmaster). 

At Weston: Attorneys — Bird, Diefendorf, McCurdy, Ram- 
age, Tylee, Wilkinson, Wolf. 

Physiri;ins — Bonifant. Fulton, Ridley, Bowers. 

Merchants, etc. — Basye & Brown, Belt & Colman, Blanjour, 
Bowman, Brigs & Wilkinson, Burnes & Bros., Cody & Baker, 
Deckelman, Devin, Evans, Ferguys. Frank & Co., Fink & Co., 
Gillespie, Gist. Guenther, Holladay, Knudson, McCowan, Meyer, 
Newman & McCurdy, Noble, Parrott. Perrys & Young, Secor, 
Raileys, Stevens. Strang. Tutt & Hood. Warner. Wood. 



1852, JAN. 145 TELEGRAP 

At Parkville: Aspling & Stephens, Bueneman, Burney, 
Arnold, Davis, Goodyear, Park, Bingo, Silvey, Summers. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright, Brooks, 
Browning, Dr. Walling. 

At Ridgely: Ellington, Mayo, Phillips. Oden. 

CENSUS OF 1852. 

White, males 7,461 

White, females 6,422 

Colored, free 35 

Slaves 2,559 

Deaf and dumb 8 

Blind 3 



16,488 

January; 

Jan. 1 — The Morse American Telegraph Co., this year, built 
what is called the St. Louis & Mo. River Telegraph. It was con- 
structed from St. Louis to Weston, passing through Platte City. 
It followed the public roads, using trees for supports to the wires 
in timber, and sapling posts on the prairies. I took one share, 
$50. The enterprise was abandoned in a few years, and the stock, 
though watered, was a total loss. 



■se 



WILLIAM M. KELLER. 

Jan. 13 — William M. Keller died at Weston. He m'd Mary 
Roberts. They settled near Weston in 1837. Mrs. Keller d. 
April 5, 1860, leaving 

I. JOHN KELLER, m'd and d. childless. 

II. MARTHA AXGELINE KELLER, m'd Branscombe, 

of Kansas. 

III. WILLIAM R. KELLER, b. April 5, 1841; m'd Jan. 5, 1865, 

Ellen N. Maxfield. He is an enterprising merchant of 
Weston, and engaged in buying and shipping apples. Ch: 

1. William A. Keller, m'd Julia Jenson. 2. Charles A. 

3. Elma. 4. Edgar R. Keller. 

IV. EDWARD R. KELLER, m'd a Robbins. 

V. MIRANDA A. KELLER, m'd a Robbins. Live in Kansas. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 2 — Whitman T. Ellet's estate administered on by John 
Ellet. Bond. $3,000. 

Feb. J/ — Weston City makes a contract to have Main Street 
macadamized, from Water Street to Short Street, at $1 per perch. 
10- 



1852, FEB. 146 ALLEN CHANCE. 

ALLEN CHANCE. 

Feb. 23 — Allen Chance's estate is administered on by Sarah 
Chance. Bond, f 4,000. He was born in Pitt Co., N. C; m'd Sarah 
Knight. He came with his brother Robert to Cla t y in 1833, and 
settled near Barry. He was a man of intelligence and highly re- 
garded by his neighbors. With the earliest immigrants he came, 
in 1836, into Platte. Ch: 

I. NANCY CHANCE, m'd John W. Todd. (See.) 
II. ARNOLD CHANCE, b. in Pitt Co., N. C, Nov. 26, 1813; d. 
Jan. 3, 1896 ; m'd Sept. 16, 1818, Nancy Swaney, dr. of Jas. 
Swaney (i) and Reb. Warrel. She was born in Indiana, 
came to Platte in 1812, and d. Jan. 17, 1879. He lived long 
to tell his early experiences in Platte, before the extinguish- 
ment of the Indian title, and at Fort Leavenworth. He en- 
listed in the Army of the Northwest, and went with Morin 
to New Mexico; went to California in 1850, everland, and 
returned by the Isthmus. Ch : 

1. David' Atchison Chance, b. Aug. 22, 1849; m'd Jan. 28, 

1875, Lizzie C. Thompson, dr. of Col. Gid W. Thomp- 
son. Thev live' near Barry. Ch: [ a ] James M. 

2. Hugh S. Chance, b. Aug. 3, 1859; m'd Feb. 26, 1885, 

Alice McHenry, dr. of Henry. Ch: [ r/ ] George. 

3. George Chance, born in 1863; dead. 

MICHAEL SKAGGS. 

Feb. 23 — Michael Skaggs' estate administered on by H. B. 
Callahan. Bond, $1,600. He was born in Virginia in 1801; d. in 
Platte Oct. 25, 1851; m'd Rutha Paul, who d. in 1858. He was a 
sturdy, hard-working farmer. Ch : 

I. JOSEPH SKAGGS, b. Nov. 30, 1834, in Indiana ; m'd Harriet 
E. Ellis, b. in Kentucky in 1 837. Ch : 

1. Mottle Skaggs, b. June, 1857; burned to death Aug. 7, 

1892; m'd Dec. 14. 1881, Geo. Bvrd, who d. Oct. 15, 
1890. Ch: [«] Alma Byrd; [»] William; [c] Lucy. 

2. William Skaggs, m'd Feb. 22. 1883. Ida Powell. 

3. Lucy Skaggs, b. Nov. 15, 1870; m'd Sept 12, 1891, Cole- 

man Farmer. 

4. Ada Skaggs, born in lx<;i ; m'd Jac. McFall. 

5. Joseph E. Skaggs (ii), 1». Nov. 11. 1866. 

6. Therzaeller Skaggs, b. March 17. 1874. 

There were six other children of Michael Skaggs, but I have 
learned no1 hing of them. 

MAKCH. 

March 3 — II. Miles Moore enrolled as a I torney. 

March ■'> — iolin \Y. Williams indicted for the murder of A. 
Spencer, a1 New Market. After an exciting trial, and the defence 
of the most distinguished counsel, he was acquitted. 



1852, MARCH. 147 THE BISHOPS. 

JACOB BISHOP. 

March /(>' — Jamb Bishop having died. Galen E. Bishop is ap- 
pointed administrator. Bond, $600. Be left a widow, Elizabeth, 

and sons: 

I. WAYNE BISHOP, wenl to Texas. 

II. GALEN E. BISHOP, formerly of Now Market, and now of 

St. Joseph, was and is a distinguished ' physician. Ho 

published a medical journal al Now Market, and was highly 

esteemed. His wife died Dec.20, L892. 

III. EKASTl'S 1). BISHOP, a plasterer, married, bm loft do 

children. 
[V. HENRY C. BISHOP, went to Texas. 
V. A. .1. BISHOP, m'd Doc 25, L855, .Mary A. Dobson. No 
children. 

DR. N. M. SHKOCK. 

March 25 — Dr. X. M. Shrock was born Oct. 5, 1810, and died 
March 25, 1852, on his way home from St. Louis, on a steamboat. 
after laying in a stock of drugs for the house of Shrock & Burge. 
His practice as a physician was large, and his patrons had un- 
bounded confidence in his skill. An enthusiastic Mason, ho was 
The founder and instructor of the Platte City Lodge. His tomb 
was the first marble shaft erected in the Platte City grav< yard, and 
is a tribute to his memory granted by Platte Lodge, No. .")(». He 
married Mary P. McFall, a sister of Dr. McFall. She died in 
August, 1853. His children all left the county. 

APKIL. 

WILLIAM PORTER 

April 2 — William Porter having died. Enoch Porter adminis- 
tered. Bond, |4. 0(1(1. He m'd Ann Hammond; she d. in Nov.. 
1870. Ch: 

I. JOHN PORTER, dead; m'd Louisa Tinner. Ch: 

1. William. -. Missouri Porter, m'd John Kinnamon. 
3. Thomas. 4. Katherine, m'd Thos. Roberts. 
II. ENOCH PORTER, b. Oct. L>4. L820, in Cabell Co.. Va.: d. in 
March, 1891. Came to Platte in 1840, and settled six miles 
south of 1 Mat to City; he was a t hrift \ farmer and a sensible 
man. He m'd Sarah Smith, dr. of Thomas; she was b. in 
1828. Ch: 

1. Eliz. J. Porter, m'd 4. A. Martin. Ch: ["1 Willis 

Martin; | *> ] Ardella: ['] Sallie; I'M Marv; \<] Stella; 
[f] Myrtle; [."] Ella; [''] Robert Martin. 

2. Mary Porter, m'd Oct. is. isTT. John W. Babcock (his 

second wife), son of Richard. Ch; ["1 Richard 
Babcock (ii); [''1 Golden; [<"] Ernest: \<>] Henry; 



1852, APRIL. 148 THE PORTERS. 

[ e ] Jaines; [f] Grace. They live in Colorado. John 
W.'s first wife was Martha Timberlake, dr. of Westey. 
She died childless. 

3. Thos. Porter, m'd Elizabeth Arnold, dr. of W. H. Ch: 

[«] William Porter; [&] Edward; [c] Rosetta; 
[*] Walter; [e] Nellie; [f] Laura; [0] Olla; 
[*] Jesse; [*] Fleming Porter. 

4. Aylsye Porter, m'd March 29, 1874, Minor Payne. Ch: 

["] Fannie Payne; [&] Alvin; [c] May; [* d ] Maud; 
[e] Dilla. 

5. Joseph Porter, m'd Minerva Kincart. Ch: [«] Silvey; 

[6] Clara; [o] Joseph; [*] a babe. 

6. J. Frank Porter, m'd Jane Smth, dr. of Chester. Ch: 

[«] Mary Emily Porter, m'd March 13, 1896, C. A. 
Studdard; [ ft ] Sarah N.; [c] CoraB.; [<*] William L; 
[e] Basil D.; [/] Raymond Porter. 

7. Henri/ Porter. 8. Charles Porter. 

III. THOMAS PORTER, m'd Margaret Brumfield. 

IV. MATILDA PORTER, m'd Beckett. 
V. MARTHA, m'd Bias. 

VI. SUSAN PORTER, m'd 1st, Balleu; m'd 2d, Elijah Yates. 

JAMES SIMPSON. 

April 8 — Jaines Simpson having died, Preston Simpson ad- 
ministered. Bond, .$12,000. He m'd Bethenia Johnson, in Ten- 
nessee, and came to Platte in 1837, settling near Waldron. Ch: 
I. CAPT. JOSEPH SIMPSON, m'd Lucetia Baldwin, dr. of 
Martin. They live in Sedalia. He raised a company of 
militia that did home service for several years during the 
war. He possesses intelligence and enterprise. Ch: 

1. Martha Simpson, m'd John Lynch; 4 children. Live 

in Barry. 

2. Amanda Simpson (ii), m'd W. C*. White. Live in Sedalia. 



o 
o. 



Isaac Simpson, lives at Chicago. 



II. AMANDA SIMPSON (i), m'd Jerry Johnson (i). Ch: 

1. Polk. 2. Man/ J. (Twins.) 
1 1 r. HARRIET SIMPSON, m'd Irvine Andrews. Ch : 

1. Martha J. 2. Maggie. Live at Atchison. 
IV. ISAAC SIMPSON, m'd July 19, 1849, Hettie J. Harrington, 
dp. of Elisha. They live in Weston. Ch: 

1. John L. Simpson, b. Feb. 9, 1853; m'd 1st, May 6, 1875, 

Susan Naylor, dr. of Paul, by whom he had: [«] Ar- 
thur Simpson, b. March 5, 1876. John L. m'd 2d, May 
10, 1880, Lizzie F. Coakley, dr. of Jos. Ch: [&] Ed- 
ward Simpson; ['"] Elmer. J. L. Simpson is a mer- 
chant of Waldron, and is the present postmaster. 

2. Dr. Wm. J. Simpson, of Weston, m'd April 22, 1880. 

CoraB.Mack. Ch: ["] Allie: [&] Lester; [ c ] Eva 
Simpson. 



1852, APRIL. 149 THE SIMPSONS. 

3. Isaac Y. sim/isoii, lives in Colorado. 

4. Jeff. D. Simpson. 

5. Frank .1/., m'd a Martin, of Cass Co. 

6. Mary J. Simpson (twin with Jeff), m'd A. Kasley. <'h: 

[«] Edna; [''] Dom Pedro Easley. 

7. Robt. E. L. Simpson, in Colorado. 

8. Henry .1/.. killed in Colorado in May, 1896. 

V. MARGARET SIMPSON, m'd dames \V. Reynolds. Ch: 
1. Bethenia. 2. Amanda. .*>. John C. 4. Isaac J. 
5. Georgia Reynolds. 
April 13 — Thos. B. Reed having died, J. W. Ragsdale admin- 
istered. Bond, |1(J.()()0. 

Nathaniel Boydston having- died, John C. Bywaters adminis- 
tered. Bond, $1G,000. 

April 20 — Nolly Dnvall having died, .John I). Pepper ad- 
ministered. 

April 29 — Daniel Shackelford having died, das. G. Williams 
qualifies as executor. 

The Baptists organize a chinch at Parkville. The Presby- 
terians are building a parsonage, and the Methodists a house of 
worship. 

MAY. 

COUNTS FINANCES. 

Cash received $14,022.10 

Warrants drawn 8,238.81 



Surplus $5,783.29 

Expenditures in Detail. 

Skinner's bridge $ 578.00 

Platte City bridge , 444.00 

Other bridges and roads 540.00 

( Jounty Justices 182.00 

County Clerk 1,369.00 

Poor-house and paupers 920.00 

Assessor 1S7.00 

Jail 126.00 

Printing 14.00 

Sheriff 696.00 

County Attorney 100.00 

Stationery 226.00 

Circuit Clerk 53.00 

Interest on county warrants 284.00 

Treasurer 674.00 

-Court-house 562.00 

Other purposes 1,277.81 

$8,238.81 



1852, MAY. 150 THE OWENS. 

Levy, 40 cents. Total taxes levied, f 18, 406.37. Names on the 
assessor's books, 1,600. Township funds, |22,282.95. 

May 8 — Judge Almond buys Jesse Morin's half of the Platte 
( Jity Water Mills, and 300 acres of land, at f 12,000. 

May 11 — Jas. B. Martin resigns as county court justice, and 
R. P. Clark is appointed to the place. 

May 21 — Abraham Miller having died, Nancy Miller qualifies 
as executrix. 

JUNE. 

June 9 — Ridgelj 7 incorporated, with Ben Smither, R. W. 
Chinn. Jos. Edwards, Jas. Dodd, and O. Clark as trustees. 

June 14 — John L. Darst having died, Maria L. Darst is ap- 
pointed administratrix. Bond, $8,000. 

June 11 — A public meeting in Parkville to consider the Ne- 
braska bill in Congress. W. H. Summers is chairman. 

June 18 — H. B. Branch attacks E. S. Wilkinson on the street, 
in Weston. They are parted and no damage is done. 

June 19 — Mordecai Oliver, nominee of the Whigs for Congress, 
speaks at Weston. 

June 20 — The small coin has all left the country, and "shin- 
plasters" are issued by merchants, redeemable when $5 is pre- 
sented. 

June 21 — Gen. Winfield Scott nominated at Baltimore for 
President by the Whigs. 

WEBSTER OWENS. 

■I line 2Jf — Webster Owens having died, David Fleming admin- 
esters. Bond, $2,500. He m'd Mrs. Delilah Denny. They lived 
in Pettis Township. Ch: 

T. HARVEY, went to Kansas. 
1 1. WILMOUTH OWENS, m'd Josiah Higgins (ii). (See.) 

III. JOHN OWENS, m'd Roberta Hopkins, nee Thatcher. Ch: 

1. Hayden Owens. 2. Henry. 3. Zona. 
4. Joseph, m'd Edna Owens. 

IV. MARY ANN OWENS (Pop), m'd Marion Andrews. 

V. GRANVILLE L. OWENS, b. in 1818 in Rockcastle Co., Ky.; 
was killed .In no 28, 1885, by his house falling on him in a 
terrific storm. He m'd 1st, VA'v/.. Owens, ne'e Denny, widow 
of David Owens; and she was the mother of his children. 
He was ;i farmer, and a worthy justice of the peace for 
eight years. < 'li : 

1. Louisa Owens, m'd Jos. Tennison. She d. leaving: 
I " I Edward Tennison. 



1852, JUNK. 151 THE OWENS. 

2. William A. Owens, b. Dec. 28, L853; m'd May 15, 1879, 
Eliz. .Mail in, dr. of Thomas and Louisa, 1». in 1856. 
Gh: ["] Arthur Owens; [''] Jesse; ['"] Hubert; 
['/] Celia; |' ] Dela. 

VI. LANKFORD OWENS, m'd Lehaza Myers, dr. of Hiram. 

VII. CYNTHIA ANN OWENS, m'd -las. T. Riley; b. March Hi. 

1837; (1. Dec <i, 1881. She was his second wife. 

1 John W. Riley, b. -Ian. IS. 1860; m'd Dec. 24, 1882, 
Margaret E. Moore, dr. of .lames, and sister of 
Turner. Ch: \"\ Ruby; [''] Myrtle; ['] Cynthia; 
['/] John; [e] babe. 

2. Mam •/• Riley, b. Nov. 11, 1862; m'd April 2::, 1882, 
Dan'l L. Sample, b. March 29, 1856. Ch: [a] McClel- 
land, b. July 13, 1883; [''] Henry, b. April 7, 1885; 
[ c ] Homer, b. Aug. 3, 1886; [<'] Noah, b. Nov. 30, 1890. 
James T. Riley m'd 1st, Jan. 14, 1806, Margaret 
Higgins, dr. of Josiah (ii), both dead. Ch: 

::. Cora H. Riley, m'd Edward Butner. Oh: ["] Lilian 
Butner; [&] Flora; [c] Charles. 

4. Robt. H.Riley. 

5. Jas. M. Riley, m'd Sept. 1, 18SS, Alice Thorp. 

6. Ada Riley. 7. Albert M. 

VIII. EDNA OWENS, m'd Jos. Thatcher. 

IN. MALINDA OWENS, b. in 1831; m'd Nov. 11, 1849, Luther 
Calvin Thatcher, b. Oct. 24, 1S24, a son of Hayden Thatcher. 
I am well acquainted with Mr. Thatcher, and regard him as 
an upright and honorable citizen, and a sincere Christian. 
Children: 

1. Mary F. Thatcher, b. Nov. 11, 1850; married and died 

childless. 

2. W. H. Thatcher, b. Oct. 14, 1852. 

3. Callie Thatcher, m'd Wm. Greening. Ch: ["] Malinda; 

[&] Jesse. 

4. Wallace I., m'd .Mamie Bowman. Ch: ["] a girl. 

Live in Kansas. 

5. hatha .1/.. m'd April 24, 1880, John Roberts. 
0. Tabitha, m'd John Branham. 

7. Melissa Thatcher, s. John A. !>. Geo. A. K). James. 
X. DAVID N. OWENS, m'd Elizabeth Denny. He died, and she 

m'd 2d. O. L. Owens (above). 

THE "ARGUS." 

June 25 — I have before me a copy of the Weekly Platte Argus. 
published at Weston June 25, 1852, by Wilkinson & Adams, at $2 
per year; 7 columns, 22 inches. 

CONTENTS 

T. H. Staines, Parkville, June 8, declines the Democratic 
nomination for representative, made the 7th inst. 



1852, JUNE. 152 OFFICERS. 

The address of M. Oliver, nominated by the Whigs at Gal- 
latin, dated Richmond, Mo., June 9th. 

Dr. J. H. Stringfellow locates at Platte City June 9th. 

Emigrants to California who had passed Fort Kearney: 
10,236, up to May 25th. Much sickness prevailed among them. 

Eleven steamboats advertised in the Argus. 

Prof. H. B. Todd advertises his closing exhibition at Cam- 
den Point, for July 3d. 

The exciting topic of the day is the division of the Democratic 
party between Birch and King, for Congress, and Oliver, Whig. 
(Oliver was elected.) 

JULY. 

July 8 — Spalding & Rogers' circus at Platte City. At Wes- 
ton on the 9th. 

AUGUST. 

THE ELECTION. 

Governor, Sterling Price; Representatives, H. Brooks, J. W. 
Forbis, J. B. Martin ; Senator, A. M. Robinson ; Circuit Clerk, W. 
C. Remington; County Clerk, P. R. Waggoner; Sheriff, L. Shep- 
ard; Treasurer, W. Christison; County Justices, Duncan, Layton, 
and Clark; Assessor, Rush McComas; Coroner, Noah Beery. 

The Congressional Tote of the District: M. Oliver, 7,598; J. H. 
Birch, 4,399 ; King, 4,107. 

For President: W. Scott (Whig), 1,386,578; F. Pierce (Dem.). 
1,601,474; John F. Hale, 156,149. 

ORVILLA PACK. 

Orvilla Pack having died, Chas. Turman administers. Bond, 
$6,000. He m'd Sarah McClain, ne'e Price, of Harrison Co., Ky. 
They came to Missouri in 1837, and settled near Ridgely. He 
died in June, 1852, and his widow in 1883. Ch: 

I. SUSAN MARY PACK, m'd Lawson Rogers, of Buchanan. 
She is now a widow. 
II. WILLIAM PACK, of Gardner, Kansas, m'd Sennie Lasuer. 
III. HENRY M. PACK, a merchant of Edgerton, m'd 1st, April 8, 
1 sir, Melissa Gustin ; b. Feb. IT, 1855, dr. of Alfred. She d. 
March 16, 1880, leaving: 
1. ^Yil1i<l»r 2. Nettie. 
Henry M. m'd 2d, May 21, 1885, Mollie Kasine. 
1\". RICHARD W. PACK. b. in Platte Sept. 24. 1842; m'd Jan. 8, 
1870, Susan Y. Dale, b. Oct. 31. 1852, dr. of Thomas. She is 
;i lovely Christian lady. Mi'. Pack has been sucessively 
farmer, merchant, hotel-keeper, miller, constable, and 
sheriff. He was a soldier in Capt. Chrisman's company, of 
\Vinst<m's regiment, and saw hard service. After the war. 



1852, AUG. 153 J. S. OWENS. 

he drove ;i team on the plains; returning, lie went to Bu- 
chanan County, thence to Clay, and finally set t led in Platte. 
In 1875 we find him at Parkville. In November, 1884, he 
was chosen sheriff by a vote of 2,785, againsl 935 for Coch- 
ran; and he was re-elected in November. 1886, by a vote of 
2,558. against 817 for Graden. He made an excellent offi 
cer, and by his generous nature and unassuming disposi- 
tion has made many friends. He has been burned out three 
times, and has but little left, yet he enjoys unbounded 
credit. He is now a merchant at Tracy. Ch: 

1. OrriUa Pack (ii), b. Nov. 20, 1870; m'd Feb. 10. 1893, 

Nettie Dziubon. 

2. Bi/mn Pack. b. Oct. 4. 1872. 3. Annie, b. Jan. 23, 1878. 
4. Harry Park. b. June 31, 18.81. 5. Willie, b. Dec. 7. 1883. 

JOHN SANFORD OWENS. 

Aug. 7 — John Sanford Owens died near Camden Point. Dan 
iel & Montgomery administered, giving bond for $20,000. He was 
a son of John Owens and Nancy Sanford, and was born in Virginia 
in 1800. He removed to Henry Co., Ky., and there married Har- 
riet B. Moore, who died in December, 1860. They came to Platte 
in 1845, and settled near Camden Point, on a large farm. Mrs. 
Owens survived her husband, and died in December, 1800. Ch: 
I. NANCY OWENS, m'd Rev. James J. Daniel. She died, and 

Mr. Daniel removed to Gentry Co., where he died. 
IT. POLLY ANN OWENS, m'd in 1844. Geo. Montgomery, in 
Kentucky. He was a son of Adam Montgomery, who came 
from Scotland. They came to Platte in 1845, and settled 
near Camden Point. Ch: 

1. Harriet Montgomery, d. in Noy., 1865; m'd Boom France. 

No children. 

2. Adam Montgomery, m'd Samantha France, sister of 

Harriet's husband. They live in Buchanan. Ch: 
["] Adam Montgomery; [''] John S.. m'd Sonora 
France. No children. 

3. Geo. F. Montgomery, m'd Bettie Coyle. Live in Bu 

chanan. 

4. Florence, m'd Cy. Coyle, nephew of Bettie, Gentry Co. 

5. Hall Montgomery, m'd Ollie Anderson. No ch. 

III. JOHN THOS. OWENS, b. in Henry Co., Ky.. Sept. 10. 1835; 
came with his parents in 1S45; m'd Feb. 26, 1861. Minerva 
A. Dean. dr. of John B. Dean, a well educated and accom- 
plished lady. Mr. Owens is an intelligenl and Christian 
gentleman, and active in sustaining the Orphan School at 
Camden Point. In 1SS1* he was elected collector of Platte, 
and was re-elected in 1884. No man possesses more the 
esteem and confidence of the people. He now owns the 
old homestead, and. with his son. is selling goods at Cam- 
den Point. Ch: 



1852, AUG. 154 THE OWENS. 

1. Harriet Owens, b. Nov. 1, 1862; m'd Feb. 21, 1882, 

James G. Lewis, son of Isaac T. James, was b. May 
11,1859. Oh: [«] Eula Belle Lewis; [&] Owens T. 

2. Sidney M. teens, m'd April 9, 1889, Dona Moore, dr. of 

Thomas. Ch: ["] Oclo Owens. 

3. Andrew Bart. Owens, m'd December 14, 1892, Maggie 

Maupin, dr. of Thomas R. 
1. Elh. teens, m'd Sept. 17, 1890, Frank Bruce, son of 
John. 

5. Ltjdia E. Oteens (Li/da), m'd Oct. 28, 1896, Frank Hillix. 

6. F rankle Oteefis. 

IV. MAPLE P. OWENS, b. in Henry Co., Ky, Sept. 11, 1840; m'd 

June 28, 1866, Eliza Dean, dr. of J. B. * Ch : 

1. Nora Oteens, b. Aug. 2, 1868; m'd Nov. 3, 1890, Jeff. 

Masoner, son of Geo. Ch: [«] Minta; [ 6 ] a babe. 

2. James F. Oteens. 3. Lela. 4. Susie. 5. Ella. 
6. Maple P. (u). 

V. LEWIS F. OWENS, m'd Feb. 25, 1871, Mary E. Maupin, dr. 

of Thomas R. Ch: 

1. Mabel. 2. Frank. Live in Nodaway County. 
Dr. William Jewell, founder and promoter of the college that 
bears his name, died at Liberty. Mo. 

JOSEPH MARTIN. 

Aug. 9 — Joseph Martin having died, Brightberry Martin, his 
son. administered. Bond, $10,000. He was a brother of Zadock 
Martin, but of kinder disposition and gentler manners. He was 
a native of Kentucky, and in 1800 married Nancy Brown, born in 
May. 1781. In 1837 they came to Platte, and settled near Park- 
ville. Children: 

1. BRIGHTBERRY MARTIN, b. in Kentucky May 15, 1811; 
d. in Platte April 29, 1890; m'd Feb. 22, 1835, Eliz. Willis, b. 
in Estill Co., Ky., Feb. 23, 1818; d. July 15. 1889. They had 
three daughters, who married and died, leaving children. 
(Sec .Jane Martin.) 
II. BETTIE A. MARTIN, m'd Ah in Ross. 

III. ISAAC MARTIN. 

IV. STEPHEN MARTIN. 

V. SARAH MARTIN, m'd Thos. Harrington. 

VI. MA I A XI )A MARTIN, m'd II. C.C.( Ira v. 

VII. GREENBERRY liii. m'd Eliz. . 

VIII. FRANKLIN MARTIN. 

IX. RHODA. m'd P. Y. Flannery. (See.) 

In the partition proceedings of Joseph Martin's estate (Cir 
cnii Court Record P., p. 552) his widow is called Rhoda. 



L852, AUG. L55 THK MARTINS. 

GEORGE MARTIN. 

Aug. 30 — George .Marl in baying died, das. II. La \ ton ei al. 
qualified as executors, giving bond for $40,000. H<- married Mar- 
garel Lamar. Mr. Martin was a wealthy and Influential citizen 

of Marshall Township. Ch: 

1. ALPHONSO L. MARTIN. 
II. EVALINA, ni'd \\u\. McKay. Live in Colorado. 
IV. ELIZABETH, m'd Jones. She died, leaving: 

1. Evaline Jones. 2. Susan A. .'!. Minora. 5. Kate. 
IV. ELIZA A. MARTIN, m'd Hiram Lovelad.y; m'd I'd. Chas. \V. 

Spencer. 
V. GEORGE \\ . MARTIN, dead. 

VI. JOHN W. MARTIN, b. in Missouri -Inly 31, L836; m'd May I'!), 

1850, Sarah Lamar. Ch: 

1. T/k/.s. .4. 2. Robt. L. :\. Geo. D. 

4. Nellie J., m'd Bela Oliver. 

5. Myrtle />., m'd John La \ son. 

0. Joseph L., b. May 12, 187.°,. 

VII. MARSHALL L. MARTIN. 

VIII. MATILDA ANN. 

John Swaney buys Lots 7 and 8, Block •".(). Platte City, and 
erects a brick residence, now owned by J. Zarn. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 1 — Finch & Smith are now issuing the Reporter, a Whig 
paper, at Weston. 

HENRY BOYDSTON (ii). 

Sept. 21 — Henry Boydston lii) having died, July 27, 1852, his 
widow. Mary, administered, giving bond for $6,000. Henry mar- 
ried Mary (Polly) Holland. She died March 6, 1866. He was a 
son of Henry Boydston ii), who died in Platte. Children of 
Henry lii) and Polly: 

I. BEN BOYDSTON, m'd in L867, Mat. A. Borden, dr. of John. 
He lives in the northeast pari of Platte, and is wealthy and 
influential. Ch: 

1. Dr. Marvin C, graduated at Louisville Medical Col- 

lege in 1895. 

2. Weighman M. ■>. Vandever. 4. Cora /•-'. 5. June /.'. 
(i. Thos. //. 7. Ben F. s. Martha /•:. 0. Sue Boydston, 

II. ELIZABETH BOYDSTON, m'd March 10. L853, Johu S. Hoi 
land, sou of Thos. (Mi : 

1. Mary Holland, m'd Lee Worthington. Ch: ["] Thos.; 

[B] Ressie. 

2. Fannie Holland, m'd James Kitchen. (Mi: ["] Fred. 
III. JAS. N. BOYDSTON. b. Nov. 28. 18::::; living; m'd Eliz. .1. 

Holland, dr. of Thos. Ch: 



1852, SEPT. 156 THE BOYDSTONS. 

1. Thos. H. BoydjSton, m'd March 3, 1880, Kate Lott. 

Ch: [«] Harrv L. Boydston; [ 6 ] Jennie; [ c ] Georgia; 
[d] Holland; \e] Lon. 

2. Mollie Boydston, m'd March 3, 1880, G. W. Shafer-, of 

Clinton. Ch: [«] Bessie. 

3. J. Frank Boydston, m'd Mollie Carrington, dr. of W. T. 

Ch: [«] Geo. Boydston; [ & ] Essie; [ P ] James. 

4. Alice Boydston, m'd Feb. 18, 1883, John Shafer, son 

of Ben. 

5. Ella Boydston, m'd John Ray, son of George. Ch: 

["] Jennie; ' [&] Essie; [c] Aytch; [*] Estelle B. 
IV. THOS. S. BOYDSTON, living; m'd Sue Stone, dr. of Strode. 
Children: 

1. Henry. 

2. Rush Boydston, m'd Nov. 8, 1893, Robt. M. Dulin. 

3. Thos.D. 4. Birdie. 

5. William B., m'd Nov. 24, 1896. Lilly Johnson, dr. of 
Henrv. 6. Strode. 
V. LAURA BOYDSTON, m'd June 20, 1862, R, True Davis, b. 
in Buchanan in 1837; d. in St. Joseph Dec. 14, 1894. Ch: 

1. Mattie, m'd W. H. Whimple. 

Laura died, and Mr. Davis m'd 2d, her sister, 
VI. MARY BODYSTON, who survives him. Ch: 

2. Mrs. R. L. Beaumont, of Chicago. 3. R. M. Davis. 

4. R. True Davis (ii). 5. Willie. 6. Nannie. 

Mr. Davis resided, for years, at New Market; went to St. 
Joseph, engaged in the milling business, and, as a miller, 
possessed a world-wide reputation; twice elected county 
collector, and in 1878 was chosen State senator. He took 
an active part, as a Democratic politician, and was untiring 
in building up St. Joseph. 
YIT. CROW BOYDSTON, m'd Wm. Smith. 

We have given above only the posterity of Henry Boydston 
(iii : bin he had brothers: 
IT. WILLIAM BOYDSTON. 
HI. THOMAS BOYDSTON. 
IV. WESLEY, killed in the Civil War. 
V. SAMUEL BOYDSTON. m'd Mahala Potter, niece of Sam'l. 

1. Annie, m'd Dec. 16, 1844. W. A. Mitchell, son of Robt. B. 

2. John //.. m'd Ellen Payne. 

3. Wm. Boydston, b. Nov. 20. 1857; m'd Oct. 26. 1880. Mollie 

Chinn, dr. of Elijah. Oh: ["] Lee Boydston ; [»] Eli- 
jah; [c] Pearl; [<*]ZulaM.; [ e ] Juanita. 

OCTOBER. 

PHI LIT P.ELLIS. 

Ori > — Philip Bellis having died. Mary Bellis administered. 
Bond, |10,000. They lived above latan. Ch: 



1852, OCT. 157 THE KELLERS. 

I. JAMES BELLIS, m'd Margarel Bellis (cousin). Ch: 

1. Man/, m'd Jas. Bolman. 
II. ELLEN BELLIS. m'd \\ . II. II. Brown. Ch: 

1. Luther. 2. Agnes. ::. William. 

TIL BARTON BELLIS, m'd Jane Brown, Bister of W. II. II.. ;md 
dr. of Carlisle. Ch: 
1. Henry. 2. Carlisle. •">. Christine. 4. Elley. 
5. Samuel, <i. Benj. 7. Dillard. 8. Amanda. 9 Ahrin. 

Oct. Jf — New Market incorporated, with Eph. Hill, James Dod- 
son, Wm. Singleton, Thos. Allen, and Jac. Adamson trustees. 

Oct. 19 — Thus. J. Keller having died, G. W. and Jacob Kel- 
ler (ii), administered. Bond, $1 4,000. 

JACOB KELLER (i). 

Who lived and died in Lexington, Ky., was the progenitor of 
the family in Missouri. Eight of his children came west, and four 
settled in Clay, and four in Platte. Ch: 

I. JAMES M. KELLER, m'd Bettie Dillingham. Ch: 

1. Mary E. Keller, m'd Jas. Adkins, of Liberty. 4 ch. 

2. Pauline Keller, m'd Jas. D. Harper. 3 ch. 

3. Amanda Keller, m'd Bogy. 

II. THOMAS J. KELLER, m'd Eliz. Kay. Ch: 

1. Jacob Keller (ii), m'd Mabel Fry, dr. of John M. Ch: 

[«] Tillie. 

2. Mary Mag. Keller, m'd Feb. 3, 1852, David Farra. Went 

to Oregon. 

3. Nannie Keller, m'd Elisha Cravens. Ch: ["] Alice. 

4. Sarah Keller, m'd Joseph Johnson, of Kentucky. 

5. John R. Keller (ii), b. Feb. 23, - -: d. July 26, 1889: 

m'd 1st, Dec. 7. 1S"»4, Nancy Swanev. d. Feb. 22, 18G9, 

dr. of John. No ch. John R. m'd 2d, May 2, 1872, 

Sophia Ellington, dr. of Pleas. W. Ch: ["] Mollie 

Keller; [&] John R. liii); ['] Thos. Keller. John 

R.'s (ii) widow, Sophia, m'd 2d, Jan. *i. L892, Jesse 

Brashear. 

III. JOHN R. KELLER (i), b. in Jessamine Co., Ky.. Dec. 18, 1812. 

He settled in Clay, and represented our senatorial district 

in 1874-7S, as a Democrat. He was highly esteemed as a 

gentleman and statesman. He m'd June li. IS.**,: 7 ,, Eliza 

Faulconer. dr. of Nelson and half-sister of \V. K. Faulconer. 

1. Elizabeth Keller, m'd Noel Brooks, of Clay. Ch: 

["] John Brooks; ( '' | William; [c] Mamie; [<*] Thos.; 
[e] Buder; [f] Charles Brooks. 

2. Sarah Keller, m'd John D. Harper, brother of -las. D. 

(above). Ch: ["] Eliza Harper; \ h ] .John; ['] Dixie; 
[d] Irene; [«] William. 

3. Geo. X. Keller, m'd a dr. of Dan'l Bell. 4 ch. 



1852, OCT. 158 THE KELLERS. 

4. Thos. J. Keller (ii), m'd a dr. of John Story. 4 ch. 

5. Jos. F. Keller, m'd Ella, dr. of Campbell Kay. Ch: 

["] Campbell Keller; [&] Lizzie; [c] Sallie; [*] Chas. 

6. Martha Keller, m'd Lon Adkins, brother of D. J., of 

Clay. Ch: [«] Lela Adkins; '[&] Robert; [°] Polk; 
[''] Church Adkins. 

IV. G. W. RICE KELLER, d. in Aug., 1864; m'd Mary Hampton. 
Their children : 

1. Sarah F. Keller, b. Aug. 27, 1840; m'd Nov. 3, 1859, Asa 

L. Smith, b. June 13, 1836; d. July 9, 1893. He was 
an intelligent, enterprising, and wealthy farmer. 
After the war, he removed to Platte City, and joined 
his brother, Geo. W. Smith, in a drug store, which 
he continued until his death. He was president of 
the Bank of Platte City, and was zealous in promot- 
ing the interests of the Camden Point Orphan School. 
He was a man of thought, and all his enterprises 
were ordered with sound judgment. He built a spa- 
cious and costly mansion in Platte City, and died as 
the last nail was driven. The widow lives with her 
only surviving child, in Platte City. ["] Gustavus 
W.' Smith, b. Dec. 25, 1861; lives with his mother. 
He was cashier of the Bank of Platte City, and sub 
sequently of the Exchange Bank. He continued the 
Platte City drug store of his father until Jan. 1, 1895, 
when he sold out to Throckmorton. 

2. Martha Keller, m'd Thomas R. Smith, bro. of Asa. They 

live in New Mexico. Ch: [ r/ ] Lula; [&] Eunice; 
[c] Sallie; [<*] William. 

3. Eliza Keller, m'd S. J. Kirtley. Ch: [«] Raymond; 

[6] E. B. Kirtley (ii) ; [c] Fannie; [*] Zadie; [ p ] Ora; 
[/] Charles Kirtley. 

4. John D. Keller, m'd March 27, 1878, Annie M. Bovdston. 

Ch: [a] Rice Keller; [&] a babe. 

5. Ella Keller, m'd Robert Hughes, son of Wm. S. No ch. 

6. Geo. Keller. (1. March 23, 1889, aged 53; buried in Platte 

City. 

7. Jeff. D. Keller, m'd Sept. 4. 1880, Mary F. Deetz. They 

live in Buchanan. 

8. Mary L. Keller, m'd Philip Kirtley. Live in Xow 

Mexico. 
V. NANCY KELLER, b. April L3, 1803; m'd Feb. 11, 1824, 
Major James Bradley, b. in Kentucky, Feb. 10, 1798; d. in 
Platte Sept. 16, 1869. He was a son of Thos. Bradley, and 
grandson of Roberl Bradley, an emigrant from England in 
17<»<;. For many years he was a prominent figure in the 
civil and military affairs of Platte. He lived on the Cam- 
den point road, three miles north of Platte City, and his 
house was the headquarters of Southern soldiers during the 



1852, OCT. | r,«.» Till-: KELI/ERS. 



war. He was short, heavy, and lull of life, spirit, ;ind 
patriotism. Ch: 

I. Martha Ann, dead. 2. Mary E., dead. 

.!. Thos. K. Bradley, m'd June 12, L853, Lou Lincoln, of 

Clay. 
4. John //.. m'd Hose Perkins, dr. of William. 
."). Joseph, now in California. <>. Zadie, dead. 

7. Sallie, m'd Sept. 13, 1870, John Berry Bays: Ch: 

["] Mabel. 

8. Amanda, dead. 

!>. Sua,* m'd James Madding. Ch: ["] -Maud; [''] -las. 

Madding; ['] Wilbert. 
10. -his. /'. Bradley (iii, of South Dakota. 

II. Wm. 11'. Bradley, of S. Dakota, m'd Nov. 8, 1883, Bes- 
sie B. Butchers. 

12. LelandJ. 

1.'!. •/. Polk Bradley, now postmaster at Linneus, Mo., m'd 
Sept. 14. 1S74, Mattie Sandusky. Ch: ["] Bessie. 

VI. MARTHA -I. KELLER, d. in Dec, 1858; m'd .John M Haves. 

d. Aug. 12, 1857. 

1. Sam' J K. Hayes, went to Texas. 

2. Nancy, m'd Dr. Thos. L. Thomas iii. (See.) 

3. Robt.B. Hayes, d. in July, 1863. 

4. Mary Jane Hayes, m'd .March 17. 1848, Wilford Middle- 

ton (his second wife), brother of .John. 

5. John 1/. Hayes iii). d. Xov. 1. 1869; m'd Mary E. Kay. 

She lives in Camden Point. 

6. Ann EUza Hayes. 

7. Frank li. Hayes, d. in .May. 1869; single. 

VII. SALLIE KELLER, b. Aug. 11. 1803, in Payette Co., Ky.; m'd 

April 22, 1819, dames Carson, b. in Ireland, Nov. 29, 1 TiMi ; 
d. May (I. 1873. They came to Platte in 1840, and entered 
land near Camden Point; sold in 1852, and went to Clay, 
where Mrs. Carson d. July 28, 1872, and her husband d. 
May 6, 1873. 

1. Ann ('arson, m'd Wilford Middleton (first wife). No 

children. 

2. Magdalen Carson, m'd Win. Thomason. id' Clay. Ch: 

[" ] Sallie Thomason, m'd Feb. 14. L878, John I. Skill- 
man, b. in Platte Feb. L'7. 1850. Mrs. Skillman is a 
lovely and accomplished lady. Mr. Skillman was 
educated at Wm. Jewell College. He is now a suc- 
cessful farmer, six miles north of Platte City. He is 
a son of the late Chris. A. Skillman and grandson of 
Senator Andrew Johnson. Ch: |/] A.llie Skillman ; 
[2] Chris A. Skillman (ii). Mr. Wm. Thomason has 
other children in Clay. 
:\. Thos. J. Carson. It. Feb. 1!>. 1832, in Kentucky: came to 
Platte with Ins parents in 1840; m'd April 28, 1853, 



1852, NOV. 160 MARRIAGES. 

Amanda Jeter, b. Aug. 27, 1832 ; d. Nov. 20, 1890. He 
m'd 2d, June 14, 1892, Mrs. Mattie Bywaters, widow 
of James H. Bvwaters and dr. of Price Starks. She 
was b. in Scotland Co., Mo., Aug. 29, 1846. Ch: 
[«] Emma Belle Carson, b. Oct. 12, 1854; d. Aug. 30. 
1873; she was the first wife of Charles H. Short- 
ridge, whom she married in Jan., 1871; [ & ] Jas. H. 
Carson, b. Jan. 20, 1858; [ c ] Chas. E. Carson, b. Dec. 
15, 1860; [d] Luther L., b. Sept. 6, 1864; [e] Maggie, 
b. Jan 1, 1868; [f] Maud Carson, b. Feb. 26, 1871; m'd 
Dec. 27, 1888. D. D. Merchant, son of Sam'l; [0] Wil- 
lie, b. July 24, 1874; [*] Thos. J. (ii), b. June 2, 1877. 
Mr. Carson is a gentleman of engaging manners, 
and is highly esteemed. He was elected assessor in 
1852; was deputy sheriff for ten years, and the prin- 
cipal auctioneer in the county; he knows everybody. 
He owns the old Jeter farm, near Camden Point, and 
is deeply interested in the success of the Orphan 
School. He has served as deacon in the Christian 
Church for many years. Mrs. Carson is an educated, 
and charming woman. 
VIIT. ELIZABETH KELLER, m'd Wm. Wynn. Live in Clay. 

1. Mary Jane Wynn, m'd Prof. Bradley. 

2. Lottie, m'd Noll. 3. William. 4. Belle, m'd Dr. Miller. 
5. Diddle, m'd Potter. 6. Fannie, m'd Reed. 

7. Elizabeth Wynn. 

NOVEMBER. 

Presidential Tote: Pierce (Dem.), 1,585,574; Scott (Whig), 
1,383,537; Hale (Free Soil), 157,296. 

Nov. 3 — David Maupin having died, Michie Maupin admin 
istered. (See.) 

DECEMBER. 

MARRIAGES IN 1852 NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED. 

August 19, Caleb Bailey married Jane Adkins. 
August 29, B. S. Stanley married Hester Cox. 
October 19, A. G. Woodward married Reb. Woodward. 
December 9, John Houts married Elizabeth Osborn. 
December 30, Weslev Justus married Nancy J. Ralston. 



1853, JAN. 161 BUSINESS MKN. 

1853. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor. S. Price; State Senator, A. M. Robinson; Congress- 
man, M Oliver; Representatives, Brooks, Forbis, and Martin; 
Circuit .Judge, E. II. Norton; Circuit Clerk, \V. C. Remington; 
County Justices, Layton, Duncan, and Clark; County Clerk, P. R. 
Waggoner; Sheriff, L. Shepard ; Assessor, Jas. ( 'arson; Treasurer, 
\V. Christison; Probate Judge. -las. Kuykendall; Surveyor, H. N. 
■leaks; Coroner, A. L. Pen-in; Public Administrator, Jac. Swope; 
Circuit Attorney, Jas. Craig; Commissioner of Common Schools, 
•I. A. Headley. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

.!/ Platte City: Attorneys— W. B. Almond, W. C. Baker, J. 
H. Baldwin, R, P. Clark, J. A. Headley, Thos. Herndon, H. Miles 
Moore. J. E. Pitt, E .0. Sayle, J. G. Spratt, John Wilson, Rees. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Callahan, Marshall, Redman, String- 
fellow, Wallace. 

Merchants, etc. — Ferrier. Fleshman, Fox & Brooks, R. D. 
Johnston & Keith, S. Johnston, Metcalfe (postmaster) & Bradley, 
Remington & Kuykendall, L. Rees, Paxton & Callahan, Richards, 
Townsend & Christison, Lutes. Elder A. P. Williams of the Baptist 
Church. 

. 1 1 Weston: Attorneys — Bird, Branch, Diefendorf, Doniphan, 
Lawson, Ramage, Tvlee, Wolf, Wilkinson. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers, Fulton, Ridley. 

Merchants — Basye, Brown. Belt & Murphy, Blanjour, Bran 
ham & Norris. Briggs & Wilkinson, Deckelman, Cody, Devin, 
Doppler, Evans, Ferguys, Frank, Gillespie, Gist, Guenther, Knud- 
son, Lindley, McKown, Meyer, Mel tier, Noble, Perrys & Young, 
Raileys, Strang, Tutt & Hood. Warner. Wilhite, Wood. 

At Park ri lie: Aspling. Rurnes. Burney, Davis & Arnold, 
Dale & Ringo, Kuykendall, Clardy, Crust, McDonald, Park, Patter- 
sun. Richardson, Stoddard & McComas, Summers. Woodsmall. 
Goodyear. Roberts, Silvey. 

.1/ New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright, Drs. Wall- 
ing & Browning, Roberts & Ussary, Allen. 

At Ridgely: Chinn, Clark, Black, Dodd. Sayle. Smither. 
Swope. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 6 — Dr. E. S. Clardy settles in Parkville. 
Jacob Mettier buys property in Weston. 

JAMES BURNES. 

Jan. 16 — James Burnes died at Buena Vista. Lewis Burnes 
qualifies the 15 inst. as his executor. Bond, $5,000. 

1 1- 



1853, JAN. 162 THE BURNES. 

THE BURNES LINEAGE. 

I. The first of the family of which there is reliable record was 
Campbell Burness (sic), sometimes written "Burnhies." He was 
born in Edinburgh, Scotland, about .1718. His connection with the 
political troubles of 1715 brought about the confiscation of his 
property, and he tied to the mountains of Batlock, in Kincardine- 
shire, where he died, disappointed and disheartened. He was 
buried in the churchyard of Lochlea, near Alloway Mill, on the 
Doon. His children were left without means, a charge upon his 
younger brother, William Burness, whose wealth consisted chiefly 
of a noble and motherly wife, whose maiden name was Agnes 
Brown. 

H. Among the children thus left was Peter Burness. He 
was born in Kincardineshire in 1752. Without education or for- 
tune, Peter came to America in 1771, and settled at, or near. 
Norfolk, Va., where, in 1777, he married Charlotte Hayden, and 
in his marriage record for the first time the name is written 
Burnes. He removed to Spottsylvania Co., Va., where 

III. James Burnes was born February 11, 1779, and Dan'l 
Burnes November 17, 1781. Their mother died February 8, 1782, 
and in 1790 Peter Burnes married a second time; but his wife was 
of violent temper, and so disagreeable to her step-sons that they 
went to Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1803. But James Burnes returned 
to Virginia, and married December 29, 1805, Mary Thompson. Of 
this marriage were born seven sons and three daughters: 1, Nel- 
son; 2, Lewis; 3, Fielding; 4, Daniel D. ; 5, Milton; 6, James N.; 
7, Calvin F.; 8, Mary; 9, Charlotte; 10, Susan Burnes. Of these, 
Milton, Mary, and Charlotte died in infancy. 

In 1824 Mr. James Burnes removed to Morgantown, Ind., and 
subsequently to Vermilion County, in the same State. He be- 
came a merchant, and laid off the town of Springfield. The father 
possessed sound judgment, with energy and independence. In 
1836 Lewis Burnes, on horseback, visited the Platte country, and 
brought back such a favorable report that in 1837 the whole family 
came west. Lewis and his family settled in the Missouri bottom, 
near Farley. Fielding and his father located a mile or two north 
of Camden Point, opened a store, and called it Buena Vista. After 
a few years, Lewis and Daniel D. engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness at Weston. The policy of the father was to unite his sons in 
business, that they might be of mutual help. Thus the power au<l 
influence of i lie family was augmented, and, in politics and busi- 
ness, they became I lie most influential family in northwest Mis- 
souri. Their united powers gave them wealth and honor. 

.biines Pinnies lii was born in Sputtsvlvania Co., Va., Feb. 14. 
1779: d. a I Buena Vista Jan. 16, 1853; m'd Dec. 29, 1805, Mary 
Thompson, b. in Louisa CO., Va., Aug. 12, 1787; d. in Weston Nov. 
23. 1862. Ch: 

I. LEWIS BURNES, b. in Ohio. May 12, 1810; d. in St. Joseph. 
Mo., Nov. 17. 1879. He was buried at Laurel Hill Ceme 



1853, JAN. L63 THE BURNES. 



tery, ;il Weston, where the dusi of his father reposes. He 
m'd 1st, Maria Brown, who died, leaving one child : 

1. John. 

He m'd 2d, Nov. L2, 1844, Nancy Bozarth, widow of Abner. 
They had two children : 

2. Lizzie, was b. in Weston Oct. L9, L848; d. Nov. 1. 1881: 

m'd W. E. Smalley. 
•'!. Victoria, who m'd Ash. Stoddart, ;i merchanl of 

Parkville. 
Mr. Burnes started life as a farmer, became a justice of 
i lie peace, engaged extensively in merchandising, and in 
various ventures on the plains; rose by his own energy and 
intelligence to a high posit [on at t he bar, and as a politician 
lie reached the place i>f State senator from our district. 
His versatile talent and indomitable energy required con- 
stant change of pursuit and stood in the way of success. 
II. SUSAN BURNES, m'd Oct. 7. L839, at Buena Vista, Samuel 
T. Mason, b. at Chillicothe, Ohio. March ('», 1806. She was 
his second wife. The first wife left no children, lie was a 
man of large experience and enterprise. Ch: 

1. Wallace, died, leaving 4 children. 

2. Susan Ellenora, m'd June 24, 1867, C. \Y. Graves, and 

died, leaving 1 child. 
.">. tola Mason, m'd Feb. IT. L870, das. McOonnell. 2 
children. 

4. Alice Mason, m'd Edward Tost. 

5. Calvin /•'.. h. May 13, 1849; m'd Mary Rector. No 

children. 
li. Lather />. 

TIL FIELDING BURNES, b. near Dayton, Ohio, May 25, 1819; 
d. Nov. is. L896, in Platte City; m'd 1st, Aug. 30, 1842, Mary 

Arnold, dr. of Thomas, of Clay. She was b. Aug. 14. 1824, 
and d. Nov. 28, is."), leaving: 

1. Susan Ellen Humes, b. May 28, 1845; m'd Aug. 31. L863, 
Dan'l F. Tebbs. They went to Salt Lake. 5 children. 
Mr. Fielding Burnes m'd 2d, April 15, 1856, Eliz. Sum- 
mers, h. Feb. 26, 1837; d. at Platte City dan. 20, 1885. She 
was a lovely woman — beautiful, stately, spirited, and full 
of Christian zeal and good works. Ch: 

•1. Alice /.. Humes, b. Feb. 20, 1857; m'd April 24, 1ST!). 
Henry A. Koster, b. in California Nov. 0, 1856. No 
children. She is a pleasant, agreeable, and intelli- 
gent Christian lady. They now live in TMatte City. 
Mr. Koster is well educated and possesses versatile 
talents. He was at first a railroad employee, then a 
professor in the Haskell Indian School, at Lawrence. 
Kansas; became an Indian trnder. and was awarded 
some profitable contracts; laid off an addition to 
Platte Citv; built a beaut iful and commodious dwell- 



1853, JAN. 164 THE BURNES. 

ing; erected a grain elevator at Tracy, and it is now 
his daily employment to superintend it. Mr. Roster's 
literary and scientific acquirements were attained in 
Paris, France. 

3. Alonzo D. Burnes, b. Oct. 28, 18G0, graduated at the 

State University at Columbia; studied law. and was 
admitted to the bar ; m'd Jan. 6, 1892, Evelina Boone, 
of Fayette, Mo., a lady of intelligence, beauty, and 
various graces. Mr. Burnes resides at Platte City, 
and has one of the most valuable law libraries in the 
West. His practice is large, and he is fast rising to 
distinction. He served two terms as county attorney, 
and was chosen, one term, president of the Agricul- 
tural M. & S. Co. of the countv. 1 child: [«] Boone 
C. Burnes, b. Feb. 12, 1894 ; d. Jan. 4, 1896. 

4. CammiUa 8. Burner, b. March 29, 1873; m'd April 21, 

1892, Dr. Spence Redman, who graduated at Jeffer- 
son Medical College of Philadelphia, April 2, 1883. 
She is a lovely lady, and Dr. Spence Redman is 
highly regarded by his professional brethren. 1 
child: [«] Marguerette. 

5. Buena Vista Burnes, b. April 9, 1876; m'd Feb. 21, 1893, 

R. Harry Hunter. 1 child: [«] Fielding B. Hunter. 

Col. F. Burnes m'd 3d, July 23, 1892, Miss Gertrude L. 
Bangs, of Washington City, from whom he has been 
divorced. 

Mr. Burnes was a large farmer, and still owns Buena 
Vista, a body of 400 acres of choice land. He rents his 
land, and resides at his home in Platte City. His children 
are all married. He was, in 1837, elected colonel of the 
77th Regiment of Missouri Militia. For the Mexican War 
he raised a part of a regiment of volunteers, but peace in- 
terfered with his plans. He engaged in mercantile ven- 
tures at Parkville. Hampton, Weston, and Platte City, 
successively. He was receiver at the State land office 
at Savannah; held a Federal office at Washington, D. C; 
tried the insurance business, at Leavenworth; and by his 
vesatility of talent found many vocations. 
LV. DANIEL DKARBORN BURKES, b. in Indiana August 11. 
1822; d. in 1 Matte Co., Mo., April 13. 1867; m'd May 14, 1851, 
Virginia Winn, dr. of Geo. and Emily; Mrs. Burnes d. April 
22. 1866. She was a lady of grace and beauty, and by her 
charms won general favor. Mr. Burnes was a gentleman 
of captivating address, and by his urbanity won the con- 
fidence and esteem of the people. He had more suavity of 
manner than any of his brothers. He represented the 
county in the Legislature, and was elected to the State 
senate, but was "counted out.'" His death, just as he was 



1853, JAN. 165 THE BURNES. 

entering upon a new political career, was much lamented. 
Children: 

1. Mary Burnes, m'd Col. Milton Moore, of Kansas City. 

.". children. 

2. Emma Burnes, m'd Theo. Winningham, of Chicago. 

.'!. Kate Burnes, m'd June 8, 1887, Elias S. Gatch. She was 
called "The Fairieof Ayr-Lawn." 

4. 1 irginia Burnes. 5. Jas. A., Jr. c>. Lewis C. B.wrnes. 

Mr. Burnes and his brother, James N. Burnes, made a 
covenant thai the survivor should take the estate of the 
deceased, and adopt his children. This agreement was 
consummated by Col. -las. N. Burnes, and the children of 
Daniel 1 >. inherited their shares in the estate of James N. 
That estate is now a corporation, and is called "The Burnes 
Estate." 
V. COL. JAMES X. BURNES, b. in Morgan Co., Ind.. duly 15. 
1827; d. at Washington, D. C, Jan. 24, 1889; m'd July 15. 
1S4T. Mary A. Skinner, b. Oct. 2, L828 in Kentucky; living ar 
St. Joseph. Mr. Burnes was ten years of age when the 
Burnes family settled in Platte. After receiving the best 
education attainable in the West, he entered Harvard 
College, and graduated with credit in 1852. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar Dec. 6, 1853. He opened a law office in 
Weston, and, with his partner. H. J. Wolf, did an extensive 
business throughout upper Missouri and eastern Kansas. 
He became interested in every scheme or enterprise for the 
improvement of society and the welfare of the people. 
February 1, 1867, he was appointed judge of the Weston 
Court of Common Pleas, which office he resigned in 
1872, to remove to St. Joseph. To his energy, chiefly, we 
owe the Weston & Atchison P. P., the Chicago & S. W. 
Ry., and the Leavenworth and the Atchison bridges. 
With his brother, Calvin F. Burnes. he started the National 
Bank of St. Joseph and the waterworks of that city. His 
financial power and integrity were seen and acknowledged 
by all. in 1S77. when his name was found on the bond of 
State Treasurer Gates, and the deposits of that officer, 
amounting to over a million dollars, were in the Mastin 
Bank, at Kansas City, and the Bank of Missouri, at St. 
Louis, and both were broken. While the other sureties 
despaired, or covered their property from execution, he 
was tii-iii and true; took the assets of the defunct inslitu 
tions. closed them out, and paid every dollar due the State 
It is said that in these operations he cleared $100,000. 
His character as a financier was established, and political 
honors were thrust upon him. In 1882 he was elected 1<. 
Congress, as a Democrat, and reelected a second and a 
third time, from this district. He took a high position in 
Congress as a statesman and orator. He had already at 



1853, JAN. 166 THE BURNES. 

tained the name and character of the best debater from the 
West, when he was suddenly cut down by death, even in 
his very seat in the House. His speeches in Congress, with 
a handsome portrait and a short sketch of his life, written 
by De Knight, his private secretary, have been published in 
an octavo volume of 480 pages. His name is revered as 
a public benefactor, a profound statesman, and a success* 
ful financier. 

Mrs. Burnes is a daughter of Phinehas Skinner, an early 
merchant, farmer, and trader, of Platte. She still lives in 
the Burnes mansion near St. Joseph. She is a woman of 
intelligence, and is honored for her virtues. Besides the 
adopted children of Daniel D. Burnes lib. she has but one 
living child: 

1. Daniel D. Burnes (iii). was b. at Kingold. Platte Co.. 

Mo., Jan. 1. 1851. He is a graduate of Washington 
College and the Law Department of Harvard. He 
m'd May 17, 1877, Minnie Farrar, of St. Louis. He 
has had at different times, as his partners. Judge 
Silas Woodson, Judge O. M. Spencer, and Hon. S. B. 
Green. His name stands with the most illustrious 
lawyers at the St. Joseph bar. In November, 1882, 
he was elected to Congress as a Democrat. At the 
end of his term he declined another nomination, and 
is now engaged in a lucrative practice of law. in St. 
Joseph. But death has removed his wife, leaving a 
lovely child: [«] Kennett F. Burnes. b. in 1878. 

2. Calvin Carr Jinnies, b. in 1850. was rising to distinction 

when death called him hence Nov. 20. 1893. He 
located in Chicago, and there m'd Fannie Byram. 
who survives, with: ["] Myrtle, her onlv child. 
N'T. CALVIN F. BURNES, b. in Indiana Feb. 18. 1830; d. at St. 
Joseph duly 20. 1896; m'd Sept. 27. 1859, Kate Hughes, dr. 
of Hon. das. M. Hughes, one of our earliest congressmen. 
Mr. Burnes was president of the Bank of St. Joseph and its 
chief stockholder. He was regarded as one of the best 
financiers of the age. He was connected in business with 
his brother, -James, throughout the life of the latter, and 
many attribute the financial success of the firm to his pru- 
dent management. While -lames X. engaged in his daring 
enterprises abroad. Calvin F. supplied the funds and kept 
the accounts at home. He is blessed with only one child: 
1 . Mar;/ li ii iiKs. 

./<ni. I!) — Capt. Andrew Johnson sells to -lames Kuykendall 
the E. I of Block 37. Platte City, for 81.200. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 3 — Platte City is granted, by the Legislature, a new 
charter. 



1853, FEB. 167 D. BOWUN. 

DEL ANY BOW LI X. 

Feb. 9- JJelany Bowlin's will probated. -1ms. Kuykendall 
qualifies ;is his executor. Bond, $8,000. His will names his 
wife. Elizabeth, and his children, lien Bowlin and Elizabeth 
McGee. Others are referred to, bul no names given. In Iho par- 
tition of his lands, the following children are parties: I, Polly, 
wife of Stephen McColum; 2. Elizabeth, wife of John S. Bigbee; 
3, Jackson; 4, Joel \\\: 5, Sarah C; 6, Ben, Jr.; 7. Eliz. J. Hosea; 
8, John; !>. Frank .M.: K). Maria, wife of Elisha Baker. 

William Bowlin mot aamed aboA e), is ;i son. and names many 
other children not mentioned in the records. 

Delany Bowlin seems to have been an extraordinary man. 
Born in Scotland, he came to Virginia, thence to Kentucky, and 
lastly to Platte in 1837. The records show he was married Feb- 
ruary 6, L848, to Hannah Xoland; and again, January 20, 1850, to 
Lizzie McDaniel. She is. perhaps, the wife he names Elizabeth in 
his will. He married seven fimes. and had children by each wife. 
Their total number was 30. One of his sons married nine times, 
and had no child. Delany Bowlin was US years old at Ids death. 
T find in the census of 1840 there was one person in Platte over 
100 years of age. This musl have been D. Bowlin, for I have never 
heard of any centenarian in this county except D. Bowlin and 
Thos. Jones. Win. Bowlin, and others in the neighborhood of 
Waldron, will testify to the truth of these statements. If D. Bow- 
lin was over 11)11 in 1840, and did not die 1 until 1853, there is some 
color to the 118 years claimed. 

Feb. 10 — Solomon B. Park buys the Roberi Cain farm, for 
ss.iiOO. 

ELISHA HARRINGTON. 

Feb. 21 — Elisha Harrington died February 1), 1853, and Isaac 
Simpson administered. He was born in Tennessee in 1803, and 
came with his parents, in L815, to Howard < Jounty, Mo., and thence 
to ("lay. where he married Louisiana Martin, dr. of Isaac Martin. 
a brother of Zadock. Elisha was a man of sprightliness. an end- 
less talker and an interesting one. Ch: 

I. JACOB HARRINGTON, b. in Buchanan Co., Feb. 20, 1839; 
came with his parents to Platte in 1847. and settled near 
Waldron; m'd March 25, 1848, Martha Pierce, dr. of Robert. 
Mr. Harrington possesses superior natural mind; is a work- 
ing Democrat, and has made himself a leading spirit in his 
neighborhood. Ch: 

1. Luther Harrington, m'd July 3, L881, Mary Eliz. Denton. 

2. Sterling /'. Harri/ngton, M.D. Luther and Sterling are 

zealous members of Farley Masonic Lodge, and en- 
terprising young men. 
::. /•:. Walter Harrington, m'd .Ian. ... IS!)::. Emma Xoland. 



1853, FEB. 168 THE HARRINGTONS. 

4. J. Wheeler Harrington, m'd Mattie Morris, dr. of J as. 

Live in Kansas. 

5. Laura Harrington, ni'd Nov. 26, 1891, Geo. Shield. 

6. William, deaf and dumb. 7. Marcella. 8. Robt. M. 
9. Susan E. 

II. MARY A. HARRINGTON, b. April 26, 1837; m'd March 18, 
1857, James M. Pierce, b. in Clay Oct 29, 1833; d. in Platte 
Dec. 24, 1883. Ch: 

1. Lucetta Pierce, m'd H. Z. Wolf. 1 child: [«] Marion. 

2. Leanna Pierce, m'd Geo. Truman. Ch: [«] Emaline; 

[6] Charles; [c] Mary; [ d ] Ollie; [e] Jeff I).; 
[f] Jasper Truman. 

3. Jacob A. Pierce, b. Nov. 4, 1864. 

4. Levara Pierce, m'd Geo. Barnes. No children. 

5. Nellie Pierce. 6. Lucella. 7. Lizzie. 8. Robert. 
9. Lockhart. 

III. LUCY ANN HARRINGTON, m'd July 22, 1858, Alf. Nay 

lor (ii), dead. (See.) 11 children. 

IV. HETTIE J. HARRINGTON, m'd Isaac Simpson. (See.) 

Elisha Harrington m'd 2d, Jan. 1, 1843, Milly Martin, 
dr. of Zadock. Children: 
V. A. LISH HARRINGTON, m'd 1st, Jas. Perkins. 1 child: 

1. Frank Perkins. 

She m'd 2d, Nov. 2, 1872, Alfred Meyers. Lish's full name 
is Emaline A. Lish Harrington. 

THE PLATTE COUNTY RAILROAD. 

Feb. 24 — The Platte County Railroad was chartered by the 
Legislature. It was organized in 1857, and the route surveyed 
from St. Joseph to Kansas City, by way of Iatan, Weston, and 
Parkville. It was subsequently extended beyond St. Joseph, and 
the State took $700,000 stock in the road. It was afterwards 
.ailed the Mo. Valley R, R. and later the K. O., St. J. & C. B. R. R. 
II belongs to the Burlington system 

MARCH. 

March 7 — E. S. Wilkinson enrolled as an attorney. 
Bailey & Bro. buy the G. P. Post property in Weston, for 
s 1.000. 

March IS — Jas. H. Connolly enrolled as an attorney. 

ARAD J. GOODYEAR. 

March 19 — Arad J. Goodyear having died, Geo. Roberts ad 
ministered. Bond, $20,000. His wife, who died before him, was 
Beb. Casey, whom he married May 17, 1845. He was a merchant 
und miller a1 Parkville from 1S47 to 1853. With his partner, Geo. 



1853, APRIL. 169 COUNTY FINANCES. 

Roberts, he bought a large body of land, soulh and cast of Park 
ville. which was partitioned among their respective children. He 
was a zealous .Met hodist, and a good and pious man. Oh: 

I. FRANCES GOODYEAR, m'd Milan Barrackman, and died 

in Illinois, leaving three children to t heir fat her's care. 

II. LEWIS GOODYEAR, who is married and lives in Kansas 

City, 
in. CHARLES GOODYEA K.d.Feb. l9.lS74.at Parkville, leaving 
his estate to his nephews and nieces. 
Weston Commnnderv. Xo. 2, organized, under a dispensation, 
with James Miller, E. C; David Lindsay. Gen.; and \Y. A. Cun- 
ningham. Capt.-Gen. A charter was granted September 19, 1853. 
Notley D. Pepper having died, John D. Pepper administered. 
Bond. $5,000. 

Snm'l Hodges buys land on Todd's Creek. 



*ti* 



APRIL. 

April 1— Thompson T. Jones buys the S. W. \ of Sec. 32, T. 53. 
R, 34, for $3,200. This sale, at $20 per acre, shows quite an 
advance. 

Thompson Belt elected marshal of the Weston court. 

April Jf — Robt. F. Houston having died, P. Dunlap adminis- 
tered. Bond, $4,000. 

April 23 — John Collier having died, P. P. Robertson admin- 
istered. Bond, $12,000. 

The Christian Church at Weston buys of G. W. Belt a lot in 
Block 13, for $600. 

Ben. I). Moon- buvs of T. T. Jones the S. E. \ of Sec. 2, T. 52, 
R. 34, for $1,700. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Revenue collected $10,02:5.70 

Warrants drawn 6,976.94 

Surplus $9,046.76 

Expenditures in Detail. 

Bridges $ 547.00 

Poor 757.00 

Court-house 206.00 

Stationery 204.00 

Treasurer • . . 610.00 

Assessor L69.00 

Sheriff 365.00 



1853, MAY. 170 HANGING OF ABE. 

Attorney I 10.00 

Countv Judges 216.00 

( 'ountV Clerk 711.00 

Circuit Clerk 865.00 

•Tail „. .. 69.00 

Other purposes 2.241.94 

16.976.94 
Levy 20 cents and 75 cents poll. 

Assessment for 1853. 

Slaves | 934.585.00 

Personaltv 799,002,00 

Land and lots 2,546,876.00 

Total $4,280,463.00 

May 2 — Capt. John McCord having died. Luke P. Stiles ad 
ministered. P>ond. $3,000. He lived in the bottoms opposite 
Leavenworth. He built a steamer for the Missouri Eiver trade, 
and named it The Edna, after his wife. An Irishman by birth, he 
was a steamboat captain on the Missouri. 

May 10 — William H. Bell buys largely of real estate in 
Weston. 

PLATTE CITY WATER MILLS. 

May 20 — Paxton & Callahan buy of Jas. B. Martin one un- 
divided'half of the mills and- 300 acres of land for $15,000. They 
sell their stock of goods to Metcalfe & Bradley. W. B. Almond 
owned the other half of the mill property; and the new firm was 
known as Almond. Paxton & Callahan. 

JUNE: 

June 12 — D. R. Atchison buys of the Mill Company 10 acres 
in a square, on what has since been known as Atchison Hill, at 
$500. It lies south of Platte City. 

John A. Tuti having died. P. Ellington administers. Bond, 
$3,000. 

•/ inic 2.) — lames M. Kuykendall keeps a ferry over the Mis- 
souri, at Parkville. 

THE HANGING OF ABE. 

This day, L. Shepard, sheriff, bung Abe. m negro, convicted of 
murder. A white oak tree was selected, standing 300 yards east 
of Bon. Iv. P. < '. Wilson's house, near Platte City. A horizontal 
limb was used as a gallows. This is the only judicial hanging that 
ever took place in Platte. Abe and Dan were slaves of Nathan 
Newby. Dan was foreman, and Newby ordered Dan to whip Abe. 



L853, JI'I.Y. 171 THE ZABRISKVS. 

for sonic cause. Abe told Dan thai if be (Dan) shuck him, he 
(Abe) would kill him. But Dan struck, and Abe killed him with a 
knife. He was sentenced .May .".1, is.').",, by Judge Norton, to be 
hung' the 24th of June, -lames Craig was circuit attorney. Abe 
was defended by John Wilson and •). 11. Connelly. T. T. Jones 
was foreman of the grand jury that found the indictment. The 
petit jury was as follows: 1, Jerry Beery ; 2, Jos. Daniel; 3,Amos 
Davis; t, John W. Freeland: 5, Barnabas Gable; <i. Warren 
(laines; 7, Thos. Kimsey (foreman) ; s, Thos. King; 1), < Jabe Mars: 
10, J. M. Mulkey; 11, Sam'l Potter; 12, B. S. Richards. The town 
was full of people, and a vast crowd attended the execution. I 
went out to see the arrangements, but returned before the 
oxecut ion. 

Rush ('reek Christian Church was organized by Elder John 
< Jallerman. 

JULY. 

July 9 — Abner Barker having died. Eli/.. Barker administered. 
Bond, |2,000. 

July tS — Lewis J. Kay having died. Chas. II. Kay adminis 

tered. Bond, $1,400. 

July 16 — The United Baptisl < Jhurch of Weston was organized. 

.////// 27 — Layton Ewell having died. Bluford Stanton admin 
istered. Bond, $4,000. 

The Industrial Luminary was first published this year, at 
Parkville, by Park & Oundiff. It took a decided stand for free soil. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. I — Kuykendall's term as probate judge having expired. 
he became a candidate for a second term ; but was beaten by Jas. G. 
Spratt . 

Aug. 5 — W. F. Dollins having died. Jas. Dodd administered. 
Bond. $3,000. 

ABRAHAM ZABRISKY. 

Abraham Zabrisky having died, John Houts administered. 
Bond, #14. (MM). He was one of the earliest settlers in the bottoms 
of the Missouri, below Farley. Ch : 

I. ABRAM ZABRTSKY iiii, m'd Feb. 20. 1853, Lucy J. Davis. 
II. ANN ZABRISKY. m'd Nov. ::. L840, Richard Babcock. (See.v 
III. JANE ZABRISKY. dead; m'd Dee. 30, 1855, Jas. L. dray. b. 
Feb. 0, 1835. lie now lives in Leavenworth. Ch: 
1. J, is. W. Gray. 2. Mrs. Wallace. 
Jas. L. Gray m'd 2d. Angie Heath. 
JY. WILLIAM ZABRISKY. was an enterprising merchant in 
Farley. He m'd May 28, 1857, Reb. McDaniel. (See.) Ch 
1. Mary /•'. Zabrisky, m'd Sept. 24. 1N7K. John II. Walker. 
b. Aug. 22, 1845. Ch: \"] Martha: [&] Jos. C.; 
['] William Z. 



1853, AUG. 172 THE ASHBYS. 

Aug. S — Win. L. Boulware having died, his father, John Boul- 
ware administered. Father and son. with John B. Wells, kept the 
Rialto ferry. 

Dr. B. F. Hollingsworth settles at Platte City. 

THE ASHBY FAMILY. 

Aug. 11 — Newton Ashby's estate administered on by S. B. 
Ashby. Bond, $600. 

DAVID ASHBY was the progenitor. He was born in Penn- 
sylvania; came to Kentucky, where he married Sarah Burnett, 
aunt of Peter H. Burnett and sister of the first Mrs. Robert Cain. 
They lived north of Parkville. Ch : 
I." NEWTON ASHBY, m'd Melissa Warren, of Clay; d. in 

Feb., 1853. 
II. JAMES H. ASHBY, went to Texas. 

III. FLORLLLA, m'd John Brown. 

IV. CROMWELL. P. ASHBY, constable of Carroll Township? 

miller and mechanic; m'd Silvey Karr, dr. of Jas. Ch: 
1. Pawton. 

V. JANE ASHBY, m'd May 26, 1848, Isaac Wilson. 
VI. ELIZ. ASHBY, m'd Frank Hatton, Jr. 
Yn. SAM'L B. ASHBY, m'd Dec. 14, 1852, Rachel Kimsey. (See.) 

THOMAS McGACHAGER. 

Aug. 15 — Thomas McGachager having died, his widow, Sarah, 
administered. Bond, f 4,000. He was a farmer, and left 300 acres 
of land on Platte River, which was divided among his four 
daughters. Ch: 

I. MARY McGACHAGER, m'd July 10, 1856. Geo. D. Brink. 
She died, leaving a child, Clara, who died in infancy, leav- 
ing her father her onlv heir. 
II. NANCY L. McGACHAGER, m'd 1st, M. Donnelly, and was 
divorced. She then m'd Ben Veach. 
III. SARAH E. McGACHAGER, d. in Jan., 1874; m'd Dec. 4. 1864, 
Northcut Naylor, son of Geo. T., b. in Bath Co.. Ky.. Aug. 7, 
L837; d. in Platte June 8. 1888. He was a farmer and an 
excellent citizen. For several years, he freighted across 
i lie plains. Ch: 

1. Trinvilla, m'd Jan. 4, 1880, Wm. Dawson. Live in 

Colorado. 
i\ hnisilld Xai/lor. m'd Win. McDougal. Live in Kansas. 
•".. Serilda Naylor, m'd <;<-<>. Cray. Live at Denver. 
Mr. \. Naylor m'd 2d, March 4, 1876, Hannah Kerns, dr. 
of Jonathan. Ch: 

4. Wadt Hamilton Xai/lor. 5. Julia. 



1853, AUG. 173 JOHN RIENER. 

IV. MATILDA ANN McGACHAGER, m'd June 27. 1867. Stephen 
Waldron. (See.) 

Aug. 28 — Thomas Metcalfe having died, H. B. Callahan ad 
ministered. He was an unmarried brother of Mrs. Callahan, and 
was, at his death, the postmaster of Platte City. He was also a 
partner of J. N. Bradley in the mercantile business at Platte City. 
Perry Keith succeeded as postmaster. 

SEPTEMBER 

Sept. 7 — Wm. M. Hatch having died, C. A. Perry administered. 
Bond, |3,000. 

W. H. Miller enrolled as an attorney. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 8 — Jonathan Carpenter having died. W. H. Tebbs ad- 
ministered. Bond, |5,000. 

Oct. 14 — Elder A. P. Williams sells to Jas. Kuykendall the 
N. W. i of Block 14, Platte City, for $500. 

Oct. 18 — W. C. Handley buys of P. Ellington a farm in T. 54, 
R. 33, at $4,291. 

E. J. Miller buys of Jas. Dunham the N. W. \ of Sec. 8. T. 
53, R. 34, for $3,000. 

NOVEMBER. 

JOHN RITNER. 

Nov. ■'> — John Ritner having died, Dr. A. M. Robinson admin 
istered. Bond, $5,000. He had a large farm on Smith's Fork 
but was an excellent millwright, and Jas. B. Martin formed a 
partnership with him. Many improvements in the water mills at 
Platte City were his handiwork. When Morin bought an interest 
in the mills, Ritner returned to his farm. His widow's name was 
Sarah. Ch: 

I. ELIZABETH, wife of Lewis Hanum. 
n. MISSOURI A., wife of Jos. Edwards, 
m. ANN, wife of Jos. Allen. 
IV. FLORA A. RITNER. 

Mrs. Sarah Ritner afterwards m'd Sebastian Ritner. 
Nov. 10 — Jas. A. Headley is appointed commissioner of com- 
mon schools. 

Nov. 18 — Geo. A. Wood having died at Parkville. J. C. Sum- 
mers administered. 



1853, DEC. 174 THE BREENS. 

JAMES BREEN. 

James Breen settles at Weston in 1853. He was born in 
Ireland in 1830. His father, Edward Breen, came with his family 
to Mason Co., Ky., where he died, aged 99. Edward married Mary 
M ulkey. Their son, James Breen, married Mary Collins. Ch: 
I. EDWARD BREEN (ii), who was postmaster at Weston dur- 
ing Cleveland's first administration. He m'd Mary Butler, 
and now lives in St. Joseph. 
II. CHARLES P. BREEN, b. June 29, 1858; m'd May 30, 1878, 
Mary Noll, dr. of Mat. He has been for nine years super 
intendent of the construction of college building at Park 
ville. He superintended the erection of the Mackay build- 
ing. Children : 

1. Edward. 2. Emmet. 3. Howard. 

III. MARGARET BREEN. 

IV. JAMES. 
V. HONORA. 

VI. THOMAS. 
Vn. MARY. 
vm. JOHN, 
rx. ANNIE BREEN. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. o — B. F. Stringfellow enrolled as a member of the bar. 

Dec. 8 — John Daniels, after an exciting trial, is acquitted of 
murder. 

H. C. Cockrell. J. N. Burnes, and C. F. Burnes enrolled as 
attorneys. 

The Landmark of Nov. 20. 1885, refers to a. number of the 
Industrial Luminary of this date, jublished at Parkville, by Park & 
Cundiff, six columns, folio. 



1854. 

OFFICERS. 

I'.overnor, S. Price; Circuit Judge. E. H. Norton; State Sen- 
ator, A. M. Robinson; Circuit Clerk, W. C. Remington; Repre- 
sentatives, Brooks, Forbis, and Martin; Probate Judge. Jas. G. 
Spratt; County Justices, Clark, Duncan, and Layton; County 
Clerk, P. \i. Waggoner; Sheriff, L. Shepard; Treasurer, W. Chris- 
tison; Circuil Attorney, Jas. Craig; County Attorney. W. B. 
Almond; Coroner. A. L. Perrin; Surveyor, H. N. Jenks; School 
Commissioner, -I. A. Readier; Public Administrator. Jac. Swope. 



1854, JAN. IT-". BUSINESS MEN. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte I'iti/: Attorneys — Almond. Baldwin, Clark, ( On 
nelly, Cockrell, Headley, Berndon, Hollingsworth, IMti. Rees, 
Sayle, Stringfellow, Wilson. II. M. Moore. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Brown, Callahan, Bollingsworth, Mar- 
shall. Redman, StringfellQW, Wallace. 

Merchants, etc. — Ferrier, Fleshman, Fox & Brooks. Johnston 
& Son, S. Johnston, Keith (postmaster), Green, Gaines, Marshall & 
Burge, L. Rees, Richards, Swaney & Christison, S. A. -lack. 
Neudorf. 

1/ Weston: Attorneys — Bird, J. X. & C. F. Barnes, Diefen- 
dorf, -las. Doniphan, John Doniphan, McCurdy, Wolf. Tylee, 
Ramage. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers. Ridley. 

Merchants, etc. — Basye & Brown, Belt & Murphy, Blanjour, 
Briggs, Cody, Davin. Dopier, Evans, Ferguys, Frank, Guenther, 
Keller & Kyle, Lingley, McCown, Meyers, Harper. Noble, Parrott. 
Perrvs & Young, Bailor & Bro., Warner, Wilhite, Newman. Met- 
tier (postmaster). Deity, Doss, Mitchell, Wallingford. 

Weston Court of Common Pleas — McCurdy, judge; Diefen- 
dorf, clerk; and Wallingford, marshal. 

Mayor — J. Woods. 

Hotels— McClure, McHolland. 

1/ Parkville: Attorneys— W. M. & E. N. O. Clough, McDon- 
ald, Miller. 

Merchants, etc. — Arnold. Aspling & Stephens, Bueneinan. 
Burnes, Burney, Davis, Ford & Ashby, Kuykendall, Park, Ringo, 
Hord, Summers, Woodward, Dale, Richardson, Woodsmall. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cnrtwright. Roberts, 
Allen, Walling & Browning, Ussary. 

At Farley: Stiles, Zabrisky & Falkner. 

At Ridgely: Black. Clark, Chinn, Ellington, Phillips. Sayle 
(postmaster), Smither. 

THE SEASON, CROPS, ETC. 

This was the famine year. Crops were short in Missouri, but 
nearty a failure in Kansas. H. D. Oden and others came over to 
solicit supplies for the starving people of Kansas; and liberal con- 
tributions were made. But the year is more memorable as the 
beginning of the border warfare, that ended in the civil war be- 
tween the North and South. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. I — Dram-shops are freely licensed for $20 county tax 
and flO State tax. 

L. C. Jack buys of W. B. Almond the S. \ of Block 40 in Platte 
City, and removes into town. 



1854, JAN. 176 H . B. TODD. 

Jan. 21 — David Bowman's estate administered on by Jacob 
Meyer. 

FEBEUAEY. 

Feb. 1 — Louis Neudorf's house burned on Lot 8, Block 26, in 
Platte City. The thermometer stood 30° below zero, and the fire 
seemed to cast off no heat. We saved the log house adjoining, by 
piling snow on the roof. In the intense cold, the snow melted only 
at the eaves of the house. 

Feb. 21 — Samuel Timber's estate administered on by Levi 
Long. Bond, $3,000. 

Feb. 23 — Ben Fry purchases of Jesse Morin 320 acres in Sees. 
4 and 9, T. 54, R. 35, for $9,039. 

HEMP, THE SEASON. 

Feb. 25 — In an old letter of this date, from Platte City, I find 
the following passage: "Our dry winter has caused the farmers 
to be very backward in breaking hemp. But, this week, we have 
had several good rains, and hemp is pretty well rotted. The lint 
is remarkably heavy, and the article is superior. The crop will be 
la rger than last year. It is selling for $5.75 to $6.25." 

MARCH. 

March 6 — James Doniphan is enrolled as an attorney. 

March 16 — The Baptists buy of John Boulware Lot 10, 
Block 29. Platte City, and this season erect a church, 40x60, 
of brick. 

TODD AND SKINNER. 

A bitter feud arises between two parties in the Christian 
( 'lunch at Camden Point. Phinehas Skinner leads one party, and 
Prof. II. B. Todd, principal of the Female Academy, the other. 
The whole community is excited, and takes sides. Todd is charged. 
by many responsible parties, with "lying." He sues for slander. 
;iii<l Skinner sues for debt. After two years of wrangling, the 
null ter is settled, to the satisfaction of no one. The school suffers. 
Todd resigns, comes to Platte City, raises a large subscription, and 
in L857 builds i he Platte City Female Academy. 

March 21 — Wm. McNeil (lough enrolled as an attorney. 

A PE1L. 

April ? — W. H. Bryan died at Ringold. He was a partner of 
I'hinelias Skinner in the mercantile business, and was highly 
esteemed. His children have all left the countv. 



1854, MAY. 177 J. H. JOHNSTON. 

EMIGRANT AID SOCIETY. 

The Legislature of Massachusetts chartered a company by 
this name, which was never organized. But February 25, 1855, 
The New England Emigrant Aid Society was chartered, and went 
into operation, with Eli Thayer as president. They were active in 
promoting the settlement of Kansas with Free Soil men. 

MAY. 

May / — If any financial exhibit was made this year, it cannot 
be found. It is not of record. 

ASSESSMENT OF 1854. 

Slaves, 11,323,300; money and notes, $592,550; other prop- 
erty. $449,976; lands and lots, $3,278,550 ; total, $5,644,376. 

May 6 — The Delaware tribe of Indians cede to the United 
States the larger part of their lands in Kansas. 

May IS — The Kickapoos cede their lands in Kansas to the 
United States. 

JAMES II. JOHNSTON. 

May 23 — James 11. Johnston dies at his new house, a mile 
southeast of Platte < lty. He was born in Ohio May 27, 1813. He 
received his mercantile training in Cincinnati, came West early in 
1838, and with Stephen .Johnston, who was not related to him, 
opened the second store in Martinsville, held the office of post- 
master at Martinsville and Platte City until 1850, when he sold 
his store to Paxton & Callahan and retired to his farm, where he 
had just completed a spacious brick dweling. He married in 1810, 
Martha Henderson (see), a younger sister of Mrs. Geo. P. Dorriss. 
She survived him, and married September 17, 18G0, Hon. A. W. 
Morrison, State treasurer, and is again a widow. Capt. R. D. 
Johnston, another partner, yet not related, administered on hia 
estate, giving bond for $40,000. Ch: 

I. ANNA B. JOHNSTON. iimI Feb. 17, 1800, Hon. Ben. J. 
Franklin, now governor of Arizona. He was a native of 
Mason Co., Kv.; educated at Bethany; admitted to our bar 
in 1857. After a short residence at Platte City, he located 
at Leavenworth. He was outspoken for the South. In 
ls(it) he removed to Kansas City, entered the Confederate 
army as a private, was promoted to captain, and served 
throughout the war. ITc was elected to Congress from our 
district, which then included Kansas City, in 1S74, and was 
reelected in 1870. He is a man of independence, intelli- 
gence, and moral and personal courage, and took a high 
station in Congress. In March, 1896, he was appointed 
governor of Arizona. 
1 



1854, MAY. 178 KANSAS. 

n. EEBECCA JOHNSTON, m'd Wm. Ford, and is now a widow. 
Children : 

1. Annie Ford. 2. Willie. 
in. GEO. D. JOHNSTON, was killed in an affray in central Mis- 
souri; never married. 

Mr. J. H. Johnston and I were intimate friends, and in 
a poem I dedicated to his memory I write : 

He was a merchant trained from early youth; 

Good name and wealth were honestly acquired. 
He rose by promptness, energy, and truth, 

And, having gained a competence, retired. 
But prowling death stalked forth at radiant noon. 

And rudely foiled his plans of ease and splendor — 
As biting frosts will sometimes come in June, 

To nip the buds and flowers, when young and tender. 

May 30 — The Kansas-Nebraska bill ajpproved by the Presi- 
dent. It submitted the question of slavery to the people of each 
Territory, and so far violated the Missouri Compromise. No 
effort was made to introduce slavery into Nebraska; but Kansas 
bordered on Missouri, and it was thought it could be easily colo- 
nized by Pro-slavery men. The Free Soil party were conscious that 
it would cost much labor and money to secure Kansas to freedom. 
The Northern people, therefore, entered heroically into the work, 
and, though often cast down, in the end succeeded. 

JUNE. 

June 10 — A meeting of Pro-slavery "squatters," three miles 
west of Fort Leavenworth, declare Kansas slave territory, and 
refuse protection to Abolitionists. 

LEAVENWORTH'S BIRTHDAY. 

June 13 — The Leavenworth Company formed at Weston. 
G. W. Gist was chosen president, H. Miles Moore secretary, and 
J. B. Evans treasurer. Amos Rees, L. D. Bird, and Maj. A. E. 
< tgden were members. Thirty-four signed the constitution. The 
only living members are H. Miles Moore, J. C. Gist, A. T. Kyle, Jos. 
Murphy, and J. B Evans. The first sale of lots was in October, 
L854. The ground was surveyed by J. C. Gist, G. W. Gist, and 
Bam'] F'Tnandes. 

ELIJAH CRUTCHFIELD. 

June2Jf — Elijah Crutchfield and his wife both died to-day, of 
cholera. Mr. Crutchfield was a native of Clark Co., Ky. He mar- 
ried Maria Harris, daughter of John, in Estill Co., Ky., and came 
to Platte in 1S47. They set i 1<m1 six miles east of Weston. Ch: 



1854, JUNE. 179 THE CRUTCHFIELDS. 

I. JOHN A. CRUTCHFIELD, b. in Clark Co., Ky.. July 24, 1831; 
m'd Dora .Jackson, dr. of James, a brother of Wallace. Ch: 

1. Adie Crutchfield. 2. OlUe. 
II. GEORGE CKrTCHFIELD,b. Aug. 28, 1833,in Clark Co.,Ky.; 
m'd March 1, 1802, Eliz. Pope, dr. of Almanzer. He is a 
prosperous farmer, residing near Woodruff, and possesses 
good hard sense and the highest integrity. He served a 
term as county court justice, and was faithful and true to 
his trust. Ch: 

1. John M. Crutch field, b. in 1804. 2. Jessie. 

3. 8. Richard. 

4. Anna M. Crutch field m'd June 23, 1888, Cor. C. Mont- 

gomery. Ch: [«] Mary. 

III. ANN CRUTCHFIELD, dead; m'd Dec. 2, 1855, Phil. Gerner. 

Children: 

1. Geo. Gerner, m'd Ann Lank ford-. They live in Weston. 

2. Fannie, m'd Linville Alexander. 5 ch. 

3. Seagle, m'd Maggie Tread way. 4. Sheridan. 

5. Sherman, dead. 0. Ellen. 7. Katie Gerner. 

IV. PHCEBE CRUTCHFIELD, m'd Wm. Davis, son of John S. 

1. John ^[. Davis, m'd a Pope. Live in Kansas. 

2. Leo. Davis, m'd a Hunsucker, in Kansas. 3. Charles. 

4. Fannie, m'd a House and went to Oklahoma Territory. 

5. William, m'd a Pope, and went to Kansas. 

V. HENRY CRUTCHFIELD, m'd Sallie Donnelly. Live in 
Kansas. 
VI. DANIEL CRUTCHFIELD, m'd Jan. 22, 1871, Mollie A. Ful- 
ton, dr. of Hugh. No children. 

Vn. RUTH CRUTCHFIELD, m'd Feb. 29, 1865, Jas. Lindsay. 

(See.) 

VIII. JAM MS CRUTCHFIELD, m'd Oct. 10, 1873, Ella Gabbert, 
dr. of George. 

June 30 — The United States Senate confirms the appointment 
of Andrew Reeder, as governor of Kansas. 

This season some half-dozen persons died of cholera, in Platte 
City. I can name only Jos. R. Daniel and William Beckum. 

WILLIAM BEOKUM. 

William Beckum married a Bush and came to Platte City 
about 1847. Ch: 

I. ELIZA BECKUM, m'd 1st, Jas. G. Hodge, who died, leaving: 

1. Marcella Hodge, d. March 20, 1890; m'd March 28, 1854, 

Geo. P. Young. (See.) 

2. Sarah A. Hodge, m'd June 4, 1805, W. S. Allingham. 

Ch: [«] Harry Allingham; [&] Eddie. 

3. Lee Hodge, m'd Leney Recht. Ch: [«] Alcesta Recht, 



1854, JULY. 180 THE BECKUMS. 

m'd March 31, 1885, Wm. F. Wilmes; [&] Linda B. 
Recht, m'd Nov. 13, 1889, W. B. Shackelford. 
Mrs. Hodge m'd 2d, Wm. M. Cannon. Ch : 

4. Mollie B. Cannon, m'd July 30, 1871, Wm. Brown. She 

is living in Leavenworth with a second husband. 

5. Edmonia Cannon, m'd 1st, Chas. M. Boyd, who was 

killed Aug. 13, 1865. She m'd 2d, Griffin; and m'd 

3d, Wood. 
Mrs. Cannon m'd 3d, Jan. 25, 1865, Andrew Tolly, who 
died childless. Her children are all daughters and lovely 
women. 
II. SARAH A. BECKUM, m'd June 23, 1842, Geo. Quimby. She 
died in 1854, leaving: 

1. Alice Quimby, m'd a Trenwitch, and, after his death, 

m'd a Bevins. They live in St. Louis. 

2. Cleora Quimby, m'd 1st, about 1860, John Bourne, a 

man of marked intelligence. He edited several pa- 
pers in Platte and elsewhere. After his death, she 
m'd McGreggor. She died in St. Louis. 
Mr. Quimby went to Kansas, and raised another family. 
IH. JOHN BECKUM, m'd . Ch: 

1. Susan BecJcum, b. Nov. 15, 1843 ; m'd W. T. Rader. (See.) 

2. Georgiana, b. Feb. 13, 1845; m'd March 5, 1861, H. 

Scott Yates, b. Dec. 26, 1834, son of Chas. Yates and 
Emily McManus. Mr. Yates was a Confederate 
State guard for six months; a member of Capt. W. J. 
Miller's Co. I., Winston's regiment of infantry. He 
is a Knight Templar, and a highly respected citizen. 
He came to Platte in 1857. Ch: * [«•] Ella Yates, b. 
in 1862; m'd Jan. 19, 1881, John Wilson ; [&] John, b. 
Jan. 20, 1864; m'd in 1884, Martha A. Timberlake; 
3 children; [e] Ada Yates; [ (1 ] Susan, m'd in 1889, 
Bolivar Rule (ii) (see); 1 child; [e] William; [f] Ed- 
ward; [a] Eliza; [ft] Grace; [<] Thomas H.; [/] Flo- 
ra Yates. 

3. Alabas BecJcum, m'd a Sanders. 

4. Eliza BecJcum, m'd a Sanders. 

TV. CHARLES BECKUM, lived in Kentucky. 
V. SUSAN BECKUM, lived in Kentucky. * 
VI. IRENA BECKUM, lived in Indiana. 

JULY. 

July 1 — At this time it was a common story that the South- 
erners kept a cow at every ferry on the Missouri River, and every 
stranger that applied for passage was asked to name the animal. 
If he answered, "A keow," he was turned back. \\\\t the Free- 
State ferrymen showed a bear, and if the stranger called it "a bar," 



1854, JULY. 181 THE GUTHRIES. 

they refused (<> cross him. The joke is as old as the shibboleth of 
Jeph.1 hah. 

Jul// 8 — William Roach haying died, Mary Roach adminis- 
tered. Bond, $20,000. 

WILLIAM GUTHRIE. 

William Guthrie having died, Cox & Burruss administered. 
Bond, $45,000. He married Mary Yates. Ch: 

I. MARY GUTHRIE, m'd Mad. W. Mitchell. (See.) 

II. NANCY GUTHRIE, m'd Jos. Kelly. Ch : 

1. Jane Kelly, m'd (."a 1 vert. 

2. WilUam Kelly, lives in St. Joseph. 

:>. Ln/nmAe Kelly, m'd Gary. 4. Minnie. 5. Johm. 

IIII. LINN A GUTHRIE, m'd Elder Phil. Burruss. (See.) 
IV. MARTHA A. GUTHRIE, m'd Oct. 18, 1853, John S. Mitchell, 
of St. Joseph. 
V. LUCY, m'd Dec. 9, 1856, Jas. Dve. (See.) 

VI. ELIZABETH GUTHRIE, b. Oct. 10, 1844; m'd May 12, 1858, 

David T. Polk (i). He was elected surveyor of Platte in 
1884, and reelected in 1886. Mrs. Polk is a handsome 
and accomplished lady. Oh: 

1. Mary Polk, b. Nov. 30, 1859; m'd Sept. 22. 1880. Canby 

Hawkins, b. April 10, 1858. Ch: [«] Vera Hawkins. 
b. Aug. 27, 1881; [&] Lydia, b. March 9. 1883. 

2. David T. Polk lii). 

VII. JOHN M. GUTHRIE, b. July 26, 1830, in Henry Co., Ky.; 

d. in Platte. Aug. 26. 1889; m'd Elvira Pence, dr. of Edward. 

Z A BIN A BABCOCK. 

July 10 — Za.bina Babcock having died, Richard Babcock ad- 
ministered. Bond, $1,600. He married, in Ohio, Lucinda Dus 
tamer; came to Platte in 1838, and settled at the "Narrows," where 
he formed a partnership with Phinehas Skinner, and kept a store. 
I knew him as a large and venerable old gentleman. His wife 
survived until 1874. Ch: 

I. RICHARl > BABCOCK, b. July 11, 1818; m'd 1st, Nov. 3, 1840, 
Ann Zabrisky, who d. childless. He m'd 2d, Oct. 18, 1841. 
Serilda Moore, dr. of .John. They live near Waldron. Mr. 
Babcock possesses sound judgment and business qualifica- 
tions. He is a pillar of the Methodist Church, and an 
honorable and useful citizen. Ch: 

1. Taylor Babcock, b. July 11, 1849; m'd 1st, Minnie 
Glenner, dr. of Edward. Ch: [«] Waller E. Bab- 
cock. b. July 8, 1878; ['*] Nellie Babcock, b. in Nov., 
1881. Minnie d. June 1, 1889; and Taylor m'd 2d, 
July 23. 1890. Lula Tinder, b. in 1870. Ch : [<*] Gil- 
bert Babcock, b. Oct. 1, 1891. 



1854, JULY. 182 THE BABCOCKS. 

2. John W. Babcock, ni'd Oct. 17, 1877, Mary Porter (see), 

b. April 2, 1852. 

3. Middleton Babcock, b. March 16, 1853 ; m'd Jan. 7, 1875, 

Flora Navlor, dr. of Wesley, b. Jan. 12, 1858. Oh: 
[«] Joe; [6] Stella; [c] Lillie. 

4. Grant Babcock,, m'd May 27, 1886, Gladys Brink. Ch: 

[«] Dean. 

5. Chas. Babcock (ii), m'd Kate Hardwicke. 

6. Elizabeth L., b. Feb. 23, 1845 ; m'd Dec. 28, 1865, Hender- 

son Searcy, son of Christopher, b. in Platte March 22, 
1841. Oh: [«] Wm. R, Searcy, b. Oct. 27, 1866; m'd 
Feb. 25, 1890, Jennie Johnson. Ch : [1 ] Claude W. ; 
[2] Guy M. [&] Lena Searcy, m'd Feb. 22, 1887, Jas. 
J. Clements, b. Feb. 22, I860; 3 children, [c] Ethel 
Searcy. 

7. Margaret Babcock, m'd 1st, Aug. 15, 1865, John Heath, 

son of Stephen. Ch: [«] Mary. Margaret m'd 2d, 
J. H. Butler. Ch: [&] Edward Butler, m'd Cora 
Riley, dr. of Jas. T. Ch: [1] Lillian; [2] Flora; 
[3] Chas. Butler. 

8. Victoria Babcock, m'd Richard Moore, son of Luke and 

grandson of John. Ch: [«] Minnie, m'd Jas. Con- 
ner; [ & ] Maud; [ c ] Bessie. 

9. Susan Babcock, m'd in 1878, Wm. Dillard Mills, b. May 

16, 1855. Ch: [«] Herman Z. Mills; [&] Claude R, 

H. RUTH BABCOCK, went to Texas. 

TIL CHARLES BABCOCK (i), b. in Ohio June 22, 1822; m'd Nov. 

6, 1843, Pauline Moore, b. in 1S27, dr. of John. She still 

lives, but her husband committed suicide June 14, 1889, by 

cutting his throat. He was a worthy farmer. Ch : 

1. Frank M. Babcock, m'd April 14, 1869, Mary Croskv. 

Ch: [«] Eva Babcock, b. Nov. 27, 1870; m'd Dec. 23, 
1890, John R. Dunagan, b. Sept. 28, 1860. Ch: 
[i] Roscoe, b. Oct. 13, 1891; [2] Ed. L.. b. Jan. 15, 
1894. [&] Annie Babcock; [c] R. Newton Babcock; 
[d] Ella; [e] Nora; [/] Harrison; [<>] Dora Babcock. 

2. Samuel Babcock, m'd 1st, Oct. 4, 1869, Wilmouth Arnold. 

Ch: [«] William Babcock. Samuel m'd 2d, Nov. 1, 
1874, Mary E. Naylor. Ch: [6] Eddie and 5 others. 
Live in Kansas. 

3. Geo. W. Babcock, b. May 8, 1851; m'd Feb. 8, 1867, Ellen 

Williams. Oh: [a] Clarence; P] Clidia; [<?] Doxie; 
[ (1 ] Geo.; [e] Raymond. 

4. Sarah J. Babcock, m'd Sept. 3, 1874. Wm. N. Morrow, 

son of Samuel. Live in Colorado. 

5. Wm. A. Babcock, m'd April 28, 1880, Florence Pierce, dr. 

of Weston. Ch: [«] Sallie; [»] George; [c] Wil- 
liam; [d] Cora; [«] Vernie; [f] MattieM.; [f>] Sa- 
die Babcock. 



1854, JULY. 183 THE RISKS. 

6. ('has. W. Bdbcock, m'd Aug. 1, 1881, Mary E. Naylor, dr. 

ofAbner. Cb: [»] Delia; [''] Birdie; ['] Galen. 

7. Mary Bdbcock, m'd Mai Wills, of Kansas. 

8. And. J. Bdbcock, b. Sept. 8, L865; m'd Sept 15, 1889, 

Bettie Carpenter, b. May 24, 1868, dr. of Zenith. Ch: 
[«] Ernest. 

0. Henry T. Bdbcock, m'd Nov. (i, L893, Ida E. drove. 

IV. ALFRED BAB( !< M K, d. in June, 1864; m'd 1st, a Wood. Ch: 

1. William Bdbcock, m'd Mary Kemphefner. Ch: [«] Eli. 
A 1 tied m'd 2d, Luvana Nash, sister of Cox.; no children. 

V. JACK BABCOCK, m'd March 18, 1858, Bailie Heath, dr. of 
James. Ch: 

1. Jos. Bdbcock, m'd Jan. 4, 1880, Luvella Naylor, dr. of 
Paul. 4 children. Live in Leavenworth. 
VI. SAMUEL, went to California, and died; single. 

ABRAM RISK. 

July 10 — Abram Risk's estate administered on by his son, 
Jesse Risk. He died of cholera. In Kentucky, he married 
Malinda Davenport, and came to Platte in 1837, settling north of 
Weston. Mrs. Risk died July 7, 1883. Ch: 

I. SIDNEY C. RISK, b. Sept. 18, 1838; d. in Nov., 1886; m'd Oct. 
10, 1862, Valaria Thorp, who d. in 1 871. Ch : 

1. Adella Risk, m'd M. C. Ferrel. 

2. David Risk, m'd July 24, 1887, Ida May Shouse, b. Oct. 

13,1807. Ch: [«] Frank Risk; [&] Julian. 

3. Dora Risk, m'd R. F. Ferrel. 

4. James Risk, m'd Aug. 20, 1808, Nannie Gabbert, dr. of 

Michael H. 

5. WilUam Risk, d. Nov. 9, 1891. 
Sidney C. m'd 2d, Harriet N. Guant. 

II. JAS. JESSE RISK, was shot, fatally, in his yard, Oct. 7, 1863, 
by an unknown assassin. 

III. PAUL RISK, d. May, 5, 1872; m'd Feb. 18, 1804, Phoebe J. 

Palmer. Ch: 

1. Phoebe J. Risk. 

2. Abm. Risk, m'd July 10, 1888, Mary A. Rees. dr. of Wm. 

IV. D. FRANKLIN RISK, b. Feb. 14, 1848; m'd Dec. 25, 1866, Garo. 

Smith, dr. of A. G. Smith and Sarah Hill. Tic is an enter- 
prising farmer and stock-raiser, living north of Weston. 

1. Ella M. Risk, m'd April 13, 1892, A. H. Hord, dr. of 

Anderson. 

2. Ida G. Risk. 3. Benj.B. 4. Jesse. 
5. Lrla Myrtle Risk. 

V. MINERVA RISK, m'd April 10. 1891, John Moore; dead. 
VI. MOLLIE J. RISK, m'd Dec. 31, 1863, David B. Lavton, b. Feb. 
2.1841. Ch: 



1854, JULY. 184 THE GARDINERS. 

1. Perry Lai/ton (ii). 2. Malinda. 

3. David, m'd Aug. 10, 1891, Clara Decker. 

4. Lurinda (Lulie). 5. Minerva. 6. James. 7. Noah. 
8. Rew Layton. 

Mr Layton is a son of the late Judge Jas. H. Layton, and a 
cordial and intelligent gentleman. 

JOHN I. GARDINER. 

July 11 — John I. Gardiner having died, his widow, Nancv J., 
administered. Bond, f 20,000. They settled, about 1847, at Sec- 
ond Creek Church. He was a highly respected gentleman, and his 
wife was handsome and intelligent. Ch: 

I. ANNA ANASTASIA GARDINER, m'd Feb. 21, 1860, And. 
Cook. No children. 
LL LETITIA A. GARDINER, d. June 9, 1878, aged 28. 

July 21 — Leonard Cannon having died near Farley, R. F. 
Mason administered. Bond, f 2,600. 

The Argus offers $200 reward for the apprehension of Eli 
Thayer, president of the New England Emigrant Aid Society. 

The Atchison Town Company formed, with P. T. Abell, presi- 
dent; J. H. Stringfellow, secretary; and J. N. Burnes, treasurer. 

PLATTE COUNTY SELF-DEFENSIVE ASSOCIATION. 

July 29 — A meeting was held to-day, in pursuance of a call 
signed, among others, by W. B. Almond, D. R. Atchison, J. N. 
Burnes, Dr. G. W. Bayless, Jas. Adkins, P. T. Abell, Dan'l Cary, 
J. V. Cockrill, Geo. Galloway, Jesse Morin, W. J. Miller, W. H. 
Spratt, B. F. Stringfellow, J. H. Stringfellow, Jarret Todd, Jno. M. 
Wallace, J. W. Vineyard. Geo. Galloway was made president, and 
J. H. Stringfellow secretary. After resolving that all settlers sent 
to Kansas by aid societies must be turned back, they formed a 
society, to be known as the Platte County Self-Defensive Associa- 
tion, to hold public meetings, and urge the settlement of Kansas 
by Pro-slavery men ,and to guard elections against the frauds of 
Abolitionists. Under the patronage of this institution, Atchison, 
r,;iylt'ss. Stringfellow, and others made frequent public addresses. 

THE KANSAS LEAGUE. 

The Kansas League was a subsidiary institution, to carry into 
effect the decrees of the Platte County Self -Defensive Association. 
It was composed, chiefly, of the same persons, bound to secrecy by 
an oath, and holding meetings in the dark, wherever and whenever 
called out. Through the agency of this institution, newspapers 
were suppressed and Northern Methodists silenced. 



1854, AUG. 185 THE ELECTION. 

AUGUST. 
THE ELECTION. 

Aug. 1 — The vote for Congressman wns: Mar. Oliver iWkig), 
6,129 ; S. L. Leonard, 4,998 ; Lowe. 2,787. W. H. Spratt (Whig) was 
chosen sheriff; A. M. Robinson senator; and D. D. Burnes, John 
Doniphan, and (J-. P. Dorriss representatives. 

THE SMITHVILLE TRAGEDY. 

Aug. 7 — This day occurred the terrible affray in Smithville, in' 
which John W. Douglas and S. J. Ross were killed, and Samuel 
Shackelford, Wm. Shackelford, and John W. Calloway were 
lynched. Samuel Shackelford was the leader of a gang of lawless 
men w r ho met at Smithville, and, being armed, brought on an 
affray. He killed the two men named, but his skull was broken 
by a club; and, with his two companions, he was hung to the limb 
of a sugar-tree, across the creek from Smithville. 

PARDEE BUTLER. 

Aug. 16 — Pardee Butler was an outspoken Free State man of 
Atchison, Kansas, and was seized by Pro-slavery men, and placed 
on two logs, and set adrift in the Missouri River. A flag fastened 
to the raft proclaimed his principles. I met Mr. Butler years later, 
and heard from his lips the story of his voyage. He had upon his 
person $125, which he asked might be deposited with a merchant 
at Atchison; but he was commanded to take his money with him. 
His orders were not to take down the flag; but, when out of 
sight, he tore it down, and, with it as a paddle, reached the Kansas 
shore. Two years later, at Atchison, he w r as treated to a coat of 
tar. He was a Baptist elder. He died in Kansas, a few years ago. 

THE DROUTH. 

This was the famine year for Kansas. The winter had been 
remarkably dry, yet early corn sprouted and produced more than 
a half crop; but not one grain in five planted in May came up. In 
Kansas it was worse. Southern men were helped by their Mis- 
souri friends, and the Free State men were supplied by contribu- 
tions from the North. Corn sold for from $1 to $1.50 per bushel, 
and wheat brought the same. Later in the fall, grasshoppers 
made their first visit to Kansas, and in places hatched out in the 
spring. 

SEPTEMBER. 

LAW AND ORDER MEETING AT WESTON. 

Slept. 1 — In opposition to the Self-Defensive Association, a 
meeting of citizens favorable to law and order was called Septem- 
ber 1st, at Weston. The call was signed, among others, by J. 0. 



1854, SEPT. 186 THE GAINES. 

Abbott, R. Barnhart, G. Beaumont, Cas. Beechler, W. H., and A. 
C, Bell, A. G. Beller, L. D. Bird, J. F. Brunei-, Elijah Cody, Jas. 
Deitz, G. W. Dye, W. H. Elliston, J. B. Evans, G. W. Gist,' Chas. 
Guenther, A. B*. Hathoway, G. W. Hood, G. T. Hulse, A. J. Love- 
lady, Jno. McOonnell, F. Magers, A. H. Maxfield, R. Meek, Jr., 
Jacob Mettier, F. A. Miller, E. Oblhausen, Jas. Osborn, J. V, Par- 
rott, A. Pbv, Thos. Quinn, Chas. Rich, J. M. and E. W. Railey, H. 
Roney, Sob Shell, Fred Starr, W. O. Watts, Ben Wood, J. B. 
Wright. 

The meeting protested against the resolutions of the Platte 
County Self-Defensive Association drawn up by Dr. Bayless. 
Their platform of principles breathed loyalty to the general Gov- 
ernment, and opposition to violence and menace. Their declara- 
tion was signed by 133 citizens. 

Sept. 6 — The second party of anti-slavery immigrants reach 
Kansas, under S. C. Pomeroy and Chas. Robinson. They number 
200 men. 

Richard P. Gaines died at Platte City. His widow, Joanna 
(Tinder) Gaines, administers, giving bond for f 35, 000. 

THE GAINES FAMILY. 

I. JAMES GAINES was a brother of R, P. Gaines and Robt. 
Gaines. James m'd Rebecca Adams, and came to Clay in 
1842, and to Platte in 1843, settling near Platte City. Ch: 

1. Sarah Gaines, b. in Woodford Co., Ky„ Feb. 23, 1830; 

m'd May 13,1849, Orange Gaines, b. Mav 7, 1828; d. 
Feb. 2, 1886. They were cousins. She d. Jan. 28, 
1886, just five days before her husband. Mr. Gaines 
was a thrifty farmer, and his children divided a large 
estate among them. They came west in 1849, land- 
ing at Weston Aug. 1. Mr. Gaines served, as a 
private, in Capt. Pres. Simpson's company of militia, 
raised during the war. Cb: [«] Margaret Ellen 
Gaines, b. Feb. 10, 1855 ; m'd March 10, 1881, W. C. 
Harlan. No children. [ 6 ] Jeff. D. Gaines, b. Sept. 
2, 1864; m'd April 14, 1886, Maggie Wood. He died 
in July, 1888, leaving a widow and a child: [1] Arch. 
R. Gaines, b. April 29, 1887. The widow, Maggie 
Gaines, m'd April 15, 1889, Michie Maupin. [?} Reb. 
Gaines, b. Oct. 11, 1862; m'd Nov. 10, 1881, Wm. 
Lewis Miller, son of John T., b. in De Kalb Co., Mo.. 
Oct. 22, 1846. He resides four miles south of Platte 
Citv, and is an industrious farmer and a worthv citi- 
zen. Ch: [/] Virgil R. Miller, b. Oct. 12,^1882; 
[2] Wardie Ann Miller, b. in Oct.. 1884. [d] Robert 
L. Gaines, b. Doc 19, 1890. 

2. Kair flu i nrs, m'd Jos. Coons. (See.) 



1854, SEPT. 187 THE GAINES. 

3. Edwin Gaines, b. Sept. 26, 1828; m'd Feb. 17, 1853, 
Zerelda Hatton, b. Jan. 18, 1827, dr. of Geo. (i). Ch : 
[«] Geo. Gaines, b. April 15, 1800; m'd Jennie 
Stuckey, dr. of Samuel; [&] Armilda, b. Oct. 5, 1855; 
m'd William Grissom. Ch: [/] Helen Grissom; 
[2] Kate; [3] Edwin; [.',] Jesse. 
H. ROBERT GAINES (ii), m'd Margaret Breckenridge, dr. of 
James B. Ch: 
1. Onim/c Gaines (above). 
UI. RICHARD P. GAINES, b. in 1789; d. Sept. 6, 1854; m'd in 
Kentucky, Joanna Tinder, who survived him. He came 
to Platte City in 1842, and purchased of J. V. Cockrell the 
frame hotel on the southeast corner of what is now the 
public square. He was a fat and jolly landlord, and highlv 
esteemed. Oh : 

1. Sophronia, m'd 1st, Hamp. Brown. They had one 

child, Frank, and were divorced. She then m'd Oct. 
12, 1854, Miles Harrington. (See.) 

2. Sidonia Gaines, b. Feb. 19, 1828; m'd April 0, 1845, A. 

B. Sherwood. He died, leaving: ["] Sophronia 
Sherwood, m'd W. T. Durrett; no issue; [ 6 ] Janette 
Sherwood, m'd J. W. Durrett; 5 children; [ c ] A. B. 
Sherwood (ii), m'd Euphora Bagbee; 8 children. 
Sidonia m'd 2d, her cousin, L. Warren Gaines, son of 
William; he d. May 19, 1894. Ch: [<*] Leanna 
Gaines, b. July 10, 1808. Lives in St. Joseph. 

3. R. Frank Gaines, m'd Jan. 2, 1800, Mrs, Angelina Bright- 

well, ne'e Oliver. 2 children: ["] John; [''] Kate. 

Sept. 8 — H. J. Wolf enrolled as an attorney. 

Sept. 9 — Old Settlers' Meeting at De Kalb, presided over by 
Senator Atchison, and addressed by Jas. N. Burnes, A. W. Doni- 
phan, Senator Bogy, and Judges Vories and Birch. 

Sept. 15 — The first number of the Kansas Herald issued at 
Leavenworth, by W. H. Adams. 

Charles, a slave of Almond. Paxton & Callahan, and Andy, a 
slave of L. C. Jack, are convicted, on indictment, for preaching the 
gospel to their fellows, with no officer present, on Atchison Hill, 
and each fined $1 and costs, and were ordered committed 
until paid. 

BENJ. D. MOORE. 

Sept. 16 — Benj. D. Moore having died, his son, Joel W. Moore, 
administered. Bond, $1 0,000. He was ;i son of Lewis Moore, and 
was born in 1805; he married Susan White, half-sister of Wm. A. 
White. Oh: 

I. JOEL W. MOORE, dead; m'd March 30, 1858, Elmira Waller, 
b. Aug. 1, 1833, dr. of Hiram; still living. No living 
children. 



1854, SEPT. 188 THE MOORES. 

n. LEWIS JEFF. MOORE, d. Nov. 6, 1867; m'd Aug. 21, 1860, 
Elizabeth Link (see), b. Jan. 22, 1843. He was a sprightly 
young man, and much beloved. Ch: 

1. Ben, D. Moore (iii), m'd Feb. 14, 1884, Andronica 

(Martha) Pancake. 

2. Joel. 

3. Fannie, m'd Lafayette Allen. Ch: [«] Jesse Allen, b. 

Dec. 25, 1886; [&] Leota Allen, b. Sept. 18, 1893. 
Mrs. Eliz. Moore m'd 2d, Jan. 11, 1877, Oscar Berry. (See.) 

m. J. HARRY MOORE, b. Dec. 29, 1843; m'd Dec. 20, 1866, Annie 
De Berry, dr. of Robt. Ch: 

1. Ben F. Moore. 

2. Mary J. Moore, m'd Dec. 20, 1887, Ed. Russell. Ch: 

[«] Bettie Russell; [&] Nellie Russell. 

3. Wm. Jeff. Moore, m'd Dec. 20, 1893, Lizzie Cox, dr. of 

Riley. 

4. Joel W. Moore, 5. Wade H. 6. Sue F. 7. John. 
8. Bettie. 9. Nellie. 

IV. JOHN B. MOORE, b. July 4, 1853; m'd Dec. 19, 1882, Nannie 
E. Hodges, dr. of James. Ch: 

1. Josie. 2. Onie. 3. James. 4. Henry. 5. Clara. 
Sept. 18 — The first house finished in Leavenworth. 
M. N. Owen buys of C, B. Norris the N. W. J of Block 36, in 
Platte City, and removes into town. He adds to the house a two- 
story front. 

Sept. 21 — First sale of lots in Atchison. Senator Atchison 
speaks. 

SETTLERS IN KANSAS. 

Sept. 22 — Many citizens from Platte go over to Kansas, and 
locate claims, and then return. Some were in earnest, and be- 
came actual settlers. Among the latter'were James Adkins, Wil- 
liam Barbee, Jas. Kuykendall, L. F. Hollingsworth, Dr. H. D. Oden. 
A. Pemberton. (Jeo. Quiinby, Amos Rees, R. R, Rees, Dan'l Tebbs, 
Wm. H. Tebbs, Jarret Todd, Jas. Whitlock, H. Miles Moore, Dr. J. 
H. Stringfellow. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct, 1 — Leavenworth has a steam saw-mill with no cover, a 
printing office under a tree, four touts, one house, a camp-fire, and 
a barrel <»f whisky. 

Oct. .] — Judge S. I). Lecompte is commissioned chief -justice 
of Kansas. 

Oct. .'; — Tirst sale of lots in Leavenworth. Thev brought 
from |50 in s::.-,u each. Total sales, $12,600. 



1854, NOV. 189 NEWSPAPERS. 



NOVEMBEB. 

JOHN G. SHULTZ. 

Nov. 6 — John G. Shultz having died. Dr. G. W. Bayless admin- 
isters. Bond. 150.000. lie accidentally shot himself while rid- 
ing. He was a son of Christian Shultz. a merchant of Maysville, 
Ky. He came west about 1849, and purchased the Bean farm, on 
Bean's Lake, and an interest in the site of la tan. His widow, 
Mary J. Shultz, died .May 17, 1884. They had no children. 

Senator Atchison speaks in the court-house, at Platte City. 
He defends slavery, and urges voters to remove to Kansas, that 
they may vote for a Pro-slavery delegate to Congress on the 29th 
inst. He pleads for 500 emigrants from Platte. 

Nov. 10 — Senator Atchison speaks at Liberty, and urges the 
citizens of Clay to go to Kansas to make it a slave State. 

Nov. 22 — John Edwards having died, Jerry Edwards admin- 
isters. Bond, $3,000. 

Nov. 29 — Election in Kansas, of a delegate to Congress, re- 
sulted, Pro-slavery vote for J. W. Whitfield, 2,258; Free State 
vote, 575. 

COUNTY NEWSPAPERS. 

Nov. SO — The Industrial Luminary is published at Parkville, 
by Park & Cundiff, and favors free soil. The Argus, published in 
Weston, is for making Kansas a slave State. It is Democratic. 
The Reporter, published at Weston, is a Whig paper. It opposes 
mobs and intimidation, and advocates a fair vote. 

DECEMBER. 

THOMAS CROSSWH1TE. 

Dee. 1 — Thos. Crosswhite having died in Pettis Township, 
E. S. Clardy administers. Bond, $3,000. His widow was Susan E. 
Crosswhite. Oh: 1, Thos.; 2, Jacob H.; 3, Jas. G.; 4, Abraham. 

Dec. // — Senator Atchison resigns the presidency of the U. S. 
Senate, and Jesse D. Bright succeeds him. 
Dec. 5 — Topeka is laid off. 

EDWARD SMITH. 

Dec. 19 — Edward Smith having died, his widow, Lucinda 
Smith, administers. Bond, $5,000. He was born in North Carolina; 
came w r est, and settled in 1837 in Green Township. He was well 
educated, and taught school. In 1839 he married Lucinda 
McClain, daughter of Thos. In 1854 he was accidentally drowned 
in the Missouri River. After marrying, 2d, Geo. Mellon, Mrs. 
Smith died May 2, 1889. Ch : 



1854, DEC. 190 THE SMITHS. 

I. ELIZA SMITH, ru'd Frank Morris; 4 children. 

II. EDWARD C. SMITH, b. in Platte Feb. G, 1848; m'd March 13, 
1870, Amelia Davis, b. April 11, 1817, dr. of John S. Mr. 
Smith possesses sprightliness and intelligence *he is a mem- 
ber of Camden Point Masonic Lodge, No. 169, and is con- 
nected with Unitv Baptist Church. Ch : 

1. Edward D. Smith, b. Dec. 20, 1870; m'd July 6, 1892, 

Estella Graves, dr. of Ira. 

2. Hoicard P. Smith, b. May 18, 1872; 

3. Lena, July 25, 1880. 

III. MATTIE SMITH, m'd Henry Conn. Ch : 

1. Wm. E. Conn. 2. Robt. Conn. 3. Lee. 4. Mary. 
5. Cleveland. 

IV. LEVI D. SMITH,b. in 1852; m'd Oct. 10, 1888, Katie Jones, 

dr. of John. Ch : 

1. Eddie. 2. Dee, 3. Jesse Smith. 

JOHN S. MARSH. 

Dee. 21 — John S. Marsh having died, his widow, Mary A., ad- 
ministers. Bond, $5,000. Mr. Marsh was a man of some culture. 
He settled the Carmack place, three miles east of Platte City, on 
the Libertv road. He married Marv A. Gibson, dr. of William. She 
was a lady of spirit and refinement. She was an advocate for the 
South, and the Federal troops burned her house July 14, 1864. 
She married September 28, 1865, Rev. Wm. James. They sepa- 
rated, and Mrs. James lives with her son, Gibson, in California. 
Mr. Marsh left two sons : 

I. JAS. L. MARSH, was a deputy county clerk, and an accom- 
plished voung man. He died about the close of the war. 
n. GIBSON MARSH, went to California, and is believed to be 
still living. 

Dee. 25 — A public meeting at Lexington, Mo., denounces 
steamboats that bring emigrants for Kansas. 

Gen. Easton having acquired control of the Ka/iisas Herald, 
published at Leavenworth, continues to issue it as a Pro-slavery 
paper. In the spring of 1855, Judge Delahay purchased the press, 
and stalled the Free State Register. 



1855, JAN. 191 BUSINESS MEN. 



1855. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, Sterling Price; Congressman, M. Oliver; State 
Senator, A. M. Robinson; Representatives, .John Doniphan, 1). D. 
Burnes, and G. P. Dorriss; Circuit Judge, F. H. Norton; Sheriff, 
Wm. H. Spratt; Probate Judge, Jas. G. Spratt; County Clerk, 
P. R. Waggoner; County .Justices, R. P. Clark, J. H. Layton, E. P. 
Duncan; Surveyor, EL N. Jenks; Treasurer, II. J. Freeland; Cir- 
cuit Attorney, Jas. Oraig; Coroner, W. F. Perrin; Public Admin- 
istrator, Geo. Gabbert ; County Attorney, W. B. Almond. 



BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys— W. B. Almond, W. C. Baker, R. 
P. Clark, J. H. Connelly, Thos. Herndon, J. E. Pitt, E. O. Sayle, 
Jas. G. Spratt, H. C. Cockrill, Wilson, A. & R. R. Rees, H. M. Moore. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Brown, Guthrie, Hollingsworth, Red- 
man, Wallace. Marshall, Stringfellow. 

Merchants, etc. — Almond, Paxton & Callahan, Ferrier, Flesh- 
man, Fox & Brooks, R. D. Johnston & Son, S. Johnston, Perry 
Keith (postmaster), Marshall & Burge, L. Rees, Swaney & Christi- 
son, J. S. Townsend, L. Reed, J. N. Bradley, B. S. Richards. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Bird, Branch, Burnes, Diefendorf, 
Doniphan, McCurdy, Ramage, Watts, Withers, Wolf, Wilkinson. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers, Ridley*, Earickson. 

Merchants, etc. — Basye, Brown, Belt & Murphy, Blanjour, 
Wilkinson, Beechler, Bell, Beller, Cody, Conwell & Spencer, 
Deitz, Devin, Doppler, Doss, Evans, Frank, Ferguys, Guenther, 
Iveller, Knudson, Holliday, Hathaway, Hulse, Lingley, McCown, 
McOonnell, Mettier, Mitchell, Magers, Miller, Meyers. Noble, New- 
man, Ohlhausen, Osborn, Parrott, Perrys, Raileys, Roney, Si rang, 
Wallingford, Warner, Wilhite, Wood. 

Weston Court of Common Pleas — McCurdy. judge; Diefen- 
dorf, clerk; Wallingford, marshal. 

Mayor — J. Woods. 

Hotels— McClure, Holland. 

.1/ Parkville: Attorneys — doughs, McDonald, Miller. 

Merchants, etc. — Barnes, Clardy, Aspliug & Stephens, Buene- 
nian, Burnes, Davis. Ford, Heeding, Kuykendall. Park, Ringo, 
Summers & Hord, Stoddart & McComas, Woodsmall, Woodward. 

At Xnr Market: Armstrong. Bishop, Cartwright, Roberts, 
Ussary, Walling, Allen. 

At Farley: Stiles. Zabrisky & Falkner. 

At Ridgely: Ellington, Phillips, Sayle. 



1855, JAN. 192 ELISHA GREEN. 

Newspapers — At Weston, the Argus (Democratic); the Re- 
porter (Whig), Finch & Gorman editors, for law and order. At 
Parkville, the Industrial Luminary (Free Soil), Park & Patterson 
editors. 

Population— Of Kansas, 8,501; of Parkyille, 300; Weston, 
1,400; Platte City, 700. 

Prices — Coffee, 12 cents; flour, per 100, |2.50; eggs, 10 cents; 
corn, 00 cents; wheat, $1.50; whisky, $1; oysters, per can, $1. 

Mails — Triweekly from the Fort to Leavenworth, Lewis 
Pees is postmaster at Leavenworth, and his services are paid for 
by subscription. From Weston to the Fort, three times a week; 
from Liberty to Weston, the same. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 4 — James Ferguys having died, Ranson & Gabbert ad- 
minister. Bond, $25,000. Mr. Ferguys, with Mr. Ranson, opened, 
about 1811, a dry goods store in Platte City, and about 1847 re- 
moved to Weston. Mr. Ranson, after the death of his partner, 
removed to Kansas City. 

ELISHA GREEN. 

Jan. 9 — Elisha Green died at his hotel in Platte City. F. Mar- 
shall and N. R, Green administered, giving bond for $100,000. 

He was born in east Tennessee May 15, 1801; died January 9, 
1855; in 1818 he married Malinda Green (no kin to Mr. Green). In 
the spring of 1826 he removed to Lexington, Mo., and thence to 
Platte, in 1837. He purchased a. wigwam of a Pottawatomie 
Indian, and settled in the Missouri bottoms, near Farley. In 1844 
he removed to Platte City, and erected the hotel still known as the 
Green House. His hotel was the resort of a club of Democratic 
politicans, and professional and literary gentlemen. It was the 
home of Senator Atchison while he lived in Platte. Mr. Green 
was a man of enterprise and energy, and Platte City owes to him 
many valuable improvements. At the time of his death he was 
building a costly mill, to be run by steam, just below Platte River 
bridge. But upon his death all operations ceased. He was the 
life of the town — ever ready with a good story or a practical joke. 
His surviving friends often speak of his hospitality, enterprise, 
and humor. Mrs. Green was born in Henrico County, Va., May 
22, 1800, and died in Platte Oity October 9, 1875. *She was a 
large, brisk, independent, and kind-hearted woman. 

I. REUBEN FKANKUX GREEN, b. in 1821; went to Santa 

F<^ in 1849, married a .Mexican ladv, had several children, 

andd. Dec is. 1878. 
II. MISSOURI A. GREEN, in early life was handsome, spirited, 

and independent. She labored effectively in every good 

< :ause; was ever generous and kind to the poor and zealous 



1855, JAN. 193 THE GREENS. 

for the Church. For years she hovered on the border 
land of death, bu1 is now in health. She m'd Lst, Dr. Fred- 
erick Mai-shall, who was b. in New York in L814, and d. in 
PlatteJune 1. L861. Mrs. Marshall m'd 2d, Hon. E. II. Nor- 
ton, who will be noticed hereafter. Dr. P. Marshall was 
regarded as one of the best physicians of his day. He came 
to Platte in 1S::7. and settled' at Martinsville.' He built a 
log office, ten feet square, and boarded with Zadock Martin. 
He was not able, at first, to meet his board bills by the re- 
turns of his practice, and went forth to the prairie to mow 
hay for his host. But the people soon discovered his vir- 
tues, and he became the most distinguished physician of 
the county. He possessed sound judgment and confidence 
in the advance of real esate; and wealth cam** to him as a 
reward. Handsome in person and cordial in his manners, he 
won the hearts of every household he entered. A pleasant 
smile upon his face invited confidence and inspired friend- 
ship, lie was treasurer of Platte County for many years, 
and his official acts were universallv approved. Ch: 

1. Mary Clemmie Marshall, b. Nov. 10, 1844; d. Dec. 3, 

1877; m'd Nov. 1(5, 1865 (birthday), William H. Field, 
b. in 1840. Clemmie was a pure and lovely woman, 
and a devotee of music. A member of the Presby- 
terian Church, she led the choir and charmed her 
hearers by her well-trained voice. She died exclaim- 
ing, "The angels — the beautiful angels!" I wrote 
a poem in her memory. Mr. Field lost his life in the 
West. Ch: ["] .Julia Field, b. March 25, 1867. 
Lovtly. pure, ; nd holy, her heart overflows with kind- 
ness. She m'd Oct. 14, 1886, Allen Hnlett. a grocer 
of Platte City, b. Oct. 16, L861. (Mi: [/] Dora 
Elaine Hnlett, b. Nov. 11. 1887; [2] dames Allen 
Hnlett. b. Dec 1, 1889; [3] Fred M. Hnlett. b. Oct. 
16, 1802. [''] Virginia Field, b. Aug. 1. 1870. The 
lily and the harp. She m'd in March, 1895, < '. N. Tol 
man, of Plattsburg, Mo. ['] Marshall Field, b. Nov. 
22, L873; m'd Oct. 18, 1804. Annie Moore. Live near 
Platte City. 

2. Amos <!. Marshall, b. Feb. 0. 1848; d. April 18, 1X77; 

m'd Feb. 0, 1875, Mary E. Brady, an interesting and 
accomplished lady. Her only child survived its 
father but a few weeks; and, as its heir, the mother 
inherited a fall share of the estate of I >r. F. Marshall. 
She m'd 2d, Oct. 14, 1885, Dr. John F De Berry. 
They live in Plattsburg and have children: ["] Mary 
F.; '[»] Albin De Berry. 

3. Virginia Marshall, b. dan. 28. 1854; m'd Juup 21. 1*77. 

Hon. Norton B. Anderson, b. in Todd Co.. Ky.. Jan. 8, 
1844. He was elected in November. 1888. without 
13- 



1855, JAN. 194 THE GREENS. 

opposition, as a Democrat, State senator from this 
district, and was chosen president pro tern, of the 
Senate; was one of the revisers of the Statutes of 
1889. and to his sound judgment and statesmanship 
we owe many of the reforms found in our laws. As 
a jurist he has few equals in the State. He is well 
read in history, philosophy, and science, as well as in 
the literature of the day. As a. chaste writer he has 
no equal in the county, and as an urbane gentleman 
he is admired by all. As a member of the Norton 
family we will haye occasion to notice him again. 
Mrs. Anderson is a lady of marked intelligence, 
grace, and beauty — a zealous Christian, and the 
proud mother of two lovely daughters: [°] Clem- 
mie Anderson, b. May 3. 1880; [&] Irene, b. Nov. 21, 
1882. Senator Anderson and his wife live in Platte 
City, and are among my chosen friends. On the oc- 
casion of their marriage I wrote and published an 
epithalamium, from which I select a stanza for each: 

I see, in my yision of rapt inspiration. 

The husband exalted and great: 
He sits in the chambers and halls of the nation 

And joins in the councils of state. 
Success at the bar brings him clients and gold; 

His board is with luxury crowned; 
The learned and refined as his friends are enrolled, 

And hosts as his patrons are found. 

I knew the bride in earlier years, 

'Mid childhood's joy and glee; 
I 'ye joined her sports. I 've quelled her fears, 

And nursed her on my knee. 
I taught to her the word of truth. 

And all her yirtues knew; 
I 'ye watched her from her earliest youth. 

And know she 's good and true. 

ITT. NICHOLAS R. GREEN, m'd May 30, 1851. Matilda Morin, 
1 ». .Ian. 1 1 . 1834, in Ray Co., Mo. ; d. May 22, 1 877. Mr. Green 
now lives ;it Jefferson City. Oh: 

1. MaUnda Qreen, b. in 1801; m'd A. C. Bates. Live in 

Jefferson Co., Kansas. 

2. Mattie Qreen, b. March 21. 1871. Lives at Platte City. 
IV. WILLIAM A. GREEN, b. March 25", 1835; d. Sept. 6, 1881; 

m'd May L9, 1801. Annie 0. Xicol, dr. of David. She was b. 
April 16, 1843; d. July 21, 1803. After living some years in 
Platte < Jity, they removed to the Xicol homestead, fiye miles 
east. Ch: 



1855, JAN. 195 THE ST. JOHNS. 

1. WilUam Green, b. Feb. 23, L866. 

2. David, b. Oct. 8, L868. 

V. FRED M. GREEN, b. June 5, L847; <1. single, June 5, 1883. 

Jam 1> — Job St. John having died, Noah St. John adminis- 
tered. Bond, $3,000. 

THE ST. JOHN FAMILY. 

JOSEPH ST. -JOHN was ancestor, and lived in Tennessee. 
His family came to Platte in 1837, and settled in Green Township. 
Children:' 

I. NOAH ST. JOHN, b. May 4, 1797, in Tenn.; m'd Dedema 
Faubion, sister of Moses and Jackson. 

1. James Alex. St. John, d. Feb. 4, 1880; m'd Mary E. Kerr, 

dr. of Jas. Oh: ["] Melcina, m'd Felix Hendricks, 
son of John. Live in Idaho. [''] Tilman St. John, 
m'd Sallie J. Moody, dr. of J. Y.; [c] Phinehas L. St. 
J (dm, m'd 1st, Oct. 22, 188;"), Mary C. Walters, dead. 
Oh: [1] Walters St. .John; [2] Nellie. Phinehas 
m'd 2d, Mary Brown. [''] Lizzie St. John, m'd 
Dec. 18, 1884, Geo. P. Heath, son of Jack; [<?] Albert 
N.St. John; [f] Dora A.; [.</] Robt. P. 

2. Jane St. John, m'd Volney Patchen. Ch: [°] Wyman, 

m'd Delia Woodward; [ft] America; [ c ] Richard; 
[<l] Amanda Patchen. 
:;. Barthena St. John, m'd Jos. Ralston. Oh: [«] Edna; 
[&] Albert D. Ralston; ['] Emma Ralston. 

4. Tilman IK St. John, killed in the Southern army. 

5. William R. St. John, m'd Harriet Stockton. Ch: 

["] Lnla. m'd July 5, 1800. Samuel W. Boydston; 
[ft] Delia; [c] Hugh St. John. 

6. Eliza St. John, m'd Jephtha Woodward, son of Lance. 

He lived at The .1 unction, and at one time kept the 
poor-house. He d. in May, 1872. Oh: [«] Delia A., 
m'd Wy. Patchen; [ b ] Frances D. Woodward. 

7. Ann St. John, m'd Dec. 21. 1850, Richard F. Duncan, 

son of Ed. P. Oh: [«] Frank; [ft] Albert; [c] Wil- 
liam; [ (l ] Etta, m'd Oct. 27, 1800, Ohas. A. Carson; 
['■] Remus E.; [f] Boss; [ff] Coleman; p] Randall; 
['] Dovie Duncan. 

8. Albert Q. St. John, killed in the Southern arm v. 

9. Geo. W. St. John, m'd Jan. 21, 1874. Sue Jackson, dr. of 

John. Ch: ["] Claude; [ft] Esther; [c] Charles; 
[rf] Elmer; [a] Ortis; [/'] Maggie St John. 
10. Robert M. St. John, m'd Feb. 14. 1871 , Mary Ellen Drais. 
H. WILLIAM R. ST. JOHN. d. in Oct., 1808; m'd Letitia Hooper, 
sister of W. P. 

1. Andrew St. -John, m'd April 10, 187."., America Dick, 
(It-, of Hezekiah. 



1855, JAN. 196 THE ST. JOHNS. 

2. Joseph St. John, m'd April 10, 1851, Sarah J. Dodson, 

dr. of James. Mr. St. John was elected in November, 
1872, assessor of Platte County and served a term. 
He lost an arm in the Southern arm v. Oh: [a] J. 
W. St John, m'd Feb. 11, 1877, Ellen'o. Standiford; 
[&] Susan J. St. John, m'd Oct. 18, 1882, Jas. A. Dick. 

3. Jemima St. John, m'd John Holland. 

4. Nancy St. John, m'd Jacob Hooper, brother of W. P. 

5. Tabitha A. St. John, m'd John Sudor. 

6. Hannah L. St. John, m'd 1st, Dec. 1, 1859. Thos. J. Lin- 

ville. She m'd 2d, Jas. Peyton. 

7. Ruth St. John, m'd Jesse Moore. 

8. Thos. St. John, m'd Ella Craton. 

9. Letitia St. John, m'd John Young. 
TH. JOB ST. JOHN (ii). d. single, in Jan., 1855. 
TV. JOHN ST. JOHN, d. in Clinton Co. 

V. SARAH, m'd Thos. Moonevham. Ch: 

1. Permelia E. 

2. Cynthia Mooneyham, m'd Fanbion; she died, leaving 5 

children. 

Jan. 13 — Luther R. Stephens having died at Parkville, Thos. 
Aspling qualifies as his executor, giving bond for $6,000. His 
will is dated June 19, 1854, and probated January 1, 1855. He 
bequeaths all to his brother, Edwin K. Stephens, and mentions 
sisters in Jessamine Co., Kentucky. 

Jan. 15 — Robert Bywaters having died. J. C. Bywaters ad- 
ministers. Bond. $5,000. 

Jan. 25 — Thompson W. Belt having died in Weston, Ben 
Wood administers. Bond, $4,000. He m'd March 26, 1846, Maria 
A. Wood. In April, 1853, he was elected marshal of Weston 
Court of Common Pleas, and served a term. 

FEBRUARY. 

JAMES B. MARTIN. 

Feb. 6 — James B. Martin having died. Addison Burge admin- 
istered. Bond, $6,000. He was the youngest son of Zadock Mar- 
tin, and was born in Clay < Vuinty, about 1822. He received a good 
education and read law. He married, first. October 30, 1844, Mel- 
vina Ramey, daughter of .John, who died, childless, September 2, 
1 8 18. He married, second. ( October 31, 1850, Flora Jack, daughter 
of L. < '. .lack. Their only child. Davidella, was born September 2, 
1851, and died January 23, L868. Mrs. Martin married, second, 
July 23, L867, Geo. R. Dines, a banker of Leavenworth. They 
live in Texas, and will conic again into notice under the Jack fam- 
ily. James B. Martin controlled the Platte City water mills, then 
valuable property, and handled much money. Handsome, gen. 
emus, festive, and prodigal, he was surrounded by sycophants. 



1855, FEB. 197 THE MARTINS. 

who led 1 1 i 111 into vice. Il<' was chosen a justice of the county 
court, and served a term in the Legislature, I Jul had habits 
brought on family and pecuniary troubles. In May, 1853, ho sold 
his half interest in the mills, an'd went to Kansas, where he en- 
gaged in pasturing stock. After a uight's debauch, he was found 
dead in his shanty, and was brought home for burial. 

ZADOCK MARTIN AND FAMILY. 

Mr. Martin came from Tennessee about 1820, and settled in 
(May. In 1828 we have soon him in charge of the ferries over the 
Platte and Missouri. His name is connected with the earliest 
settlement of our county. His wife was a sister of Roland Brown. 
He had brothers, Isaac and Joseph, and a sister, Cynthia. In 1846 
he left for Oregon, with several of his family. A few years later 
he and his wife died in the far West. Oh : 

I. GREEN T. MARTIN, a lawver of Missouri. 
II. FRANK B. MARTIN, m'd April 4, 1844, Lucretia Gordon, 
and in 1846 went to Oregon. 

III. GILL MARTIN. 

IV. HARDIN D. MARTIN, m'd a Searcy, and went to Texas. 

V. WM. J. MARTIN, m'd 1st, Aug. 22, 1839, Harriet Crobarger; 
m'd 2d, Dec ::, 1852, Mary Goss. Went to Oregon. 

VI. JAMES B. MARTIN, has been noticed. 

VII. ELIZABETH J. MARTIN, m'd April 23, 1841, H. M. Knighton. 

VIII. MILLY MARTIN, m'd Elisha Harrington. (See.) 

TN. JOSEPHINE MARTIN, m'd 1st, Winter, from whom she was 
divorced. She then m'd John Riley Owen. (See.) I make 
her an interesting character in my poem, "The Moaning 
Falls." 

R. S. Kelly and 4. H. Stringfellow issue the Squatter Sorer 
eign, a Pro-slavery paper, at Atchison, Kansas. 

Feb. 12— Geo. W. Gist having died at Weston. H. J. Wolf ad 
ministers. Bond, $1,500. Gen. Gist was a man of intelligence, 
and an experienced surveyor. He was the first president of the 
Leavenworth Town Company, and laid off the city. 

Feb. 23 — Leavenworth has 1 hotel, 1 saw-mill, 1 tailor, 1 shoe- 
maker. 1 barber, 2 blacksmiths, 1 newspaper, ."» lawyers, and 2 
doctors. 

MARCH. 

March li — E. N. O. Clough enrolled as an attorney. 

John T. Pell having died, J. IT. Spurlock administers. Bond, 
$2,000. 

March 21 — The case of P. Skinner vs. II. II. Todd resulted in a 
verdict of $49, against the defendant. 



1855, MARCH. 198 PARK'S PRESS. 

March 2.',— The Christian Church buys Lot 1, Block 32, Platte 
City, and proceeds to erect a house of worship. The lot cost f 613. 

On the Kickapoo ferryboat, the following notice appears: 
"Some illy-disposed persons have tried to injure- my ferry, by stat- 
ing that I refused to cross persons, last fall, to the election. This 
is false. It would be difficult to find one more 'sound on the goose" 
than I am. [Signed] John Ellis. 



>> 



KANSAS ELECTION, MARCH 30, 1855. 

Result in the Territory: Pro-slavery vote, 5,427; Anti- 
slavery vote, 791. 

Among councilmen elected were, Win. Barbee, A. M. Coffey, 
John W. Forman, and R. R. Rees. For the House: O. H. Brown, 
J. H. Stringfellow, W. H Tebbs, Jas. Whitlock, and Allen Wilker- 
son Though frauds were perpetrated, yet there was at this time 
a large majority of Pro-slavery men in the Territory. 

APRIL. 

April 2 — Jerry Woods is elected mayor of Weston. 
Population of Leavenworth, 500. 

DESTRUCTION OF G. S. PARK'S PRESS. 

The Platte County Self-Defensive Association held fre- 
quent meetings in the. spring of 1855. Senator Atchison, Dr 
G. W. Bayless, and B. F. Stringfellow were popular speakers, and 
their Pro-slavery harangues provoked the people to frenzy and 
outrage. Those living east and south of Platte City became al- 
most insane. Dr. Walker, Ga.pt. W. J. Miller, J. V. Cockrell, L. 
Shepard, and Col. J. H. Winston were untiring in their efforts to 
arouse the people and to get them into Kansas. The Kansas 
League held frequent meetings in secret. They appointed com- 
mittees to carry their decrees into execution. Northern Methodist 
preachers had stated meetings at their church, five miles south of 
Platte City. Committees waited on them, and commanded them 
to desist, and enforced their charge with threats of tar and' 
feathers — and if these were not sufficient, they would be hung. 
Charles Morris, one of the preachers, defied them, and persisted in 
preaching. His temerity cost him his life, and, in 1864, was the 
cause of the death of Dr. Jos. Walker, in retaliation. 

After the frauds perpetrated in the Kansas election of March 
30, 1855, the following article appeared in the Industrial Luminary, 
published :it Parkville. by Park and Patterson: 

"There is virtually no law in Kansas, and no security for life 
or property, save in the sense of honor and justice cherished by 
every true pioneer. This may save the country from bloodshed; 
but the Government is held up to ridicule and contempt, and its 
authority disregarded. Judges of elections have been displaced. 



1855, APRIL. 199 RESULTS. 

and new ones appointed; the polls have in some instances been 
guarded with pistols and bowie-knives; and sonic of i hose elected 

are going' to the governor, swearing that if he does not give them 
certificates of election immediately, they will •cut his throat from 
ear to ear.' Is the dag of our count rv to be no longer protected ; or 
are individuals or companies to declare we will, and it must be so. 
without regard to law? Is this what the authors of the Nebraska- 
Kansas bill meant by squatter sovereignty?" 

That such sentiments should be published in Platte County, 
under the very shadow of the Kansas League, was more t han could 
be endured. Accordingly, at the next meeting a committee of the 
whole was appointed to meet at Parkville April 14. 1855, to cast 
the press and type of the Luminary into the Missouri River, to 
read a sentence of banishment to Park and Patterson, and to 
threaten death in case of their return to the county. But the 
culprits got wind of what was coming, and stored away in the 
garret a large amount of type, which was not discovered, and 
afterwards taken to Kansas and used for Free soil purposes. 

On the 14th of April the Kansas Leaguers appeared on the 
streets of Parkville. Their hearts were fired by flaming speeches. 
The press was borne of many. A banner was hoisted aloft, and, 
amid songs and acclamations, the press and material were con- 
signed to the yellow waters of the turbid Missouri. 

Park was absent, and Patterson had to tread the wine-press 
alone. The decree was short: ''Leave the State in three days, 
and never return, or be hung." Park was allowed three weeks 
to settle up his business affairs, and to leave. 

A public meeting was held that indorsed the proceedings, 
threatened with death Southern Methodist preachers, and ex- 
pressed the intention of dealing in like manner with other Free- 
soilers "not far off." These proceedings met the approbation of 
the Pro-slavery party at Liberty and elsewhere. 

RESULTS. 



1. Kansas became a free State. This outrage brought a 
myriad anti-slavery voters to Kansas. 

2. The leaders in this outrage were sued by Park, and had to 
pay all damages — $2,500. 

3. W. J. Patterson went to Montreal. Canada, beanie ;i 
wealthy merchant, and died honored and revered. 

4. George S. Park gathered his scattered means, and in- 
vested them in Illinois lands, became a large capitalist, and, after 
the war, returned to his old home, to bless and enrich the very 
men who had conspired for his ruin. He, from the wealth thrust 
upon him by his enemies, founded Park College, the grandest and 
noblest educational enterprise of the West. His dust now reposes 
at the very spot whence he was banished in life, and a colossal 
marble monument to his honor overlooks the place where his press 



1855, APRIL. 200 COUNTY FINANCES. 



was submerged. How unsearchable are God's judgments, and His 
ways are past finding out! 

James H. Lane and John Brown and sons appear in Kansas, 
The Legislature meets and passes Pro-slavery laws. 

April 3 — Malcolm Clark, a leading Pro-slavery man, is killed 
at Leavenworth, in a row, by Cole McCrea, who was apprehended 
and indicted for murder, but escaped. 

April 30 — A Pro-slavery public meeting at Leavenworth, is 
addressed by Jas. N. Burnes. They appoint a vigilance committee 
of thirty. The committee charge that William Phillips was ac- 
cessory to the murder of Clark, and order him to leave. 

Samuel C. Bowers having died, P. Ellington qualifies as his 
executor. Bond, $12,000. His will is dated February 24, 1855, 
and probated May 24, 1855. His second wife was Mary Dough- 
erty, who was divorced from him. She afterwards married John 
Bryant. He left no children and bequeathed his property to Julia 
Dupey, P. Ellington, and Judge H. M: Vories, his attorney. 

MAY. 
COUNTY FINANCES. . 

Expenditures in Detail. 

Lime Creek bridge. , .. $ 377.00 

Sugar Creek bridge 190.00 

Prairie Creek bridge 200.00 

Platte Citv bridge 328.00 

Lower Bee Creek bridge 320.00 

Other bridges and roads 1,421.00 

Bridges and roads $ 2,S36.00 

County Court Justices - .. 290.00 

Jail. .' 661.00 

Stationery 346.00 

County Clerk 917.00 

Poor.. 1,843.00 

Treasurer 1,075.00 

Court-house 356.00 

Assessor 284.00 

Attorneys 68.00 

Printing 5.00 

Sheriff 877.00 

Superintended of Common Schools 200.00 

Patrols 200.00 

Miscellaneous 1,093.66 

Circuit Clerk 1.342.00 

812.393.66 



1855, MAY. 201 JAMES H. BALDWIN. 

.1 ssessment. 

2,935 slaves $1,264,860.00 

Money and bonds 695,962.00 

Other persona] property 129,104.00 

Land and lots 2,813,240.00 

Total $5,203,166.00 

Revenue collected $ 9,314.90 

Expended 12,393.66 

Deficit $3,078.76 

Principal of school fund, $19,820.63. 

JAMES II. BALDWIN. 

May 1 — James EL Baldwin died at Liberty, Mo. He was born 
in Mason Co., Ky., April (!. 1815, a son of James Baldwin and Sarah 
Harris. He graduated at Centre College, Ky., in 1837, studied law 
with MeClung & Taylor, in Washington, Ky. He was four years 
older than I, yet we were companions at Centre College, studied 
law together, were licensed at the same time, started the practice 
together as partners, and continued the partnership in Missouri, 
but I removed, in 1841, to the country, and our association ceased. 
He was a finished scholar and a profound lawyer. He stood at 
the head of the bar, and was beloved by his associates. After 
practicing some thirteen years at Platte City, he removed to 
Liberty, and formed a partnership with Gen. A. W. Doniphan. 
He m'd Nov. IS. L846, Susan Thornton, daughter of Col. John 
Thornton, of < 'lay. Their only child is John T. Baldwin, who mar- 
ried Emma Cockrell. (See.) Mrs. Susan Baldwin, after the 
death of her husband, married Dr. McOurdy, and they reside in 
Idaho. 

May 7 — Malcolm (Mark having been killed as stated, Randall 
G. Baber administered. Bond, $15,000. He was large, strong, 
generous, chivalrous, ami brave, a faithful friend and a danger- 
ous enemy. He m'd Jan. 12, 1S4.~», Mary Elizabeth Owens, widow 
of Nicholas Owens, and daughter of [sham Baber. She had. by 
( hvens. a daughter, Sarah, who married John \Y. Williams, and re- 
moved to Jackson Co.. Mo., where she died, childless. Mr. (lark 
left an only child. Alice- Clark, who married Dr. M. S. Thomas, of 
Leavenworth. She has several children. (See [sham Baber's 
family, i 

May 17 — William Phillips is tarred ami feat In-red at Leaven- 
worth. He was a lawyer, and an active and fearless advocate of 
freedom. He was charged with being accessory to the death of 
Malcolm Clark, and was ordered to leave by the Pro slavery Vigil- 
ance Committee. Taken by Kansas outlaws, he was broughl to 
Weston, and there tarred, feathered, and ridden on a rail, and 



1855, MAY. 202 JOHN C. DIESTER. 

sold ou the block by a negro. A public meeting at Leavenworth, 
presided over by R. R. Rees, approved the act. Phillips returned 
to Leavenworth, and was killed by ruffians September 1, 1856. 

May 26 — Fritz Ka.hm located at Parkville, and has been a 
merchant and a useful citizen ever since. He was born in Prus- 
sia. June 9, 1834. His parents were Peter Kahni and Eliz. Klem- 
mer. He married April 4, I860, Eliz. Klam. Ch: 1, Fred P. 
Ka.hm; 2, Lizzie; 3, Minnie; 4, Walter B. ; 5, Grace. 

May 29 — Ralph Johnson having died. J. F. Broadhurst ad- 
ministered. He left a widow, Susan, and children: 1, Ben; 
2, Andrew; 3, Henry; 4, William; 5, Edwin; 6, Henrietta, m'd 
Duncan; 7, Sarah. 



i ) 



JUNE. 

June 1 — John C. Diester died on his farm below Parkville. 
He was a worthy, intelligent, and enterprising German. He left 
a widow, Catherine G, and children: 1, William H. ; 2, Daniel; 
3, Henry W. ; 4, John T. ; 5, Magdalen G, m'd G P. Henson. 

June 8 — A Free-State meeting at Lawrence, Kansas. Arms 
are received by them from friends in the East. 

June 9 — Joseph R. Daniel having died of cholera, his father- 
in-law, W. L. Blanton, adminstered. He was a blacksmith of 
Platte City, and a partner of W. E. Oliver. Ch: 1, Alonzo Dan- 
iel; 2, Nathaniel; 3, Armede; 4, Eveline. 

F. M. McDonald edited the Parkville Courier from this date, 
for five years. 

JULY. 

July 2 — A. H. Tories and W. S. Carroll enrolled as attorneys. 

And. J. Stigers having died, Chas. Babcock administered. 
Bond, $300. No children. His father was Peter Stigers, and 
his brothers and sisters: 1, Mary, wife of Wm. Davis; 2, Levi; 
::. Odo Stigers. 

The Kansas Legislature met at the call of Gov. Reeder. at 
Pawnee, where a rough stone building had been erected as a 
capitol. The Legislature's first act was to remove to Shawnee 
.Mission. The Governor vetoed the law, but it was passed over 
his veto. They met at Shawnee Mission, on the 16th of July. The 
old house is now a ruin, standing alone in a wheat-field. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. I — A l a special election in Weston, s. P. s. McCnrdy 
was chosen judge of the Weston Court of Common Fleas, O. 
Diefendorf clerk, and W. T. Woods marshal. 

Cholera on the plains; Maj. Ggden dies with it. 



1855, AUG 203 JOHN I). ALDERSON. 

Gov. A. II. Reeder removed as governor of Kansas, and Wil- 
son Shannon appointed in his place. 

The town of Delaware, Kansas, is founded. Lots arc sold at 
fabulous prices. 

JOHN D. ALDERSON. 

Aug. 10 — John D. Alderson dies north of Weston. He mar- 
ried in Tennessee, Nancy ('out her, and came to Platte in 1842. 
He was a thriving farmer, and had accumulated wealth. Ch: 
I. ELIZABETH ALDERSON, m'd in 1848, Wilson (J. Noble. 
She died August 13, 1861, and Mr. Noble has lived single 
sincethat day. He was one of theearliest settlers of Weston, 
and there is yet his home. He was born in Boone Co., Mo. ; 
was a son of Thomas Noble, and a saddler by trade. In 
1838 he came to Weston, and has been in the harness busi- 
ness and mercantile pursuits ever since. He is a. Knight 
Templar, and a dignified, honorable, and esteemed citizen. 
Children: 

1. William A. Noble, a physician of Kansas. 

2. Charles Noble, b. Feb. 23, 1852, a merchant of Weston, 

and at one time mayor of the city. In 1879 he m'd 
Julia Pettijohn. of Chicago. Ch: [«] Birdie. 

3. Lizzie Noble, b. June 10, 1862; m'd Sept. 3, 1844. Jas. 

W. Cox, b. Feb. 5, 1861, son of W. G. Cox. She d. 
Dec. 31, 1891. Mr. Cox is a prosperous farmer and 
stock-raiser on the old estate of his father. He was 
educated at William Jewell College. His wife pos- 
sessed uncommon level iness. 
II. ELIZA ANN ALDERSON. m'd J. H. Trundle. 
III. JAMES C. ALDERSON, b. in Simpson Co., Kv., May 17, 
1833; m'd Nov. 21, 1865, Mattie Stone. Mr. Alderson is 
now a citizen of Jackson Co., Mo. In Platte he at one time 
owned 1,700 acres, but all have been sold. He w r as one of 
the most extensive and successful farmers and stock- 
raisers of the county, and was highly esteemed for intelli- 
gence and public spirit. Ch: 

1. Annie Alderson, m'd March 17, 1886, Daniel M. Railev.b. 

Dec. 16, 1873, son of Egbert W. 

2. May Alderson. 3. Lillie. 4. Manson. 5. Herbert. 
6. Bessie Alderson. 7. James C. 

A u q. 10 — Lecompton is made the capital of Kansas. 
Aug. 1 'i — James Lane makes his first public appearance at 
Lawrence, Kansas, at a Free State Convention. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. '/ — David S. Irwin's estate is administered on by N. H. 
Hope. Bond, .f 12,000. Hope & Irwin, saddlers, were among the 



1855, OCT. 204 COL. JOSEPH WINSTON. 

first settlers of Martinsville. Irwin never married. He was 
highly esteemed. 

The Kansas Legislature establishes slavery, makes it a felony 
to express Abolitionist sentiments, disqualifies Abolitionists as 
jurors where the rights of slave-holders are involved, and requires 
all officers to swear they will support the fugitive slave law. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 1—J. W. Whitfield elected by 2,721 Pro-slavery votes a 
delegate to Congress. He was commissioned, but not allowed a 
seat. The Free State men did not vote. 

Oct. 2 — Henry Walker having died in Weston, Henry Basye 
administered. Bond. $10,000. Ch: 1, W. H. Walker; 2, Andw. J. 

Oct. 3 — Pro-slavery men meet at Leavenworth, and issue an 
address, appealing to the people for law and order. It was signed 
by D. A. N. Grover, J. A. Halderman, L. F. Hollingsworth, D. J. 
Johnson, W. G. Marinas, R. R. Bees, et al. 

Oct. J— John Chapin having died, John Williams administers. 
Bond, $3,000. 

Oct. 7 — Abram Faubion having died, James Dodd adminis- 
ters. Bond. $4,000. Ch: 1, Margaret Faubion, nrd Brenner; 
2. William, d. in Dec, 1857; 3, Catherine Faubion; 4, Ruth Ann; 
5, Hezekiah; 6, Hitoner Faubion. 

Oct. 8 — Election in Leavenworth County, to determine be- 
tween Delaware, Kickapoo, and Leavenworth, which should be the 
county seat, resulted in favor of Delaware, by a vote of 900, against 
838 for Kickapoo, and 700 for Leavenworth. The polls at Dela- 
ware were kept open three days, and many went there from Platte 
to vote. I would not go over, though- importuned; but denounced 
the interference of our citizens as wrong. Yet my name was voted 
three times. 

Oct. 9 — Election by Free State men of Kansas of delegates to 
a constitutional convention. The convention met October 23d. 
and chose Jas. II. Lane president. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. t» — Letitia D. Winston, widow of Gen. Joseph Winston, 
having died, Col. John H. Winston administers. Bond, $20,000. 

THE WINSTON FAMILY. 
The progenitor was COL. JOSEPH WINSTON, born in 174G; 
•lied in L81 1. In 17(i(i lie removed from Virginia to North Carolina! 
In the Revolutionary War lie raised a regiment of patriots, and 
served under Gen. Greene, in the Army of the South. His regi- 
ment did noble service at the battle of King's .Mountain, October 
7. L870, where Gen. Ferguson of the British Army was defeated. 
For his services on this occasion he was granted, by the Legisla- 
ture of North Carolina a sword ornamented with appropriate 



1855, NOV. 205 THK WINSTONS. 



emblems and inscriptions. This sword and a handsome likeness 
of him who earned it by his gallantry are yet preserved as beir- 
looms by his grandson, Col. John H. Winston. Ool. Jos. Winston 
was also with ( Jen. < rreene at t he hat t le of < Jnilford Court-House. 
He was (doc tod to Congress in 1792, and reelcted in 1 Slid, and again 
in L802. He served four terms in the Senate of North Carolina, 
and was presidential elector in 1801. The city of Winston. X. 0., 
is named for him. 

The father of Col. -los. Winston was one of two brothers who 
came from Wales, and settled in Albemarle Co., Va. The other 
brother went, subsequently, to Alabama, and was the progenitor 
of Gov. Winston, of that State. 

The will of Ool. Jos. Winston is dated April 12, 1814. He 
grants to, and names, his children, as follows: 

1. Robert Winston is granted lands and personal property. 

2. Joseph W. Winston — lands and negroes. 

3. Sallie Winston — his precious bureau, etc. 

4. Lewis Winston — a valuable watch, etc. 

5. Samuel Winston — his diamond knee-buckles, etc. 

6. Fountain Winston — his gold sleeve-buttons. 

7. William Winston is named, but no special bequest is 
granted him. 

Eight thousand acres of land are distributed among his chil- 
dren. Joseph is to support the old negroes, and he is to have the 
sword granted him, which, he says, "is to be used only in defense 
of his country." Of these children we are interested only with 

GEX. JOSEPH WINSTON, 

Who was horn in Stokes County, N. G. He married there Letitia 
D. Hughes, daughter of John Hughes and Annie Moore. He was 
a major in a North Carolina regiment, stationed at Norfolk, Ya.. 
in the War of 1812, and served to the end. He was afterwards a 
representative for years in the Legislature of North Carolina. In 
the militia of his State he was appointed brigadier general, and 
advanced to major general. He came to Platte in 1839, and set 
tied north of Parkville. He had a stoic at the month of Platte, 
at the town of Winston, and here he was last seen. Tt is sup- 
posed he was accidentally drowned in the Missouri River. Ch: 
I. COL. JOHN H. WINSTON, b. in Stokes Co.. N. c. Jan. 22, 
1815; came to Platte in 1838, and settled seven miles south 
cast of Platte City ; m'd Dec. 4. 1839, Elizabeth Tebbs, dr. of 
Wm. H. Tebbs and Lydia Kennedy, 1>. Aug. 5, 1X18: d. Dec. 1, 
188(5. Mrs. Winston possessed many virtues. With a cul- 
tivated mind and literary taste she combined a tall and 
handsome person, stateliness id' manner, and grace with 
truth and kindness of heart. When her husband was un- 
dergoing his long military imprisonment, she took me into 
her counsel; and while her tears fell freely and her prayers 



1855, NOV. 206 THE WINSTONvS. 

rose fervently, I wept with the dutiful wife and the faithful 
Christian. 

Col. Winston was long a militia officer. In early days I 
mustered under him. In military matters he was well in- 
formed; and when the war broke out in 1861, his Southern 
enthusiasm and his soldierly bearing pointed him out as 
the commander of Southern troops, raised in this county. 
In August, 1861, a military rendezvous was formed in his 
neighborhood and called Camp Cain. Here the Southern 
bands gathered, and a number of companies were organ- 
ized, under Capts. Chesnut, Chrisman, Chiles, Miller, Mitch- 
ell, Rogers, Spratt, and others. Before the regiment 
was fully organized, the men were hurried to the front. 
They were in time to take part in the siege and taking of 
Lexington. They were at Pea Ridge, Corinth, and other 
important engagements. In the spring of 1864 Col. Win- 
ston, by order of Gen. S. Price, returned home to recruit 
men for the Southern army and to help them on their way 
to the front. While on this duty he was captured by a 
troop of Federal soldiers, at his home, three miles southeast 
of Platte City. For twenty months, until the close of 
the war, he was confined in military prisons — successively 
at St. Louis, Alton, and Jefferson City — in apprehension of 
death by military order, at any time. The return of peace 
brought him liberty. Col. Winston had long been a 
favorite of the people of Platte, and on his return he was 
joyfully received. From 1872 to 1876 he represented the 
county in the State Legislature, and his name has been fre- 
quently suggested for the State Senate. Col. Winston yet 
lives at his old home, honored and revered by all who meet 
him. Ch : 

1. Lydia Winston, b. Aug. 11. 1843; m'd Feb. 2, 1865, Mil- 

ton E. Clark, a banker and capitalist of Leavenworth. 
She is fond of society and spends much of her time 
in New England. Thev have three lovelv daughters : 
["] Nellie E. Clark, b. Dec. 13, 1866; m'd Sept. 8, 1892, 
Lieut. Stephen M. Hadons; [&] Cora Clark, b. Aug. 
6. 1868; [c] Hildah Clark, b. Dec. 16, 1873— the 
beautiful! 

2. Cora A. Winston, b. Sept. 17. 1844; m'd May 2, 1864, 

Judge William H. Woodson, b. Jan. 6, 1840. Cora. 
in the prime of her beauty, possessed commanding 
loveliness; and now, as a matron, is charming in 
grace and queenly in majesty. She would have 
adorned the court of an empress. Jndge Woodson 
is a scion of a noble family. He is the son of my col- 
lege companion, Hon. Samuel H. Woodson, a judge 
of the Independence Circuit, of Missouri, and mem- 
ber ef Congress from that district. Judge W. H. 



1855, NOV. 207 THE WINSTONS. 

Woodson resides at Liberty, Mo. Be has filled the 
offices of prosecuting attorney and of probate 
judge, and is recommended for Congress. He pos- 
sesses native intellect, supplemented by education, 
ambition, and chivalry. He commenced the practice 
of law at Platte ( 'it y in 1864, entered the Confederate 
army, served under (Jen. Price, and became assistant 
adjutant-general of the .Missouri State Guard. Ib- 
is related to his wife through the Hughes family. 
Oh: [«] Winston Woodson, b. Aug. 29, 1865; d. 
Nov. IS, 1891 ; [ ft ] Elizabeth T. Woodson, b. Oct. 17, 
1870; [c] Wm. H. Woodson (ii), b. Feb. 21. 1874; 
['/] Arch. L. Woodson, b. Jan. 8, 1870; ['] Lydia L. 
Woodson, b. Oct. 13, 1877; [f] Jos. L. Woodson, b. 
May 23, 1880; [.'/] Everard M. Woodson, b. Dec. 
27,1882. 

3. Hani/ C. Winston, b. in Platte County. After gradu- 

ating at William Jewell College at Liberty, Mo., at 
the Missouri State University, and at the Law School 
of Washington City, he has commenced the practice 
of law at Kansas City. He m'd his distant relative, 
Josie Kennedy, an amiable and intelligent lady. 
They have no children. 

4. Geo F. Winston, graduated at William Jewell College 

and at the St. Louis Law School. He is now prac- 
icing law T in Kansas City, Mo. 

5. Alg. 8. Winston, m'd May 10, 1881, Amanda Duncan, b. 

July 29, 1803, dr. of James Duncan. Sidney, as he 
is called, is a farmer on part of the parental estate. 
Oh: ["] Joseph Winston; p] Harry; [ r ] Bessie; 
[<*] Cora; [«] John, 
n. LOUISA WINSTON, m'd in North Carolina Jas. B. Frost, 

who died there. The widow came to Platte in 1838, with 

her two children, and here died. Ch : 

1. Elizabeth Frost, m'd in 1846, Col John E. Pitt, b. in 
southern Kentucky about 1822; d. in Colorado June 
19, 1884. Mrs. Pitt was a handsome and fascinating 
woman, well read in the literature of the day. a bril- 
liant conversationalist, and a charming companion. 
Col. Pitt came to Platte City in 1843, and first intro- 
duced himself to public notice by running against 
Judge S. L. Leonard for circuit attorney. His 
speeches w T ere replete with wit and spicy, cutting 
stories. His audiences were convulsed with laugh- 
ter, and his well-told anecdotes are not yet forgotten. 
He was a Whig, but gained favor by his courteous 
manners and genial disposition. He was an orator 
and a chaste writer. He was the life of every circle 
he entered, and made himself interesting to all sorts 



1855, NOV. 208 THE WINSTONS. 

of company. As a humorist he had few equals, 
and yet he possessed a high order of intelligence. 
In August, 1845, he was elected a delegate to the 
second Slate Constitutional Convention, and in 1858 
he was chosen a county representative, with Dr. 
Samuel MeGuire as his associate. In 1878 he was 
elected county attorney. In April, 1881, he removed 
to Colorado, to live with his daughter, Mrs. Katie 
Dameron, where he died. His children have all left 
us. I knew the family well, and can testify to their 
fascinating beauty, their remarkable proficiency in 
music, their charming graces, and their educational 
accomplishments. The three daughters of Col. Pitt 
were a triad of noble sisters, charming wives, and 
true and faithful mothers. Oh: [ f/ ] James Frost 
Pitt, b. in 1851; is a rising lawyer of St. Joseph. He 
is, even now, one of the best practitioners of the 
State. [&] Lula Pitt, b. Sept. 13, 1853; m'd Feb. 28, 
1881, Dr. Guilford Yokom, b. in 1844. They live in 
Colorado. Ch: [/] Helen Yokom, b. Oct. 1, 1882; 
and accidentally killed in July, 181)4, by a shot from 
a gun in the hands of a negligent youth. Lula is 
now a sad and childless mother. [ c ] Katie Pitt, b. 
in 1856; d. Dec. 4, 1881); m'd Sept. 21, 1870, Geo. M. 
Dameron. She was a delicately strung harp, sensi- 
tive to every breath of air or beam of sunshine. Her 
soul was from infancy attuned to harmony. She 
met you in ecstasies of delight, and when she left, 
you were sure an angel had been with you. Words 
of kindness and affection flowed as nectar from her 
lips, and to your imagination she was a bird of par- 
adise. But these perfections were more than her 
nature could sustain. She lost her reason, and died 
in an asylum. She left a child, Warren, who, with 
Mr. Dameron, is in the far West. But her dust re- 
poses in our cemetery, and a large harp, appropriately 
placed at the head of her grave, is garlanded with 
honeysuckle. Her life was a song, and her monu- 
ment is a lyre whose iEolian strains lull her slum- 
bers. [</] Lettie Pitt, m'd Oct. 21). 1885, R. H. Wel- 
ler, a dealer in cat tie at Kansas < Jity. Lettie is much 
like her mother — a brillianl talker, and a faithful 
worker in the Episcopal Church. To her talent for 
music she adds vivacity, purity, and unwavering 
faith, ('h: \l] John C. Weller; [2] James W.; 
[S] Lizzie P. 
2. James /:. Frost, m'd Dec. 1!). 1859, Yirg. E. Almond. 
b. Dec. 19, 1841. To them was born one child: 
["] Addie Frost. They separated, and are both in 



1855, NOV. 209 JOHN SEBUS. 

the West. The boy is with his father. Mr. Frost 
distinguished himself during the war as an inde- 
pendent soldier and daring scoul in the service of 
the South. 

III. MATTHEW n. WINSTON, b. in L830; d., single, March 

25, 1864. 

IV. ANN POWELL WINSTON, m'd Dr. Win. M. Maccy. She 

died leaving a child: 

1. Jos. P. Macey, m'd It. Oldham, and removed west. 
Dr. Macey m'd I'd, a lady in Jackson County, and died in 
1847. His widow still lives in Jackson Countv. 
V. JOSEPH WINSTON, d. in 1864. He went to California, 
m'd a Mrs. Blair, and left a child. He was elected probate 
judge of his county, and died in office. 
VI. SAMUEL L. WINSTON, m'd March 14, 1878, Letitia Dobson, 
dr. of Ed. M. He was a captain in his brother's Confeder- 
ate regiment. He died, leaving three children, in Jackson 
County. He was captured in Platte County, while recruit- 
ing men for the South, and suffered a long imprisonment. 
Nov. 19 — William T. Withers, a young lawyer of Weston, hav- 
ing died, his associates, both at Weston and Platte City, passed 
resolutions of respect, and spread them on record. 

THE WAKARUSA WAR. 

Nov. 25 — Sheriff S. J. Jones, of Douglas Co., Kansas, having 
asked assistance to enforce law and to make arrests, several 
hundred riflemen from Platte organize and assemble at Franklin, 
Kansas, taking Senator Atchison as their counsellor. 

JOHN SEBUS. 

Nov. 21 — John Sebus, of Weston, died. He was born in Ger- 
many January 11, 1815. Ch: 

I. PETER SEBUS, never married. 
II. THEODORE SEBUS, d. in Weston April 1, 1889. His wife 
was named Margaret, and his ch: 

1. John Rebus. 

2. Pvtw Sebus, m'd .Ian. 11, isss. Celia Schindler. 

3. Theo. Sebw lii). 4. John 8ebus. 

5. William If. Sebtis, m'd April <;, 1892, Rosa Lee Pepper, 
dr. of John D. 

\<>r. 27 — Liberty Arsenal was surprised and 1aken by sixty 
Pro-slavery men. who took a large supply of arms and ammuni- 
tion. Two wagon-leads wore brought to Platte Oity and hid 
under the Baptist church, then jus! finished. 

Jerry Calvert's will is dated Augusl L'T, 1852, and is probated 
July 28, 1855. He was a brother of Smith and Warren Calvert. 
Ch: 1, Catherine, wife of Ambrose Moore; L». Sarah Ann Sims; 
3, Zerilda Trunnel. 

14- 



1856, JAN. 210 BUSINESS MEN. 

1856. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, Sterling Price; Congressman, M. Oliver; State 
Senator, A. M. Robinson; Representatives, Burnes, Doniphan, 
and Dorriss; Circuit Judge, E. H. Norton; Circuit Clerk, W. C. 
Remington ; Sheriff, W. H. Spratt ; Probate Judge, Jas. G. Spratt ; 
County Justices, Clark, Duncan, and Layton; County Clerk, P. R, 
Waggener; Treasurer, H. J. Freeland; Surveyor, Jas. S. Owens; 
Public Administrator, W. H. Miller; Circuit Attorney, Jas. Craig; 
County Attorney, W. B. Almond; School Commissioner, H. C- 
Cockrell. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Almond, Baker, Clark, Connelly, 
Headley, Herndon, Merryman, Pitt, Spratt, Smith, Tebbs, Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Brown, Guthrie, Hollingsworth, Mar- 
shall, Redman, Wallace. 

Merchants, etc. — Almond, Paxton & Callahan, Ferrier, Flesh- 
man, Fox & Brooks, Freeland & Murray, R. D. Johnston & Son, 
S. Johnston, Perry Keith (postmaster), Marshall & Burge, Swaney 
& Christison, Skillman (hotel), Prof. Patterson, Tipton, Waller & 
Frost. Reed, Richards, Woolfolk, Wilkinson. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Bird, Branch, Carroll, Burnes, Doni- 
phan, Diefendorf, McCurdy, Rainage, String-fellow, Wilkinson. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowlby, Bowers, Earickson, Darneal, 
Ridley.' 

Merchants, etc. — Belt & Murphy, Blanjour, Briggs, Basye, 
Bruner & Halyard, Cody, Conwell & Spencer, Darlington & Carter. 
Deckelman, Deitz, Doppler, Doss, Evans, Fries, Gillespie, Harper, 
Guenther, Holliday. Hathaway, Kelly & Kyle, Knudson, McCon 
nell, McCown, Mettier, Miller, Mitchell, Noble, Ohlhausen, Osborn, 
Parrott, Perrys & Young, Powell, Railey & Bro.. Roney, Strang, 
Walker, Williams & Vineyard, Warner, Wilhite, Wood.' 

Weston Court of Common Pleas — McCurdy, judge; Wolf, 
clerk; Wallingford, marshal. 

Preachers — Rev. W. < A ,. Caples, Rev. E. Wright. 

At Parhville: Attorneys — Clough & Clough, McDonald, 
Miller. 

Physicians — Barnes. Clardy, Crust. 

Merchants, etc.— Arnold, Bueneman, Burnes, Davis, Deeding, 
Ford & Asliby. TTord. Park, Ringo, Stoddart, Summers, Wood- 
small, Woodward. 

1 / Cumin, Point: Coffey. Hale & Son. Flack. 

I / Farley: Siiles. Johnson, Zabrisky & Falkner. 

\t New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright, Tufts, 

Wells. 



1856, JAN. 211 MOOT CONGRESS. 

At Ridgely: Ellington, Phillips, Sayle, (Justin. 
Newspapers — At Parkville, the Courier, .McDonald editor. 
At Weston, the Reporter, Finch editor; the Argus, Wisele* editor. 
Dram-shop license. $15 for county and $15 for Stat* 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 1 — The epizootic is i';it;il among horses. 

MOOT CONGRESS. 

The literary people of Weston have formed a .Moot Congress. 
The exciting topics of the day are discussed. Among those par- 
ticipating are the following: Adams, Beechboard, Beller, Belt, 
Bowlby, Bowman. Boyd. Branch, Brooks, Burnes. Carlisle, Col- 
man, Corser, Earickson, Evans, Farra, Fulton, Gilbert, Graves, 
Halyard, Harper, Heriot, Lewis, McCurdy, Magee, Mathews. 
Matlock, Maxfield, Miller, Murphy, Norton, Owens, Pence, Ram- 
age, Bailey, Bauson. Reynolds, Bobbins, Rockwell, Sayle, Spencer, 
Stringfellow, Thompson, Trundle, Wallingford, Washburn, Wells, 
Wilhite. Whitehead, Wilkinson, W T iseley, Wilson, Wood. Wright. 

Jan. 15 — Election of officers under the Topeka Constitution. 
Robinson chosen governor. 

Jan. 18 — B. P. Brown, member-elect of the Free State Legisla- 
ture, killed by a mob at Salt Creek Valley. 

Jan. l'i — President Pierce, in a special message to Congress, 
pronounces the Topeka government an act of rebellion. 

Sharp's rifles, sent in large numbers for the use of Free State 
men. They are called "Beecher's Bibles." 

FEBRUARY. 

Feh. 6 — Mrs. Mary Francis died at Platte City. She married, 
first, a Green, and was mother of Malinda, wife of Elisha Green. 
She afterwards married a Francis, but had but the one child. 

James Miller died a1 Weston. He was a bright and enthusi- 
astic Mason, and an honorable, true, and generous man. 

MARCH. 

March 8 — The Baptist Church buys in Block 27. Parkville, 
for $ 125. 

March '/ — The Kansas Legislative Assembly, under the 
Topeka Constitution, meet, and go through the forms of organi- 
z;it ion. 

March 29 — The grand jury of Jefferson County, Kansas, re- 
port to the court testimony showing that a secrei order had been 
organized, "working under the most solemn and binding oaths 
and obligations, to resist, by force of arms if necessary, all laws 
or regulations which favored slaverv." 



» ■ 



1856, MARCH. 212 JOHN DOUGHERTY. 

JOHN DOUGHERTY. 
John Dougherty having died in Marshall Township, William 
Turner administers. Bond, $3,000. His widow was named 
Catherine. Ch : 
I. FRANKLIN DOUGHERTY, d. in Sept., 1871; and his widow, 
Ann E. Dougherty, administered. Ch: 

1. John Y. Dougherty, m'd Dec. 25, 1842, Keziah Yount. 

2. Richard Dougherty. 
H. DEBORAH DOUGHERTY. 

William Tatman buys of Wm. J. Norris 160 acres in Sec. 21, 
T. 53, R. 35, on the Weston and Platte City road, for $5,600. 

Weston Masonic Lodge, No. 53, buys property on Lot 113, 
Block 12, Weston, for $1,300. 

William Patton having died, Jesse Vineyard and A. H. Cox 
administered. Bond, $16,000. His will is dated March 11, 1856. 
Ch: 1, Lewis C. Patton; 2, Wm. S. T. Patton; 3, Louisiana Pat- 
ton; 4, Mary J. Deering; 5, Virg. Beaumont. 

APRIL. 

April 7 — Geo. B. Mitchell having died, Millard Mitchell ad- 
ministers. Bond, $1,500. 

George Coakley's will is probated. It is dated March 3, 1856. 
He married January 28, 1851, Mrs. Margaret Ford. Ch : 1, John 
Coakley; 2, Louisa Wells; 3, Geo. R. Coakley; 4, Joseph Coakley; 
5, Amanda C. Coakley. 

April 15 — Moses Burt having died near Farley, his grandson, 
Capt. John H. Burt, administers. Bond, $6,000. Moses was the 
progenitor of all the Burt famih' of Platte. 

THE BORDER WAR. 

April 19 — Sheriff Jones, of Douglas County, Kansas, at- 
tempted to arrest S. N. Wood, in Lawrence, and, being resisted, 
• •alls on certain citizens to help him. They refuse, and, on the 
23d, the sheriff returns with United States troops, and the citizens 
are arrested. But Jones is shot, and severely wounded. 

April 23 — Pardee Butler, having returned to Atchison, is 
tarred and feathered, by a Pro-slavery mob. 

April 25 — Governor Shannon asks, and receives, a guard of 
t hirly Federal soldiers, to be stationed at Lawrence. The Sharp's 
rifles sent to Lawrence have been removed. 

April 29 — Maj. Jeff. Buford, of Georgia, with a body of well- 
armod Southerners, arrives in Kansas, and offers to assist in en- 
forcing the Territorial laws. 

Great excitement in Platte over the situation in Kansas. 
Maj. Jesse Morin calls for volunteers, and several hundred re- 
spond. Capt. John Wallis took a company to Kansas, which 
served ;i year in the Stale militia. Wallis was born in North 
Carolina July 17. 1S40; he was a son of Ceo. Wallis. He served 



1856, MAY. 213 ANARCHY IN KANSAS. 

under Gen. S. Price in the Mexican War, and again in the Civil 
War, and drew a pension for the former. He died in 1896, in 
California. 

MAY. 

May 1 — If a. statement of county finances was made this year, 
it does not appear of record. The sickness and death of County 
Clerk Waggener may account for it. 

Thomas M. Fox having died, his wife, Sarah Ann Fox, ad- 
ministers. Bond, |5,000. He married Sarah Ann Williams in 
Mason Co., Ky., and came to Platte, about 1848. Mrs. Fox re- 
moved into Platte City, and. after some years, disappeared. 

THE KANSAS EMBROGLIO. 

May o — The grand jury of Douglas County, Kansas, present 
the Lawrence Free State Hotel, the Herald of Freedom, and the 
Kansas Free State as nuisances; and they are ordered to be abated. 
They also indict Governors Robinson and Reeder. 

May 15 — Kansas is in a state of anarchy. The Pro-slavery 
party have the officers, and Federal and Territorial support. 
Many Free State men are indicted for treason. The Missourians, 
led by Senator D. R, Atchison, Gen. A. W. Doniphan, and B. F. 
Stringfellow, are approaching Lawrence. Maj. Buford, with 400 
men, is at Franklin. They claim to be for law and order, and 
offer to assist the Territorial government to enforce the law. 
Free State men are pouring in from the North. 

May 16— Gen. Whitfield with 1,400 Pro-slavery men left 
Leavenworth for Lawrence. 

May 20 — The Pro-slavery forces, as a posse to help the United 
States marshal and the sheriff of Douglas County, Kansas, to 
execute process, present themselves before Lawrence. Sheriff 
Jones, with ten men, including J. B. Thompson, of Clay, and W. C. 
Hatton, of Platte, enter Lawrence, and call for S. C. Pomeroy, who 
comes out on the steps of the hotel, and a conference is held. 
Pomeroy delivers two cannon, but no small arms. Two women 
came out and begged that the town be spared. Jones promised 
no damage should be done except the abatement of the nuisances. 
Two companies were then sent into Lawrence. One stacked arms 
and the other remained on duty. The hotel and the printing 
offices were destroyed. The hotel was fired on by the artillery, 
and then burned. The presses were cast into the river, and the 
type scattered. Governor Robinson's house was burned. The 
fire extended to other places, but was extinguished. Senator 
Atchison addressed the men from a board placed on two barrels. 
His opening words were: "This day dissolves this Union — 
but we will make Kansas a free State." 



1856, MAY. 214 HENRY F. CALLICOTTE. 

A squad of 35 men was raised in Platte, and crossed at 
Delaware, taking- two brass six-pounders. They were organized 
as Missouri militia, and armed by the State. They went to 
Lawrence by way of Franklin. 

About twenty-five men from Clay and Platte, in command of 
Capt. J. B. Thompson, offered their services to Gov. Shannon, and 
were assigned to the command of Col. Titus. They went to Law- 
rence. Among them were J. P. Harbeson, W. C. Hatton, W. C. 
Baker, D. C. Date, and other Platte County men. 

John Brown was in Lawrence, but took no open part. 
Atchison, Stringfellow, and Morin were the counsellors of the 
Pro-slavery party. 

Mail 24 — John Brown and his troop, at Franklin, seize five 
Pro-slavery men and shoot them, producing consternation in that 
quarter. 

Eight families, with twelve teams, from Illinois, were stopped 
in Platte, on their way to Kansas, and were sent to Clay, where 
they were provided with homes. 

At Franklin, Kansas, "Old Sacramento," the cannon brought 
back from Mexico, fell into the hands of Free State men, and it 
was bursted a few years ago. 

HENRY F. CALLICOTTE 

Becomes a worthy and influential citizen of the east part of Platte. 
His father, JORDAN CALLICOTTE, from North Carolina, m'd 
in Kentucky Frances Dunbar. Henry F. was b. in Russell Co., 
Ky., May 27, 1827. Dec. 24, 1851, he m'd in Kentucky, Mary Ann 
Murray,' b. April 6, 1S26. They came to Platte in 1856. Mr. Cal- 
licotte is a man of superior judgment, and exercises a commanding 
influence in his neighborhood. Ch: 

I. MARY F. CALLICOTTE, b. July 26, 1856; m'd Sept. 27, 
1877, William A. Elgin. (See.) 
n. JOSEPH 0. CALLICOTTE, b. May 30, 1858 ; m'd Feb. 20, 1883, 
Mollie Hardesty. Ch: 

1. Fannie CalUcotte. 2. Cliff. 3. Geo. 

JUNE. 

The Democratic Convention at Cincinnati nominate Bu- 
chanan and Breckinridge. 

June 5 — Battle of Black Jack. The Free State men dislodge 
1 lw Southerners from Franklin, Kansas. 

Several hundred thousand dollars are sent to Kansas, to 
make it a free State. 

June 6 — Osawatomie sacked by Pro-slavery men. 

June 9 — Governor Shannon at YYestport, in person, orders 
Southern troops to disperse. Free State men gather from Iowa. 
The Missouri is blockaded bv Pro-slavery men. 



1856, JUNE. 215 THE HUGHES. 

June JA — Lieutenant Mcintosh writes to Acting- Oovernor 
'Woodson, of Kansas, thai the way from Westporl was infested 
by armed bands of Southerners, pretending t<> be emigrants; but, 
;is they were prepared for war. he required them to leave the State 
underescort. One company was from Platte. They returned by 
way of Westport. Squads of Northern men were also dispersed. 
Under date of -Tune 1th, Governor Shannon issued a proclamation 
against foreign interference in Kansas affairs. 

June 17 — The Republican National Convention at Philadel- 
phia nominate Fremont and Dayton. 

June 21 — Atchison, Stringfellow, and Buford send south for 
more money and men. 

JULY. 

July 1 — Sherman and Howard, a majority of the committee 
to investigate Kansas troubles, report in favor of the Free State 
party; and our representative, Oliver, in favor of the Pro-slavery 
part y. 

July j — The Free State Legislature of Kansas is dispersed by 
Col. Sumner, by order of Acting Governor Woodson. But Secre- 
tary of War Jeff. Davis disapproved of Woodson's course. 

The 4th of July is celebrated at Platte City. J. E. Merryman 
speaks. Atchison is waited on by a committee, and invited to 
speak ; but. with a curse on the 4th of July, refuses. 

July — Joseph E. Merryman enrolled as an attorney. 

Frederick Starr, a Presbyterian minister at Weston, is in- 
dicted for teaching slaves to read, and, on account of the outcry, 
has to leave. After the war, he visited Weston, and was kindly 
received and entertained. 

Leander Hughes dies. His son, Johnson Hughes, admin- 
isters. Bond, |2,000. 

THE HUGHES FAMILY. 

JOHN HUGHES, of North Carolina, married a Moore. Oh: 
I. MATTHEW MOORE HUGHES. (See.) 
II. ARCHIBA LI) HUGHES, lived in Tennessee. 
HI. LEANDER I ITCHES, b. in North Carolina, and there m'd 
Letitia Olemment, dr. of Johnson. She died before him. 
They came to Platte in the fall of 1839, ami settled seven 
miles southeast of Platte City. He was an intelligent and 
worthy farm er. Oh: 

1. Johnson ('. Hughes, m'd April 20, 1858, Mary J. Lewis. 

dr. of William. They went west about 1870. 

2. Sail ic G. Hughes, m'd Oct. 25, 1848, John Keys. They 

went to Kansas, where they still live. 



1856, AUG. 216 THE HUGHES. 

3. Mary Hughes, m'd John English. Both dead. Ch: 

[«] Mary J. English; [ b ] Ann English, m'd an Ed- 
wards in North Carolina. 

4. Martha Hughes, m'd Edward M. Dobson, her cousin. 

He was b. in North Carolina Dec. 8, 1812. He came 
to Platte in 1840 ; was county assessor in 1848-9. He 
was a son of Wm. R. Dobson and Mary Hughes. He 
died in 187 — . Ch: [«] Annie C. Dobson, m'd Dec. 
30, 1874, M. S. Bright (see); [&] Mary A. Dobson, m'd 
Oct. 17, 1867, Thos. L. Moore, son of James; [c] Leti- 
tia, m'd March 14, 1878, Samuel L. Winston (see); 
[d] Eleanor M. Dobson. m'd Feb. 25, 1880, Wm. B. 
Franklin. From him she was divorced. She has 
married again. 

5. John Rogers Hughes, b. May 16, 1828; m'd Sallie Ann 

Rogers, b. June 3, 1839. They live seven miles south- 
east of Platte City. Ch: [«] Laura, m'd Wydich; 
[ 6 ] Lizzie, m'd Otho Offut (his second wife) (see); 
[c] Arch. Hughes; [d] William; [a] Edward D; 
[f] Virgie. 

6. Archelaus E. Hughes, b. in Stokes Co., N. C, April 18, 

1832. The family came to Moniteau Co., Mo., in 1837, 
and to Platte in 1839. He m'd April 16, 1860, Mary 
E. Horner, dr. of Edward B. He entered the State 
militia during the war and did home service. Ch: 
[«] Sarah D.Hughes; [ & ] Leander; [c] Matthew M.; 
[<*] Mary J.; [«] John C. [f] Archelaus; [9] Thos. 
L.; [*] John C. Hughes. 

IV. JOHN HUGHES, d. in Georgia. 

V. LETITIA D.. m'd Gen. Jos. Winston. (See.) 

VI. ANN POWELL HUGHES, m'd Wm. Lash in North Carolina. 

VII. MARY (POLLY), m'd Wm. R, Dobson, father of Ed. M. (See.) 
VOL JANE HUGHES, m'd John Fulkerson. Ch : 

1. Sallie A. Fulkerson, m'd W. Smith Ewing, son of 
Joshua, a cousin of Finis Ewing. Ch: [«] James 
W. Ewing, m'd May 19, 1874, Sallie A. Kay, dr. of 
Campbell Kay. (See.) J. W. Ewing's only child is 
John Ewing, b August 6, 1878. 

Gen. Percifer Smith supersedes Gen. Sumner in command at 
Ft. Leavenworth. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 1 — Congress refuses to seat Whitfield, the Pro-slavery 
delegate, or Boeder, the Free Soil delegate. 

THE ELECTION. 

Aug. Jf — James Craig, for Congress, received 8,742 votes, 
agninst 6,274 for Moss. American. Dr. A. M. Robinson was chosen 



1S56, AUG. 217 P. R. WAGGENER. 

Slate Senator, and E. P. Duncan, < '. A. Perry, and John Wilson 
were elected representatives; \Y. EL Spratt, sheriff; D. P. Lewis, 
county clerk; Layton, Broadhurst, and Hays, county judges; 
Jas. Stone, Sr., assessor; II. J. Freeland, treasurer; 11. N. Jenks, 
surveyor; and J. M. Basset, circuit attorney. 

Aug. 15 — An extra Platte A rgus is issued, giving an account of 
Jim Lane's outrages in Kansas upon unoffending Pro-slavery 
citizens, many of whom are murdered. The women and children 
are living, and Lecompton has been burned. Bosh! 

Aug. 19 — Hoppe is killed and scalped by Fuget near Leaven- 
worth. The latter is tried and acquitted. 

Panic at Lecompton, on account of Free Soil threats to de- 
stroy it. Capt. J. W. Reid is at Westport. 

Aug. 25 — Acting Governor Woodson, of Kansas, by proclama- 
tion, announces that the Territory is in a State of insurrection and 
rebellion, and calls on law-abiding citizens to rally to his support. 

Aug. 28 — Gov. Shannon, of Kansas, resigns, and is succeeded 
bv Gov. J. W. Geary. 

THE BORDER STRIFE. 

Aug. 29— D. R, Atchison, J. W. Reid, B. F. Stringfellow, A. W. 
Doniphan, and others publish an address, announcing a deter- 
mination to execute the law. 

Free State men enter the Territory in small squads, with 
arms concealed, and join Lane at Lawrence. 

PEYTON R. WAGGENER. 

Peyton R. Waggener having died in June, D. P. Lewis was ap- 
pointed county clerk, and was elected in August by the people. 
Mr. Waggener had not long been in the county (having come in 
April, 1843) before he became a general favorite, and was elected 
county clerk in August, 1854. But ill health succeeded, and he 
could give but little attention to the duties of his office. He and 
his widow are affectionately remembered in the county. He mar- 
ried April 7, 1X42, in Kentuckv, B. S. Willis. Ch: 
I. FANNIE B. WAGGENER, b. May 9, 1843; m'd Emmett E. 
Barbee, son of Eleas. 
II. BAILEY PEYTON WAGGENER, b. July 18, 1847; m'd May 
27, 1879, Emma Hetherington, dr. of a banker of Atchison. 
Mr. Waggener is an eminent lawyer of Kansas, a railroad 
attorney, and a politician who aspires even to the United 
States Senate. I remember him when a beautiful boy on 
the streets of Platte City. He helped support his estimable 
mother, and I furnished them with a house to live in. We 
are proud of him. 
in. JAMES W. WAGGENER. b. in 1852. Lives in Atchison. 
Kansas, and is superintendent of the electric street railroad. 



1856, SEPT. 218 J. V. COCKRELL. 

SEPTEMBER 
THE ELECTION. 

Sept. 1 — W. E. Murphy, a Pro-slavery man, was elected dele- 
gate to Congress from Kansas by a. vote of 292. No Free State 
votes were east. 

Sept. 4 — William Wright having died, Cassandra Wright ad- 
ministers. Bond, $3,000. Cassandra's first husband was Richard 
Jack. She died about 1860. 

Sept. 9 — Gov. J. W. Geary arrives in Kansas. He acts in 
concert with Gen. P. F. Smith, to prevent a collision between the 
two factions. 

Sept. 11 — Twenty-seven hundred Missourians are approach- 
ing Lawrence, and United States troops are sent there. Gov. 
Geary, by proclamation, discharges the Pro-slavery militia, and 
orders the enrollment of a new militia, composed of citizens. 

Sept. 13 — Pro-slavery forces are at Franklin, under Atchison, 
Jones. Titus, Richardson, and others. 

JEREMIAH V. COCKRELL. 

Sept. 15 — Jeremiah V. Cockrell died, five miles east of Platte 
City. C. Cockrell and Win. M. Paxton were his executors. Bond, 
$30,000. He was a second cousin to Clinton Cockrill, but nearer 
related to Senator F. M. Cockrell; and, like him, spelt his name 
with an e, instead of an i. He was born in Estill County, Ky., 
September 5, 1814; came to Missouri in 1839, and stopped at War- 
rensburg, where, October 1, 1840, he married Louisa Mayo, daugh- 
ter of Judge H. B. Mayo. (See.) She died at Helena, Mont., March 
19, 1888. He was a man of integrity, virtue, and intelligence, an 
uncompromising Southern man, and fearless in promulgating his 
principles — but died ere he reached the point of danger. I notice 
one trait of his character in the following verse, dedicated to his 
honor: 

His idols were his worthy sons. 

His lovely girls, and charming wife; 

To train and bless these darling ones 
Became the duty of his life 1 . 

Mrs. Qockrell was ;i woman of extraordinary loveliness, both 

of person and of disposition. A very child in innocence and 

purity, her confiding heart doubted no one. and the law of kind- 

q< ss was upon her tongue. Oh: 

T. H. CLIFTON OOCKRELL. m'd Oct. 0. 1870. Sadie Railey. the 

lovely dr. of J. M. Railey. the Weston banker. They live in 

Ordrrrado. Mr. Cockrell received a finished education, and 

has become an eminent lawver. 



1856, SEPT. 219 THE COCKRELLS. 

n. VAKD1MAX COCKRELL, lives in eohrrctdo, where he has 
risen to distinct ion. 
in. JAMES MONROE CQOKRELL, b. Aug. 6, L846; m'd Nov. 8, 
18('»!». Annie Redman, dr. of Dr. E. 0. Redman. She was 
born Not. 18, 1850. Mr. Cockrell was a well-educated and 
highly accomplished gentleman, a zealous Methodist, an 
earnest advocate of temperance, genial in his address, and 
generally beloved. He edited the Platte County Advocate 
daring the thickest of the King and Sorehead embroglio, 
and became the mediator of peace between the hostile 
factions. Mr. Oockrell died Nov. 1. 1883. His widow lives 
in Platte City, and is highly esteemed for intelligence and 
personal accomplishments. In her maiden days. I often 
admired her rich golden tresses, her blonde complexion, 
her confiding heart, and modest deportment. Ch: 

1. Yardic L. Cockrell, b. Feb. 3. 1873; m'd Oct. 20, 1892, 

Richard Mitchell, b. Sept. 3, 1863. They have one 
child: ["] Richard M. (ii), b. Aug. 10, 1893. 

2. Tlws. M. Cockrell, b. Oct. 16, 1875. 

Immediately after the death of Mr. J. M. Oockrell, his 
widow, Annie, removed into Platte City, and here she mar- 
ried, April 11, 1893, Hon. W. O. Wells, and was divorced 
in 1895. 
IV. ELLA COCKRELL, m'd David Hunt (ii). (See.) 
V. EMMA COCKRELL, m'd June 7, 1870, Hon. J. T. Baldwin, 
and they removed to Butte City, Mont. He is the only 
child of the late Jas. H. Baldwin. (See.) Emma was a 
lovely child. She lived at my house twelve months, attend- 
ing Daughters' College. In amiability of character and 
purity of thought I have seldom seen her equal. She has 
several children. 
The 2,700 Missourians are at Franklin, Kansas, under Atch- 
ison, Stringfellow, and Redd. Oov. Geary, under escort of Gen. 
Cook, visits the camp, and, after speeches from the leaders of both 
parties, the Missourians return home, and are disbanded. They 
are called "Border Ruffians," and the Free State guerrillas are 
called "Red-legs'' and "Javhawkers." 



&■■ 



MATTHEW KYLE. 

Sept. 18 — Matthew Kyle died. He married Elizabeth Burruss, 
born in 1803; died April 16, 1880. They came to Platte in 1837. 
Children: 

I. ANDREW T. KYLE, 
n. WILLIAM KYLE, b. March 30, 1837; m'd Feb. 13, 1873, 
Malinda Kruser, b. April 21, 1840. He was educated at 
Pleasant Ridge Academy; and to a superior natural mind 
has added the results of extensive reading and systematic 
studv. Ch: 



1856, SEPT. 220 THE SKINNERS. 

1. Wm. H. Kyle, b. Dec. 10, 1874. 

2. Mary E. Kyle, b. Feb. 26, 1876. 

3. Thos. W. Kyle, b. May 28, 1877. 

1. Charles, b. Oct. 25, 1878. 5. Nellie, b. Sept. 12, 1881. 
6. Eugene, b. Nov. 4, 1883. 7. £ty&er£, b. April 16, 1885. 

8. Zrwser K., b. Dec. 25, 1887. 

9. Leavenworth, b. Aug. 22, 1889. 

III. JAMES KYLE. 

IV. G-EO. W. KYLE, b. Dec. 16, 1847; m'd 1st, in 1871, Mary Hord. 

dr. of Anderson. She d. August 3, 1881. Ch : 

1. Irwin. 2. Alfred, 3. Addie, 

Geo. W. Kyle m'd 2d, Oct. 8, 1883, Sallie Dougherty, dr. of 
Wm. H. H. She has 1 child : 

4. William Kyle. 

Sept. 20— Dr. A. T. Guthrie buys of J. N. Bradley Lot 5, Block 
31, Platte City, at f 1,350. 

PHINEHAS SKINNER. 

Sept. 21 — Phinehas Skinner having died, K. M. Woods (i) and 
Mrs. Polly Skinner administered. Bond, |200,000. Phinehas 
Skinner, son of Cornelius Skinner, of Virginia, was born in Clark 
County, Ky., July 28, 1801; died at Elk City, Kansas, August 21, 
1856. His mother was Jane Carr, born July 30, 1769, in Loudoun 
County, Virginia. Mr. Skinner married Nov. 28, 1822, Polly Pat- 
ton, daughter of Wm. and Sally Patton, of Tennessee. She was 
born in 1805. They came to Boone County, Mo., in 1838, and 
thence to Platte in the autumn of 1840, and settled two miles 
east of Camden Point. Mr. Skinner was a large and handsome 
gentleman, of sound judgment and successful enterprise. He 
built a fine mill upon Platte Elver, and a spacious brick homestead 
for the family; purchaed 2,000 acres of our best land, established 
stores at Elk City, Kansas, and at Bingold, near his home, and, up 
to the time of his death, he was the largest operator, and paid out 
more money than any one else, in the county. He was one of the 
original projectors of Camden Point Academy, and had large 
tracts of land in many counties in northern Missouri. His chil- 
dren, after his death, partitioned $150,000 worth of land, besides 
an immense amount of money and personal property. Mrs. Skin- 
ner w;is a large-bodied and large-hearted, hospitable old lady. 
She was a splendid manager and a valuable assistant to her hus- 
band. She survived him; and, after living a few years at the 
homestead, divided her lands among her children, and retired to 
Kansas City, where she died April 20, 1878. She was brought 
heme and buried beside her husband. Ch: 

T. JANE OARR SKINNER, b. Aug. 18, 1824. She possessed 
superior business qualifications, and did valuable service 
in niding her parents in business. She now lives a retired 



1856, SEPT. 221 THE SKINNERS 

life, with her sisters, in Kansas City. For twenty years a 
cloud has veiled her intellect. 
II. S ALL IK SKINNER, b. Dec. 1, 1820; m'd Oct. 25, 1842, Kemp 
M. Woods ii). a wealthy farmer and operator in Clay. Mr. 
Woods married a second wife, and d. March !>, L897. .Mrs. 
Sallie Woods d. May 2."., 1 8 IT. Oh: 

1. Phinehas Woods, killed in the war; single. 

2. Kemp M. Woods (ii), b. May 29, 1847; m'd Oct. 24, 1876, 

Lettie M. Wiggleworth. He lives in Liberty, and 
cents out his real estate in Platte and Clay. He is 
an excellent manager, and a successful financier. 
Oh: [«] Phinehas; [&] Florence; [«] William W. 
Woods. 
IH. MARY A. SKINNER, b. Oct. 2, 1828; m'd July 15, 1847, Col. 

Jas. N. Burnes. (See.) 
IV. ADALINE SKINNER, b. Sept. 27, 1834; d. single, July 
18, 1874. 
V. EMILY SKINNER, b. June 14, 1836; d. Nov. 29, 1896; m'd 
March 19, 1856, William E. Croysdale, a merchant, who 
now lives at Kansas City, Mo. Ch: 

1. James. 2. Fannie Croysdale. 3. William A. 

4. David. 5. Margaret. 6. Addle. 
7. Phinehas Croysdale. 

VI. PHINEHAS SKINNER (ii), b. Feb. 11, 1838; m'd May 6, 1861, 

Bettie Pen-in, dr. of W. F. He is a wealthy and enterprising 
farmer, residing near Camden Point. Ch: 

1. William P. Skinner, b. Sept. 15, 1862; m'd Sept. 11, 

1888, Cassie Farra, dr. of R, M. He possesses good 
judgment, energy, and enterprise. Ch: [ a ] Lizzie 
May Skinner; [ f> ] Ruby. 

2. Mary Skinner, m'd June 27, 1887, B. F. Whitelev. 

(See.) 

3. Adda Skinner (ii). 4. Phinehas (iii), m'd Alice Jones. 

5. Jane Skinner. (!. Perrin. 7. Azubah. 8. James B. 

VII. MARGARET SKINNER, b. Jan. 15, 1840; m'd Dec. 7, 1865, 

Wm. A. Vaughn, a merchant of Kansas City, Mo. Ch: 
1. Marguerette. 2 and 3. William and Carr (twins). 

VIII. AZUBAH SKINNER, b. July 21, 1844; m'd Nov. 21, 1866, 

Lewis Georgen, a lawyer and editor, of Weston. Oh: 
1. John Georgen, a rising young lawyer of Kansas City. 
He is a partner of H. N. Ess. and has the talent requi- 
site for success. 

IX. FANNIE SKINNER, b. Dec. 3. 1846; d. Oct. L3, 1873, child- 

less; m'd Dee. 10. 1872. Hon. II. X. Ess, of Kansas City, an 
eminent lawyer and statesman. 
X. JAMES P. SKINNER, b. Oct. 19. 1848; m'd Feb. 17, 1874, 
Amanda Ella Miller, dr. of Peter E. He is a successful 
farmer, and resides at the old homestead. Ch: 
1. Fannie H. Skinner, b. Nov. 16, 1874. 



1856, SEPT. 222 THE ELECTION. 

2. Amelia, b. Jan. 24, 1877. 3. Lulie May, b. May 15, 1883. 

Sept. 27 — Eliezer Wilhite buys property in Block N, Weston, 
for a flouring mill. 

NOVEMBER. 

THE ELECTION. 

Nov. 1 — The Presidential vote of Platte County: Buchanan, 
1,263 votes; Fillmore, 1,044; Buchanan received 174 electoral 
votes and Fremont 114. 

The State gave Buchanan 58,164; the full vote, 1,838,109. 
Fillmore's vote, State, 48,524; full vote, 874,534. 

The Democrats, in rejoicing over the election of Buchanan, 
illuminated Platte City and fired a cannon ("Old Sacramento") on 
Marshall's Hill. As Chris. Geyer was ramming a load down, it 
went off, blowing both his arms away. He suffered a thousand 
deaths. He became a tax on the county, until we set him up in 
the confectionery business; and August 19, 1857, he married 
Mary Blanton. His daughter, Elizabeth, married, first. Cornells, 
second, Jesse Calvert. 

GOVERNOR GEARY'S PROCLAMATION. 

Nov. 4 — "After an extended tour of observation, and being 
fully satisfied that the benign influences of peace reign throughout 
Kansas, in concurrence with general custom, and my own feelings, 
I hereby specially set apart the 20th day of November to be ob- 
served by all the good citizens of this Territory as a day of general 
thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God for the blessings 
vouchsafed to us as a people. Given, etc. 

"John W. Geary, Gov." 

Nov. 11 — L. M. Lawson enrolled as an attorney. He was edu- 
cated at William Jewell College, and was a youth of brilliance. 
He practiced law at Platte City, removed to Weston, and be- 
en me a partner of Col. John Doniphan. He married Miss Thorn- 
ton, a sister of Doniphan's Wife. After the war. he went to St. 
Joseph, built the railroad from Richmond to St. Joseph, and be- 
came wealthy; went to New York, established the large banking 
house of Donnell, Lawson & Co., and lost nearly every thing in 
a few years. 

Vov. 21 — Governor Geary of Kansas disbands the State 

inilit i;i. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. I — Abner B. Hathaway having died. Elvina Hathaway 
administers. Bond. $15,000. 

The town of Quindaro founded by Gov. Robinson and others. 
The Kansas tide is turning towards freedom. 



1856, DEC. 223 W. S. MURPHY. 

Dec. 6 — John Sullivan having died, Emily Sullivan admin- 
isters. Bond, |2,000. 

The Missouri River has been frozen over for a month. Ex- 
tremely cold weather. 

CAPT. W. S. MURPHY. 

Dec. 18 — Capt. \V. S. Murphy died at Weston. lit- raised the 
first company in the county for the Mexican War; became an enter- 
prising trader on the plains and a merchant at Weston. Geo. W. 
Belt administered. Bond, $10,000. He was born July 14, 1814. 
He married, first, September 10, is:',!), Nancy Jones. He married, 
second. April 20, 1848, Aletia Burch. He was a brother of Joseph 
Murphy, eomniissioner of our court-house erected after the war. 
He was handsome, intelligent, and full of energy and courage. 
Ch: 1, John C. Murphy; 2, Merrill O. Murphy. 

Free State men are encouraged by the situation in Kansas, 
and are speculating largely in townsites. They buy the stock of 
the Delaware Town Company, at an enormous sum, and start a 
system of improvements which were never finished. Our fellow- 
citizen, Philip Lutes, sold his stock for some $10,000, and might 
have been independent for life, but became so excited that he in- 
vested the whole in the same stock at double price. The stock 
became a failure. 

THOMAS J. WILKERSON. 

Dec. 23 — Thos. J. Wilkerson having died near Ridgely, Win. 
H. Lott administers. Bond, $20,000. His will is dated November 
5. 1850. and probated December 1, 1850. His children by his first 
wife: 1, Ben. F. Wilkerson; 2. Wm. Y.; 3, Thos J.; 4, John, who 
married January 7. 1858. Nancy D. Throckmorton. By his second 
wife, Jemima: 5, Henry Wilkerson: 0, George; 7. Mary; 8. Cath- 
erine. Mrs. Jemima Wilkerson married. 2d, Harrison Sale. 

JAMES H. HANCOCK. 

James H. Hancock having died, his will, dated December 8, 
1850, is probated January 5. L857. He names children: 1, Mary 
Jane Hancock; 2, Lewis C 



1857, JAN. 224 OFFICERS. 



1857. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, Truston Polk, succeeded by Hancock Jackson;; 
Congressman, Jas. Craig; State Senator, A. M. Robinson, suc- 
ceeded by Jesse Morin; Representatives, E. P. Duncan, C. A. 
Perry, John Wilson; Circuit Clerk, W. C. Remington; Circuit 
Judge, E. H. Norton; Sheriff, W. H. Spratt; County Justices, J. 
F. Broadkurst. S. M. Hays, J. H. Layton; County Clerk, D. P. 
Lewis; Probate Judge, J. G. Spratt; Public Administrator, W. 
C. Baker; Assessor, Jas. Stone, Sr. ; School Commissioner, H. C. 
Cockrell; Circuit Attorney, J. M. Basset; Surveyor, Jas. S. Owens: 
Treasurer, H. J. Freeland; County Attorney, J. E. Merryman. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys— Almond, Baker, Clark, Herndon, 
Lawson, Merryman, Pitt, Smith, Spratt, Tebbs, Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Brown, Eastman, Hale, Guthrie, Mar- 
shall, Redman, Wallace, Walling. 

Merchants — Almond, Paxton & Owen, Beauchamp, Bry- 
ant, Waller & Co., Carnahan, Dimmitt, Ferrier, Fleshman, Fox, 
Henning, Hettish, Jenkins, Johnston & Son, S. Johnston, D. S. 
Kimse}' (postmaster), Marshall & Burge, Murray & Freeland, 
Magers, Oswold, Swaney & Christison, Tipton, Woolfolk, Wilson, 
Wilkinson. 

Preachers — Owen, Baptist; Woodward, Presbyterian. 

Lodge— Platte, No. 56, A. F. & A. M., Wm. A. Fox, W. M.; Wm. 
M. Paxton, Sec. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Abel & Stringfellow, Bird, Branch, 
Burnes, Doniphan, Franklin, Ramage, McCurdy, Diefendorf. 
Sayle, Wolf, Carroll. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers, Bowlby, Earickson, Hinson, 
Miller. Gray, Griswold, Stiles. 

Merchants — Blanjour, Briggs, Branham & Norris, Burnes & 
Bros., Basye, Conwell & Spencer, Colman, Collier & Rockwell, 
Davis, Deitz, Doppler, Guenther, Halyard & Earickson, Heriot, 
Harper & Davidson, Kaufman, Knudson. Meyers. Miller, Mitchell, 
Maxfield, McCown, Mettier, Newman, Noble. Parrott, Perrys & 
Young, Baileys, Shannon, Snell, Turner, Vinevard & Williams, 
Warner, Walker, Washburn & Wells. Wood. Wren. 

Weston Courl of Common Pleas — McCurdy judge. 

\t Parkville: Olough, McDonald. Miller, Arnold. Burnes, 
Clardy, Beeding, Ford & Ashby, Davis. Bueneman, Ringo, Stod- 
dart, Woodward. Woodsmall. Summers. 

1/ Camden Point: Dr. E. McD. roffev. B. F. Flack, Thomas 
Hale & Son, A. Reed & Son, Dr. T. L. Thomas. 



1857, JAN. 225 PROF. H. B. TODD. 

At Farley: Dr. P. M. Johnson, Stiles & Co., Zabrisky & 
Faulkner. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright, Tufts, and 
Wells. 

At Ridgely: Deatley & Co., Ellington & (Hover. 

Newspapers — Weston Weekly Argus, L. A. and \V. F. Wiseley 
editors, 8 columns, 22 inches, 4 pages. Democratic 

Platte City Weekly Atlas, Ethan Allen editor, 7 columns, 22 
inches, 4 pages, commenced April 4, 1857, Democratic. 

Parkville Courier, F. M. McDonald editor. 

Weston Reporter, S. J. Finch editor, Whig. 

Prices — Apples, |2; butter, 20 cents; corn, 35 cents; eggs, 
15 cents; flour, |3; hemp, $5; hogs, |5; lard, $9; sugar, $12; 
wheat, 90 cents; whisky, 50 cents. 

It is now necessary to have a petition of a majority from the 
township to obtain a dram-shop license. 

This is the year of the great financial panic, and the issue of 
"shin-plasters." 

Elm Grove Meeting-house built this year. 

Starnes sells to F. M. McDonald his interest in the Parkville 
Courier, and it continues until 1862. 

The Know-nothings are starting. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 1 — After two years' business, the mercantile house of 
Almond, Paxton & Co. sell their stock to H. B. Callahan, who re- 
moves the goods to Leavenworth, having sold his interest in the 
mill to M. N. Owen; and Almond, Paxton & Owen continue to run 
the water mill. 

Leavenworth is booming — has 4 hotels and 2 newspapers. 
Wyandotte has 4 houses. Kansas City has 500 people. The Mis- 
souri Pacific Railroad has reached Jefferson City. The following 
steamers advertise weekly trips to St. Joseph: New Lucy, 
Tropic, Polar Star, Cataract, F. X. Aubrey, and Australia. 

PROF. H. B. TODD 

Prof. H. B. Todd, having determined to leave Camden Point 
Female Academy, offers to come to Platte City, if the people will 
build him a good academy. A subscription is started, and the 
following list embraces the principal contributors, and the sums 
paid : W. M. Paxton, $000 ; ( Jlinton Cockrill and W. K. Faulconer, 
$500 each; Wm. B. Almond and D. Hunt, $250 each; R, P. S. Elley, 
L. Fleshman, W. A. Fox, S. Johnston, R. D. Johnston, W. C. Rem- 
ington, W. H. Spratt, Hugh Swaney, and H. B. Wallace, $200 each ; 
J. W. Chrisly, Martha Cockrill, James Swanev, and John Wilson, 
$150 each; J. R. Burckhartt, J. Beery, D. Cary, John Collins, H 
Conley, H. J. Freeland, Jas. E. Frost, R. Mat. Johnston, Malinda 
Green, S. M. Hays, A. W. Henning, D. Hunt, Jr., H. Jenkins, D. 
15- 



1857, JAN. 226 JOHN LEWIS. 

Jenkins, M. C. Johnston, J. M. Moore, Jesse Morin, John Morrison. 
M. N. Owen, W. B. Smith, C. F. Spencer, Jos. Todd, And. Tribble, 
H. Waller, N. E. Wilkinson, and John Winston, flOO each; in all 
amounting to $6,050; but smaller subscriptions ran the sum con- 
tributed up to $10,000. 

JOHN LEWIS. 

John Lewis having died, James Osborn administers. Bond, 
$1,000. He came to Platte in 1837, and settled on the edge of the 
prairie east of Platte City and entered 320 acres of splendid land. 
This land he sold, and came to Platte City; became partner of R. 
D. Johnston in the mercantile business; took the contract to build 
the first jail, and continued an enterprising but unsuccessful life. 
When he died, his fortune was greatly reduced. Ch : 
I. PHOEBE LEWIS, m'd Isaac House, a prosperous citizen of 
Platte; removed to Kansas, and died in a poor-house March 
10, 1893, aged 80. 
II. NANCY LEWIS, m'd James Osborn, a merchant of Wesion, 
who died impoverished, and his mother, having no means of 
support, died in our poor-house. 

IH. SARAH J. LEWIS, m'd a Lewis. 

IV. MARY ANN LEWIS, m'd John Huntington. He went to the 

Mexican War, was wounded July 9, 1847, at the battle of 

Cienega, and then disappears from our knowledge. He 

was a roustabout at Platte Citv prior to the Mexican War. 

V. EDMOND LEWIS, m'd Mary Baker, and d. in August, 1848. 

VI. SERENA LEWIS, m'd William Lewis. 

VII. LEVIN A LEWIS, m'd May 12, 1842, Alex. Baker, and left 

7 children. 

T think the family of John Lewis is extinct in Platte County. 

Price Stark buys of J. W. Forbis a farm, at $7,750, near 
( Jamden Point. 

< 5. F. Spencer buys of W. J. Norris a farm, embracing the site 
of Tracy, for $13,500. 

Jan. 12 — The Pro-slavery Legislature of Kansas met at Le- 
compton. The laws passed were favorable to slavery, and were 
vetoed by the governor; but the Legislature, being wholly Pro- 
slavery, passed the laws over his veto. The Legislature adjourned 
February 27, 1857. 

Governor Truston Polk is elected by the Missouri Legislature 
United State Senator. He resigns as governor, and Hancock 
Jackson, lieutenant-governor, succeeds until R. M. Stewart is 
elected in August, 1857, by the people. 

Senator D. R. Atchison removes from Platte City to his farm 
in Clinton County. 

■In)}. .1) — George T. Naylor having died, Ignatius Naylor ad- 
ministers. Bond, |3,000. 



1857, JAN. 227 THE NAYLORS. 

THE NAYLOE FAMILY. 

Paul Naylor married Mary Ann Harrington, in Bath Co., Ky. 
She was a daughter of John Harrington. Three of their sons and 
two of their daughters came to Platte in 1843 and 1848, and settled 
north of Parkville. 

I. IGNATIUS NAYLOR 

Was b. in Bath Co., Ky., in 1804; d. in Platte Jan. 31, 1876. He 
m'd 1st, Susan Kerns, dr. of Tihnan. Mr. Naylor was a prosperous 
farmer, and was tall and brawny. From some affection of the 
spine, he carried his head turned to one shoulder. At the time 
of his death, he had 10 living children. Those who reached 
mature age are: 

I. WILLIAM P. NAYLOR, d. June 9, 1893; m'd May 15, I860, 
Jane Martin, dr. of Bright. He was a man of sound judg- 
ment, and his name was frequently suggested for county 
justice. Ch: 

1'. Andrew J. Naylor. 

2. IF. Paul Naylor (ii), b. Sept. 7, 1867; m'd Feb. 27. 1893, 

Jettie Baker, dr. of James. 

3. Virginia C. (Puss) Naylor. 

II. CAROLINE NAYLOR, m'd J. M. Yice, and lived in Kentucky. 

III. FRANCIS MARION NAYLOR, m'd Sarah A. West, and lives 

in Daviess County. 

IV. NANCY NAYLOR, dead; m'd Garret Hendricks. Ch: 

1. John Hendricks, m'd Louisa Branham, dr. of John. 

2. Geo. Hendricks, m'd Mary Kerns. 

3. Thomas Hendricks, m'd a Spratt, dr. of Wm. Spratt. 

4. Elsey Hendricks, single. 

V. PAUL NAYLOR, m'd Feb. 12, 1857, Mary E. Hayes, b. July 
22, 18:59 : d. March 17, 1882. 

1. Susan Naylor, m'd Larkin Simpson. 

2. Martha Naylor, m'd Dec. 1, 1890, Fred Sellman. 

3. Leverin. 4. Delia. 5. Maggie. 

0. Veil, m'd Jas. Babcock. 

VI. TILMAN NAYLOR, m'd April 7, 1853, Reb. J. Elkins. Ch: 

1. Albert Naylor, single. 2. Mary A., m'd Rafe Babcock. 

3. Caroline Naylor, m'd Win. Boggs. 

4. Sallie, m'd Sept. 6, 1881, J. M. Powell. 

5. Rose, m'd Dec. 3, 1882, Henry Young. 6. Ella. 
7. Dora Naylor, m'd Feb. 28, 1884, Root. Closky. 

s. Ignatius Naylor (iii), m'd Oct. 12, 1879, Lou Brown. 

She died, and Ignatius m'd 2d, April 16. 1894, Alice 

H. Nesbit. 
9. Edward Naylor, single. 10. Wm. D. Naylor. 

11. Annie Nai/lor, m'd Oct. 24. 1894, Jos. W. Atkinson. 

12. ( 'has. Naylor. 13. Belle Naylor. 



1857, JAN. 228 THE NAYLORS. 

Ignatius Naylor (i), ni'd 2d, Polly R, Smith, dr. of Abner R. 
Children: 

Vn. WESLEY NAYLOR, b. March 15, 1835; m'd April 3, 1856, 
Jose Elkins, sister of Reb. J. Ch : 

1. Flora Naylor, b. Jan. 12, 1858; m'd Jan. 7, 1875, Mid. 

R. Babcock, son of Richard. (See.) 

2. Jos. 8. Naylor, m'd Jan. 12, 1879, Sarah Smith. Ch : 

[«] John Naylor; [&] Belva; [c] Rudolph; [*] Tul- 
lie; [ e ] Grace Naylor. 

3. Perry Naylor, b. Mav 22, 1861 ; m'd 1st, Laura Lanter, 

dead. Ch: [«] Robert. Perry m'd 2d, April 29, 
1884, Bettie Higgins, dr. of Berry. Ch: [&] Clara 
Naylor; [°] Maggie; [ d ] Ethel. 

4. Tullie Naylor, m'd April 1, 1882, John Thomas. Ch : 

[ a ] Chester Thomas; [ & ] Emma Thomas. 

5. Mary J. Naylor, m'd July 26, 1886, John L. Brightwell, 

son of Wm. P., b. Dec. 8, 1863. Ch: [«] Floy. 

6. Emma Naylor. 7. Katie F. 

YELL ALF. G. NAYLOR (ii), d. in Kansas Jan. 25, 1893. He m'd 
Lucy Ann Harrington, dr. of Elisha; 11 children. 

IX. JOSEPHINE (Amey), dead ; m'd Jas. Morris ; 6 children ; live 
in Kansas. 
X. ELIZABETH NAYLOR, dead; m'd 1st, Obe Timberlake. 
(See.) She m'd 2d, Whitman Snedagar. 

XL ABNER B. NAYLOR, b. Aug. 11, 1840; m'd Jan. 23, 1862, 
Elizabeth H. Brink, dr. of A. J. Brink. He is a man of 
ability and a Mason of high order. He served under Col. 
Jas, A. Price in the 82d M. S. M. 

1. Andrew J. Naylor, m'd Feb. 6. 1884. Mary E. Ellis, dr. 

of B. F.; 2 children. 

2. Mary E. Naylor, m'd Aug. 1, 1881, Chas. W. Babcock; 

3 children. 

3. Alva Wm. Naylor, m'd Nov. 11, 1894. Flora Grav. dr. 

of H. H. 

4. Chester Ira Naylor. 

XH. MARGARET NAYLOR, dead; m'd Robt. Ellis, son of Doctor. 
XHI. IRA A. T. NAYLOR, m'd March 25, 1878, Mattie A. Brown, 

dr. of A. G. Ch: 

1. Jesse. 2. Ada. 3. Mark. 4. Wilson. 
XIY. JOHN S. NAYLOR, b. Dec. 1, 1848, in Bath Co., Kv.; m'd 1st, 

Jan. 8, 1870, Verlinda Myers, who was b. in Bath Co., Ky., 

Jan. 24, 1849 ; d. in Platte Jan. 8, 1883 ; a dr. of Hiram Myers. 

John S. Naylor m'd 2d, March 19, 1884, in Kansas, Delia 

Underwood. Children by first wife: 

1. Marion Naylor. 
Children by second wife: 

2. Virgil. 3. Noble. 4. Arvel. 5. Temple. 

John S Naylor is a man of repute, and is a member of 
Compass Masonic Lodge, No. 120, of Parkville. 



1857, JAN. * 229 THE NAYLORS. 

XV. ISAAC NEWTON NAYLOR, ni'd Dec. IS, 1873, Annie P. 
Closky. Oh: 

1. Ivy. 2. Minnie. 3. Warren. 

II. GEO. T. NAYLOK 

Was b. in Hath Co., Ky., Feb. 28, 180G; d. Jan. 10, 1S57; m'd in 
Kentucky, in 1832, Mary Ann Jones, dr. of John, b. in 1815; d. in 
Jan., 1878. Ch: 

I. THOMAS O. NAYLOR, b. in Kentucky July 29, 1833; m'd in 
Platte Aug. 20, 1852, Theresa A. Nash. Ch: 

1. Mary E., dead; m'd Nov. 23, 1871, Lewis Meritt, who d. 

in Nov., 1882. Ch: [«] Virginia L., m'd Charles 
Morgan. 1 child: [1] Thos. Morgan. [ b ] Mary E. 
Meritt. 

2. Alice Naylor. 

Mr. Thos. O. Naylor m'd 2d, May 14, 1888, Mary Woods, 
nee Schofield. They reside near Woodruff. 
II. CARLISLE NAYLOR, b. in Aug., 1835; m'd Aug. 20, 1857, 
Reb. J. Creason, who d. in Dec, 1885. She was a dr. of 
Rowena Creason. Ch: 

1. Allen Naylor, m'd Ella Kern, dr. of Dan'l; d. in 1881. 

2. Susan A., m'd Dec. 3, 1884, Robt. D. Allen. Live in 

Oklahoma Territory. 

3. Thomas C. Naylor, m'd Dec. 22, 1886, Ella M. Beckley, 

dr. of Adam. Live in Howell Co., Mo. 

4. Paul Naylor, b. March 21, 1808; is attending Park Col- 

lege, at Parkville. 

5. Mary (Mamie), b. Nov. 8, 1870, attending Park College. 

0. G rat/son A., b. Aug. 15, 1878. 

7. Chas. C. Naylor, b. July 7, 1881. 
HI. NORTHCUT NAYLOR, m'd Sarah E. McGachegar. (See.) 
IV. IGNATIUS NAYLOR (iii), b. in June, 1840; killed by Stephen 
Waldron. 
V. GEO. W. NAYLOR, b. Dec. 0, 1843; single and social. 
VI. SUSAN F. NAYLOR, b. Oct. 7, 1840; m'd Dec. 24, 1870, Absa- 
lom H. Miller, b. in Ohio Jan. 31, 1847. He served a bril- 
liant career in the Federal army, throughout the Civil War. 
In 1808 he came west, and settled north of Parkville. Ch: 

1. Geo. M. Miller. 2. James T. 3. William T. 

4. Jaeob 8. 5. Boy. 0. Mollis. 7. Elmer. 8. Clarence. 
9. Ethel, b. in Aug..' 1892. 

III. ALFRED GRAYSON NAYLOR 

Was b. in Bath Co., Ky., about 1810; d. in Kansas in 1893; m'd 
Lucv Hughes. Ch: 

L JAMES A. NAYLOR, b. Jan. 30, 1838 in Bath Co., Ky.; m'd 
Feb. 21, 1800, Sarah C. Carbaugh. b. March 25, 1843; d. Sept. 



1857, JAN. 230 THE NAYLORS. 

10, 1893. A man of ability and standing. He removed to 
California in 1888, and returned after his wife's death. Oh : 
1. Elfrkla, 2. Randall. 
Alf. G. Naylor, after the death of his first wife, ni'd Feb. 26, 
1874, Eliza Martin; no children. 

IV. PHILENA NAYLOR 

Was b. in Bath Co., Ky., April 16, 1802; d. in 1888; ni'd in Bath 
Co. Hay den Thatcher, a soldier of the War of 1812. He died in 
Kentucky, and she came with her children to Platte. Ch : 
I. LUTHER C. THATCHER, m'd Malinda E. Owens. (See.) 
IL IGNATIUS THATCHER, m'd Mary Brink, dr. of John, 
in. RACHEL THATCHER, m'd John Arnold. Live in Lynn 

Co., Mo. 
IV. ROBERTA THATCHER, m'd 1st, a Hopkins. She m'd 2d, 
John Owens. (See.) 
V. JOS. THATCHER, m'd Edna Owens. 
VI. JOHN T, in California. 

V. DELILA NAYLOR, 

Married Hiram Myers. Ch: 

I. LEHAZA MYERS, m'd Lankford Owens, son of Webster. 
H. MATILDA MYERS, m'd Cornelius Nash, d. in Nov. 1865. Ch : 

1. Henry Nash, m'd Mahoney. 2. Chas. ISfash. 

IIL ALFRED MYERS, m'd Feb. 20, 1859, Nancy Nash (cousin of 

Gornelius). Live in Kansas. 
IV. PAUL MYERS, b. March 1, 1839; m'd in Sept., 1861, Ann 
Perkins, dr. of John. 

1. Georgiana Myers, m'd Jas. Smith, son of Wash. Ch: 

[«] Augustus Smith; [ & ] Reymond. Live in Lex- 
ington, Mo. 

2. John W. Myers, m'd Feb. 7, 1889. Elvira Shield. 1 

child: [«] Stillings. 

3. Mary J. 4. Hiram. 5. Abner T. 

V. ELIZABETH MYERS, m'd Jos. Nash (brother of Cornelius). 
1 child: 

1. William R. 
VI. ANN MYERS, m'd John Naylor, son of Ignatius. Live in 

Kansas. 
VTL FANNIE MYERS, lives in Kansas. 

JOHN DOSS. 

•/mi. !) — John Doss having died, D. V. Wallingsford admin- 
isters. Bond, f50,000. He was a large merchant of Weston, and 
possessed of much land. His widow was Frances P. Doss, and his 
children: 



1857, JAN. 231 THE STONES. 

I. KATP] DOSS, m'd James Doniphan (see), judge of the Weston 
Court of Common Pleas. 
II. HARRIET DOSS. 

III. WILLIAM H. 

IV. JOHN J. DOSS. 

V. MABEL DOSS, m'd a Boiler. 

James Stone (i) having died, Thews. F. Stone, his son, admin- 
istered. Bond, |0,000. 

THE STONE FAMILY. 

The Stones came to Kentucky from Wales, by way of Mary- 
land. KEZIAH STONE, in Bourbon Co., Ky., m'd Sarah Watt, 
and their son, ELIJAH STONE, was the progenitor of the Stone 
family of Platte. He m'd Eliza W. Foster, and died in 1822 in 
Kentucky. Ch: 

I. THOMAS F. STONE, b. Jan. 1, 1821; d. May 21, 1890; m'd 
May 31, 1847, Mary Ann Flannegan. He came to Platte the 
same year, and successfully engaged in stock-raising and 
farming. He was at one time president of the county fair. 
Children: 

1. Elijah F. Stone, an attorney of St. Louis. He is mar- 

ried and is father of 5 children. 

2. Walter K. Stone, of Jefferson Co., Kansas, m'd Sept. 30, 

1878, Laura Gabbert, dr. of Jas. I. (See.) 

3. William H„ of Denver, Colo. 

1. Da lid T. Stone, of Colorado, m'd a Baker. 
5. Thomas F. 0. Kate Stone. 
II. AGNES STONE, m'd a Watt, in Kentucky. 
HI. HOWARD STONE, lived in Kentucky. 

IV. JAMES A. STONE, m'd Mary A. Haggard. He died Jan. 
24, 1857, and she July 12, 1880). He was elected assessor in 
August, 1850, and was in office at the time of his death. He 
was highly esteemed as a Mason and as a citizen. The 
family are zealous Baptists. Ch: 

1. Sarah J. Stone, m'd a Prewitt. 

2. Elizabeth Stone, m'd Capt. John A. White. He was an 

early merchant of Platte County, and represented 
the county in 1842-3. 

3. James A. Stone, b. April 27, 1830: was a cripple and 

never married. He was assessor of the county sev- 
eral terms; but when it became his duty to assess 
lands by their numbers, his books were rejected, and 
his office declared vacant. 

4. John Stone. 

5. Mary A., m'd Feb. 5, 1801, D. F. Brubeck. 
0. Edward L. Stone. 

7. Cinderella, m'd Feb. 19, 1852, Win. H. Corbin, b. in 

Kentucky Sept. S, 1830. Live in Clay. 

8. Agnes. 



1857, JAN. 232 DR. B. F. MOORE. 

V. FANNIE STONE, m'd McVicker, in Kentucky. 
VI. SARAH STONE, b. April 3, 1803; m'd Wm, J. Norris, for 
many years a wealthy speculator and money-loaner in 
Platte ; removed to Topeka, Kansas, and died there. Ch : 

1. Howard Norris. 

2. Capt. Chas. B. Norris, a merchant of Platte City and of 

Weston. He raised a Confederate company, and 
was one of the first to reach the front. He now lives 
at Westport, devoting his surplus to science. 

3. Martha Victoria Norris, m'd 1st, Feb. 15, 1855, John B. 

Camp. After his death, she became the second wife 
of Jeff. J. Park. (See.) 
William J. Norris m'd 2d, Jan. 1, 1858, Ange M. Perry. 

DR. B. F. MOORE. 

Jan. 25 — Dr. B. F. Moore locates at Parkville, and there is 
still his home. He graduated in 1855, at Louisville Medical 
School. He was born in Fayette County, Ky., Feb. 1, 1830, being a 
son of Peter Moore, a gallant soldier of the Revolution. He mar- 
ried in March, 1858, Hettie A. Beauchamp. Oh: 1, Kate Moore, 
m'd Thos. Ashby ; 2, Mary E., m'd George Johnson ; 3, William P. 
Moore. 

FEBRUARY. 

p e fr 4 — The county court appoints Jos. E. Merryman county 
attorney, and John Swaney assessor, in place of James Stone (i), 
deceased. 

WASHINGTON SCOTT. 

Fc^ 6 — Washington Scott died near Barry. He was born in 
Bourbon County, Ky., December 18, 1812, the son of William 
Scott and Smith. He married April 23, 1835, Ruth Ann Dun- 
can, born June 25, 1816. They left Kentucky in October, 1837, and 
settled in Platte, ten miles east of Platte City, where Mr. Scott 
died. Children : 

I. MARY E. SCOTT, b. in Oct., 1836; m'd Alex. Breckenridge 
ihis second wife), b. Dec. 25, 1829. Mr. Breckenridge's 
first wife was Nannie Winn, dr. of James. He is a worthy 
citizen of Edgerton, but without children. 
n. JOHN W.SCOTT. 

III. WASH. WADE SCOTT, b. Oct. 4, 1842; m'd Feb. 1, 1869, 

Annie Lott. dr. of William If. Ch: 

1. Mary Scott. 2. Beatrice. 3. Harry. 4. Lou. 

:.. Walter SC0tt. 

IV. JAMES R. SCOTT, b. Feb. 25, 1848; m'd Rose Aker. Live 

in Clay; 8 children. 



1857, FEB. 233 N. FAULCONER. 

V. NANNIE SCOTT, b. Sept. 30, 1852; mil R. W. Beery, son of 
Noah, b. in 1830. Oh: 

1. Albert8. 2. Mollie. 3. Annie. 4. Calhoun. 
Feb. 11 — The Government sells to the Leavenworth Town 
Company their site, for $24,000. 

Feb. 15 — A ladies' supper at Weston clears $250. 
Feb. 16 — The Parkville and G. R. R. R. Company incorporated. 
Feb. 20 — The ice in the M issouri is moving. 
A Platte Argus of this date is in my hands. 
Prof. William Dickey is now in charge of the male academy, 
or public school, at Platte City. 

Feb. 22— The Star of the West, a Good Templars lodge, at 
Weston, celebrates Washington's birthday with an oration. 

Feb. 23— Judge S. P. S. McCurdy's house, in Weston, burned, 
and E. Cody's books are consumed. 

The population of Leavenworth County, Kansas, is 5,529; of 
Atchison County. 2,807. 

NELSON FAULCONER. 

Nelson Faulconer having died near Prairie Point, John R. 
Keller administered. He married twice. A daughter by his 
first wife married a Cravens, and died leaving: 1, Rebecca 
Cravens; 2, Eliza J., who m'd John R. Keller (see); 3, Thomas 
Cravens; 4, Elisha: 5, Andrew H. Cravens; (>, William; 7, Fan- 
nie. Wm. K. Faulconer was the only child of the second wife. 
He will be noticed. (See.) 

MARCH. 

March '/ — Samuel Hardwicke enrolled as an attornev. 

Elm Grove United Baptist Church organized. 

John P. Linville having died. Rev. H. R. Smith administered. 
Bond, $1,000. His widow was named Harriet, and they had one 
child, in Oregon. 

March 16 — Samuel Akin having died, John P. Akin admin- 
istered. Pauline was his widow, and their children: 1, Emily; 
2, Jas. W. Akin. 

The late decision by the United States Supreme Court, of the 
Dred Scott case, is creating much excitement. 

March 18 — H. J. Adams elected mayor of Leavenworth. The 
first Free State mayor elected. 

Geo .Helnian buys of J. J. Deckelman property in Weston. 

March 26 — Governor Geary, of Kansas, having resigned, to 
take effect the 20th, the appointment of Robert J. Walker to tin- 
place is approved by the UJnited States Senate. 

A map of Platte County, on the scale of a mile to the inch, is 
published by Waters & Harding. 



1857, APRIL. 234 ETHAN ALLEN. 

APRIL, 

April 4— The Platte City Weekly Atlas is issued by Ethan 
Allen, at $2 per year. His terms for advertisements are: A 
square of 12 lines, first time, $1; all subsequent insertions, half 
price each; administrator's notice, $2; final settlement notice, 
$2.50; business card, $5; announcement of candidate, $3; obitu- 
aries, 50 cents per square. 

I have full files of the Atlas, and henceforth my data will be 
more reliable. 

ETHAN ALLEN. 

Ethan Allen was descended from Gen. Ira Allen, brother of 
the illustrious Ethan Allen, who demanded the surrender of 
Ticonderoga "in the name of the great Jehovah and the Conti- 
nental Congress!" The father of Ethan Allen, Jr., was Anson 
Hall Allen, born July 7, 1806, and Marena Morehouse was his 
mother. Ethan was born in New York August 4, 1834; married 
September 20, 1857, Ann Rachel Musgrove, born March 27, 1838; 
died February 13, 1895. Mr. Allen's paper, the Atlas, was admir- 
ably conducted, and the literary talent of a large number of con- 
tributors puts to shame the party-ridden and sycophantic sheets 
of to-day. Poetry sparkled in every number, and the young and 
ambitious made something interesting, besides politics. Mr. 
Allen lives now at Lexington, Mo., and stands among the foremost 
in the State editorial f raternit v. Ch : 

I. MARY ELIZ. ALLEN, b. in Platte Citv Dec. 28, 1858. 

H. VERGILLA ALLEN, b. May 3, 1860. 
in. OLIVIA ALLEN, b. Nov. 14, 1863. 
IV. FRANCES CORNELIA ALLEN, b. Sept. 1, 1866. 

V. ETHAN ALLEN (iii), b. Nov. 4, 1868. 
VI. ANNIE ALLEN, b. June 26, 1871. 

THE ACADEMY STOCRHOLDERS. 

The Academy stockholders having chosen H. B. Todd, W. M. 
Paxton, and W. A. Fox a building committee, A. W. Henning 
takes the contract to build the Academy, at $15,000. 

Platte City is on a boom — not a house to rent. 

H. Clay Cockrell is announced for probate judge. . 

A. W. Henning advertises for brick- and stone-masons. 

The Academy committee calls for one-half the subscriptions. 
The Academy is to be finished by the first Monday in November, 
when it is to dedicated and opened. 

J. F. Pitts offers the reward of $100 each, for the capture and 
return of two runaway slaves. 

Snles of real estate: W. J. Norris to C. F. Spencer, 302 
acres, including Tracy, at $45 per acre. John Bane to J. W. 
Christy, 80 acres at $40; and James A. Headley to Gen. Jeff. Wil- 
liams, Kid acres at $35. 



1857, MAY. L>35 COUNTY FINANCES. 



MAY. 

May 1— The Tax Books show 2,351 polls; 3,122 slaves, val- 
uable at 11.704,755. County revenue, #19,540.44. Total assess- 
ment. |7,500,359. 

COUNTY REVENUE. 



Total receipts, $13,508; total expenses, 114,701'; county levy, 
25 cents; poll, 374 cents. 1 Mam-shop license, $30. 

Objects of Expenditure. 

Bee Creek bridge $ 15.00 

Couch bridge 124.00 

Bear Creek bridge 117.00 

Platte City bridge 85.00 

Rialto bridge 9.00 

Skinner's bridge 1,340.00 

Unity Church bridge 25.00 

Roads 544.00 

Road damages 800.00 

13,059.00 

Assessor (Stone) f 1(55.00 

County Attorney (Almond) 132.00 

Circuit Clerk (Remington) 710.00 

County Clerk (Waggener) 588.00 

Lewis 782.00 

Sheriff (Spratt) 1,054.00 

Treasurer (Freeland) 401.00 

School Commissioner (Cockrell) 200.00 

Judges (Broadhurst, Hays, and Layton). . . . 407.00 

4,499.00 

Court-house 410.00 

Criminal costs 221.00 

Elections 307.00 

•Tail 550.00 

•Jurors 277.00 

Poor 1,881.00 

Stationery 381.00 

Loaned Weston 3,000.00 

Wood 119.00 

Sundries 58.00 

Total 114,702.00 

May 4 — Wm. C. Baker is appointed public administrator. 
Bond. 110,000. 

Dr. G. W. Bayless sells out and returns to the position of 
demonstrator of anatomy in the Louisville Medical School. 

May //—John F. Marshall having died, Jane S. Marshall ad- 
ministers. Bond, .|8,000. 



1857, MAY. 236 DAVID COUCH. 

DAVID COUCH. 

David Couch having died April 11, 1857, William Couch ad- 
ministered. Bond, |15,000. David Couch was a worthy farmer, 
8 miles east of Platte City. His wife died before him. He left 
two sons : 

I. WILLIAM M. COUCH, b. near Knoxville, Tenn., Dec. 24, 
1826; m'd April 1, 1851, Margaret Berry, dr. of Wm. G. 
She was b. Dec. 29, 1829, and d. March 6, 1880. I knew Mrs. 
Couch in her maiden beauty and loveliness. She was the 
belle of the eastern half of Platte County. Mr. Couch went 
to Colorado, and accumulated a large fortune, which is still 
the property of his children. He was a man of generous 
spirit, and much beloved. He died in 1896, a widower, in 
Kansas City, Mo. His heirs own 1,000 acres of the best 
Platte lands. 

1. Joseph Couch, m'd Nov. 29, 1888, Laura Cox, dr. of J. 

M. Cox. They live near Linkville. 

2. Dora Couch, was well educated and charming. She 

ni'd Oct. 29, 1874, Dr. J. C. Rogers, and died childless. 

3. Bertie Couch, m'd in Feb., 1897, Edw. L. Massie. 

II. JOSEPH COUCH, d. at Dallas, Texas, in 1859. He m'd Dec. 
2, 1847. Margaret C. Smith, who died leaving: 
1. William 8. Couch. 2. E.D. Couch. 
3. Lettie Couch, m'd April 18, 1867, Ben. L. Lampton. 
Both died, leaving a daughter, Lola L. Lampton. 
David Couch served in the War of 1812 as a private in Capt. 
Chiles' company of Tennessee militia. 

May 7 — W. M. Paxton, one of the building committee for the 
Platte Citv Female Academy, reports expenditures, f 2,402.50; col- 
lections, $1,580.90. 

"ARGUS" OF MAY 8, 1837. 

May 8 — Through the courtesy of J. B. Mundy, I have the 
Argus of this date (Vol. 13, No. 52), and find: 

Thos. F. Stone advertises a negro girl to be sold publicly. 

The Platte City Female Academv is to open November 10, 
1857. 

A. C. Redman and C. G. Huffaker are principals of the Weston 
High School. 

The Weston & Canton R. R. is the subject of consideration of 
a public meeting at Platte City. Jesse Marin is president, and J. 
F. Wiseley secretary; Lewis Ramage speaks; resolutions are 
adopted; Clint. Gockrill, John Doniphan, David Hunt, S. P. S. 
McCurdy, Dr. J. M. Moore, S. Johnston, G. P. Dorriss, Judge Nor- 
ton, Dr. A. M. Robinson, C. A. Perry, and Joel C. Rockwell partici- 
pated in t In- meeting. 

Prices: Corn. 60 rents ; bacon, 13 cents; coffee, 15 cents; 
flour, $4 per sack; crushed sugar, 18 cents; hides, 14 cents; salt, 
|3 per sack; lard, 12 cents; nails, 6 cents. 



1857, MAY. 237 J. P. GEORGEN. 

King & Davis announce that they will issue, May 30th, the 
Key City Commercial, Whig weekly paper, at Weston. 

The Platte Mutual Insurance Company, J. E. Walker presi- 
dent, is advertised. 

John Doniphan announces a public sale of 40 lots in his 
addition to Weston. 

Peaches and other fruits promising. 

Proceedings of the municipal council of Weston, commem- 
orative of the late J. P. Georgen, signed by Ben Wood as mayor, 
and IT. J. Wolf as secretary, are published. 

A circus at Park vi lie on May 13th, at Platte City on the 15th, 
and at Weston on the 18th. 

S. J. Finch gives notice that the Weston Reporter has been 
sold to A. W. King. 

William Findley, marshal of Weston, gives notice that here- 
after he will enforce the ordinance against hogs running at large. 

May l'f — Cartwright & Tufts are selling their stock at New 
Market, at auction. 

The administrators of adjoining counties advertise in the 
Argus. 

May 16 — General Harney is in command at the Fort. 
May 77 — Secretary Stanton is acting governor of Kansas, 
awaiting the arrival of Governor Walker. 

May 18 — Circuit Judge E. H. Norton is a candidate for re- 
election in August. 

May 19 — The Postmaster-General advertises for proposals to 
carry a semi-weekly mail to the Pacific. 

H. M. Cochran opens a dry goods store at Platte City. 
The Argus favors the Weston & Canton Railroad, and the 
Atlas favors the Platte Country Railroad. 

May 2J/ — Governor Walker speaks at Quinda.ro. 

May 25 — The first number of the Key City is issued at Weston, 
by a son of Sam. Owens. It succeeded the Reporter, and soon died. 

J. P. GEORGEN. 

J. P. Georgen's estate administered by Prill, Hanim & 
Georgen. Bond, $75,000. He was a large merchant of Weston. 
His widow, Anna M. Georgen, married October 15, 1808, Frederick 
Stubenraugh, and died childless. The Georgen children: 
I. LEWIS W. GEORGEN, m'd Azubah Skinner. (See.) 
n. LIZZIE GEORGEN, d., single Oct. 9, 1871'. 
IH. FRANK H. ( JEORGEN. IV. JOHN ( !EOR< i EX. 

GEORGE ECKEKT. 

George Eckert, a native of Prussia, settles in Platte, and 
proves an excellent citizen. He was born June 10. 182!); came to 
America in 1848; married, March 13, 1857. Dorothy Stell, daughter 



1857, MAY. 238 HUMPHREY SMITH. 

of George, a German. They immediately settled in Platte County, 
and by industry acquired a. large and valuable farm. Mrs. Eckert 
died in December, 1876, leaving : 

I. GEORGE H. ECKERT, b. near Parkville Jan. 21, 1858; m'd 
March 11, 1S80, Eva Renner, dr. of Adam. Ch : 
1. Emma Eckert. 2. Lizzie Eckert. 
The family belong to the German M. E. Church. 
II. MARY L. ECKERT, m'd Feb. 27, 1877, Peter W. Klamm, b. 
in Nov., 1852, son of John. Ch : 
1. Geo. P. Klamm. 2. Virginia. 
HI. AMELIA, m'd April 22, 1880, John P. Klamm. 
IV. ELIZ. C. ECKERT. V. WILLIAM. VI. MAGDALEN. 
VII. JACOB. 

HUMPHREY SMITH. 

Humphrey Smith died in May, 1857. He was born in New 
Jersey February 17, 1774. His father was Abraham Smith, who 
was of German parentage. The family came to New Jersey in 
1714. His mother was a Davenport. He married, in 1803, Nancy 
Walker, who was born in 1783, and died in 1855. On account of 
his outspoken anti-slavery sentiments, he was called "Yankee" 
Smith. In 1822 he came west with his family, and settled on the 
creek in Clay County, Mo., called from him, Smith's Fork of the 
Platte. Here, at a point where the creek breaks over a ledge of 
rocks, he built, of round, unhewn white-oak logs, a small mill for 
corn, run by a flutter wheel. At that time there was no grist- 
mill in Clay, except Tillery's horse-mill. The stones were cut 
from "'lost rock," and were small. A few years later Mr. Smith 
cut out a 34-foot pair of stones, from "lost rock," and added bolts. 
For ten years these mills afforded meal and flour for the county. 
Mr. Smith, about 1827, laid off a small town, which was called 
Smithville. His good sense, energy, and independence gave name 
and reputation to the neighborhood. Ch : 

I. DOCTOR SMITH, b. in 1806; d. in 1856. 
II. ERASTLS SMITH (i), b. in 1808; d. in 1855. 
TH. GEO. SMITH, b. in 1811, living; m'd 1st, in 1834, Miss Brown, 
d. in Platte in 1839. He m'd 2d, in 1840. Miss Shelton. 
Live in Kansas. 
IV. CALVIN SMITH, b. Dec. 23, 1813, living in Kansas City; m'd 
1st, in 1840, Agnes Jordan, d. in 1884. He was a merchant 
in Smithville; removed in 1862 to Jefferson County, Kas.. 
and in 1882 to Kansas City, Mo. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall, 
handsome and intelligent. He traversed Platte County in 
the early years of 1822 to 1837, when a tentless wilderness. 
Children: 

1. Erastus [Rat). 

2. Henri/, a representative in the State Legislature from 

Kansas City. 



1857, JUNE. 239 MICHAEL BAKER. 

3. Alice, 4. Sebree. 5. Marie. 6. Ann. 7. James. 
Calvin m'd 2d, Fannie Burton. 

V. MISSOURI SMITH, m'd Henrv Owens, both dead. 

VI. DAMON, m'd a dr. of Dr. H. D. Oden. 

VII. HIRAM, m'd Mary A. Fleming, dr. of Samuel Fleming. 

JUNE. 

June 1 — Frontier Encampment, No. 2, 1. O. O. F., chartered. 

June 2 — W. M. Paxton appointed, by the probate court, public 
administrator of Platte County. Bond, $20,000. 

MICHAEL BAKER. 

June 3 — Michael Baker having died, Josiah Baker admin- 
istered. Bond, $12,000. Ch: 

I. SUSAN BAKER, m'd John Willis, of Kentucky. 
II. ALLEN BAKER, 

III. VERLINDA BAKER, lived in Howard County. 

IV. EMILY BAKER, m'd Win. Kirtley. 

V. MARTHA BAKER, m'd W. S. Carroll, a lawyer of Weston, 
and partner of John Doniphan. She died leaving 3 children. 

VI. PERMELIA BAKER, b. in 1814; d. at St. Joseph July 25. 

1892 ; m'd Jerry Crabb. d. in Feb., 1877. Ch : 

1. Martha V. Crabb, b. Aug. 27. 1845; m'd Jan. 7, 1863, 

Thos. L. Gabbert. (See.) 

2. Priscilla F., m'd a Johnson. 3. Emma R.. m'd a Dale. 

4. Robert R. 5. Edward J. 

6. Susan A., m'd S. R. Arnold, of St. Joseph. 

7. James M. Crabb, m'd Dec. 23, 1885, Anna Montague. 

VII. MARY BAKER, m'd William Cull, of Clark County, Mo. 
VHI. NANCY BAKER, m'd Burwell Duncan, of New Srarket. 
IX. JOSIAH BAKER. N. THOMAS BAKER. 

X r. W. C. BAKER, of Fayette, Mo. 

June 10 — L. M. Lawson buys property in Weston. 

JOHN WOOD, TEACHER AND POET. 

June 13 — In the Atlas of this date are two acrostics by John 
Wood. On account of peculiarities and eccentricities. Mr. Wood 
never received the honor due him. For twenty years prior to 1870 
he taught school at various places in Platte County. He pub 
lished a pamphlet of 104 acrostics, to as many names, and sold it 
at 50 cents. He wrote a long poem, entitled b> < 'oluinbus." and 
read it before the Platte ( Jity Lodge of Good Templars. He never 
rode on horseback, nor in a carriage of any sort, but trudged on 
foot through mud and snow, carrying a small black gripsack, 
which contained his worldly all. His poetry was correct in mea- 
sure, rhyme, and diction; but the ornaments of rhetoric were want 
ing. But his speeches were logical ami pointed, and were listened 



1857, JUNE. 240 FLOURING MILL. 

to attentively. He often participated in the discussions at 
teachers' meetings. No one could tell his generation, nor whence 
he came nor whither he went. I loved the old man, and 
tried to cheer him. He often called at my office for rest after his 
peregrinations. His verses showed thought, but were lacking in 
melody, sentiment, and sweetness. He was found dead in an 
orchard in Clay, where he was teaching. 

GREENBURY PITCHER died in 1857. His widow was 
named Elizabeth, and his children: 1, James M. Pitcher; 2, Jane, 
wife of Simeon Hull; 3, Sarah Ann, wife if Wm.. Clarke; 4, Wil- 
liam; 5, Thomas; 6. Miles; 7, Susan. 

June 15 — The foundations of Platte City Female Academy 
have been laid. 

June 19 — Prof. H. B. Todd closes his school at Camden Point, 
preparatory to opening at Platte City. 

June 22 — A terrific hail-storm. Stones fell 3 inches in 
diameter. 

Wm. B. Almond opens a law office in Leavenworth, leaving 
his family in Platte City. 

Crops — Wheat is almost a failure; worth $1.50. Hemp is 
promising; worth $5. Corn has been injured by the cut-worm; 
worth 80 cents. 

STEAM FLOURING MILL. 

Almond, Paxton & Owen erected opposite Platte City a 
large flouring-mill. They furnished flour to many parts of the 
West, and had flour depots at Kansas City, Leavenworth, and 
Atchison. But the war, with short crops of wheat, ruined their 
trade, and the mill was dismantled. The two upper stories were 
used to replace the burned water-mill, and the first story, used as 
a stable, was burned, with many horses. 

June 27 — The Atlas has the first "Leaves from a Lawyer's 
Note-book," by Hon. Thomas Herndon. 

JULY. 

July '/ — Picnic at Second Creek; Thos. E. Park manager. 

Sunday-schools of Platte City celebrated the day by meeting 
at the new academy grounds. 

John Wilson was orator of the day, and Prof. Todd addressed 
the schools, which had come in procession from the court-house. 

SALE OF SLAVES. 

July 6 — Sheriff Spratt sold, publicly, the slaves of the estate of 
Henry Roach. They brought, severally, $1,400, $1,005. $926, $900, 
and $700. 



1857, JULY. 241 THE ELECTION. 

July 7 — A Democratic mass-meeting al the court-house, Judge 
Noah Beery chairman, nominated Jesse Morin for State senator, 
to succeed Dr. A. M. Robinson, resigned, and indorsed B. M. 
Stewart for governor, to suceed Truston Polk, resigned. 

Prof. H. B. Todd sells publicly his academy furniture, at 
Camden Point. 

July 9 — Atchison & St. Joe Railroad organized at St. Joseph 
with S. C. Pomerov president. 

July l'i — An enthusiastic meeting at the court house to pro- 
mote the Weston & Canton Railroad, G. IT. Hale chairman. 

July 20 — William MeAlexander's estate administered by 
A lex. ^.Alexander. Bond, $3,000. 

Political meeting at the court-house, addressed by Morin and 
Dougherty, candidates for State senator. 

July 23 — A railroad meeting at Beauchamp's hotel, in Tlatte 
City, to promote the railroad from Leavenworth to Cameron, ad- 
dressed by Colonels McCauley and Alexander, of Leavenworth. 

July 31 — Barbecue at Camden Point. Railroads the subject 
of discussion. 

AUGUST. 

THE ELECTION. 

For Governor— R. M. Stewart, 884; J. S. Rollins, 947. 
Senator — Jesse Morin, Democrat, 927; Dougherty, Whig, 777. 
Probate Judge— H. C. Cockrill, 1,035; R. P. Clark, 567; H. 
Hartman, 120. 

Aug. I — Trains for the Utah expedition leave Leavenworth 
daily. Russell & Waddell are contractors for supplies. 

Leavenworth & Cameron Railroad delegates from Leaven- 
worth meet the people of Platte, W. M. Paxton chairman. Dr. 
Davis, Col. McCauley, and R. R. Rees, from Leavenworth, and 
Pitt, Todd, Fox, and Ellington, of Tlatte, make speeches. 

Remington, Johnston & Sprat t lay off St. Mary, at the present 
mouth of Bee Creek; but no lot was ever sold. John Boulware 
had a store there a short time. 

A mob at Leavenworth hang Knighton and Quarles, for the 
murder of Stephens. 

The Ugly Club and the Lazy Fellows are rival societies at 
Platte City. 

Aug. 13 — A public meeting at the court-house to promote the 
Weston & Canton Railroad. Jas. G. Spratt chairman, and Morin, 
Wilson, Fox, and Pitt speakers. 

16- 



1857, AUG. 242 WASH. L. BLANTON. 

Aug. 16 — The directors of the Platte City Male Academy 
select F. G. Gaylord as principal. 

Aug. 19 — JAMES HULL died. He was born in Virginia June 
5. 1795; came to Flatte in 1838, and settled four miles north of 
Platte City. His wife died before him. His only child, Mary 
Jane Hull, married Thos. F. Moore. She died leaving: 1, Levi; 
2, George; 3, Mary, born in 1872. Mr. Hull left a will. 

Aug. 20 — Academy Finances — W. M. Paxton shows payments, 
$S,372.10; collections^ $4,481.05; advanced, $3,891.05. 

Aug. 21 — Beauchamp's Hotel in Platte Citv is sold to E. W. 
Clifford, for $10,000. 

Newspapers — The Argus, Wiseleys editors, favors the Wes- 
ton & Canton Railroad. The Atlas desires to connect with the 
Hannibal & St. Joe Railroad. The Parkville Courier- favors the 
Platte Countv Railroad. 

SEPTEMBER. 
WASH. L. BLANTON. 

Sept. 2 — Wash. L. Blanton died at Platte City. He was born 
in 1805 ; married Nancy Brunts. (See.) Mr. Blanton was a kind- 
hearted, Christian gentleman. He was a shoemaker, and a genial 
and merry companion. Ch: 

I. MARY BLANTON, still living; m'd Aug. 22, 1857, Chris. 
Geyer. (See.) He died, leaving: 

1. Lizzie Geyer, m'd 1st, Feb. 18, 1884, Jas. L. Cornelis. 

They were divorced after the birth of a daughter, 

and she m'd 2d, June 6, 1894, Jesse M. Calvert. He 

is a printer emploved on the Landmark. 

H. SHEBA BLANTON, m'd July 15,* 1862, John D. Flannery. 

Live in Kansas. 

Sept. 7 — Henry J. Adams, Free State candidate, elected mayor 
of Leavenworth by 298 votes. 

JOSIAH FARLEY. 

Josiah Farlev having died, R. F. Mason administered. Bond, 
$5,000. Ch : 

L THADDEUS FARLEY. II. ROBERT. HI. SARAH. 
IV. JA MES. V. JOSIAH FARLEY, Jr., and others. 

Mr. Farley laid off, and sold out, the town of Farley. He 
enjoyed Masonry. His widow was Nancy, and he had a brother, 
Nimrod, who died in .Inly, 1848. 

Sept. 9 — The county court, on application of a public meeting, 
ordered an election to determine whether the countv should sub- 
scribe 8400.000 to the stock of the Weston & Canton Railroad. 
The election was held October 1st, and resulted: for, 377; 
against, 1,310. 



1857, SEPT. 243 WILLIAM PITTS. 

Sept. 12— JOHN M. HAYES having died, W. F. Middletcm ad- 
ministers. Bond. .$.'5,500. His widow was Jane. Oh: 1, Mary C, 
b. in 1845; 2, Elizabeth Hayes, b. in 1847; .°>, Nat C. Hayes, *b. in 
1853; 4, Anna, b. in 1854; 5. Susan Hayes, b. in 1855. 

Sept. 15— ADAM B. DURNING having died. Jacob Bmelser 
administered. Bond $3,000. He married, March 24, 1844, Ann 
Bollinger. 

Sept. 23 — Almond, Paxton & Owen file a plat of their addition 
to Platte City. 

The first indications of the great national panic. 

A splendid crop of hemp. Wheat a failure, and corn short. 

OCTOBER 

Oct. 1 — The Sepoy rebellion in India. The siege of Delhi. 

Oct. 5 — Marcus J. Parrott, Free Soil candidate, elected a 
delegate to Congress from Kansas over Ranson, by 4,089 votes. 

Oct. 9—F. M. Tufts buys out Willis Cartwright's interest in 
their New Market store. 

Oct. 10 — The great financial panic at its height. Missouri 
bonds sell at G4 cents. 

Oct. 20 — Simon P. Yocum advertises the Leavenworth steam 
ferry. 

WILLIAM PITTS. 

Oct. 21 — William Pitts having died, Jacob and James Pitts 
administered. Bond, $10,000. He lived in the bottoms opposite 
Leavenworth. Ch: 

I. A DAUGHTER, m'd Christian Shultz, and died, leaving: 
1. Mary U. Shultz. 2. Dallas A. Shultz. 
::. Margaret Shultz. 
II. A DAUGHTER, m'd James Lewis. Ch: 
1. Robert C. Lewis. 
III. NANCY PITTS, m'd a Riggs. IV. HENRY PITTS. 
V. JACOB PITTS. VI. HILARY PITTS. 
VII. JAMES PITTS, m'd April 10, 1888, Ange Yocom. 
IX. SAMUEL PITTS. 

Oct. 2.'i — A great fall in stocks. Missouri bonds sell at 
59 cents. 

Oct. 26 — Bank of the State of Missouri suspends. The Legis- 
lature, being in session, legalizes suspension for one year. 

F. G. Gaylord arrives in Platte City and opens the male 
school. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 3 — The Legislature forbids collectors to take any paper 
money, except bills of the Bank of Missouri. 



1857, NOV. 244 SCITHA BOWRING. 



The Lecoinpton Pro-slavery Convention adjourned, after 
making a constitution that sanctioned slavery. Among the 
signers are: James Adkins, W. Christison, H. D. Oden, and Jarret 
Todd. 

Nov. 10 — Platte City Female Academy dedicated, in the pres- 
ence of a large assembly. Speeches were made by Prof. Todd, W. 
B. Smith, John E. Pitt, and Thos. Herndon. 

SCITHA BOWRING. 

Nov. 14 — Scitha Bowring, widow of Peter Bowring, having 

died, Davis Lanter administered. Peter Bowring died in January, 

1854. Thev lived near Farlev, and were respectable people. Ch: 

I. CATHARINE BOWRING, m'd Sept. 13, 1862, Martin S. 

Klumm. He was a man of intelligence. They removed 

H. ELIZABETH BOWRING, b. in Fayette Co., Mo.; m'd Sept 
23, 1852, Capt. Davis Lanter, b. in Clay Dec. 5, 1824. His 
parents were Thomas Lanter and Spicy Davis, of Virginia. 
Thos. Lanter went to Kansas, and d. in 1880. In 1844 Davis 
Lanter became a teamster in the Quartermaster Depart- 
ment at Fort Leavenworth. He volunteered in the Mexican 
War, and served under Gen. Doniphan; and at the close 
of the war, became a teamster, and served until 1851. He 
was discharged in California, and returned by way of the 
Isthmus. From 1859 he was a wagon-master until 1861. 
He then raised a company for the Confederate army, known 
as Company C, First Missouri Cavalry, Col. Gates com- 
manding. He led his company at Pea Ridge, Corinth, and 
Port Gibson, opposed Sherman on his March to the Sea, 
April 9, 1865 he was taken prisoner, but was exchanged in 
May. The Captain has a large farm near Farley, and is 
still full of energy and enterprise. He is chairman of the 
county Democratic central committee. Ch: 

1. Mary Catharine, b. in April, 1854. She m'd 1st, a Kil- 

gore, and, on his death, she m'd 2d, Sept. 23, 1883, 
Henry Burt Mayo: 4 children. 

2. WilUam P. Lanier, m'd Catherine Smith; 6 children. 
HI. WILLIAM M. BOWRING. 

WILLIAM McGUIRE. 

Nor. 7.9 — William McGuire having died, Jacob Smelser ad- 
ministered. Bond, $3, 000. His widow was Elizabeth. Ch: 

L ALBERT McGUIRE. II. COSBY McGUIRE. 

lU. ELIZA E. IV. RICHARD L. V. PERRY A. McGUIRE. 

HENRY MYLES. 
Nov. 20 — Henry Myles having died, John Myles administered. 
Bond, 915,000. His widow was Margaret, and his children: 

T. ELIZABETH M. MYLES. II. JOHN MYLES. 
in. NANCY MYLES. 



1857, NOV. 245 AMBROSE NOLL. 



IV. JAMES II. MYLES, was a merchant of Platte City. His 
first wife was mother of: 

1. Miriam Myles, wife of Henry C. Column (see), of Kan- 

sas City. 
James II. nYd 2d, Jan. 9, 1865, Malinda F. Cain, dr. of 
John, twin sister of Mrs. Daniel Jenkins. Ch: 

2. Mattie Myles, m'd James Neville. 3. Marshall. 
' V. SARAH MYLES. 

VI. JESSE MYLES, killed at the Camden Point fight. 

VII. HENRY MYLES. 

Nov. 23— D. S. KIMSEY, postmaster at Platte City, having 
died, Thomas Kimsey administered. Bond, 15,000. Ho was a mer- 
chant at Platte City. He married Nancy White. No children. 

« » 

Nov. 25 — The Building- Committee of the Platte City Female 
Academy issue to paid-up subscribers a certificate of stock for 
each sum of $25 paid. 

Nov. 27 — There is, nominally, a daily mail from St .Louis, but 
it is brought by steamboat from Jefferson City, and is uncertain. 

AMBROSE NOLL. 

Nov. 30 — Ambrose Noll having died at Weston, Jacob Hamm 
administered. Bond, f 12,000. His wife was Josepha. Ch: 

I. MATTHIAS NOLL, went to Kansas. 

II. ALBERT NOLL, m'd . Ch : 

1. Matthias Noll (ii), b. in Germany Feb. 9, 1827; came to 
America in 1849; m'd Victoria Kurtz, b. Dec. 21, 1819. 
(Sec Jos. Kurtz.) Her children by Noll: [«] Vic- 
toria Noll, m'd Nov. 8, 1875, Ed Brill, son of Henrv. 
b. in 1851; d. Sept. 15, 1894. Oh: [/] Matthias H. 
Brill; [2] Edward E.; [3] .Clarence. [''] Matthias 
Noll (iii), a. druggist at Atchison; [ c ] Mary Noll, m'd 
May .".0, 1887, Chas. P. Breen. (See.) 

DECEMBER. 

Dee. 1 — Erasmus Perry having died, Charles A. Perry admin- 
istered. Bond, |10,000. 

Dec. 3 — Dr. Yantis, of the Presbyterian Church, commences a 
series of lectures on baptism, giving particular attention to state- 
ments made from the Baptist pulpit, at Platte Citv, by Rev. E. I. 
Owen. D.D. 

The Legislature reduces the terms of circuit court to two, and 
grants to the Platte Country Railroad $700,000, one-half to be ex- 
pended below St. Joseph, and the other half above. 

Dec. 10 — Gen. J. W. Denver is appointed secretary of Kan- 
sas, in the place of Stanton, removed. 

Dec. 17 — Governor R. J. Walker, of Kansas, resigns. 



1857, DEC. 246 BUSINESS MEN. 

Bee. 25 — Elder E. I. Owen commenced and continued his 
replies to Dr. Yantis. 

Bee. 31 — Thanksgiving: Kev. Thomas Hurst preached at 
Platte City. 

Crops — Hemp rotted early, yielded well. Wheat and corn 
are short. 

Leavenworth has 4,000 inhabitants. Lots sell at fabulous 
prices. The Planters' House is open for business. 



1858. 

OFFICERS. 



Governor, K. M. Stewart; Congressman, Jas. Craig; State 
Senator, Jesse Morin; Representatives, Duncan, Perry, and Wil- 
son; Circuit Judge, E. H. Norton; Circuit Attorney, J. M. Bas- 
sett; Circuit Clerk, W. C. Remington; Sheriff, W. H. Spratt; 
Assessor, John Swaney; School Commissioner, Geo. Robertson; 
Surveyor, Jas. S. Owens; Coroner, L. P. Stiles; Probate Judge, 
H. C. Cockrill; County Justices, Broadhurst, Hays, and Layton; 
County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Public Administrator, W. M. Paxton; 
County Attorney, J. E. Merryman. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Baker, Clark, Harrington, Hern- 
don, Merryman, Pitt, Robertson, Smith, Spratt, Tebbs, Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Brown, Eastman, Guthrie, Marshall, 
Moore, Redman, Wallace, Walling. 

Merchants, etc. — Allen (Atlas), Almond, Paxton & Owen, 
Beery, Bishop, Burge & Hogue, Clifford, Doty & Rector, Cochran, 
Conley & Adkins, Ferrier,Fleshman, Fox, Gaylord, Gordon & Todd, 
Bettish, Jenkins, Johnston, Johnston & Son, Knopf, Murray & 
Freeland, Magers, Oswold, Rector, Richards, Swanev&Christison, 
Todd, Waller & Frost, N. E. Wilkinson, Wilson, Woolfolk, Young, 
Zarn. 

Lodges— No. 56, S. M. Hayes, W. M.; W. M. Paxton, Sec. 
Melody Chapter 21, W. A. Fox, H. P. Nebraska, No. 12, P. R, New- 
man, N. G. 

Schools — H. B. Todd is principal of the female academy, and 
F. G. Gaylord of the male. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Abell & Stringfellow, Bird, Branch, 
Burnt-s. Carroll, Doniphan. Lawson, Ramage, Wolf. 



1858, JAN. 247 SLAVES SOLD. 

Physicians — Bonifant, Bowers, Bowlby, Earickson, Griswold, 
Gray, Henson, Shortridge, Stiles. 

Merchants — Basye, Bell, Branham & Norris, Collier & Rock- 
well, Oonwell & Spencer, Colman, Deitz, Doppler, George, Guen- 
ther, Goldstein, Halyard, Harper, Heriott, Kaufman, Klingstein, 
Knudson, Mettier, Meyers, Miller, Mitchell, Newman, Noble, Ott & 
Weber, Perrys & Young, Baileys, Rohring, Shannon, Shaw & New- 
house, Snell, Steubenraugb, Turner, Walker, Warner, Wells, 
Wood (mayor). 

Court of Common Pleas — S. P. S. McCurdy, judge. 

At Parkville: Ashby, Barnes, Bueneman, Burnes, Beeding, 
Clardy & Campbell, Clougb & Clough, Dale & Roberts, Davis, 
McComas & Stoddart, McDonald, Ringo, Summers & Wilson, 
Woodsmall, Woodward. 

At Camden Point: Coffey, Flack, Forbis, Hale, Rev. J. C. 
Howell (academy), Pinkard, Reed, Withers. 

.1/ Fa rley: Mason, Johnson, Falkner, Patton, Meads. 

At Bidgely: Athv & Co., Deatly & Co., Ellington, Mayo, Rev. 
R. Scott. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright, Ragsdale, 
Tufts, Wells. 

Newspapers — Argus, at Weston, by the Wiseleys. Atlas, at 
Platte City, by Ethan Allen. Courier, at Parkville, by F. M. 
McDonald. 

Kansas Governors: A. H. Rader, from October 0, 1854, to 
July 31, 1855; Wilson Shannon, from September 1, 1855, to 
August 21, 1856; J. W. Geary, from September 9, 1856, to March, 
1857; R, J. Walker, from May 24, 1857, to Dec. 7, 1857; Jas. W. 
Denver. 

During the interims, the secretary acted. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 4 — The Pro-slavery constitution submitted to the people 
of Kansas, and adopted. Free State men did not vote. 

A Free State mob, after the election, took possession of 
Leavenworth, and Gen. Calhoun and other Pro-slavery men fled to 
Weston. 

SLAVES SOLD AT PLATTE CITY BY THE SHERIFF. 

Gabriel, aged 2, $235; Reuben, aged 5, $510; Lewis, aged 4, 
$410; Lewis, aged 12, $1,000; Amelia, aged 14, $710; Jane, aged 
15, $801; Emma, aged 17, $1,000; Sarah, aged 20, $865; Permelia, 
aged 23, $993; Eliza and child, aged 30 and 1, $930; Harriet, aged 
45. $485. 

Three negro men were hired for the year, at $235, $141, and 
$135, respectively. 

Jan. 6 — William H. Summers having died, John Wilson ad- 
ministered. BoHd, $16,000. 



1858, JAN. 248 THE SUMMERS. 

THE SUMMERS FAMILY. 

The ancestors of the Summers fainil}" of Platte came to the 
Colonies, about 1700, from Holland. The mother died, and the 
father returned to Europe. The sons, John and Samuel, were 
reared by their mother's relatives. We have only to do with John. 
He taught school for 52 years, and was 119 years of age at death. 
His son, John, was a Revolutionar} 7 soldier, and witnessed the sur- 
render of Cornwallis in 1781. He was born July 26, 1764; married, 
October 26, 1786, Agnes Bell, daughter of Charles. She was born 
February 10, 1767. They came from Virginia to Kentucky, about 
1789. Their children, with dates of birth, were: 

I. SUSANNA SUMMERS, b. July 16, 1787. 
II. CARTER, b. May 6, 1789. 

III. THOMAS T., b. May 9, 1791. 

IV. JESSE, b. March 15, 1793. 
V. BENJAMIN, b. Mav 3, 1895. 

VI. LUCY, b. Mav 17, 1797. 
Yn. NANCY, b. March 7, 1799. 

VIII. MASON, b. Feb. 6, 1801. 

IX. ELIZABETH, b. Dec. 10, 1803. 
X. MARY, b. Jan. 13, 1805. 

XL JOHN T., b. Nov. 2, 1807. 

XH. EMERSON SUMMERS, b. March 25, 1810. 

I shall notice only those who came to Platte, or have de- 
scendants here. 

I. CARTER SUMMERS, 

Son of John (ii), was born in Jessamine County, Ky., May 6, 17S9: 
m'd Martha Mills, of Fleming County, Ky. Carter died in 1849. 
Children: 
I. COM. PERRY SUMMERS, m'd Emily Payne, living. Ch: 

1. Ruth Summers, m'd Chas. Ringo (i). 

2. Per. D. Summers, m'd July 28, 1870, William Goff. 

3. Geo. W. Summers, b. Feb. 14, 1846; m'd P. Williams. 

4. MolMe Summers. 5. Buddie. 

6. Mattie A., b. March 5, 1857; m'd Sept. 28, 1882, J. W. 
Stoufer, of St. Joseph. She d. Oct. 26, 1889. 
II. WILLIAM II. SUMMERS, b. in Dec, 1817. He represented 
the county in the State Legislature in 1850-51. He m'd in 
1849, Elizabeth Wilson, dr. of John, of Barry. They lived 
in Parkville, and he became an enterprising merchant. 
Only one of their three children survives: 

1. Mary, wife of T. W. Davis, Jr. 

Alter the death of Mr. Summers, his widow m'd W. J. 
1 'Minis, b. Nov. 3, 1831 ; d. Feb. 20, 1874. He was an urbane 
gentleman, a Knight Templar, and an enterprising citizen. 
Mrs. Bemis survives, with only the one living child. 



1858, JAN. 249 THE SUMMERS. 

III. JACKSON C. SUMMERS, b. in Fleming Co.. Ky„ Jan. ir>, 

1827; m'd June 19, 1850, Margarel Green, d. April 11, 1881. 
They settled near Parkville. Ch: 

1. Emma Summers, dead; m'd Jan. 12, 1871, John A. 

Baldwin, b. March 17, 1848, son of Martin. Ch: 
["] Oliver Baldwin; ['>] Win. Baldwin; [c] Lula. 
After the death of Emma, Mr. Baldwin m'd 2d, Oct. 
5, 1881, Alice V. Peed, b. June 14, 1858, dr. of Jas. A. 
Ch: [<*] Harry; [e] Otta Baldwin; [f] Charles. 

2. Charles //. Summers, m'd Sept. 1. 1881, Mattie Hoy. 

He d. in Nov., 1885, leaving: [«] Ada; [&] Chas. J. 
She m'd 2d, July 10, 1888, Lewis N. Mitchell. 

3. Nannie Summers, m'd Oct 20, 1884, Davis Lake, of 

Gallatin, Mo. 
Mr. Jackson C. Summers has been a merchant in Park- 
ville for many years. He served two terms as county court 
justice, and is regarded as one of the most honorable men 
of the county. After the death of his first wife, Judge Sum- 
mers m'd March 12, 1889, Mrs. Euphemia Mothershead, 
widow of John W. (See.) 

II. JESSE SUMMERS 

Was born in Jessamine County, Ky., March 15, 1793; m'd his 
cousin, Elizabeth Bell. They removed to Fleming Co., Ky., and, 
in 1850, came to Platte, settling near Parkville. He died in 
August, 1873. He represented Fleming in 1824-28. Ch: 

I. HIRAM SUMMERS, m'd an Eastern lady, and removed to 
Arizona, where he has become a distinguished lawyer. 
II. ANN SUMMERS, b. in Feb., 1812; m'd John Downs, a mer- 
chant and a highly esteemed citizen of Barry. Ch: 

1. William Downs, m'd Mollie Gosset. 

2. Bettie Dawns, m'd Madison Cox. 

in. MASON SUMMERS, m'd America Beeding. They live in 
Chicago. For many years Mr. Summers was an enterpris- 
ing merchant of Parkville. 

IV. ELVIRA SUMMERS, m'd Mason Hord. They live in Platts- 

burg. Mason Summers and Mason Hord were partners in 

the mercantile business at Parkville. < )h : 

1. Mary. E Hejrd, b. Sept. 10, 1847, in Mason Co., Ky.; m'd 
Jan. 10, 1871, Geo. W. Spears, b. June 8. 1845. * He is 
a son of Sol. F. Spears and Eliz. Keller, and a pros- 
perous farmer, living four miles north of Platte City. 
He served in the Confederate army, and had varied 
experience of dangers, sickness, imprisonment and 
banishment. Ch: ["] Wm. Mason Spears, b. Nov. 
29, 1871; [''] Beula, b. April 7, 1874; [<*] George, b. 
Dec. 20. 1870; [</] Mabel Spears, b. July 31, 1880. 



1858, JAN. 250 R. MEEK. 

V. WILLIAM J. SUMMERS, m'd Lizzie Bowen, nee Hazlerigg. 
No children. 

VI. ELIZABETH SUMMERS, m'd Col. F. Burnes. (See.) 

VII. EMMA SUMMERS, b. Oct. 9, 1842; m'd Dec. 24, 1858, Dr. 

Alonzo Richardson. He d. March 10, 1862, leaving: 

1. Elizabeth Richardson, b. Jan. 10, 1866; m'd in 1880, W. 

P.Baldwin. Ch: [«] Alonzo; [&] Camilla; [c] Roy. 

Mrs. Richardson m'd 2d, Dec. 14, 1884, David J. Link (see), 

b. Feb. 28, 1827; d. Aug. 5, 1892. Mrs. Link still lives, a 

genial, amiable and kind-hearted lady. 

III. MASON SUMMERS, 

Born in Jessamine County, Ky.. Feb. 6, 1801; came to Clay in 1836. 
and removed to Clinton County, where he d. June 21, 1885. He 
was a zealous member of the Christian Church, and an enthusiast 
in sacred song. He married, Dec. 4, 1823, Maria Bell. 

RICHARD MEEK. 

Jan. 19 — Richard Meek (i) died at Weston. He was twice 
married. Children by his first wife: 

I. RICHARD MEEK. He laid off Meek's Addition to Weston. 
H. JAMES MEEK. Bv his second wife, Malinda: 

III. ELIZABETH MEEK, m'd Dec. 25, 1860, E. G. Heriot, a law- 
yer, justice of the peace, and a leading citizen of Weston. 

IV. MARY J. MEEK. V. ANDREW J. VI. WILLIAM. 
VII. AMANDA. VIII. MELVINA. IX. SAMUEL. 

N. JOS. MEEK. 

Jan. 23 — Thomas W T augh having disappeared for more than 
seven years, his estate was administered on by John Carson. 
Bond, $1,500. But Waugh returned, found his lands sold, and 
received little or nothing. 

FEBRUARY. 

JAMES HARTLEY. 

Feb. 1 — James Hartley having died, Emily Hartley adminis- 
tered. Bond, $2,000. Ch: 

I. JOHN C. HARTLEY, m'd Feb. 16, 1S79, Lottie E. Link. dr. 
of David. (See.) 
II. JAM ES HARTLEY. 
HI. MARY HARTLEY, m'd Sept. <;, 1857, William Wallace, son 
of Andrew, b. in Ireland, and settled in 1842 on the Missouri 
River, below Leavenworth. William d. March 5, 1889. 
His widow survives. Ch: 

1. Richard Wallace. 

2. May Wallace, m'd May 15. 1888, D. S. P. Harrington, of 

Parley. Ch: [«] Maud Harrington. 



1858, FEB. 251 WILLIAM GIBSON. 



WILLIAM GIBSON. 

Feb. ') — William Gibson having died, his daughter, Mary A. 
Marsh, administered. Bond, $1,500. He was one of the earliest 
settlers of the county, and made his claim on the Garrison road, a 
mile east of Martinsville, precisely at the geographical center of 
the county. lie was a genial and intelligent mechanic, and a 
well-read Universalis!. Controversy was his delight. His argu- 
ments were captious, and his prejudices strong. Oh : 

I. M ARY A. GIBSON, m'd John S. Marsh. (See.) 
II. DR. ISAAC W. GIBSON, m'd Elizabeth Watts. He pos- 
sessed some brilliance, and enjoyed boisterous company. 
Children : 

1. Sarah I. Gibson, b. April 27, 1839, in Martinsville; m'd 
in Livingistou Co., Mo., Dec. 29, 1863, Morgan Kay, 
b. June 8, 1829, in Franklin Co., Pa. They reside one 
mile northeast of Platte Citv on a small farm. Ch: 
[('] Iva Kay, b. Dec. 12, 1865; m'd Dec. 12, 1888, W. J. 
Spain. Ch: [1] Olivia. H., b. in Sept., 1890; 
[2] Burnett, b. in Dec, 1891. [&] Margaret E. Kay, 
b. Aug. 13, 1872. 

JOHN McKINNEY. 

Feb. 15 — John McKinnev having died, his widow, Nancy, ad- 
ministered. Bond, |5,000. Ch: 

I. JOHN McKINNEY. II. LUOYM. III. SARAH. 
IV. WILLIS H. V. FRANCIS M. VI. HENRY G. 

VII. ADELIA A. McKINNEY, m'd June 30, 1873, Jesse McCall. 

VIII. MARY J. IX. ELIZ. B. 

CHAS. W. BINGLEY. 

Feb. 22 — Charles W. Bingley having died, A. G. Brown admin 
istered. Bond, f 16,000. His widow was Mary S. He was a gen- 
tleman of intelligence and honor. He lived near Farley. Ch: 
I. AMANDA BINGLEY, m'd W. W. Sanders. 

II. ELIZA JANE BINGLEY, m'd Jan. 1, 1856, Ben S. Powell. 

They lived near Farley. He enlisted in the Confederate 
army; was at the Siege of Vicksburg, and saw hardships 
and dangers. He left Platte after the war, and died. Ch : 
1. Arista Poicell. 
III. JOSEPHINE BINGLEY, m'd June 28, 1860, Alf. S. Dav. 
TV. KANSAS BINGLEY, m'd Jas. Pickens, of Kansas. 
V. ERRELLA BINGLEY, m'd O. P. Edwards. 
VI. MARTHxV A. (MELISSA). 
Vn. BARTLEY BINGLEY, d. in 1871. VIII. LOR A M. 

IX. ARISTA. X. CHARLES J. XL ALFRED BINGLEY. 

ISAAC MUNDY. 

Feb. 27 — Isaac Mundy died. He was born in Halifax County, 
Yi\., May 30, 1814. His father was Jesse, whose mother was 



1858, MARCH. 252 BURGESS FAMILY. 

Helen Bruce, a grand-niece of Bruce of Bannockburn. Isaac mar- 
ried Lucy Hines. born June 8, 1815, in Patrick County, Va., living. 
They came to Weston in 1859. Henry Hines, father of Lucy, 
was born in 1TG9, and died in June, 1863. Children of Isaac 
and Lucy: 

I. MARY E. MUNDY, b. May 10, 1836; m'd May 3, 1860, L. W. 
Ringo. Oh : 

1. Lucy Ringo, b. March 18, 1862; d. March 8, 1870. 
H. RICHARD H. MUNDY, b. Jan. 16, 1811; m'd Jan. 16, 1868, 
Louisa H. Magers, b. in 1816; d. March 28, 1889; dr. of 
Deidrick. Ch: 

1. Henri/ Munch/, b. in 1868; d. in 1894. 

2. Richard, b. in 1872. 3. Anna Mundy, b. in 1871. 
1. Frank, b. in 1878. 5. Amelia, b. in 1881. 

6. William Mundy, b. in 1881. 7. Florence, b. in 1887. 
R, H. Mundy m'd 2d, Aug. 28, 1890, Mrs. Hannah T. 
Swarthout, ne'e Tebbs. No children. He is an Odd Fel- 
low and a Knight of Pythias. 
in. ANNIE E. MUNDY, b. Jan. 20, 1843; m'd Sept. 11, 1865, Thos. 
C. Magers, b. Sept. 9, 1841. Oh: 

1. Roy, b. May 19, 1874; m'd Aug. 26, 1896, Bertha Welt- 
ner. They live in Colorado. 
IV. JOHN B. MUNDY, m'd Lizzie (Amelia) Overbeck. (See.) 
V. JAMES P. MUNDY, b. Aug. 30, 1854; m'd Jan. 20, 1879, Ada 
M.Gilbert. Ch: 

1. Frank G., b. Sept. 14, 1880. 

VI. MATTIE T. MUNDY', b. Aug. 30, 1857; m'd Oct. 23, 1878, B. F. 

Harum. Ch : 

1. Guy M., b. Oct. 1, 1879. 2. Mabel C, b. March 13, 1SS3. 

3. Max S., b. March 3, 1887. 4. Isaac, b. April 30, 1892. 

VII. VIRGINIA B. MUNDY', b. April 28, 1845. 

MAECH. 

March 2 — John Burgess died. 

THE BURGESS FAMILY. 

Edward Burgess, of England, came to Virginia about 1760. 
He married a Miss Francis, and their son, John Burgess, was the 
progenitor of the Platte County family. He was born in Virginia 
in February, 1777; married, in 1801, Jane Shannon, born November 
'11. 1 782, dr. of James Shannon, of Taswell County, Virginia. They 
removed to Lawrence County, Ivy., in 1804, and to Platte in 1840. 
He was ;i soldier of the War of 1812, and was esteemed for intelli- 
gence, enterprise, ;md courage. He settled on a farm northeast 
of New Market. His posterity are wealthy and influential. Oh: 
I. NANCY S. BURGESS, b. May 7, 1803, in Virginia; d. in 
Platte July 29, 1885; m'd in Lawrence County. Ivy., Aug. 7, 
L825, Joseph Davidson, b. in Virginia April 15, 1802; d. in 
Platte Feb. 10, 1863. They were zealous members of the 



1858, MARCH. 253 BURGESS FAMILY. 

M. E. Church, and highly esteemed for their virtues. Cli. 

1. Jane li. Davidson, b. •June 23, 1826; m'd July IT. L855, 

A. E. Oleavenger, b. Sept. 17," 1826; d. Feb. It. L893. 
They lived near Leavenworth, Kansas, on a valuable 
farm of 320 acres. Oh: ["] Joseph Oleavenger; 
[''] John; ['] Asa; [ (I ] Rebecca, is a school-teacher, 
of superior accomplishments, and her name has been 
mentioned for State superintendent of schools; 
[e] Nannie, m'd Hon. J. M. Corey; [f] Moses; 
[.'/] Mary Oleavenger. 

2. Mary s. Davidson, b. Dec. 28, 1827; d. Dec. 4, 1S70; m'd 

Dec. 27, 1867, John W. Ellis. 

3. Wesley Davidson, b. Dec. 13, 1828; m'd Oct. 11, 1860, 

Sarah M. Burns. 

4. Julia Ann B. Davidson, b. Jan. 7, 1830; d. June 10, 187.1 ; 

m'd Oct. 10, 1859, Robert Bryant. 

5. Chunandu Davidson, b. April 24, 1831; m'd March 11. 

1808, William Scott. 
<;. Cynthia A. Davidson, b. May 15, 1832; m'd June 19, 
1859, Andrew J. Stagner, b. Dec. 11, 1830, in Madison 
Co., Ky.; d. in Platte Jan. 29, 1874. He was a son of 
Thos. J. Stagner and Nancy Maupin. Thos. J. Stag- 
ner was a son of James, and was born in Kentucky 
June 13, 1792. His wife, Nancy Maupin, b. Dec. 2, 
1803, was a daughter of Thomas Maupin, a Revolu- 
tionary soldier. After visiting California, and en- 
gaging in various enterprises, Mr. A. J. Stagner 
located, in 1858, on what is now the site of Dearborn. 
His widow still lives, and has acquired wealth by 
her Dearborn property. Oh: ["] Thomas J. Stag- 
ner, m'd March 17, 1890, Jennie Simmons, of Bu- 
chanan. Ch: [1] Buela. [ h ] Jennie Stagner, 
m'd Dr. James Watson, of Dearborn. She is well 
educated and accomplished, as my correspondence 
with her shows. [<'] Mary E. Stagner m'd Dr. Edwin 
L. Wells, a druggist of lie Kalb, Mo. Ch: [ /] Mat; 
[2] a boy. [ d ] Andrew Newton Stagner; [«] Julia 
M. Stagner. 

7. John A. B. Davidson, b. Jan. 15, 1S34; m'd dune 24, 1858, 

Sarah M. Dockerv. 

8. Eliz. H. Davids,, i,, b. April 28, 1835. 

9. Jos. A. Davidson, b. Aug. 26, 1839; d. Jan. 5, 1885; m'd 

-Ian. s, 1868, Margaret A. Merchant, b. -Ian. 31, 1851. 
He was a farmer and an honored Mason. Ch: 
["] John; [''] Elizabeth; [c] Eugene; ["] William. 

10. Melissa D. Davidson, b. June 19, 1841; m'd Nov. 12, 

1868, Monroe King, 

11. Cornelius Davidson, b. June 11, 1S44. 

11. GEO. R, BURGESS, b. Nov. 20, 1806; d. in Kentucky, in 1879. 
lib CORNELIUS M. BURGESS, b. in Lawrence To., Kv.. in 



1858, MARCH. 254 BURGESS FAMILY. 

1809; d. in Platte April 2, 1859; ui'd Dec. 3, 1832, Vienna 
Spencer, b. Aug. 27, 1815; d. Oct. 14, 1882. She was a 
daughter of James Spencer and Sarah L. Martin. Mr. C. 
M. Burgess came to Platte in 1843, and settled near New 
Market. He was a large and chivalrous gentleman, of gen- 
erous nature and undoubted courage. Mrs. Burgess was 
a large and handsome woman, of dignified bearing and 
amiable disposition. After his death, a large and fertile 
farm was partitioned among his children. Ch : 

1. Sarah H. Burgess, b. Oct. 19, 1833; m'd March 21, 1854, 

Floyd Shannon, b. Nov. 15, 1816; d. March 8, 1887. 
Ch: [ a ] Georgiana Shannon, b. 'Jan. 7, 1855; m'd 
James E. Fulkerson. [ & ] Eugene Shannon, b. May 
16, 1857; m'd Jan. 13, 1892, Ida Terrv, dr. of James. 

2. Geo. ^Y. Burgess, b. March 27, 1839 ; m'd July 4, 1861, 

Phoebe A. Nower, dr. of Joseph. Oh: [ a ] Tombs 
Burgess, b. April 29, 1862; m'd Aug. 1, 1889, May 
Wright; [&] Joie; [c] Neva; [<*] Ben. 

3. Nancy Burgess, b. Sept. 27, 1841; m'd Dec. 8, 1864, 

Wm. Samuel Nower, b. in Jan., 1836 ; d. in July, 1884. 
Ch: [«] Jos. F. Nower; [&] Geo. G.; [ c ] Vienna; 
[d] Julia; [ e ] Samuel; [f] Cornelius; [v] Vandine 
Nower. 

4. Julia D. Burgess, b. Oct. 19, 1844. 

5. Cornelius M. Burgess (ii), b. Sept. 17,, 1849; d. May 20, 

1883; m'd Oct. 12, 1882, Laura Hamil. He gradu- 
ated at the Missouri University in 1871, and at Ann 
Arbor, Mich., in 1875 ; entered on the practice of law, 
in Texas, and was killed under circumstances of 
grave suspicion of murder. No children. 

6. Floyd S. Burgess, b. June 1, 1854; m'd Feb. 20, 1895, 

Cleora Wright. 

7. John J. Burgess, b. March 16, 1852. He was elected 

collector of Platte County in November, 1892. and re- 
elected in November, 1894. He married in 1894. 

8. Luella Burqess, b. Nov. 29, 1856; d. Jan. 17, 1889. 

IV. SAMrEL BURGESS, b. Dec. 26, 1813; m'd May Williams. 
Thev went to Kansas and died. 
V. JOHN S. BURGESS, b. May 19, 1817; d. in 1881 ; m'd Sarah 
Cockrell. 

VI. CYNTHIA A. BURGESS, b. Dec. 23, 1819; d. Feb. 25, 1890; 
m'd R. M. Stafford. 

Vn. JULIA A. BURGESS, b. July 6, 1821; d. in 1881 ; m'd James 
Winn, of Buchanan. 

VTH ALBERT H. BURGESS, b. Jan. 18. 1824. in Lawrence Co., 
Ky.; m'd June 6, 1854, Ann C. Cother, dr. of Reuben and 
Charlotte Cother. She was born May 12, 1833; and died, 
childless, Nov. 13, 1854. A. H. Burgess m'd 2d, in Nov., 
1857, Frances G. Clay. dr. of Johnson. Mr. Burgess lives at 
Dearborn, a town which he laid off and sold. He possesses 



1858, MARCH. 255 JOHN P. BAILEY. 



intelligence and Christian meekness. lie is much beloved 
for his virtues and graces. .Mrs. Burgess was born in Cole 
County, Mo., August 30, 1830. Ch : 

1. Laura Burgess, b. Nov. 10, 1S00. 

2. John C. Burgess, b. Oct. 7, 1873. 

March 3 — Cyrus Saunders having died, Cynthia P. Saunders 
administered. Bond, $5,000. 

March 9 — Free St;ite men of Kansas hold an election of dele- 
gates for a Constitutional ('(invention, which met, chose Jas. H. 
Lane president, formed a constitution, and adjourned April 3d. 

The Missouri River is open for navigation. 

March 16 — The prisoners in the county jail make a strike for 
liberty. Having been furnished with an auger, they bored out a 
log, and gained admittance to the stairway, upon which the outer 
door opened. When the jailer entered, the prisoners seized him; 
but the boy who attended him closed the door and called for 
assistance. The plan failed. 

JOHN P. BAILEY. 

March 19 — John P. Bailey having died, B. W. Bailey admin- 
istered. Bond, $0,000. John I*. Bailey was born in South Caro- 
lina, but when a boy moved to Monroe County, Ky. He married 
Barthenia Bailey, and came to the northwestern part of Platte in 
1850. His widow survives. Ch: 

I. JOSIAH M. BAILEY, b. in Monroe Co., Kv., Oct. 5, 1830; m'd 
Dec. 28, 18G9, Georgiana Varble. Ch : 

1. Olive Bailey. 2. Gertrude. 3. Thomas J. 
4. Robert E.Bailei/. 5. Albert W. 
II. NEWTON BAILEY. 
III. ALTAMIRA BAILEY, m'd J. S. Yocom. 
IY. MILTON BAILEY. Y.OPHELIA. YI. JOHN A. 
YII. LINDSAY. VIII. ELLA T. BAILEY. IX. ATCHISON. 
X. DAVID BAILEY. 

March 20 — J. J. Throckmorton takes charge of the Virginia 
Hotel, at Platte City. 

March 27— Platte County is now out of debt, with $3,000 in 
the treasury. 

APRIL. 

April 1 — Slaves sold publicly at Platte City at the following 
prices, each: $075, $830, $525, $350, $1,000, $350, $285, $705, $000. 
$900, $900. 

Slaves hired for the year, in advance, eabh : $207. $232, $191, 

$210, $201, $175, $180, $131, $150, $125. 

Land sold by the sheriff, publicly, per acre: $40, $20, $12, $24. 



1858, APRIL 256 THE BRIGHTWELLS. 



Platte City elected the following town board: E. W. Clif- 
ford, president; W. M. Paxton, treasurer; A. Burge, R. P. Clark, 
S. Doty, J. Beery, and H. B, Wallace, members. 

The Atlas now reports proceedings of all courts. 

April 6 — James M. Bell is appointed superintendent of the 
poor-house, in place of James Holland. The poor-house was at 
what is now Atchison Junction. 

April 8 — Ptolemy Brightwell died near Parkville. 

THE BRIGHTWELL FAMILY. 

Richard and Elizabeth Brightwell, of Spottsylvania County, 
Ya., were the progenitors of the Brightwell family of Platte. Oh: 
I. WALLER L. BRIGHTWELL, will be noticed hereafter. 
II. WYATT BRIGHTWELL, of Virginia. 
HI. JOHN B RIGHT WELL, of Virginia. 
IV. SALLIE BRIGHTWELL, m'd John Johnson, of Virginia. 

V. MARY BRIGHTW ELL, m'd a Pitcher, in Virginia. 
VI. PTOLEMY BRIGHTWELL, b. in Virginia in 1800; d. in 
Platte April 8, 1858. He was, for years, a prosperous mer- 
chant in Staunton, Va., and was an urbane gentleman. 
He came to Platte about 1856. He m'd 1st, a Johnson, and, 
after her death, m'd 2d, Fannie Todd, a cousin of Prof. H. 
B.Todd. Hisch: 

1. Fernando Brightwell, of Lexington, Mo. 

2. E. T. Brightwell, a business man, and justice of the 

peace, of Parkville, b. in Virginia Jan. 13, 1831; came 
with his father in 1856; m'd Feb. 4, 1862, in Virginia, 
Sallie Hopkins, b. in 1839. Ch : ["1 Alberta Bright- 
well, m'd Oct. 11, 1884, William Nash, son of John H. 
Ch: [1] Mabel Nash; [2] Laventa; [3] Dora; 
[.'/] May; [J] Stella. [»] Francis De Witt Bright- 
well ; [c ] Annie, m'd June 6, 1894, Jas. W. Davis, son 
of John; [#] Mary Brightwell. 

3. Mary Brightwell. 

4. Sallie, m'd March 29, 1859, John McWilliams. 

5. Harriet. 

Ptolemy Brightwell left other children in Virginia. 

April 10— Senator T. H. Benton died. 

April 1.'i — Almond, Paxton & Owen convey 11| acres of land, 
a half-mile south of Platte City, for the Female' Academy. 

April 11 — The Platte Country Railroad from Kansas City to 
St. Joseph: A mooting at Now Market, R. G. Barber chairman, 
and N. P. Ogden secretary, pledged $10,000 to said railroad on 
condition it passed through Platte City and New Market. They 
also ask. m1 Hi,- county court to take #200,000 of stock, on like 
conditions. 



1858, MAY. 267 COUNTY FINANCES. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Receipts, $18,125.13; expenditures, $11,288.34. 

s fieri fie Expenditures. 

Bridge at Crosswhite's I 100.00 

Bridge at Boss 20S.no 

Lower Bee ('reck bridge 715.00 

Bridge at Rialto 500.00 

Other bridges and roads 1,186.00 

Poor-house farm 500.00 

Poor 1.930.00 

Stationery 360.00 

Court-house 199.00 

Jail 500.00 

Printing 159.00 

Sheriff (Spratt) 892.00 

Circuit Clerk (Remington) 756.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 1,202.00 

Treasurer (Freeland) 575.00 

Assessors. 100.00 

County Court .Justices (Broadhurst, Hays, and Layton). 336.00 

County Attorney (Merryman) 111.00 

Sundries ' 959.34 

Total $11,288.34 

Assessment, $7,749,499.00. < Jounty levy, 25 cents. 

Receipts and expenses for a series of years, as made out bv 
"Taxpayer," in the Atlas of July 17. 1858: 

Year. Receipts. Expenses. 

1S47 | 5,957.00 $ 8,539.80 

1848 4,184.99 1,916.26 

1849 7,703.40 9,164.36 

1850 5,757.00 9,927.79 

1851 7,315.05 10,796.20 

1.852 14,022.10 8,238.81 

1853 16,023.70 6,976.94 

1854 18,190.77 7,215.37 

1855 9,314.80 12,392.96 

1856 (no statement) 

1857 L3,568.00 14,762.59 

1858 18.125.1:: 11,280.32 

"Taxpayer" maintains that $10,296.64 more has been paid in 
than has been paid" out, and that sum ought to be in the treasury. 
But he overlooks the item of interest paid on warrants, which will 
account for the discrepancy. 

17- 



1858, MAY. 258 MECHANICS' BANK. 



WESTON BRANCH OF MECHANICS' BANK. 

May 1 — The Legislature having - established a system of 
banks, each with branches scattered over the State, the Mechanics' 
Bank established a branch at Weston. Weston and Platte City 
took stock liberally. Clinton Cockrill was chosen president, and 
Geo. T. Hulse cashier. Platte City subscribed $21,000, and the 
total stock taken was about f 100,000. 

MAY DAY AT PLATTE CITY ACADEMY. 

Prof. Todd made a grand display. He had 202 scholars. 
Miss Mollie Gabbert (Ballard) was chosen Queen, and Miss Mattie 
Cockrill Flora. The following represented various sprites: Clara 
Almond. Jennie and Kate Almond, Fannie and Lizzie Arnold, 
Mattie Ballou, Lue. Beal, Bettie and Julia Brown, Ann Brady, 
Sue Christie, Georgie Clark, Emma Cockrill, Laura Cordray, 
Hannah and Mary Creal, Mollie Davenport, Irene Dougherty, 
Nannie Ecton, Estelle Ellington, Eliza Elley, Anna Flint, Alice 
Freeland, Lizzie Harrington, Hattie Harvey, Amanda Hunt, Mat- 
tie Jack, Buckie and Reb. Johnston, Alice Layton, Gertrude 
McLane, Clemmie Marshall, Amelia Moore, Mary Morrison, Annie 
Murdoch, Carrie Murray, Mattie Nichols, Sena. Nuckols, Laura and 
Mollie Owen, Annie and Tillie Paxton, Emma Pence, Alice and 
Cleora Quimby, Mary Remington, Lou Rhea, Mollie Risk, Sue 
Ross, Katie Saunders, Laura Scarce, Abbie Shafer, Vinie and 
Tissie Skillman, Jennie Spratt, Anna Stockwell, Laura Swaney, 
Cynthia Tribble, Christie Trundle, Jennie Toole, Hattie Wallace, 
Helen and Laura Wallace, Bettie Wilhite. 

I knew all these lovely girls. They are now the matrons in 
many households. By consulting my index, the reader may trace 
the lives of many of them. Prof. Todd did much to raise the 
standard of female education and wifely accomplishment in Platte 
County. 

May 8 — A public meeting at Parkville recommended the route 
of the Platte Country Railroad through Platte City and New 
Market, and asked the county court to take $200,000 stock. 

May 12 — lames W. Denver becomes governor of Kansas. 

May 7.9— Charles H. Kay having died, W. T. Middleton ad 
ministered. Bond, $10,000. 

May 20 — The county court having appropriated $.'i,000 for the 
erection of three offices on Lots 10 and 11, Block 25, Platte City 
(the eastern office for the circuit clerk, the middle for the probate 
court, and the western for the county clerk), the lowest bid offered 
was $4,800, by Mr. Holm, and this was rejected. But the offices 
were afterwards built by Mr. W. Lowry. 

Jesse Morin is appointed register of the land office at Ft. 
Scott. Kansas. 



1858, MAY. 259 JOHN KERR. 

May 21 — JOHN KERB having died. Burke McOomas admin- 
istered. Bond, $6,000. His widow was Jane, and they had one 
child. I leorge. 

Circus at Parkville, and on the 28th at Platte City. The 
calliope, making music by steam, was an object of much curiosity. 

JUNE. 

June I — A daily hack runs from Platte City to Leavenworth. 
Fare each way, $1.00. 

Democratic Convention me! at Barry, and nominated Judge 
.1. T. V. Thompson for State senator. 

By arrangement of the building committee, likenesses of 
some seventy of the patrons of the Platte City Female Academy 
were taken by the artist. Addis, and hung up in the hall. These 
were taken away by Mr. \Y. K. Faulconer, and I have tried in vain 
lo recover them. 

Work commences on the St. Joe & Atchison Railroad. 

The port of Weston has been destroyed by a change of the 
channel of the Missouri River. 

The Atlas is peculiarly happy in its poets. Horndon, Hutchi- 
son. "Clara" and Wood furnish some admirable pieces. 

June 3 — Examination of Platte City Female Academy com- 
mences, and lasts four days. It is largelj' attended. 

June ')' — Hickory Grove Church dedicated by Rev. Jos. Devlin. 

OVERFLOW. 

June 10 — This is the year of the second great overflow of the 
Missouri and Platte rivers, in the records of Platte County. The 
overflow of 1826 preceded the settlement of Platte. The overflow 
of 1S44 surpassed all others. The whole Missouri bottom was sub- 
merged. In 1858 the whole bottom was covered, except about 
fifty acres of J. E. Ireland's farm. The Platte in 1844 covered 
nearly all the site of Tracy. In 1858 the depot ground was scarcely 
submerged, and about one-eighth of an acre at the old steam mill 
was above water; and on this point, elevated by the sawdust, the 
hogs belonging to Almond, Paxton & Owen were gathered and 
fed. The rise of 1844 was 20 inches higher than that of 1858, and 
the water in 1858 was 10 inches higher than at any subsequent 
rise. 

•July 1, 1858, a second rise of the Platte occurred, 10 inches 
lower than June 10th of the same year. In the old water mill I 
had marks of both rises (1844 and 1858). and also on the large 
steam flouring mill, north of the Weston road. In 1838 the water 
was overhead at the steam mill. On the old wooden bridge at 
Platte City both rises were marked, showing 1858 was 20 inches 



1858, JUNE. 260 WILLIAM YOCOM. 

below 1844. In 1858 the water was 10 inches above the second 
floor, and we lost 3.000 bushels of wheat. 

June 15 — Roads almost impassable. The ferryboat Leaven- 
worth City brought fifty tons of merchandise from Weston to 
Platte City, by way of Platte River. It was the occasion of an- 
other big spree. 

Fruit uncommonly promising, but wheat, though good, is 
ruined in the shock by rain, and, after threshing, it mildewed in 
the garner; much wheat brought to the mill was musty. 

The Utah War is ended. 

Hoopskirts are nearly out of fashion. 

June 16— WM. K. FERRER having died, the widow, Martha 
J. Ferber, administers. Rond, $15,000. Ch: 1, Wm. A. Ferber; 
2, Kingman. 



*£>' 



WILLIAM YOCOM. 

June 18 — William Yocoin having died, his widow, Polly, ad- 
ministers. Rond, $3,500. Ch: 

I. SARAH H. YOCOM, m'd Branch A. Trent. They lived near 
Farley. Mr. Trent was a justice of the peace and a man of 
superior judgment and business qualifications. 
n. GEO. W. YOCOM. HI. ELIZABETH J„ m'd a Wilson. 
IV. WM. G. YOCOM. V. MOSES. VI. R. EMELINE YOCOM. 

June 20 — Virgil C. Hollingsworth, born in Todd County, Ky., 
December 17, 1832; died at Platte City June 20, 1858; came 'in 
1853. He was a younger brother of L. F. and R. F. Hollingsworth, 
and unmarried. 

JULY. 

July 4 — The day was observed at Platte City by a long pro- 
cession from the court-house to Atchison Hill, where an immense 
crowd heard speeches from Almond, Clark, Herndon, Hudson, 
Lawson, Pitt, and Wolf. 

Public sales of land: $13 and $0.25 per acre. Of slaves: 
$875, $1,000, $500 each. 

Craig, Birch, and Adams are candidates for Congress. Rirch 
and Craig are hostile. 

July 19 — Samuel J. Turner having died, Richard E. Turner 
administered. Rond. $16,000. 

Population of Leavenworth. 10,000. St. Joseph is lighted 
with gas. J. A. Johnston and Clay Withers open a general store 
in Platte City. S. Johnson removes his goods to Omaha. 



1858, AUG. 261 THE ELECTION. 

AUGUST. 
THE ELECTION. 

Congressman — las. Craig, 1,412; -las. II. Adams. 1.128. 

State Senator— J. T. V. Thompson, L338; J. H. Layton, 1,178. 

Representatives— S. McGuire, 1,207; .J. E. Pitt, 1,188; Jesse 
Miller, 1,144; II. Wolf. 1,095. 

Sheriff— W. K. Bryant 1,482; R. I). .Johnston, 1,000. 

•Justice of County Court — J. F. Broadhurst, 1,352; P. Dnnlap, 
1,075; Jerry Woods, 902; -Joseph Edwards. 041; K, ( J. Baber, 587. 

Circuit Clerk— W. C. Remington 1,317; W. H. Spratt, 1,186. 

County Clerk— D. P. Lewis, 1,578; E. O. Savle. 089. 

Treasurer— H.J. Freeland. 1,399; M. X. Owen, 1,032. 

( Joroner— L. P. Stiles, 918; Jas. ( >sborn, 818. 

Marshal Weston Court of Common Pleas — G-. W. Hood. 365; 
D.P. Wallingf ord, 352. 

In the Congressional District. Craig was elected over Adams 
by 5.000 majority. 

B. F. ROBERTSON (i). 

Aug. 5 — B. F. Robertson (i) having died, his widow, Cynthia, 
; id ministered. Bond, $10,000. Ch: 

I. ROBERT ROBERTSON. II. BENJ. F. (iii. III. JOSIAH. 
IV. GEORGE. V. WILLIAM ROBERTSON. 

Aug. 12 — Platte River lias fallen, and the water mill is 
running. 

Aug. 20— Revival in the Christian Church, at Smithville; 1G0 
accessions. 

W. H. OWENS. 

Aug. 23 — W. II. Owens having died. Jacob Smelser adminis- 
tered. Bond. 11,000. Ch: 

I. MARTHA OWENS. II. ALBERT M. III. FRANK M. 
IV. LUCY M. Y. ELIZA J. OWENS. 
VI. WM. HARVEY OWENS iii). 

GEO. GALLOWAY. 

Aug. 29 — Coo. Galloway died at his home, north of Weston, 
aged 07 years. He was a portly gentleman, of superior intelli- 
gence, confirmed in his Democratic principles, a stickler for 
State rights (insomuch that he was called "Old Constitution"), 
and fond of discussion. Though a farmer, he was a lively poli- 
tician. His wife. Louisa EL, survived him. Ch: 

I. JANE GALLOWAY, m'd .Jonathan F. Wyatt 
II. ELIZABETH GALLOWAY. III. JOSEPH W. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. I — John W. Boss enrolled as an attorney. 



1858, SEPT. 262 THE DOUGHERTYS. 

Sept. 6 — The Platte is again out in low bottoms. Mr. Lowry 
lost 80,000 brick by the overflow. 

Sept. 7 — Delilah Dougherty haying died, Anderson Hord 
administered. 

THE DOUGHERTY FAMILY. 

CHARLES DOUGHERTY was a small farmer, of Mason Co., 
Ky. He married Delilah Calvert. I knew him well in my boy- 
hood. He was an Irishman and possessed the wit and "blarney" 
of a native of the Green Isle. He was fond of spirits, and, under 
excitement, was merry and jovial. In 1842 he sold his farm in 
Mason County, came west, and settled near Ridgely. Here he was 
drowned in Dick's Creek, a year later. Ch : 

I. MARY DOUGHERTY, was handsome and accomplished. 
She m'd 1st, Samuel C. Bowers, from whom she was 
divorced, without children. She then married, Jan. 8, 1857, 
John Bryant, b. in Fauquier Co., Va., in 1790; and came to 
Platte, and, after raising a family by his first wife (see Jno. 
Brvant), and no children bv his second, died in June, 1885. 
II. ANN DOUGHERTY, d. in 1882; m'd Sept. 7, 1858, Anderson 
Hord, who was a native of Mason Co., Kv., and d. in Platte 
Jan. 4, 1885. Oh: 

1. James Hord, m'd Addie Soward, dr. of Alfred. She d. 

April 12, 1881. Addie was the only child of Alfred 
Soward, b. in Mason Co., Ky., April 22, 1810, and his 
wife was Rachel Brewer. Ch: [°] Alf. H. Hord, 
m'd April 13, 1892, Ella M. Risk (see); [»] Ander- 
son Hord (ii); [ c ] Harry B.; [ rf ] Hortense. 

2. Charles Hord. 3. Nannie Hord. m'd a Davis. 

4. Hattie Hard, m'd a Dunbar. 

5. Maggie, m'd Jas. Smith (third wife), son of Ad. G. 

6. Mary Hord. d. Aug. 3, 1881; m'd in 1871, Geo. W. 

Kyle. (See.) 
III. WM. H. DOUGHERTY, b. in Mason Co., Kv., Nov. 25. 
1820; d.in Platte July 13, 1891; m'd March 6, 1844, Mary P. 
Miller, dr. of Ben. She d. June 20, 1874. He was a good 
surveyor, a genial companion, an upright citizen, and was 
highly esteemed. In 1881 he was appointed county sur- 
veyor, in place of W. V. Slone, deceased, and was elected to 
the same office in 1882. Ch: 

1. Fannie Dougherty, dead; married Nov. 20, 1877, Pleas- 

ant W. Chinn. She died, leaving: ["] Harry Chinn; 
[&] Frank. 

2. Sarah C. Dougherty, m'd Oct. 24. 1882, G. W. Kyle. 

(See.) 
::. Nannie Dougherty, m'd March 5, 1890, H. S. Cochran. 

4. Minnie Dougherty, m'd Charles Miller, of Lawrence. 

Kansas. 

5. Charles Dougherty. 



1858, SEPT. 263 DAVID SMITH 

Sept. k— Fire in Weston. Loss: F. Kaufman, $4,500; 
Shaw & Newhouse, $6,000; .John Deitz, $10,000; City, $3,000. 

DAVID SMITH. 

Sept. 15 — David Smith, colored, was basely murdered at his 
home, on the .Missouri, below Leavenworth, by a gang of outlaws. 
A free negro, he was honest and industrious, and owned a good 
farm. He left a son. Henry C. Smith, born in Independence, Mo., 
September 5, 1845. Our fellow-citizen, R. F. Mason, became his 
guardian, and gave him a good education. He became protege 
of Senator Bruce (colored), of Mississippi, and was employed in 
the Treasury Department at Washington. He held the office of 
State superintendent of schools of Mississippi. He is a rising 
man among the negroes of the South and West. 

Sept. 20— Dv. Erasmus S. ( flardy died at Parkville. Clardy & 
Broadhurst administered. Bond, $5,000. 

THE CLARDY FAMILY. 

NORMAN S. CLARDY was born in Virginia in 1774; mar- 
ried Rachel Johnson, born in 1 787. They were parents of Johnson 
and Giles C. Clardy. 

I. JOHNSON CLARDY. was father of Dr. E. S. Clardy, of Park- 
ville, whose death has just been noticed. Dr. Clardy was a 
learned phvsician. He m'd a Miss Ottoc. 
II. GILES C. CLAEDY, b. in Warren Co., Ky., June 10, 1813. 
He was a farmer in Platte, near Smithville; a merchant in 
that village, and postmaster at Smithville during Harrison's 
administration. He m'd Oct. 1, 1835, Araminta Adams, 
dr. of Jas. F. She was born in Tennessee March 28, 1817. 
They came to Platte in 1840. He is an uncle of Hon. M. L. 
Clardy, member of Congress from Missouri. Ch: 

1. Garland C. Clardy, b. Dec. 2(5, 1836; m'd Sept. 10, 1861, 

Margaret V. Waller, dr. of Absalom. 

2. Amanda F. Clardy, b. Aug. 16, 1837; dead; m'd Jos. 

Duncan, son of Jas.; 3 children. 

3. James T. Clardy, b. April 1, 1842; killed in April, 1870; 

m'd June 27, 1867, Lou Todd; 2 children. 

4. Martha M. Clardi/, b. Oct. 16, 1846; m'd Jan. 29, 1867. 

E. P». Thatcher, son of Daniel; 2 children. ] 

5. OUes W. (lardy, b. March 3, 1840; m'd 1st, Eliza 

Thomas; 3 children; m'd 2d, Minnie Thomas (sister; 
no children. 

Sept. 21— HAZEL L. BUTTS having died, J. F. Rroadhurst 
administered. Bond, $8,000. He lived on the prairie, seven miles 
southeast of Platte City. He was a man of sound judgment, and 
discharged the duties of a justice of the peace with credit. His 
widow was Mary A. Ch: 1, Frances A. Butts; 2, William; 
3, James T. Butts, and an infant. All left the county. 



1858, SEPT. 264 KANSAS AFFAIRS. 

KANSAS AFFAIRS. 

Sept. 23 — A letter of this date states: "Business in Kansas is 
dead. The town of Delaware has come to nothing — people are 
leaving for the Colorado mines. Lands near Leavenworth sell at 
from $10 to $15 per acre. Stay laws, valuation laws, and home- 
stead laws so protect debtors, that collections are almost 
impossible. 

LEAVENWORTH ISLAND. 

Sept. 21 — Weeden Meshon having filed his affidavit, stating 
i bat the Missouri now (1858) runs west of the island, the acting 
commissioner of the General Land Office decided that, with that 
testimony before him, he would regard the island as subject to the 
jurisdiction of Missouri. The case was ex parte, and no inquiry 
was made as to the facts when the limits of the State were ex- 
tended west to the Missouri. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. i — An Argus of the 20th of October, 1858, is in my hands. 

Jas. W. Denver resigns as governor of Kansas. 

The overland mail now comes from San Francisco in 25 days. 

PHILEMON HAWKINS. 

Oct. -I — Philemon Hawkins having died, his widow. Lydia E., 
administered. Bond, $40,000. Oh: 

I. ELIZA ELLA HAWKINS, d. March 2, 1870; m'd Wm. H. 
Elliston, son of Wm., of Grant Co., Ky. Ch : 
1. James P. Elliston. 2. Lena L. Elliston. 

3. Man/ J. Elliston, m'd Wm. Loller. Ch: [«] Mary 

Loller; ['>] Ethel; [c] William; [<*] Nellie; [e] Birdie 
Loller. 

4. Man/ant Elliston. m'd Richard Hamilton, dead. She 

still lives in New Market. Ch: [ a ] Laura Hamil- 
ton, m'd Eugene Doty; 1 child. [''] Charles; 
[<"] Birdie Hamilton. 

5. Aug. Payne Elliston, m'd Sallie Jones. He is dead. 

She still lives in Weston. Ch: ["] Wood Elliston; 
['*] Venl; [e] Ernest; [ f} ] Grace; [ c ] Pearl. 

6. W. W. Elliston. 7. Alonzo. 

Wm. II. Elliston m'd 2d. Polly Henson. and had: 

s. Tho8. Elli-shm. b. Fcl». 18, 1*01 ; m'd Dec. 0. 1891, Kate 

E. Steele, 
it. John FMistnn. 
LL LUCINDA HAWKINS, m'd Wm. L. Stephens. (See.) 

Philemon m'd 2d, Lydia Elston, and had: 
HI. CANBY HAWKINS, b. April 1<>. 1859; m'd Mary Polk. dr. 



1858, OCT. 265 FIRST FAIR. 

of 1>. T. Polk, of Platte City, a beautiful and accomplished 
lady. Oh: 

1. Veva Hawkins. 2. Lydia. 

THE FIRST FAIR. 

Oct. (i — An impromptu meeting of citizens ai t he drug store of 
Purge & Hogue, in Platte City, determined to hold a county fair 
on the L'lst, 22d, and 23d days of October. The grounds subse- 
quently purchased, near Tracy, were selected, and Gen. Jeff. Wil- 
liams, lately from Richmond. Ky.. was chosen president, R, L. 
Waller treasurer, and Ethan Allen secretary. The directors were 
C. Cockrill. Thos. (May. W. K. Faulconer, J. F. Forbis, S. M. 
I lays. S. Park. L. W. Pence, O. Steele, Jas. Wallace, John Williams, 
and A. C. Woods. Hasty preparations were made, a liberal sub- 
scription raised, and general interest was manifested. 

The ring was surrounded by ropes. The only structure on 
the grounds was a flight of five board steps, badly constructed. 
These were assigned as seats to Prof. Todd's girls. A gallant 
four hundred spectators were admiring the beautiful array, when 
suddenly the supports of the seals gave way, and a hundred and 
fifty screaming, sprawling ladies called for help. Prof. Todd's 
voice rose above the din. In a moment, all were rescued; my own 
gallantry was conspicuous. Not «i soul was hurt. 

Ethan Allen is granted f 1,000 for tarnishing iron cells for 
t he jail, and other repairs. 

The county court, having purchased of Granville Adkins 160 
acres, two miles west of Platte City, for a poor-house, sells the 
same*, through M. X. Owen, commissioner, to Dr. E. C. Redman. 
for f 3,000. 

Oct, 9— DAVID CROSSWHITE having died, his widow. Eliz- 
abeth, administered. Pond. $2,000. Their only child. Martha E. 
Crosswhite, married August IS. 1878, Chas. C. Bowman. 

Oct. 20 — Lewis Ramage, of Weston, having resolved to re- 
move to Kansas City, the Weston bar grant him a banquet at th^ 
St. George Hotel. Mr. Ramage was a superior lawyer, and a 
highly esteemed citizen. He died February 0. 1870. 

Oct. 21— At a ball at Throckmorton's hotel, in Platte City, a 
party from Leavenworth, led by M. -I. Parrott, Free State 1 Con- 
gressional delegate from Kansas, was present. Mr. Parrott 
offered a sentiment against slavery, which was regarded as an 
insult to our people. For a time a row was imminent, but better 
counsels prevailed. 

Judge -I. T. V. Thompsou makes an address at 1 he fair. 

WILLIAM COX. 

Oct. 2!) — William < 'ox having died, Benj. Stewart adminis- 
tered. Bond, $ 10,000. Ch: 



1858, NOV. 266 COX FAMILY. 

I. ISHAM COX. and II. JAMES COX, went to Oregon. 
in. JOSEPH, lives in Andrew County. 
IV. LEWIS COX, and V. JESSE COX, live in Leavenworth. 

VI. MARY COX, m'd an Edwards, and was mother of: 

1. Samuel 2. Henry Edwards. 

VII. MARTHA COX. m'd a Stewart. VIII. WILLIAM COX. 

IX. HEXRY COX, was father of: 

1. Elizabeth. 2. Melvina Cox. 

X. CHRISTIXA COX. went to California. 
XL ALICE COX, m'd a Masten. 

XII. JOHX COX. XHI. ELIZABETH. XIV. PILGRIM COX. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 1 — A little paper, called the Clionian Iris, is issued by 
the Ladies' Literary Society of Weston. 

Nov. 2— MARTHA E. GUTHRIE, wife of Dr. A. T. Guthrie, 
died at Platte City. She was a Williams, and born March 12, 1835. 
Her mother, after the death of Williams, married Larken Flesh- 
man. The only child of Martha was Willie Guthrie, born Julv 16. 
1 858, and died September 18, 1879. 

Nov. 5 — Preston Dunlap takes his seat as county justice, with 
Broadhurst and Hays as associates. 

Ad. Burge, commissioner, reports that he had let out to Wash, 
Lowry the contract to build three county offices, to be complete 
December 1, 1859. 

E. J. Harvey contracts to build the upper Bee Creek bridge. 

Nov. 10 — Samuel Medary succeeds Denver as governor of 
Kansas. 

Nov. 21 — W. A. Fox and W. M. Paxton. commissioners, report 
that Jordon Ford, on Smith's Fork, and Holland Ford, on the 
Platte, are the best places to build the proposed bridges over 
said streams. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 1 — Land at public sale brought $8 and $14 per acre. 

Dec. 5 — Several Platte City men, believing that part of the 
Military Reserve was open for settlement, commenced to build 
cabins thereon; but the quartermaster from the Fort drove them 
off and confiscated their lumber. 

The railroads are granting free tickets to all members of the 
Legislature who will accept them. 

The matter of building turnpikes is discussed. 

JOHN CARSON. 

Dec. 19 — lolm Carson having died, Jacob Fulcher adminis- 
tered. Bond, $2,000. Be married a Miller, who survived him, 



1858, DEC. 267 THE CARSONS. 

and married, second, John Gh Rapp. (Sec.) The Carson chil- 
dren were: 

I. ELIZA CARSON. 
II. MARY ( \\ KS( >N, first wife of Jacob Fulcher. (See.) 

III. ALEX. CARSON, died single. 

IV. JOHN H. ( JA RSON, m'd Dec. 26, 1865, \ 'ynthia Todd. (See.) 
V. JANE CARSON, m'd Oapt. James McCord, d. in St. Louis 

Nov. 25, 1871. He was an Irishman, built the steamer 
Edna, and commanded other steamboats on the Missouri. 
He came in 1840, and settled at MeCord's Landing, now- 
East Leavenworth. 

Bee. 22— W. O. LAUGHLIN having died near Waldron, 
James Heath administered. Bond, $10,000. Elizabeth M. was 
his widow, and Chas. H. Langhlin, of Parkville, was their only 
child. He married May 1, 1879, Clara M. Preeland. (See.) 

Dee. 27 — Dr. Jas. M. Moore is now proprietor of the Green 
House, in Platte City, and the Masons march in procession from 
their hall to the hotel, and enjoy a festival. 

DAVID C. BULLOCK. 

Dec. 31 — David C. Bullock died at his home, seven mile's east 
of Platte City. He was a son of Thomas Bullock and Rebecca 
Mobley, and w 7 as born in Spottsylvania County, Va., October 22, 
1815 ; December 23, 1830, he married Jane L. Vaughn, daughter of 
William. She was born March 10, 1812, and died December 31, 
1858. They reached Platte December 25, 1842. and settled eight 
miles east of Platte City. They were members of the Second 
Creek Christian Church. Ch : 

I. SARAH B. BULLOCK, b. Sept. 10. 1839. 

II. DUDLEY B. BULLOCK, b. Aug. 12. 1841; m'd Jane Madison. 
Children: 

1. Haddie Bulloch, m'd June 10, 1890, James C. Strange. 

son of William Strange, who was b. Feb. 10, 1803. 

2. Lucy Bullock, m'd Dec. 22, 1880. Wm. Strange (ii). 

3. Vftiv Bullock, m'd Jan. 26, 1891, Nimrod Taylor. 

III. CLAYTON T. BULLOCK, b. July 7, 1843. 

IV. MERIDIA T. BULLOCK, b. Aug. 22, 1845. 

V. DAVID BULLOCK, b. March 1, 1848; m'd April 4. 1872. 
Laura Brown, b. July 27, 1851. Ch: 

1. Obed Bullock. 2. Ala: Bullock. 3. Orover. 

VI. MARY ANN BULLOCK, b April 20, 1850. 

VII. JAMES BULLOCK, b. Jan. 13. 1853. 

VIII. WILLIAM M. BULLOCK, b. July 29, 1857; m'd Feb. 29. 1877, 

Alice Kavener. b. April 29, 1808. Ch : 

1. William. 2. Maud. 3. Kemp. 4. Harry. 5. Bessie. 
0. Cordie Bullock. 



1858, DEC. 268 THE RAILEYS. 

THE RAILEY FAMILY. 
Daniel M. Railey died at Weston in 1858. His lineage: 

I. JOHN RAILEY, 

Of Virginia, married Elizabeth Randolph, a younger sister of Jane 
Randolph, mother of Thomas Jefferson. Their son: 

II. MARTIN RAILEY, 

Bornin Virginia October 27,1764, married Elizabeth Mayo, born in 
April. 1777, a daughter of William Mayo, a captain in the Revolu- 
tionary army. Their son: 

III. DANIEL MAYO RAILEY, 

Born October 20, 1790, in Chesterfield County, Virginia; married 
in November, 1810, Lucy J. Watson, born in May, 1801, a daughter 
of John Watson, of Albermarle County, Va. They came to Mis- 
souri in 1840, and settled at Weston in 1812. Daniel was a 
volunteer in the War of 1812. He died as above stated, in 1858. 
Children : 

I. JOHN MAYO RAILEY, b. in Virginia November 29, 1821; 
jn'd Oct. 6, 1812, Elizabeth -Jane Steele, b. in Richmond, 
Ky.. May 9, 1820; d. Nov. 17. 1892. She was a daughter of 
the venerable Oliver Steele (see), and a woman revered for 
many virtues. Mr. Railey m'd 2d, Jan. 3, 1895, Miss Kate 
Reickard, of St. Joseph. In 1819 Mr. Railey became junior 
partner in the mercantile house of Post & Railey. in Wes- 
ton. In 1801 he succeeded Geo. T. Hulse as cashier of the 
Weston branch of the Mechanics' Bank; and when that 
branch wound up. in 1805. he joined his younger brother. 
Egbert W. Railey, in the present banking house 1 of .1. M. 
Railey & Bro. The financial abilities and the moral in- 
tegrity of the brothers have made their bank one of the 
most solid institutions of the day. They are influential 
members of the Christian Church, and give substantial sup- 
port to the improvements and charities of the times. The 
first .Mrs. Railey lived to celebrate her golden wedding, and 
her death was much lamented. When, in 1880, the county 
debt was refunded, by substituting per cent bonds for 10 
per cent, Mr. Railey was appointed commissioner, and dis- 
charged his duty with success and credit. Children of 
first wife: 

1. Sadie Railey, m'd II. ("lift. Cockrell. (See.) 

2. Hampton P. Railey. •">. Oliver />. Railey. 

1. Pocahontas, m'd Oct. 1, lsTT. Richard S. Jacquemin, 
son of N. Jacquemin and A. Zimmer, ami a brother 
of Mrs. John Zarn. He was born in Germany Feb. 
22, 1848; came i<> America in 1851. and finally 
settled ;it Weston in 1867. Here, in partnership 
with F. W. Ibiinm. and subsequently with R. O. 



1858, DEC. 269 OFFICERS. 

Shenkner, he has been a prosperous merchant. He 
lately removed to Burlington Junction, M<>. 
.j. Eva Ixdilrif. 
II. POCAHONTAS RAILEY, b. in L824; mil Nov. 14. L846, Jos. 

V. Parrott, brother of David. (See.) 
111. .JOHN W. RAILEY. 
IN'. ELIZA JANE BAILEY, b. in L827; m'd T. 1). S. MacDonell. 

V. EGBERT \Y. RAILEY, b. June 6, 1830, in Albermarle County, 

Va.; m'd Sept. 5, 1861, Mary E. McAdow, b. Dec. 28, L836, 
dr. of Dr. Samuel .McAdow. .Mr. Railey was in the mer- 
cantile business in Weston until L865, when he became 
junior member of the banking house of J. M. Railey & Bro., 
in Weston. .Mr. Railey as an individual, like the firm of 
which he is a member, enjoys unbounded confidence and 
esteem. (Mi: 

1. Bertie M. Railey, b. Nov. IS, 1858; m'd Feb. IT. 1881, 

John H. Hardesiy. (See.) Oh: [a] Egbert Hard- 
estv; [ h ] Shortridge. 

2. Dixey M. Railey, b. .March HI, 18(51; m'd May !>, 1881, 

J. E. Mayo, of Waco, Texas. 

3. Darnel M. Railey, b. Dec. 16, 1873; m'd March 17, 1880, 

Annie Alderson, dr. of James C. (See.) 

VI. ANNA BELLE RAILEY, b. in 1833. 
VTI. EMMA RAILEY, b. in 1830. 

The Railey family have many interesting mementos, handed 
down from Colonial times, attesting a distinguished lineage, and 
showing they inherit the blood of Pocahontas, the Randolphs, the 
Marsha lis, and the Jeffersons. 



1859. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, R. M. Stewart ; Representatives, S. M. McGuire and 
J. E. Pitt; Congressman. -lames Craig; Circuit Clerk, W. C. Rem- 
ington; State Senator, J. T. Y. Thompson; Sheriff, W. K. Bryant; 
Circuit .Judge. E. II. Norton; Probate Judge, J. H. Clay Cockrell; 
Circuit Attorney, .J. M. Bassett; County Clerk. D. P. Lewis; 
County Justices. Broadhurst, Dunlap, and Hays; County Attor- 
ney, J. E. Merryman; School Commissioner, W. C. Baker; Treas- 
urer. H. J. Freeland; Surveyor, .1. S. Owen; Coroner. L. P. Stiles, 
succeeded by B. S. Richards; Public Administrator. W. M. Paxton. 

BFSIXFSS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys— Baker. Clark. Harrington, Hern- 
don, Hollingsworth. Paxton, Pitt. Ross. Merryman, Spratt, Smith, 
Tebbs, Wilson. 



1859, JAN. 270 BUSINESS MEN. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Brown, Eastman, Guthrie, Hale, Hol- 
lingsworth, Marshall, Moore, Redman, Wallace, Walling, 

Merchants et ah — Addis (photo), Allen (Atlas), Almond, Pax- 
ton & Owen (mills), Beery, Bishop (carding), Burge & Hogue 
(drugs), Clifford (hotel), Cochran, Conley & Adkins, Doty, Ferrier, 
Fleshman.Fox, Gaylord (school). Gordon & Todd. Hettish, Jenkins, 
K. D. Johnston. Johnston & Withers, Oswald, Richards, Knopf, 
Magers. Murray & Freeland, Swaney & Christison, Throckmorton, 
Waller & Frost, S. A. Jack, Wilkinson, Wilson (tinner). Young, 
Zarn. Woolfolk. 

Lodges— Platte, Xo. 56, S. M. Hays, W. M.; W. M. Paxton, 
Sec. Xeb. Xo. 12, M. Kay, X. G.; W. C. Hatton. Sec. Sons of 
Malta, E. H Norton, Com. ' 

Preachers — Aug. Payne, G. L. Moad, G. S. Woodward. 

At Weston: Attorneys— Branch, Burnes, Byrd, Carroll, Don- 
iphan. Lawson, McCurdy, Wolf. 

Physicians — Beaumont & Mitchell, Bonifant & Bower, 
Bowlby, Henson, Griswold, Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Barbee (stable), Basye, Beechler, Bell. Belt. 
Branham & Xorris, Collier & Rockwell, Conwell & Spencer, Col- 
man. Deitz, Doppler, George, Goldstein, Guenther, Harper, Heriot. 
Halyard. Kaufman, Klingstein, Knudson, Mettier, Miller. Myers. 
Mitchell. Xewman, Xoble, Ott & Weber, Perrys & Young, Raileys, 
Rhoring, Osborn, Sachs, Shannon, Shaw & Xewhouse, Snell, 
Stiles. Turner, Tutt & Baker, Walker, Warner, Wells, Wood. 

Court of Common Pleas — McCurdy, iudge; Hood, marshal; 
Price, clerk. 

At Parkville: Ashby, Arnold. Campbell, doughs, Dale & 
Roberts, Dayis, McComas & Stoddart, McDonald, Miller. Moore, 
Clardy, Ringo, Summers, Park. Woodsmall Woodward. 

At Camden Point: Coffey, Flack, Forbi«. Hall. Howell 
(academy), Reed, Thomas. 

At Farley: Faulkner, Johnson. Mason. Meads. Patton. 

. 1 1 Hampton : F. Burnes. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop. Cartwright, Ogden. 
Ragsdale, Tufte, Wells, Baber. 

At Ridgely: Athv & Co., Deatlv & Co.. Ellington. Gustin, 
Mayo. Sayle. Rev. R. Scott. 

Newspapers — Argus, weekly, at Weston, by the Wiseleys; 
[this, weekly, at Platte Citv, by E. Allen; Courier, weekly, at 
Parkville, by F. M. McDonald'. 

Markets and Crops — The past year was favorable, and crops 
good, notwithstanding overflows. The bottoms raised nothing. 
Hogs, $4.00. on foot ; wood. #2.50 per cord. Weston shipped 3.000 
tons of hemp in 1859. 

Population of St. Joseph, 11.000. 



1859, JAN. 271 THE HUGHES. 

JANUARY. 

Jem. I — The young ladies of the Platte < !ity Female Academy 
issue the first number of a small monthly paper, called The Lily. 
( Oily a few numbers appeared. 

John Brown and Oapt. Montgomery are creating much dis- 
turbance in Kansas. 

J.B. Mitchell having died, J. V. Roberts administered. Pond. 
si l.(M)l). 

MATTHEW MOORE HUGHES. 

./„„. g — Matthew Moore Hughes died six miles southeast of 
Platte City. (See the Hughes Family.) He was a son of John 
Hughes, and was born in Surry County, N. C May 5, 1782. He 
married Mary Rogers, and came to Platte in 1837. bringing money 
and negroes. He settled on the headwaters of Todd's Creek, and 
inclosed a large prairie farm. He also purchased a large body of 
land on Pee Creek, and built the mill called by his name. He was 
a practical surveyor, and ran the north line of Platte, after 
meandering t he Missouri River. The law under which he operated 
required the north line of the county to be so run as to include 400 
square miles, which was the smallest area allowed a county under 
the Constitution. The survey, with field-notes, was filed in our 
county clerk's office, but cannot now be found. In the work Gen. 
James Brasfield and his son, Judge John S. Brasfield, were his 
assistants. In 1844 Mr. Hughes was appointed county court jus- 
t ice. and he served a term. Being one of the earliest settlers and 
having several lovely daughters, his house was a favorite resort 
for the officers stationed at Fort Leavenworth. Judge Hughes 
was well read in English literature. I once heard him, when 
"boozy" (and he drank but seldom), recite the whole of Pope's 
"Essay on Man." He was genial, generous, and hospitable in 
society, and judicious and enterprising in business. In lands and 
money he left a large estate for his children. 

lie married in 1810. in North Carolina, Mary Rogers, a daugh- 
ter of Samuel. She was tall and dignified in person, and senti- 
mental, if not flighty, in her mind. I once visited her house; the 
front door was open, and as I approached I saw the lady standing 
with her head aloft, eyes directed to heaven, and, in plaintive 
tones, apparently in prayer, appealing to God. My knock at the 
door broke her reverie, and I was received with polite condescen- 
sion. She survived her husband, and died August 6, 1860. Ch: 
I. ANN M. HFGHES. b. Dec. 11. 1814. in North Carolina; m'd 
Gideon Franklin, and died in Mississippi, leaving several 
children. 
II. MARTHA MOORE HUGHES, m'd Oapt. B. D. Moore (see), 
b. in Bourbon Co., Ky., Sept. 10, 1810; killed at the battle 
of San Pasqual, Gal., Nov. <i, 1X40. He entered the United 
States army as lieutenant of dragoons. A handsome monu 



1859, JAN. 2T2 THE HUGHES. 

meiit in Platte City cemetery commemorates the death of 
Oapt. Moore, and his brother-in-law, Lieut. Hammond. 
They were surrounded by an overpowering force of Mexi- 
cans, and the whole troop of .'36 men were slaughtered. He 
left one child : 

1. Matthew Joseph Moore, b. at Ft. Gibson May 7, 1840. 
On the death of Capt. Moore, the widow returned to 
her parents in Platte. The sou, when he had at- 
tained the proper age, was sent to the University of 
North Carolina and received a classical education. 
When the war broke out, he enlisted in the Confed- 
erate army, and served to the end. November 20, 
1867, he married in Memphis, Mary Helen Webb, b. 
Dec. 3, 1842. In 1875 Mr. Moore left, with his family, 
for the West, and may now be addressed at Carpen- 
teria, Cal. Ch: [«] Ariana Moore, b. April 9, 1870; 
[&] Ben D., b. April 12, 1872; [?] Mary A. Moore, b. 
May 24, 1874; [<*] Helen, b. Aug. 19, 1876; [e] James 
W., b. Oct. 12, 1878; [f] Robt. E. Moore, b. April 7, 
1881; [o] Matthew J. Moore (ii), b. Dec. 11, 1882. 
in. MARY A. HUGHES, d. March 11, 1861. She m'd 1st, Jan. 
28, 1845, at Fort Leavenworth, Lieut. T. C. Hammond. 
(See.) She m'd 2d, Feb. 22, 1849, Dr. Samuel Rixey (see), b. 
May 25, 1827, son of Richard Rixey (i) and Penelope Gibbs. 
Dr. Rixey was an excellent ph € ysician, and practiced at 
Platte City, Parkville, and other places in Platte and Clin- 
ton counties. The fruit of this marriage was: 

1. Richard Rixey, b. in 1854; m'd March 13, 1878, Lucy 

Tallandingham, dr. of Madison. She d. Jan. 12, 1888, 
leaving 1 child: [ a ] Frank Rixey. 
Dr. Samuel G. Rixey next m'd, March 7, 1864, Fannie 
Penniston, who died childless. 

Dr. Rixev m'd 3d, March 19, 1868, Ellen Williams, dr. of 
Albert G. She was b. March 16, 1846; d. Nov. 21, 1878. 
Children : 

2. Eleanor, b. in 1868. 

3. Virginia L., b. in 1869; m'd Dec. 21, 1892, Vernon C. 

Gardiner. 

4. Samuel 0. Rixey (ii), b. in 1872. 

5. John H. Rixey, b. in 1875. 

Dr. Rixey took for his fourth wife, Jan. 12, 1881, Mrs. 
Reb. Zabrisky, widow of Win. Zabrisky (see), and daughter 
of Lewis McDaniel. They separated, and Dr. Rixey is now 
operating for the Keelev Institute. 
rv. 8AMUEL R. HUGHES. '(See.) 

Y. FRANCES .1. EUGH ES, m'd Dec. 1. 1840. Dr. Joseph Walker, 
b. in Bermuda Island, May 24. 1813; d. Aug. 28, 1864. His 
parents were John Walker and Fannie Penuiston; and his 
grandfather w;is .Jos. Walker, who was born in England 
and soi tied in Bermuda, Joseph, Jr.. came to the United 



1859, JAN. 273 THE RIXEYS. 



Slates, and received a classical education ai Baltimore, lie 
studied medicine, and entered the United Slates army as 
a surgeon. Alter marriage, lie resigned in April, L849, and 
settled six miles southeast of Platte City. II*' possessed 
superior mental endowments, as well as a finished educa- 
tion. His influence among his neighbors was boundless; 
hut he belonged to (he "fire-eating" Southern tribe, of 
1856-7. His efforts lo silence Northern Methodist Episco- 
pal preachers brought upon him the vengeance of the 
"Red-leg" party. After Rev. Charles Morris, the North- 
ern .Methodist, had been cruelly murdered in duly, 1864, in 
execution of the threat that all such should die. a son of 
.Morris, ai the head of a gang of outlaws, apprehended and 
shot Dr. Walker. .Mis. Walker still lives with her children: 

1. John H. Walker, b. Aug. 22, 184"), at Ft. Scott; m'd 

Sept. 4. 1876, Mary J. Zabriskv. Ch: [<>] Martha 
Walker; [&] Joseph Z.; ['] Wm. Z. Walker. 

2. Mary Walker, b. in Dec, 1849; m'd June ::. 1879, Sidney 

Hayden, of Ilolton, Kansas. Oh: ["] Charles Hay- 
den; [6] Helen. 
?>. Annie Walker, single. 

4. Mat. H. Walker, b. in 1855; d. Oct. 24, 1894; m'd June 3, 

1886, Carrie Singleton. Ch: ["] Joseph Walker, b. 
in 1886; ['>) dames, b. in 1888; [c] John. b. in 1890; 
[<*] Mary, b. in 1892. 

5. Samuel R. Walker, single. 

6. Richard P. Walker, m'd Floy Robertson. Live in Kan- 

sas City. 

7. Moses K. Walker, b. in 1864; d. Oct. 27. 1895; m'd Sept. 

9, 1895, Docie Wood. 
Mrs. Frances J. Walker m'd 2d, John A. Sydener. They 
separated. 
We will give here an outline of 

THE RIXEY FAMILY. 

I. RICHARD RIXEY, 

Son of Richard, married Penelope Gibbs, of Virginia. Ch: 
I. DR. SAMUEL RIXEY. (See.) 

1. Richard 11. h'i.rei/. (See.) 

IT. WILLIAM RIXEY. 
Married a Brent. Ch: 

I. CHAS. W. RIXEY, m'd Eannie Settle, daughter of John J. 

1. Wellington W. Rixey, b. Nov. 25, 1850; m'd Jan. 26, 1871, 

Jane Miller, b. Oct. 12. 1851. dr. of Jesse; dead. W. 
W. Rixey m'd 2d. in Oct., 1878, Mary d. Settle, dr. of 
James D. (See W. W. Rixey.) 

2. Thos. R. h'i.rei/. m'd Ellen Perrv, b. Sept. 27. 1X20; d. in 

Platte Dec. 22, L896. Ch: ' ["] Geo. W. Rixey, b. 
18- 



1859, JAN. 274 THE GLADDENS. 

Nov. 23, 1856; m'd Sept. 12, 1878, Lvdia Hoy (see). 
b. Feb. 8, 1859. They live near Settle. [»] Tkos P. 
Rixey, State lecturer for the I. O. O. F. of Missouri. 

Jan. 3 — The Platte City public cistern, at the southwest cor- 
ner of the court-house, having failed to hold water, the town 
board order it filled up. 

Jan 15 — The Bee Greek bridge, on the road to Weston, at 
Tatman's, built by Harvey, is finished and paid for. 

Col. Sumner is again in command at Fort Leavenworth. 

Jan. 25 — Dr. John W. Doy was apprehended in Kansas, for 
aiding runaway slaves from Missouri to escape. He was brought 
by Pro-slavery men to Weston, examined before a justice of the 
peace, and committed to Platte City jail. He was removed to 
St. Joseph, and placed in charge of Jailer Brown. A party of his 
friends appeared at night, with (as they pretended) a noted 
prisoner to put in jail, and by artifice and intimidation got pos- 
session of the keys, and bore Doy away in triumph. 

The telegraph has reached Leavenworth. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 1 — The St. John Episcopal Church buy a building lot in 
Block 13, Weston. 

DAVID GLADDEN. 

Feb. 10 — David Gladden having died, his widow, Nancy, ad- 
ministered. Bond, $8,000. Mrs. N. Gladden died in August, 
1879, leaving: 

I. NANCY GLADDEN (ii), b. Aug. 8, 1842; m'd Feb. 19, 1863, 
George Beery, b. in 1843, son of John A. He d. Jan. 27, 
1879- Mrs. Beery still lives with her children. Ch: 

1. Elizabeth Beery, b. April 4, 1866; m'd in 1884, Isaac 

Baker, of Clinton; 3 children. 

2. William, b. in 1864; went to Oklahoma Territory. 

3. Mary Beery, m'd Jesse Stone; 3 children. 

4. Julia Berry, m'd Geo. Cook; 2 children. 

5. Georgia Been/. 6. James Been/. 

n. NATH'L GLADDEN, b. in 1851; m'd'a Francis. 
1IT. SARAH GLADDEN, m'd a McCracken and was divorced. 

LUCY THROCKMORTON. 

Feb. II — Lucy Throckmorton having died, J. F. Broadhurst 
administered. Bond, $3,000. She was a Holladay, a sister of 
Benjamin and David. Her husband, John J. Throckmorton (i), 
died in L853 in Kentucky. Mrs. Throckmorton and her son, John 
J. (ii), ciinic to Platte in 1854. The latter is still an enterprising 
citizen, having been a farmer, a stock-raiser, a hotel-keeper, etc. 



1859, FEB. 275 JOHN BRUNTS. 

He married January 21, 1858, Elizabeth C. Bowen. They look 
charge of the Virginia Hotel, in Platte City; but when the war 
broke out. in L861, he enlisted in Capt. Mitchell's company of 
Confederates, and hastened to the support of Gen. S. Price, at 
Lexington. Ch : 

I. OHAS. B. THROCKMORTON, m'd Aug. 28, 1882, Laura 
Dean.. 
II. ADDIE T. Tl 1 BOCKMORT< >N. III. JOHN J. (iii). 
IV. HARRY. V. DAVID T. 

VI. ELIZABETH ( \ THROCKAH >RT< >X. VII. NATHAN P. 
VIII. LEOTA. 

Mr. J. J. Throckmorton (ii had another son, Lewis W., who 
never came to this county. He married Jennie Williams, and 
Dr. J. H. Throckmorton, of Plat to City, is their son. He was born 
November 9, 1808; married Oct. 2."). 1893, Lela Collins, b. Dec. 29, 
1873, daughter of M. P. Collins. (See.) A third son of John J. 
Throckmorton iii was John A. Throckmorton, who died in Hous- 
ton, Texas, December 28, 1895. A fourth son was J. W. Throck- 
morton, a governor of Texas. 

JOHN BRUNTS. 

Feb. 15 — John Rrunts having died, John Heath administered. 
Bond, f 4,000. His widow, Mary J. Brunts, died February 27, 1883, 
aged 59 years. Children of first wife: 

I. BETSY BRUNTS, m'd Richard Clarkson. 
II. SALLY, m'd Allen Horn. 

III. CYNTHIA BRUNTS, m'd Ed. T. Perkins, b. April 23, 1809. 

They came to Platte in 1811. After Cynthia's death, Mr. 
Perkins m'd Oct. 11, 1870, Mrs. Eliz. A. Noland. 

IV. NANCY BRUNTS, m'd W. L. Blanton. (See.) 

V. MARGARET BRUNTS, m'd Jas. Flannerv. (See.) 

VI. MARTHA BRUNTS, m'd James Mahon. 

VII. FANNY BRUNTS, m'd June 8, 1813, Jas. Flannery. (See.) 

VIII. REBECCA BRUNTS, m'd Azrael Dotv. 

IX. MINERVA, m'd Robert Brent. 

X. HARRIET BRUNTS, m'd Isaac Eades, d. Mav 1, 1849. 
XL ELLEN BRUNTS, m'd Sept. 21, 1817, Isaac Hoover. She 

died, and he m'd Oct. 11, 1857, Mary Fugate. He died in 

Feb., 1872. 
XII. JOHN L. BRUNTS, went to Kansas. 

The foregoing were children of Mr. John Brunts' first wife, 
whose name I cannot learn. The following are children by his 
second wife, Mary J.: 
Xin. ELIZA J.' BRUNTS, m'd successively a Metcalfe and a 

Summerfield. 

XIV. CASSIE BRUNTS, m'd a Chapman, and died. . 

XV. EMELINE, is in the lunatic asvlum at St. Joseph. 

XVI. SAMUEL BRUNTS, b. Sept. 10. 1856; m'd Feb. 14, 1892. 
Martha J. Heath, b. Nov. 8, 1858, dr. of John. 



1859, MARCH. 276 RAILROAD?. 

MARCH. 

March J/ — R. P. C. Wilson enrolled as an attorney. 

THE WESTON & ATCHISON R. R. CO. 

The Weston & Atchison Railroad Company was chartered, 
under the General Statutes, and John Doniphan made president. 
The city of Weston took $50,000 of stock, and issued bonds, which 
were afterwards declared void. 

April 27, 1859, ground was broken in the presence of a large 
assembly. 

July 15, 1859, the W T . & A. Railroad and A. & St. J. Railroad 
were consolidated with the Platte Country Railroad. 

In January, 1860, the road went into operation to Atchison. 
In December, 1861, it was finished to Iatan, and connected with 
Weston and Leavenworth by steamboats. April 4, 1861, the road 
was finished to Weston. 

In 1863 the name was changed from the Platte County Rail- 
road to Plate Country Railroad. In 1867 it took the name of the 
Missouri Valley Railroad, and in 1870 the road was named 
K. C, St. J. & C. B. Railroad. 

March 9 — J. H. Bell is appointed commissioner of the poor- 
house, and is charged $2.50 per acre rent, and is allowed $2 per 
week board for inmates. 

March 15 — Benjamin Walker having died, Henry Basye ad- 
ministered. Bond, $6,000. His widow, Nancv, had died in 1856. 
Ch: 1, Win. Walker; 2, Andrew J. 

JONATHAN BONNELL. 

March 25 — Jonathan Bonnell having died, Huston McFarland 
administered. Bond, $10,000. Ch: 

1. WM. S. BONNELL, d. Jan. 18, 1894. 
II. ELIZABETH, m'd a Highfield. 
I II. LITTNDA, m'd a Jacobs. IV. THOMAS BONNELL. 
V. JONA. R, BONNELL. VI. REBErPA, m'd a Lawless. 

VII. SARAH BONNELL. 

VIII. A DAUGHTER, m'd a Wallace. Ch: 

1. Jonathan. 2. Rebecca Ann Wallace, m'd a Havnes. 

3. William Wallace. 

4. Sehnan II. Wallace, m'd Dec 2,1866. Sarah A. Simmons. 

5. Thomas. 6. Sarah J„ m'd John Webber. 
7. Mary A., m'd Jacob Hamm, -Tr. 

APRIL. 

April I — The Salt Lake trade is vigorously prosecuted. M. L. 
Young purchased in Philadelphia a large stock of goods, and 
started west with them. At Atchison thev were attached; but an 



1859, APRIL. 277 COUNTY FINANCES. 

assignment t<> C. A. Perry was produced, and a long litigation 
ensued. 

April / — The county takes $1,000 stock in the turnpike from 
Weston to Platte City. 

\V. S. Reyburn takes ou1 license for a ferry at Leavenworth 
for $6,0. 

April 7 — The county court orders a pavement to be con- 
structed in front of the new clerk's office. 

Tim. Turner having died, -I. F. Broadhurst administered. 
Bond, $4,000. He lived a few miles west of Barry. 

April 29 — Ground broken for the W. & A. Railroad. A grand 

barbecue, above Weston, commemorated the event. It was fin- 
ished April 1. 1861. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Warrants drawn $21,093.14 

Collections 17.015.2J) 

Deficit $4,077.85 

County taxes assessed, $20,146.00. Levy, 25 cents; poll, 37£ 

cents. 

Expenses in Detail. 

Hear Creek bridge $ 200.00 

Weston bridge 1,000.00 

Upper Bee Creek bridge 2,085.00 

Platte City bridge 142.00 

Roads and bridges .'{,201.00 

Poor 1,5X8.00 

Printing 289.00 

Stationery 394.00 

Sheriff (Bryant) 1,181.00 

Court-house 539.00 

Jail, cells 1,010.00 

Jail 357.00 

County Attorney (Merryman) 75.00 

Treasurer (Freeland) 070.00 

County Justices (Broadhurst, Hays, and Layton) 586.00 

Circuit Clerk (Remington) 040.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 1,042.00 

Assessors 107.00 

School Commissioner 253.00 

Clerks' offices 4.381.00 

Sundries 681.14 

Total $21,093.14 



1859, MAY. 278 ALEX. WOODLAND . 

May 1 — Ethan Allen retires, and Gist & Short take charge of 
the Atlas, as editors. W. C. Remington and H. C. Cockrill are 
proprietors. 

May 8 — Iatan is incorporated for school purposes. 

May 7 — Barry Cumberland Presbyterian Church buys a lot 
for a house of worship. 

ALEX. WOODLAND. 

May 14 — Alex. Woodland having died, Louisa Woodland ad- 
ministered. Bond, |5,000. Ch: 

I. ELIZA A. WOODLAND, m'd Jas. Hisel. 
EC. ELIZABETH, m'd Jac. Armbruster. 

III. PAULINA F. WOODLAND, m'd W. H. Bramlett. 

IV. SARAH C. V. WILLIAM H. WOODLAND. 
VI. MELCENA. VII. MAHALA C. 

Vni. JOHN A. WOODLAND. 

May 21— JAMES NICHOLS having died, Mary and James 
Boydston administered. Bond, f 35,000. Mr. Nichols left a large 
landed estate, on the Buchanan line, and many heirs to inherit it. 

May 29— CAPT. ANDREW JOHNSON died at Louisville, 
Ky., from the effects of an operation for stone in the bladder. His 
remains were brought back and buried at his home on Bee Creek. 

THE JOHNSON FAMILY. 

Berwick Johnson was a brother of Vice President Richard M. 
Johnson, the hero of the battle of the Thames. The family came 
at an early day to Bryant's Station, so celebrated in the early his- 
tory of Kentucky. Berwick was the father of Capt. Andrew 
Johnson, and his mother's name was Phena. I have heard Capt. 
Johnson tell of the dangers that surrounded the early settlers of 
Kentucky, and of his mother molding bullets for the men when 
the Station was surrounded by Indians. 

Capt. Andrew Johnson was born at Bryant's Station, in Ken- 
tucky, May 21, 1790. His education was limited, but his courage 
and patriotic zeal caused him, at the first call, to enlist in his 
uncle Richard M. Johnson's regiment of mounted rifles, for the 
W'ai- of 1812. His chivalrous nature brought him always to the 
front, and at the post of danger. He rose to the command of a 
company, which he led at the Raisin and the Thames. 

December 5, 1821, Captain Johnson married, in Scott County, 
Ky.. .Jemima Suggett, born August 22, 1805; died in Platte 
City in 1852. She was, when I knew her, large and fleshy. 
Her heart overflowed with tenderness, and her generous nature 
spoke in charity. In 1837 Capt. Johnson was stationed at St. 
Louis. ;is an Indian agent. In 1838 he visited Platte, and selected 
tin- quarter-sod ion of land on Pleasant Ridge afterwards owned 
by Jos. \'<>wer. In 1840 he united with the Old-school Baptist 
Church, and donated to Unity (Flint-lock) Baptist Church the 
ground upon which the church still stands. 



1859, MAY. L>79 THE JOHNSONS. 

Iii Kentucky. Capt. Johnson represented Scott County one 
term in the Stale Legislature. In .Missouri, he was elected, in 
1S44. to the State Senate. His chivalrous temperament, his gen- 
erous soul, his patriotism, and his eloquence, secured to him con- 
fidence and love, and made him a great favorite with the people. 
He came, about 1850, to Platte < !ity, and spent a few years within 
a stone's throw of my home. Our relations were intimate and 
confidential — I attended to his legal business and administered 
on his estate. His noble nature and generous heart endeared him 
to me. Ch: 
I. ELIZA JANE JOHNSON, b. in Scott Co., Ky., April 14, 
1822; d. in Platte Oct. 1. L862; m'd Christopher A. Skill- 
man, b. Sept. <;. 1 Si:i. in Loudoun Co.. Ya.; d. in Kansas 
Oity Aug. 14. 1'886; buried at Platte City. Isaac Skillman, 
father of Chris. A., removed in 1814 to Bourbon Co.. Ky., 
and in 1839 (he son came to Platte. He settled five 
miles north of Platte City, and opened a large 1 farm. He 
m'd I'd. April .'!, 1ST::, Miss Pel tie Brown, and in 1883. 
divided his large estate among his children, retaining a 
share for himself and wife, and removed to Kansas City, 
where by judicious investments he secured a comfortable 
fortune. Mr. Skillman was a handsome and urbane gentle- 
man, an experienced farmer, and a successful stock-raiser. 
Children by his first wife: 

1. rimiia 11. Skillman, b. May 17. 1842; m'd Sept. 1.°., 1860, 

John B. Slone. brother of the surveyor, Wm. V. Slone. 
They have reared a family in the West. 

2. Elvira J. Skillman, b. Jan. 4, 1844; m'd Nov. 28, 1866, 

W. C. Wilhite. (See.) They live in Huntsville. Mo.; 
4 children. 

3. Anna (Tissie) Skillman, b. Sept. 30. 1848. She received 

a superior education at Camden Point and at Platte 
Oity. She m'd 1st. Feb. 23, 1870, John J. Raymond, 
who d. Feb. 17, 1881. Ch: [«] John S. Raymond, 
b. in 1871: m'd in Sept., 1890, Carrie B. Wringer, 
["] Belle, b. April 5, 1873; m'd Dec. 5, 1805, S. M. 
Griffith; [c] Lida Raymond, b. in 1877; [''] Henry, 
b. in 1880. They settled near Barry. After the 
death of Mr. Raymond, his widow m'd May 3, 1887, 
Jas. H. Calvert. They live near Linkville, and have 
children: [<] Olaudine; [f] Dallas Calvert. 

4. John I. Skillman. (See.) 

5. Henry G. Skillman, b. dune 4, 1852; m'd Alice A. Con- 

way, of Liberty, Mo. Mr. Skillman. in 1881, estab- 
lished a general store, at Settle's Station, but on 
Jan. 20, 1895, was burned out. He was postmaster 
at that stnt ion. By judicious management, he built 
up a huge and lucrative business. Ch: [ a ] John 
C. Skillman. The store was rebuilt. 



1859, MAY. 280 THE JOHNSONS. 

By his second wife, who still lives in Kansas Cit} T , Mr. 
Skillman had one charming daughter: 

G. Mary E. Skillman, b. Jan. 10, 1874; lives with her 
mother, in Kansas City. 
II. ANNIE L. JOHNSON, b. July 23, 1828; d. Nov. 29, 1852; m'd 
April G, 1815, Dr. William Baldwin, b. in Washington, Ky., 
March 1, 1813 ; d. in St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 19, 1886. He was 
a son of James Baldwin and Sarah Harris, dr. of Edward 
Harris, first postmaster of Washington, Ky., appointed by 
President Washington. Dr. Baldwin m'd 2d, Miss Harriet 
Gage, of New Jersey, who still lives at St. Paul. Dr. Bald- 
win was a brother of the distinguished lawyer, Jas. H. 
Baldwin. (See.) After graduating at the University of 
Ohio, and taking his degree of medicine from the University 
of Pennsylvania, Dr. Baldwin practiced three years at 
Wetumka, Ala. He then removed to Platte City, Mo. In 
November, 18G8, he removed to St. Paul, where a sister, 
Mrs. Webb, had long resided. Dr. Baldwin was eminent in 
his profession, and received a second degree from the Ohio 
Medical College, at Cincinnati. His diligent reading and 
accuracy of information brought him reputation as a 
scholar; and his skill in medicine brought him patients and 
fortune. Social and genial in his disposition, his conversa- 
tion was interesting and instructive. He was a student all 
his life, and laid by a vast fund of accurate information in 
history, philosophy, and science. A son of Dr. Baldwin's 
second wife died when four years old. Bv his first wife 
he had: 

1. James Andrew Baldwin, b. in Platte City April 12, 1816 ; 
m'd Oct. 1, 1878, Minnie Redman, b. Dec. 8, 1856, dr. 
of the late Dr. E. C. Redman. (See.) He graduated 
at the Medical Department of the Louisville Uni- 
versity. He resembles his father personally, intel- 
lectually, morally, and socially. He stands at the 
head of his profession, and enjoys a lucrative practice. 
An elder in the Presbyterian Church, he is active in 
moral and religious work. His wife is a lovely wo- 
man, and his children are intelligent, modest, and 
well-behaved. Ch: ["] Florence D. Baldwin, b. 
Dec. 26, 1879; [&] William R. Baldwin, b. May 28, 
1883. 
ITT. ELYTRA M. JOHNSON, b. Feb. 8. 1830: m'd 1st, Samuel A. 
Jack (see), b. Oct 7, 1818. He died childless, and she m'd 
2d. Sept. 21. 1854, James H. Connelly, a lawyer and a forci- 
ble speaker. They made their home in Platte County until 
L870, when they removed to Kansas City. He engaged in 
buying, improving, and selling real estate, and prospered 
until In- was stricken with palsy. The family removed to 
Warrensburg and keep ;i hotel. Mr. Connelly died Feb. 11. 
L897. Their children: 



1859, MAY. 281 THK JOHNSONS. 

1. Andrew -I . (Bud) Connelly, is a man of intelligence, and 

a chaste speaker. As a Democratic politician and 
orator, he is well known. 

2. Anna Connelly, was a lovely girl, but a shadow rests 

upon her reason. 
IV. SIMEON T. B. JOHNSON, 1>. July 23, 1832; m'd 1st, Feb. 14, 
1856, Elizabeth McCart Oh: 

1. Belle Johnson. 2. Lucy. 3. Fannie. 
Mr. Johnson married again, and, as an auctioneer, has 
made a living in Kansas City, Platte City, and elsewhere. 
V. RICH AIM) MENTOE JOHNSON (ii). b. July 31, 1836; m'd 
Nov. 27, 1850, Sallie A. Calvert, b. Nov. 22, 1837; d. Nov. 
22, 1892. Dick is a generous soul — pure, true, kind, and 
unselfish; and he has troops of friends, lie was well- 
educated and had large experience as a merchant. With 
his brother, George, he engaged in merchandizing in Platte 
City. When George died, Richard retired to his farm on 
Bee Creek. This he sold, and removed to Belton, Mo., 
where he has twice been appointed postmaster. Ch: 

1. Jemima Johnson, b. in 1857; m'd a Yocom; 3 children. 

2. Katharine B. Johnson, b. in 1859; m'd a Harelson; 3 

children. 

3. Benj. H. Johnson, b. in 1861; m'd Dec. 21, 1892, Minnie 

Anes. 

4. Lyda E. Johnson, b. in 1864; m'd a Calvert ; 3 children. 

5. Cassandra, b. in 1870. 0. Richard M. (iii), b. in 1872. 

VI. GEO. W. JOHNSON, b. Feb. 10, ISMS; d. Sept. 18, 1800; m'd 

April 29, 1801, Katharine Calvert. They had : 
1. George W. Johnson (ii), b. Aug. 5, 1800; single. 
Mrs. Kate Johnson m'd 2d, John Bales. They live in 

Belton. 

VII. LAURA E. JOHNSON, b. March 10, 1840; m'd Jan. 28, 1804. 

Richard N. Harrington, b. in Platte July 24, 1837. Laura 
was a beautiful girl, and is now a. handsome and matronly 
lady. Mr. Harrington was a son of Miles Harrington. (See.) 
He practiced law in Platte City for some years, and then 
retired to his wife's Bee Greek farm and engaged in mill 
ing. April S, 1873, he sold the mill and farm to Isaac C. 
Packer, and removed to Kansas City, where he engaged in 
several pursuits, unsuccessfully. In October, 1888, he came 
to Platte City, and erected a pleasant dwelling. This was 
sold, and at Dearborn he started the Democrat, which lie 
published until his death. He was appointed postmaster 
at Dearborn in November, 1893, and his son succeeded him. 
Mr. Harrington was a superior rhetorician, but lacked in 
logic. He was a tine writer of sketches, and delighted in 
display; but surrendered all other principles to his Demo- 
cratic politics. In society he was an urbane gentleman. 
and a generous and true friend. He died Nov. 22. 1896. Ch 



1859, MAY. 282 GEO. W. MURPHY. 

1. Con/nelly Harrington, b. Dec. 14, 1864; m'd April 28, 

1892, Minnie Kemper, b. Feb. 9, 1864. Mr. Harring- 
ton received a finished education under the tuition 
of the late celebrated educator, Prof. F. G. Gaylord, 
and himself engaged in teaching. After several 
years' experience, he studied law, removed west, and 
practiced in Idaho. In 1887 he returned, and was 
admitted to our bar in August, 1888. In April, 1890, 
he purchased the Plattsburg Jeffersonian, which he 
made one of the leading Democratic papers of the 
State. In October, 1894, he sold out and went west. 

2. William P. Harrington, is a chaste and forcible writer, 

and a large and handsome man. He helped his 
father on the Dearborn Democrat, and succeeded him 
as postmaster. 

May 30 — Thomas Simpson's estate administered by W. H. 
Bell. Bond, f 1,500. 

JUNE. 

GEO. W. MURPHY. 

June 1 — George W. Murphy having died May 1, 1859, his 
widow, Jane W., administered. Bond, $6,000. Ch: 

I. JOHN O. MURPHY, m'd Feb. 18, 1862 Lucy F. Jackson. 
Live in Osage Co., Kansas. 
II. MARY E. MURPHY, dead. 

III. JAS. C. MURPHY, b. Feb. 26, 1842; m'd Nov. 13, 1873, Fan- 

nie Alvis; died Dec. 5, 1886. Ch: 
1. Oscar. 2. Charles. 3. Edward. 

IV. GEO. W. (ii), in Texas; m'd Dec. 26, 1877, Fannie Owens. 
V. LEAH MURPHY, m'd Geo. Endicott; 5 children. 

VI. XA NOY J., d. in 1873; m'd March 4, 1866, Morgan Cockrael. 
Children: 

1. Eugene Cockrael. 

THOMAS TUDER, 

June 10 — Thomas Tuder having died, his widow, Elizabeth, 
administered. Bond, $16,000. Thomas Tuder married in Madi- 
son County, Ky.. Elizabeth Titus, who died in 1870. They re- 
moved to Howard County, Mo., and thence came to Platte, about 
is id. sci i ling four miles southeast of Platte City. Mr. Tuder was 
an intelligent Christian gentleman, and highly esteemed for 
probil \ and honor. Oh : 

1. EL1ZAI5ETII TUDER. b. in Howard Oct. 6, 1835; m'd in 
Platte Nov. 22. 1850, Dabney Perkins, b. March 4, 1822. in 
Boone Co., Mo., son of Jessie Perkins, of Virginia, and 
Fannie Turner, of Madison < \>., Ky. He was a grandson of 
Michael Perkins, of Virginia. Mr. Perkins came in 1844. 
Be served eighteen months in Capt. Pres. Simpson's com- 
pany of Enrolled Missouri Militia. Ch: 



1859, JUNE. -> '■ P. & G. R. RAILROAD. 

1. Jesse T. Perkins, 1». Oct. 27, L855; m'd his cousin, Eliza 

Perkins. Ch: ["| Sarah; [''| .Maud. 

2. John F. Perkins, b. Sept; 9. L857. 

::. Joel T., b. March 2::. L859; m'd .May Linendall. 

4. Squire T. Perkins, b. June 23, 1860; m'd Bala Brewer. 

5. Arzela F. Perkins, b. .lime 10, L862; m'd Homer 

Linendall. 
0. Lizzie 1/. Perkms, b. May 2, 1864; m'd Daniel Lewis. 

Ch: ["] Fannie .M. Lewis; \ h \ Ella; [ r ] Eugene; 

[d] Bettio. 
7. Charles Perkins, b. in Feb., 18*')!); dead. 
S. Paul,b. in 1872; dead. 
0. <'i/ntlii<t, b. Feb. 9, 1*72; m'd Oct. 15, L890, Larkin E. 

Tinder. (See.) 
10. AZ&er*, b. in 1876. 11. Ernest. 
II. SQUIRE W. TUDER. (See.) 

III. SARAH ANN TUDER, m'd Dr. Kimsey. He was. about 

1849, killed by his wife's father. Thomas Tuder, and her 
onlv son died. She now lives, childless, in Platte City. 

IV. JOSEPH B. TUDER. 

June 25 — The Platte County Agricultural and Mechanical 
Association buy ground at Tracy. 

THE PARKVILLE & G. R. RAILROAD CO., 

Having been organized, let out to Matton, Messer & Co., the con- 
tract to do the grading of their road from Parkville to Cameron. 
A large portion of the work was done, and in January. 1801, the 
contractors failed. The county court took |200,000 stock in the 
company, and issued $125,000 in 10 per cent bonds. Afterwards 
the other $7."), 000 was issued by Judge Aller. These sums, with 
compound interest, when funded, constituted three-fourths of our 
county debt. Many farmers on the route of the road subscribed 
from $100 to $500, which they were afterwards compelled to pay. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 1 — At a special election, Jas. S. Owens was chosen 
surveyor. The election at Weston resulted as follows: For 
judge of court of common pleas — James Doniphan, 383; H. J. 
Wolf. 254. For clerk— Jas. A. Price. 204; D. C. Dale, 118; R. W. 
Lasley, 159. 

THE SONS OF MALTA. 

This year will be remembered as the era of the Sons of Malta. 
At Platte City all the leading men were members of the order. 
Lodges were formed everywhere. The initiations and orgies 
called out crowds. The candidate was subjected to a severe ex- 
amination, and a false and ludicrous interpretation was placed on 



1859, AUG. 284 GOLDEN ERA. 

his answers. He was blindfolded, dressed as a harlequin, placed 
in ludicrous attitudes, of which he was unconscious, and made, 
by implication, to confess a thousand delinquencies and crimes, all 
of which he was told were "recorded" in the proceedings. Judge 
Norton was Holy Commander, R. N. Harrington secretary, and 
Wm. E. Oliver personated Death, lying in a coffin, with flour 
rubbed upon his face to produce pallor, and pokeberry stains to 
indicate blood. While all others were convulsed with laughter, 
the candidate was sternly reproved for levity. When brought to 
light, before a large looking-glass, the candidate was told to "see 
himself as others see him"; the shouts of merriment were unre- 
strained, while the candidate divested himself of his burlesque 
costume. The candidate was sure to attend the next meeting, to 
laugh at what he had lately unwittingly passed through, while 
blindfolded. The order of the Sons of Malta soon exhausted its 
material, and ran out. 

THE GOLDEN ERA 

Of Platte County was the year 1859. Large crops of hemp sold 
at round prices. Negro traders paid fabulous prices for slaves. 
Money was never more abundant. Western explorations had 
opened new avenues for enterprise. Mules, oxen, and wagons 
were in demand for the West. The trade upon the plains demanded 
provisions and supplies. California emigrants had returned, 
with full pockets; and the growing cities of western Missouri and 
eastern Kansas offered ready markets for stock and provisions. 

Society had improved. Prof. Todd's female school, with open 
parlors, had daily receptions. Prof. Gaylord's male academy 
inspired the youth to higher attainments. Camden Point had 
both male and female academies, and Prof. Vineyard, at Pleasant 
Ridge, prided himself upon the thorough education he imparted. 
Examinations and exhibitions gathered vast crowds, and picnics 
occurred weekly. The assessment of the year, $7,798,613.00 was 
the largest in our history. Lands were "rising rapidly." 

A ug. 2 — Wm. McGinnis is allowed $400 for making a 20-foot 
pavement of stone in front of the clerks' offices. 

.1 ug. 20 — Geo. P. Dorriss advertises "cash for negroes to take 
south. " He builds a dungeon on his farm to confine them. 

An Atlas of this date is extant, published by W. H. Gist and 
X. 1). Short, at Platte City, $2, No. 22, Vol. .°». 

Aug. 2.'i — St. John's Episcopal Church, at Weston, is 
consecrated. 

Aug. A'' — Railroad meeting at the court-house, addressed by 
.1. T. V. Thompson. 

Thomas Thoroughman enrolled as an attorney. 



1859, SEPT. L'.sf, JOEL GARGES. 



SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 5 — The county courl orders an election to determine 
whether the county shall take $150,000 of stork in the Platte 
County Railroad from Kansas City to St. Joseph. The second 
Monday in November is set for the election. 

John II. Wilhite, president of the Weston and Platte City 
Turnpike < 'ompany, reports 2 miles of the road complete, and the 
county court grants him a warrant for $150. 

T. B. King enrolled as an attorney. 

Sept. 9 — Elizabeth Trewitt, of .Marshall Township, having 
died,G. W. Hood administers. Bond, $2,000. 

Sept. 12 — Lewis Burnes enrolled as an attorney. 

Prof. Gaylord re-opens his Platte City Male Academy, with 
increased attendance. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. /—A party of Thos. Herndon's friends ask him to allow 
them to print, in pamphlet form, his poems. He gives consent, and 
the Atlas office sends forth the booklet of 16 pages, which is sold 
at 50 cents. The merits of Mr. Herndon's poems are the heroic 
violations of etymology, syntax, and prosody. It did one's heart 
good to hear him grandiloquently recite his verses, and satisfac- 
torily show the drolleries and excellencies that no one else could 
discover. 

Oct. '/ — Henry Myers having died, Teter Myers administered. 
Bond, $14,000. 

Oct. 11 — The Second County Fair near Tracy commenced. 
High and well-constructed seats, well covered, extended half way 
around the circle, capable of seating 7,1)00 people. Parallel with 
the highest seat, a five-foot promenade, the full length of the seats, 
was constructed. Twenty-five dollars paid for a share, admitted 
one and his family to the grounds forever. The attendance 
of 1859 was perhaps the largest in the history of the fair. No 
drinking nor gambling was permitted, and the fair was a glorious 
reunion of a prosperous and happy people. 

JOEL GARGES. 

Oct. 18 — Joel Garges having died, E. YV. Brink administered. 
Bond, $2,500-. Mr. Garges married Elizabeth Zachary, aunt of 
W. D. Zachary. They lived north of Parkville. Ch: 
I. NATHAN GARGES. m'd in 1843, Margaret E. Cooper, b. 
Feb, 7, 1821 ; d. March 26, 1892. Their daughter, 
1. Eliza ./. Garges, m'd Henry II. Gray. 
H. JAMES GARGES, b. May 1. 1822; m'd dan. 31, 1854, Miriam 
Noland. Ch: 



1859, NOV. 286 J. W. THOMAS. 

1. Daniel Garges. 2. William. 3. Xathan (ii). 
1. Arena, ni'd Nov. 8. 1883, W. T. Noland. 

III. CYNTHIA E. GARGES, ni'd Dec. 30, 1852, William Brink, 

d. in Oct., 1893. Thev lived in Oklahoma. 

IV. MARTHA M. GARGES, b. June 28, 1827; ni'd Sept. 27, 1817, 

Elijah W. Brink, b. May 5, 1823 ; d. Nov. 19, 1895. Ch : 
1. Joel Brink.' 2. Charles H. 3. JohnW. 
1. Martha, ni'd J. Noland. 
5. James A., m'd Mahala E. Hopkins. 
V. ZILPAH GARGES, d. Oct. 13. 1872; m'd John Noland, b. in 

Jessamine Co.. Ky., Feb. 22, 1817 ; d. March 13, 1892. Came 

to Lafavette Co., Mo., in 1831, and thence to Platte in 1837. 

Children: 

1. Matthias F. Noland, b. Aug. 18, 1811; m'd Jan. 10, 

1861, Eliza Grav, b. July 11, 1812, dr. of Henry. Ch : 
[«] Zilpah Alice Noland, m'd Feb. 25, 1886. Henrv S. 
Galbraith. Ch: [1] Arthur Galbraith; [2] Lottie; 
[3] Lena. jA] John ffic Noland, b. Oct. 9, 1869 ; m'd 
Jan. 18. 1893. Minerva Fickle; [P] Cora Ellen No- 
land, b. Feb. 18, 1872; m'd Oct. 2, 1890, John W. 
Timberlake. b. Feb. 5. 1868. Ch: [1] Rov. b. Aug. 
15. 1892. [d] Walter Noland. 

2. James H. Xoland, b. in 1852; d. Jan. 7. 1895; m'd Oct. 

15. 1876. Sidney Jane Dunagan, b. June 6, 1856, dr. 
of James. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 1 — Farlev Lodge, No. 177. Odd Fellows, instituted, with 
Israel Heath, N. G. 

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Barry, organized 
in 1826, entered their new house in 1859. They still continue a 
zealous and efficient congregation. 

Nov. 22 — Dr. Oscar F. Bowers, of Weston, having died. Dr. Ben 
Bonifant administered. Bond, $5,000. Dr. Bowers was a partner 
of Dr. Bonifant, and left him all his property. 

JOHN W. THOMAS. 

Xor. 23 — John W. Thomas having died. Tres. Simpson admin- 
istered. Bond. $2,000. Ch: 

I. R. M. THOMAS, is a venerable Baptist preacher, and as an 
evangelist traverses all parts of northwest Missouri. 
II. JAMES P. THOMAS. 

III. SARAH, m'd John W. Smith, b. in Lexington. Ky.. May 26, 
1827. Came to Platte in 1859, and settled five miles south 
of Platte City. He is an excellent citizen and a zealous 
Odd Fellow; and he served in Capt. V. Simpson's company 
lit' Enrolled Missouri Militia. Oh: 



1859, DEC. 287 OFFICERS. 

1. Mary E. Smith, m'd U. (i. Crawford. 

2. Sarah C. Smith, m'd \Y. P. Lanter, son of Davis. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 1 — Abe Lincoln spoke at St. Joseph. 

Dec. 2 — We have had pleasanl weather until to-day. but the 
mercury this morning was .".1 below zero. 

Dec. 3 — The Missouri River is frozen over. 

Dec. 9 — John H. Wilhite, president, reports 2.1 miles more of 
the Weston and Platte City Turnpike complete, and the county 
court grants him $200. 



I860. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, R. M. Stewart; Representatives, S. McGuire and 
J. E. Pitt; Congressman, James Craig; Circuit Judge, E. H. Nor- 
ton; Senator, J. T. V. Thompson; Circuit Attorney, J. M. Bassett; 
Probate Judge, H. C. Cockrell; Circuit Clerk, W. < ). Remington; 
County Justices, J. F. Broadhurst, Pres. Dunlap, and S. M. Hays; 
County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Treasurer, H. J. Freeland; County 
Attorney, J. E. Merryman; Surveyor, J. S. Owens; Sheriff, W. K. 
Bryant; Public Administrator, W. M. Paxton; Coroner, B. S. 
Richards. 

CENSUS OF 1860. 

Population. 

Missouri 1,182,012 

Platte County, white 14,981 

Platte County, slaves 3,313 

Platte County, free colored 56 18,350 

Platte County, native born 16,678 

Platte County, foreign 1,672 18,350 

Platte City (242 colored) 875 

Weston (188 colored) 1,810 

Clay 13,023 

Clinton 7,848 

Liberty 1 ,288 

St. Joseph 14,975 

Plattsbnrg 092 

Leavenworth, Kansas 14,849 

Atchison, Kansas 5.232 

Kansas City. Mo 4.418 



1860, JAN. 288 BUSINESS MEN. 

Population of Platte County for a series of years: 1840, 
8,913; 1850, 10.845; 1800, 18,350; 1870, 17,352; 1880, 17,366; 
18110, 10.248. 

Assessment of Platte for 1860: 3,069 slaves, $1,414,010; 
monev. $911,203; personalty, $689,622; real estate, $4,339,054; 
total, $7,253,929. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Baker, Clark, Harrington, Hern- 
don, Merryman, Pitt, Ross, Smith, Spratt, Tebbs, Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Brown, Eastman, Guthrie, Hale, Hol- 
lingsworth, Marshall, Moore, Redman, Wallace. 

Merchants, etc. — Addis (photographer). Almond, Paxton & 
Owen (mills), Bryant, Waller & Co., Burge & Hogue, Cochran, 
Doty, Ferrier, Fleshman, Freeland (postmaster). Fox, Gaylord, 
Gordon & Todd, Hettish, Jenkins, Johnston, Johnson & Withers, 
Knopf, Krause, Murray, Oswald, Richards, Swaney & Christison, 
Throckmorton, Todd, Wilkinson, Woolfolk, Young, Zarn. 

Lodges— No. 56, S. M. Hays, W. M. 

Preachers— G. L. Moad, W. H. Thomas. 

Newspapers — Atlas, H C. Cockrell and W. C. Remington, 
proprietors, and Gist and Short, editors. 

At ^Yefi(ton : Attorneys — Branch, Bird. Burnes, Carroll, Doni- 
phan, Heriot, King, Lawson, McCurdy & Gilbert, Wolf. 

Physicians — Beaumont, Bonifant, Bowlbv, Earickson, Hen- 
son. Griswold, Humes, Phillips, Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Basye, Beechler, Bell, Branham & Norris, 
Briggs, Collier & Rockwell, Column & Belt, Conwell & Spencer, 
Deitz, Doppler, Dye, Ellefrit, Gerner & Frank, Fulton, Goltstein, 
Harper. Halyard, Johnson. Kaufman. Klingstein, Knudson, 
Lasley & Algair, Mettier, Miller, Mitchell, Noble, Perrys & Young, 
Rhoring, Raileys. Sachs, Shannon, Sloan & Nower, Shaw & New- 
house. Snell, Trollman, Turner. Walker, Weber, Wood. 

Mayor— G. W. Belt. 

Court of Common Pleas — Doniphan, judge; Price, clerk; 
Hood, marshal. 

Lodges— No. 53. B. F. Newhouse, W. M.; Chapter No. 4, Belt. 
H. P.: Com. No. 2, Burnes, E. C; Odd Fellows. Lawson, N. G. 

Weston Rifle Company — Beechler, captain. 

Newspapers — Argus, Wiseleys editors; Mail, W. H. Bisbee 
editor. 

Preachers — Carney (Christian), Coffey (Baptist), Wright 
i Presbyterian). 

Union College — Kendall, principal. 

.1/ Parkville: Arnold. Ashby, Beeding, Campbell, Olongh. 
Dale& Roberts, Davis, McComas, McDonald, Miller, Ringo, Stod- 
dart. Summers, Woodsmall. 

Newspapers — Courier, McDonald editor. 
1/ Camden Point: Coffey, Flack, Forbis, Hale (postmaster). 
lomas. Withers. 



rwi 



I860, JAN. 289 W. B. ALMOND. 

At Farley: Falkner, Johnson, Mason. Meads. I'atton, Heatli. 
At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright, Ogden, 
Tufts, Wells. 

At Ridgely: De Atley & Co., Ellington, Gustin, Sayle, Scott. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 2 — E. H. Norton nominated at St. Joseph, over J. X. 
Barnes, for Congress, by the Democratic Convention. 

W. F. Perrin, president of the Weston and Plattsburg Turn 
pike Company, reports 5£ miles of the road complete. 

Jan. 4 — Ei N. (). Olough, agent, reports that he had sub- 
scribed for the countv $200,000 for stock in the Parkville & C. R. 
Railroad. 

The subscription to the Platte Countv Railroad is reduced 
from $150,000 to $120,000. 

The county court subscribes $30,000 to the Weston & A. 
Railroad Company, and James (J. Spratt is appointed agent to 
enter the same on the company's books. 

The Platte County & Ft. Des Moines Railroad incorporated 
by the Legislature. The name was subsequently changed to the 
Leavenworth & Ft. Des Moines Railroad, and, still later, to the 
Chicago & S. W. Railway. After the road was finished, it became 
a part of the Chicago, R. I. & P. Railroad system. 

A financial panic is brewing, in view of the expected war be- 
tween the States. Cold is hoarded, bank bills are discounted, 
silver is going out of circulation. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. .9 — The county court increases the subscription to the 
W. & A. Railroad Company f $50,000, and S. P. S. McCurdy is 
appointed to enter the subscription on the company's books. 

A. J. Morrow having died, J. H. Nash administered. Bond, 
$15,000. 

MARCH. 

March 3 — The New Market Christian Church organized. 

JUDGE WM. B. ALMOND. 

March '/ — Fudge Win. B. Almond died at Leavenworth and 
was buried at Platte City. He was born in Prince Edward's 
County, Va., October 25, 1808; graduated at Hampden-Sidney 
College in 1820; emigrated to Missouri, settled at Lexington, en- 
tered the store of Robert Aull as a clerk, visited the Rocky Moun- 
tains with William Sublette, in the employ of the Fur Company 
of St. Louis, and studied law with Judge Ryland. February 28, 
1837, he married Bethenia Jack, the lovely and accomplished 
daughter of Capt. William Jack, who as early as 1821 kept the 
18- 



1860, MARCH. 290 THE ALMONDS. 

ferry at Lexington. She was born March 12, 1814; was tall, 
handsome, well educated, refined, fascinating in her manners, a 
zealous Cumberland Presbyterian, and a devotee to music. The 
newly wedded pair came to Platte, when a. wilderness, and 
settled on the Buchanan line, where I first met them in 1839. 
Though both were raised in affluence, they accommodated them- 
selves to circumstances and lived as pioneers. After making 
their homes in various places in Platte and Buchanan, they finally 
settled, about 1846, in Platte City. In 1849 he was among the 
foremost emigrants across the plains and mountains to California. 
Here, through the influence of his friend, Gov. Peter H. Burnett 
(see), he was appointed a territorial judge, at San Francisco. His 
court did an immense business, and his name was on all lips. He 
returned from the Golden Gate with some $15,000, and purchased 
a half interest in the mills and water-power at Platte City. In. 
August, 1851, he was elected circuit judge, to succeed S. L. 
Leonard. In June, 1857, he removed to Topeka, and thence to 
Leavenworth, leaving his family in Platte City. He died, as 
stated, at Leavenworth March 4, 1860. His wife survived him, 
living at Platte City until the close of the war, and the marriage 
of most of her children, when she broke up housekeeping, and lived 
with her children. She died at St. Joseph August 15, 1885. She 
lies beside her husband, her father, and her mother, in the Platte 
City cemetery. A beautiful monument at the group of graves 
records the virtues of the dead. But not a living descendant of 
Judge Almond now resides in Platte. 

I knew Judge Almond and his wife intimately. He was my 
partner in the Platte City Mills for years. His classical educa- 
tion. Western adventures, social temperament, and varied ex- 
perience supplied him with a fund of useful information and 
anecdote that made him a charming companion. He possessed 
genius, rather than talent. He was a brilliant orator, understood 
mankind, was quick to discover the weak and strong points of his 
adversary, and ready to take advantage of every opportunity. 
His liberality was unbounded, and he left to his family nothing 
but native brilliance of intellect, accomplishments of education, 
and the galvanism of beauty, enhanced by the charms of music. 
His five daughters, four of whom yet live, formed a bevy of 
lovelv women I have never seen surpassed. Oh: 
I. LAVINIA (LALLIE) ESTHER ALMOND, b. Dec. 18, 1837: 
m'd May 3, 1855, H. Clay Cockrell, probate judge of Platte 
County from 1850 to 1800, and a lawyer of reputation. 
She died, leaving: 

1. Barry W. Cockrell b. March 10. 1850; d. in 1893: m'd 

Reb. Dunnica. He was associate editor of the Globe- 
Democrat : 1 child. 

2. NelHe Cockrell b. Jan. 10, 1858; m'd P.. X. Woodson, a 

lawyer of Oklahoma. 



1860, MARCH. 291 THE ALMONDS. 

3. Almond B. Cockrell, b. July 1, 1860; m'd Mary Mcllhany. 

He is manager of the Kansas and Texas Coal Co., 
at Weir City, and of the zinc works; 5 children. 

4. Lallie Louise Cockrell, b. Aug. 29, 18G7; a lovely girl. 

5. R. Lee Cockrell b. Jan. 17, 1871. 

G. Carl Clay Cockrell, b. June 12, 1872. 
The last three are bv the second wife. 
II. W. SUBLETTE ALMOND, b. Nov. 27, 1839; m'd Mamie Max- 
well, of Ohio. Thev live in Texas; 4 children. 

IU. VIRGINIA E. ALMOND, b. Dec. 19, 1841; m'd Dec. 19, 1859. 
J as. E. Frost (see), from whom she parted. They had one 
child, Addison, who married, and lives in the West. Jen 
nie lived with her mother until the latter died. She now 
makes her home with her sisters, when not engaged in 
teaching music. She is a small and beautiful woman, with 
auburn curls, a fairy in beauty and vivacity, who captivates 
all that approach her by the charms of her conversation and 
the magic of her song. 

IV. KATE ALMOND, b. Oct. 25, 1845; m'd Maj. H. Clay Cockrell, 
Oct. 1, 1866, the former husband of her sister Lallie. She 
is full of zeal in the Master's cause, and is brilliant in con- 
versation. She spent a week at my house in 1894, and left 
a fragrant memory that will long regale us. In the war, 
Mr. Cockrell took up arms for the Union, and reached the 
rank of major. Their three children, Lallie, Lee, and Carl, 
have been mentioned. They live in Glasgow, Mo., where 
Maj. Cockrell is practicing law successfully. 
V. (LARA D. ALMOND, b. Nov. 24, 1851; m'd May 23, 1876, 
W. H. Armstrong, b. March 28, 1844. Theirs is a life of 
faith and prayer. Mr. Armstrong was a banker of Stan- 
berry, Mo., removed to St. Joseph, where he and his wife 
issued a monthly paper, supporting the theory of holiness, 
or perfect sanctification. Clara possesses the beauty, love- 
liness, and song so remarkable in the family. She has 
formed an institution in St. Joseph, sustained by prayer, 
for the support of indigent females. Ch: 

1. Margarette B. Armstrong, b. Aug. 29, 1884. 

2. Paid V., b. June 12, 1886. 

3. Esther Louise, b. Aug. 15, 1888. 

4. Ruth Armstrong, b. June 20, 1890. 

5. Clara H., b. Aug. 21, 1892. 

6. Charles Armstrong, b. Feb. 21, 1877. 

7. Edith H., b. June 25, 1878. 

8. Bcthinc Armstrong, b. June 5, 1880. 

9. Willi a til 8., b. Feb. 23, 1882. 

VI. IJETHENIA (BIRDIE) J. ALMOND, b. Aug. 17, 1857; m'd 
Frank McCrillis. She is a large and uncommonly hand- 
some woman. She studied elocution as her profession, 
and music as an art. Her public recitations were admir- 
able, and afforded her a support before marriage. 



1860, MARCH. 292 W. W. PULLINS. 

WILLIAM W. PULLINS. 

William W. Pullins died five miles east of Platte City. He 
was a son of Loftus Pullins and Delia Walker, of Madison Co., 
Ky. He married Julia King, born December 28, 1808; died Janu- 
ary 10, 1879. She was a daughter of Capt. Henry King, of the 
Revolutionary army. They were well off, and highly esteemed. 
Children: 

I. JULIA C. PULLINS, b. March 15, 1828; m'd Dec. 15, 1818, 

Robert I. Robertson, b. March 4, 1818 ; d. Dec. 31, 1879. Mr. 

Robertson was a farmer, living four miles east of Platte 

City. He was a gentleman, educated and refined. Mrs. 

Robertson still lives at her old home, and is much beloved. 

Children: 

1. Sallie W. Robertson, b. Feb. 15, 1850; d. Oct. 27, 1882; 

m'd June 9, 1869, Wm. W. Lampton. Ch : [«] Min- 
nie E. Lanmton. 

2. Susan Robertson, b. Oct. 8, 1857; m'd May 1, 1878, Jos. 

A. Corbin, b. March 28, 1856, son of Lewis. Ch: 
[«] Mary Corbin, b. Dec. 12, 1881; [&] Dora, b. Oct. 
8, 1886. ' 

3. William P. Robertson, b. Sept. 16, 1861; m'd Ella 

McClary, of Clay. Ch: [ a ] Susan C. Robertson. 

1. Robert I. Robertson (ii). 5. John Arthur Robertson. 
II. CHARLES W. PULLINS, b. May 8, 1830; d. in March, 1875; 
m'd Sallie Kirtley, dr. of Elliott B. Their children: 

1. Anna Pnllins. 2. Lnla. 

After Mr. Charles Pullins died, his widow m'd J. W. 
Bryant. He died, leaving one child. Kirtley Bryant. The 
widow lives in Camden Point. 
III. ELIZ. J. PULLINS (BETTIE), b. Nov. 14, 1837; m'd March 4, 
1856, James W. Littlejohn, b. July 19, 1829, in Lewis Co., 
Ky. His father was Daniel Littlejohn, b. in 1808 in Lou- 
doun County, Va.; d. in Illinois in 1857. His mother was 
Cynthia. Thompson, of Scotland. The family removed to 
Mason County, Ky., where James grew up to manhood. He 
came to Platte in August, 1857. He went to the Mexican 
War as a private, in Company E, Capt, Metcalfe, of the 
3d Kentucky, under Col. M. V. Thompson, in General Thos. 
Marshall's brigade. He is 6 feet 3 inches high in his socks; 
but when he tells of his military adventures, he rises to 
full 7 feet. For his services he is drawing a pension. In 
the war between the States he served on the side of the 
South, under Price, Cockrill, et ah He is a carpenter by 
trade, and liis wife owns a fine farm on Todd's Creek. He 
is an Odd Fellow, and prides himself much in the principles 
of the order. Mrs. Littlejohn is an educated and accom- 
plished lad v. Ch: 

1. Dora 'Littlejohn, b. Oct. 11. 1858; m'd Oct. 27. 1888, 
Robert Lewis, b. Nov. 11, 1857, son of Jas. G. Ch: 
[«] Bessie Lewis, b. Oct. 13. 1891. 



1860, MARCH. 293 DR. HOLLINGSWORTH. 

2. James /•'. Littlejohn, b. Aug. 10, 1868. 
:{. Annie Littlejohn, b. July 4, 1871. 

4. Elizabeth Littlejohn. b. Doc. 28, 1876; m'd Oct. 4, 1896, 
Joe Shelbv Anders. 
IV. WILLIAM S. PULLINS. b. Nov. 11, 1833; d. March 13, 1889; 
m'd Dec. 0. L863, ( Jynthia A. Barnes. < 3h : 

1. Charles (1. Pullins, m'd April 9, 1887, Bettie Barbee. 

Oh: ["] Opal Pullins; [ 6 ] Grace. 

2. Alonozo Pullins, m'd -Ian. 2, 1880, Jennie Foster; 2 

children. 
:>. Georgie Pullins, m'd Erastus Wilson, son of M. S. Ch: 

[«■] Bessie Wilson; [ f >] Mabel. 
4. James Pullins. 5. ./o////. 6. Richard. 7. Harriet. 
V. C( >RXELIA PULLINS, b. in 1850 ; d. April 28, 1882 ; m'd Sept. 
1, 1860, A. N. (Thos.) Ohinn. Ch : 

1. Chas. B. Chinn, m'd May 28, 180::, Mag McClary. 

2. William J). A. Cornelia (Xeely). 

After the death of Mrs. Chinn. A. N. Chinn married her 
sister Georgia. He died March 4, 180.".. 
VI. GEORGIA PULLINS. 

March 7 — The Wiseleys commence issuing a daily Argus, but 
soon cease. 

DPv. B. P. HOLLINGSWORTH. 

March 20— Dr. B. F. Hollingsworth having died, Clark & 
Callahan administered. Bond, |0,000. He came west about 
1850, and engaged in the practice of medicine at Platte City. He 
married October 7, 1852, Mary A. Minims, born February 10, 1828; 
died April 4, 1884. He was a man much beloved as a citizen, and 
trusted as a physician. Ch: 

I. KATE HOLLINGSWORTH, m'd Oct. 3, 1870, Jas. McKee. 
II. JEPHTHA G. HOLLINGSWORTH, b. Jan. 16, 1801 ; m'd Oct. 
2, 1884, Eliza Bush Park, b. April 10, 1865. After prepar- 
ing himself, he practiced dentistry for some ten years in 
Platte City, and then removed to Kansas City to continue 
his business, as well as to occupy a chair in the Kansas City 
Dental College. Mrs. Hollingsworth is the daughter of 
Mort. C. Park (see), and inherits the good sense of her 
father and the beauty and loveliness of her mother. Ch: 

1. Kathleen Hollingsworth, b. Oct. 20, 1888. 

2. Park EolUngsworth, b. Aug. 5, 1802. 

The Platte City Water Mills thoroughly repaired, and fur- 
nished with new patent water-wheels, by E. W. Montague. 

March 26 — Fred Krause first appears in Platte City, and opens 
a butcher shop. 

APRIL. 

April 2 — Democratic meeting held at the court-house, to 
select delegates to the State Convention. The call is signed "by 



i860, APRIL. 294 ALVA GRAVES. 

the Democratic central committee, as follows: J. N. Burnes, 
Noah Beery, T. J. Eastman. Thos. Foster. Leon Oldham, and F. 
M. Tufts. 

April S — The first pony express starts from St. Joseph. It 
was in charge of Majors, Russell & Waddell. Their postmen 
started simultaneously from St. Joseph and from San Francisco. 
The trip of 1.9S2 miles was made in 10 days, and subsequently in 7 
days and IT hours. The pony express contiued until 1861, when 
the telegraph was completed from Omaha to San Francisco. Ben 
Holliday then started his line of overland stage-coaches. 

April Jt — W. F. Perrin, president, reports that $30,000 had 
been expended on the Weston and Plattsburg Turnpike, twelve 
miles completed, and bridges under contract. 

THE DROUTH. 

No rain. Flour is shipped from St. Louis to supply Platte 
County. Supplies are sent to starving Kansas, money at 20 per 
cent interest, no coin in circulation. Churches have prayer for 
rain; the Atlas ridicules them. 

ALVA GRAVES. 

April 5 — Alva Graves having died, N. I. Alexander adminis- 
tered. Bond, $2,000. He was a cousin of James L. Graves. His 
sister, Elizabeth Graves, married Andrew Lawson, and was 
mother of Nep. Lawson. After Lawson's death, his widow mar- 
ried Wash. Dyer (see), and still lives in Marshall Township. Alva 

Graves married, in Tennessee, Elizabeth . who survived 

him. Their children : 

I. MISSISSIPPI GRAVES, m'd Thos. Lipscomb. 
n. PAROZETTA GRAVES, m'd a Lipscomb, 
in. ADELAIDE GRAVES. 

April 6— The county court subscribes $100,000 to the Platte 
County & Ft. Des Moines Railroad Co., on condition that the road 
starts from Weston and comes within a half-mile of Platte City. 
The terms were accepted by the directors of the road, but never 
complied with. 

April 1.3 — The Platte County Railroad (Missouri Valley) is 
condemning rights of way on its route. 

JOHN DEAN. 

April /•) — John Dean died near New Market. He was the 
progenitor of the Dean family of Platte, was born in Maine May 1. 
17s4. removed, successively, to Virginia, to Clay County. Mo., and 
in Platte His father was Joshua Dean. John Dean married 
Susan Bartleson, who died in August, 1822. Ch: 

I. MALTXDA DEAN, b. in 1S05; m'd in 1822. John Hart, of 

Clay. 
II. ELIZABETH DEAN (NANCY), m'd a Vancy. She came to 
riatte, and entered land, near New Market, in her own 
name. T infer her husband was dead. 



1860, APRIL. 295 THE DEANS. 

III. FRANK M. DEAN. d. in Nov.. L846; m'd Feb. L5, 1844, Mar- 

garet Swearingen. Ch: 

1. Lizzie J. Dean, m'd March 10, 1864, Richard M. Farra, 

b. Oct. 26, 1841. Oh: ["] Martha Cassie Farra, m'd 

W. P. Skinner (see); [ b ] Eva Z. Farra; ['] Frankie 
Lee Farra ; [<'] Robert D. 

2. Andrew J. Dean, of Andrew ( kmnty. 

IV. ABNER DEAN, m'd Malinda Holland. He d. in 1867. Ch: 

1. MaryCrabb. 2. Susan J. Dean. 

3. Elizabeth P. Burgess. 4. Frank Dean. 5. Thos. Dean. 
6. Emetine Dean. 7. John. 8. William Dean. 

0. Susan Dean. 10. Catherine Dean. 11. Abner Dean (ii). 
12. Fannie Dean. 

None of the family now reside in Platte. 
V. JOHN BARTLESON DEAN, d. Oct. a, 1877; m'd Elizabeth 
Gregg, dr. of David. (See.) Mr. Dean possessed sound 
judgment, and enjoyed the confidence of his neighbors. 
They resided near New Market. Ch: 

1. Sidney Huston Dean, b. Jan. 7, 1842; m'd in March, 

1866, Kate Leavel, b. in 1846, dr. of Arch. Oh: 
[«] Clarence; l"»j Elizabeth J. Dean, m'd Oct. 10, 
1887. John S. Williams, son of W. W. (BudJ. Oh: 
[/] Wm. W. Williams; [2] Huston, [o] Arch. B. 
Dean; [''] Linn H. (girl); [e] Mary C; [/'] Sidney 
H. Dean; [0] Albert Dean; [^Andrew; ['] Camp- 
bell Dean. 

2. Minerva A. Dean, m'd John T. Owens. (See.) 

3. Elizabeth Dean, m'd Maple P. Owens. (See.) 

4. James T. Dean, b. March 15. 1852; d. Sept. 16, 1893; m'd 

March 10, 1880. Maggie E. Anderson. ( 5h : [«] Lea- 
pold D. Dean (a girl); [ 6 ] Annie C. Dean; [ r ] John 
B. Dean ; [<*] Mary E. 

5. Nancy Ellen Dean, m'd Dec. 25, 1872. John T. Leavel, 

son of Arch. John was b. in Lincoln Co., Ky.. June 
1, 1849. Came with his father in 1853, and' settled 
at New Market, where his father died in April, 1875. 
He was educated at Camden Point Male Academy, 
and is a man of wide influence. His wife was edu 
cated at Daughters' College, and is a lady of rare 
accomplishments. Ch: ["] Wm. Leavel; [''] Ara; 
[f] Dean. 

6. Susan E. Dean, m'd Dec. 24, 1878, B. Frank Allison, 

son of James and a man of literary accomplishments. 
They live near New Market. Ch: [ a ] Minnie Alli- 
son; [6] Rachel; [ c ] a babe. 
VI. ISAAC DEAN, b. Feb. 10, 1822, in Clay Co.; m'd Nov. 1, 1855. 
in Buchanan Co.. Sally Ann Richardson, b. April 26, 1828, 
in Madison Co., Ky. They lived near New Market. Ch: 
1. Georgia Dean, m'd Samuel Dysart; no children. She 
is now a widow. 



1860, APRIL. 296 COUNTY FINANCES. 

2. Susan Dean, m'd Dec. 9, 1880, David C. Leavel. Ch: 

["] Andrew D. Leavel; [ 6 ] Georgia Belle; [ c ] Arch. 
C. Leavel. 

3. Francis M. Dean <ii), b. Aug. 20, 1860; m'd Sept. 15, 

1880, Emma D. Hull, b. Feb. 18, 1869. Ch: [«] Davie 
C. Dean. 

4. Belle Dean, in d May 2, 1889, Galen B. Anderson (see), 

b. Nov. 2, 1857, son of Geo. W. He is a man of 
thought and judgment, and received a finished edu- 
cation. In 1890 he was elected surveyor of Platte 
County. Ch: ["] Temple Anderson, b. Jan. 19, 
1892. ' 
After the death of Mrs. Susan Dean, Mr. John Dean (i) 
married, and reared a second set of children: 
VII. JOSHUA DEAN. VIII. MICHAEL DEAN. 
IX. SUSAN DEAN. 

April 24 — Frank Engleke having died, J. A. Deister admin- 
istered. Bond, |2,500. 

MAY. 

COUNTY REVENUE. 

Collected $19,917.61 

Expended 17,509.91 



Surplus $2,137.70 

Expenses in Detail. 

Bee Creek bridge $1,600.00 

Bear Creek bridge 210.00 

Chapman's Ford bridge 1,155.00 

Short Creek bridge 150.00 

Platte City bridge 362.00 

Other bridges and repairs 585.00 

Poor.. .. 2,601.00 

County Court Justices 588.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 1,301.00 

Sheriff (Bryant) 855.00 

Circuit Clerk (Remington) . . 534.00 

Assessors 305.00 

County Attorney (Merryman) 100.00 

Treasurer (Freeland) 714.00 

School Commissioner (Baker) 150.00 

Court-house 359.00 

Jail 426.00 

Wood 298.00 

Stationery 241.00 

Printing 240.00 

Patrols 91.00 



1860, MAY.! 



297 J- D. JONES. 



Swamplands * 300.Q0 

Weston and Platte Oity Turnpike 600.00 

Weston and Plattsburg Turnpike 1,800.00 

Improving Platte River 300.00 

Pavement, offices ±00.00 

Other purposes 911.91 

Total 117,509.91 

JAMES 1). JONES. 

\l a y i — James I). Jones came in March, 1860, from Owen 
County, Kt., and, in a few weeks died, leaving his widow, Sarah 
l Wood) Jones, and nine children. Of these, one was Thaddeus C. 
Jones, a farmer, near New Market. He was born August 0, 1810; 
married December 31, 1809, Amanda J. Scott, daughter of John C. 
Children: 1, Robert E. Jones; 2, Sarah J. Jones; 3, James D.; 
4, John C. Jones. 

New Market Christian Church organized. 
John M. Lowe having died, Martin Virion adminstered. 
Bond, $2,500. Oh : 1, James Virion Lowe. 

May 9 — County court issued to the V. & G. R. Railroad Co. 
county bonds, $100,000, bearing 10 per cent interest. Justice 
Hays dissented, and Attorney Merryman opposed. 

May 21 — Marcus Lipscomb having died, W. L. Stephens ad- 
ministered. Bond, $3,500. 

Nancv Kay having died. W. H. Middleton administered. 
Bond, $2,000. 

May 23 — Weston Cominandery, No. 2, chartered. 

JOHNSON CLAY. 

May 2'i — Johnson Clay died. He was a son of Jeremiah 
Clay, and was born in Kentucky February 19, 1798. He married 
May 4, 1820, Rebecca Collett, in Moniteau County, Mo. She was 
a daughter of Abram and Nancy Collett, and was born in Ten- 
nessee January 0, 1805. He left Kentucky in his youth, and 
settled on a farm in Cole County, Mo. Thence he came to Platte 
in 1837, and settled near New Market. Ch : 

I. SARAH T. CLAY, b. Dec. 13, 1822; m'd Dec. 12. L839, A. J. 
Gilliam. 
II. ABRAM C. CLAY, b. Dec. 13, 1824; d. Sept. 21. 1846. 
III. ANN E. CLAY, b. May 12, 1827; m'd Feb. 16, 1843, Dr. S. W. 

Holland, of New Market. The doctor was an estimable 
man, and an interminable talker, notwithstanding his in- 
firmity of stuttering. He spoke rapidly, and interlarded 
his phrases with oaths. But he became an enthusiastic 
Methodist, and often led in prayer. Yet, if excited or 
embarrassed, an innocent oath would slip out. 



1860, JUNE. 298 M.N.OWEN. 

IV. NANCY CLAY. b. Sept. 14, 182S: d. in 1869; m'd July 23, 
1846, T. S. Osborne. 
V. FRANCES G. CLAY, b. Aug. 18, 1830; m'd A. H. Burgess. 
(See.) 

VI. WILLIAM H. CLAY, b. March 9. 1833; m'd Oct. 20, 1858, 

Nannie H. Montgomery. He died at Vicksburg May 13, 
1863, in the Confederate service. 

VII. MARY G. CLAY. b. June 28. 1836; m'd March 26, 1855. Rev. 

J. C. C. Davis. 

JUNE. 

June 6 — Charles Tureman having died, James Dodd admin- 
istered. Bond, $2,500. 

County bonds issued. The county court issued to the Park- 
ville & G. Railroad Co., at sundry times, as the work of grading 
progressed, bonds to the amount of $125,000; and to the Weston & 
A. Railroad Co.. $30,000. Nothing was given to the Platte County 
Railroad, or to the Leavenworth & Des Moines Railroad. 

There is drouth. No rain has fallen since April. The very 
early corn came up, and produced a half crop. 

June 31 — SAMUEL MILLER having died, his son. Marion 
Miller, administered. Bond, $15,000. (See index.) 

JULY. 

July J{ — The day was observed at the fair grounds, with ill- 
tempered speeches. 

A half-inch of rain fell to-day, the first since April. It came 
too late to do good, and was not followed by other rains. Not one- 
fourth of the corn planted came up. It sold for $1 per bushel. 
Wheat turned out almost a failure. But from the large crop of 
1859 we had enough to send supplies to Kansas. This was the 
second famine year. To starvation was added a financial crisis, 
1 hat broke up thousands. Two per cent per month was often paid 
for monev. 

MOSEBY NEELY OWEN. 

Moseby Neely Owen died at Platte City. (See sketch.) The 
family, about 1866. removed to Jacksonville, Oregon, and none of 
them now reside in Platte. Ch: 
I. EDWIN R. OWEN, was lame from "white swelling.'' He 

wrote in the probate office several vears. 
II. ALFRED OWEN. ITT. WILL AD. OWEN. Both /rent 

south in the war, and never returned. 
IV. ANN E. OWEN, was a beautiful and accomplished young 
lady. Six- m'd 1st. Oct. 19, 1855. P. J. Collins; and after his 
death, she m'd 2d. Feb. 7. 1860, N. D. Short. He edited the 
Atlas several years, and possessed sprightliness, but had 
no energy. 
V. MOLLIE OWEN. 



1860, JULY. 299 THE KUYKENDALLS. 

July 12 — The financial panic is increasing. New York ex- 
change is 1 per cent premium. Financiers are assorting Missouri 
money, and presenting it for payment in gold. No coin in cir- 
culation. "Shin-plasters" are used for small change. 

July 20— Mrs. Eliza Todd, born May 15, 1813, wife of Prof. H. 
B. Todd, died at Platte City. Prof. Todd was in the South, solicit- 
ing aid for his school. He returned, and made a feeble effort to 
sustain himself and the Academy; but executions were levied on 
his persona] property, and he was sold out. Prof. A. B. Jones 
succeeded him as principal of the Academy. 

July 23 — J. H. Wilhite reports four more miles of the Weston 
and Platte City Turnpike complete. 

July 24 — James Kuykendall died at his home near Platte City. 

THE KUYKENDALLS 

Came from Holland. Richmond Kuykendall settled in York 
( 'ounty, S. C. He was born in 1768, and was a son of the emigrant 
who died of a wound received at King's Mountain, while fighting 
for his adopted country. The Tories burned his widow's home 
and property, and she died of a broken heart. The orphan, 
Richmond, was adopted in a family that brought him with Boone 
to Kentucky. They settled in Barren County, Kv. Here Rich- 
niond married, and here James Kuykendall was born December 
25, 1795. and married September 5, 1820, Celia Thompson, born De- 
cember 6, 180:? ; died March 9, 1869. After residing for some years 
in Garrard County, Ky., James Kuykendall and family came, in 
1832, to Clay County, Mo., and w r ere among the earliest to cross 
over into Platte. In August, 1840, he was elected a county court 
justice. April 17, 1846, he purchased 160 acres of land near 
Tracy, at $5 per acre. In 1844 he was elected sheriff. In 1849 he 
was county treasurer, and at the election in August, 1849. he was 
chosen our first probate judge. At the end of his term, in 1854, 
the family removed to Kansas, and settled near Topeka. He was 
a member of the second Legislative Assembly of Kansas, chairman 
of the board of commissioners for .Jackson County, and a member 
of the first Constitutional Convention, that passed what was 
known as the Lecompton Constitution. Judge Kuykendall pos- 
sessed an iron will, decision of character, moral courage, and 
self-reliance. He had no counsellor, but depended on his own 
sound judgment. He belonged to no society, never used flattery 
or fawning, and yet he was one of the most popular men of his 
•lay. Tall, brawny, and angular in his features, he commanded 
respect rather than love. He w r as no orator, and was blunt and 
arbitrary. His education was limited, but he derived his power 
from native common sense. Gh : 

I. ELIZA ANN KUYKENDALL, b. Feb. 25. 1821; d. March 9, 
1849; m'd Isaac G. Hyatt. She left two children that sub- 
sequently died. Mr. Hyatt m'd 2d. Sept. 11. 1850. Eliza J. 
Tipton. 



I860, JULY. 300 THE KUYKENDALLS. 

LI. JAMES MARION KUYKENDALL, b. in Garrard Co., Ky., 
Feb. 19, 1824; d. March 15, 1874; in'd Jan. 18, 1849, Sarah 
E. Link, b. March 7, 1833, in Bourbon County, Ky. ; d. Aug. 
14, 1893. She was a daughter of Israel Link. Mr. Kuy- 
kendall was a man of large frame and sound judgment. 
He engaged in the mercantile business for several years, 
at Parkville, and then settled for life on a farm seven miles 
east of Platte City. Ch: 

1. Elizabeth C. Kuykendall, m'd James M. Clark, who was 

killed bv the explosion of a saw-mill boiler. Ch: 
[«] Levi Clark; [&] James M.; [c] Annie; [<*] Jeff. 
Elizabeth m'd 2d, W. Pavne, and had: [ e ] Maud 
Payne; [f] William Payne'; [ff] Elizabeth; [><] Harry. 
She lives in Kansas City. 

2. Belle Kuykendall, m'd Dec. 18, 1879, W. H. Taylor. She 

died, leaving two children to the care of her mother. 

3. Kate Kuykendall, m'd July 6, 1876, Oscar Brown (see); 

3 children. 

4. John T. Kuykendall b. March 4, 1864 ; m'd Feb. 25, 1890. 

Lee Ividwell, b. Nov. 20. 1869. Ch: [«] James M., 
b. Feb. 25, 1892. 

5. Laura Kuykendall m'd Jan. 12, 1891, Chas. S. Allen. 
Mrs. SarahE. Kuykendall m'd 2d, P. X. Cumberford (see); 

no children. 

Ill SARAH J. KUYKENDALL, b. July 4. 1828; m'd July 2, 1848, 
Win. C. Remington. (See.) 

IV. WILLIAM L. KUYlvEXDALL, b. Dec. 13, 1835; m'd July 14, 
1857, Eliza A. Montgomery', of Buchanan, dr. of John. 
Wm. L. has the strong natural mind of his father, with 
more polish and cordiality. His education is liberal, and 
his letters show the scholar. As a scout, in the irregular 
service of the Confederacy, his courage was so tempered 
by discretion, and his heroism was so fruitful in resources, 
that he passed unscathed through thrilling adventures and 
terrific dangers. Saratoga, Wyoming, is now his home. 
Children: 

1. John M. Kuykendall m'd Anna Thomason. He lives 

in Denver. 

2. Harry L. Kuykendall, m'd Blanche J. Moore. They live 

in Denver. Ch: [°] Irene. 
V. ROBERT (5. IvTWKEXDALL, m'd Elizabeth Montgomery. 
dead. He went to Mexico, and was murdered for his. 
money. He left three girls, who live in California. 

JOHN KUYKENDALL 

\V;is ;i brother of Judge -las. Kuykendall. He was a man of sound 
sense and clear judgment. He was assessor of Platte, and was 
constable of Carroll Township several terms. He married Eliza 
ld-t h < ieutrv. daughter of tsoni. Ch : 



I860, JULY. 301 ELECTION. 

I. CHARLOTTE T. KUYKENDALL, b. July 24, 1828; d. Dec. 
12, 1871; m'd Jan. 18, L852, O. P. Olemings, b. in Loudoun 
Co., Va., March 4. 1830, son of Alfred ( 'lemings and Matilda 
Payne. He came to Platte Citj in 1851, and has since 
pursued the blacksmith's trade. Ch: 

1. Jennie, m'd May 18, 1880, Jos. M. Kurtz, of Weston. 

2. Frank L. Glemings. 3. LillicA. 

Mr. (L F. Olemings m'd 2d, Kate Callahan, nee Chesnut. 
Thev live in Platte City. 
II. SARAH A. KUYKENDALL, b. March 13, 1835; m'd Lewis 
Dealing, b. in Fauquier County, Va., March 8, 1825. Lewis 
is a. sou of Lewis Dearing, Sr., and Margaret Rogers. Thev 
live in Flatte City. Ch: 

1. William Dearing, b. Sept. 1, 1854; m'd Sept. 20, 1877, 

Pauline Higgins; no children. Live in St. Joseph. 

2. Burkett bearing (ii), b. June 21, 1850 ; m'd July 18, 1881, 

Dona Jacks, dr. of Sidney. Ch: [«] Quinney Dear- 
ing; [ ft ] Luanna Dearing; [ c ] Pauline (Leeny). 

3. Annie Dearing. b. March 13, 1872. is now teaching 

school. 

Mr. L. Dealing's first wife was Nancy J. Flanuerv. (See.) 

III. ELIZABETH KUYKENDALL, m'd Robert Ross. Ch: 

1. May Ross. 

IV. A DAUHTER, m'd 1st, a Zimmerman; m'd 2d, James Town- 

send, who lives in Kansas. 

July 29 — A meteor of immense magnitude passed from east 
to w T est. 

AUGUST. 
NATIONAL ELECTION. 

liiited States. State. 

Lincoln (Republican) 1,866,352 17,028 

Douglas (Democrat) 1,375,157 58,801 

Breckinridge (Independent Democrat) 845.703 31,317 

Bell (Union). 580,581 58,372 

COUNTY ELECTION. 

Norton, for Congress (Democrat) 1,788 

Scott, for Congress (Whig) 812 

Law son, for representative (Union) 1.000 

Dorriss, for representative (Douglas Democrat) 988 

W. H. Miller, for representative (Douglas Democrat) 020 

Coffey, for representative (Douglas Democrat) t>37 

C. F. Jackson, for governor 1.050 

Orr, for governor 1,005 

Han. Jackson, for governor 338 



I860, AUG. 302 THE COPELANDS. 

W. K. Bryant was elected sheriff; W. C. Remington was 
elected circuit clerk; T. Thoroughnian was elected circuit at- 
torney; Silas Woodson was elected circuit judge. 

In Weston, James Doniphan is elected judge of court of com- 
mon pleas, Grame Hood marshal, and J. A. Price clerk. R. M. 
•Johnston was ehosen county treasurer. 

Aug. 2 — The Argus sustained the Breckinridge ticket. It con- 
tains charges by John Swaney, that W. K. Bryant, sheriff, had 
withheld county revenue. Bryant's answer also appears. 

Aug. 4 — George Copeland is killed. At the August election, 
a row occurred at Platte City. Martin McEnnery took refuge in 
his blacksmith shop, back of the Fleshman house. Geo. Copeland 
tried to force his way into the shop, and McEnnery blew his head 
off with a musket, and immediately ran away, passing over Atch- 
ison Hill. He was never apprehended. 

THE COPELAND FAMILY. 

Ezekiel Copeland was their ancestor. His children: 
I. ELIZA COPELAND, m'd W. T. Hancock. (See.) 
II. JOHN COPELAND, m'd Marv J. Olvis, daughter of John 
and sister of W. F. Olvis. Oh: 

1. Elizabeth Copeland, m'd a Pierson. 

2. Fmvtiie Copeland. 3. Charles R. 

in. JOEL COPELAND, m'd Sarah Olvis, dr. of John. Ch: 

1. John W. Copeland, lives in Leavenworth. 

2. Jennie Copeland, b. June 19, 1866; m'd Aug. 24, 1881. 

Joseph A. Stalder. Ch: [«] Jesse; [ & ] Joseph; 
[ c ] James. 

3. Jeff Copeland. 

4. Ada, m'd Geo. D. McOlain; 2 children. 

5. Charity Copeland, m'd Fred Collins. 

6. Frank Copeland. 7. Ezekiel. 8. Myrtle. 
IV. LAVINIA COPELAND, m'd Jones Gever.' 

V. GEO. COPELAND, m'd Ann Fulk ; killed as above stated. 
VI. JOSIAH COPELAND, d. in Feb., 1877; m'd Malinda Hender- 
son, sister of K. B. Cecil's first wife. Ch : 
1. Ruth. 2. Melrina. 

Aug. 5 — Mary Hughes died, widow of M. M. Hughes. (See.) 
She left all her property to her daughters, Mrs. Rixey and Mrs. 
Hammond. 

Aug. f-i — Isaiah Reynolds having died, Enoch Porter admin- 
istered.' Bond, $ 5,000. ' Ch: 1, Mary Porter; 2, John Reynolds; 
3, Nancy Reynolds; 4, Lucinda; 5, Isaiah; 6, Susan Revnolds; 
7. Henry C. 

Aug. 20 — A grand illumination and rejoicing at Weston over 
the lighting of the city with gas, and the subscription by the 
county court of $30,000 for the Weston & A. Railroad. A splendid 
torch-light procession. 



1860, AUG. 303 J. H. DOWNING. 



Aug. 23 — Judge Norton spoke at Weston. 
Aug. 29 — Judge Woodson opens circuit court. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 1 — James Osborn having died at Weston, M. Ellinger 
aduiistered. Bond, $10,000. He was a merchant of Weston. He 
m'd Nancy Lewis, dr. of John. (See.) Ch: 1. Mary Prances 
Osborn; 2, Amanda S.; 3, Robert. 

JOHN H. DOWNING. 

Sept. 3 — John H. Downing having died at New Market, his 
sons, Ezekiel and And. A. Downing, qualify as his executors. He 
left a widow, Eliza, and children : 

I. EZEKIEL DOWNING, d. in April, 1870. He was deputy 
collector for several terms; m'd . Ch: 

1. EUm Dou-ninq. m'd Feb. 7, 1874, John 1). Maget, b. May 

27, 1851; d. July 19, 1888. Ch: [«] Maud; [&] Ceo. 
Maget; [ c ] Ruins (ii); [''] Mattie. 

2. St rother Downing. 

II. ANDREW A. DOWNING, m'd Nancy J. Collier. Went to 
Kansas. 
m. JOHN C. DOWNING. 

IV. WILLIAM H. DOWNING, m'd July 30, 1801. Jane Allison, 
dr. of James. She died, and he m'd 2d, Oct. 11), 1885, Sarah 
Maget, b. in Tennessee Jan. 1, 1840, dr. of Rufus. They 
separated ; no children. 
V. MARTHA P. DOWNING, m'd an English 

Sept. 4 — Iatan Lodge, No. 115, 1. O. O. F„ chartered. 
Sept. 15 — Ann Smith having died, E. P. Humphrey adminis- 
tered. Bond, $10,000. 

Sept. 11 — This day is memorable as the time of a terrible mob 
in Leavenworth, to lynch a murderer of Denver, named Gordon. 
But through the firmness and nerve of Mayor McDowell, he was 
saved, only to die when he reached Denver. 

Sept. 2Jt—F. G. Mahony, of Parkville, having died, J. H. Nash 
administered. Bond, $2,000. His wife was named Catherine, 
and their son, Chas. Ed. Mahony. 

Sept. 2-1 — The fair commenced. Though really the third, it is 
known as the second fair. Officers: Jeff. Williams, president; 
Geo. Robertson, secretary; W. M. Paxton, treasurer: and Cock- 
rill, Dorriss, Faulconer, Forbis, Fox, Hinkle, Johnson, Jones. 
Park, Pence, and Steele directors. Free admittance for stock- 
holders and their families; footman, 20 cents; horseman, 30 cents: 
horse and buggy, 50 cents; carriage, $1. Jaccard's bill for 
premiums was $2'.412.13. The Platte City band was paid $175 for 
music. The directors paid $13 for a barrel of cider. 



1860, OCT. 304 W. T. WESTERFIELD. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 1 — James H. Layton, under a new law, becomes sole 
judge of the county court. 

Davis Chapel M. E. Church organized. 

Oct. 5 — Grand Union demonstration at St. Joseph. They 
sent to Platte City for a cannon. Tickets from Weston and 
back, $3. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 5 — The turnpike is complete from Weston to Bee Creek. 
The county has paid $900. 

DR. W. T. WESTERFIELD. 

Nov. 13— Dr. W. T. Westerfield having died, J. M. Railey ad- 
ministered. Bond, $8,000. Ch: 

I. ELIZABETH WESTERFIELD, m'd May 19. 1850, John S. 
Woods, b. Feb. 7, 1824. 
II. GEO. WESTERFIELD. III. MARTHA. IV. SUSAN. 
Y. FRANCES. 

Nov. 26 — Judge McFerran holds circuit court, by request of 
Judge Silas Woodson. 

Nov. 28 — J. M. Railev, cashier of the Weston branch of the 
Mechanics' Bank of Missouri, writes: "I have a dispatch dated 
St. Louis, November 27th, 10 p. m., saying: 'The banks have 
suspended ; redeem no more of your currency.' It is signed by the 
president of the parent bank, and will be obeyed." 

Nov. 29 — E. G. Heriot enrolled as an attorney. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 3 — W. O. Smith having died, R. N. Harrington adminis- 
tered. Bond, $1,000. 

Dec. 5 — Patrick Shea having died, S. A. Gilbert administered. 
Bond, $2,000. 

Dec. 6— Geo. A. Beechler died at Weston ; b. Feb. 18, 1809. 

Dec. 10 — Charles B. Wilson and S. D. Fulton enrolled as 
attorneys. 

Dec. 11 — The Green House in Platte City is sold by the sheriff 
as the property of Beauehamp, Moore and Clifford, and is bought 
by Jonathan Tipton, at $2,0.31. 

The bar adopts the first code of rules of practice. 
South Carolina secedes. 

Dec. 20 — Maj. Anderson evacuates Fort Moultrie and goes to 
Fort Sumter. 

Dec. 28 — Maj. John Dougherty died in Clay, aged 09. 



'18t$U, DEC. 305 PREACHERS. 

PREACHERS WHO OFFICIATED IX PLATTE FROM 

1850 TO L860. 

Thos. Abbott, Thos. Alcorn. Thos. Allen, I >. Uainbridge, 
Abner Barker, B. B. Bonhani, Uemy Bowers, Isaac Bowman, Win. 
Bradford, D. G. Brooks, P. .J. Burruss (Bap.), Tilburn Bush, John 
Gallerman, W. G. Caples (M. E.), Jos. ( Jotton, J. W. I !ox, .1. J. Dan 
iels, C. A. Davis (Cum. Pros.), J. C. C. Davis. Jos, Devlin (M. E.), 
Jno. G. Fackler (Pres.), Josiah Faubion (M. E.), Dr. J. M. Fulton 
(Pres.), R. C. Hatton, S. P. Heath (M. E.), H. Henderson, C. B. 
Hodges (Cum. Pres.), Thos. Hodges, I. H. Hopkins. Jno. T. Hudson. 
Tbos. Hurst (M. E.), R. M. Jones (M. E.), J. P. Kern, .Moses E. Lard 
(Chris.), Tbos. F. Lockett, B. F. Love (M. E.), Ben Mc< -ray, Samuel 
McGuire, W. A. Mahew (M. E.), N. M. Narrimore, Wm. Pat ion. 
A. H. F. Payne, J. S. Pratt, Win. Price, Z. N. Roberts, Nic Roberts, 
Ed. Robinson, Robert Scott (Pres.), H. R. Smith (Cum. Pres.), B. H. 
Spencer (M. E.). Fred Starr (Pres.), O. C. Steele (Cbris.), W. H. 
Thomas (Bap.). J. S. Todd, A. V. Williams (Bap.), I. T. Williams 
(Bap.), G. S. Woodward (Pres.), E. Wright (Pres.), J. B. Wright 
(Pres.), Jos. Zimmerman. 



1861. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor. C. F. Jackson; Representatives, G. P. Dorriss and 
L. M. Lawson; Congressman, E. H. Norton; Circuit Clerk, W. C. 
Remington; Senator, J. T. V. Thompson; Probate Judge, H. Cllay 
Cockrill; Circuit Judge, Silas Woodson; County Judge, Jas. H. 
Layton ; Treasurer, R. M. .Johnston ; Sheriff, W. K. Bryant ; County 
Clerk, D. P. Lewis; County Attorney, J. E. Merryman; Circuit 
Attorney, T. Thoroughman; Surveyor, Jas. S. Owens; Coroner. 
B. S. Richards; Public Administrator, W. M. Paxton; Superin- 
tendent Common Schools. R. N. Harrington. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Baker, Clark, Harrington, Mer- 
ryman, Norton, Paxton. Pitt, Koss. Smith, Spratt. Robertson, 
Savle, Tebbs, Wilsons. 

Physicians — Baldwin. Brown, Eastman, Guthrie, Hale, Mar- 
shall, Moore, Redman, Wallace. 

Merchants, et al. — Burge & Hogue. Cochran, Doty, Ferrier. 
Fleshman, Fox, Gaylord, Jenkins, Johnston, Prof. -Jones, Murray 
& Freeland (postmaster), Swaney, Woolfolk. Young, Zarn. 

Lodges— No. 56, R. P. Clark, W. M. G. T. Lodge 417. Sayle, 
W. C. T. Sons of Malta, Norton, Grand Tizerinktum. Neb. 
Lodge 12. Jas. Littlejohn. N. (J. 
20- 



1861, JAN. 306 NEW CONSTITUTION. 

Preachers — Holliday (M. E.), Thomas (Bap.), Jones (Chris.), 
Woodward (Pres.) 

At Weston: — Attorneys — Burnes, Carroll, Doniphan, Fulton, 
Heriot, King, Lawson, McCurdy & Gilbert, Wolf. 

Physicians — Beaumont, Bonifant, Bowlby, Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Basye, Bell, Bonnell, Branham, Briggs, 
Burnes Bros., Collier, Rockwell, Colman & Belt, Conwell & 
Spencer, Deitz, Doppler, Dye, Ellifrit, Gerner & Frank, Goldstein, 
Kaufman, Knudson, Lasley & Allgair, Mettier, Miller, Mitchell, 
Noble, Perrys & Young, Baileys, Rohring, Shaw & Newhouse, 
Snell, Walker, Warner, Wallingford, Weber, Wood. 

Mayor— G. W. Belt. 

Newspaper — Argus, Wiseleys editors. 

Court of Common Pleas — Doniphan, judge; Price, clerk; 
Hood, marshal. 

At Parkville: Arnold, Ashby, Seeding, Campbell, Cloughs, 
Dale & Roberts, Davis, McComas, McDonald, Miller* Stoddart, 
Summers, Woodward. 

Newspaper — Courier, McDonald editor. 

At Camden Point: Coffey, Flack, Forbis, Hale (postmaster), 
Thomas. 

At Farley: Falkner, Dr. Johnson, Mason, Meads, Patton. 

At Hampton: F. Burnes. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright, Ogden, 
Tufts, Wells. 

At Ridc/eh/: Ellington, Gustin, Chrisman, Sayle, Scott. 

JANUARY. 

■fan. 8 — Ab. Yan Vrankin having died, his widow, Deborah, 
administered. Bond, $2,000. Oh: 1, Fernetta. 

Jan. 28 — The Legislature having appointed February 18th for 
an election of delegates to form a new State Constitution, a Union 
( '« invention for the 13th Senatorial District met at Barry, and, 
after approving the Crittenden Compromise resolutions, nomi- 
nated A. AY. Doniphan. James H. Moss, and E. H. Norton for 
delegates. 

Jan. 29 — Kansas admitted as a State. 

rapt. James Carr, Maj. John McCluer, P. T Abell, and 
others find Atchison too hot for their safety, and come to Platte 
< itv. Prof. Gavlord dismisses his school, and goes to Atchison. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. f) — Jeff. Davis becomes President of the Confederacy, and 
Ghas. Robinson governor of Kansas. 



1861, FEB. 307 ELECTION. 



ELECTION OF DELEGATES TO THE CONSTITU- 
TIONAL CONVENTION. 

(February 18, 1861.) 

A. W. Doniphan Clay, 1,578 Platte, 2,275 

J as. H. Moss Clay, 1,468 Platte, 1,928 

E. H. Norton Clay, 1,480 Platte, 1,891 

J.F. Forbis Clay, 160 Platte, 503 

K. M. Woods Clay, 66 Platte, 134 

Feb. 28 — The Constitutional Convention met at Jefferson City, 
chose Sterling Price president, and adjourned to meet at St. Louis 
March 4th, where the convention continued in session until March 
22d, when it adjourned until the third Monday in December. 

Seven States have seceded. 

MARCH. 

March 11 — The county jail having been burned, the county 
court appropriated $10,000 to rebuild it in much better form. 
They made a contract with L. W. Dinsmore to do the work for 
$8,700, but, on account of the troublous times, the matter was 
deferred. So we had no jail until 1867, and prisoners were sent 
to other counties. 

March 25 — County bonds issued to the W. & A. Railroad Co. 
The sum of $30,000 had been subscribed, and $15,000 had been 
issued. Col. Jas. N. Burnes, president of the railroad, makes 
application for the other $15,000, and shows the railroad is now 
complete. Judge Jas. Layton, now sole judge of the county court, 
after receiving the advice of the circuit court, issues the bonds. 

THE U. S. FLAG TORN DOWN. 

March 26 — Rebel flags were flying everywhere, and the na- 
tional banner was discarded. On the Swaney building (now 
Wells' Bank), where the Argus, the Tenth Legion, and the 
Conservator were printed, a rebel flag floated all summer, much to 
the delight of Secessionists and the chagrin of Unionists. On one 
occasion Chas. B. Wilson hung from a window of the court-house 
a national flag, and Tom Dorriss and others tore it down. It en- 
gendered some feeling against Dorriss. and he left for St. Louis. 

APRIL. 

April 1 — G. W. Belt elected mayor of Weston. 
Trains are running between St. Joseph and Weston, and 
steamers connect with Leavenworth. 

April 11 — William Mitchell having died. D. N. Mitchell ad- 
ministered. Bond, $600. 

April 12 — The first shot on Fort Sumter, and President Lin- 
coln calls for 75,000 volunteers. The war is on us. On the 14th 
the Fort was evacuated. Congress is called for Julv 4th. 



1861, APRIL. 308 COUNTY FINANCES, 



April 18 — Gov. 0. F. Jackson refuses to raise Missouri's quota 
of the 75,000 men, declaring: "Not one man will the State of 
Missouri furnish for such an unholy crusade." 

The steamer Sam Gaty, at Leavenworth, hoisted a rebel flag, 
but was compelled to lower it, and raise the stars and stripes. 

April 20 — Henry L. Routt and 200 men capture Liberty 
Arsenal. Among them were Capt. McMurray and a company 
from Jackson. The arms were taken and distributed in north- 
western Missouri. A large share are taken to Jeff. Thompson at 
St. Joseph. 

Under this date, Hon. Ed M. Samuel wrote to me: "The war 
is on us in earnest. Let Union men stand firm. Secession, in 
Missouri, is annihilation." 

The Atlas having died out, E. S. Wilkinson issues a small 
Secession sheet at Platte City, called the Tenth Legion. Only a 
few numbers were printed. Wilkinson had to leave, and Clark 
and Bourne started the Consei'vator. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Revenue collected $22,231.18 

Warrants drawn 18,369.32 

Expenditures in Detail. 

Parkville bridge , $ 500.00 

Lower Bee Creek bridge 48.00 

Skinner's bridge 4,829.00 

Davis' Branch bridge 106.00 

Bridge on road to Sparta 110.00 

Rialto bridge 68.00 

Farley bridge 478.00 

New Market bridge 1,041.00 

Hughes' Mill bridge 65.00 

Platte City bridge 67.00 

Other bridges 187.00 

Weston and Platte City Turnpike 300.00 

Surveying 25.00 

Weston Court of Common Pleas 1,133.00 

Swamp-land 72.00 

Poor 2,487.00 

Court-house 93.00 

Jail 173.00 

Stationery 262.00 

Printing 298.00 

T'ommissionor of Schools (Harrington) 67.00 

Commissioner (Baker) 200.00 



1861, MAY. 309 THE JOHNSONS. 



County Judge (Layton) $ 185.00 

Other justices. . .". 396.00 

Couutv Clerk (Lewis) 2,111.00 

Sheriff (Bryant) 1,209.00 

< Jounty Attorney (Merrymani 85.00 

Treasurer (Freeland). . 961.00 

Assessors 195.00 

Other purposes 608.32 

Total $18,369.32 

Assessment, $6,549,661. Levy— State. 32 cents; county, 35 
cents; poll, 37^ cents. 

THE JOHNSON FAMILY. 

William Johnson was born in Virginia, and died in Platte 
August 15, 1845. He married, in Virginia, Margaret Shadrack, 
who died in Platte September 20, 1844. He was a soldier of the 
War of 1812. They came to Clay, and settled near Barry in 1825. 
Children : 

I. DAVID JOHNSON, was b. in Woodford County, Ky., Sept. 6, 
1814; d. in Platte March 1, 1887; m'd Feb. 9, 1837, Mary Ann 
Johnson, b. Oct. 11, 1819 ; d. May 4. 1875. She was a dr. of 
John 1). Johnson, of Clay. David Johnson came from 
Clay to Platte in 1837, and settled on a farm near Parkville. 
He was a man of sound judgment and successful enter- 
prise, and started in life a large and useful set of sons and 
daughters: 

1. William T. Johnson, b. in Platte May 30. 1838; d. Oct. 

10, 1896; m'd Jan. 3, 1864, Catherine Morrow, dr. of 
A. J. He was a gentleman of thrift and enterprise, 
and had acquired a large body of excellent land six- 
miles east of Platte City. Oh :' [«] Geo. L. ; [&] Jesse 
Johnson, m'd Dec. 19, 1894, Sallie C. Hoskins; 
[c] Laura V. Johnson, m'd Dec. 19, 1894, Chas. B. 
Hoskins; [ d ] Mattie Johnson; [ e ] Wm. Lee Johnson. 

2. John L. Johnson, m'd Sallie Brown. Oh: [a] Wil- 

liam; [ & ] Mary; [< 4 ] Matthew Johnson; [ d ] Emma; 
[e] Arthur; [f] Joseph; [0] Maggie; [''] Charles; 
['] Dora; [>] John. 

3. George A. Johnson, m'd Mary Calvert. Oh: ["] Mamie; 

[ ft ] Fannie. 

4. Nannie M. Johnson, m'd April 9. 1872, Pleasant T. Ford. 

Oh: ["] May Ford; [&] Jackson; [c] Grace T.; 
[<*] Eva Ford. 

5. Maria Johnson, m'd John Gregg, son of David. Oh : 

[«] Annie Gregg; [*] David; [c] Clarence. 
• i. David 8. Johnson, went to Oklahoma. 
7. Samuel H. Johnson, b. April 29. 1844; m'd Lura Brown. 

dr. of Adam. Oh: ["] Fannie, b. Jan. 1. 1881; 

[»] Mary, b. Jan. 29, 1883. 



1861, MAY. 310 THE JOHNSONS. 

8. Henry H. Johnson, m'd Feb. 24, 1886, Lizzie Jacks, dr. 

ofR. M. Ch: [«] Myrtle Johnson. 

9. Charles G. Johnson, m'd March 6, 1884, Eliza Higgins, 

dr. of John. Ch: [«] Ralph Johnson. 
10. Frank L. Johnson, m'd March 26, 1890, Emma C. 

Anders, dr. of J. K. 
I do not know whether David Johnson had brothers and 
sisters, but his wife, Mary Ann Johnson, daughter of John D., had 
such as follows: 1, Jane C.Johnson, m'd N. B. Hopewell; 2, Mar- 
garet, m'd Ezra Knighton; 3, Elizabeth Johnson, m'd Wm. 
Moseby. Oh: [«] Mary C. Moseby, m'd Wm. Stone; [ & ] Nancy 
Moseby; [ c ] Susan Moseby, m'd Isaac Givens; [ d ] Martha 
Moseby, m'd Jos. Covert. 

May 2 — The Missouri Legislature convened, at the call of 
Gov. C. F. Jackson, to take the State out of the Union. 

May 6 — John M. Gray having died, his widow, Mary A., ad- 
ministered. Bond, f 500. 

May 10 — Capture of Camp Jackson at St. Louis. 

May 16 — Capt. Wallace Jackson and his company, raised in 
Platte, go to St. Joseph, and are sworn in as State militia. They 
join Gen. Price. 

May 21 — Grasshoppers invade Kansas. 

May 25 — Union men in Platte become alarmed, and many en- 
list in the Federal service. 

JUNE. 

June 1 — Dr. Frederick Marshall died at Platte City. R. D. 
Johnson is appointed executor. Bond, f 100,000. (See.) 

June 4 — L- C. Jack having died. Ad. Burge administers. 
Bond, $20,000. (See Wm. Jack.) 

Rebel flag captured at Iatan. 

June 12 — Gov. Jackson call for 50,000 volunteers, to resist 
the Federal aggressions. 

June 13 — D. R. Anthony kills Satterlee at Leavenworth. 
Tried and acquitted. 

(Jen. Nathaniel Lyon loaves St. Louis for Jefferson City, on a 
steamer, with troops and munitions of war. 

June 1~> — Jefferson City evacuated by Governor Jackson, and 
Gen. Lyon lands his troops. The 16th Gen. Lyon starts for Boon- 
vill<\ and the 17th issues a proclamation. 

Jnme 28 — The Leavenworth Herald, a Secession paper, is 
destroyed by a mob. 



1861, JULY. 311 BEN FRY. 

JULY. 

July 3 — Gen. Lyon leaves Boonville for southwest Missouri. 

July 8 — Elijah Megan having died, his widow, Permelia, ad- 
ministers. Bond, $1,000. He married, in 1837, in Lafayette 
County. Mo.. Permelia Tribble. (See Tribble Family.) She was 
born in 1816, and died in February, 1886. He was a justice of tin- 
peace of Lee Township for several terms, and a man of intelli- 
gence and honor. His wife was a woman of marked virtue and 
independence. In 1822 she went to Cedar County to reside with 
a daughter, and there died. Her sons, Origen and Alexander, 
gave their lives to the South. Another son, Thomas J. Morgan, 
was killed in a row. April 5, 187!), by Ben Fuleher. He married, 
•January 5, 1870, Sue Todd, daughter of Oliver. S. D. Morgan and 
Susan J., wife of Albert Todd, live in Cedar County. (See Todtl 
Family.) 

July 9 — Gen. John C. Fremont is placed in command of this 
department, with headquarters in St. Louis. 

July 10 — The first issue of the Platte County Sentinel, at Wes- 
ton, by A. F. Cox. 

July 18 — The first overland coach arrives, 17 days from San 
Francisco. 

July 21— The first Bull Run fight. Wilkerson issued an 
extra Tenth Legion, gloating in triumph over the result, with 
roosters and exclamation points. 

July 22 — The State Constitutional Convention meets at Jef- 
ferson City. 

July 24 — Gen. Pope, on the steamer White Cloud, destroys 
ferryboats at several points on the Missouri. He has 200 United 
States soldiers aboard. At Blue Mills Landing he is attacked 
by Jackson County Confederates, who are dispersed by artillery. 

July 30 — The Convention declares the offices of governor and 
lieutenant-governor vacant, and appoints Hamilton Gamble and 
\Y. P. Hall to those places. 

July 31 — Benjamin Fry. of Green Township, having been 
murdered in his orchard, Thos. McClain administers. Bond, 
850.000. Suspicion fell on one of his sons, Benjamin, who was 
apprehended and indicted; but, having escaped, was never brought 
to trial. His wife, Eliza, survived him. Ch: 1, Carter Frv; 
2. Henry; 3, Mrs. Biggerstaff; 4. M. S. Fry; 5, Mrs. A. Anderson; 
6, Mrs.!. X. Brockman; 7, Benj. Frv. Jr.; 8, John K.: O.William; 
10, Mrs. C. Jones. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 3 — Gov. Gamble issues a proclamation to the people of 
Missouri. 



1861, AUG. 312 CONDITION OF PLATTE. 

Aug. 5 — Gov. Jackson responds with a declaration of the in- 
dependence of Missouri. 

Aug. 10— Battle of Wilson Creek. Death of Gen. Lyon. 

CONDITION IX PLATTE. 

Aug. 12 — Rebel flags are flying; anarchy prevails; rebel 
cainps are formed at Platte City, at Gooseneck, and at Cain's; a 
regiment is to be raised for the South. J. H. Winston is to be 
colonel. Brasfield, Ckesnut, Chiles, Carr, Chrisman, Gordon, 
McKinnis. Miller, Synnanion, and others are enlisting compa- 
nies. Arms are gathered and provisions collected. The Union 
men close their eyes in silence; business stands still; merchants 
dispose of their goods; valuable property disappears; horses are 
stolen or pressed, and crime goes unpunished. 

Aug. 15 — Platte City Academy is sold by the sheriff, for the 
liens of the contractors, and W. M. Paxton purchases at $9,000, 
which was chiefly lost to him. He rents it to Elder A. B. -Tones 
for $100 per annum, but never receives a dollar of rent. 

LEWIS McDANIEL. 

Aug. 16 — Lewis McDaniel having died, his widow, Rebecca, 
administers. Bond, $8,000. He was a wealthy farmer at Hamp- 
ton, and a high-minded and generous citizen. Ch: 

I. REBECCA McDANIEL. m'd 1st, May 28, 1857 William 
Zabriskv (see) ; m'd 2d, Dr. Samuel Rixev. (See.) 
II. MARY A. McDANIEL. 

III. GRANVILLE McDANIEL, m'd June 13, 1848. Sarah A. 

Gregg. 

IV. JAMES McDANIEL. Y. JOSEPH. VI. JOHN W. 

.1 ug. 20 — Gen. Fremont arrives in St. Louis. 

Aug. 28 — \Y. T. Green having died, A. G. Naylor administers. 
His widow was Sarah T.. and children: 1, Francis M„ b. in 1856; 
2. James H.. b. in 1858. 

SHELTON J. LOWE. 

Shell on J. Lowe died at New Market. He was an elder of 
i lie Old-school Baptist Church, and a man of mind and education. 
For several years he was an enterprising merchant of Weston, 
lie married in 1844. in Indiana. Mary D. Potter, b. May 9, 1814, 
.lied ;it New Market in February, 189:1 Ch: 

I. WILLIAM A. LOWE, for many years a business man of New 
Market, and now a druggist of St. Joseph. He was b. Aug. 
■2i\. 1843; came to New Market in 1854: m'd Dec. 20. 1860. 
Small A. Dodson. Ch : 

1. GaroWne -L Loire. 

2. William J>. Lou;, m'd Sept. 28, 1886, Rachel Byrd 



186 1, AUG. 313 STAMPEDE. 

3. John S. Lowe. 4. .foie A. 5. Pratt A. 6. Sadie M. 
7. JubalE.S.Lmve. 
II. SUSAN LOWE, m'd Dec. L>7, lS(i7. W. S. Bull. (See.) 

Aug. Si — Gen. Fremont issues his proclamation confiscating 

all property of rebels, and emancipating their slaves, in Missouri. 
This was qualified .by the President, so as to apply only to such 
as thereafter might tak<* up arms, or should give aid and comfort 
to the enemies of the United States. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. /—The Mechanics' Bank at Weston, deeming it unsafe 
to keep their gold, amounting to $125,000, sent it to the parent 
bank, at St. Louis, in charge of directors Thos. Beaumont, S. P. S. 
McCurdy and W. M. Paxton. We went by St. Joseph and Macon. 
McCurdy was "boozy" and gave no attention. While we were in 
St. Louis, Gen Fremont declared the city and State under martial 
law. The feeling on both sides was intense. Soldiers were 
posted in all parts of the city. We had much trouble to get 
passes to leave. Prior to this time secession was freely discussed ; 
but from this day no one dared to declare his sentiments. 

The Liberty bank also sent its gold, in charge of Adkins. 
Moss, and Field, directors. 

From this time the banks not only refused to redeeem their 
currency, but granted no more favors. Though the W T eston bank 
had |150,000 outstanding notes, and the Liberty bank had loaned 
•117,000 to Platte County customers, yet neither bank lost one cent 
on a discounted note. I was agent for both banks at Platte City. 

Sept. S — Barclay, Coppac, and 18 others are killed by rebels 
at Platte River bridge, in Buchanan. 

St. Joseph is occupied by rebels. 

Sept. 11 — Part of Col. J. EL Winston's command starts for 
Lexington. 



l !^' 



COL. SMITH AND THE PLATTE CITY STAMPEDE. 

Svpt. /()'— Col. B. P. Smith, of the 16th Illinois Infantry, leaves 
St. Joseph with a detachment of 300 men and one cannon, for 
Lexington, to support .Mulligan. About 8 o'clock, the advance 
approached Platte City. Silas Gordon and his lieutenant. Black 
Triplet!, went out to the steam saw-mill, on the turnpike, to meet 
them. From covert, they fired on the advance, when 400 yards 
distant, and a. physician of St. Joseph fell with a ball in his fore 
head. The main force came up, and with their cannon fired three 
shots upon the town. Throughout the afternoon Capt. Carr was 
busy in the streets of Platte City, trying to organize a motley 
crowd to go to HuletCs Bottom, on the east side of the Platte, 
and from ambush fire upon the Federals as they passed on the 
opposite side. T stood in my office door, on Main Street, and 



1861, SEPT. 314 DISFRANCHISED. 

noted proceedings. About 70 men and boys, armed with shot- 
guns, muskets, rifles, and pistols, were in line to be supplied with 
ammunition. A horseman galloped up and announced: "The 
Federals are crossing the bridge!" This was untrue, but the 
stampede that followed was sublime. It was the most precipitate 
retreat known to history. In one minute the street was clear; 
and men, women, and children deserted their homes and hastened 
to the country. This occurred at 4 p. m. An hour later the Fed- 
erals fired on the town. No damage was done, but the report of 
cannon hastened the stampede. The people snatched their valu- 
able property and bore it away. Corn-shocks were the beds of 
many that night. About 5 p. m. I went home, and, after supper, 
went forth, and found every house vacant. A squad of Federal 
soldiers, in command of Capt. Wilson, took me prisoner. Only 
three men were found in town — Morrison, Zimmerman, and me. 
For our temerity we had to supply supper for the men. Capt. 
Wilson kindly went home with me, and I was glad to accept his 
protection for the night. 

Sept. 11 — Col. Smith and his men, after looting the town, de- 
parted east in the morning. The refugees returned, and loud 
were the lamentations, and fierce and profane were the denuncia- 
tions, when each family found valuable articles missing. There 
were no others upon whom to wreak their vengeance, so we who 
had remained, and had preserved much property, were traduced. 

DISFRANCHISEMENT. 

From this date, all who had taken up arms against the United 
States were disfranchised. 

THE GAMBLE OATH. 

No one could vote without subscribing the following affi- 
davit: "I do solemnly swear that I have not, since the 17th day 
of September, 1861, willfully taken up arnis or levied war against 
the United States, nor against the provisional government of the 
State of Missouri." Subsequentlv the oath took an iron-clad 
form. (See "Oaths.") 

The bnttles of Blue Mills and of Morristown. 

FORAGING ON THE PEOPLE. 

Sept. 20 — From time to time Federal troops were sent to 
Weston and Platte City. The latter town was terribly disloyal, 
and suffered heavily. The soldiers foraged on the people. R. M. 
<;<>rdon had 400 bushels of wheat, which was marketed for him. 
I was then the manager of the Platte City Water Mills, and was 
levied on by both parties. Silas Gordon took what he wanted. 
I find the following receipt among my worthless papers: "Nov. 
20, 1801, received of W. M. Paxton 5,570 pounds of flour at 3 cents, 
f 1 tiT.00; 10 busln -Is meal at 40 cents. $4.00. (Signed) A. C. Miller, 
Quartermaster 4th Div., Mo. Vols." On the 23d of November I 



J 861, SEPT. 315 THE BANES. 

furnished under duress to the United States 2,000 pounds of hay, 
$10; 10 bushels of corn at 25 cents, $2.50; 8 cords of wood, at 
$2.25, $18. These accounts were only waste paper. 

Troops, both Northern and Southern, are gathering at Lex- 
ington. Half of Winston's regiment are there. 

Sept. 21 — Col. Mulligan, at Lexington, surrenders, and his 
men are paroled. Ross, Jack, Link, Moore, and Todd, Southern 
men from Platte, are among the wounded. As the paroled Federal 
soldiers return to their homes, they are sometimes treated with 
indignity. At Platte City several were denied food; but they 
were speedily supplied by more humane citizens. 

Sept. 25 — General Pen M. Prentiss is in command at St. 
Joseph. 

OCTOBER 

Oct. 8 — D. R. Anthony is provost-marshal at Kansas City. 

R P. Clark having been appointed probate judge, in the place 
of H. C. Cockrill, holds the October term. No probate court was 
held in January, 1862. Judge S. A. Gilbert holds the April term, 
18G2. I presume that Clark refused to take the oath, and his office 
was vacated, so that Gilbert could succeed. 

Oct. 16 — The Constitutional Convention passed the Ousting 
Ordinance, requiring the iron-clad oath of all officers, and 
vacating the offices of such as failed to comply. 

Oct. 18 — Baldwin Bane having died, R. D. Johnston admin- 
isters. Bond, $10,000. 

THE BANE FAMILY. 

Four brothers came to Platte in 1838, from Lewis County, Ky. 
They possessed wealth, enterprise, probity, and influence. 

I. JOHN BANE, was full of energy, and accumulated wealth, 
which he left to his widow, Mary Bane. At her death, a 
large body of land was sold, and the proceeds were dis- 
tributed to his and her collateral kindred. The will of John 
Bane gave his estate to his wife, for life, and remainder, 
half to his heirs, and half to hers. In 183.3. when Mrs. Bane 
died, the beneficiaries constituted a host. Mr. Bane died 
in June, 1871. He had large experience as a mate on steam- 
boats, and when the Haidcc was purchased by Platte City 
parties, he was employed as mate. 
IT. BALDWIN BANE, married in Kentucky. Ch: 

1. Edward Banc. 

2. Martha S. Banc, m'd Nov. 11, 1858, H. Clay Hatfield. 

3. Mar// Banc, m'd James Cole, and was mother of Pinkie 

Cole, first wife of Gabe Rice. 

4. Eupha Banc, m'd E. J. Phillips. 

Mr. Baldwin Bane m'd 2d. Nov. 23, 1S41, Hulda Ann 



1861, OCT. 316 SYNNAMON'S MEN. 

Johnston, b. Sept. 3, 1813; d. Feb. 10. 1895 She was a sister 
of Capt. R. D. Johnston. Oh: 

5. Isabel Banc, m'd Hon. Ch: [«] Waller B. Hon; 

[ & ] Annie J. Hon; [ c ] James A. Hon. 

6. Lousia Banc, m'd Nov. 9, 1876, Thos. K. Eskridge, b. 

in Fauquier Co., Va., Sept. 10, 1847; d. in Platte, near 
Hampton, March 10, 1889, son of Sidney. Ch: 
[«] Jas. Eskridge; [&] Ella; [o] Addison; [*] Thos. 

7. Thomas Banc, lived with his mother until lately. He 

now lives in Kansas. 

III. WILLIAM R. BANE, was a pushing, active, and lively man. 

He served several terms as constable of Carroll Township, 
and kept the Green House in Platte Citv some years. 

IV. JAMES W. BANE, b. in Lewis Co., Ky.. Feb. 16, 1816; d. in 

Platte, two miles south of Platte Citv. April 10, 1889; 
m'd April 6, 185.3, Mrs. Permelia Little, d. in Sept., 1895. 
He was an intelligent and interesting talker, and displayed 
spirit and vivacity. But he became deranged, and in 
August, 1861, Dr. A. T. Guthrie was appointed his guardian. 
He was sent to the Lunatic Asylum, and on his return be- 
came quiet and silent. He came west in 1813, and settled 
on the farm where he died. Ch: 

1. Laura F. Banc, m'd July 22, 1880, John E. Jones, son 

of Lewis Jones and Isabella McColum. Ch : [«■] Jas. 
M. Jones; [ ft ] Ida May Jones; [ c ] Carrie B. Jones. 
They live on the old Bane farm, two miles south of 
Platte City. 

2. John R. Banc, was killed Aug. 12, 1881, by his brother- 

in-law, John E. Jones, in an affray over watering 
stock. Mr. Jones was tried for murder and acquitted. 
John R. m'd Dec. 16, 1880, Elizabeth Cole. She now 
lives in Platte City. Ch: [«] Maud Bane, the gay- 
est and sweetest girl that trips the streets of onr 
town. 
V. CLAYTON BANE; of him I know nothing. 

JAMES SYNNAMON'S COMPANY OF CONFED- 
ERATES. 

This month 82 enlisted. Confederates were sworn in by 
R. 1'. C. Wilson. Capt. Synnamon's company passed through 24 
Icit tics, besides many skirmishes. He himself is covered with 
wounds: 1st. at Corinth; 2d, at Port Gibson ; 3d, at Vicksburg : 
4th, at Franklin, where he was captured and held prisoner until 
i he daw ii of peace. < )f the 82 men. 40 fell in battle, or by disease, 
before the war ended, and 34 others were wounded in battle. We 
will give, in alphabet ical order; a few of the names and their fates: 

1. Dallas Calvert, son of Henry, a brother of Smith, killed 
;it Milliken"s Bend. 

2. D. TT. Calvert, son of Lewis, wounded and captured. 



18b 1, OCT. 317 PUBLIC EXCITEMENT 



3. Biddle Clark (Capt), killed at Baker's Creek. 

4. .John Crobarger, wounded ;m<l captured and died ;ii 
Tort Gibson. 

5. Will H. Clay, wounded at Port Gibson, and killed at 
Yicksburg. 

C. Oscar Cooper, killed at Yicksburg. 

7. Thomas Cooper, wounded and captured at Vicksburg. 

s. Turner Jeter, killed at Vicksburg. 

!). Wm. Gladden, wounded and captured at Corinth; died. 

10. Dr. Jas. A. Herndon, wounded and captured at Franklin. 

11. Corp. Will Harrington, son of Miles, killed at Port 
Gibson. 

12. Bennett Herndon, wounded at Corinth and killed at 
New Hope, Georgia. 

13. Henry Herndon, died in the war. 

14. B. F. Murdoch, wounded at Latimer Farm, and at Frank- 
lin; captured at Camp Morton, and imprisoned to the end. 

15. James Marsh, captured at Vicksburg and died in prison. 

16. Mat J. Moore, wounded three times — at Vicksburg, at 
Altoona, and Port Gibson ; and brevetted for gallantry. 

17. Searg. Frank H. Owen, wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, 
brevetted for gallantry at Vicksburg, and killed at Franklin. 

18. Geo. Offutt, wounded at Port Gibson, captured at Vicks- 
burg, and imprisoned to the end. 

19. John Oldham, son of Lon, wounded at Corinth; captured 
at Port Gibson. 

20. Leonidas Oldham, died in hospital at Port Gibson. 

21. John B. Slone. wounded at Corinth, captured at Vicks- 
burg, and imprisoned to the end. 

Oct. 22— Battle of the Blue. 

NOVEMBER. 

Nov. 1 — Parties arc growing rabid. M. L. Young, Elias 
Barbee and other Southern men seize Judge Birch and S. A. Gil- 
bert and other Union men, and post them off under guard, to Gen. 
Price's army. They are sent back unharmed. 

Federal soldiers are stationed at Weston and Platte City. 
The toll-gate books show that this month 460 cavalry soldiers 
passed between Weston and Platte City. A. C. Miller was 
quartermaster of the 4th Division, with headquarters at Weston. 

The State and county officers, generally, refuse to take the 
oath, and new ones are appointed. 

Nov. 11 — Gen. Halleck succeds Gen. Fremont, in command 
at St. Louis. 

Gov. Jackson's Legislature, in session in southwestern Mis- 
souri, passes an ordinance of Secession. 

Nov. 12 — The Department of Kansas is created, and Gen. 



1861, NOV. 318 DR. CALLAHAN. 

Hunter is placed in command at Fort Leavenworth. He arrived 
at bis post the 25th. 

Nov. 17 — The Liberty bank has been discounting liberally, 
but now will take no paper. 

Nov. 18 — Mrs. Sarah H. Callahan died. 

DR. H. B. CALLAHAN 

Was born in Fleming County, Ky., July 16, 1821. After receiv- 
ing his diploma from the Cincinnati Medical College, he located 
in Platte City, about 1843. A year later, he married Sarah H. 
Metcalfe, born May 14, 1825, and died November 18, 1861, buried in 
Platte City. She was a beautiful and lovely woman. Her 
parents were Alfred and Mary Metcalfe, a name honored and 
revered throughout the West. Dr. Callahan and I became part- 
ners, first in the mercantile line in Platte City, in 1850, and in 
1853 we bought, for f 15,000, a half interest in the Platte City 
Water Mills. January 1, 1858, Dr. Callahan withdrew from the 
firm, and took dry goods as his share. He settled at Leavenworth, 
but his Southern blood would not permit him to remain there, 
and he removed, temporarily, to Cincinnati; but found no rest 
until the war ended. After spending several years in Platte City, 
he returned to Leavenworth, and while he lived, stood at the head 
of his profession. He was a man of truth and integrity. His 
greatest failing was that he would not collect his dues. He died 
in 1896 and was buried at Platte Citv. 

I. HENRY T. CALLAHAN (TOBE), b. May 7, 1845; m'd March 
6, 1866, Kate Chesnut, b. Aug. 27, 1853. He was a man of 
courage, nerve, and chivalry. He was killed, perhaps 
murdered, Jan. 18, 1874. The culprit escaped. In a poem 
dedicated to his honor, I wrote: 

I knew him when a sprightly child. 

And met him daily in his youth. 
He proved impulsive, bold, and wild, 

But strict in friendship, love, and truth. 
A bitter foe and genial friend. 

He gave no insult, brooked no slight — 
Would readily his wrongs amend. 

And sought to know and do the right. 

1. Lora Callahan, b. June 24, 1867. 

2. Mittie H. Callahan, b. Sept. 16 3 1869; m'd Nov. 11. 1891, 

H. Cam. Wells. Ch: ["] Katharine Wells. 
Mrs. Kate Callahan m'd 2d, Oct. 19, 1875, G. F. Clemings. 
Ch: 1, H. Smith Clemings, b. April 23, 1878. 
H. PICK ETT CALLAHAN, b. Aug. 18, 1849. 

III. ELIZABETH i A LLAHA N, b. Oct. 1 2, 1 851 . 

IV. ALFRED M. CALLAHAN, b. May 5. 1854. He is a mer- 

chant in Leavenworth, and has a family. 



1861, NOV. 319 MAJ. JOSEPH. 

V. MARY, b. May 7, 1857; m'd G. W. Early. 
VI. WM. PAXTON CALLAHAN, b. March 2, 1859 (ray 40th 
birthday). 

Nov. 2~> — Circuit court met, and Judge Woodson continued 
all the cases, and adjourend. The prior March and June terms 
were likewise adjourned, with little business done. 

Nov. SO — Gen. Hunter sent a squad of soldiers from Fort 
Leavenworth to apprehend Dr. Thos. Beaumont, Jacob Cox, Jos. 
Nower, Thos. Stockwell, and others, residing near New Market, 
on account of their Southern sympathies. With the soldiers 
came a lot of "Red-legs" and thieves, who helped themselves to 
horses, carriages, and every valuable they could find. The mili- 
tary permitted the outlaws to steal without hindrance. The 
prisoners were kept on parole for two weeks, and then discharged. 

J. P. Grubb succeeds Thoroughman as circuit attorney. 

DECEMBER, 

Dec. 1 — Gen. Hunter issued an order to J. R. Burckhartt, R. 
P. Clark, Clinton Cockrill, W. M. Paxton, and two others, not 
remembered, to deliver Silas Gordon to him, or to drive him 
from the country, within a limited time, or he would lay waste 
Platte County, burn every house, and liberate every slave. This 
order produced consternation, and Gordon and part of his com- 
pany were prevailed on to leave for the South. Mr. Burckhartt, 
Mr. Cockrill. and I went to the Fort to make our report. We 
found Gen. Hunter a large, dark, frowning man, with bull- 
dog features, profane and ungentlemanly. He made threats to 
remove all slaves from our county. I suggested that he had no 
power, under the Constitution, to do so. His reply was: "Damn 
the Constitution!" 

MAJ. JOSEPH, 

With some two hundred soldiers, was stationed at Platte City, 
early in November. The county was infested with small bands 
of bushwhackers, and danger threatened the Federals at all times. 
They foraged on the people, who were granted quartermaster 
receipts, which proved of little value. After a few weeks, Maj. 
Joseph left with his cannon and camp-equipage for Weston. 
The bushwhackers learned of his movements, and gathered, under 
Capt. Carr, in ambush on the south side of the road, east of Bee 
Creek. As the Federals approached, they were fired on, and two 
were killed, and others wounded. Maj. Joseph retired a hundred 
yards, and, with his cannon, opened on the bushwhackers, who 
withdrew with little damage. For years the marks of the grape- 
shot could be seen on the trees. There is a sequel to this strata- 
gem, in the tragedy that soon followed, in the death, at the same 
place, of Triplett and Close. 



1861, DEC. 320 THE RECORDS. 

THE RECORDS. 

Silas Gordon was still at Platte City with a few of bis inein, 
who camped on the public square. He took the records of the cir- 
cuit and county courts, and subsequently of the probate court, and 
hid them some four miles west of Platte City. The purpose was to 
prevent all further legal proceedings and collections of debt. 
The3 T were afterwards restored by Col. Morgan. 

Judge Silas Woodson comes to Platte City to hold court, but 
is warned by Si Gordon that if he attempts it. it will be at the 
risk of his life. The judge returns home. 

OBED BROWN (ii). 

Dec. 3 — Obed Brown (ii) and Silas Gordon were friends, but 
Brown was drunk. In the middle of Main Street, Gordon was 
standing with the breech of his musket resting on the ground 
Brown worried Gordon with his drunken talk, and Gordon 
pushed the barrel of the musket against Brown's head. The 
latter staggered and went off to a shed and lay down. A fire 
was built for his comfort, but in the morning he was unconscious, 
and died the 6th inst. 

Obed Brown (ii) was a son of Obed Brown (i). and was a man 
of sound judgment and an industrious, honest, and successful 
fanner. He married, in Indiana, in 1832, Eliza Grover. daughter 
of the Indian missionary, Joel Grover. She was a sister of 
Levina Whittock and of the distinguished D. A. N. Grover, of 
Kansas. She was born September 13. 1815, and died at Kansas 
< Jity Mav 10, 1S93. Ch: 
L LORINDA BROWN, m'd Robert Robinson and died in Mis- 
sissippi ; 1 children. 
II. MARIA BROWN, m'd Richard Dunlap. Live in Texas; 5 
children. 

III. MISSOURI BROWN, b. Nov. 25, 1842; m'd July 4. 1867. Thos. 

C. Jacks, b. in 1842. son of Sidney. Ch : 
1. Garnet, b. Dec. 19, 1877. 

IV. OSCAR BROWN, m'd July 6, 1866, Kate Kuvkendall. (See.) 
V. AMANDA, b. Sept. 20, 1847; d. April 24, 1880; m'd Oct. 6, 

1868. Robert Nunnelly, b. Jan. 8. 1846. He m'd 2d, Sept. 

15, 1881, Laura Johnson, of Clay. They live in Oklahoma. 
VI LAURA BROWN, b. July 27. - — ; m'd April 4. 1872. David 

Bullock. (See.) 
VIT. ALICE BROWN, m'd Eli J. Arnold. Live in Oklahoma; 3 

children. 
\ III. BELLE BROWN, m'd Dan T. Stafford. Live in Kansas 

Citv. 
IX. DAN BROWN, m'd June 13. 1883, Sallie Orain. Live at the 

old Brown homestead, on Wildcat Creek; 3 children. 

Dm. 15 — Dr. E. W. Brown, oculist, of Platte City, and an 
outspoken Secessionist, refused to take the required oath; and 



1861, DEC. 321 PLATTK'CITY BURNED. 

after mouths of imprisonment, his property \v;is confiscated. He 
was released and went to St. Joseph, where he died. He left a 
son, Warren Brown. 

PLATTE CITY BUliNED. 

Dec. 16 — Col. Morgan, now stationea ;.i ,»eston, came to 
Platte City about -A p. m. with 75 men. A squad was cent to the 
house of Mrs. Celia Kuykendall, two miles north of Platte City, 
where they captured \\ illiam L. Kuykendall, Black Triplett, and 
Gabriel Close, who were hound and brought to Platte City. 

After supper, apprehending some calamity, 1 went to Col. 
Morgan's headquarters, at the Pleshman House. Col. Morgan 
was excited, and ordered a soldier to summon forthwith the offi- 
cers of his command. The meeting was in secret, but 1 presume 
the death of two of the prisoners was determined on in retaliation 
for the two Federals killed at Bee Creek, and also the burning of 
Platte City was ordered. As I returned home. 1 observed the 
soldiers had built a large tire in the rear of the Baptist Church, 
near the center of block 29. I could not sleep for apprehensions 
of danger, and about 12 o'clock I discovered the town was afire. 
It had started in a store on Lot 3, Block 20. No alarm had been 
given, and not a dozen citizens were on hand. Col. Morgan's 
men were drawn up east of the crossing of Main and Third 
streets. The only brick house on the south side of Block 2!) was 
that of Howell Jenkins. He had a solid brick wall, firewalls and 
tin roof to his house, and by the free use of water he was saved. 
1 organized a small lot of negroes, and gave my attention to the 
clerk's offices and the store-houses west of them. The latter 
were often on tire, but the flames were extinguished. We 
thought the fire had run its course, when a small flame appeared 
on the apex of the cupola, where the iron spire left it. I ran to 
Col. Morgan, who was excited. He denounced his men for burn- 
ing the court-house, and exclaimed, "I told you the court-house 
must not be burned. Go and put it out." A half-dozen left. I 
suggested to Col. Morgan that he turn his cannon on the tire, 
and blow off the top of the cupola. The men laughed at my 
ignorance of military affairs. The men procured a ladder, and 
several of them went up into the cupola with buckets of water. 
A bucket thrown from the cupola struck my arm, and the pain 
was so intense that I went home. Col. Morgan's talk showed 
plainly that it was his intention to burn the town, but not the 
court-house. At least he so pretended. 

In the morning Col. Morgan went with his men on a scout 
ing expedition through the eastern part of the county, and re- 
tuned about 3 ]>. m. Capt. Wm. Triplett, father of the prisoner, 
was in town, and asked the privilege of speaking to his son, who, 
with Kuykendall and Close, stood bound on the street. When 1 
asked this privilege, the reply of Col. Morgan was: "Yes, God 
damn him! let him say now what he pleases, for he will never see 
him alive again." 

21- 



1S61, DEC. 322 TRIPLETT AND CLOSE. 

TRIPLETT AND CLOSE SHOT. 

Dec. 11 — Col. Morgan, at 4 p. m., went with his men and 
prisoners to the Remington farm, on the road to Weston, and 
stayed until morning. The prisoners had their supper, and, as 
they sat on a log, an officer came and selected from the three 
Triplett and Close, and told them to go with him and several men 
in his charge. They were taken to the spot where two of Maj. 
Joseph's men had been killed. On the south side of the road, a 
hundred feet east of Bee Creek bridge, they were ordered to stand 
forth and be shot. Triplett stood and was shot, but Close ran into 
Bee Creek. His hands were bound, and he floundered in the mud. 
Just as he was rising on the opposite side of the creek, he was met 
by a soldier, who had crossed by the bridge, who plunged his 
bayonet through him several times, and left him dead in the mud. 

Two days later I passed the scene of this tragedy, and saw 
the pool of Triplett's life-blood. Some one had, from his blood, 
written the letters "U. S." on the southwest corner of the bridge. 
This grim memento of the war was there for many years. 

Dec. 20— Capt. Havens, of the 18th Missouri, came to Platte 
City, and remained a few weeks. He required national flags on 
all houses, and even" man had to take the oath of allegiance to 
the United States. 

THE RECORDS OF COURTS. 

.The removal and secretion of the records by Gordon and 
others was ground for the scheme of removing the county seat 
to Weston; and in furtherance of the plan I was served with a 
written order, from Col. Morgan, to send the remaining books and 
papers to Weston. No wagon could be found, as every convey- 
ance had been hid or removed. Thereupon, Col. Morgan sent me 
two Government wagons, which I filled with cases and old worth- 
less papers. Part of these were returned. 



1862. 



OFFICERS. 



Governor;, Bam. Gamble; Congressman, E. H. Norton; Sen- 
ator, •). T. Y. Thompson; Circuit Attorney, J. P. Grubb; Circuit 
Judge. Silas Woodson ; Sheriff, vacant ; Coroner, G. W. Hood; Sur- 
veyor, vacant; Public Administrator, W. M. Paxton; Probate 
Judge, s. A. Gilbert; Circuit Clerk, G. W. Belt; County Judge, 
Jas. II. Dayton; County Attorney, R. P. Clark; County Clerk, 
D. P. Lewis; Treasurer, R. M. Johnston; School Commissioner, 
R X. Harrington. 



1862, JAN. 323 BUSINESS MEN. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Baker, Clark, Harrington, Mer 
ryman, Paxton, Pitt, Smith, Spratt, Wilsons. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Guthrie, Redman, Wallace. 

Merchants, etc. — Burge, Jenkins, Johnson & Son, A. B. Jones, 
Murray & Freeland, VYoolfolk, Young. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Bumes, Carroll, Doniphan, Fulton, 
King, Lawson, Gilbert, McOurdy, Wolf. 

Physicians — Beaumont, Bonifant, Shortridge. 

Merchants — Basye, Bell, Briggs, Belt & Colman, Deitz, Dop- 
pler, Dye, Ellifrit, Kaufman, Lasley & Allgair, Mettier, Miller & 
Steele. Mitchell, Noble, Perrys, Baileys, Rhoring, Ringo (post- 
master). Walker, Warner, Weber, Wood. 

At Parkville: Ashby, Reeding, Campbell, McDonald, Ringo, 
Bueneman. Summers, Wilson. 

At Camden Point: Flack, Dr. Thomas, Hale (postmaster). 

At Farley: Faulconer, Dr. Johnson, Mason, Meads, Swain. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Allen, Ogden, Single- 
ton, Wells. 

At Ridgely: Gustin, Sayle. 

Markets — Bacon, 6 cents; beef, 3 cents; flour, $2.50; lard, 
7 cents; meal, 30 cents; pork, 3 cents; salt, $1; rent, $2.50 per 
acre; wages, per day, 75 cents. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 1 — No silver on* gold in circulation. The notes of the 
Missouri banks are all, except the Union Bank, at par. The lat- 
ter is discounted 15 per cent. 

SILAS GORDON'S COMPANY. 

Jan. 16 — Silas Gordon's company was this day sworn in at 
Springfield, Mo., and is known as the 9th Company, Col. Gates' Reg- 
iment, 1st Brigade Missouri Volunteers, under Gov. Jackson's call. 
Names: J. Anderson, Isaac and J. N. Archer, Steve Baker, Chas. 
and Wm. Barbee, J. W. Barclay, Thos. Barnes, M. R. Bell, Ed Bow- 
man. Cal. Blankenship, John Blanton, John Bradley, Thos. E. Bur- 
ton, Wm. Callahan, Frank Carslej', Alex. Carson, Martin B. 
Carter, Reuben Cassel, Joshua Copeland, Frank Cleed, E. McD. 
Coffey, Thos. B. Cole, Ben S. Cooper, Silas Elliston, Thad. Farley, 
B. G. Frazier, Jas. G. Gardiner, Silas M. Gordon, Will Hadley, 
J. Halpin, Mit. Hartman, Del. Harris, Mat Hudson, John James, 
Thos. Jenkins, F. Kennedy, Peyton Long, R. A. Locke, Sid. Lanter, 
R. W. Mitchell, M. B. Minnear, T. L. Moore, Alex Morgan. J. W. 
Olvis, Wm. Palmer. Ben S. Powell, Harvey Rector, E. and J. B. 
Redman, Geo. Reed, John Rowley, D. R. Shoemaker, Dr. W. F. 
Stark. C. H. Steele, Aug. Spratt, Henrv Sutton, J. W., W. D., and 
W. P. Taylor, Albert H. and Jarret Todd, Jas. P.. and John W. 
Todd, AY. H, Win. L., and H. L. Todd, Ben Talbott. John P. Tribble, 
Elijah Whitton, H. B. Williams. 



1862, FEB. 324 JAMES A. PRICE. 

This list is found in the Border Times of March 16, 1866, and it 
is said Si. G-ordon was captured and paroled at Vicksburg. The 
list had been found but a few days prior to its publication. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 1 — Col. Doubleday, of an Ohio cavalry regiment, with six 
companies of his men, came to Platte City in December, and left 
in March, 1862. He was himself a polished gentleman, and his 
officers and men were well-behaved. They made their quarters 
in the Dorriss and the Tebbs residences. Perfect quiet reigned 
during their stay, but many deaths from disease among the 
soldiers produced uneasiness. I have the names of ten that died, 
with the date of death, and the company to which each belonged. 
They were buried in our cemetery, but some were removed. 

MARCH. 

March 6 — The battle of Pea Ridge commenced. 

March 7 — S. A. Gilbert is appointed probate judge, to hold 
until August, 1865. The county court appointed S. P. S. McCurdy 
judge of the Weston Court of Common Pleas in place of James 
Doniphan, ousted. 

JAMES A. PRICE. 

March 15 — James A. Price, clerk of the Weston Court of Com- 
mon Pleas, resigns, and raises a company for the war. It partic- 
ipated in many campaigns, and was cut to pieces at Shiloh. 

THE GUERRILLA PARKER AT LIBERTY. 

March 20 — Greenup Bird, cashier of the bank at Liberty, 
under this date, writes to me: 

"Some time since, Lieut. Lankf ord, of Cameron, established a 
recruiting office here, and, after enlisting some 15 men, left for 
Cameron to bring more troops. On Friday last, in Lieut. Lank- 
ford's absence, about 1 p. m.,our town was surprised by the entry of 
25 or 30 guerrillas, with Parker, of Jackson County notoriety, at 
their head. Three of them reined up on horseback before the bank 
door, and questioned me about the whereabouts of the Federals, 
and how many there were, at the same time presenting pistols at 
me. Grimshaw, one of the recruits, surrendered; but they shot 
him through the neck, and left him as dead. But he has revived, 
and may live. We then closed the bank, and the guerrillas com- 
menced firing in the street. This was kept up some two hours. 
I supposed they were shooting down every Union man in town, 
but I now think they were after the recruits only. Ten of the 
recruits took refuge in an old frame, near the livery stable, with 
only nine guns. Parker, after firing at the shed for some time 
from behind houses, sent the recruits a flag of truce, threatening 
to burn the shed unless they surrendered. Thev surrendered, and 



1862, MARCH. 325 COUNTY FINANCES. 

were marched out of town with the United States flag from the 
court-house trailing in the mud. <'<>1. Catherwood, with part of 
his command, reached here the next morning, at daybreak; but 
Parker and his prisoners were gone." 

March 22— Defense warrants are worth 75 cents. 

APRIL. 

April 1 — Slaves arc daily escaping — being enticed away and 
helped by the soldiers. A State law allows a $100 reward to be 
paid by the master, for returning a runaway. Organized parties 
entice a slave away, and confederates capture him and claim 
the reward. 

OFFICERS OUSTED. 

April 7 — All State officers that refuse to lake the oath are 
displaced. Bryant, sheriff, refused to swear allegiance, and 
< Iranie W. Hood, coroner, succeeded. Remington, circuit clerk, 
likewise refused, and G. W. Belt was appointed to his plac*-. R. P. 
( 'lark, for like reasons, was superseded by S. A. Gilbert as v^obate 
judge. 

Battle of Shiloh. 

April 23 — Merryman & Paxton form a law partnership. 

April 24 — Robert Ross having died, Wm. Turner administers. 
( Jh : 1, Elizabeth Ann Cook; 2, Maria B. Myers; 3, Samuel Ross-, 
1, David Ross; 5, James; 6, Robert; 7, Mary; 8, William. 

April 6—BENJ. F. KIMSEY having died, Thos. Kimsey ad- 
ministers. Bond, $1,200. He married May 13, 1858, Frances 
Brown, daughter of Samuel. Their only child was Mary A. 
Kimsey. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Warrants drawn $11,831.03 

Revenue collected 1,141.51 

Deficit $7,389.52 

Expendi hires in Detail. 

Skinner's bridge $ 5,013.00 

Parkville bridge 130.00 

Roads 85.00 

Court-house 5.00 

Jail 109.00 

Stationery 12.00 

Printing.' 51.00 

Patrol 2,709.00 

Wood 82.00 



1862, MAY. 326 ELI HOGSETT. 

County Judge (Layton) I 130.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 602.00 

Assessor (Stone) 182.00 

Sheriff (Bryant) 256.00 

County Attorney (Clark) 62.00 

School Superintendent (Harrington) 62.00 

Circuit Clerk (Remington) 251.00 

Treasurer (Johnston) 100.00 

Sundries 1,597.03 

Total 111,831.03 

M ay 1— Slayes assessed, 2,318; value, $319,770. 

May 6 — Win. B. Smith is appointed county attorney. 

May 7 — Maj. Douglas Dale and his lieutenant, W. B. Davis, 
are at Platte City, keeping order in the county. They belong to 
the 1th Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. Confederates are haunt- 
ing G-ooseneck, and find aid and comfort at Bradley's, Brown's, 
and other houses. They give Lieut. Davis much trouble. On one 
occasion, he was pursuing a guerrilla, at a breakneck speed, when 
the pursued leaned back in his saddle, and with his revolver shot 
back overhead at the pursuer. The ball struck the horse Davis 
was riding in the forehead, and he immediately died. Davis had 
a dangerous plunge, but was not hurt. I heard him tell the story, 
in an excited manner, immediately on his return. 

May 9— ELI HOGSETT having died April 28, 1862, William 
Connoway administers. Bond, $1,000. His widow was Cynthia 
Ann, and their children : 1, Virginia, b. in Oct., 1851 ; 2, Perry, b. 
in Feb., 1851; 3, James W., b. in Feb., 1856; 4, Thos. Hogsett, b. 
in March, 1859. 

May 26 — J. M. Carpenter enrolled as an attorney. 

Col. Geo. H. Hall, 4th Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, is in 
command, with headquarters at St. Joseph. He is interested in our 
condition, and, under his protection, all is quiet in Platte. 

HUGH WILSON died in Weston. His widow was Ann, and 
his children: 1, Andrew D. Wilson; 2, William J. Wilson; 
3, John M.; 1, Medora; 5, Edwin; 6, Sarah Wilson. 

JUNE. 

June 1 — <!<'(>. T. Hulse, cashier of the Weston branch of the 
Mechanics' Bank, it-signs, and his assistant, John M. Railey, takes 
his place. 

June 2 — W. W. Dale having died, Chas. A. Liggett adminis- 
ters. Bond, $ 10,000. 

June 3 — Joseph Mooneyham having died, his widow, Eliza, 
administers. Bond, $3,000. Ch: 1, John D.; 2, Jacob C; 

.*'.. Ivetitia. 



1862, JUNE. 327 HILAMAN HURLBUT. 

HILAMAX HUKLBCT. 

June!) — Qilaman Hurlbut died. II<- was horn in Connecticut 
November 5, 1T!>!». lie married Barbara Chisamore, born in 
Greenbrier County, Va., and died in Platte November 5, L892. He 
was a son of Gen. Eurlbut of the Revolutionary War. He re- 
moved to Virginia, where he married, and the family came to 
Platte in 1841, settling four miles east of Platte City. Mr. Hurl- 
but was a peculiar man. He was 6 feet 2 inches high, and stood 
erect in soldier-like dignity. He had nothing to say socially, and 
his sentences seldom exceeded three words. He made no effort 
to secure friends. His wife was like 1 him, and no company ever 
entered their house. Cheese w r as their staple product, and Mr. 
Hurlbut often brought to market wild pigeons, when no one else 
thought there was a pigeon in the State. He cauglit them in some 
way in a large net. His cheese was tough and poor, but he sup 
plied Platte City for years, with small cakes, at ten cents a pound, 
until we all got to like "Hurlbut's cheese." Their only child was: 

I. CHESTER HURLBUT, who m'd Nov. 13. 1SG4. Laura A. 
Swaney, dr. of John. She is a lady of culture, and has 
published in the papers several continued stories, which 
were much admired. They live in Kansas; 7 children. 

June 18 — Columbus Spencer having died, J. W. Martin ad- 
ministered. Bond, |20,000. He w T as said to have been murdered. 

"THE CONSERVATOR." 

. June 21 — E. S. Wilkerson, editor of the Tenth Le</ion, having 
advocated secession openly, found himself in danger, and sells the 
press and type upon which his paper was printed to Clark & 
Bourne. The latter also buy the material of the Argus and start 
a new Democratic paper, called the Platte County Conservator — 
24 columns, 20 inches long, at $1.50. It was at war with A. F. Cox. 
of the Weston Sentinel, a. Union paper. The Conservator was sup- 
pressed by Federal authority, after it had been published a few 
months, and the editors were banished to Iowa. 

ISHAM BABER. 

June 28 — Isham Baber having died, B. L. Lampton adminis- 
tered. Bond, |15,000. His widow w T as Elizabeth. Ch: 

I. MAHALA BABER, m'd Benj. L. Lampton, d. Feb. 1, 1866. 
Their daughter: 
, 1. Matilda E. Lampton, m'd D. J. Link. (See.) 

II. RANDALL G. BABER, a highly honored business man and 
justice of the peace, at New Market. 
III. MARY BABER, m'd Nicholas Owens, dr. of John, of (lay. 
He died, leaving: 

1. Sarah Owens, who m'd a Williams, and died in Jack- 

son County, Mo. 

2. John Owens. 



1862, JULY. 328 COL. JAMES A. PRICE. 

LV. LUCY ANN BABER, m'd 1st, a Blake; m'd 2d, J. H. 
Williams. 
V. ELIZABETH BABER, m'd Geo. Moon. 
VI. THOMAS G. BABER, died leaving an only child: 
1. Marietta. 

JULY. 

July 1 — The Union Pacific Railroad chartered by Congress, to 
be finished by July 1, 1876. 

July 2 — The oath of allegiance required by Congress of all 
officers. 

COL. JAMES A. PRICE 

Raised Company K, 18th Missouri Volunteer Infantry. It was 
sworn into the Federal service in 1861. Capt. Price was promoted 
major June 19, 1862. At the battle of Shiloh one-third of Com- 
pany K were killed or wounded. Capt. Price himself was one of 
the latter. With a view of raising a new regiment, Maj. Price 
resigned and proceeded to enlist men in Weston. In July, 1862, 
he had 800 men; and on organization he was made colonel, John 
Doniphan lieutenant-colonel ,and John M. Clark major. The regi- 
ment was raised under the call of Governor Gamble for home 
protection, and consisted of Company A, Capt. W. T. Woods; 
Company B, Capt. Jas. M. Noland; Company C, Capt. W. J. Fitz- 
gerald; Company D, Capt. Chas. G. Peacock; Company E, Capt. 
John H. Burt; Company F, Capt. Morton P. Moore; Company 
G, Capt. Charles Guenther; Company H, Capt. Samuel J. Miller. 
This regiment was known as the 39th, and kept good order 
in the county until disbanded, November 1, 1863. Thence- 
forth, until the organization of the ''Pawpaws," we were the prey 
of predatory bands of outlaws, who robbed and hung our people 
at their pleasure. 

July 16 — Three Federal soldiers, apprehended for crime, are 
brought to Platte City for examination. A squad of "Red-legs" 
appear, and order the prisoners to leave. One goes with them, 
and the other two remain. Col. J. A. Price sends a troop of his 
soldiers to see that there is no interference with the course of 

justice. 

AUGUST. 

.1 ug. ) — VA\:\s Barbee having died, T. F. Warner administers. 
Bond, $5,000. 

THE BARBEE FAMILY. 

Elias Barbee lii, a Revolutionary soldier, was born in Vir- 
ginia, June 1 1. 1 7*;:;. He married Elizabeth Slaughter, born July 
L2 3 1763, in Virginia. Near the close of the eighteenth century, 
they removed to Green Oounty, Ky. Here Elias Barbee (ii) was 



1862, AUG. 329 MAJ. DRUMHILLER. 

born in 1804, and died June 19, 1862. He was twice married: 
first, in August, L825, to Mary Durham, daughter of James. 
She was born in 1808, and died. He married, in Kentucky, second, 
August 29, 1841, Sarepta Graham, born January 17, 1811, and died 
March 25, 1896. She lived with her dutiful children after her 
husband's death. She read much, and kept informed of the 
religious and political news of the day. Some years ago, her hip 
was dislocated by a fall from a wagon, and she had to use 
crutches. The Barbees are a distinguished family in Virginia and 
Kentucky. In my youth, I was well acquainted with Joshua 
Barbee and his family, of Danville, Ky. Joshua was an uncle of 
Elias Barbee (ii). The latter was a Southern gentleman of inde- 
pendence, energy, and enterprise. He and all his family espoused 
t lie cause of the South, and lost property and blood in the struggle. 
They came to Pleasant Bidge in 1847, and in its churchyard all 
the name expect to be buried. The first wife's children were: 
I. JAMES D. BABBEE, b. in Jan., 1827; m'd Amanda Miller, 
dr. of Lewis (see) ; 10 children. 
II. MARY W. BARBEE, b. in March, 1828; m'd April 29, 1849, 
John Mentor. 

III. OSCAR H. BARBEE, b. in March, 1830; m'd in 185G, Eliza J. 

Sloan, b. April 22, 1839, dr. of Allen. They live in Andrew 
County. 

IV. WM. T. BARBEE, b. in Dec, 1831; d. in Utah March 24, 1896, 

aged 65 years; m'd in 1881, Alice Moseby. 
Bv second wife: 
V. NANNIE O. BARBEE, b. in June, 1842; m'd Feb. 18. 1873. 
James J. Gabbert, b. Oct. 23, 1840; d. March 1, 1897. Ch: 
1. Barbee Gabbert, 2. John E. D. 3. Hope Gabbert. 
VI. JOHNSON BARBEE, b. in Jan., 1844; m'd in 1884, Kittie 

Applebv. 
Vn. LAURA BARBEE, b. in June, 1847; m'd Dec. 2, 1868, D. O. 
Darnall. (See.) 

VIII. GRAHAM BARBEE, b. in June, 1849; m'd Jan. 18, 1887, 
Ella Nora Wyatt. 

IX. EMMET BARB'eE, b. Oct. 25, 1847; d. Aug. 21, 1896; m'd Dec. 

13, 1866, Fannie B. Waggoner Ch : 

1. Alice, 2. Daisie. 3. Laura. 4. Peyton. 
Daisie graduated in June, 1896, from the Law Depart- 
ment of Washington University, taking the prize over 38 
competitors. 

Aug. 5 — James M. Murray and C. M. Boyd enrolled as 
attorneys. 

Maj. Harsel's house, at Liberty, burned at 3 p. m., by in- 
cendiaries. Harsel was in command of the new militia, in the 
absence of Col. Penick. Gen. Loan is in command at St. Joseph. 

MAJ. DRUMHILLER is in command at Platte City, with 
part of Col. Penick's 5th Cavalry, Missouri State Militia. Wagons 
and teams are pressed for transportation to Richmond. Mo. J. H. 



1862, AUG. 330 GREENUP BIRD. 

Berry, A. Tribble, R. J. Robertson, and others send teams on the 
trip of six days. 

Aug. 6 — F. G. Gaylord appointed by the county court to ex- 
amine and license teachers for Platte. 

Aug. 9 — Greenup Bird, cashier of the bank at Liberty, writes 
to me: "A man named Thatcher, who had given bond and taken 
the iron-clad oath, was charged with violating the same, by stating 
he had killed Union soldiers, and would do so again, and who had 
made other treasonable utterances, was hung, about two miles 
south of Liberty, by order of Col. Penick. The stable of Henry 
Foley (a strong Union man), near where Thatcher was hung, was 
burned this morning. The people are to-day enrolling pretty 
fast." 

Aug. 13 — Mr. Bird again writes to me: "Independence was 
taken on Monday by a band of guerrillas under John T. Hughes. 
The Federals were driven into the bank and threatened with fire. 
An adjacent house already burning, they surrendered. Thirty or 
forty Federals were killed, and eight or ten guerrillas, and among 
the latter, John T. Hughes. Some forty Federals escaped, and 
others were paroled. 

Aug. 15 — Quantrell and Hays issue orders to kill all Federal 
recruits. 

Aug. 16 — Henry M. Woodsmall, of Parkville, crossed the Mis- 
souri with 128 Southern recruits. Oscar Beery was second 
lieutenant of the company. 

Aug. 25 — Thomas Foster having died, A. T. Foster adminis- 
tered. Bond, $12,000. His widow was Margaret, and children: 
1, Hannah Combs; 2, Mary Judy; 3, Martha Galbraith; 4, Elgiva 
Foster; 5, Amnion Foster; 6, Rebecca; 7, Carey Foster. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 9 — A. G. Beller enrolled as an attorney. 

Sept. //—Battle of Bloomfield. 

Sept. 22 — President Lincoln's first Emancipation Procla- 
mation. 

Sept. SO— Lieut. D. Bonham, of the 4th Regiment (Col. Hall's). 
Missouri State Militia, stationed at Platte City. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. / — The Stamp Law went into effect. 

Oct. (> — Waller R. Brady having died, his widow. Eliza, ad- 
ministered. Ch: 1, Josephine Brady; 2, Georgeann; 3, Eliza- 
beth Brady. 

S. P. S. MrCindv reports to the county court that he had 



1862, OCT. 331 JUDGE BROADHURST. 

delivered $50,000, in county bonds to Jas. N. Burnes, president of 
the W. & A. Railroad Company. 

Silas Gordon, Boaz Roberts, Quantrell, "Red-legs," "jay- 
hawkers," "bushwhackers," guerrillas, press-gangs, outlaws, rob- 
bers, thieves, murderers, etc., etc., arc topics. 

Oct. 10 — Richard Shackelford having died, his widow admin 
istered. Bond, $10,000. Ch: 1, das. Shackelford; 2, William; 
3, Richard; 4, George; 5, Arch.; 6, Thomas; 7, Philip; 8, Mary E., 
m'd a Mayo; 9, Celia. 

JOHN F BROADHURST. 

Oct. l.'t — Ex-Judge John F. Broadhurst having died near Park- 
ville, his widow. Z. G. Broadhurst, administered. Bond. $4,000. 
He was a man of sprightliness, and possessed good business quali- 
fications. He served a term as county judge, and voted for the 
subscription of $200,000 in bonds to the P. & G. Railroad, which, 
with as much more, in interest, the county had to pay, without 
receiving any consideration. Ch : 

I. MARGARET E. BROADHURST. m'd Nov. 22, 1859, Jas. H. 

Prather. Their daughter, Alta B. Prather, m'd Jan. 1, 

1896, Holland Boydston: 

II. COLUMBUS W. BROADHURST, b. in 1842 ; m'd Dec. 8, 1875, 

A. B. Prather. 

in. JAMES T. BROADHURST, b. in 1844; m'd Feb. 12, 1873, 

Sarah J. Mitchell. 
IV. WILLIAM S. BROADHURST, b. in 1S46. 

Oct. 23 — Fire at Plattsburg destroyed the office of the North- 
western Reporter and the stores of McMichael & Funkhouser, and 
of Townsend & Ireland. The heirs of John T. Hughes were 
damaged $15,000. 

NOVEMBER. 
THE ELECTION. 

Congressman — A. A. King, 583; J. H. Birch, 877; E. M. Sam- 
uel, 94. 

State Senator — John Doniphan (no opposition), 1,157. 

Representatives— H. J. Wolf, 1,002; John Wilson, 881 ; Briggs, 
011; Brown, 434. 

Sheriff— W. T. Woods. 928; G. W. Hood, 595. 

Treasurer— R. Mat. Johnston, 1,319. 

Coroner— J. M. Mulkey. 766; L. R. Ringo, 524. 

Assessor — J. A. Stone. 

Attorneys now have to take the iron-clad oath. 

Nov. 3 — James M. Bell, commissioner, reports 10 inmates in 
the poor-house. 



1862, NOV. 332 JAMES DAVIS. 

JAMES DAVIS. 

James Davis having died, Noah Beerv administered. Oh: 
I. MILTON DAVIS. II. EPHRAIM DAVIS. 

III. JAMES S., in Oregon. 

IV. EMELLNE DAVIS, m'd Allen Goodwin. 

V. HARRIET DAVIS, m'd James P. Denny, son of Robert and 
brother of Jeff. Denny. James P. died near Edgerton in 
Nov., 1-891. He bore a good name, and possessed influence. 
Children : 

1. Artemesia Denny, b. in 1845; m'd Feb. 24, 1864, Benj. F. 

Clark, b. Feb. 15, 1845, son of Jos. Clark, of Edgerton, 
b. in 1812. Mr. B. F. Clark is a merchant of Edgerton, 
an elder in the Christian Church, and a man of pure 
life and of truth and justice. He came to Edgerton 
in 1882. Ch: [«] Saraetta Clark, b. Feb. 14, 1866: 
[»] Ida M. Clark, b. May 1, 1868; m'd Aug. 27, 1883, 
A. J. Jennings, son of William; [ c ] James P., b. Nov. 
24, 1874; [*] John P. Clark. 

2. Sarah Denny, m'd 1st, Robert Lizer, son of Peter; 5 

children; m'd 2d, Richard Harrington. Oh. by Lizer: 
[«] Effie; [ 6 ] Adelia; [ c ] Wilson Lizer; [d] Louisa; 
[ e ] Robert Lizer. Also 4 by Harrington. 

3. Susan, Denny, m'd 1st, Henry Edwards, dead. Oh: 

[ a ] Henry Edwards. She m'd 2d, Thos. Kennedy. 
Ch: [6] Hattie. 

4. Mary J. Denny, m'd Frank Edwards; 6 children. 

5. F. M. Denny, b. March 9, 1852; m'd Sept. 1, 1874, Annie 

Harsha, dr. of Andrew. Ch: [«] Ernest Denny; 
[6] Lizzie Denny; [ c ] Dallas; [<&] Frank; [f] Fred 
Denny. 

6. James R. Denny, m'd Sept. 5, 1880, Maud E. Porter, dr. 

of Nic. Ch: ' [«] Claud; [&] Jessie; [c] Gertie; 
[< J ] May Denny. 

7. William S. Denny, m'd Aug. 22, 1880. Luella Jennings, 

dr. of Joseph. Ch: [«] Myrtle; [&] Al vis; [c] Clel- 

land; [<*] John; [«J William. 
S. George R. Denny, m'd Aug. 23, 1885, Emily Jennings, 

dr. of Joseph. She d. March 14, 1894, leaving: 

[«] Stella. 
9. Charles Den ny, m'd Hettie Stone. Ch: [ a ] Perry. 
10. John M. Dmny, m'd 1st, Hannah Ewell, b. in 1870; d. 

May 11, 1890, leaving: [«] Hattie; [&] Kittie. 

John M. m'd 2d, Rosa Vpi'million, dr. of Marcus. 
VI. ARTEMESIA DAVIS, m'd C. C. Robbins, of Kentucky. 

JEPHTHAH MONTGOMERY. 

\iii\ .I — Jephthah Montgomery having died, James S. Owens 
administers. Bond. $6,000. He 'married December 21, 1841, 
Miranda Adams, born February 4, 1823, and died March 11, 1895, 
aged 72 years. They came to Platte in 1854. Ch: 



1862, NOV. 333 THE WALLERS. 

I. HENRIETTA DANIEL. II. JOHN A. MONTGOMERY. 
III. WILLIAM MONTGOM ERY, dead. I V. JA*MES F. 
V. NANCY M< )XT( i( LM ERY, m'd Nov. 2, 1871, Meritt S. Wilson, 

b. .Ian. 29. 1849, son of Mat. 15. 
VI. ROBERT MONTGOMERY, dead. 

Nov. 2'{ — Judge Silas Woodson commenced a term of circuit 
court that lasted long, and an immense amount of business was 
transacted. .Many defendants were in the Southern army, and 
jurisdiction was obtained by attachment or publication. This 
term was held in the Baptist church, the county court having 
rented it for the purpose. The preceding term was held in the 
.Male Academy, but very little was done. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 6 — Gov. C. F. Jackson died at Little Rock, Arkansas. 

ELDER HIRAM WALLER. 

Dec. 9 — Elder Hiram Waller died. He was born in Fauquier 
County, Virginia, June 8, 1802. His father, Lewis Waller, was 
born in the same county June 1, 1772, and died in July, 1812. 
Lewis married Elizabeth W. Woodruff, born October 19, 1775, 
daughter of Owen Woodruff, an emigrant from Scotland. Their 
son, Hiram Waller, married January 13, 1821), Eliza J. Gaines, 
born October 11, 1813, and died July 10, 1895, daughter of Richard 
H. Gaines, of Fauquier County, Virginia. Hiram and his family 
came west in 1837, and settled in Clay County, Mo. In 1838 they 
crossed the line into Platte. He was well educated, and kept well 
informed upon the topics of the day. He was an elder in the 
Christian Church, and often led his brethren in their devotions. 
He labored ardently and zealously for the success of the Church, 
and all his family have followed him in their, religious tenets. 
Few farmers in the countv had wider or better influence. Ch: 
I. RICHARD LEWIS WALLER (i), b. in Fauquier Co., Va., 
Jan. 30, 1830. After receiving an academic education, he 
engaged, in 1855, in the mercantile business at Platte City 
with James E. Frost. When the war broke out, he joined 
("apt. W. P. ('biles' company of the Missouri State Guard, 
and was at the battles of Lexington, Springfield, et al. 
When the State Guard entered the Confederate service, he 
became lieutenant in Col. Elhart's battalion of Shelby's 
brigade, and served to the end of the war. In 1872 he w T as 
elected collector of Platte County, and in 1874 circuit clerk, 
and was reelected in 1878. In 1884 he was appointed 
county judge, to fill a vacancy, and at the end of his term 
was elected to the same office. He now lives on his large 
farm, four miles east of Platte City. He owns the old Wal- 
ler homestead, and his two sisters live 1 withliim. He never 
married, and yet he possesses intelligence, thrift, and busi- 
ness qualifications. 



1862, DEC. 334 PEYTON MURPHY. 

II. ELBERT OSBORN WALLER, b. Aug. 23, 1831, in Virginia; 
m'd Dec. 2, 1855, Nannie A. Christy (see), b. Jan. 7, 1835. 
Mr. Waller is one of the solid men of the county, and wields 
influence in the Christian Church and the Democratic 
party. He has never offered for office, but his name has 
been frequently suggested for places of honor and profit. 
Mrs. Waller possesses the beauty and amiability of her 
parents. Ch : 

1. Richard L. Waller (ii), m'd Not. 24. 1891, the lovely 
Lou Tatman, dr. of James. 

III. ELMIRA WALLER, b. Aug. 1, 1833; m'd March 30, 1858, 

Joel W. Moore. (Bee.) 

IV. FOUNTAIN L. WALLER, b. Oct. 7, 1838, in Platte. He en- 

tered the Southern army, and fought at Lexington and at 
Pea Ridge. He is an intelligent and kind-hearted Chris- 
tian gentleman, and has managed his affairs with discre- 
tion and success. He m'd 1st, Feb. 11, 1875, Minnie John- 
ston, dr. of Stephen. She d. Jan. 30, 1883, leaving: 

1. George Hiram Waller. 2. Le Yerda. 3. Elbert Waller. 

Mr. Waller m'd 2d, April 23, 1890, Orvilla George, dr. of 
Thornton George, of Clinton County. The family live on a 
farm four miles east of Platte City, and there is their 
gravevard. 
V. MARY'E. WALLER, b. Nov. 22, 1850; m'd Dec. 25, 1872, 
Marion P. Collins. (See.) 

PEYTON MURPHY. 

Dec. 11 — Peyton Murphy having died, W. H. Kimsey admin- 
istered. Bond, f 6,000. He lived in Preston Township. Ch : 

I. ELIZABETH, m'd Dec. 5, 1839, Jonathan Owens. They 
live in Texas. 
II. MINERVA MURPHY, in. JOSEPH, lives in Texas. 
IV. NANCY F. V. GEO. W. MURPHY. (See.) 
VI. JOHN C. MURPHY, m'd Feb. 11, 18G2, Lucy F. Jackson. 

Dec. 20 — Eugene Stochr having died, Frank Stochr admin- 
isters. Bond, |3,000. 

JACOB PITTS. 

Jacob Pitts having died, his widow, Hannah Pitts, admin- 
isters. Bond, |5,000. He married March 22, 184G, Hannah Burt, 
da lighter of John Ii) and sister of Capt. J. H. Burt. Mrs. Hannah 
I 'it t s married, second, .lack Doyle; and married, third, C. S. Bruce. 
sin- is now a widow, living opposite Leavenworth. Her children 
by her final husband: 

I. JOSEPH R. PITTS, b. June 2. 1855; d. Oct. 8, 1892; m'd 
Mattie Pew. Oh: 
1. M attic Pitts. 2. Joseph. 



1862, DEC. 335 OFFICERS. 

II. CHARLES H. PITTS, b. June 1, 1858; nfd Aug. 2, 1882, Sunie 
Oliver, dr. of Leni. T. Oh : 
1. Claire. 2. Delia. 3. Edna. 4. Minnie. 
III. FRANKLIN PITTS, b. July 16, 1862; m'd Feb.24, L897, Jen- 
nie Olvis. (For the Pitts family, see William Pitts.) 



1863. 



OFFICERS. 

Governor, Ham. R. Gamble; Congressman, A. A. King; 
Senator, John Doniphan; Circuit Judge, Silas Woodson; Cir- 
cuit Attorney, J. P. Grubb; Assessor, Jas. A. Stone, Surveyor, 
vacant; Treasurer, R. Mat. Johnston; Examiner of Teachers, 
F. G. Gaylord; Representatives, John Wilson and H. J. Wolf; 
Circuit Clerk, Geo. W. Belt; Sheriff, W. T. Woods; Probate 
Judge, S. A. Gilbert; County Judge, Jas. H. Layton; County 
Clerk, D. P. Lewis; County Attorney, W. B. Smith; Public Ad- 
ministrator, W. M. Paxton; Coroner, J. M. Mulkey. 

BUSINESS 'MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — Baker, Clark, Boyd, Harrington, 
Herndon, Hollingsworth, Merryman & Paxton, Norton, Smith, 
Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Guthrie, Redman, Wallace. 

Merchants, etc. — Burge, Cochran (postmaster), Jenkins, 
Johnston & Son; S. Johnston, Richard M. Johnson, Jones, Likins, 
Murray & Freeland, Lutes, Young. 

Lodges— No. 56, R, P. Clark, W r . M.; Neb. 12, G. L. Moad, N. G. 

Newspaper, Conservator, Clark & Bourne, editors. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Burnes, Carroll, Doniphan, Fulton, 
King, Lawson, McCurdy, Wolf. 

Physicians — Beaumont, Bonifant, Boyd (dentist), Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Bell, Belt, Briggs, Conwell & Spencer, Dop- 
pler, Dye, Ellifrit, Goldstein, Kaufman, Matheny, Mettier, Mitch- 
ell, Noble, Perrys, Raileys, Rohring, Ringo (postmaster), Roney, 
Walker, Warner, Wood. 

Newspaper — Platte Count)/ Sentinel, A. F. Cox, editor. 

Mayor — W. F. Yocom. 

Court of Common Pleas — McCurdy. judge; Hood, marshal; 
Heriot, clerk. 

At Camden Point: Hale (postmaster), Gaylord (president). 

At ■ Farley: Johnson, Mason, Meads, Smith, Swain. 

At Parkrille: Buencman (postmaster), Campbell, McDonald, 
Ringo, Summers. Wilson. 



1863, JAN. 336 THE SITUATION. 

At New Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Cartwright, Tufts, 
Wells. 

AtRidgely: Gustin, Sayle. 

JANUARY. 

THE SITUATION. 

Jan. 1 — The year 1863 was shadowed by clouds without a 
shaft of sunshine. The bloody banner of internecine strife 
waved angrily oyer the land. Every available soldier had gone 
to the front, or was skulking in Northern States. At home we 
were disarmed, and left a prey to marauding outlaws. Prowling 
murderers, by day, dressed in Federal uniform and bearing 
forged military orders, searched houses, barns, and stables for 
arms; and at night returned as "Bed-legs" to rob and hang the 
people. The militia were active in suppressing "bushwhackers," 
but gave themselves no concern about thieves and murderers. I 
administered on three persons who were murdered by "Bed-legs." 
In September the "Pawpaws" were organized by Col. James H. 
Moss. No "Bed-legs" thenceforth troubled us. For. a time we 
had peace and security. But Calhoun Thornton commenced re- 
cruiting for the South, corrupted the militia, and "bushwhackers" 
became as dangerous as the "Bed-legs" had been. The sequel 
will show the disastrous end of Thornton's work. Courts did 
little or nothing. Hog cholera prevailed, but the season was 
propitious. 

EMANCIPATION. 

President Lincoln issued his second proclamation liberating 
slaves in all parts of the United States in open rebellion. The 
State of Missouri was not included, but in a short time the four- 
teenth amendment to the Federal Constitution was ratified, and 
it put an end to slavery throughout the Union. 

The first snow of the winter fell to-day. 

Prof. F. G. Gaylord takes the Camden Point Academy. 

Ebenezer N. O. Clough and Wm. McN. dough remove from 
Parkville to Leavenworth. 

THOMAS J. WILSON. 

Jan. 2 — Thomas J. Wilson having died at Parkville, Chas. S. 
Wilson administers. Bond, $6,000. Thomas J. was a. business 
man. and a partner of C. P. Summers in the mercantile line. His 
widow was Eliza. Ch: 

I. ADELINE WILSON, m'd Thomas E. Mills. 
II. THOMAS J. WILSON (ii), m'd March 19, 1863, Elizabeth 

Faubion. After she died, he m'd Tillie J. Wysong. 
III. \Y. \V. WILSON, was a business man of high standing in 
Parkville. His urbane manners and cordial address were 
the outgoings of a kind heart. After marriage, he went to 



1863, JAN. 337 THE VINEYARDS. 

Kansas City, and engaged in tin- real estate and loan- busi- 
ness with success. I had much correspondence with him, 
and can testify to his strict integrity. He d. Nov. 25, 1888. 
IV. L. BRUCE WILSON. 
V. CHARLES P. WILSON, m'd Fannie Campbell, dr. of Rev. 
W. C. Campbell, who had charge of this circuit in 1878-80. 
Mr. Wilson is traveling for several mercantile houses. Ch : 
1. Fred Wilson. 2. Logan. 

THE VINEYARDS. 
Jan. 7 — lesse Vineyard having died, Mary S. Vineyard, his 
widow, administered. Bond, f 20.000. Three of the Vineyards 
came to Platte, and settled on Pleasant Ridge. Their intelli- 
gence, wealth, and enterprise gave them a high position in civil 
and religious life. 

I. JESSE VINEYARD, m'd Mary S. Owens, dr. of Nathaniel 
Owens, and a half-sister of the celebrated Sam Owens, of 
Independence. Her sister Nancy married John W. Vine- 
vard, and her sister Ella M. Owens married A. G. Williams. 

« 

(See.) Mrs. Jesse Vineyard spent her later years in Wes- 
ton, where she died July 4. 1877. Ch: 

1. John X. Vineyard, m'd Dec. 13, 1806. Emma Pence, dr. 

of Lewis. Sept. 30, 1872, he killed himself, taking 
poison. 

2. Ben). R. Vineyard, m'd Emma Hogan. He is a success- 

ful attorney at Kansas City. 

3. Mary Catherine (Kate) Vineyard, m'd Sept. 28. 1877, H. 

Clay Cunningham, b. in Kentucky Jan. 20, 1818, a 
son of Judge William E. Cunningham and Sarah 
Owens. They live on the old Vineyard estate, be- 
tween Platte City and Weston, and are engaged in 
rearing blooded stock. They have no children, but 
have adopted Miss Bettie Thorp, a lovelv girl. 
n. JOHN W. VINEYARD, m'd Nancy Owens, sister of the wife 

of his brother Jesse. They had children, but all are gone. 
III. BRIOE W. VINEYARD, was a man of finished education, 

and built up Pleasant Ridge College, which afterwards 

continued under the presidency of Aller, Himrod, Bruner, 

and others, and was finally burned down. 

Jan. 10 — Col. James A. Price, now at Weston, requires Clark 
& Bourne, editors of the Conservator, to give bond in the sum of 
83.000. for their loyalty. The paper changes its tone, and compli- 
ments Col. Price in equivocal terms. 

Jan. .11 — Col. Jas. A. Price passed from Weston to Parkville, 
arresting 25 disloyal men. requiring bonds of them, and seized 
guns and ammunition secreted in the houses of George Roberts 
and others. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 1 — The.Missouri River is frozen over, and many slaves 
22- 



1863, FEB. 338 SHELBY DANIEL. 

secure freedom by crossing on the ice and enlisting in the Federal 
army. 

SHELBY DANIEL. 

Feb. 9 — Shelby Daniel having died, Cynthia, his widow, ad- 
ministers. Bond, $6,000. He came from Kentucky in 1854, and 
settled four miles west of Platte City. He married in Kentucky, 
Cynthia A. Gordon, died in September, 1886. She was an aunt 
of Si. Gordon, and suffered severely during the war. Mr. Daniel 
was a social gentleman, and highly respected. Ch: 

I. WILLIAM E. DANIEL, b. in April, 1834; m'd in Kentucky 
July 23, 1853, Allie J. Wright, dr. of Meredith, b. June 22, 
1837. Ch: . 

1. Cynthia Daniel, b. March 14, 1857; m'd March 22, 1876, 

Chas. Marshall. Ch: [«] Edward H; [&] Jesse B.; 
[ c ] Lewis; [ d ] Connie Marshall. 

2. Mamie B. Daniel, b. Feb. 27, 1859; m'd Dec. 18, 1877. 

Hiram McComas. Ch: [ a ] Claude McComas, b. 
Nov. 29, 1880. 

3. Armilda Daniel b. Sept. 7, 1862; m'd March 1, 18S2, 

Luther M. Rinehart. Ch: [«] Myrtle. 

4. Fannie Daniel, b. Oct. 8, 1864; m'd Nov. 26, 1884, John 

W. Moore (see) ; 4 children. 

5. Willie Daniel, b. Feb. 22, 1864. 

William E. married second, January 1, 1889, Senie Fox 
(See.) 
H. JAMES H. DANIEL, b. in Kentucky Dec. 7, 1835; m'd May 
10, 1866, Missouri Ann Flannery. (See.) 

III. RANDALL G. (BOSS) DANIEL, m'd March 22, 1866. Sue E. 

Coons (see), dr. of Joseph. 

IV. ARMILDA J. DANIEL, m'd Almanza Hon, a worthy Chris- 

tian and highly honored citizen. Ch: 

1. Shelby. 

2. Quincy Hon, m'd Nov. 13, 1878, Elizabeth Kimsey, 

dr. of W. H. 

3. Inez Hon. 4. Lee Hon. 

V. MARY L. DANIEL, m'd Edwin O. Wren. He d. in Feb., 
1872. Ch : 

1. Lillie Wren, m'd Oct. 13. 1890, Davis Barney, of Ken- 

tucky. Ch: [«J Edwin O. Ramev (if). 

2. Mwy E., m'd Oct. 13, 1890, Richard Oldham. Ch: 

["] Olive M. Oldham. 

WILLIAM T. DARNALL. 

Feb. I" — William T. Darnall died at his home, three miles 
southeast of Platte City. He was a son of Daniel Darnell and 
Nancy Turpin, and was born November 25. 1800. He married, 
in Kentucky, Phoebe Tatman. born in 1813 and died Julv 13, 1858, 



1863, FEB. 339 THOMAS SMITH. 

a sister of William Tatman. In the fall of 1853 \V. T. Daraall, 

with his brother, Milton, and his brother-in-law, William Tatman, 
the Elgins, and others, came to Platte. Ho purchased a splendid 
farm, and was rapidly rising in wealth and influence, when his 
wife died. After a few years, he followed. He was a large and 
handsome man, of commanding presence and sound judgment. 
Children: 

I. THOMAS RYLAND DARNALL, nfd July 14, 1863, Jane H. 
Miller, b. Feb. 25, 1842, dr. or Capt. W. J. Miller. (See.) 
He is in Colorado ,and she in Platte City. He is a constant 
reader, and well informed in philosophy and science, in- 
teresting in conversation, and social in his habits. Ch : 

1. Morse Darnall, b. April 23, 1864. 

2. Floy Darnall, was lovel} 7 , and even fascinating, in her 

prime of womanhood; b. Jan. 19, 1867; m'd June 10, 
1890, Rev. Claude Kelly, who was b. in Ohio in 1867, 
graduated at William Jewell College, entered the 
Baptist ministry, was remarkably successful in 
building up the Baptist Church at Leavenworth, and 
has established an honored name among his people. 
IT. JAMES T. DARNALL, b. in Kentucky Jan. 16, 1830; m'd, 

about 1857, Anna Simmons, sister to the wife of Dr. J. H. 

Stringfellow. Thev live in Independence, Mo. ; no children. 

III. LEE M. DARNALL, m'd March 18, 1875, Nannie Hon, dr. of 

Isaac. Ch: 

1. Frank. 2. William I. 3. Herminia Darnall. 

IV. AB. B. DARNALL, b. Jan. 23, 1846; m'd Nov. 15. 1868, Fannie 

Sisk, dr. of Robert. Ch: 

1. William, b. Feb. 19, 1872. 

THOMAS SMITH. 

Feb. Uf — Thomas Smith having died near Farley, Capt. Pres. 
Simpson administered. Bond, f 20,000. He was born about 1798; 
married in 1820, Mary Manning, born February 28, 1803; died 
January 15, 1892, leaving 3 living children, 59 grandchildren, and 
122 great-grandchildren. Mr. Smith was a merchant in Farley, 
and left a large landed estate, which was partitioned among his 
descendants. He was an urbane and well-educated gentleman. 
Children: 

I. JOSEPH SMITH, d. in central Missouri, leaving children: 

1. Mary E.Hunt. 2. Henrietta Stephens. 
IT. WILLIAM' SMITH, m'd Elizabeth Tucker (both dead); 
children nil dead. 
ni. THOMAS X. SMITH, b. Jan. 15. 1834: d. Oct. 8, 1895; m'd 1st, 
in 1858, Mary Pitts, dr. of Sam. Ch: 

1. James Smith. 2. Serilda J., m'd Watson Winn. 
Thomas N. m'd 2d, Jane Xarramore. Ch : 

3. Lawrence L. Smith. 4. Jane. 5. Thomas T. 
6. William V. 7. Bertie ft. 



1863, FEB. 340 THE SMITHS. 

IV. EMALINE SMITH, m'd Capt. Pres. Simpson, d. in Sept., 1870. 
Children : 

1. Letitia L. Simpson, m'd Capt. Thorning, of Weston. 

2. Berry K. Simpson, m'd a Kinneman. 

3. Elsie A. Simpson, m'd April 20, 1872, Dr. Alonzo T. 

Holt. (See.) 

4. Jane Simpson, m'd Jan. 19, 1876, David A. Sloan, b. 

April 6, 1853. Ch: [«] William; [&] Annie; 

[c] Berry; [<*] Stella. 

5. Serilda Simpson, m'd Wm. Winn. 

6. Victoria Simpson, m'd April 13, 1887, Ed. T. Stephens. 
Capt. Simpson possessed superior intelligence and good 

business qualifications. He was a merchant in Farley, 
and was a partner of Swain & Mason, in their Platte City 
store. He raised Company B, 81st Regiment, Enrolled 
Missouri Militia, and did much home service. He was 
genial in his disposition, and was beloved and trusted. He 
was a faithful elder in the Baptist Church, and sometimes 
preached. 
V. SARAH SMITH, b. in 1828 ; m'd Enoch Porter. (See.) 

VI. MARY (POLLY) SMITH, m'd Feb. 26, 1857. David R. Denton. 

Children : 

1. Laura Denton, m'd Feb. 10, 1886, John R. Deal. 

2. Sarah E. Denton, m'd May 8, 1881, Homer Cresap, b. 

Aug. 15, 1851. He was a successful teacher, but 
now has retired to a farm. Ch: [«] Edgar P. 
Cresap; [ & ] Joseph O. Cresap; [o] Mabel; [*] Robt. 
D. [c] Nina. 

4. Kate Denton, m'd Sept. 8, 1888, Frank D. Downing; 3 

children. 

5. Lizzie Denton, m'd Julv 3, 1881, Francis Luther Har- 

rington. Ch: [«] Mattie; [&] Gaylord; [c] Walter; 

[ d ] Lizzie. 

VII. ALSYE SMITH, b. Nov. 30, 1831 ; d. Oct. 27, 1879 ; m'd March 

7, 1855, Zachariah Mills, b. Nov. 2, 1832. in Tennessee. His 
father, Henry Mills, was b. Feb. 14, 1805; d. Feb. 4, 1875. 
His mother was Martha Smith, b. Jan. 30, 1808. Ch: 

1. WilUam D. Mills, b. May 16, 1855; m'd Susan Babcock. 

(See.) 

2. Frank V. Mills, b. April 17, 1858; m'd in Oct., 1891, in 

California. 

3. David M. Mills, b. Aug. 18, I860; m'd in 1878, Julia 

Babcock. 

4. Henri/ T. Mills, b. in 1868; m'd in 1890, a Beard. 

5. John C. Mills, b. in 1871. 6. Marcella, b. Dec. 19, 1873. 
Mr. Z. Mills m'd 2d. April 9. 1882. Olivia Waller, dr. of 

William and sister of Elder Byram Waller. She is a lady 
of superior intelligence and accomplishments. Mr. Mills 
is a solid farmer, residing eight miles southeast of Platte 
City, and is highlv esteemed for his truth and virtue. He 



1863, FEB. 341 W. G. BERRY. 

was in the Missouri State Guard five mouths, under. Gen. 
Price, and served in southern Missouri and in Arkansas. 
He is a Knight Templar and delights in Masonry. 

VII I. MARY ELLEN SMITH, nfd March 11, 1860, Howard Mills, 
the only brother of Zaohariah Mills, just noticed. He 
was b. Jan. 5, L835; d. Feb. 25, 1871. Ch: 

1. Charles li. Mills, m'd Martha Cole, dr. of John R. 

2. David J. Mills, m'd a Cannon. 

3. Ida A. Mills, m'd March 4, 1885, Win. T. Minnear, son 

of Garret. 

IX. NANCY SMITH, m'd Jasper Kimsey, son of Berry. He 

died, and she m'd 2d, Elijah Powell. He died and she 

m'd 3d, Gibson, and went to Texas. 

X. SERILDA SMITH, m ? d Oct. 20, 1867, Elijah Whitton, b. Oct. 
22, 1836; she was his second wife. Oh: 

1. Edward, m'd a dr. of Jos. Mulkey. 2. Robert Whitton. 

Mr. E. Whitton m'd 1st, Mary Fanker, who died, leaving: 

3. Ursula Whitton. 

WILLIAM G. BERRY. 

Feb. 16— William G. Berry having died, D. B. McMillan ad- 
ministered. Bond, |16,000. Mr. Berry was a social and intelli- 
gent farmer. He was a brother of Capt. James H. Berry. The 
two came from Madison County, Ky., and settled on the head- 
waters of Second Creek. I cannot learn the maiden name of Wil- 
liam's wife. He had no son. His daughters were remarkably 
lovely. Ch : 

I. SARAH W. BERRY, dead. 
II. SUSANNA BERRY', b. in 1833; m'd in 1853, John T. Arnold, 
a farmer near Barry. Ch: 

1. Elizabeth, m'd Ben Spicer. 

2. Charles, m'd Minnie Higby. 

3. Waller W., m'd Annie Jackson. 

4. Maggie, m'd William Frazier. 5. Dora. 

IH. MARY E. BERRY, m'd Hon. Erastus Smith, son of Yankee 
Smith, of Smithville, and now a distinguished lawyer and 
politician of Kansas City. 
IV. JULIA ANN BERRY, m'd Wilson Everett, and died, leaving: 
1. Margaret L. Everett. 2. William 77. 
3. James C. Everett. 
V. MARGARET A. BERRY, m'd \Ym. M. Couch. (See.) 

PETER KLAMM. 

Feb. 2'i — Peter Klamm having died, his widow. Margaret, 
administers. Bond. $5,000. Ch: 

I. MARY CATH. KLAMM. b. in 1S50. II. SUSAN, b. in 1852. 
III. PHILIP, b. in 1854. IV. JOHN KLAMM. b. in 1856. 



1863, MARCH. 342 A. G. SMITH. 

MAEGH. 

March 1 — Judge Birch is gathering evidence to contest the 
election of Judge King to Congress. 

J. M. Basset, of St. Joseph, provost marshal of this district, 
writes to Col. Jas. A. Price, of Weston, to give protection to the 
people of Platte against thieves and murderers. 

March 10 — William Morin, son of Jesse Morin, is dangerously, 
but not fatally, shot while assisting his father, a deputy sheriff 
under W. T. Woods, to arrest a man named Basom. 

March 11 — Col. James H. Moss, of Liberty, in reply to the 
request of J. E. Merryman for protection while a justice is holding 
court at Barry, writes: "I will send some of my men to Barry to 
act as a guard during the trial, and I will furnish arms to citizens 
to aid in enforcing the law 7 s. There will be no rescue at Barry." 

March 16 — Ben. Bowlin having died, his widow, Nancy, ad- 
ministers. Bond, $700. 

March 11 — A military draft, threatened, causes much alarm. 
Robbers loot the store of Tufts & Miller, at New Market. Col. 
E. N. O. Clough, from Leavenworth, with a military guard, passes 
through Platte City on his way to Liberty, to procure the dis- 
charge of certain prisoners. On his return, Deputy Sheriff 
Morin tries to arrest him for crime. 

March 21 — An extant Conservator contains Judge Norton's 
speech on the Conscription Bill in Congress. 

March 22 — Capt. W. T. Carrington and his company of 
militia are stationed at Platte City. They occupy the Presby- 
terian church as quarters. 

March 28 — Guerrillas, at Sibley Landing, capture the steamer 
Sam Gat if, confiscate the goods aboard, and shoot two of Col. 
Penick's men. Dan Carpenter, of Barry, was a loser of goods. 

APRIL. 

April 1 — W. F. Yocom is elected mayor of Weston, and D. R. 
Anthony of Leavenworth. 

1 pril 4 — Col. James A. Price, having been tried by a military 
' ommission on charges preferred, is honorably acquitted. 

April I.) — John McDaniel having died, Wm. Boydston ad- 
ministers. Bond, $1,400. His widow was Elizabeth, and his 
child : 1. Nancy Jane McDonald, m'd Dan'l G. Lutes. (See.) 

A. G. SMITH. 

April 16— Sarah, first wife of A. G. Smith, died. Mr. Smith 
was 1 m.i ii June 17, 1820, and died December 30, 1894. He was a 
son of James Smith and Mary E. Burke, of Nelson County, Va. 



1863, APRIL. 343 COUNTY REVENUE. 

Mr. A. <;. Smith settled at Iatan, in L854, and was engaged in 
farming, milling, and merchandising, at that place and vicinity, 
to the day of his death, and was postmaster at Iatan from 1861. 
He was possessed of superior mind, and justice, virtue, and honor 
were his characteristics. He was extensively known, revered, 
and trusted. He married first, in Virginia. .March 10, 181], 
Sarah Hill. She died, as stated, April 10, ISC,:',, leaving children; 
I. CAROLINE SMITH, m'd I). F. Risk. (See.) 
II. JAMES A. SMITH, was for many years the partner of his 
father in his various enterprises, and since his death is 
postmaster, and is carrying on the work at Iatan. He m'd 
1st, a Brown, who died childless. He m'd 2d, a Calvert, 
who bore him: 
1. .1. G. Smith (ii). 

He m'd 3d, Margaret Hord, dr. of Anderson nord. 
Mr. A. G. Smith married second, October 22. 1803. Mrs. 
Melissa Dixon, who had: 
III. SARAH L. SMITH, m'd Crittenden Winburn. 



T 



MAY 

COUNTY REVENUE. 

Collected |5,370.51 

Warrants drawn 2,911.79 

Surplus $2,404.75 

County levy, 32 cents; poll, $1.00. 

Expenditures in Detail. 

Roads $ 2.00 

Poor 120.00 

Rent of Baptist church 109.00 

Jail 19.00 

Stationery 473.00 

Wood.. .' 31.00 

Criminal costs 74.00 

Countv Justice (Lavton) 130.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 578.00 

Sheriff (Hood) 521.00 

( Jircuit Clerk 130.00 

County Attorney (Smith) 100.00 

Treasurer (Johnston) 200.00 

Printing (Clark & Bourne) 21.00 

Sundry purposes 103.70 

Total $2,911.79 

May 1 — Nothing paid assessor. Courts were idle. No busi- 
ness of a civil nature transacted. A military tax of $30 on each 
disloyal person, and 1 per cent on his assessment, was levied, and. 



1863, MAY. 344 J. M. CANNON. 

in many cases, paid; but little of it ever accounted for. The re- 
sult of the war is still uncertain. Gold is worth f 1.60. 

May 3 — The battle of Chancellorsville. 

JOHN M. CANNON. 

May 7 — John M. Cannon died. He was born about 1830; m'd 
August 2, 1848, Susan Tomlin, born January 31, 1831, and died 
April 13, 1892. She was a daughter of James and Lucy C. Tom- 
lin. Ch: 

I. JAMES W. CANNON. 
II. LUCY CANNON, m'd in 1875, Alonzo Estes, b. Oct. 15, 1854; 
d. Sept. 27, 1893. 

ITEMS FROM THE "CONSERVATOR" OF THE J 6th. 

May 16 — The Conservator defends Judge Layton against the 
charge of disloyalt}* brought by A. F. Cox, of the Weston Sentinel. 
It announces the pardon of Jas. N. Burnes, convicted of treason. 
It describes Judge Birch's efforts at Fort Leavenworth to reclaim 
certain runaway slaves, and the neglect and contempt shown him 
by the military officers. It contains the notice of Capt. Chas. G. 
Peacock, commander of exemptions at Weston, commanding all 
to report for duty, under the penalty of $30 poll tax, and 1 per 
cent on assessment. It states that pretended Federal soldiers 
ransacked the house of the widow Permelia Morgan, and then 
went to the house of the widow Daniel, shot Miss Lucinda Wymer 
and Mr. G. McCaffrey, leaving them, as they supposed, dead; and, 
after burning the house, went to the house of Mrs. Gordon, and 
robbed it of all they fancied. The Conservator records the story 
that Lycurgns Shepard had been taken up in Leavenworth as a 
vagrant, and ordered to be sold, but he was permitted to redeem 
himself, by paying $26.40. W. H. Ewing was treated in like 
manner. 

JAMES GARVIN. 

May 21 — James Garvin having died, his widow, Susanna, 
qualifies as executrix. Bond, $3,600. Thev lived in Fancv Bot- 
tom. Ch: 

I. JOHN W. GARVIN. 

The will of James refers to other children, but does not name 
them. The widow, Susanna, married December 31, 1865, Ed. C. 
Ohlhausen; she was his second wife; no children. 

JOSEPH MINOR. 

May 28 — Joseph Minor having died. A. M. Sharp administers. 
Bond, |2,400. Ch: 

L FRANK MINOR TT. GEORGE. HI. SVLVESTER. 
TV. CATHERINE, wife of William Caldwell. V. T. C. MINOR. 
VI. LUCINDA JANE, wife of A. M. Sharp. 



1863, JUNE, 345 WILLIAM WALKER. 

JUNE. 

WILLIAM WALKER. 

June 1 — William Walker having died, his widow, Luvicy, 
administered. Bond, $4,000. They lived south of Platte City. 
Children: 

I. MARTHA WALKER, m'd Win. Rector; both dead. 

II. WILLY WALKER, m'd 1st, Ellen Kern. Ch: 

1. Lizzie. 2. Susan. 

He m'd 2d, Aug. 12, 1875, Emma L. Crosby; 5 children. 

III. LUOTNDA WALKER, m'd James Alexander, son of Samuel. 

( 'liildren: 

1. Samuel Alexander (i). 2. Walker. 3. Monroe. 
4. John. 5. Wiley. 0. Tal. 7. Leslie. 

IV. LOUISA WALKER m'd Geo. Oliver; no children. 
V. MARY ANN WALKER, m'd Allen Button. 

VI. WILLIAM WALKER (ii), b. July 30, 1850; m'd Aug. 13, 1870. 
M.J.Bowman. Ch: 
1. Oscar Walker. 2. Gussie. 

ELDER AUG. H. F. PAYNE. 

June l'i — Elder Aug. H. F. Payne died by the hand of an 
assassin. He often peached in Platte City to the Christian 
Church, and was greatly beloved. We will give his lineage: 

I. EDWARD PAYNE, of Virginia. His son, 

II. WILLIAM PAYNE, born near Lexington, Ky., March 21, 
1775; married Millie Harrison. He was a minister of the Baptist 
Church, and was known as "Parson Payne." He removed to 
Mason County, Ky., where, in my childhood, I often visited his 
family. His son, 

III. AUGUSTUS H. F. PAYNE, was born in Mason Co., Ky., 
April 1, 1807. He married May 20, 1825, Mary Morris, bom De- 
cember 25, 1805, daughter of Joseph and Nancy Morris. He was 
ordained an elder at Mayslick, and after preaching in Kentucky, 
came, in 1836, to Clay, and thence to Clinton, where he was killed. 
His Southern blood was the excuse for his murder. Children of 
A. H. F.Payne: 

I. JOS. H. PAY'NE. b. March 13, 1835. 
II. ANNIE PAYNE, b. Dec. 11, 1834. She is now the wife of 
Hon. William Bland, of Clinton County. 

III. M. LUELLA PAYNE, b. .March 20. 1830; d. in Kansas City, 

Mo., Nov. 27. 1892. She was a. laborious deaconess among 
the Christian churches of western Missouri. For fourteen 
years she was secretary of the Christian Woman's Board 
of Missions, and her earnestness in the Master's cause 
called forth the commendations of God's people. With 
pen, as well as tongue, she led in every Christian enterprise. 
When her father was murdered, she published an exposure 
of the crime. 



1863, JULY. 346 CHARLES HAMILTON. 

IV. MARY E. PAYNE, b. May 30, 1841. 
V. JOHN W. PAYNE, b. Oct. 17, 1844. 
VI. VIRGINIA W. PAYNE, b. Oct. 5, 1846; m'd Lendas Duval, of 

Richmond, Mo. I have lately been in correspondence with 

Mrs. Duval. Her letters show a noble Christian woman. 

She and her sisters were educated at Prof. H. B. Todd's 

Academy, in Platte City. 

JULY. 

July 3 — The final battle of Gettysburg and the surrender of 
Vicksburg. 

CHARLES HAMILTON. 

Charles Hamilton, of New Market, having died, I. P. Cart- 
wright administered. Bond, $8,000. His widow was Sarah, born 
in Mav, 1820, living. Oh: 

I. JOHN HAMILTON, n. MARY C. 3U. GLENN. 
IV. JAMES W. V. MARGARET E. HAMILTON, m'd a Wilson. 
VI. RICHARD. 

Vn. ANN E. HAMILTON, b. in Scott County, Ky.; m'd Nov. 25, 
1862, Isaac Pinkston Cartwright. (See.) 

VIII. CHAS. F. HAMILTON, m'd in 1897, Lou Brown. 

IX. BURNETT F. 

July 12 — Col. John Morgan's raid into Indiana and Ohio. 

July 19 — Martial law declared in Leavenworth by Gen. 
Ewing:. 



i &* 



AUGUST. 

Aug. 21 — The sack of Lawrence by Quantrell. It is said 150 
persons were killed. 

Aug. 25 — Gen. Ewing issues his famous Order No. 11. 

Aug 26 — The indignation in Kansas over the Quantrell raid is 
intense, and we are charged as accessory to the crimes com- 
mitted. The "Red-leg" dogs-of-murder are turned loose. The 
border is infested with prowling thieves and assassins. The 
alarm in Platte is universal. We inquire every morning into the 
outrages committed the previous night. On one occasion a large 
force was orginzed at Leavenworth to come over and burn Platte 
City, but the military authorities at Fort Leavenworth interfered. 
It had been reported that Platte City had indorsed Quantrell. 

JOHN BRYANT. 

Aug. 31 — John Bryant having died, his widow. Mary, admin- 
istered. Bond. $1,200. He was born in Fauquier County, Va., 
in 1700. and died in Platte August 8, 1863; he removed to Pennsyl 
vania, where, in 1812, he married Sarah McCalister, who was born 
in 1705, daughter of James McCalister, a wealthy Scotchman. 



1863, AUG. 347 THE BRYANTS. 

Mr. Bryant removed to Ohio in 1827, to Illinois in 1835, and to 
Platte in 1837. lie made the first settlement in the prairie west 
of Todd's Creek. He erected a public house for the entertain 
ment of travelers, at the junction of the roads from Barry and 
from Liberty on the direct route to Martinsville. He was a son 
of William Bryant, an emigrant from Ireland, and of Sarah 
McGill, daughter of John, of Virginia. -John Bryant's second 
wife was Mary, the divorced wife of Samuel C. Bowers, and her 
father was Michael Dougherty. Both of Mr. Bryant's wives were 
women of remarkable intelligence, vivacity, and beauty. Mr. 
Bryant was a man of large experience and general information. 
He was a blacksmith by trade, and kept a shop at his home. He 
was an agreeable gentleman and an entertaining conversation 
alist. He possessed moderate wealth; but, being one of the 
sureties on the sheriff's bond of W. H. Spratt, he was broken up. 
Children by his first wife: 

I. MARY ANN BRYANT, m'd Judge Geo. Bennett, of Ohio; 
living. 

II. CARO. BRYANT, m'd a Kelsey, of Ohio; living. 
III. WM. K. BRYANT, b. in 1820, in Pennsylvania ; came with his 
father to Platte in 1837; was in Government employment at 
Council Bluffs for several years. He went with Gen. Dor- 
riss, in 1850, to California, in command of a train of wagons 
laden with merchandise. From 1856 to 1859 foe was the 
head of the mercantile firm of Bryant. Waller & Co., of 
Platte City. In 185G, and again in 1858, he was elected 
sheriff of Platte, but was deposed by the Ousting Ordi- 
nance. He then went to Mississippi and engaged in buying 
and selling cotton; but in 1806 he died, as was supposed, 
by poison, administered by assassins, to secure his money 
Little or nothing was recovered from his estate. Mr. 
Bryant was a perfect gentleman in his manners, and true 
and honorable in his deportment. His kind heart and 
genial temperament made him exceedingly popular. He 
never married. 

I V. ELIZA BRYANT, a lovelv woman, b. May 15, 1827; m'd May 
11, 1817, Wm. A. White, b. Sept. 7, 1825, in Estill Co., Ky. : 
d. in Kansas City Jan. 23, 1895. His father was Joel 
White, b. in Virginia in 1789, and came to Platte in 1813. 
His mother was Elizabeth Stites, b. in 1799. In 1879 Mr. 
White removed to Kansas City, where he died in 1895. Ch : 

1. Mary J. White, b. April 4, 1848; d. Jan. 30, 1894; m'd 

Oct. 18, 1866, Robert P. Tribble, b. Sept. 10. 1845. 
They went to Kansas City, and thence to Chicago, 
where Mrs. Tribble died. Ch : [«] William Tribble ; 
[6] Thomas; [f] Robert; [<*] Bessie. 

2. Laura White, b. Feb. 26, 1850; m'd Dec. 4. 1866, Thos. 

D. Tribble, b. Dec. 8, 1847; d. May 13, 1890. Ch: 
[«] Andrew Tribble(ii); [&] Bertie." 



1863, SEPT. 348 JOS. KURTZ. 

3. Ella White, b. Feb. 24, 1852; m'd June 9, 1874, Ware S. 

Carey, b. Feb. 1, 1842. Oh: [a] Ethel; [»] Kate. 
A party of "Red-legs'- robbed the house of W. J. Norris, near 
Weston. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 1 — Gen. S.R.Curtis is in command at Fort Leavenworth. 

Sept. 5 — The Argus went south, and was occasionally printed 
in camp, by the Wiseleys. There has been no paper in Weston, 
except the Sentinel. Harry Hutchinson resumes the publication 
of the Atlas, at Platte City. It is a small 5-column paper, and its 
tone is discreet — yet it is Democratic in politics, and leans to the 
South. 

Howell Jenkins opens a drug store in Platte City. 

Sept. 7 — A public meeting at the court-house denounces 
Quantrell and secession. 

JOSEPH KURTZ, SR. 

Joseph Kurtz, Sr., was born January 24, 1813, in Wurtem- 
berg, Germany, and died in Weston December 19, 1896. He was 
a son of Carl Kurtz, born January 28, 1774, and of Marie Kessler, 
born December 6, 1778, dr. of Joseph. Jos. Kurtz, Sr., married 
April 27, 1841, in Germany, Victoria Grace Noll, born December 
21, 1819, and died July 9, 1889. He was a cooper by trade, and 
came to America in 1847, landing at New Orleans. In 1848 he 
came to Weston. Ch: 
I. GEBHART, b. in 1842 ; single; was a Federal soldier through- 
out the war, lost an arm in the service, and was in many 
noted battles. After his return, he kept a bookstore in 
Weston, but is now at Kansas City. 
II. CHARLES B. KURTZ, b. in 1844, is a handsome, intelligent 
and chivalrous gentleman, fond of music and the society 
of ladies. He was postmaster at Platte City for a number 
of years. He now resides in Kansas City, engaged in the 
real estate business. 

III. ANDREW KURTZ, b. Nov. 28, 1846; m'd March 3, 1874, 

Mattie A. Howard, d. in July, 1895, dr. of Dr. J. B. Howard, 
late of St. Joseph. He is proprietor of the Kansas City 
Carriage and Wagon Works. Ch: 

1. Leighon Kurtz, b. Dec. 18, 1875. 

2. Marie, b. April 8, 1878. 3. Paul M., b. May 26, 1885. 

4. Louise, b. Jan. 31, 1892. 

IV. JOSEPH M. KURTZ, m'd May 18, 1880, Jennie Clemings, dr. 

of G. F. They live in Garrison, Kansas. 
V. ROSA KURTZ, m'd YYm. Alders. VI. LOUISA KURTZ. 
VII. MARY KURTZ, is a sister in the convent of St. Louis. 
The family, excepl Andrew, are Catholics. 



1863, SEPT. 349 THE PAWPAWS. 

Sept. 13 — Gen. Ewing arrests D. R Anthony, mayor of 
Leavenworth. 

Sept. 18 — Toney Tinsley. having shown undue interest in be- 
half of the South, was hung by Federal soldiers near Barry. 

Sept. 19 — The great battle of Chickamauga commences. 

THE "PAWPAWS." 

Sept. 24— Col. Jas. II. -Moss, of the 48th Enrolled Missouri 
Militia, by authority of the governor, proceeds to organize the 
81st and 82d Enrolled Missouri Militia. The former, under Col. 
Scott, and the latter, under Col. Moss, are known as the "Paw- 
paws." John Doniphan was lieutenant-colonel of the 82d, and 
J. M. Clark was major. The several captains were as follows: 
Company "A," K. D. Johnson; Company "B," Isaac Simpson: 
Company "C," L. A. Ford; Company "D," W. T. Woods; Com 
pany "E," Thos. J. Wilson; Company "F," R H. Bywaters; ( k>m- 
pany "G," Aaron F. Osborn; Company k H," C. B. Hodges; Com 
pany "I," John S. Thomason; Company "K," Geo. S. Story; 
Company "L," R P. ('lark; Company "M," Pres. Simpson. 

THE SITUATION IN PLATTE. 

Thieves and murderers were organized at Farley and Leaven- 
worth, and excursions in Platte were made about three nights in 
the week. No arms nor ammunition were allowed the people. 
The law w r as powerless and the military were disinclined to give 
protection. In our extremity, it w^as thought advisable to in- 
gratiate the authorities at Leavenworth. We supposed that they 
could stop the predatory bands organized on the west bank of the 
Missouri. Accordingly, G. W. Belt got up a petition, or invita- 
tion, to Mayor Anthony and other Union men of Leavenworth, to 
visit us, that they might form a personal acquaintance with us, 
and see our defenceless situation. They would learn our peaceful 
disposition, and put a stop to marauding bands. The invitation 
was signed by some fifty leading citizens. The 20th day of Sep- 
tember was the date fixed for the visit, and the Christian church 
was thrown open for their reception. 

SEPTEMBER 26, 1863, AT PLATTE CITY. 

Sept. 26 — The day was auspicious. The country people came 
to town in crowds. Our invited guests w T ere expected at 10 a. m. 
G. W. Belt, R D. Johnson, and I were selected to meet and wel- 
come them. About 10 o'clock a company was seen approaching. 
Johnson and Belt could not procure horses, and I went alone. 
The company proved to be V.) men of Capt. Bull's militia. We 
rode through town and dismounted. 

COL. J. II. MOSS APPEARS. 

A little later Col. Moss, with Capt. Thomasoifs company of 
militia, arrived from Liberty. This was wholly unexpected. 



1863, SEPT. 350 VIRGINIA HOTEL. 

They had brought arms and ammunition with them, and pro- 
ceeded to enlist a new company for the 82d Regiment, Missouri 
State Militia. They made their headquarters opposite the Vir- 
ginia Hotel, now the Central. The arms were at the east end of 
town, and there a company of men was hastily formed. 

AT THE VIRGINIA HOTEL (CENTRAL). 

In the meantime our guests arrived, and stopped at the 
Virginia, as had been arranged. Many of Col. J. A. Price's old 
soldiers were there, with Colonels Anthony and Clough. They 
were indignant at their reception, and had they been armed, 
trouble would have ensued. As it was, they contented them- 
selves with cursing Col. Moss. A messenger was sent to the new 
recruits, at the east end of town, to join Col. Moss, opposite the 
Virginia Hotel, and the recruits marched down Main Street to the 
quarters of Col. Moss. Here they remained for the day. This 
parade incensed our guests the more, and an unsuccessful effort 
was made to get a military force from Leavenworth to drive off 
the intruders. But Moss showed his authority from the governor, 
and assured them he would not interfere with their proposed 
meeting - . 



**=• 



THE MEETING AT THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

All preparations had been made to hold the meeting at the 
Christian church, and accordingly about 400 attended, as in 
duty bound, to hear the speakers invited for the occasion. Col. 
Anthony spoke of the evils of slavery, and advocated emancipa- 
tion. It was kind in spirit, but the words of Colonels Burnes, 
Clough, and McCahon were full of gall. Col. Burnes had just 
been pardoned by the President for treason, of which he was con- 
victed, and gratefully spoke to his new friends. The day passed 
off quietly, but much ill feeling was engendered. The new 
militia were said to be disloyal men, who had been hiding among 
the "pawpaws," and hence their name. 

THE HANGING OF GREEN AND RAPP. 

On the night of that memorable 26th of September a com- 
pany of cut-throats met at the house of Jacob Fulcher, and hung 
him until he was unconscious. After robbing his house, they 
went to the house of John Rapp, robbed him, and hung him on a 
leaning tree. They then went to Tip Green's, and, after robbing 
his house, brought him to Rapp's, and hung him beside the dead 
body of Rapp. Two days later T was ordered, as public adminis- 
trator, u, take charge of Rapp's estate. The only valuable 1 
found in his house was a twenty-dollar bill of Confederate money. 
lying on the floor. Tt was said that Ihe possession of this money 
\\;is the excuse for hanging him. I did not inventory the $20. 



1863, SEPT. 351 JOHNSTON'S COMPANY. 

CAPT. JOHNSTON'S COM I* ANY. 

This company was organized and equipped, and continued in 
active service until July 10, 1864, when one hall' of them went 
over to Calhoun Thornton and followed him into the Confederate 
service. Yet, under their protection, we slept safely for ten 
months. Throughout the following winter and spring the emis- 
saries of the South mingled freely with the men, and in some mea- 
sure controlled the counsels of the officers. 

R. P. CLAPvK'S COMPANY. 

I was a member of this company. The rolls show that we 
were on duty 101 days. We were called out occasionally to guard 
Platte City. Thomason's company was in Clay, the others in 
Platte. But Johnston's company was the only one that was con- 
stantly on duty. 

Major J. M. Clark, who yet lives in Clay, is a good man, and 
was a true officer. If Lieutenant-Calonel John Doniphan did any- 
thing, nobody knew it. 

-RED-LEGS" DISPERSED. 
Sept. 27 — We have already seen the grim work of "Red-legs" 
on the night of the 26th, when Rapp and Green were hung. The 
next night they appeared in the vicinity of Hampton. They hung 
W. L. Brightwell into insensibility, to make him reveal where his 
money was hidden, robbed his house, went to L. Shepard's home, 
robbed it, and proceeded to Martin Baldwin's. After robbing 
him, they went to John Timber lake's. Here they were overtaken 
by Sergeants May and Park, with a squad of scouts sent out by 
Capt Johnston, from Platte City, who fired on them and dispersed 
them so precipitately that they left their booty, including a num- 
ber of horses. The Atlas of October 5th says: "Ten horses were 
brought into Platte City, the most of which have been proved and 
taken. Two of Fitzgerald's old company of militia came forward 
and proved their horses. Scouts have been sent out every night 
since, yet nothing further has been heard of 'Jayhawkers.' They 
have left to seek safety in Leavenworth." 

JAMES REESE. 

Sept. 28 — James Reese having died July 1, 1863, his widow, 
Nancy, nee Reed, administered. Bond, $6,000. The widow died 
May 12, 1873. Their only surviving child is: 

I. ANN E. REESE, who m'd 1st, William Moore. He died, 
leaving: 

1. William Moore. 2. U. P. Moore, 3. W. J. D. Moore. 

Mrs. Moore m'd 2d, Aug. 12, 1869, Thos. A. Throckmor- 
ton. He died, leaving: 

4. Annie Throckmorton, m'd March 21. 1801. Sam'l M. Mil 

ler lii). who d. in L895. 

5. Chas. B., m'd Aug. 28, 1882. Laura Dean. 



1863, SEPT. 352 TIP GREEN. 

Mr. T. A. Throckmorton's first wife, whom he married Feb- 
ruary 13, 1860, was Mad. R. Redman. 

TIP GREEN. 

He was hung, as stated, September 26, 1863. Ch: 1, John; 
2, William; 3, Mary, m'd Jas. Cannon; 4, Nicholas R.; 5, Martin 
B. ; 6, Stonewall T. Green. Tip was a nephew of Elisha Green. 

ENROLLMENT. 

Sept. 30 — Col. Moss, by E. H. Norton, acting adjutant, gives 
notice to "all able-bodied male citizens of Platte over 18 years and 
under 15," to report their names for enrollment to Maj. John M. 
Clark, at Platte City, Mo., on or before the 7th day of October, 
1863. 

OCTOBER, 

THE SITUATION. 

Oct. 1 — The Radicals are intensely indignant at the reign of 
the ''Pawpaws" in Platte, and charge them with disloyalty. Col. 
Moss, in a letter to Lieutenant-Governor Hall, defends them, and 
vouches for their fidelity to the Union cause. The Sentmel and 
the Atlas commend the new militia. The thieves of Leavenworth 
are disappointed, and submit with a growl. Their loyalty aside, 
there can be no doubt the "Pawpaws" saved Platte County from 
thieves and murderers, who would soon have depopulated it. 
Hundreds of families had left, and many more were preparing to 
go. Many went to the Southern Army for safety. 

Oct. 5 — Col. Jennison spoke in Weston, and was followed by 
Col. J. N. Burnes, in a speech so radical that Jennison discarded it. 

BUSINESS REVIVES IN PLATTE CITY. 

Oct. 30 — The "Pawpaws" have possession of the county, and 
the "Jayhawkers" and "Red-legs" find their occupation gone. 
Stephen Johnston (ii), John Zarn, Perry Keith, and Fred Krause 
resume business, and Howell Jenkins adds a dry goods depart- 
ment to his drug store. 

The Atlas advertises 25 sheriff sales. 

NOVEMBER. 

Xor. / — This was an off year, yet a full Supreme Court was 
elected. It was the first voting done by ballot in Missouri. The 
Radicals secured their first victory, by the election of Bates, Bay, 
and Dryden to the supreme bench. State elections henceforth 
are held in November. 

Xor. ', — Jesse Williamson having died. C. Widener admin- 
isters. 



1863, NOV. 353 JOHN HUGHES. 

Nor. I.i — Henry Vennemen having died below Weston, A. 
Tribble administers. lie married July 20, 1854, Charlotte 
Yocom. (See.) 

Nov. I ) — Leonidas Oldham having died in the South, his 
widow, Marv E. Oldham, administered. Bond, $10,000. I be- 
lieve Mr. Oldham had no relatives in the count v. except a sister, 
Mrs. W. S. Hughes. He married Mary E. Hughes, daughter of 

JOHN HUGHES, 

Who was born in Maryland July 18, 1786, and died in Kentucky 
September 7. 1817; married, September 18, 1809, Sallie Williams, 
born November 8, 1701, and died in Platte in 1851. After her 
husband's death, Mrs. Sallie Hughes brought her family to How- 
ard County, Mo., and thence came to Platte, in 1837. They settled 
five miles north of Platte Citv. Ch : 

I. WILLIAM SWAN HUGHES, b. in Jessamine County, Ky., 
Nov. 18, 1810. He m'd Matilda Oldham. Ch: 

1. George Hughes, lives in Jackson County. 

2. Robert, lives in Bates County. He m'd a Pemberton, 

and their daughter, Ola Hughes, m'd R. E. Williams. 
(See.) 
II. ALFRED W. HUGHES, b. Aug. 8, 1812; m'd Mary Wallace. 
He d. January 11, 1875. They had no children, but raised 
Miss Mollie Nash. 
III. ZERELDA V. HUGHES, b. July 31, 1814; d. July 13, 1875; 
m'd Aug. 18, 1831, Jesse Morin, b. Nov. 21, 1808, in Bourbon 
County, Ky. ; d. in Platte City Aug. 30, 1884. He was a son 
of John Morin and Sarah Fishback. of Oulpeper County, Va. 
Maj. Jesse Morin was a man of native intellect and supe- 
rior education. Essentially military in his nature, he was 
stern and imperative. He was born to command and lead. 
After residing for some years in Howard County, he came 
with a large colony to Platte, in 1837, and settled on the 
quarter-section lying east of that on which Martinsville 
was situated, and now the home farm of Judge Norton. 
This he sold, and then bought a farm near Settle. After 
the war, he came to Platte City. He was our first repre- 
sentative, elected when Platte was attached to Clay. He 
became the first circuit clerk, upon the organization of the 
county, in 1839; and was elected for a second term. He 
was register of the land office at Fort Scott; was a straight- 
out Democrat and hostile to all opponents. He raised a 
company for the Mexican War. and became major of Col. 
A. W. Doniphan's regiment. His personal courage and 
moral firmness gave him power and influence. He was not 
an orator, but his arguments were pointed, and his words 
were generally obeyed. Tie had many enemies, whom he 
allowed no quarter. He opposed secession until war was 
inevitable. Gov. Jackson appointed him a brigadier gen- 
23- 



1863, DEC. 354 HUGHES FAMILY. 

eral. He at first accepted the office, but, on due reflection, 
declined it. In 1862 he was deputy sheriff under W. T. 
Woods, and did all the business east of Platte River. Mrs. 
Morin was a mild and complacent woman, the very op- 
posite of her husband in disposition. Ch : 

1. Martha Swan Morin, b. July 2, 1839; m'd Nov. 14, 1865, 

Thomas Moran, b. Aug. 30, 1868, in Madison County, 
Ky., son of James B. Moran and Matilda Moore. He 
graduated at Center College, Kentucky, in 1859, came 
to Missouri in 1863, settled in 1867 near Ridgley, sold 
out and came to Platte City, and thence went to 
southern Missouri, where he died Jan. 16, 1896. Ch: 
[«] William Lee Moran, b. Aug. 25, 1866; [&] Jesse 
Moran, b. Oct 2, 1868; [c] Matilda, b. Feb. 12, 1872. 

2. Matilda Morin, b. Jan. 11, 1844; d. May 22, 1877; m'd 

May 30, 1853, Mc. R. Green. (See.) 

3. John Morin, b. March 16, 1843; m'd Oct. 15, 1878, Maud 

Bayne, b. Oct. 25, 1857. John is genial, generous, 
and gallant. He held several minor offices in Platte 
City. The family live in Kansas, but have not for- 
gotten us. Ch: [«] Zerelda Sue, b. Nov. 23, 1883; 
[&] Mary Morin, b. Feb. 23, 1889. 

4. WilUam Morin, b. July 7, 1845; m'd Dec. 3, 1S79, Anna 

Duncan, b. Oct. 26, 1856, dr. of Col. John S. Duncan, 

late of Camden Point. William is a farmer, and 

lives at the Duncan mansion, near Camden Point. 

Social, intelligent, and amiable, he is much esteemed. 

Ch: [<*] Vallie Morin, b. Feb. 23, 1883 ; [&] John D., 

b. Nov. 25, 1888; [c] Joseph M., b. Jan. 3, 1891. 

TV. MARY E. HUGHES, b. Oct. 18, 1816; d. in Colorado March 8, 

1885; m'd Leonidas Oldham. He was a man of sprightli- 

ness and business qualifications. He joined his fortunes 

to the South, and died in the army. Ch : 

1. Belle Oldham, m'd Joseph Macey, a son of Dr. William 

M. Macey. (See.) Joe was in the irregular service 
of the Confederacy, and his adventures would read 
like fiction. He went to Colorado, where he now 
resides. 

2. Josephine Oldham, m'd McVey. 3. John. 4. William. 

5. Moses Oldham. 

6. Zerelda, m'd Wm. E. Sydener, son of John A. 
There is none of the Oldham family left in Plntte. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. 8 — President Lincoln offers, by proclamation, amnesty 
to all who will take the oath of allegiance. 

Dec. 19 — Sixty negroes recruited for the Federal army, at 
Liberty, go to the front. 

Dec. 31 — A blizzard. 



1864, JAN. 355 OFFICERS. 



1864. 



OFFICERS. 

Governor, H. Gamble died January .''1st, and \Y. P. Hall suc- 
ceeded him; Congressman, Austin A. King; State Senator, John 
Doniphan ; ( 'ircuit Judge, William Heren; Circuit Attorney, J. P. 
Grubb; Sheriff, W. T. Woods ; Assessor, James A. Stone; Public 
Administrator, W. M. Paxton; Representatives, J. Wilson and 
H. J. Wolf; Circuit Clerk, G. \V. Belt; Probate Judge, S. A. Gil- 
bert; County Judge, J. II. Lay ton; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; 
Treasurer, R. Mat. Johnston; Surveyor, L. E. Bradley; Coroner, 
J. M. Mulkey. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys— Baker, Boyd, Clark, Harrington, 
Herndon, Hollingsworth, Norton, Paxton, Spratt, Wilson, Wood- 
son, Merryinan, Sayle. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Guthrie, Moad, Redman. 

Merchants, etc. — Burge, Jenkins, S. Johnston, R. D. Johnson 
& Son; Prof. Jones, P. Keith (postmaster), Likins, Lutes, Mason 
& Swain, Murray & Freeland, Mulkey, Young, Za.rn & Oswald. 

Preachers— S. W. Cope, G. L. Moad, W. H. Thomas. 

Newspapers — Conservator, Clarke & Bourne editors; Atlas, 
Hutchinson editor. 

Lodge— Neb. 12, J. Beery, N. G. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Burnes, Carroll, Doniphan, Fulton, 
King, Lawson, McCurdy, Beller, Heriot, Wolf. 

Physicians — Beaumont, Bonifant, Boyd, Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Bell, Briggs, Calvert (hotel), Carpenter, 
Conwell & Spencer, Deckelman, Deitz, Doppler, Ellifrit, Gerner 
& Frank, Hall, Kaufman, Keller & Ellis, Matheny, Mettier, Mitch- 
ell, Noble Oliphant, Ogden, Perrys, Baileys, Rhoring, Ringo (post- 
master), Roney, Schindler, Steubenbraugh, Walker, Warner, Win 
zer, Yoconi. 

Court of Common Pleas — Wolf, judge; Mitchell, clerk; 
Roney, marshal. 

Lodges — Odd Fellows, No. -°>0, Geo. Weber, N. G.; Frontier 
Encampment, No. 2, Price, C. P. 

Bank, Mechanics', J. M. Railey cashier. 

High School — B. W. Vineyard principal. 

Pleasant Ridge Academy — A Her principal. 

Preacher — W. M. Kain (Presbyterian). 

Newspaper — Sentinel, A. F. Cox editor. 

Population estimated at 2,500. 

.If Camden Point: Hah* (postmaster). Gaylord (academy!. 

At Parkrille: Bueneimm (postmaster), Campbell, McDonald. 
Summers. 



1864, JAN. 356 . D. BRUTON. 



Markets — Corn, 40 cents; flour, per sack, $4.00; hemp, $100; 
lard, 9 cents; wheat, $1.25. 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 1 — Temperature 23° below zero. Missouri frozen over. 
Clear and still. 

Northcut Jones having died, D. Fleming administers. Bond, 
$2,000. 

DAVID BRUTON (i). 

Jan. 4 — David Bruton (i) having died, his widow, Mary E. 
Bruton, administered. Bond, $10,000. They resided west of 
Barry. Ch: 

I. ADDINGTON BRUTON, went to Kansas. Ch: 

1. David A. Bruton, m'd Rachel J. . He d. in Oct., 

1871, leaving: [«] Dorinda; [&] Tonadda. 

2. Quails Bruton. 3. Leander A. 

4. Jas. A. Bruton, d. in Jan., 1868. 5. John Bruton. 
IT. DAVID BRUTON (ii). Children: 

1. Sherrod Bruton. 2. W. J. Bruton. 

3. Addington Bruton (ii), m'd Sept. 18, 1856, Lucinda 

Rogers. 

4. James Bruton. 5. Rosa/nnah. 6. Rebecca Bruton. 

JUDGE HENRY B. MAYO. 

Jan. 18 — Judge Henry B. Mayo having died, his son, H. J. 
Mayo, administered. Bond, $10,000. He lived near Ridgely. 
He came, about 1841, from Kentucky. He was an enthusiastic 
Methodist, and a pillar of the church at Ridgely. He was a noble 
specimen of a generous, kind-hearted Southern gentleman. In 
August, 1844, he was elected county judge, and served a term, 
with Lewis and Freeland as his associates. His children were 
well educated and highly esteemed. He married Margaret 
McGuire. Ch: 

I. LOUISA MAYO, m'd Jeremiah V. Cockrell. (See.) 
H. HENRY JEFF. MAYO, m'd 1st, Jan. 3, 1850, Mary E. Shack- 
elford, who died, and he m'd Sept. 20, 1854, Ruth J. Phelps, 
who survived him, and m'd 2d, Amos Carpenter. Mr. Mayo 
was a man of good education and, in some respects, remark- 
able brilliance. He wrote and published some excellent 
poems. But he was addicted to the cup. Yet he threw 
his whole soul into the cause of temperance, and labored 
faithfully for the Good Templars. He went west and 
died, leaving: 
1. Richard W ayo, m'd Laura Mason. (See.) 
III. GEO. W. MAYO, b. in Prestonsburg, Kv., March 2, 1818; d. 
in Platte City Jan. 22, 1883; m'd 1st, March 8, 1838, Mattie 
A. Smith, b. Feb. 21, 182] ; d. May 1, 1843, in Prestonsburg; 



1864, JAN. 357 THE MAYOS. 

and he m'd 2d, Nov. 5, 1S45, Carrie May, b. Jan. 18, 1827 
(living). He was a man of intelligence and amiability, but 
lacking in energy. He acted as justice of the peace in 
Platte < Jity for a number of years, and was highly esteemed. 
Children: 

1. Georgia Ann Mayo, b. Oct. 9, 1849; d. Nov. 16, 1879; 
m'd 1st, April 1, 1865, Arche Shackelford. He died, 
leaving: [«] May \V. C. Shackelford, b. April 7, 
1866. Mrs. Shackelford m'd 2d, Nov. 26, 1874, Win. 
Fleshman. Oh: [ b ] Ethel Fleshman, now a lovely 
woman, b. Nov. 26, 1 875; m'd Sept. 6, 1891, S. P. Mad- 
dox; [c] Georgia Fleshman, b. Oct. 9, 1877; [<*] Geo. 
W. Fleshman, b. Nov. 5, 1879. I knew Mrs. Georgia 
A. Fleshman well, and dedicated a poem to her mem- 
ory, from which I copy a stanza : 

Ah! here, you say, was snatched away 

A mother sorely needed: 
Her children's cries, you think, will rise, 

And tears will fall unheeded: 
But winds are mild that fan the child 

Bereft of loving mother; 
And orphans find the world as kind 

To them as any other. 

J Y. MRS. BAKER, died leaving only: 
1. Henry M. Baker, of Kansas. 
V. JAOKSON J. MAYO, went west, and died. He m'd Rebecca 
McComas. Ch: 

1. Theresa Mayo, m'd Ant. Palmer. 

2. Susan Mayo, m'd Oct. 15, 1857, James Price Haydon, 

of Jackson County, Mo. 

3. Sophronia Mayo, m'd March 1, 1800, E. P. Lutes. She 

died, leaving: ["] Rebecca; [ 6 ] Lizzie; both m'd 
Holloways. 

4. Henry J. Mayo (ii). 

5. Monroe Mayo, whose son, James Mayo, m'd Aug. 2, 

1889, Addie Young. 
VI. EMELINE MAYO, m'd W. H. Davis. Ch : 

1. Sarah M. Davis, m'd Charles Rilev, and died. Ch: 

["] Julia Riley, m'd W. McMillan; [6] Maud Riley; 
[ c ] Anna Riley. 

2. Cornelius Davis. ?>. Jnlianna Davis. 
4. Henry B. Davis. 

Moses Langley robbed by a gang of prowling thieves 
The Missouri River is hard frozen, and loaded wagons cross 
in safety. Trespassers from Leavenworth cross into Platte, and 
take wood with impunity — the owners being afraid to interfere. 

Jan. 25 — John Oliver was accidentally shot and seriously 
wounded bv Neelv Lutes. 



1864, JAN. 358 PARK'S SUIT. 

Jan. 28 — A. F. Cox, of the Weston Sentinel, buys of Reming- 
ton & Cockrell the press and type of the Atlas and removes to 
Platte Citv, where the Sentinel is issued. In the next number of 
the Atlas, Harry Hutchinson delivers his valeditcory. 

Jan. 31 — Governor Gamble dies, and is succeeded by 
lieutenant-governor W. P. Hall. 



& 



FEBRUARY. 

G. S. PARK'S SUIT FOR DESTROYING HIS PRESS. 

Feb. 2 — The following notice, served on Jos. E. Merryman, 
will explain a matter of history: 

"Joseph E. Merry man: In the Geo. S. Park matter, we wish to 
know if you hold yourself responsible to us for Mr. Skepard's and 
Mr. Swaney's parts of the compromise money which we have paid. 
If so, we think your note, or some written acknowledgment, with 
interest, is due us, after deducting our part of your fee. If not, 
then we expect you to proceed, forthwith, to collect the same, in- 
cluding their part of your fee, and, by no means, to allow the 
approaching term of court to pass without action. 

(Signed) "Jesse Miller. 

"W. J. Miller. 

"Joseph Walker^ 

Feb. 6 — The Missouri River ice breaks up. 

THE GORDONS. 

Feb. 10 — Lucretia Gordon having died. And. Tribble admin- 
isters. Bond, fSOO. She was the widow of William Gordon. 
(See.) They lived two miles west of Platte City. Ch: 

I. ELIZA A. GORDON, m'd Oct. 8, 1840, John Alexander. Ch : 

1. Dudley F. Alexander, lived west of Platte City. He 

m'd Oct. 26, 1869, Mary Alice Russell. He d. in 
April, 1887, and his widow died 18 months later. 
Ch: [«•] Perry Alexander; [ 6 ] Golden Alexander; 
[c] Mary. 

2. John Alexander (ii), d. in Oct., 1880; m'd Dec. 10, 1876, 

Jennie Stewart (see), dr. of Thomas. She was b. in 
1853. After her first husband's death, she m'd 2d, 
in 1885, William King, and went to Kansas. 
II. CYNTHIA A. GORDON, m'd Shelby Daniel. (See.) 

III. LUCRETIA GORDON, m'd 1st, April 4. 1844, Frank B. Mar- 

tin. (See.) They went to Oregon, where Mr. Martin died, 
;i nd she m'd 2d, J. W. Cowls, president of the Bank of 
McMinnville. She is dead. 

IV. MARY JANE GORDON, m'd a Wills. 

V. RACHEL GORDON, m'd Dr. Jos. M. Holt. (See.) 
VI. RANDALL M. GORDON. His personal property was confis- 
cated early in the war, and he removed to Kentucky. 



1864, FEB. 359 "BORDER TIMES." 

VII. SILAS GORDON, was the notorious guerrilla who brought 
upon us so much trouble in the war. His ads of daring 
made him a terror to Federal soldiers, and every scheme 
to capture him failed. He now lives in Texas. 

The steamer Magers is making regular trips between Kansas 
City and Weston, laden chiefly with railroad iron. 
Abundant rain. 

THE "BORDER TIMES." 

Feb. 13 — The first number appears at $1.50. It is edited by a 
committee of Union men, and published by Harry Howard. It 
advocates union, liberty, and equality, opposes secession and 
rebellion, sustains the war for the Union, and approves of the 
emancipation of slaves. A. G. Beller is the active and responsible 
editor, and, by his courage and independence in sustaining the 
cause of freedom, displayed marked ability. While Mr. Beller 
conscientiously believed in the negro's equality with the white 
man under the law, he recognized their disparity in society; while 
he insisted upon the prosecution of the war for the Union, he 
deprecated extreme measures and condemned inhumanity. 

WESTON HIGH SCHOOL. 

Judge McCurdy having been compelled to take this property 
at $12,000, for debt, now offers it at $3,500. 

Feb. IS — Judge H. J. Wolf returns from Jefferson City to 
Weston, to hold a. term of the court of common pleas. 

Feb. 20 — Big fire in Leavenworth. 

Feb. 23 — The Legislature calls a Constitutional Convention. 

Feb. 29 — A large public sale of W. T. Darnall's personal 
property by his administrator. 

MARCH. 

March 1 — Heretofore our data has been collected from many 
sources; but now I have full files of the Border Times, and many 
numbers of the Sentinel, but the latter in a few months is 
burned out. 

March 3 — A. F. Cox issues the first number of the Platte 
County Sentinel at Platte City. It contains 63 sheriff sales. 

March ) — William C. Wells leaves New Market, and makes 
his permanent home at Platte City. 

March 7 — A military order is issued, requiring every member 
of an ecclesiastical convention, or any one participating in such a 
convention, to take a prescribed oath of allegiance. Some min- 
isters declared that they could not, in conscience, take such an 
oath, and in many places much trouble followed. 



1864, MARCH. 360 CALHOUN THORNTON. 

Alexander McAlexander having died, F. M. McAlexander 
administered. Bond, $1,600. 

21 arch 8 — The county court (Layton) refuses to issue the re- 
maining bonds subscribed to the Parkville & G. R. Railroad 
Company. 

March 21 — General Guitar and Colonels Williams and Jacob- 
son, of General Rosecrans' staff, pass through Platte City. 

The store of F. M. Tufts and F. L. Miller having been robbed, 
as was charged, by bushwhackers, the loss was taxed on the 
disloyal farmers residing near New Market, and J. L. Dodson, 
J. B. Dean, G. W. Anderson, I. T. Lewis, and Rufus Maget were 
required to pay the damage. 

CALHOUN THORNTON. 

March 22 — It is becoming daily more evident that emissaries 
from the South are recruiting in Platte County, and that the 
"Pawpaws'' are disloyal. Small bands of bushwhackers mani- 
fest themselves at one place to-day and at another to-morrow. 
They operate where they are known, and some offense against 
Union men compromises them, so that they have to enlist in the 
Southern army for safety. The "Pawpaws" generally fell into 
the snare, and when danger threatened, they had to go south. 
Thornton was the active spirit in tempting the youth of our 
county. 

JOHN AND SAMUEL WINSTON. 

Early in March Capt. Lewis A. Ford, commanding at Park- 
ville, sent a squad of soldiers into the Winston neighborhood, and 
Capt. Samuel Winston was arrested. He was an officer of the 
Southern army, and was placed under a $25,000 bond for his good 
conduct. Inquiry and search were made, without avail, for his 
brother, Col. John H. Winston, and it was given out that he was 
not in the countv; but in truth Col. Winston was at home, under 
orders from Gen. S. Price, to> recruit a regiment from north- 
western Missouri. His policy was to foment discontent in the 
militia, and to get them to manifest disloyalty, so that they would 
have to find safety by going South. Col. Winston, fearing arrest 
and the summary justice dealt out to spies, dressed in the uniform 
of a Confederate colonel. 

On the 22d of March a squad of United States troops passed 
through Platte City, going east, and in an hour returned with 
( Jol. Winston as their prisoner. They had found him at his home, 
in liis uniform, covered by a bed. He was confined in military 
prisons until the close of the war. His brother Samuel shared 
his fate. Thoy were in constant apprehension of death, until the 
return of peace. 



K 



1864, APRIL. 361 COUNTY FINANCES. 

APRIL. 

April 1 — A. G. Boiler elected mayor of Weston, James 
McDowell ma vor of Leavenworth, and Col. Penick mavor of St. 
Joseph. 

April 2 — D. 1*. Lewis, county clerk, advertises for bids to re- 
build the court-house and the jail. 

W. S. Forman, appointed to enlist colored troops, announces 
that they are allowed $300 bounty. 

April 7 — Presbytery of the Cumberland Church meets at 
Iatan. 

April S — General C. B. Fisk, removes his headquarters from 
Macon to St. Joseph. 

April Uf — Bushwhackers attempted to make a raid upon 
Parkville, but Oapt. Luthy held them at bay. 

Leavenworth wagons still cross and take back wood; but Si. 
( Jordan appears, and takes from John Jordan his wagon and team. 
There was no more stealing. 

April 16 — The business part of Plattsburg is burned. Loss, 
1100,000. 

J. B. V. McCall having died, Clint. Tillerv administers. Bond, 
|3,000. 

EEMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT TO WESTON. 

April 23 — A writer in the Border Times advocates the re- 
moval, and Beller, the editor, comes out strongly in favor of it. 
The time is propitious: the court-house and jail have been 
burned, Platte City is in ashes, and, from disloyalty, is almost 
deserted. This is the beginning of a long controversy. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

May 1— Tax Books 1864: Land, $2,358,585; monev, etc., 
1508,250; personal property, $385,088; town lots, $275,395; total, 
$3,527,327. 

State tax assessed, $13,030; military tax, $11,740; county 
fax, $10,979; total, $45,349. ' 

Levy, State, 32 cents; county, 48 cents. 

The annual exhibit for 18G4 is not now of file, nor of record. 

Judge S. P. S. McOurdy is appointed a territorial judge for 
Utah, and goes west. 

May 10 — Maj. J. W. Ilardesty started with a train of 42 
wagons, laden with merchandise, valued at $200,000, expecting to 
arrive in California by duly 15th. The average cost of his horses 
and mules was $250. 



1864, MAY. 362 BUSHWHACKERS. 

Ben. Holliday is figuring largely in various enterprises, by 
which he acquires great wealth. 

Slavery is not entirely extinct. It dies slowly. 
The Sentinel has three pages of sheriff sales. 
Robert H. Drennon having died, his widow, Eddie, admin- 
isters. Bond. |4,000. Oh : 

I. MARY E. DRENNON, went to Texas, and married there 
James Munn. Ch: 

1. William Munn, lives in Topeka. 
H. JOHN DRENNON, went to Texas, and married there. 
HI. MARGARET C. DRENNON, m'd John A. Liggon, of Kansas. 
IV. SARAH F. DRENNON, m'd James W. Williams. (See.) 

V. ALEX. M. DRENNON, single. 
VI. FLORENCE DRENNON, m'd Feb. 25, 1886, Samuel Hudson, 

of Clav. 
VH. ELLA P. DRENNON, m'd S. W. Witt; 10 children. 
VHI. ROBERT E. DRENNON, m'd June 11, 1889, Ettie Witt. 
Children : 
1. Charles. 

May 20 — Coal in working quantities and qualities discovered 
on John Harris' farm. 

May 25 — The State Radical Convention nominated — for 
governor, Tkos. Fletcher; for lieutenant-governor, Ceo. Smith; 
and for secretary of State, Francis Rodman. 

Map 27 — Thomas Hale's store at Camden Point robbed. 

The Border Times, A. G-. Beller editor, gives alarm that Con- 
federates are among us, stating, that Union men have been shot 
from the brush; that Judge Heren, on account of the distracted 
state of the county, had adjourned the May term of court; that the 
Sentinel is not to be trusted; and warns A. F. Cox to be careful 
and notice the disloyalty of the "Pawpaws." Beller proceeds to 
raise a company of 90 men for the protection of Weston. 

A company of soldiers from abroad surprised a party of Con- 
federates at the house of Maj. James Bradley, three miles north of 
Platte Citv, and killed Geo. Fielding, John Thomas, and Isaac 
Shafer. 

JUNE. 

June 1 — Bushwhackers attack Capt. Snyder's company, near 
Ainoldsvillc. and kill several men. They then attack New Mar- 
ket, and the soldiers surrender and deliver up their arms. N. P. 
Ogden's si are is looted. Capt. W. T Woods' company left Weston 
for \<'\v Market, but accomplished nothing 

June 6 — The estates of J. H. McHolland and A. J. Moore are 
ordered into tin- charge of W. M. Paxton, public administrator. 

Lemuel Hudson's house is burned by an incendiary. 



1864, JUNE. 363 WM. JACK. 

CAPT. WILLIAM JACK. 

June S — Capt. William Jack died at Platte City. He was 
born March 19, 1778, in Tennessee; married, in 1801, Esther 
Harris, born September 5, 1780, and died in 1st;::. They were 
living in Kentucky when agitated by the greal revival out of 
which the Cumberland Presbyterian Church grew, and he became 
one of the founders of i lint denomination. They came west about 
1820, and settled at Lexington Landing, where Oapt. Jack kept a 
ferry for many years. In 1837 the family removed to Platte, and, 
after a few years, set I led at Platte City. They were a father and 
mother in Israel, and enjoyed the esteem and veneration of all 
men. I knew him only in his hoary age, when his whole soul was 
absorbed in holy contemplations. I procured for him a large- 
print Testament, and every pleasant day, with the sacred volume 
under his arm, he would totter to the Presbyterian church, and, 
at a south window, spend an hour in reading, contemplation, and 
prayer. Ch: 

I. PATSEY JACK, b. April 19, 1802; m'd July 4, 1821, Joseph 
Erwin. 
II. L. CULBERSON (CUB) JACK, b. in Tennessee May 10, 1805; 
d. in Platte Citv March 30, 1801; m'd Oct. 2, 1828, Stacy 
Owen (see), dr. of Wilson. She d. Feb. 3, 1800. Mr. Jack 
was a genial, hospitable, and agreeable gentleman. His 
mirth and good humor made him a. pleasant companion. 
He was one of the few I have met who could be merry with- 
out hurting anybody's feelings. He had charge of the 
water-mills at Platte City in 1850-3. Ch : 

1. Amelia Jack, a handsome and accomplished lady, was 

b. April 8, 1831; d. in California Dec. 5, 1892; m'd 
March 8, 1853, Addison Burge. b. Feb. 20, 1824, killed 
in the street of Platte City Feb. 2, 1872, by a dagger 
driven to his heart by Dr. F. M. Johnson, who 
claimed that Burge had offered some indignity to his 
wife. Mr. Burge was a man of superior intelligence. 
He kept a drug store in Platte City many years; w T as 
elected a representative in November. 1868, over 
Manoah Miles, from the eastern district of Platte 
County, by a vote of 302 to 278; but he had much 
trouble to get his seat in the Radical Legislature. 

2. Flora A. Jack. b. April 8, 1831; m'd 1st. Oct. 30. 1850. 

Judge James B. Martin (see). She m'd 2d, July 23, 
1807, Geo. R. Hines, a banker of Leavenw T orth. She 
w r as a lovely woman, and much admired for personal 
and mental charms Mr. Hines is an intelligent 
gentleman, but failed in banking. Ch: [ a ] George 
R. Hines, Jr. 

3. Lavcnia Jack (Vene), b. March 10. 1833; m'd June 7, 

1804 (second wife). Eardley O. Sayle. b. Feb. 24, 1832. 
son of Dr. O. W. Savle and Lucinda M. Adams. Mr. 



1864, JUNE. 364 THE JACKS. 

Sayle m'd 1st, May 4, 1854, Catherine Brown, who 
died, leaving: [«] Lavenia Sayle, b. April 15, 1855; 
m'd Jan. 5, 1882. Thomas Hudson, of St. Joseph. 
Mr. Sayle studied law and was admitted to the bar 
March 14, 1860, but practiced only a few years; was 
cashier of the St. Joseph National Bank, and is now 
cashier of the Grant City Bank, Worth County, Mo. 
He is brilliant in conversation, reliable in business, 
and one of the best bankers of the day; but his gen- 
erous and indulgent nature does not allow him to 
accumulate a fortune. By his second wife he has- 
[&] Flora Ella Sayle, who was b. April 8, 1866, and 
m'd Oct. 10, 1889, John F. Robertson. 

4. Sarah {Dump) Jack (twin with Lavenia), was b. March 

16, 1833; d. April 28, 1871, from the effects of an 
operation for tumor; m'd Jan. 9, 1866 (third wife), 
Geo. W. Belt (see), b. in Fleming Co., Ky., came to 
Weston about 1844; m'd 1st, Julv 9, 1848, Marv E. 
Colnian. (See.) His third wife, Mrs. Frances Loan 
(ne'e Ferrel), widow of James Loan, he married Jan- 
uary 21, 1872 ; and his fourth wife, Louisa H. North- 
rup. he married in Kansas City January 16, 1889. 
Mr. Belt looks like a patriarch, with a commanding 
person, long, flowing beard, benign countenance, 
and pleasant address. He delights in Masonry, and 
the Platte Citv commanderv was named for him. 
He was engaged in the mercantile business first with 
Murphy, and then with Colnian, at Weston. He was 
mayor of the city in 1861-2. In March, 1862, he was 
appointed circuit clerk, in the place of Remington, 
ousted. In November, 1864, he was elected to the 
same office, over D. W. Moore, by a vote of 1,029 
against 301. In 1866 he was elected county treas- 
urer, over C. M. Boyd, by a vote of 70S to 630. In 
November, 1868, he was chosen sheriff, over G. W. 
Hood, by a vote of 808 to 491 ; and in November, 1870, 
he was reelected sheriff bv 1,394 votes, against 764 
for T. F. Warner, and 510 for F. M. McCormick. Sub- 
sequently, he removed to St. Joseph, and held several 
citv offices. Thence he went to Kansas Citv, and is 
now a citizen of Texas. Children bv Sarah Jack: 
["] Lavenia Belt. b. Nov. 25. 1866;' [6] Sarah, b. 
March 9. 1868; [c] Frank, b. Nov. 16. 1870. 

5. Moschji Y. i Hi.r) Jack, b. Dec. 5, 1835. He has not mar- 

ried, but supported his mother while she lived and 
his unmarried sister, in Kansas. He is a man of in- 
telligence and unblemished reputation. 

6. Martha E. {Tint) .lack. b. Aug. 19. 1841. is handsome 

and accomplished. Teaching has been her employ- 



1864, JUNE. 365 THE JACKS. 

ment, and she is regarded as a proficient in her 
department, 
in. ALFRED JACK, b. Oct. L5, L807, in Tennessee; d. in Platte 
Oct. 12, 1883; m'd May L3 3 1830, Emeline Stapp, b. Dec. 28, 
1812, dr. of Judge John Stapp, of Lafayette Co., Mo. Mr. 
Jack was a man of sterling integrity, and was an industri- 
ous farmer. Like the other members of the family, he was 
a zealous Cumberland Presbyterian. Mrs. Jack is yet a 
hale and genial old lady. Ch: 

1. Leomdas W. Jack, b. Jan. 8, 1836; m'd Oct. 26, 1875, 

Mary R. Ward. Ch: [«] Alfred Ward Jack, b. 
July 29, 187G; [&] Archie M. Jack, b. May 10, 1878; 
[<"] Wm. Lee Jack, b. Aug. 29, 1884. 

2. John W. Jack, b. in Platte April 10, 1838; m'd July 20. 

1876, Lucy M. Parrish, dr. of Isaac (). Parrish. Mr. 
Jack is an intelligent and enterprising farmer, near 
Camden Point, and rears and deals in cattle and 
hogs. Ch: [«] Olie A. Jack, b. Oct. 23, 1878; 
[6] John M., b. Aug. 9, 1880. 

3. MoscoyM. Jack, b. Aug. 10, 1842; m'd Ida Mar Phillips. 

Ch: [<*] Emma Jack. b. July 19, 1880; ['&] Robert 
Jack, b. June 16. 1882; [c] Mary Jack, b. March 17, 
1884. 

4. Mary B. Jack, b. Nov. 25, 1844; m'd Dec. 3, 1867, R. C. 

Brock. He died April 21, 1879. Ch: ["] Emma 
Lee Brock, b. Aug. 6, 1869 ; [&] Esther Brock, b. Aug. 
30, 1871 ; [c] Alf. O. Brock, b. Mar 21, 1876. 

5. Alf. C. Jack, b. March 15. 1847; m'd Bailie Shafer. Ch : 

[«] Lee Jack: [&] Fred Jack; [e] William Jack: 
[ d ] Laura; [«] Archie Jack; [f] Thurman. 

6. Archie R. Jack, b. May 29. 1855; m'd May 13, 1886, 

Emma Cockrill, b. Feb. 25, 1864, dr. of E. C. Ch: 
[«] Lucian M. Jack, b. March 23, 1887; [&] Archie 
C, b. Nov. 28, 1888; [c] Gordon Lee Jack, b. Nov. 
29, 1890. 
IV. EVELINE JACK. b. Jan. 4. 1810, in Tennessee; d. in Oregon. 

Dec- 14, 1869 ; m'd April 1, 1831. M. N. Owen. <See.) 
A'. LAVENIA JACK, b. Feb. 6, 1812; d. Aug. 12, 1849; m'd Jan. 
16, 1834, Benj. F. Pearson. 

VI. BETHENIA JACK, b. March 12, 1814; m'd W. B. Almond. 

(See.) 

VII. WILLIAM A. JACK. b. Aug. 1. 1816. He lives in Pleasant 

Hill. Mo. 
VLn. SAMUEL AD. JACK, b. Oct. 2. 1816 ; d. at Platte City June 
16, 1854; m'd 1st. Sept. 19, 1848, Elvira Johnson, dr. of Capt. 
Andrew. From her he was divorced. He then m'd, April 
12, 1853, Mollie Redman, dr. of Elder William. No chil- 
dren by either wife. His widow m'd Co. P. Reeves and 
lives in California. Mr. -lack was lame from white swell- 



1864, JUNE. 366 "PAWPAWS" DISLOYAL. 

ing, but was an admirable gentleman. He had a passion 
for music, as bad all the Jack family. 

June 10 — Bushwhackers make a raid on Ridgely, and their 
leader, Overton, is killed. Fielding is wounded, and, after mak- 
ing a confession, is shot. On the Federal side, Moses Barnes is 
killed, and Lieut. Cummins and private John Goodwin are 
wounded. Fielding is said to have shown a list of Union men to 
be killed, and he said that Calhoun Thornton had three hundred 
recruits ready to go south as soon as the Union men were killed. 
Capt. Fitzgerald is now of the 16th Kansas. 

June 12 — Bushwhackers make a bloodless raid upon Farley. 

June 17 — The Border Times condemns severely the Sentinel 
for assuring the people that all is safe and quiet, when bush- 
whackers are manifesting themselves by frequent outrages. 

June 19 — Bushwhackers robbed Elkanak Risk, John Scott, 
and Madison Dale. 

Rev. G. L. Moad made a Sunday-school address, at the Pres- 
byterian church in Platte City, a procession of children marched 
through the town, and a contribution of $30 was taken up. 

Bushwhackers have a camp three miles north of Platte City. 
Maj. Clark sends Capt. Johnston after them, but they received 
notice of his coming and fled. 

Rain badly needed. 

June 20 — Gen. C. B. Fisk visits Weston to inquire into the 
situation. He speaks from the balcony of the hotel, and is fol- 
lowed by A. G. Beller and J. B. Wright.' 

The body of a young man named Bailey is found in Lewis Cal- 
vert's pasture, and his death is charged on bushwhackers. 

June 22 — Jas. H. Tinsley, while riding on the road, is attacked 
and robbed by bushwhackers. He has been a Conservative, but 
now turns Radical. 

June 23 — A. F. Cox, editor of the Sentinel, returns after an 
absence of two weeks, and announces a change in the situation. 
He admits the county is overrun by bushwhackers, and, with a 
sick heart, warns the "Pawpaws" of the effect of their disloyalty. 

Capt. Johnston captures two deserters, Thompson and Rags- 
dale, and sends them under escort to Weston, but they are 
rescued at Bee Creek by bushwhackers. 

Prof. A. B. Jones announces that he will leave Platte City 
Female Academy. He gathers a large audience, and, in a set 
speech, heaps opprobrium upon them for not giving his school 
proper support. 

The fionlrr Times condemns Maj. J. M. Clark's military gov- 
ornmenl of the county, bu1 commends the spirit of his proclama- 
t ion calling on the people to rally to the rescue. 

Tin- telegraph new connects Weston with St. Joseph. 



1864, JULY. 367 JULY 10, 1864. 

JULY. 

July 1 — Australian Circus at Weston. 

Bushwhackers are in camp tour miles from Weston. 

July .'/ — The mail robbed by bushwhackers between Weston 
and Camden Point. 

July 6 — Sixty bushwhackers enter Parkville, and others 
arc near. 

There are two companies off Home Guards at Weston, under 
( Captains Gilbert and Shelsky, but the alarm is so great that Gen. 
Curtis sends three companies from the Fort, for their protection. 

• July 7 — William Schaback's house, six miles from Weston, is 
burned, and he is wounded by a shot in the arm. 

Good rains, which were badly needed. 

JULY 10, 1864, AT PLATTE CITY. 

July 10 — Thornton at length makes an open demonstration. 
At 8 a. m. it was announced that Coon Thornton and 400 bush- 
whackers were two miles east of Platte City, and would soon en- 
ter. The stores were closed and all was still. The "Pawpaws" 
were gone, and Capt. Johnston lounged on the street, with no man 
to do him reverence. "I shall stand at my post," he said, "though 
two-thirds of my men have deserted. They have gone over to the 
enemy, and the other third, through fear, have fled. I have noth- 
ing to do but to report." He remained in town while Thornton 
was here, and when he left, he went with Maj. Clark to Weston, 
to report. Both were put in the guard-house. 

THORNTON ENTERS. 

At 10 o'clock Thornton and his mounted "Four Hundred" 
slowly entered Platte City. No opposition was made. Only one 
Confederate flag was waved, and scarcely any one fled. The cit- 
izens, generally, remained at home. 

LAWSON HOLMES 1 STORE LOOTED. 

In the afternoon I went over on Main Street. About 2 
o'clock the men broke open Lawson Holmes' dry goods store in the 
Swaney building, situated where Wells' banking house now 
stands. A crowd of men, and some women, entered, and bore off 
armfuls of goods. Many men appeared in completely new suits. 
My office was in the building. I saw load after load of goods 
carried off. Two stout strangers with axes attacked the money 
safe. One, with great muscular power, struck (he crack at one 
side of the door and the other struck in the same crack — and in 
two minutes the safe was bursted. They were disappointed, as 
onlv books were found. 



1864. JULY. 368 CAMDEN POINT. 

HOW THE MEN BEHAVED. 

They were orderly, and seemed perfectly at home. They 
killed several beeves, and notified the citizens to go and get what 
thev wanted. The soldiers seemed to regard all the citizens as 
friends. Among them, were Taylor and Threlkeld and their 
guerrillas. On the morrow all was quiet. One of the foreign 
companies went to the southern border of Buchanan to visit 

REV. CHARLES MORRIS 

with the punishment threatened in case he continued to preach in 
Platte County. They surrounded Morris' house, and demanded his 
surrender. Morris had armed himself, and had called to his aid 
two of his friends, and they determined to resist. But the house 
was set on fire, and as the inmates came from the flames they were 
riddled with bullets. Morris was a Northern Methodist preacher, 
and had been ordered by the Platte County Defensive Association 
to desist from preaching under the penalty of death. But Morris 
did not heed the threat, and his death was the consequence. The 
sequel was the death of Dr. Jos. Walker on the 28th day of August, 
following. 

THORNTON AT CAMDEN POINT. 

July 12 — After remaining two days at Platte City. Thornton 
and his "Four Hundred" went to Camden Point, and encamped on 
the road leading north. 

THE CAMDEN POINT FIGHT. 

July 13 — On the morning of the 13th of July Colonels Ford and 
Jennison, being in Weston, started to Camden Point, in pursuit of 
Thornton. The force consisted of one company of the 16th Kansas, 
30 men; one company of the 15th Kansas, 40 men; two companies 
of the 2d Colorado, 150 men; three companies of the Missouri 
State Militia, 150 men; and 2d Colorado Battery, 30 men; making 
400 in all. An advance guard of 40 men captured three pickets at 
Bee Creek, and, after giving notice to the rear, dashed into Cam- 
den. A flag with the legend "Protect Missouri" had just been pre- 
sented to Col. Thornton by the ladies — and his men were enjoying 
a picnic in the blue-grass pasture north of Camden, and were 
taken by surprise. After an effort to organize, they fled north 
and east. But ere they started they fired a volley upon their pur- 
suers. The Federal loss was: Private C. A. Flannagan, killed; 
Serjeant L. K. Crane, severely wounded; and several others 
slightly wounded. The < Vmfederates lost:' killed. Richard Al- 
vis. Peter Clements, Alemanne Hardin. Robert McCormiek, An- 
drew Smith, and Jesse Myles. Maj. John McCluer was killed at 
his home, several miles away, by a party in pursuit of fleeing Con- 
federates; and Alfred Jack was shot at, without effect. Years 
later a handsome monument was erected at Camden Point iu 
honor of the Confederate dead. The flag presented to Colonel 
Thornton was captured, and is still preserved as a trophy. 



1864, JULY. 369 FORD AND JENNISON. 

FORD AND JENNISON AT PLATTE CITY. 

July l'i — After burning several houses in Camden, Ford and 
Jennison come mi to Platte City. They made headquarters at the 
Fleshman House Howell Jenkins' grocery store was looted. 
His cellar was well stored with wine, and armfuls of bottles were 
taken by the soldiers to the officers. I saw .Jennison displaying 
his skill in uncorking bottles. He held the bottle over his head, 
and with an upward stroke with the back of his sword along the 
neck, he broke off the head of the bottle. The officers and men 
were scattered over town, and gave no trouble. 

THE SWANEY-SHEPAKD BLOCK BURNED. 

This block was one of particular detestation. For months, in 
L861, a rebel (lag had floated on its roof; the owners had been 
noted as Secessionists, and in its third story was the printing 
office of the Sentinel The Argus, the Tenth Legion, and the Con- 
servator had been printed there. My office was in the second 
story. I first observed Capt. Fitzgerald and others bring out the 
files of the Sentinel They examined it for a half-hour, and dis 
persed. going in different ways, as if on dutv. An armed squad of 
soldiers took seats on the east side of the building. A few minutes 
later, a black smoke poured from the third-story windows. 1 
went to the foot of the stairs, and asked a soldier, who was coming 
down, if the house was on fire. He told me it was; and I went up 
to my office, and commenced throwing the law-bor 1 " omt of the 
windows into the street. Some officers, with whom T had formed 
acquaintance, saw me, and called soldiers to my aid. The books 
were saved, but the furniture was burned. No one else tried to 
save anything. 

JESSE MORIN. 

On the morning of the 14th Maj. Morin had been arrested 
near his home by the troops coining from Ca union. He was 
allowed to walk on the street, before the Fleshman House, on 
parole. Seeing me. he called me. and stated that there were a 
half-dozen of Jennison's men who intended to kill him, and would 
do so the first chance. He s:>id I could save him — to see the 
officers, tell them he was a Mason, and had bitterly opposed 
secession. These were truths In pursuance of these sugges- 
tions, I made myself known as a Mason, and urgently interceded 
for our brother. While T was pleading, we he-M-d four shots at 
the stairway, and Morin rush< <1 into our presence, greatly af- 
frighted. His personal foes, who knew him at Fort Scott, when 
land office receiver, had attempted to assassinate him. This sat- 
isfied the officers that my apprehensions for his safety were well 
founded. T obtained a promise that Morin should be saved. Ac- 
cordingly, that night Col. Ford sent him half-way home, under es- 
cort. He lay that night beside a log. near the road. His ene- 
mies followed, but failed to find him. The next morning. Mrs. 
24- 



1864, JULY. 370 PLATTE CITY BURNED. 

Morin was almost distracted, for no one could tell what had be- 
fallen her husband. The troops left at daylight, going east. But 
they left a band of incendiaries to carry out their counsels. 

PLATTE CITY BURNED. 

July 15 — As the last soldier departed, a gang of men went 
from house to house, according to a written programme, and 
burned designated houses. The Methodist church on Lot 3, 
Block 33, was the first that was set on fire. Seeing smoke, 1 
went out to reconnoiter. In front of the Presbyterian church and 
Masonic hall an officer on horseback was keeping watch. I had 
met him the previous day, and knew him to be a Mason. On in- 
quiry, I learned that a greater part of the town was to be burned, 
and especially public buildings, on account of the disloyalty of 
the citizens. Hearing a noise in the church, I asked if that house 
was to be burned. He replied that it was on the list. I told him 
that every member of the church was loyal. He replied that the 
orders were to burn it. "But," I said, "the upper story is a 
Masonic hall, and certainly, you, a Mason, will not destroy it." 
His reply was, "Its destruction will hurt the community at large." 
He invited me to go in and take anything I desired. I replied, as 
I left, "No; if you burn the house, you may burn the Bible with it." 

I then took my seat at my front door, and a party of horse- 
men passed, and inquired who I was. On learning my name, they 
said it was not on their list. 

THE HOUSES BURNED. 

Besides the Methodist church, Presbyterian church, and 
Masonic hall, they burned the houses of Levi Likins, W. C. Rem- 
ington, Howard Conley, Mary A. Marsh, Philip Lutes, R. P. 
Gaines, the Male Academy, the house of Maj. H. C. Cockrill, and 
all the houses on the south side of the present public square. 

A. F. Cox was unwell, and remained at home. They burned 
his property, but protected his person, by stationing a guard at 
his door. He had always been a warm Union man, and his heart 
was broken by the treatment of his friends. He went to St. Louis, 
and there died November 5, 1809. 

AT WESTON 

The utmost alarm prevailed. The military had left them without 
protection. Captains Gilbert, Shelsky, Quinn, and Miles are 
raising companies for home pro! eel ion. The Border Times an- 
nounces that it is Thornton's purpose to burn Weston. The 
wounded Federal soldiers from Camden received the kindest 
attention. A rumor was circulated that bushwhackers were 
coming; the market-house bell was rung, and every man called to 
arms. Some t wenty of the 16th Kansas mounted their horses and 
scoured the county, but no enemv was found. 



1864, JULY. 371 PROCLAMATION. 

A PROCLAMATION. 

July JO — Gen. Fisk appeals to the loyal men of northwestern 
Missouri for 5,000 volunteers. He says: "Your neighbors are 
being murdered, and their property given to the torch. Houseless 
women arc fleeing to military posts. Hundreds of Unionists are 
pleading at my headquarters for protection, that I am unable to 
afford, from the limited force at my command. The abundant 
harvests are rapidlj' going to waste. In the name of loyalty, 
humanity, and Christian civilization, I implore you to delay not a 
hearty response to this appeal." 

MEETING AT PLATTE CITY. 

July 23 — From the Bonier Times of the 29th: At a mass- 
meeting at Platte City, H. M. Aller was chosen chairman, and 
G. W. Belt secretary. Resolutions were passed denouncing bush- 
whackers, and another meeting appointed for Weston on the 25th. 
Judge Norton denounced bushwhackers, confessed that he had 
been deceived by the ''Pawpaws, 1 ' acknowledged that he had 
something to do with arming them, and that the opposers of the 
"Pawpaws" were right and he wrong. He concluded that the 
organization of the militia must pass into other hands. He en- 
dorsed Gen. Fisk. Among those participating in the meeting- 
were: A. G. Brown, Wm. Gabbert, Henry Lamar, M. Miles, L. W. 
McSekooler, Thomas Quinn, Ben. Smither, and J. B. Wright. 

July 28 — The deceived "Pawpaws" are now hiding. One by 
one they come in and surrender to some loyal friend, who takes 
them to St. Joseph, and recommends their banishment to Iowa, or 
elsewhere. This is preferred to imprisonment, or even to hang- 
ing. The jails of St. Joseph are crowded with the disloyal. Busi- 
ness is suspended, and the county offices are closed. 

AUGUST. 

Aug. 1 — By accurate count, there are onlv 19 men in Platte 
City. 

Maj. Hilliard is in command at Weston. He makes the 
Wallingford house his headquarters. 

Col. Jas. A. Price is at Fort Leavenworth, recruiting the 10th 
Kansas. In a circular, he announces himself a candidate for 
sheriff of Platte, but withdraws before the election. 

THE DISLOYAL LIST. 

Under General Order No. 24, the disloyal citizens are required 
to give bond, and are disfranchised. A list is furnished each 
precinct. The following is a partial list: O. Q. Alcott, Henry 
Basye, Newton Bailey, Eenderson Brown, A. J. Burnett. S. Buck- 
heart, W. Cunningham, Clinton Cockrill, Chas. Carpenter, A. H. 
Cox, Robert Douglas, E. M. Dobson, A. Dean, Israel Dougherty. 
P. W. Ellington, Jas. Graves, Elijah Justus. G. W. Long, Eli Link. 



1S64, AUG. 372 RECRUITS. 

John Lester, M. W. Mitchell, Jesse Miller, J. L. Merchant, L. 
Malott, Madison Owens, C. C. Redman, N. T. Rogers, W. M. Rule, 
Samuel Rixey, E. C. Redman, Nath'l Searcy, Dan Stewart, Dan 
Stevens H. J*. Talbott, Wm. Talbott, Ed. Tanner, Andrew Tribble. 

BOUNTY FOR RECRUITS. 

The county court (Layton) offers f 75 for each recruit credited 
to Platte County. 

Aug. 3 — Mobile taken by Farragut. 

Aug. 15 — Maj. Hilliard sent a squad of soldiers to the house 
of Levi Brashears, and captured 30 stand of arms. 

Aug. 16 — Capt. J. H. Burt, with his company, had a brush 
with bushwhackers near Henry Yenemmen's, and it was thought 
one was wounded. 

Aug. 18 — Harvey Talbott's house burned ; loss, $1,000. 

N. P. Ogden leaves New Market and setles at Weston. 
Wm Carpenter buys the Burnes store-house and opens a stock 
of dry goods. 

Aug. 19 — The Border Times charges that two-thirds of the 
people of Platte are disloyal. 

Union leagues are organized in the county. 

Aug. 27 — A detachment of the 17th Illinois Cavalrv fall in 
with Si. Gordon and five of his men. They pursue them closely, 
but fail to capture any of them. 

The Border Times announces : "There is peace in Platte." 

DR. JOSEPH WALKER SHOT. 

Aug. 28 — I have already stated that Dr. Walker was impli- 
cated in the threat to kill any Northern Methodist that continued 
to preach in Platte; and I have recorded the execution of that 
threat upon Rev. Chas. Morris. A son of Mr. Morris, living in New 
Orleans, to avenge his father's death, came to Leavenworth and 
organized and armed a band of desperate men, who went through 
the neighborhood where his father had been forbidden to preach, 
in search of the leaders of the outrage. None were found, until 
Dr. Walker was met in the road. He was taken to an adjacent 
wood ;i iid shot. His family were notified, and reached him in 
time to hear his statement that he was shot by a party of men, all 
of whom were s! rangers to him except one John Morris, who lived 
in the neighborhood. John Morris was no relative of Rev. Charles 
Morris, bu1 was pressed into the service of the band, as a guide. 
Tin- fuels were drawn out on the trial of John Morris, who was 
indicted for the murder, and he Avas found not guilty. The 
tragedy produced consternation in the county. 



1864, SEPT. 373 THE GABBERTvS. 

SEPTEMBER 

THE GABBERT FAMILY. 

Sept. 2 — Fames Gabbert (i) died. His sons, William and 
.lames, administered. Bund, $80,000. He was bom in Bock- 
bridge County. \*a.. September 29, 1791, and died in Platte Sep- 
tember 2, 1864. He removed to Lincoln County, Ivy., where he 
married Tolly Sullivan. Mr. Jas. Gabbert (i) was a son of George 
Gabbert (i), who came from Germany, and married Ann Heed, of 
Pennsylvania James had three brothers, George (ii), Michael (i), 
and -Jacob Gabbert, who settled in Buchanan. .James and his 
family removed, in 1820. to Bartholomew County, Ind., and thence 
came to Platte in March, 1839, purchasing land on Pleasant Ridge. 
He brought money with him, and his posterity are generally 
wealthy, influential farmers, Masons, and Baptists. Oh: 

I. GEORGE GABBERT (iii), b. in Lincoln Co., Ky., Dec. 20, 
1811; d. in Platte May 6, 1892; ni'd 1st, in Indiana, Jan. 8, 
1835, Sallie Cox, b. Oct. 2, 1818; d. April 13, 1876. She 
was the mother of all his children. He m'd 2d, Jan. 8, 1881, 
Miss Mollie King, who survives, and lias married Hon. J. L. 
Carmack. Mr. Gabbert was well educated, social, gen- 
erous, polished, agreeable, and enterprising. He held, at 
one time, the office of public administrator, and his name 
was often suggested for places of honor. His sons are men 
of distinction, and his daughters intelligent and lovely. 
Children : 

1. James B. Gabbert, went to Texas; m'd Julia Hate, and 

d. April 19, 1888, leaving a widow and 8 children. 

2. George M. Gabbert, b. March 7. 1839; m'd Nancy Bu 

chanan; 6 children. Live in Arkansas. 
::. Thomas L. Gabbert, b. June 4, 1841, in Platte; m'd 
Jan. 7, 1863, Martha V. Crabb, dr. of Jerry. She 
was b. Aug. 27, 1815. Mr. Gabbert received a class- 
ical education, and in Masonrv is a_ Knight Templar. 
Ch: ["] Ardev Gabbert, b. Dec. 22, 1803; ['>] Essie. 
b. Aug. 20, 1807; [c] Veta, b. July 20. 1874; 
[<*] Owza, b. Nov. 7, 1878; [?] Irma Gabbert. 

4. Jane Gabbert, b. Nov. 15, 1844; m'd Dec. 31, 1863, Leon 

Wilkerson. (See.) 

5. Priscilla Gabbert, b. April 14. 1840: m'd S. A. Hull, son 

of Harvey. Ch: [«] Gabbert B. Hull; [''] Charles; 
[''] Bertie; ['*] Noble; [e] Tweet v. 

6. Mary A. Gabbert, b. Dec. 9, 1849; m'd Dec. 6, 1866, 

J. M. Treadwav, son of Richard. Ch: ["] George 
Treadwav; [ h ] Leonidas; [ c ] Katie; I"''] Nancy J.: 
H Cina Treadway; [f] Sallie; [."] John; [*] Rich- 
ard Treadwav. 

7. Ella Gabbert, b. Nov. 18, 1852: m'd Oct. 10, 1873, James 

Crtuehfield. son of Elijah. Ch: ["] Delia Crutch- 
field; [6] Ballard. 



1864, SEPT. 374 THE GABBERTS. 

S. William T. Gabbert, b. Aug. IS, 1858; m'd Sept. 2, 1880, 
Laura Lamar, dr. of Henry. Ch: [<-'] Mabel; 
[ b ] Beulah. They live in Dennison. 
9. Paul B. Gabbert, b. March 8, 18G2; m'd Jan. 2, 1889, 
Lucy Hornback, dr. of' Jesse. Ch: [ a ] Aubrey. 
II. WILLIAM GABBERT, b. Oct. 8. 1817, in Lincoln Co., Ky. 
He lives on Pleasant Ridge, and is a man of wealth and in- 
fluence. He married, in Indiana, Dec. 27, 1838, Fannie 
Hamner, b. Sept. 3, 1819, in Kentucky. They celebrated 
their golden wedding. Ch: 

1. James J. Gabbert, b. Oct. 23, 1810; d. March 1, 1897; 

m'd Feb. 22, 1865, Mary E. Treadway, dr. of Richard. 
She d. in Dec, 1869. Ch: [«] Fannie C. Gabbert, 
m'd Nov. 3, 1886, W. H. Miller, son of Marion; 
[»] Wm. S. Gabbert. Mr. Gabbert m'd 2d, Feb. 18, 
1873, Nannie O. Barbee. (See.) 

2. George Benton Gabbert, b. Dec. 3, 1842; m'd March 21. 

1864, Alice Layton, b. Nov. 11. 1843. She is a daugh- 
ter of the late Judge James H. Layton, and is edu- 
cated and accomplished. They live at Dearborn, 
where Mr. Gabbert has established a bank, of which 
he is president. He is a student of political econ- 
omy, and keeps well informed on the topics of the 
day. He conducts a large farm, and is interested in 
rearing fine stock. He often publishes in our county 
papers his views on political, agricultural, scientific, 
and moral questions. His judgment is sound, and 
he is always found on the side of progress and im- 
provement. Ch: [""1 Eva Gabbert. b. April 30, 
1865; m'd Dec. 27. 1887, Edwin E. Pumphrey, cashier 
of the Bank of Dearborn. Ch: [1] Maxa M. Pum- 
phrey, b. Oct. 17, 1888; [2] Alice Pumphrev, b. in 
June, 1890; [3] Edwin G., b. in Jan., 1892. [»] Wil- 
liam H. Gabbert, b. July 1, 1866 ; [c] Smith Gabbert, 
b. Jan. 19, 1868; m'd Sept. 9, 1896, Georgia Walling- 
ford; [d] Lewis C. Gabbert, b. Jan. 17, 1883. 

3. Michael ff. Gabbert, b. April 30, 1846; m'd March 21. 

1868, Henrietta Cox. b. April 21, 1848, dr. of Jacob. 
Ch : [('] Nannie. b. Jan. 11, 1871 ; m'd Jas. Risk (see) ; 
f" ? 'l Jessie B.. m'd Dec. 4. 1895. A. E. MeGlashen; 
[ r ] Bessie; ["<*] Jakie; [>] Elenora. 
1. Nora Gabbert b. Dec. 25. 1861 : m'd Oct. 24, 1883. Win. 
B. Galvert, b. Jan. 8, 1 858. Oh : ["■] Lewis Calvert ; 
[&] Fannie (Tot); [ r ] William. 

5. Dr. Ira T. Gabbert, b. Dec. 3. 1852; m'd Elizabeth 

Slaymaker. They live in Kansas. 

6. l.nuni ('. Gabbert, b. Nov. 12. 1869. 

TTT. MARIA GABBERT, m'd Moses Lambert, in Indiana, and 
died. 



1864, SEPT. 375 DAVID HUNT. 



IV. PRISCILLA GABBERT, m'd D. Pence, and died in Indiana. 
V. MICHAEL H. GABBERT (i), 1>. in Nov., 1824; m'd dun.' 2, 
ls5::. Samantha Cox, dr. of Jacob. 

1. Alice Gabbert, m'd 1st, Leach Dale; no children. She 

m'd 2d, L. \Y. Ovorbeck; no Children. 

2. Mahlon Gabbert, m'd 1 tec. 30, 1800. Lillie Whin-. Ch: 

[«] Peter Gabbert ; [*>] Howard. 

3. Emma Gabbert, m'd Dec 10, 1881, Jonathan II. Miller, 

son of Marion; no children. 

4. Pearl Gabbert, m'd Aug. 10, 1800, Homer V. Hickman. 

They live in Iowa. 

5. Tote Gabbert, m'd March 0, 1887, Cicero Fleming, and 

died. 

VI. LCCELLA GABBERT, m'd Wm. Cox. and died. 

VII. GERELDA GABBERT, m'd George Kreigh, and died in 

Indiana. 

VIH. JOSEPHINE GABBERT. m'd April 20. 1862, James B. 
Kitchen, who kept a hotel in Omaha ; no children. 

IX. JAMES IRA GABBERT, b. in Indiana dan. 30, 1833; came to 
Platte in the fall of 1850; was educated at Pleasant Ridge; 
was deputy sheriff under Bryant; m'd June 27, 1851, Susan 
A. Kitchen, dr. of Henry; engaged in farming. During the 
war he was employed in teaming between Leavenworth 
and Santa Fe\ He is a well-known Mason. Ch: 

1. Laura Gabbert, m'd Sept. 30, 1878, Walter K. Stone, of 
Kansas. Ch: [«] Sue Stone; [&] Walter. 

X. MOLLIE GABBERT, graduated at Prof. Todd's Academy in 
1850. She was beautiful in vouth, and is lovely in age. 
She m'd March 24, 1863, Hon. Wm. H. Ballard, son of 
John P. He was born in Madison County, Ky., Jan. 25, 
1835; came to Platte in 1858; represented the county in the 
State Legislature in 1870-1, and now resides in Weston, 
while his sons cultivate his farm near Camden Point. He 
is an urbane and generous Kentucky gentleman. Ch: 

1. Perry A. Ballard b. Dec. 4, 1803; m'd March 7. 1886, 

Lizzie George, dr. of William. Ch: ["] Oscar K.; 
[b] William A.; [c] Bryan W.; [«] W. G. 

2. Oaklet/ G. Ballard m'd Feb. 14, 1S07. Lula Field. Both 

are well educated and highly esteemed. 

Sept. ■'> — This is the day appointed to make the draft. Our 
quota is not full, yet no draft is made. 

DAVID HUNT (i). 

S(jd. 6 — David Hunt (i) having died, B. R. Morton admin- 
isters. Bond, |40,000. He was born in Hardin County, Ky.. May 
20, 1708; married, first, Rebecca Boggs, born August 5. 1796, and 
died April Hi. ls:i7. Mr. Hunt was a man of large and command 
ing frame, and by sound judgment and enterprise accumulated a 
handsome estate. His sons and daughters are intelligent, hand- 
some, and accomplished. Ch : 



1864, SEPT. 376 THE HUNTS. 

I. SARAH JANE HUNT, b. in Howard Co., Mo., Sept. 25, 1822, 
yet living four miles south of Platte City; ni'd June 13, 
1839, Benj. R. Morton, b. in Montgomery Co., Ky., June 29, 
1812; d. Dec. 7, 1881. His grandfather, John Morton, b. in 
1760, was wealthy. His father, James Morton, b. Dec. 17, 
1782, m'd Ruth Riggs, and died, leaving nothing to his chil- 
dren. Ben. R, Morton came to Independence, Mo., in 1832, 
and worked as a cabinet-maker; spent 1836 in St. Louis, 
working at his trade; came to Platte in 1837, and settled at 
Platte City, where, with Mr. Bishop, he built and con- 
ducted a carding machine, on Lot 11, Block 28, from 1840 
to 1844; purchased land three miles south of Platte City, 
where he built a large brick house, now the homestead of 
the family; was elected county judge in November, 1868, 
with Talbott and Hamm as his associates; went to Cali- 
fornia for his health; in 1877 he had a long and severe 
spell of sickness, and partially recovered, with the loss of 
an eye. From this time until his death, he was seldom seen 
from his home. His judgment was sound, his industrj- in- 
defatigable, and his reputation as an upright, honest, and 
honorable citizen was well established. Ch : 

1. John Morton, b. Dec. 18, 1849 ; single. 

2. Sallie A. Morton, b. March 27, 1847; m'd Sept. 12, 1867, 

Hon. G. G. White, who was a distinguished lawyer 
of Colorado, where he died. Ch: [«] Lora White, 
d. Aug. 10, 1896; m'd H. H. Norton, of Leadville, 
Colo.; [&] Georgia White; [ c ] Benjamin; [.<*] Hume. 

3. James Morton, b Sept. 5, 1854; m'd June 17, 1886, Ann 

White, b. Dec. 31, 1859. She is not related to G. G. 
White, but a half-sister of Wm. C. White. In 
November, 1894, Mr. Morton was elected a judge of 
the county court, and reelected in 1896 ; he is a man 
of sense and a successful farmer. Ch: [«] Ben 
Morton; [&] Elizabeth. 

4. Z. Alice Morton, b. Sept 11, 1863; m'd Dec, 8, 1886, 

Chas. M. Johnston, son of Stephen (i), and a mer- 
chant in Platte City. Ch: [«] Georgia Johnston; 
[&] Morton Johnston; [c] Janett. 
Ben R. Morton had a brother, John, whose son, James R. 
Morton, came to Platte in 1891. 
n. JOSEPH HUNT, b. Fob. 3. 1S24; d. in the Mexican War. 

III. ZILPAK HUNT (twin), b. Fob. 3, 1824; d. Aug. 13, 1856. 

I V. A I ' R EY HUNT. b. Nov. 9, 1826 ; m'd J. G. Sulton. | See.) 

V. ELTZA ANN HUNT, b. Aug. 13, 1828; m'd Levi Likins. 
Mr. Likins was in charge of the Platte City Water Mills 
with mo, from 1862 to 1866, was burned out by Federal 
soldiers in July, 1864, and went to California, whore he 
now lives; no children. 
VI. REBECCA SUSAN HUNT. b. June 19. 1836; m'd Charles 
limit (cousin), son of Daniel. 



1864, SEPT. 377 W. W. WILLIAMS. 

VII. JONATHAN 15. BUNT, b. March LO, L832; d. in Jan. 1858; 

m'd Fannie Thompson, dr. or -las. L. They had: 
1. Joseph T. /hint. 

Mrs. Hum afterwards married a G-oldem, of Ohio. 
After the death of Mrs. Rebecca Hunt, Mr. J). Hunt (i) mar- 
pied, second. August 1, L839, Ann Todd (see), daughter of Joseph. 
Under her name will be found a second set of children. (See.) 

Sept. LI — Prof. W. 0. McKinnis takes charge of the Platte 

City Academy, with Dr. J. M. Holt and wife to supervise the board 
iug department. 

Sept. Hi — Si. Gordon has gone; bushwhackers still hiding. 

WILLIAM W. WILLIAMS. 

William W. Williams died August 3, 1804. J. S. P»rasfield 
administered. Bond, $20,000. Mr. W. W. Williams was a son of 
John Williams andElizabeth Collins, and was born in Madison 
County, Ky., Dee. 15, 1795. His father, John Williams, born in 
1770, was a son of William. His mother, Elizabeth, was a daugh- 
ter of John Collins, and born May 8, 1772. Mr. W. W. Williams 
was a large and portly gentleman, and an intelligent and success 
ful farmer. He married, in Kentucky, Sallie Walker, born 
February 11, 1800. From Madison County the family removed to 
Montgomery County in 1S35, and thence to Platte in 1S44. Oh : 

I. ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, b. July 27, 1820; d. in March, 
1800; m'd W. Frank Hoffman; dead. Ch: 

1. Sallie B. 2. Susan E. •'!. Richard L. Hoffman. 
4. Franklin M. 
II. OSCAR F. WILLIAMS, b. May 24, 1823; dead; m'd Sallie 
Peacock, of Independence, Mo. Ch: 

1. Mary F. 2. WilUam. 3. Rosa Lev Williams. 
HI. JOHN W. WILLIAMS, b. Nov. 6, 1824; d. June 8, 1892. 
IV. EDWIN R. WILLIAMS, b. Nov. 15, 1820; m'd May 27, 1858, 

Mary C.May. (See.) 
V. SARAH F. WILLIAMS, b. Jan. 10, 1834; m'd Nov. 29. 1854, 
Pevton Newman; live in Kansas. 
VI. LUCY A. WILLIAMS, b. May 3, 1835; dead; m'd Nov. 25. 
1858, Jolm T. Swanev, b. Feb. 28, 1835; d. March 23. 1865. 
VH. STEPHEN D. WILLIAMS, b. Dec. 14. 1837; d. Sept. 0, 1893; 
m'd Henrietta Cox, dr. of J. B.; 4 children. 

VIII. LEE M. WILLIAMS, b. Mav 15. 1842; m'd Elizabeth Ma v. 
(See.) 

IN. MARTHA B. WILLIAMS, b. April 20. 1845; m'd Feb. 15, 
1866. Dr. Ben F. Records, b. Jan. 0. 1834. in Bracken Co., 
Ky.: died in Kansas City Oct. 28. 1890. He was a son of 
Laban S. Records, b. May 11, 1807, and grandson of 
Laban Records, b. in 1765, in Sussex Co.. Del. His mother 
was Martha stites. b. Dec. 31. 1810. (]v. of Samuel stitcs. b. 
in 1700. iu New Jersey. Dr. Records graduated at St. 
Louis Medical College in 1871, and practiced iu Platte, 



L864, SEPT. 378 MAT. JOHN McCLUER. 

Clay, and Jackson counties. He possessed literary taste, 
as well as professional acquirements. He was a. zealous 
Baptist, and was a diligent reader of history, philosophy, 
and science, as well as of politics and the advance of im- 
provement. He often wrote for the press. Dr. Records 
m'd 1st, Mattie A. Kenny, who died childless. Children by 
second wife: 

1. John W. Records, b. Nov. 9, 1866; m'd Aug. 5, 1890, 

Lora L. Lanipton. 

2. Lucy M. Records, b. Sept. 1, 1870. 

3. James L. Records, b. Aug. 5, 1872; m'd Dec. 5, 1894, 

Anna Stone, dr. of A. R. Stone. 

4. William C. Records, b. April 20, 1878. 

MAJ. JOHN McCLUER 

On the 13th of July, 1864, after the fight at Camden, a party 
of Federals, in pursuit of bushwhackers, passing the home of Maj. 
McCluer, called him to his door, and shot him in cold blood. He 
was born in Versailles, Ky., in 1815. He was a son of John 
McCluer, who came from Virginia, where he had married Ann 
McGrew, daughter of John. John M. McCluer was a man of good 
education, a major of militia, and was, prior to the war, sheriff of 
Atchison County, Kansas. On account of his sympathy with the 
South, he changed his residence to Platte City in 1861. At the 
time of his death he was residing near Camden Point. At Hop- 
kinsville, Ky., Maj. McCluer married Myra Wilkinson. She sur- 
vives, and lives with her daughter in Kansas City. Ch : 
1. JAMES L. McCLUER, b. March 6, 1838; m'd Oct. 18, 1866, 
the lovely Mary Frankie Hunt, b. March 31, 1848, dr. of 
David Hunt. (See.) He studied law in 1838-9, at Atch- 
ison, with Headley & Carr; was circuit clerk of Atchison 
County to 1861; editor of the Landmark, and manager of 
the Western department of the JEtna Insurance Company. 
He is a gentleman of dignity, and wields great influence in 
insurance affairs. As an editor he showed literary ability. 
He has traveled much, and is acquainted in all parts of the 
West. (For his family, see David Hunt.) 
II. LUCRETIA McCLUER, b. Feb. 25, 1840; m'd Feb. 3. 1863, 
Ed. C. Cockrill. (See.t At the time of Lucretia's marriage 
she was a remarkable beautv. 
III. MKA MrCLUER, lives with her mother in Kansas City. 

DR. THOMAS L. THOMAS (i). 

Sept. /S — Dr. Thomas L. Thomas (i) having been murdered for 
his Southern sympathies, his brother, Elder W. H. Thomas, ad- 
ministered. Bond, $2,400. Dr. Thomas married October 2. 1851, 
Nancy I lavs. (See.) He was possessed of superior native mind, 
and was a well-read physician, of large experience. His pleasant 
address and generous spirit made him a favorite at < Jamden Point. 
Children: 



1864, SEPT. 379 DAVID GREGG. 

I. WILLIE THOMAS, is married and lives in Kansas City. 

II. THOMAS L. THOMAS (id), b. .Jan. i'.:. L854; d. Nov. 25, L884. 

lie came to Platte City, and, with A. L. Smith, engaged in 
the drug business. He m'd in Oct., 1877, Laverier John- 
son, dr. of Dr. F. M. Johnson, and a lady of varied accom- 
plishments, with beauty, intelligence, and queenly dignity. 
Mr. Thomas was elected, in L882, treasurer of I'latte 
Comity, and died in office. Ch: 

1. Valdez Thomas, lives with his mother. 

III. MARTIN THOMAS, lives in Kansas City. 

[V. JESSE THOMAS, married, and lives in St. .Joseph. 

DAVID GREGG. 

Sept. 19 — David Gregg having been killed September 15, 1864, 
T. A. Gregg administered. Bond, $1,800. He was met in the 
road by a squad of Col. Jennison's men, and questioned upon his 
sympathies. He avowed his leaning to the South, and thereupon 
they shot him, and left him where he fell. He was an old and 
highly esteemed farmer. He married Nancy Adams, who died 
in 1876. Oh: 

I. ELIZABETH GREGG, ni'd J. B. Dean. (See.) 
II. SUSAN GREGG, b. Sept. 28, 1823; ni'd Jan. 5, 1842, A. Jack- 
son Higgins, b. Dec. 29, 1816, in Coopersport, Howard Co., 
Mo. ; d. April 1, 1895 Ch : 

1. ^Y. Riley Higgins, b. May 8, 1843; died, single, Sept. 

14, 1895. 

2. Nannie M. Higgins, b. Dec. 10, 1846; m'd Dec. 25, 1864, 

Josiah G. Lewis. Ch: [«] Ellen Lewis, b. Oct. 9, 
1865; m'd March 1, 1888. a Staggs. Ch: [1] Den- 
nis Staggs, b. in 1890. [&] Minnie Lewis, b. March 
10, 1872; [c] Lena, b. June 1, 1884. 

3. David B. Higgins, b. Dec. 4, 1850; m'd Feb. 7, 1878, 

Sarah M. Noland, dr. of Obed C. Oh: [«] And. J. 
Higgins, b. Jan. 17, 1879 ; [&] Myrtle Higgins, b. Nov. 
14, 1880. 

4. Pauline (Lena) Higgins, b. Dec. 6, 1853; m'd Sept. 30, 

1877, William Dearing; no children. 

5. Minerva Higgins, m'd James Strang, d. in Feb., 1882. 

He was a justice of the peace and a man of local dis- 
tinction. Ch: [«] Kate Strang, m'd Thomas Dear- 
ing, son of Burket; [&] David G. Strang, m'd March 
23, 1880, Leora Hov (see); [<*] Lizzie Strang, b. Nov. 
25, 1857; d. Dec. 28, 1893; m'd Dec. 25, 1870, James D. 
Jacks, son of Sidney; 5 children; [''] Henrietta 
Strang, m'd a Truman, and died, leaving children. 

Mrs. Minerva Strang m'd 2d. Aug. 8, 1869, John S. Crane. 
HI. FRANKLIN GREGG, married, and was father of: 

1. Chas. (ireqq. 

IV. THOMAS A. GRECO, b. in Clay Dec. 10. 1831; m'd Feb 25, 

1858, Cordelia Lewis. He went to Buchanan in 1864, re- 



1864, SEPT. 380 THE GREGGS. 

turned in 1870, went to New Market in 1879 and opened a 
store, went to Tracy, and thence to Parkville, and finally 
returned to his. farm in Pettis Township. Ch: 

1. William Lee Gregg, b. Dec. 24, 1861; ni'd Emma Moore, 

of De Kalb Co., Mo. Ch: [«] Otto Gregg; [&] Jeph- 
tha T. Gregg. 

2. Ida A. Gregg. 3. Nannie May Gregg. 
4. Thos. H. Gregg. 

Y. ABASLOM GREGG, m'd Mahala Bobbins. Ch: 
1. J oh n Gregg. 
VI. MABY F. GBEGG, ni'd Feb. 6, 1860, John H. Nash. He died 
May 12, 1884. Mr. Nash was a successful business man of 
Parkville, and highly esteemed He was elected assessor 
in November, 1882, as a Democrat, without opposition. 
Children : 

1. Florence Nash, m'd Charles Galbraith ; 3 children. 

2. Fannie Nash, m'd Sept. 8, 1.874, Dr. S. F. Carpenter, of 

St. Joseph. Ch: [ a ] Annie Carpenter. 

3. Katie Nash, m'd Bobert Hubbard. Ch: [«] Bobert; 

[»] Maud Hubbard; [c] Charles. 

4. William Nash, m'd Bertie Brightwell, dr. of B. T. 

(See.) 

5. Lizzie Nash, d. Feb. 26, 1895; m'd Hall Gilcrist. Ch: 

[«] Frank. 

6. Belle Nash. 7. Stella Nash, m'd Harvey Edgar. 
8. Arthur. 

Nil. JOHN GBEGG, m'd Maria Johnson. (See.) 

VIII. MARGARET GREGG, m'd Herman Ford, son of Samuel. 
Children: 

1. Nannie Ford. 2. Waller. 3. Samuel. 4. Laura. 
5. Bessie. 

IX. REBECCA GREGG, m'd Edwin Edgar. Ch: 

1. Harry Edgar. 
Samuel Hardwicke's mother was a sister of David Gregg. 

Sept. 23 — The threatened draft creates alarm. A. G. Beller 
has in the Border Times a splendid poem, entitled "Peace at Any 
Price." 

Sept. 27 — Twenty-one Federal soldiers are taken by Bill 
Anderson and shot. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 1 — A Republican Congressional Convention at Hamil- 
ton Dominates R. T. Van Horn, of Kansas City. 

Abundant rain after a drouth. 

Oct. 3 — A Democratic Convention at Platte C\\y nominates: 
\V. T. \\'<><nls for sheriff, James IT. Layton for county judge, G. W. 
Belt for circuit clerk, D. P. Lewis for county clerk, M. C. Bonnell 
for treasurer, John Wilson and D. D. Burnes for representatives, 



1864, OCT. 381 THE CONDITION. 



and Thomas YY. Davis and II. M. Aller for delegates to the Con- 
stitutional Convention. 

The Confederate (.Jen. S. Price, with a strong force, is near 
Jefferson City. 

Oct. 5 — Thos. Price, Democratic candidate for governor, 
speaks at Weston. 

THE CONDITION. 

The condition of the county is deplorable: business is sus- 
pended, stores are closed, we have to go to Leavenworth for daily 
supplies, and men apprehend confiscation, banishment, or the 
draft. 

Oct. 7 — E. H. Norton having been nominated for Congress, at 
the Democratic Convention at Richmond, the Border Time* 
charges him with disloyalty, saying: "When treason had its 
clutches on the nation's throat. Judge Norton voted against the 
necessary supplies." 

A. Y. BALDWIN. 

Oct. IS — A. Y. Baldwin died four miles w T est of Platte City. 
He was born in South Carolina November 30, 1812; came to Mis- 
souri, and married, February 23, 1840, Sarah Beatty, daughter of 
Joseph; came to Platte in 1844. He w T as a gentleman of intelli- 
gence, and a decided friend of the South. Mrs. Baldwin still lives 
on the old family farm. Oh: 

I. LOUISA J. BALDWIN, m'd Dec. 1, 1865, Israel Heath, who 
d. Jan. 13, 1888. Ch : 

1. William Heath. 2. James. 3. Ella. 4. Ocon/c. 
H. LUCINDA, m'd Oct. 22, 1881, W. H. H. Reeves. 
III. MARY BALDWIN. IY. GEORGE BALDWIN. 

Y. SARAH BALDWIN, m'd Nov. 1, 1874, Samuel Cnmmings. 
VI. JAMES BALDWIN. YII. JOHN BALDWIN. 

Oct. 24 — James Griffith having died, Thos. Griffith adminis- 
tered. Bond, |1,000. 

NOVEMBER. 

THE ELECTION. 

For President (total)— Lincoln, 2,216,067 ; McClellan, 1 ,808,725. 

For President— McClellan, 882; Lincoln, 488. in Platte. 

For Governor— Thos. Price. 000; Thos. Fletcher. 507. 

For Congressman — E. H. Norton, 008; R. T. Yan Horn, 455; 
A. A. King, 40. 

For a Constitutional Convention, 378; against, 820. 

For Delegate to the Convention— S. A. Gilbert. 849; H. J. 
Wolf, 550; W. A. Morton, 324; G. S. Park, 415; A. G. Belief, 407. 



1864, NOV. 382 THE HEATHS. 

For Representatives — John Wilson, 908; D. D. Burnes, 874; 
A. G. Brown, 445; Thomas Quinn, 449. 

For Sheriff— W. T. Woods, 892; J. A. Price, 457. 
For County Judge— J. H. Layton, 925; J. B. Wright, 423. 
For Circuit Clerk— G. W. Belt, 1,029; D. W. Moore, 301. 
For County Clerk— D. P. Lewis, 915; J. M. Mulkey, 424. 
For Treasurer— M. C. Bonnell, 683; C. M. Boyd, 296. 
For Coroner— E. D. Cord, 680; W. A. White, 447. 
For Assessor — J. A. Stone, 910; M. Miles, 429. 

Public Administrator was not voted for, and W. M. Paxton 
held over. 

Nov. 4 — The Border Times advertises 69 sheriff sales. 
Platte County has sent 1,800 men to the Southern army. 
Clinton Heath is appointed administrator of James Heath. 
Bond, |5,000. 

THE HEATH FAMILY. 

ISRAEL HEATH was the progenitor of the Platte County 
family. He lived in Cabell County, Va., and married Elizabeth 
Blue. He was a farmer and stone-mason. An earnest Methodist, 
he raised all his family in that faith. Three of his sons were 
preachers. He came to Platte in 1840. Ch : 

I. JOHN HEATH, b. in Cabell Co., Va., Oct. 24, 1809; d. Nov. 
30, 1888; m'd May 12, 1833, Judith McComas. dr. of Moses 
McComas. They came west in 1840. and settled in the 
Missouri bottom, near Waldron. They then removed to 
the Brasfield prairie. His wife d. Julv 10, 1850, and March 
9, 1851, he m'd Susan Smoot, b. Feb. 16, 1815; d. Feb. 1, 
1892. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister, and an out- 
spoken Union man, as were all of the Heath name. Chil- 
dren by his first wife: 

1. Sarah Heath, b. June 26, 1834; m'd Feb. 22, 1854, Ezra 

Kerr (i), b. in Holmes Co., Ohio, Aug. 22, 1831, son of 
William Kerr and Elizabeth Dugan. He came to 
Platte in 1844, and settled five miles east of Platte 
City, where he still lives. Ch: [«] John, single; 
[ & ] Victoria Kerr, m'd Robert St. Clear, and died, 
leaving 1 child ; [e] Sarah Kerr, m'd March 12, 1885, 
Edward Fleming; 3 children; [ d ] Ezra Kerr (ii), m'd 
March 5. 1884, Bertha J. Carter; [e] Waller Kerr; 
[f] Laura. Kerr, m'd Feb. 25. 1883. a Powell; no chil- 
dren; [p] Daniel Kerr; [&] Lucy Kerr. 

2. James JacksonHeath, m'd Sept. 4, 1859, Eliza J. Frazier, 

dr. of George. Ch: [«] Geo. W. Heath, m'd Dec. 
IS, 1884, Elizabeth St. John, dr. of James; T&] Wil- 
liam Heath, b. Sept. 29. 1863; m'd Jan. 17, 1892, Mis- 
souri A. Cockrael, dr. of Martin ; [ c ] Jackson Heath; 
[<*] Jennie; [<"] Sarah: [7] Mary B., m'd Warren H. 



1864, NOV. 383 THE HEATHS, 

rowers. Oh: [i] Norman Powers. [0] Sue Heath, 
m'd Feb. 14, L884, Geo. W. Baber. Oh: [/] rims. B. 
Baber; [2] Robert Baber. [ /( ] Lethe Heath; 
| '] I ►avid L. Heath; [/] Oscar Heath. 

3. Geo. W. Heath, b. June. 21, 1839; m'd Dec L3, 1860. 

Aletlm Humgerford, b. .June 17, 1839. Ch: ["] Em- 
ma. Heath, m'd a Zollers; [ B ] John W., b. April 14, 
1864; m'd March 2, 1891, Mary Lutes, b. Nov. 25, 
1868; [c] David Heath (ii); [''] Sallie Heath, m'd 
Oct. 19, 1894. Stephen H. Neff; [ e ] Effie Heath, m'd 
Aim. 27, L896, Jo. M. Wright; [f] Homer Heath. 

4. Lou-era Heath, m'd Feb. 25, 1863, John \Y. Wagle, b. 

June 29, 1829. Oh: [«] Mary Wagle, b. in 1869; 
[6] Henry C. Wagle b. in 1872. 
John Heath (i) had by his second wife, Susan Sinoot: 

5. Martha Jane Heath, b. Nov. 8, 1858: m'd Feb. 14, 1892. 

Samuel Brunts, b. Sept. 10, 1856; no children. 
II. JAMES HEATH, m'd Chloe McComas, dr. of Moses. Ch: 

1. Elizabeth Heath, m'd Feb. 10, 1856, Wm. Laughlin; 

both dead. Ch: [«] Chas. H. Laughlin, m'd May 
15, 1879, Clara M. Freehand. 

2. Lucy Heath, m'd William Malott. 

3. Sarah Heath, m'd 1st, March 18, 1858, Isaac Babcock. 

He d. in Dec, 1859, leaving: [«] Sarah Babcock, 
m'd Oct. 4, 1869, Samuel Z. Babcock: [&] Mary E. 
Babcock, m'd Thomas Porter; 9 children; [ c ] Re- 
becca Babcock. Mrs. Sarah Babcock m'd 2d, W. H. 
Arnold, dead. Oh: [*] W. H. Arnold (ii) ; [c J Chas. 
C. Arnold. Mrs. Arnold still lives, a handsome and 
intelligent lad v. 

4. Mary C. Heath, m'd Dec 3, 1865, Isaac W. Wilson. 

They went to California. 

5. Angelme Heath, b. Jan. 30, 1850; m'd June 13, 1867, 

James L. Gray. Ch: [«] Geo. Gray, b. July 13, 
1873 ; [6] Fred H., b. July 24, 1880. Angeline Heath 
is the third wife of James L. Gray. He m'd 1st. 
July 4, 1852, Elizabeth Artman. and m'd 2d, Dec 30, 
1855. -Jane Zabriskv. He now lives in Leavenworth. 

6. Geo. W. Heath (ii). 

7. Clinton Heath, m'd July 2, 1857, Susan M. Searcy; 8 

children. Live in California. 

8. Israel Heatlt, m'd Lou. J. Baldwin. (See.) 

III. WILLIAM R, HEATH, m'd Mary Turpin. He is a lawyer 
living in Howard Co., Mo., and was county judge. Ch: 

1. Ella Heath, m'd Jan. 16, 1874, Hugh Collins. Ch: 

[«] Perry. 

2. James M. Heath. 

3. John C. m'd Gracie Barkman. They live in Howard 

Co.. Mo. 



1864, NOV. 384 ROBERT SNELL. 

4. Lucy J. Heath, ni'd Feb. 18, 1868, Sanders McConias, b. 

Jan. 2, 1841. She is a delicate, handsome, and spir- 
ited lady. Mr. McComas (see) held the office of 
postmaster at Platte City during Harrison's admin- 
istration. He is now trading in stock. During the 
war he was a firm supporter of the Union. Ch: 
[«] Ella. (Tweety); [&] Lizzie; [c] Dolly McComas. 

5. Thomas J. Heath, m'd Nellie McCauley. Live in 

Howard. 
'IV. DAVID M. HEATH, m'd 1st, Letha McComas, dead. Ch: 
1. Elisha Heath. 2. James. 3. William Heath. 
D. M. Heath m'd 2d, Oct. 5, 1847, Eliza J. Kerr. Ch: 
4. John Heath (in). 5. Sarah. 6. Martha. 7. Sallie. 
8. Adeline. 
V. RICHARD HEATH, went to Texas and died. 
VI. STEPHEN P. HEATH, m'd 1st, Mary Kay. Ch: 

1. Wm. B. Heath, b. March 24, 1841; d. Aug. 1, 1895; m'd 

Nov. 20, 1865, A. E. Smith, dr. of Wash; dead. Ch: 
[«] Homer; [ ]) ] Mina; [ r ] William. 

2. Jonas Heath, died single. 

3. John i?., m'd Margaret Babcock; 1 child. 

4. Elizabeth Heath, m'd Feb. 25, 1863, Thomas Shackel- 

ford. Ch: [«] William, and 3 girls. 
Rev. S. P. Heath married, second, June 29, 1848, Martha 
J. Foster, daughter of Elijah Moore; no children. 

Nov. l-'f — General Sherman commences his march to the sea. 

Nov. 25 — Judge Heren commenced a long session of circuit 
court, and did much business. An immense amount of land was 
sold by the sheriff, for debts of Southern soldiers, and many farms 
sacrificed. 

ROBERT SNELL. 

Xov. 28 — Robert Snell having died, Manoah Miles adminis- 
tered. Bond, $10,000. He was a man of ability, with aspirations 
for popular favor. He was an active spirit in every public enter- 
prise, and managed his private affairs with discretion. He mar- 
ried three times, but I cannot name his wives, nor distinguish 
their children. His widow was Lucy Ann. Oh: 

1. ROBERT SNELL (ii), m'd Sept. 17, 1876, Kate Jones. He 
died, leaving: 

1. Henrietta. She died, and her mother inherited. 
II. OLAY SNELL, m'd Feb. 28, 1881, Mattie Stiff. September 
2, L881, lie, (in the fair grounds, stabbed Stephen New- 
man wiih a. knife, killing him. For this offense he was 
sentenced April 26, 1882, to the penitentiary for twenty 
years, but on account of sickness, he was pardoned, and 
came home and died. He left: 
1. May Snell, m'd dan. L>4. 1897, John Black. 
The widow married John Reed. 



1864, NOV. 385 THE SNELLS. 

III. HENRIETTA SNELL, m'd (lias. Chrisman, from whom 

she was separated. He m'd I'd, Susan Spencer. 

IV. JOHN SNELL, died, single. 

V. ALBERT SNELL, was Robert Snell's first child. He m'd 
Dulcinia Hunter, and died in 1881, childless. She lives 
in Mississippi. 

VI. CARTER SNELL. 

VII. JULIA SNELL, m'd .Manoah Miles. They went to Illinois. 

He was an intelligent and outspoken Union man, and, 
during the war, was several times a candidate for office. 

VIII. LOUISA SNELL. 

IX. HENRY SNELL, lives in Leavenworth. A daughter m'd 

Chas. Gist and died in March. 1896. 
X. HARRIET SNELL, m'd a Fant, and died, leaving: 

1. Harriet. 

After Fant's death, the widow m'd a Hord, and died, 
leaving: 

2. Mori/ Hord. 

Mrs. Lucy Ann Snell, widow of Robert Snell (i), married 
August 28, 18GG, Thomas Standiford (his second wife), and left one 
child, Thomas Standiford (ii). The Snells lived near Ridgely. 

Nov. 29 — The county court now allows $200 bounty for re- 
cruits credited to Platte County, and R, P. 0. Wilson is appointed 
commissioner of recruits. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec. / — The year was remarkably unfavorable for corn, 
owing to the dry spring. Prices: Flour, $7 per 100; wheat, $2; 
corn, $1; potatoes, $2; eggs, 40 cents; coffee. 55 cents; sugar, 35 
cents; salt, $0. These high prices are owing, in part, to the depre- 
ciation of the currency and to the war. 

Dec. 8 — J. C. Greenawalt enrolled as an attorney. 

Dec. JO — Banishment. A military order was promulgated 
for the banishment of all bushwhackers, and such as had been in 
the Southern army. 

Dec. 12 — Maj. Hilliard, who has been in command at Weston, 
is ordered to join his regiment — the 16th Illinois cavalry. 

Dec. 13 — James Durbin enrolled as an attorney. 

the 20 — William C. Remington died at Omaha, where he 
was keeping hotel. He was a son of 

ENOCH REMINGTON 

and his wife, Catherine Powers, who were progenitors of the fam- 
ily that came to Platte. Their eh : 

I. CARLTON REMINGTON, m'd a Miss Risley, and died at 
Fort Smith. Oh: 

25- 



1864, DEC. 386 THE REMINGTONS. 

1. Mary C. Remington, m'd March 5, 1862, John Adkins. 
He died, leaving: [«] Carlton Adkins; [ & ] Mary 
Adkins. The widow m'd 2d, a Carroll, of Leaven- 
worth. 
H. ELIZABETH REMINGTON, b. Jan. 30, 1815; d. April 5, 
1S7S; m'd 1st, Isaac Horr, who died, leaving: 

1. Julia Horr, m'd Oct. 4, 1866, Thomas Cooper, b. Nov. 

15, 1840; 5 children. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Horr m'd 2d, June 7, 1855, Geo. W. Oro- 
barger, b. in 1801, in Tennessee; d. March 3, 1875, leaving, 
by his second wife, Elizabeth : 

2. Eugene Crobarger, b. April 16, 1858. 

IH. WILLIAM C. REMINGTON, m'd Amanda. Adkins. (See.) 
IV. STEPHEN REMINGTON, a dwarf, but a Master Mason. He 
is now in the county poor-house. 
V. MARY ANN REMINGTON, b. Nov. 28, 1824; d. March 30, 
1869 ; m'd Henry J. Freeland, a son of Judge John Freeland. 
He was a member of the mercantile house of Murray & 
Freeland, of Platte City, and in 1858 was elected county 
treasurer, over M. N. Owen, by a vote of 1,399 to 1,032. He 
was murdered Jan. 4, 1866. (See.) In a poem dedicated to 
his memory, I celebrate his energy and independence: 

He came, a blunt and awkward lad, 

Without a friend to aid him; 
And though in rustic homespun clad. 

Intelligence and courage swayed him. 
With nerve that knew no word like "ff.il" — 

With motto: "Onward, Ready" — 
His plans, of course, must all prevail — 

His rise be sure and steady. 

Their children: 

1. Alice Freeland, m'd April 7, 1868, J. B. Flannery. (See.) 

2. William Freeland. 

3. Ella C, m'd Frank Bloomfield, of California. 

4. John H. 

5. Clara, m'd May 15, 1879, Chas. Laughlin. (See.) 

<;. Lizzie Freeland, m'd T. C. Dooly. Ch_: ["] Raymond. 
7. Frank R. Freeland, went to California. 

VI. EUNICE REMINGTON, single. 

VII. MARVIN REMINGTON, m'd Julia Leftwich. Live in 

Kansas. 

VIII. OALISTA REMINGTON, m'd James Adkins. (See.) 
Dec. 30 — Missouri River frozen over. 

PREACHERS OFFICIATING IN PLATTE, 1857-1870. 

Calvin and O. D. Allen. R, A. Austin, David and John Ander- 
son, l>;iiins Baimibridge, Wm. Harnett. James Beeding, Jesse 
Bird. AHi-.mI Broadhurst, D. S. Burnett, P. J. Burruss, John Cal- 
lerman, Thomas F. Campbell, R. N. Coffey, C. W. Oollett, S. W. 



1864, DEC. 387 MARRIAGES. 

Gope, James J. Daniel, J. C. C. Davis, I*. K. Dibble, Charles G. 
Dick, Joseph Devlin, W. E. Dockery, E. S. Dulin, J. J. Felts, H. 
Fisch, I. G. Fa.kl.n-. J. W. Foley, W. S. Gunn, T. P. Haley, D. M. 
Heath, John Heath, S. P. Heath, A. E. Higgersom, 0. B. Hodges, 
F. K. Holeman, Thomas Hurst, A. B. Jones, R. H. Jordan, Isaac 
Kelso, John Knight, Moses E. Lard, J. W. Lewis, S. J. Lowe, 
F. M. Miller, W. G. Miller, G. L. Moad, James Morgan, R. C. Mor- 
ton, E. I. Owen, Aug. Payne Daniel Penny, William Perkins, H. 
Pritchett, J. 0. Riley, Nicholas Roberts, W. H. Saxton, Robert 
Scott, D. R. Shackelford, E. B. Sherwood, Pres. Simpson, James 
O. Starks, F. Starr, T. J. Starr, John Stone, W. A. Tarwater, J. W. 
Thomas, W. H. Thomas, S. S. Trice, B. Waller, J. W. Waller, Thos. 
Waller, Thomas Whitlock, J. F. Williams, M. F. Williams, J. S. 
Wilson, G. S. Woodward, J. J. Wvatt. 

MARRIAGES IN 1864 NOT ELSEWHERE NOTICED. 

January 28 — Lit. Witt married Sarah Brnton. 
March 15 — John Patton maried Elizabeth J. Lewis. 
June 5 — William A. Marshall married Luc. McClain. 
November ."> — Sam H. Pepper married Eliza Jones. 



1865. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, Thomas Fletcher; Congressman, R. T. Van Horn; 
Senator, John Doniphan ; Representatives, D. D. Buraes and John 
Wilson; Circuit Judge, J. W. Heren; Circuit Attorney, J. C. Par- 
ker; County Treasurer, M. C. Bonnell ; Coroner, E. D. Cord; Circuit 
Clerk, G. W. Belt; Probate Judge, S. A. Gilbert; County Justice, 
J. H. Layton; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; County Attorney, John 
Wilson; Sheriff, W. T. Woods; Assessor, J. A. Stone; Public 
Administrator, W. M. Paxton. 

PRICES. 

Bacon, hams, 25 cents; butter, 35 cents; coffee, 35 cents; corn, 
♦10 cents; eggs, 35 cents; flour, $7; hemp, $100; potatoes, 90 
cents; sugar, 25 cents. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte Citi/: Attorneys — Baker, Boyd, Clark, Greenawalt. 
Harrington, Herndon.Hollingsworth, Merryman, Norton, Paxton, 
J. Wilson, R. P. C. Wilson, W. H. Woodson. 

Physicians — Baldwin. Callahan, Guthrie, Johnson, McDon- 
ald, Moad, Redman, Rixey, Smith. 



1865, JAN. 388 BUSINESS MEN. 

Merchants, etc. — Burge,Freeland, Holt, Jenkins (postmaster), 
Likins, McKinnis, Mason & Swain, Murray, Mulkey, Young, Zarn. 

Lodge— Neb. 12, J. Zarn, N. G. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Burnes, Carroll, Doniphan, Durbin, 
Fulton, Gilbert, Hitt, King, Lawson. 

Physicians — Allison, Beaumont, Bonifant, Bowlby, Price, 
Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Barnihart, Basye, Bell, Blanjour (post- 
master), Briggs, Brown & Bros., Carpenter, Cockrill, Blackmore & 
McCluer, Deekleman, Deitz, Doppler, Ellifrit, B. F. Freeland, 
Gedultig, Gerner & Frank, Hall. Heriot, Ilkenhans, Johnson, 
Kaufman, Kurtz, Kyle & Keller, McConnell, Magers, Matkeny, 
Mettier, Mitchell, Nagle & Roney, Newhouse, Noble, Ogden, Oli- 
phant, Railey & Bro., Schindler, Steubenraugh, Rogers & Wood- 
ring, Tollman, Warner, Winzer, Wood, Woods & Story, Yocom. 

Weston Court of Common Pleas — Wolf, judge; Yocom, 
clerk; Roney, marshal. 

Newspaper — Border Times, A. G. Beller editor. 

Platte Savings Institute — Warner cashier. 

Lodges — Phcenix, G. M. Doppler, N. G.; Frontier Encamp- 
ment, J. A. Price, C. P. 

Mayor — A. G. Beller. 

Preachers— O. C. Steele and P. K. Dibble (Christian), E. B. 
Sherwood (Presbyterian), Isaac Hill (Methodist Episcopal), Elder 
Bird (Baptist). 

At Parkville: Bueneman (postmaster), Campbell, Kahm, 
McDonald. Dr. Moore, Park. Ringo, Summers. 

At Camden Point: Coffey. Hale (postmaster). 

At Farley: Holt, Meads, Simpson, Heath. 

At Yew Market: Armstrong, Bishop, Miller, Tufts. 

AtRidgely: Chrisman, Gustin. 

JANUARY. 

RECRUITS. 

Jan. 7 — Throughout the winter of 1864-5, enlistments in the 
United States army were pressed. R. P. C. Wilson, as county 
agent, in addition to the regular bounty, offered $200 for each 
recruit credited to the county, and $24,000 was paid out. W. 
H. Roney, at Weston, was deputy provost-marshal, under A. 
Oomingo, nnd corrected the enrollments made by Maj. Hinkle. 
The apprehensions of a draft caused alarm, but no draft was ever 
made. i jj fj 

Jan. 2 — Tax levied on whisky. $2 per gallon. 

<';il>t. McElroy, of the 3d Missouri State Militia, is in com- 
mand at Weston, succeeding Maj. Hilliarrl. 

Jam,. 19 — Jas. M. Mulkey rents the Green House, at Platte 
Oity,at$180. 



1865, JAN. J389 THE QUOTA. 

Jan. 20 — Belter takes full charge of the Border Times, and 
Howard starts the Landmark in a few months. 

Jan. 26 — A public meeting at Platte ( 'it y, A. G. Brown, chair- 
man, started a subscription for money to be added to the bounty 
now ottered by the county for recruits. 

The first public meeting of freedmen was held at Weston, and 
several enthusiastic addresses made by whites. 

Capt. Manoah Miles is appointed supervisor of registration. 

FEBRUARY. 

THE COUNTY QUOTA. 

Feb. 1 — There is now due from the several townships as fol- 
lows: Weston Township, -<*> men; Preston and Carroll, 30; Pettis 
and Lee. 55; Marshall and Green, 39; making 150 men due from 
the county. 

Deputy Provost-Marshal Roney gives notice that the county is 
in default, and encourages enlistments by showing the amount of 
bounties offered. 

Capt. Kemper is provost-marshal, with headquarters at 
Weston. 

Feb. 6 — The State Constitutional Convention abolish slavery. 

Feb. 13 — The Legislature, almost unanimously, ratify the 
constitutional amendment abolishing slavery. Representative 
John Wilson spoke and voted against it, but Representative D. D. 
Burnes voted for it. 

Feb. 18 — The old national flag again floats over Ft. Sumter. 
Charleston burned. 

A marauding party robs the houses of Alfred Jack, E. C. 
Cockrill, aud others, near Camden Point. 

Capt. Mays, recruiting for the 51st Missouri Infantry, offers 
$350 bounty for 12-months men. 

A lodge of Good Templars is organized at Weston with 10 
members, and Col. Fielding Burnes, W. P. 

Feb. 20 — Judge Lay ton sends a commissioner to Jefferson 
City, to see what can be done to avert the draft, but nothing is 
effected. 

The Legislature adjourns, having restored the Weston & A. 
Railroad to its original stockholders, and having provided for the 
completion of the railroad from Kansas City to Weston. They 
also helped the Pacific Railroad to reach Kansas City. They 
adjourned until November to complete the revision of the 
statutes. 

MARCH. 

March 3 — The Border Times Company is re-organized, with 



1865, MARCH. 390 THE NOLANDS. 

James X. Burnes president, H. M. Aller vice-president, and Jacob 
Hainm treasurer. N. J. Alexander, Thomas Quinn and J. B. 
Wright were made directors, and A. G. Beller editor. 

The President of the United States revokes the order for the 
collection of forfeited bonds of the disloyal. 

March 5 — The Platte Savings Institution organizing at Wes- 
ton, under the law of February 15, 1860. The stockholders of the 
Weston branch of Mechanics' Bank determine to wind up busi- 
ness, and James N. Burnes buys their unavailable assets. 

March 7 — Obed Noland kaving died, D. Fleming administers. 
Bond, |5,000. We will here set in order the 

THE NOLAND FAMILY. 

Five children of Harvey Noland, of Estill County, Ky., to-wit: 
Maj. Joshua Noland, Nicholas Noland, Obed (i), Henry, and Betsy 
Noland, came to Platte County, Mo., in 1837, and settled north of 
Parkville. Tke family is large, and one of them may be found on 
every hill in the neighborhood. We will take first 

I. MAJ. JOSHUA NOLAND. 

He married, first, Sarah McKinnev. Their children : 
I. WILLIAM NOLAND, ni'd Mary F. Anders, dr. of Elias. 
Children: 

1. James A. Noland. 
II. JAMES M. NOLAND (Captain). (See.) 

III. GEORGE W. NOLAND (Judge). (See.) 

IV. JOSHUA R. NOLAND (Captain). (See.) 

V. NICHOLAS F. NOLAND, m'd Sarah Reynolds, dr. of John. 
Children : 

1. Laura Noland. 
XI. JOHN W. NOLAND, m'd May 19, 1864, Mary E. Malott. Ch : 

1. William. 
VII. OBED C. NOLAND, b. in Lafavette Co., Mo., April 17, 1836; 
m'd Oct. 31, 1855, Elizabeth F. Higgins, dr. of John. He 
possesses intelligence and enterprise, and is a successful 
farmer. Ch : 

1 . Mary J. Noland, m'd John D. Patrick. Ch : [«] Gray 

sou; [&] a boy. 

2. Sarah M. Noland, m'd David G. Higgins. Ch: 

[""1 Jerry; [<>] Myrtle. 

3. Martha J. Noland. m'd Aug. 9, 1879, Joshua R. Noland. 

i See.) 

4. John If. Noland. m'd Jan. 21, 1886. Martha J. Brink. 

Ch: [«] R. B. Noland. 

5. Wm. />. Noland. m'd Julia Jackson. 6. Harmon G. 
7. EughB. 8. Henry C. 9. TollieM. 

II. NICHOLAS NOLAND. 

Se married a .Mann. Their children : 
r. JOHN NOLAND, m'd Zilpah Garges. (See.) 



1865, MARCH. 391 THE NOLANDS. 

II. ARENA NOLAN I), m'd Matthias Fickle. Ch: 

1. Fannie Fickle m'd Win. Boydston, son of Jacob. 

2. Amanda Fickle, m'd Jackson Reynolds. Oh: [«] Chas. 

Reynolds; [''] Sarah P.; [c] Mat; [<'] Walter. 

3. Matthias Fickle, m'd Alice ('rain. dr. of John S. (See.j 
III. MIRIAM NOLAND. m'd .James Garges. 

[V. OBED NOLAND. m'd 1st. July 30, 1842. Eliza Cray, who 
was the mother of his children. He m'd I'd. May 19, 1861, 
Mrs. Elizabeth (Gray) Medley, sister of his first wife. She 
survived him, and m'd Oct. 14. 1870, Edward T. Perkins. 
Children of O. Noland and Eliza. (Tabitha) Cray: 

1. America Noland, m'd Littlebenry Higgins. Ch: 

[«] Elizabeth Higgins, m'd April 29, 1884, Perry 
Naylor. Oh: [1] Clara Naylor; [2] Maggie; 
[3] Ethel; [&] Maggie Higgins; [c] Alice; [ d ] Zack; 
[ e ] Hester; [f] James. 

2. James A. Noland, m'd June 1, 1871, Mary J. Brown, dr. 

of Lee Brown. Ch: ["] Amelia . (Melie); [ & ] Obed 
L.; [c] Maud; [''] Daisy. 

3. John W. Noland, m'd Dec. 28. 187G, Sarah Alice De- 

moss, dr. of Lewis. She was b. May 23, 1855, and 
died childless. He m'd 2d, Jan. 11, 1894, Serilda J. 
Noland, dr. of Rnfus. 
V. GEORGE W. NOLAND, m'd Nov. 12. 1877, Ida D. Noland, 
dr. of Judge G. W. Ch: 
1. LydaNoland. 
VT. THOMAS NOLAND, m'd Ella Williams, dr. of John. 

VII. SARAH E. NOLAND. m'd July 25, 1880. Thos. Brown, son 

of Lee. 

VIII. JULIA A. NOLAND, b. in 1827; m'd Dec. 15, 1846. Absalom 
H. Brink, b. Aug. 14, 1825; d. Nov. 3, 1894, son of John 
Brink and Nancy Winn. Oh : 

1. Elenora, b. June 7. 1849; m'd Franklin Higgins. 

2. Aurora Brink, m'd Littleberrv Higgins. (See.) 

3. William H. Brink, b. Oct. 5, 1854; m'd Oct. 21, 1870, 

Mollie Jameson. They live in Livingston Co., Mo. 

4. Beckie Brink, m'd John Summit. 

5. Hannah (Hattie) Brink, m'd Demas Jewett. (See.) 

6. Nancy Gladys Brink, m'd Grant Babcock. (See.) 

7. Jackson W. Brink, m'd April 18, 1894. Ella M. Carpen- 

ter, of Kansas. 

8. Cora Belle Brink .m'd Dec. 24. 1891. Geo. Cleveland. 

IX. WILLIAM H. NOLAND. b. in 1855; d. Jan. 7. 1895; m'd June 

1. 1854. Lucinda Gray; no children. 

III. OBED NOLAND (i). 
He died in January. 1845. in Platte. 

IV. HENRY NOLAND. 

He lived a while in Platte, and returned to Kentucky. 



1865, MARCH. 392 RAILROAD BONDS. 

V. BETSY NOLAND. 

She married Obe T. Tincher, son of Jack. 

The Missouri River has been closed all winter, and yet we 
have had few depredations. The end of the war is in sight. 

March 10 — Capt. Charles Guenther gives notice to all white 
and colored male citizens, to present themselves for enrollment 
in the State Militia, under a penalty of $20. 

Gen. Fisk's headquarters for this district are now at Macon. 

March 11 — The State is now quiet, and no enemy is within 
its borders. It is advised that military law be removed, and the 
State henceforth be in the control of civil authorities. Gold has 
fallen to $1.40, and peace is near. 

THE P. & G. R. RAILROAD BONDS. 

March 20 — A scheme is on foot to make the county not only 
pay the bonds already issued to this defunct road, but so to revive 
the corporation as to demand that the remaining $75,000 sub- 
scribed to the road by the county be issued and paid. Therefore 
James Durbin, secretary of the company, gives notice that all 
subscriptions of stock must be paid forthwith. 

PLATTE SAVINGS INSTITUTION. 

The Platte Savings Institution is organized. J. N. Burnes, 
having bought of the Weston branch of the Mechanics' Bank its 
suspended debts, turned them over to the new institution, and 
business commenced at Weston, with J. E. Merryman, Clinton 
Cockrill, A. L. Perrin, George Gabbert, and J. N. Burnes as direc- 
tors, and T. F. Warner as cashier. Shares were fixed at $50 each; 
and the stockholders and their shares were as follows: J. C. 
Basye, 3; F. Belt, 20; Mary Blanjour, 20; H. Brill, 8; A. G. 
Brown, 10; D. D. Burnes, 58; J. N. Burnes, 60; C. Cockrill, 100; 
G.W. Field, 22; Jacob Frank, 18; Geo. Gabbert, 20; W. and Paul 
Gabbert, 20; A. M. Georgens, 8; Phil. Gerner, 48; M. Harrington, 
10; S. Johnston, 16; Aug. Kurts, 8; H. M. McFarland, 20; J. E. 
Merryman, 100; Lewis Miller, 16; D. W. Moore, 16; Jos. Nower, 
20; N. D. Ogden, 10; W. M. Paxton, 8; L. W. Pence, 2; A. L. Per- 
rin, 80; A. Perrin, Jr., 2; W. F Perrin, 40; Thomas Quinn. 20; 
W. A. Singleton, 22; W. C. Wells, 4; T. F. Warner, 5. All sum- 
ming up 41,000. 

APRIL. 

Vpril 1 — Jacob Deitz elected mayor of Weston, and 

Oarney mayor of Leavenworth. 

April 3 — Richmond, Virginia, evacuated. 

April f> — Lee surrenders at Appomattox. Peace! 

Joseph Wiiiiu haying died, James D. Jones administers. 



1865, APRIL. 393 S. JOHNSTON. 

His children: 1, James Wivnn; 2, Amanda; :*>. Nancy L; 4, Wil- 
liam; 5, Thomas; (i, Lewis. 

Ed. H. Bowman having died, H. C. Bowman administers. 

Bond, f 200. 

The new State Constitution adopted as a whole by the 

convention. 

April JO — Lieut. A. B. Pollock succeeds Lieut. Bradley, as 
provost-marshal at Weston. 

The Carpenter building in Weston burned. 

April Ik — President Lincoln assassinated. On the 18th 
memorial services a1 Platte City and Weston. The Border Times 
of the 21st is in mourning. 

STEPHEN JOHNSTON (i). 

April 2o — Stephen Johnston (i) died at his home, three miles 
east of Platte City. He was born in Ohio July 6, 1815 ; came west 
in 1838, and, with James H. Johnston (not related), opened a gen- 
eral store at Martinsville. They moved over to Platte City in the 
spring of 1840. They prospered, and in a few years divided large 
profits. Both invested in land, which was partitioned among 
their heirs. Stephen Johnston went to Omaha, and returned 
shortly before his death. A Northern man by birth, he espoused 
the Union cause during the war. He was tall and handsome in per- 
son, and exceedingly agreeable in his manners. He married, 
June 6, 1844, Malinda I). Clark, a sister of Mrs. John Wilson 
and of R. P. Clark. She died July 24, 1851, having been born in 
Boonville, Mo., August 17. 1824. She left: 

I. WILLIAM JOHNSTON, went west. 
II. R. P. C. JOHNSTON, d. Jan. 2, 1895; m'd Mary E. Chiles, dr. 
of Judge W. P. He studied medicine; bought, in 1873, the 
drug store of Jenkins &'Co., in Platte City; subsequently 
removed to Dearborn. He was saved from the ruin of in- 
temperance by the Keeley cure, and devoted the remainder 
of his lite to saving others, by the remedy that he found 
efficacious in his own case. He left a widow and several 
children. 

III. STEPHEN JOHNSTON (ii), b. June 0, 1851; m'd 1st. July 
25, 1S77, Ida M. Clay, b. Nov. 3. 1857; d. Nov. 30, 1881. dr. 
of Thomas Play. He m'd 2d. Feb. 3, 1880, Maggie Clay, 
his first wife's sister. Mr. Johnston is a well-educated 
gentleman, and an experienced merchant. He has pursued 
his calling in Edgerton. Platte City, and elsewhere. His 
first wife left two children : 

1. Mattie. 2. Thos. H. C. Johnston. 
Stephen Johnston (i) married second, April 10. 1853, Miss 

Georgia A. Boyd, daughter of Judge J. R. Boyd, of Tennessee. 

She was born Julv 0. 1834. and died October 5. 1878, in Kansas 

City. Oh : 



1865, APRIL. 394 COUNTY FINANCES. 

IV. CHAS. M. JOHNSTON, m'd 1st, May 1, 1879, Mary E. Burn.es, 

b. Feb. 26, 1859; d. July 8, 1880, childless. She was a dr. 

of Col. Fielding Burnes. He m'd 2d, Dec. 8, 1886, Alice 

Morton, dr. of Ben R. (See.) 

V J. B. JOHNSTON. VI. EMMA JOHNSTON, died voung. 

VI. MINNIE JOHNSTON, d. Jan. 30, 1883; m'd Oct. 11, 1875, 

Mrs. Waller was a lovely woman, and highly esteemed. 

She left: 

1. Geo. H. Waller. 2. Laverda. 3. Madeline. 
Fountain L. married, second, Olivia George, of Clinton 
County; she died February 18, 1896. 

April 28 — R. H. Cohen is publishing, in the Border Times, 
some original poems of merit. 

Property in Weston advancing. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Warrants drawn $34,783.29 

Revenue collected 13,739.12 

Overdrawn $21,044.17 

Levy — State, 40 cents; military, 20 cents; county, 50 cents; 
total, $1.10; poll, $2. 

Expenditures in Detail, 

Bounties paid recruits $24,900.00 

Poor 1,168.00 

Criminal costs 3,990.00 

Printing 31.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 1,609.00 

County Treasurer 1,100.00 

Assessor (Stone) 187.00 

Countv Attorney (J. Wilson) 150.00 

Count v Judge (Lavton) 210.00 

Sundries 1,438.29 

Total $34,783.29 

Assessment: lands, $2,733,490; personalty, $723,304; total, 
$3,456,794. 

CHANGE OF COUNTY OFFICERS. 

Mm/ / — Under the Vacating Ordinance, passed by the conven- 
tion, Judge James Layton is succeeded bv H. M. Aller, as countv 
judge; W. T. Woods by N. P. Ogden, as sheriff; S. A. Gilbert by 
A. < :. I'.'ll'i-. ;is probate judge; and D. Y. Lewis, by D. W. Moore, 
as county clerk. ( ;. \V. Bell is reappointed circuit clerk. 

Mm/ .] — II. M. Aller lakes liis sent ;is sole judge of the county 



1865, MAY. 395 JOHN VENEMEN. 

court', in the place of I, avion; and 1). \Y. Moore as clerk, in the 
place of Lewis. The latter protests. 

May 5 — The Border Times lias 61 sheriff sales. 

The work on the railroad from Kansas City to Weston 
commenced. 

JOHN VENEMEN. 
John Yenenien died this month. He married in Ohio, and his 
first set of children were: 
I. HENRY VENEMEN, m'd Huldah Yocom, dr. of Simon. He 
was killed in the war, and she m'd 2d. dan. 1, 1805. Dan 
Leahy. (See.) 
II. TIMOTHY VENEMEN, m'd Maggie Drake, in Ohio. 

Mr. John Venemen married, second, June "25, 1848, Sarah 
< ioodman. and had: 

III. ELIZABETH VENEMEN, m'd John Oxlossner. 

IV. HARRISON VENEMEN. V. LUCINDA VENEMEN. 
VI. SUSAN VENEMEN, m'd John Christ. VII. JOHN (ii). 

May 20 — W. J. Pumphrey died near Camden Point. 

THE PUMPHREY FAMILY. 
McHenry Pumphrey lived in North Carolina,. His son, 
Elijah H. Pumphrey. born June 11, 1790, m'd Olive Wilson, born 
in Kentucky June 24, 1705. She was a daughter of Jonas Wilson, 
of Pulaski County. Two of their sons came to Piatt e, and settled 
cast of Camden Point. 

I. W. J. PUMPHREY 

Was born in Kentucky in 1820; died in Platte May 20, 1805; he 
married, first, February 20, 1840, Caroline Kincaid, and married, 
second, March 1, 1863, Sarah A. Smith, who still lives. Ch: 
I. GALEN B. PUMPHREY, m'd April 0, 1876, Delia J. Jeter, 
dr. of James T. 
II. ED. E. PUMPHREY, m'd Eva Gabbert. (See.) 

III. OLLIE J. PUMPHREY, m'd Lee R. Carlton. 

IV. FRANK W. PUMPHREY. V. MAGGIE E. PUMPHRKY. 

II. JOSHUA H. W. PUMPHREY 

Was born in January, 1820, in Graves County, Ky.; he married 
December 27, 1852, Margaret Goodman, born December 24, 1837, 
in Monroe County, Mo. Mr. Pumphrey lived on a farm east of 
Camden until about 1889, when he removed to St. Joseph, where 
he died. He was a Baptist of strong faith and exemplary de- 
portment. Ch: 
I. ELIJAH H. PUMPHREY. m'd April 10, 1878. Ann Ducate; 

2 children. 
II. JOSEPH H. PUMPHREY. b. May 2, 1856; m'd April 9. 1S77. 

Susan Sherwood; 1 child. 

III. JAMES M. PUMPHREY. m'd Feb. 15. 1882. Minnie Phillips. 

IV. ANNIE D. PUMPHREY", m'd May 15. 1878, J. M. Butt; 1 

child. 



1865, MAY. 396 THE PUMPHREYS. 

V. JONAS W. PUMPHREY. VI. ALICE PUMPHREY. 
VII. LUCY LEE PUMPHREY. 
YHL FANNIE RAY PUMPHREY. 

Mr. Joshua H. W. Puniphrey removed to Rockcastle County, 
Ky., in 1831; thence, in 1839, to Clark County, Ky.; to Garrard 
County, Ky., in 1842, and to Platte in 1811, landing at Weston 
April 27tk." 

May 22 — Hon. C. P. Johnson spoke to a large audience in the 
Baptist church. Platte City, against the new Constitution. 

May 27— Frank L. Miller shot by Hill, at New Market. 
Hill was indicted for murder, and, after six years' delay, plead 
guilty of murder in the second degree. He was sentenced to 
three years in the penitentiary. He attempted suicide, but 
failed, and went to prison. 

May 29 — President Andrew Johnson issues a. proclamation of 
general amnesty. 

JUNE. 

June 6 — The new Constitution ratified by the people. 

County court appoints J. C. Greenawalt examiner of teachers. 

June 13 — The Missouri River had formed a bar in the port of 
Weston, but it is now so high that boats land at the wharf. 

June 20 — Lieut. Pollard, deputy provost-marshal, leaves Wes- 
ton, as his occupation is gone. 

THE OVERBECK FAMILY. 

Dr. Henry A. Overbeck died to-day. He was born in Bremen, 
Germany, April 3, 1803; came to America in 1820, and settled at 
Baltimore; he married May 22. 1827, Amelia C. Walz, born in 
New York February 30, 1808, and still living. Dr. Overbeck came 
first to Clay County, and thence, in 1813, to Platte, settling ou 
Bee Creek. He visited California, and lived five years in Oregon. 
He was a physician of experience and success. Ch : 

I. ROSENNA M. OVERBECK, b. Sept. 19, 1829; m'd Oct. 23. 
1816, Peter E. Miller (son of Lewis), b. June 5, 1825; d. Nov. 
11, 1888. Mr. Miller was a man of refinement and superior 
judgment. He died suddenly, while reading a newspaper. 
His widow lives at the homestead. Ch : 

1. Andrew L. Miller, b. Oct. 31, 1817; m'd Oct. 31, 1872. 

Alice Harris, dr. of James H. Mr. Miller lives on a 
farm north of Platte City, and deals in stock. Ch: 
[«] Edgar L., b. Oct. 20, 1871; [&] Jas. H.. b. Nov. 5, 
1880. 

2. Amelia Ella Miller, b. Nov. 19, 1851; m'd in March, 

1874, James P. Skinner. (See.) 
::. James W. Miller, b. Sept. 19. 1858; m'd Feb. 11, 1883. 
A nna E. By waters, dr. of John W. (See.) 



1865, JUNE. 397 THE OVERBECKS. 

4. Ben /•:. Miller, b. April 8, L862; m'd May 25, 1886, Alice 
Oldham, dr. of F. M. Oh: ["] Clarenee. 
n. LUTHER \V. OVEBBEOK, 1>. in Clay August 5, 1843: m'd 

1st. Dec 19, 1869, Lydia A. Robertson; shod. Jan. 12, 1878. 

Children: 

1. Chas. .1. Overbeck. 2. Wm. /.'. Overbeck. 3. Carrie I.. 

4. Geo. H. Overbeck. 5. Joftfl C. 

Mr. Overbeck m'd 2d, Nov. 29, 188:?, Mrs. Alice Dale, dr. 
of Michael 11. Gabbert. Mr. Overbeds is a successful 
farmer, and an urbane Christian gentleman. 

III. MARY A. OVERBECK, b. Jan. 27, 1836; living; m'd Thos. X. 

Clarke, d. in 1879. Ch : 

1. Burden Cla rke, m'd Lizzie DingeA - . 2. Asenath. 

3. W. H., b. Feb. 27, 1865; m'd Mary Kimsey. dr. of W. II. 

4. James T. Clarke. 

IV. AMELIA \Y. OVERBECK, m'd Oct. 29, 1874, Jos. H. Parrott. 

Children: 

1. Henry H. Parrott. 2. Ella N. 3. Jos. 0. 
V. ANDREW H. OVERBECK, m'd Sarah Wilhite, dr. of 
Eliezer. Ch : 

1. Emma Overbeek, m'd March 18, 1875, J. L. Kennev, b. in 

Scott Co., Ivy., August 21, 1853. Ch: ["] Jas. E. 
Kenney; [ b ] Henry L. ; [<"'] Lena G. ; [ (I ] Andrew L. 

2. Lizzie {Amelia), b. in Oregon, 1857; m'd in 1877, John 

B. Mundy, b. in Wyandotte Co., Kansas, Sept. 2, 1851, 
son of Isaac. He was marshal of the Weston Conn 
of Common Pleas in 1875, IT. S. storekeeper in 
1885-9, editor of the Landmark at Platte City in 1890. 
and of the Weston Journal in 1892. From disease 
he has lost a foot. His home is Weston. He is well 
educated, and a chaste and ready writer. Ch: 
["] Madge F. Mundy, b. April 14, 1880; [&] Emma B.. 
b. Jan. 5, 1890. 
VI. HENRY OVERBECK, m'd Emily Griffin; 2 children. 
YII. LOU OVERBECK, m'd J. W. Fink. Live in Ray. 
VIII. W. J. OVERBECK. b. May 27, 1846; d. Dec. 31, 1894; m'd 
Oct. 3, 1872, Mary E. (Dora) Stark, b. June 26, 1851. He 
was educated at Pleasant Ridge College, studied medicine 
with his father and at the Eclectic Medical School at Cin- 
cinnati; was elected sheriff of Platte County in 1880, re- 
elected in 1882, and was chosen collector in 1890-1. But. 
finding his health impaired, he went to Colorado, hoping 
its health-giving atmosphere would help him; he returned 
in 1894. without benefit, and died the last day of the year. 
Dr. Overbeck was a man of refinement. Nature had made 
him a gentleman. Mrs. Overbeck was educated at Camden 
Point, and possesses beauty, modesty, and amiability. Ch: 
1. Andrew P. Overbeck, b.'Nov. ::. 1873; m'd April 24. 1895, 
Maggie Fry. 



1865, JUNE. 398 GRAND CELEBRATION. 

2. John T., b. Nov. IT, 1874. 3. Harry F. 4. J as. 8. 
IX. JOHN F. OYERBECK, single. 

June 23 — Discharged soldiers are returning, and there is 
demand for dwellings and farms to rent. De Havens' Circus at 
Platte City. 

JULY. 

July 1 — The new Constitution goes into effect. 

July 3 — Moses Langley having died, his widow, Eliza, admin- 
istered. Bond, $6,000. 

July k — Grand celebration at Weston in Brill's pasture. 
Among those participating were H. M. Aller, Dr. Thos. Beaumont, 
W. S. Briggs, I. N. Burnes, Eld. J. Carson, W. S. Carroll, Clint. 
Cockrill, John Doniphan, T. J. Gedultig, J. W. Hardesty, T. J. 
Harper. Kev. W. M. Kain, Michael Kenney, Wm. Lamar, Aug. 
Newman, John Pace, Thos. Quinn, O. C. and J. W. Steele. There 
was great rejoicing for the return of peace. 

July 18 — Orton's Circus at Weston. 

July 22 — A pleasant picnic at Camden Point. 

July 24 — Gov. Fletcher spoke at Weston. 

AUGUST. 

± U f h i — i n a drunken affray in a saloon at Weston, a Mr. Shea 
was shot and severely wounded by Pat. Wheelan. 

A freedmen's picnic near Weston, addressed by A. G. Beller 
and Rev. W. M. Kain. 

Abundant rain. Wheat of good quality and yielding well. 

PLATTE CITY ACADEMY. 

Aug. //—All questions of title adjusted, and Prof. F. G. Gay- 
lord takes the Platte City Academy. 

THE FAIE. 

The stockholders of the Platte County Agricultural and 
Mechanical Association met and reorganized, electing Andrew 
Tribble president, and H. M. Aller, D. D. Burnes, W. K. Faulconer, 
M. Harrington, L. Hinkle, H. Jenkins, R. D. Johnston, Jesse Miller, 
and W. A. Singleton directors. 

Aug. 7— S. A. Gilbert elected probate judge for four years. 

Aug. 9 — The dreat Eastern arrives at Heart's-Ease with the 
■ •able. .Hid for the first time we have telegraphic connection with 
Europe. 

1 „,,. /.7 — Prof. <1. W. (iooda.le purchases the Weston High 
Scl 1 and lakes supreme control of it. 

James Durbin removes from Weston to Platte City. 



1865, AUG 399 NEW COURT-HOUSE. 

Aug. 18 — Board of emigration formed at Weston, composed of 
H. M. Alter, B. Bonifant, Henry Brill, J. N. Barnes, Wm. Conno- 
wav, John Doniphan, Adam Durkee, -Jacob Ham, Levi Hinkle, 
Jas. Layton, H. Lamar, M. Miles, D. W. Moore, G. S. Park, W. M. 
Paxton, C. A. Perry, W. F. Perrin, John Pace, Tbos. Quinn, J. W. 
Steele, F. M. Tufts, T. F. Warner, H. J. Wolf. 

Aug. 26 — -Picnic at the fair grounds. Wheat selling at $2. 
Large crops of apples and peaches. 

SEPTEMBER. 

Sept. 1 — Joseph Murphy is appointed commissioner of public 
buildings, and $40,000 is appropriated for a court-house. Block 
24 is purchased by the county as a public square. Murphy adver- 
tises for plans and specifications, to be presented before Novem- 
ber 30th. 

Sept. 'i — Circuit court. Judge Heren presiding. Attorneys 
are required to file affidavits of loyalty. There is much dissatis- 
faction, and J. G. Spratt leaves the State. Jurors also have to 
take the oath of loyalty. 

Sept. 22 — Work resumed on the Parkville & G. R. Railroad. 
It is only a blind to secure the payment of the bonds issued, and to 
secure the issuance of $75,000 more. 

Grand Jury at the late term: A. G. Brown, J. H. Burt, J. H. 
Carson, Noah Beery, Thomas Cook. John Davis, W. J. Fitzgerald, 
Thomas Hale, Jacob Hamm, Paul Jordan, John Lawrence, Henry 
Lamar, Burk McComas, J. W. M. Schooler. M. M. Xagle, Thomas 
Quinn, John Rohan, C. P. Summers. 

Sept. 28 — The first number of the Landmark issued by Harry 
Howard, publisher, and C. L. Wheeler, editor. 

OCTOBER 

Get. J — Cockrill, Blackmore & McCluer start a wholesale and 
retail grocery house in Weston. 

Oet. 7 — A large and enthusiastic meeting at Weston, to get 
the county seat removed to that place, with Dr. Thomas Beaumont 
chairman. Addresses were made by Dr. Bowlbv, D. D. Burnes, 
and S. A. Gilbert. 

Oct. 11 — The county fair — three days. 

Oct. 20 — The Border Tiines and the Landmark are discussing 
the negro question. The former maintains their equality with 
whites before the law; the latter denies. 

Returning soldiers fill every vacant house. Reconstruction 
is the absorbing theme. 



1865, NOV. 400 WILLIAM RALSTON. 

NOVEMBER 

WILLIAM EALSTON. 

Nov. 1 — William Ralston having died. D. J. Thorp is his ad- 
ministrator. Bond, $15,000. His will names his children: 

I. SUSANNA, ni'd Simpson Roach. Ch : 

1. William. 2. Jetsse. 3. Dudley. 4. A daughter. 
II. MARGARET, m'd Edward Roberts, d. in April, 1874 Ch: 

1. Sarah Jane Roberts, m'd Henry Henson ; many children. 

2. John L. Roberts, m'd Lou Lamar. 

3. Missouri, m'd Henry Azlein; d. yonng. 4. Thos. W. 

5. Ellen N.' 

6. Julia A. Roberts, m'd Jan, IS, 1872, Jas. Hyatt. (See.) 

7. Geo. Roberts, m'd Annie Mitchell. 

8. Robert E., m'd 1st, Bettie Harris, and 2d, Nannie Scott. 

9. Katharine Roberts, dead. 10. Fannie, single. 
11. James. 

III. SEVILLA RALSTON, m'd Peter F. Roberts. Ch: 

1. Katharine Roberts, m'd Darin s Patterson. 

2. Laura B. Roberts, m'd Sept. 4, 1881, David H. Tucker. 

GEORGE SHEELY. 

Nov. 3 — George Sheelv having died Oct. 27, 1865, J. M. Railey 
administered. Bond, $5,000. Oh: 

• I. FANNIE A. SHEELY, m'd Allen Wright. 
II. MARY B. SHEELY. 
HI. VIRGINIA L. SHEELY, m'd Jas. W. Wright. Ch : 

1. Anna W. Wright. 2. Hatiie, m'd Wmi Holliday. (See.) 

Dr. A. Bowlby spoke in Parkville, and formed an' immigra- 
tion society, composed of Geo. S. Park, president, Paul Jordan, 
secretary, and the following members: A. G.. Brown, M. Car- 
mody. John Davis, E. Earl, Phil. Groh, Levi Hinkle. F. Kahm, 
Eug! Keller, Dr. J. H. Lane, F. Luthy, Geo. C. Mitchell, Dr. F. B. 
Moore, John Morris, Joseph Simpson, C. P. Summers, Thomas J. 
Thomas, T. J. Wilson. 

Xov. o — Elder P. K. Dibble takes charge of the Camden Point 
Female Academy. 

James Durbin is appointed county surveyor. 

THE POOR-HOUSE. 

Nor. 6 — W. M. Paxton is appointed by the county court to 
examine the present poor-house farm, on the N. W. ^ of Sec. 24, 
T. 54, R. 34, and see what arrangements can be made to sell the 
same, and buy another near the center of the county. Paxton 
reported, November 27, 18<>5, that he could sell to J. Woodward 
the old farm for $2,100, and could buy the S. W. ] of Sec. 2, T. 53, 
R. 35, for $3,000. The report was approved, and the sale and pur- 
chase made accordingly. 



1865, NOV. 401 HENRY DEISTER. 



HENRY DEISTEE. 

Henry Deister having died, II. F. Deister administered. He 
was a. native of Germany, and came to the United States in 1845, 
and settled, in 1847, in Platte, below Park vi lie. He married in 
Germany Theresa Hartje. and she died there. Oh: 

I. HENRY F. DEISTER, l>. in Germany Aug. 0, 1830; d. Dec. 
15, 1895; freighter on the Western plains; m'd in May, 1858. 
.Margaret Hensen, dr. of Henry. Ch: 

1. Henri/ W. Deister. 2. John Deister. 3. Albert Deister 
4. Frank Dcistcr. 5. Joseph Deister. 6. Mary A. 
7. Elisabeth Deister. 8. Dora. 
II. JOHN C. DEISTER. (See.) 

Nov. 8 — Murray & Freeland's store in Platte City robbed of 
clothing. 

Nov. 20 — William Newman (ii) died to-day. 

THE NEWMAN FAMILY. 
The Newmans are descended from Peyton Newman (i), born 
in North Carolina, and removed to West Virginia; died in 1822; 
married Rebecca Reynolds, who died in March, 1870. Their son, 
William Newman (i), born in North Carolina in 1792, died Novem- 
ber 22, 1865; married in 1815 Elizabeth Ellington, daughter of 
David. She was born in 1796, and died in 1869. They removed 
to Greenup County, Ky., and thence to Platte in 1838. 
Posterity of William and Elizabeth Newman: 
I. FANNIE JANE NEWMAN, b. in 1816; d. in Platte, single. 
n. PEYTON NEWMAN (ii), b. June 27. 1818, in West Vir- 
ginia; m'd Sept. 2, 1842, in Platte, Susan Woodward, b. 
A j nil 6, 1826, dr. of Lance. Both yet live, and have cele- 
brated their golden w r edding. He served in Capt. Chris- 
man's company of Winston's regiment of Confederates. 
Children: 

1. Lance ^Y. Newman, an attorney, of Liberty, Mo. 

2. Peyton, a farmer. 

3. Frances E. Newman, m'd R. W. Fades, of Clinton. 1 

child: [<>] Mollie. 

4. Martha R. Xcinnan. m'd Dee. 1. 1871, Jas. M. Reese. 

They live at Lathrop, Mo.; 7 children. 

5. Amanda Newman, m'd Feb. 3, 1876, Alex. Newby, of 

Colorado. 

6. Alice Newman, m'd Sept. 27. 1883. Daniel B. Hayden. 

7. Catherine Xcinnan. m'd Jan. 1, 1883. Jerome W. Harris. 

8. A Imedia, d. in 1 878 ; m'd Z. M. Barnett. Ch : [«] Mary 

B. Barnett; f" 6 ] Dovey Barnett; ['] Pevton Barnett, 
b. Nov. 2. 1871; d. Jan. 14, 1897; m'd Nov. 16, 1896, 
Margaret Johnson; was a candidate for the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian ministry, and at the time of his 
death was a student of theology at the Lebanon 
(Tennessee) Seminary. 

26- 



1865, NOV. 402 THE NEWMANS. 

9. Stephen 8. Newman, m'd in Sept., 1878, Bennie L. 
Creek. He was stabbed and killed Sept. 2, 1881, by 
Clay Snell (see), on the fair grounds. Oh: [«] Ste- 
phen R. Newman. 

10. Peyton S. Newman (iii), b. Jan. 17, 1861; m'd April 9, 

1885, Mattie K. Zirkle, b. in Virginia Nov. 23, 1865; 
came to Platte with her mother in 1884, and d. Mav 
27, 1891. 

11. Cecilia Newman, d. Nov. 9, 1879, aged 20; m'd Dec. 18, 

1874, Ed. D. Duncan. 
III. DAVID D. NEWMAN, b. in Lawrence Co., Ky., Feb. 28, 1820; 
d. in Platte Sept. 8, 1892; m'd in March, 1843, Mary A. Dod- 
son, dr. of John and Nancy. He was a zealous Baptist, as 
were most of the Newman family, and enjoyed the esteem 
and confidence of all who knew him. Ch : 

1. Nancy J. Newman, m'd Feb. 2, 1860, W. D. Standiford, 

b. Feb. 4, 1838. Live in Oskaloosa, Kansas; have no 
children now living. 

2. Elizabeth Newmwn, dead; m'd Robert H. Black, of 

Andrew Co., Mo. Ch: [«] Mollie Black; [&] Ida; 
[ c ] Fannie. 

3. Susan J. Newman, m'd Isaac N. Moody, b. in 1849; d. 

Dec. 11, 1877; a. merchant of Edgerton, a Mason and 
a gentleman highly esteemed for his virtues. Ch: 
[a] Thomas Moody; [&] Ethel, m'd July 28, 1896. 
Effie A. Donahoe; [c] Lulu Moody, m'd Sept. 2, 1896, 
Crede Benner. Mrs. Moody m'd 2d, July 11, 1880, 
Geo. W. Leeper. Ch: [ d ] Archie Leeper; [ e ] Em- 
met; [>] a girl. 

4. John Newman, m'd Dec. 18, 1872, Josie D. Elliott. Ch: 

[«] James Newman; [ 6 ] Jesse; [ c ] Schuyler; 
[ rf ] Mary E. He is a wagon-maker at Edgerton. 

5. Erastus P. Newman, m'd Mollie Mitchell, of Atchison 

County, Kansas. Ch: [«] Herbert; [ b ] Maud; 
[ c ] Clarence. He is a car inspector for the C, R. I. 
& P. Railway. 

6. Jos. H. Newman, b. Feb. 15, 1853; m'd Nov. 10, 1S75, 

Melvina Dick, dead, dr. of Whitlev. Ch: [«] Sam- 
uel E.; [»] Albert F. 

7. Cornelia Newman, m'd Anderson Mitchell. Children: 

[a] Vesta; [»] Lelia Mitchell; [c] Everett. 

8. Martha Newman, m'd Feb. 25. 1873. Alfred Liggett, b. 

July 20, 1853. Mr. Liggett is highly regarded for in- 
telligence and integrity of character. Ch: [ a ] Hat- 
tie, b. Sept. 15, 1878;' [''] Mattie. b. Mav 30, 1880; 
[o] Gertrude, b. June 7. 1884; ['?] Kav Liggett, b. 
June 6, 1889. 

9. M. Mice Newman, m'd Dec. 29. 1887, David H. Dndsr.n 

(cousin). Oh: [°] Edna Dodson. 



1865, NOV. 403 S. R. OFFUTT. 

LO. William P. Newman, m'd Jan. 26, 1888, Ollie Benson. 
Oh: L"J Hattie. 

11. Sarah {Fannie) Newman, m'd Sept. 5, 1878, John P 

< 'ox; no children. 

12. Theo. Lee Newman, m'd Oct. 24, 1888, Nellie Jennings, 

dr. of Win. Oh: [<»] Robert; [&] Beulah. 

13. David />'. Newman, single. 

IV. ELIZABETH NEWMAN, m'd Jan. 4, 1855, Fountain P. 
Lott, of Clinton. 
V. WILLIAM R. NEWMAN, b. April 11, 1826; m'd Jan. 10, 1851. 
Martha A. Woodward, dr. of Lance. They live in Clinton 
County. Ch: 

1. Theo. Newman, m'd Oct. 24, 1888, Hattie F. Jennings. 

2. Emily Newman, m'd Ed. Duncan, of Clay. 

3. Ellen Newman, m'd a Woodward (second cousin). 

4. Price Newman, m'd a Rupe. 

5. William J., m'd Nov. 5, 1891, Lulu Black, b. Oct. 16, 

1873. 

6. Matthew Newman. 

7. Henry Newman, m'd Fannie Black, b. Aug. 16, 1875. 

8. Alex. Newman, single. 

9. Pleasant C. Newman, m'd Feb. 25, 1874, Nancy J. 

McComas, b. June 19, 1856, dr. of Pemb. 'Ch: 
["] Nela. b. July 25, 1875; [ 6 ] Pembrook, b. Jan. 
2.1877. 

Nov. 21 — John S. Yocom having died, his widow. Altemira 
(ne'e Bailey) Yocom, administered. Bond, |4,000. 

SAMUEL R. OFFUTT. 

Samuel R. Offutt having died, his sons, Z. M. and Robert, 
administer. Bond, $15,000. He was a native of Virginia, re- 
moved to Bourbon County, Ky., and thence, in 1843. to Platte. 
He possessed spirit and courage. He married Eliza Hayes, who 
died before him. Oh : 

I. SAMUEL OFFUTT (ii), went as a soldier to the Mexican 
War and never returned. 
II. NANCY JANE OFFUTT. m'd Edward Jones in Kentucky. 
Children: 

1. SamuelJones. 2. Barrack. 3. William. 
After the death of Mr. Jones, his widow m'd 2d. Samuel 
Hayes, son of John. They removed to Texas. 
in. ZEDEKIAH OFFUTT, came west with his father, but re- 
turned to Kentucky, and died. 
IV. ROBERT OFFUTT, lives in Ray County, and lias a family. 
V. SARAH OFFUTT, m'd Thos. Walters; he died, and she m'd 
2d, D. A. Miller, and was divorced: 2 children by her first 
husband, none bv the second. 



1865, NOV. 404 PUBLIC SQUARE, 

VI. OTHO OFFUTT, b. in Kentucky Feb. 11, 1836; m'd Dec. 12, 
1866, Sarah Settle, d. July 1, 1884, dr. of John J. Oh: 
1. John E. Ojfutt. 2. Jesse, 3. Virginia Offutt. 
4. Mary. 5. Otho Offutt (ii). 6. George. 7. Sue Offutt. 
Mr. Otho Offutt (i) m'd 2d, Sept. 14, 1887, Elizabeth 
Hughes, dr. of John R. 
VH. GEOROE OFFUTT, m'd Fannie Greer. Live in California. 
VHI. JAMES OFFUTT, lives in Pike County. 
IX. HENRY OFFUTT, m'd a Masterson. Live in Edgerton. 

X. ANTONIA, single. Lives in Edgerton. 
XL VICTORIA, m'd July 10. 1870, Prior Pemberton. Live in 

Clinton. 
XII. ALFRED OFFUTT, fell at Springfield in the Southern 
army. 

Xov. 30 — President Johnson, by proclamation, restores the 
supremacy of civil law, and the rights of habeas corpus, in Missouri 
and the Northern States. 

DECEMBER. 

Dec, 2 — Star of the West Lodge of Good Templars reorgan- 
ized at Weston, with Col. James A. Price, W. C. T., and 40 
members. 

THE PUBLIC SQUARE. 

Dec. 4 — Jos. Murphy, commissioner of seat of justice, having 
been ordered by the county court to select a site for the proposed 
court-house and jail, reports Block 24, Platte City, with deeds 
made, in escrow, to the county, from the several owners of lots. 
These deeds are approved by Hon. John Wilson, county attorney, 
and are referred to Circuit Judge Heren, who sustains them. 
Thereupon, the county court locates the public buildings on Block 
24, and pays for it. 

Dec. 18 — The Thirteenth Amendment of the United States 
Constitution, abolishing slavery, is declared ratified. 

The Border Times and the Landmark are at war. 

John Wilson's salary as county attorney is raised to $500. 

WESTON FINANCES. 

Collected, $3,804.43; expended, $1,838.50; paid on debt, $850; 
surplus, $1,115.93. 

JONES CHREECH. 

Dec, 25 — Jones Chreech died opposite Leavenworth. He was 
born in 1810; married Eliza Copeland. After his death, she mar- 
ried W. T. Hancock. (See.) Mr. Chreech was an enterprising 
man, and possessed several valuable tracts of land in the Missouri 
bottoms, which he allowed to be sold for debt, under execution, 
at Hindi less than their value. (Mi: 



1865, DEC. 405 OFFICERS. 

I. MARY ELLEN CHREEOH, m'd W. F. Olvis, b. in Platte Jan. 
8, 1840. His parents were John Olvis and Adaline Cox. 
Children: 

1. Mary Jane {Jennie) Olvis, ni'd Feb. 24, 1897, J. Frank 

Pitts. 

2. May. 3. Jos. Ed. 

II. SARAH JANE i SBREE< >H, m'd 1st, Sani'l Langley. 1 child: 

1. William. 

Sarah J. m'd 2d, Dec. 29, 1875, John T. Cochrane. Ch: 

2. NelUe. 

Sarah J', m'd :'>d, Jacob PulcEer. 
Children of John Olvis and Adaline Cox: 

1. Mary Jane, m'd John Ccxpeland. (See.) 

2. Sarah Olvis, m'd Joel Copeland. (See.) 

3. Wm. F. Olvis (above). 

4. Samuel Olvis, m'd Mary Leipard, and they have: 

[«] William Olvis; [&] Chas.; [c] Sam; [d] Ernest; 
[e] Lee C. 



1866. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, T. C. Fletcher; Congressman, R. T. Van Horn; 
State Senator, John Doniphan; Circuit Judge, W. Heren; Circuit 
Attorney, J. 0. Parker; Assessor, J. W. Steele; Treasurer, R. Mat. 
Johnston; Coroner, E. D. Cord; Representatives, D. D. Burnes 
and John Wilson; Circuit Clerk, G. W. Belt; Frobate Judge. 
S. A. Gilbert; County Judge, H. M. Aller; County Clerk, D. W. 
Moore; Sheriff, N. P. Ogden; Surveyor, James Durbin; Public 
Administrator, W. M. Paxton. 

PRICES. 

Bacon, ham, 25 cents; butter, 40 cents; coffee, 37 cents; 
eggs, 30 cents; flour, $7; hemp, $160; hogs, |8; sugar, 20 cents. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — H. A. B. Anderson, N. B. Ander- 
son, Baker, Boyd, Campbell, Greenawalt, Herndon, Hollings- 
worth, Merryman, Norton, Paxton, Robertson, John Wilson, R. P. 
C. Wilson, Woodson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Guthrie, Johnson, McDonald, Moad, 
Redman, Rixey, Smith. 

Merchants, etc. — Barge, Col man, Hawley. Jenkins. Hunt, 
Keith, Kenny, Likins, Mason & Swain, Mnlkey, Recht, Rice & 
Perry, Wilkinson, Young, Zarn. 



1866, JAN. 406 FREELAND MURDERED. 

Agricultural and Mechanical Association — R. D. Johnston, 
president. 

Lodge — Neb. 12, J. A. Jackson, N. G. 

At Weston: Attorneys — Seller, Burnes, Carpenter, Doni- 
phan, Georgen, Gilbert, Hitt, Lawson, Scott, Watt, Wolf, Fulton, 

Physicians — Allison, Beaumont, Bonifant, Bowlby, Hale, 
Peters, Price, Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Allen & Yocom, Barnhart, Basye, Bell, 
Blanjour (postmaster), Briggs, Brill, Brown, Carpenter, Cockrill, 
Blackmore & McCluer, Deckelman, Deitz. Doppler, Egstadt 
(stable), Ellefrit, Freeland. Gedultig, Gerner & Frank, Goodale, 
Hale & Calvert, Hall. Hardesty, Heriot, Hughes & Co., Ilkenhans, 
Johnson, Kaufman, Keller, Kurtz, Master-son, Matthews, Met- 
tier, Nagle & Roney, Newkouse, Noble, Ogden, Oliphant, Quinn, 
Perry, Raileys, Rohring, Ringo, Schindler, Steubenraugh, Rogers, 
& Woodring, Termier & Winzer, Trollman, Warner, Wood, Woods 
& Story. 

Weston Court of Common Pleas — Wolf, judge; Yocom, clerk; 
Ronev, marshal. 

Newspapers — Border Times, Beller editor; Lund mark, Gil- 
bert editor. 

Lodges — Phoenix No. 30, G. Doppler, N. G. ; Frontier En- 
campment, No. 2, J. A. Price, C. P.; Star of the West, J. A. Price, 
W. C. T. 

Preachers — Batte (Episcopal), Sherwood (Presbyterian), 
Steele & Dibble (Christian), Hill (Methodist Episcopal). 

Bank — Platte Savings Institution — Warner cashier; Railev 
& Bro. 

At Parhville: Bueneman (postmaster), Carmody, Davis, 
Earl, Kahm, Dr. Lane, Luthy, Mitchell, Dr. Moore, Summers, 
Wilson, Park. 

At Camden: Dr. Coffey, Hale (postmaster). Elder Dibble 
(president). 

At Farley: Carpenter, Holt, Meads. Heath. 

At New Market: Armstrong. Cartwright, Singleton. 

At Ridgely: Chrisman, Ellington, Gustin, Robinson, Hill P. 
Mastin. 

JANUAKY. 

Jan. 1 — Splendid ice — 18 inches thick. 

Platte Savings Institution declare a dividend of 6 per cent 
for tlir- past 6 months. 

H. J FREELAND MURDERED. 

■ton. .'/ — On the 4th instant H. J. Freeland, with his brothers, 
John W. and B. F., started to St. Louis, by way of Leavenworth 
and Wyandotte. A hack was hired at Leavenworth, and they 
proceeded on their way. Henry rode outside with the driver. 
When near Quindaro, they were attacked by robbers, who fired 
upon them. The brothers returned the fire and fled. Help was 



1866. JAN. 407 T. T. JONES. 

called and an examination made <>f ili<' Bcene of the tragedy, but 
Henry was not found until the next morning. He had found 
shelter in a neighboring farm-house, and was still living, though 
he died in a few hours. He had received three pistol wounds, and 
had been robbed of |70 and some nuggets of gold. But $20,001) 
in his belt was not discovered. He was brought home for burial. 
It was thought that one of the robbers was killed and borne off. 

Jan. 5 — A vast amount of real estate was sold for taxes, by 
Collector Ogden. Most of it was afterwards redeemed by the 
payment of double. The sales were all void at law. 

Jan. L'i — Rev. Frederick Starr, the Presbyterian preacher 
driven from Weston, at the time of the Kansas troubles in 1856, 
on account of his opposition to slavery, returns on a visit, and is 
kindly received and entertained. 

Jan. /?' — Elijah Cody, long a merchant of Weston, dies at 
Denver. 

Jan. 19 — The bitter controversy between the Weston papers 
is exemplified by the following paragraph from the Border Times: 
"The Irishman who does the jackass articles for the Landmark 
has stolen the style of the Cairo Item for the publication of his 
conglomerated mass of nonsensical nothings, which he is pleased 
to call 'Brief Mention.' They are void of common sense, as they 
are prolific of brevity." 

Jan. 23 — The accepted plan and specifications for the pro- 
posed court-house and jail, prepared by Peter McDuff, are placed 
on file. 

The Federal law requiring lawyers and preachers to take the 
test oath is decided unconstitutional and void. 
Much excitement in Weston over "ghosts." 
Fine sleighing. 

Jan. 26 — Manoah Miles appointed supervisor of registration. 

J. M. Mulkey retires, and White & Field take the Planters' 
(Green) House in Platte City. 

FEBRUARY. 
Feb. ■'> — A two-foot snow, drifting in places to five feet. 

THOMPSON T. JONES. 

Feb. 6 — Thompson T. Jones died. His widow, Oirena (Adkinsi 
Jones, administered. Bond, $15,000. He was well educated 
and devoted several years to teaching. (See the "Jones Family.'' I 
He w T as (all and handsome and uncommonly urbane in his man- 
ner. To the day of his death, he was one of my choice friends 
and companions. 

Feb. 9 — The Border Times has Jesse Reno's poem "Moving," 
a harbinger of much verse and prose of second-rate quality. 



1866, FEB. 408 THE KIMSEY3. 

THOMAS KIMSEY. 

Feb. 12 — Thomas Kirnsey having died, W. H. Kinisey admin- 
isters. Bond, f 7,000. He was a son of James Kimsey and Mary 
Croly, daughter of James, and was born in Tennessee in 1803. He 
married Martha Morris, daughter of Hammond Morris, of Ken- 
tucky. Thomas Kimsey was a large and dignified old gentleman, 
when I knew him, and highly esteemed as a useful citizen. Oh: 

I. MARY KIMSEY, b. Sept. 14, 1823; m'd John Johnson. Live 
in Tgx<i.s 

II. WADE HAMPTON KIMSEY, b. in Howard Co., Mo., Sept. 

4, 1824, was a man of intelligence, a good writer, and a 
Baptist local preacher — kind-hearted and much beloved; 
m'd in 1849 Mary Ann Baber; she died Dec. 14, 1857, leaving : 

1. John T. Kimsey, b. Feb. 9, 1852; m'd Jose Blackwell. 

2. Wilford Kimsey, b. in 1856; m'd Jan. 6, 1892, Nannie J. 

Bradlev, dr. of William. 
W. H. Kimsey m'd 2d, Elizabeth F. Lutes, dr. of Jos. ; 
she was b. in March, 1834. Ch : 

3. David M. Kimsey, b. in June, 1860; m'd Sept. 11, 1879, 

Mary McComas, dr. of Burke. Children: [»] Lela; 
[6] Charles. 

4. Joseph W. Kimsey, b. in Nov., 1861 ; m'd Fannie Hern- 

don, dr. of Sim. Ch: [«] Ernest; [&] Ruth. 

5. Samuel V. Kimsey, b. in 1863; m'd Victoria Pickle; 2 

boys. 

6. Sarah C. Kimsey, m'd Dec. 9, 1891 (third wife), Hugh 

Talbot Bradley. Ch: [«] Wm. D. Bradley. Mr. 
H. T. Bradley m'd 1st, Jan. 15, 1879, Kate N. Harring- 
ton, and m'd 2d, Dec. 28, 1888, Rachel Mellon. 

7. Mary V. Kimsey, b. Jan. 7, 1875 ; m'd Nov. 17, 1890, 

Henry Clarke. 

8. Clay Smith Kimsey, b. in 1876. 

III. SAMUEL KIMSEY (ii), m'd Jan. 7, 1874, Martha Baber, who 

d. March 1, 1875. Oh: 

1. Emma Kimsey, m'd J as. Walter ; 8 children. 

2. Priscilla Jane Kimsey, m'd Dec. 24, 1871, Verd. Blank- 

enship. Oh: [°] Thos. E. Blankenship, m'd Nov. 8, 
1894, Jennie Wade. 

3. Thomas Kimsey (ii), m'd Sarah Ellen Spencer, dr. of 

Thos. Ch: [«] Flora Kimsev; [&] Leta; [«] Wil- 
lis; [d] Gertrude; [*] Ella May; [f] John. 

4. Melissa Jane Kimsei/, m'd Feb. 23, 1879, Lewis Wilson. 

b. Feb. 22, 1859, son of Jos. 

5. Elizabeth Kimsey, m'd Nov. 13, 1878, Quincv Hon. 

(See.) 

6. John Kimsey, b. Jan. 19, 1861. 

IV. BAOnEL KIMSEY, b. Jan. 9, 1827; after marrying 1st, a 

Goodman, sh^ m'd 2d, Dec. 14, 1853, Samuel B. Ashbv, b. 
June 16, 1824. Ch: 



1866, FEB. 409 THE KIMSEYS 

1. Sarah Ashby, m'd Oct 1, 1807, John Shepard. (See.) 

2. Martha Ashby (twin), m'd Thos. Johnson, son of 

Benedict. 

3. Emma Ashby, m'd Frank Woolsey. 
. 4. James I). Ashby, lives in Iowa. 

5. Man/, lives in Texas. 
V. EM ERA ND A KIM SKY, b. Feb. 10, 1830; m'd Feb. 28, 1856, 
Robert Baber, b. in Pulaski Co., Ky., Aug. 23, 1825, son of 
Robert Baber and Delilah Davis. He is a farmer, living 
three miles uoit h of Platte City. Ch : 

1. John T. Baiter, b. in Jan., 1857; m'd Ellen Snider, dr. 

of Henry. 

2. Landau D. Baber. 

3. Thos. J. Baber (twin with Landonj. 

4/ James M. Baber, m'd Jan. 9, 1882, Sarah Edwards, b. 

Feb. 20, 1802, dr. of Jas. H. 
5. Andrew •/. Baber, m'd Feb. 24, 1887, Louisa Neff. 

0. Geo. W. Baber, m'd Feb. 14, 1884, Susie Heath, dr. of 

Jane. 

7. David F. Baber. 

8. Martha J., m'd March 4, 1880, Jos. Cobb. 

9. Delilah Baber. 

10. Lucy Baber, m'd April 9, 1885, Thos. A. Frazier. 

11. Mary Baber, m'd Sept. 23, 1891, B. F. Wood (ii). 

VI. DAVID S. KIMSEY, d. in Nov., 1857; a merchant and post- 

master at Platte City; m'd Nancy White, of Cooper Co., 
Mo. ; no children. 

VII. JAMES KIMSEY, died single, aged 23. 

VIII. BEN. F. KIMSEY, d. in April, 1802; m'd May 13, 1858, 
Fannie H. Brown, dr. of Samuel. 

IX. WILLIAM KIMSEY, d. Feb. 17, 1870; m'd April 27, 1805, 

Mary C. Coons. After his death, she married F. M. 
McCormick. 

THE KIMSEY FAMILY. 

I will here set in order the whole family. James Kimsey, of 
Tennessee, married Mary Croly, daughter of Jas. Croly, and be- 
came the progenitor of the Kimseys of Platte. Their children 
came to Platte in 1841, bv way of Howard Countv, Mo. 

I. SAMUEL KIMSEY (i), d. in Platte in Sept., 1844; m'd 
Rachel Townsend; she survived he husband, and m'd 2d. 
Thomas Jones (see), but had no children bv him ; she d. Jan. 
19.1873. Ch: 

1. Johnmn Ki nisei/, m'd Feb. 10, 1840. Mary Dolison. 

They live in Jackson County. 

2. Thomas Kimsei/ fiii), lives in Oregon. 

3. Polly, &. Aug. 8, 1880. 

4. Rachel Kimsei/, m'd Jan. 13, 1841, Barton W. Esetes, b. 

in Bourbon Co., Ky., July 9. 1817; d. July 21, 1896. 
Ch: [ fl ] Emeranda Estes. m'd 1st, Geo. Brecken- 



1S66, FEB. 410 MAILS AND ROADS. 



ridge, son of Elmore. Ch: [1] Ella Breckenridge, 
ra'd Feb. 27, 1888, Jas. Brubeck. Eineranda in'd 2d, 
Nov. 8, 1866, Elmore Breckenridge (ii), brother of her 
first husband. Ch: [2] William; [3] a girl. 
[&] John Wes. Estes, m'd Jane Mark. Children: 
[1] Henry L.; [2] Frank; [3] Ben (twin with 
Frank); [4] Mary; [5] Lura. [c] Samuel G. Estes, 
m'd Viola Barney. Live in Kansas; 4 children; 
[<*] Victoria Estes, m'd Feb. 5, 1878, David W. 
Fisher, b. May 1, 1818; d. Feb. 21, 1895, son of David 
S. ; 3 children. [ e ] Edna Estes, m'd Wm. Lutes, son 
of Jos.; [f] Robert M., m'd Feb. 13, 1890, Dora Hon. 
II. LITTLEBURY KIMSEY, m'd Bus. Findley. Ch: 
1. Sue. 2. Hannah. 3. Elizabeth. 

III. JAMES KIMSEY. m'd Hannah McCracken, and went to 

Oregon, 

IV. THOMAS KIMSEY (above). 

V. BENJ. KIMSEY (i), b. in 1802; d. Feb. 26, 1865; m'd Eliza- 
beth Morris, dr. of Hammond, and sister of Thomas Kim- 
sey's wife. Ch: 

1. Francis M. Kimsey, married, successively, two daugh- 

ters of Hugh Baxter. They went to McDonald 
Co., Mo. 

2. W. D. Kimsey, m'd Permelia Baxter, dr. of Hugh. 

Live in Cooper County. 

3. Sallie Kimsey, m'd McHenry Morris, and went west. 

Oh: [«] Mary E. Morris; [&] John N.; [c] Aman- 
da; [d] Claiborne F. ; [e] Martha E. Morris ; [f] Geo. 
W. Morris. 
VI. ELEANOR KIMSEY, m'd Samuel Findlev. 
VH. ELIZABETH KIMSEY, m'd James Simpson; d. in April, 
1852. Ch: 

1. Preston Simpson. (See.) 
VIII. MARY KIMSEY, m'd Wm. Simpson, brother of James 
(above). 

MAILS AND ROADS. 

The mails still come by way of Barry and Platte City to Wes- 
ton. But the latter is connected with St. Joseph by railroad, but 
not with Kansas City. The Missouri Pacific from Kansas City to 
Lea yen woi-1 h is under contract. A company is organized to build 
the Des Moines Railroad, but nothing except a preliminary survey 
has been done. 

Frit. /.; The < 'lay < 'umiiy Savings \ss<><-i;ii inn | Bird & Sons), 
at Liberty, is robbed of fOO.OOO in broad daylight, and Geo. Wviner 
killed. 

The court-house and jail lei out. The bids were opened and 
found as follows: A. Wheelock's bid, .f 82,650; J. A. McGoniglo, 
$88,500; W. D. Bonnell, $89,735; Thos. ravioli. $95,500; H. Jen- 



1866, FEB. 411 A. G. ENDICOTT. 

kins, $94,548; L. W. Dinsmore, $102,000; \V. V. Stone, $105,000; 
J. C. Evans, $107,000; P. McFarland, $109,000. The bid of J. A. 
McGonigle was accepted, and he gave bond for 150,000, for the 
performance of his contrad by May 1, 1807. 

Feb.20 — A beautiful aurora borealis. 

MARCH. 

March 1 — Wheat promising. Teaches are a failure. 

March 12 — The Bonier Times has fifty sheriff sales. Louis 
Georgen is licensed as an attorney. Prof. G. \V. Goodale is 
lecturing weekly at Weston, on various topics. 

The probate office at Platte City is publicly sold, and bought 
by Clinton Cockrill, for a bank, at $1,760. The probate records 
are removed to the circuit clerk's office, and J. C. Greenawalt be- 
comes probate clerk, in the place of E. R. Owen, who goes to 
Oregon. 

AL. G. ENDICOTT. 

March 1~) — Al. G. Endicott having died near Barry, J. B. Cox 
administered. Bond, $2,500. Ch: ■ 

I. ANNIE W., m'd a Hall. II. MARY A., m'd J. M. Adkins. 

APRIL. 

April 2 — Jacob Deitz is elected mayor of Weston over S. A. 
Gilbert, and Held is elected marshal. Carney is elected mayor 
of Leavenworth. 

President Johnson announces, by proclamation, that peace is 
established, and the war ended. 

LEWIS B. CHINK 

April 11 — Lewis B. Chinn having died, J. H. Chinn admin- 
isters. Bond, $8,000. Mr. ( )hinn belonged to an old and wealthy 
family, that flourished in Virginia in Colonial times. His father 
came at an early day to Greenup County, Ky., and here Lewis B. 
( Jhinn was born in 1819. In 1839 he married Mary A. Haves, born 
July 4, 1822, and died September 1, 1885. She was a daughter of 
Cal. H. Hayes. In 1840 the newly married couple came west, and 
settled on the Platte, four miles northeast of Platte City. By 
industry, coupled with good sound sense, they prospered, and left 
to their children a competency, as well as a good education and an 
enviable position in society. Mrs. Qhinn was a Christian woman 
of intelligence, dignitv, and lady-like bearing. Oh: 

I. COL. JAMES H. CHINN, b. Nov. 3, 1842; h'd May 12. 1868, 
Lucy Robinson, dr. of Senator A. M. Robinson and his 
second wife. Catherine Hughes. Col. James H. Chinn is a 
large and portly gentleman, of imposing dignity, and 



1866, APRIL. 412 RAILROAD BONDS. 



charming address. He read law in private, passed a good 
examination, and was admitted to the bar. But his rest- 
less disposition led him into various schemes and,, enter- 
prises, from which he has gained experience. He was 
county clerk in 1877-9, and proved to be an excellent ac- 
countant. He was deputy collector, and has passed 
through many departments of business. His commanding 
person and urbane manners introduce him favorably to the 
stranger. But he lacks self-dependence, and his timidity 
stands in the way of his success. He is now bookkeeper 
in the State Penitentiary, and is looking forward to pre- 
ferment. Ch : 

1. Lewis R. Ghinn, has been teaching school, and is re- 

garded as a rising young man. 

2. Laura, is a lovely maiden, whose modesty is an orna- 

mental robe. 

3. Guy Ghinn. 4. Jas. H. Ghinn, 

II. CHARLES L. CHINN, m'd Sept. 12, 1882, Melvina McComas. 

III. LUELLA CHINN, m'd Oct. 27, 1880, Ira N. Walker. (See.) 

IV. GEORGE W. GHINN, died by his own hand Feb. 21, 1889 ; 

m'd 1st, April 7, 1875, Sallie Robertson, b. Feb. 19, 1850; d. 
Oct. 27, 1882. She was the widow of W. M. Lampton, who 
d. leaving one child, Minnie E. Lampton. She had no chil- 
dren by Chinn. After her death, he m'd 2d, Sept. 16, 1885, 
Phena Smith. She returned, after his death, to her parents 
in Kansas City, with one child. 
V. PLEASANT W. CHINN, m'd Nov. 20, 1877, Fannie Dough- 
erty. (See.) 

VI. ALFRED (TOM) N. CHINN, b. in 1850; d. April 28, 1882; m'd 

1st, Oct. 1, 1868, Cornelia Pullins, b. in 1850; d. in 1875. 
leaving children; 

1. Chas. B. Ghinn. 2. Wm. D. 3. Cornelia. 

Mr. Chinn m'd 2d, his first wife's sister, Georgia Pullins, 
who survived him, childless, but with three step-children. 

VII. BENJ. F. CHINN, b. Oct. 10, 1851; d. Sept. 21, 1887; m'd 

Dec. 12, 1877, Annie Eliza McEown, dr. of Isaac McEown 
and Catherine Ballard. She lives, with children: 
1. Bettie B. Ghinn. 2. Luella Chinn, 3. Cora E. 

4. Virgil 

VHI. E STELLA CHINN, m'd March 6, 1873, Wm. Link. 

PARKVILLE & G. R RAILROAD BONDS. 

April 16 — Judge Aller was sued on account of the county, 
and served with process in Clinton, whence a mandamus issued 
requiring him to give to the road the bonds of the county for 
$75,000 subscribed to the road and not paid over. This date. 
825.1)01). in |10() bonds, were issued. 

Democrats are now known as Conservatives, and Republicans 
as Radicals. 



1866, APRIL. 413 PLATTE CITY ACADEMY. 



PLATTE CITY ACADEMY. 

There are now in attendance at I he Academy, Prof. F. Ga\ 
lord principal, 47 boarders and 138 day scholars. 

April 21 — The Platte Comity Kailroad. from St. Joseph to 
Kansas City, is sold to pay the State lien for $868,000. The State 
is purchaser. 

The prospect for wheat is excellent. 

TIIE WINN FAMILY. 

April 22 — Mrs. Virginia Bnrnesj nee Winn, died. 

George Winn, of Tennesse, married Emily Henderson. (See.) 
Their children: 
I. ALEX. WINN, of Tennessee. His daughter, 

1. Ann E. Winn, m'd Oct. 10, 1877, her cousin, Geo. R. 
Ireland. Oh: [ a ] Georgia A. Ireland. 
H. VIRGINIA WINN, m'd May 13, 1851, Ool. D. D. Burnes. 
(See.) 
III. ELIZA E. WINN, b. in Jan., 1820; dead; m'd in Sept., 1840, 
James E. Ireland, b. Oct. 16, 1825, in Tennessee, son of Benj. 
R. He came to Platte in April, 1855, and settled in the 
Missouri River bottom, below Farley. He served several 
years as county court justice, and has been highly esteemed 
for his Christian zeal and virtues. He is a Knight Templar, 
and in his early life delighted to meet with his Masonic 
brethren. Ch : 

1. Ale.r. Treiand, m'd Nov. 7, 1877, Emma McCormick. 

(See.) 

2. Geo. R. Ireland (above). 

3. Jas. E. Ireland b. May 1, 1854. 

4. John J. Ireland, b. Sept. 1, 1860; m'd Minnie Hopper. 

April 28 — The Platte Savings Institution agrees to cash 
$120,000 of county warrants, at 80 cents to the dollar. 

MAY. 

Mail 1 — There is no county financial statement of record, and 
I have not found any published. 

James A. Stone resigns as assessor, and James W. Steele is 
appointed in his place. Gold in New York, $1.34. 

JOHN SHARP. 

May 8 — John Sharp having died, Emmanuel Sharp admin- 
isters. Bond, $1,000. He married Rebecca Burton. Oh: 

I. ANDERSON SHARP, dead; m'd Betsy Martin, of Kansas. 
II. MELISSA SHARP, m'd Gordon Pate. 
III. LTJCTNDA SHARP, m'd Presley Cheshire, dead. 



1866, MAY. 414 MASS-MEETING. 

IV. SALINA SHARP, m'd a Bingley, in Kansas. 

1. Octet via, m'd Nov. 18, 1884, C. C. Janes. 

2. Jos. M. Sharp, b. July 4, 1864; m'd Sept. 5, 1889, Jennie 

Hufford. (See.) Ch: [«] Rita. 
:>. Wallace Sharp. 
VI. JOHN CALVIN SHARP, b. May 7, 1826; m'd in 1854 Louisa 

Ussary. (See.) 
VH. ALFRED SHARP, m'd L. J. Minor. Ch: 
1. Galen B. Sharp. 2. MolUe. 3. John. 
4. Kittle, m'd Dec. 25, 1895, Richard Thompson. 
A large Democratic mass-meeting convenes at the Baptist 
church, in Platte City; S. A. Gilbert chairman, and addresses 
made by John Wilson, E. H. Norton, and R, P. C. Wilson. 

After a preliminary survey of a route for a railroad between 
Leavenworth and Platte City, James Durbin reports favorablv 
thereon. 

Two flourishing lodges of Good Templars are at work in 
Weston. 

Grand jury of May term, 1866: Richard Babcock. A. G. 
Brown, Noah Beery, Wm. Carr, Isaac Dean, David Fleming, Wm. 
Gabbert, And. Henson, Levi Hinkle, Henry Lamar, Thos. B. Love- 
lady, James M. Mulkey, Manoah Miles, Burke McComas, John 
Pace, John Patron. 

Hay 29 — Platte City raised f 785, and sent it for the relief of 
Southern sufferers. 

JUNE. 

June 2 — Through the courtesy of Judge Beller, I have full 
files of the Border Times. I have gathered also about half the 
numbers of the Landmark. The Reveille is now announced, and 
Col. T. W. Park has laid me under obligations for his full files of it. 

Johnson Clubs are organized in several places. 

A picnic at the fair grounds. 

Hon. Frank P. Blair spoke at Wells 1 Grove, near Weston, 
and a sumptuous barbecue was served. A drenching rain and 
the falling of the platform did not quench the ardor of the Con- 
servatives. The people came by large and organized delegations. 

Peaches almost a failure, but other fruits promising. The 
wheat crop is good. 

Business and hope are reviving. 

The county is divided into twenty registration districts. 
James Durbin gets the commission for supervisor of registration, 
over M. Miles, who expected it. There is great dissatisfaction in 
Radical circles. 

The law requiring the test oath of preachers has not yet been 
decided unconstitutional, and several of them are arrested. 

June 11 — Gen. Shields spoke in Weston. 



1866, JUNE. 415 REGISTRATION. 

June 14 — Feniansmeet at Mettier's Hall, Weston. 
The quarrel between the Border Times and the Landmark 
grows acrimonious. 

June 20 — The corner-stone of the court-house laid. Belt, 
Aller, and Paxton were the committee. Tin- .Masons had charge. 
Grand Master Yincil was master of ceremonies. The crowd was 
immense. 

June 25 — Dr. Thomas Beaumont and another citizen are 
robbed in Weston. The robbers are pursued, but escape. 

The Missouri Pacific Railroad is finished to Kansas < it v. and 
steamers conned with Weston. 

Examination at Platte City Female Academy. Scholars 
that had attended, 223. Faculty: F. G. Gaylord, president; 
Ohas. Raffington, professor of languages; and Miss Maggie Baxter, 
teacher of music. 

JULY. 

July 1 — The Missouri Pacific Railroad finished to Leaven- 
worth. 

A new bridge erected over the branch a hundred yards east 
of Bee Creek, on the road from Platte City to Weston. 

REGISTRATION. 

Supervisor James Durbin makes his appointment of assist- 
ant registrars as follows : 

Carroll Township. C. M. Boyd, J. P. Vermillion, Burke 
McGomas. 

Pettis Township, J. W. Mason, W. A. Marshall, David 
Fleming. 

Lee Township, D. F. Fonts, John H. Burt, Thomas Quinn. 

Green Township, John H. Hall, Henry Lamar. F. M. Tufts. 

Preston Township, M. S. Klum, James Standiford. 

Weston Township, Peter Blanjour, Henrv Humphrev, Ben- 
net Whiteley. 

Marshall Township, J. H. Carson, Thos. B. Lovelady. John 
Pace. 

Levi Likins erects a machine shop near the water mill at 
Platte City. 

Lawyers have to take out United States license. 

July 2 — ( leu. -las. H. Lane committed suicide at Leavenworth. 
Jacob Moore, a German, committed suicide at Weston. 

July '/ — A brass band formed at Platte < Mty, with Prof. Hook 
as teacher. 

The Fenians had a drunken carousal at the fair grounds. 

July 6 — The first number of the Reveille is issued at Platte 
City by T. W. Park, a step-son of Prof. Gaylord and a young man 
of brilliance. It is Conservative in its politics. 



1866, JULY. 416 OATH OF LOYALTY. 

A NEW OATH OF LOYALTY 

Is required of every voter, by the new Constitution. The affiant 
must state, among other things: (1) That he has never borne 
arms against the United States; (2) nor given aid or comfort to 
its enemies; (3) nor contributed to their aid; (4) nor held com- 
munication with them ; (5) nor advised any one to enter into their 
service; (6) nor adhered to such enemies; (7) nor desired their 
triumph; (S) nor sympathized with them; (9) nor freely sub- 
mitted to them; (10) nor gone to their support; (11) had never 
been a guerrilla; (12) nor a bushwhacker; (13) nor harbored such; 
(14) nor avoided enrollment, etc. There are 32 paragraphs in the 
affidavit, and one-half the citizens are disfranchised. 

UNION LEAGUES 

Were organized in several places. They were a secret order, 
bound by a solemn oath. The Weston Lodge notified J. B. Evans 
that he had slandered the order, and "a repetition of the offense 
might be followed by serious consequences." 

A Conservative meeting at Farley, John Patton chairman, is 
addressed by R. P. C. Wilson, T. W. Park, and L. F. Hollingsworth. 

July 10 — A rise in the Missouri, that devastated the island 
opposite Weston. 

A DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION. 

July Uf — A Democratic Convention at Platte City, H. M. Aller 
chairman, was addressed by R. P. C. Wilson. Judge Birch, and 
John Doniphan. Delegates were appointed for the Congressional 
Convention at Richmond, August 16th, and for the Smithville 
Senatorial Convention. The latter were instructed to vote for 
D. D. Barnes for senator. 

Revival at Smithville, under the preaching of Elder B. Wal- 
ler; and 130 received into the Church. 

July 2Jf — Twenty-five Government wagons laden with arms 
and ammunition passed through Platte City, on the way to the 
Liberty Arsenal. 

A Johnson Club formed at Camden Point, consisting of 100 
members. Addressed by W. B. Watts and H. A. B. Anderson. 

AUGUST. 

Au<j. 1 — The Austro-Prnssian War ended. 

Brick work at the court-house progressing. 

Trof. H. B. Todd, now of Gallatin, Tenn., is on a visit to Platte 
City. 

The Farmers' Savings Association, a banking institution, is 
organized at Platte City with Clinton Cockrill president, Andrew 
Tribble cashier, and W. M. Paxton assistant. 



1866, AUG. 417 DISORDER IN WESTON. 



At a special election in Weston, to nil vacancies, T. F. War- 
ner was chosen mayor, and Tim. ( Jonner marshal. 

Louis Georgen is issuing a German paper in Weston, known 
as the Radical Courier. The law requires legal advertisements 
to be published in at least one German paper, if there is any such 
in the county. When the harvest of sheriff's sales ended, the 
Courier died. 

Pat. Doyle is building a handsome brick business house on 
Lot 1, Block 29, in Platte City. 

DISOEDEE IN WESTON. 

Lawlessness had so grown in Weston that Mayor Deitz and 
Marshal Held had resigned. Warner, elected mayor in place of 
Deitz, takes hold with a strong arm — silences the outlaws, and 
restores order and safety. 

The registration, disfranchisement, and the canvass for cir- 
cuit clerk between G. W. Belt and R. D. Johnston are exciting 
themes. 

A EADICAL MEETING. 
Aug. 6 — A Radical meeting, A. G. Brown chairman, is ad- 
dressed by James N. Burnes, Others participating were: N. 
Beery, J. H. Burt, James Durbin, D. J. Fonts. J. H. Hale, M. Miles, 
Wm. Kyle, F. M. Tufts, and J. B. Wright. 

Judge Wm. Heren will not hold court, because of the dis- 
turbed state of society, and the difficulty of getting jurors who 
will take the oath. 

A in/. 13 — The Conservative Convention at Smithville nomi- 
nates D. D. Burnes for senator. 

Aug. 16 — The Conservative Convention at Richmond nomi- 
nates Judge J. H. Birch for Congress. 

TOURNAMENT. 

Aug. 18 — Aller, Greenawalt. and Paxtom having been se- 
lected by the Platte County Agricultural and Mechanical Associa- 
tion to get up a tournament at the fair grounds, twenty-eight 
knights enter the lists. De Berry is victor, and crowns Miss 
Frankie Hunt as Queen of Love. Over ft 100 was cdeared. 

Cholera conies as near as Kansas City, but does not visit 
Platte County. 

Aug. 22 — The board of trustees of Platte City determine to 
grade and macadamize Main Street, and advertise for bids for 
the work. 

Aug. 2'/ — The Presbytery of Lexington meet at Weston. A. 
B. Sherwood is moderator. 

Platte City Female Academy is undergoing repairs. The 
west wall is taken out, and a new one erected. 
27- 



1866, AUG. 418 THE KAYS. 



THE KAY FAMILY. 

Aug. 28 — Geo. Kay died one mile north of Platte City. He 
was a son of John Kay, and was born in Washington County, Pa., 
April 7, 1791; married March 20, 1822, Margaret Morgan, born 
August 27, 1804, and died September 3, 1889. She was a daughter 
of Joseph Morgan, an Italian refugee, who was in the Colonial 
army, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. Mr. Geo. 
Kay was a volunteer in the War of 1812, and served in Capt. 
Robinson's company of Pennsylvania Militia. For his services, 
he was granted a pension, which he enjoyed while he lived, and 
his widow, after him, to the day of her death. They were ardent 
Methodists, and excellent people. Oh : 

I. JOHN KAY, b. Aug. 9, 1825 ; d. in Oct., 1872. 
n. JANE KAY, m'd Allen McLane, and, after his death, m'd 
N. E. Wilkinson. (See both.) 

III. MORGAN KAY, m'd Sarah I. Gibson. (See.) 

IV. ANN M. KAY, m'd Nov. 9, 1854, James M. Powell, b. in Cin- 

cinnati, Ohio, Oct. 4, 1832. He was a son of Wm. Powell 
and Ann C. Cornwell. William was a tobacco manufac- 
turer and merchant. He had houses in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
Covington, Ky., and Lexington, Mo. He died in 1877, his 
wife in 1854. Their children were: 

1. William Powell (ii). 2. Henry. 3. John. 4. Joseph. 

5. Samuel. 6. Sallie, m'd Wm. Dodd. 

7. Louisa, m'd Alf. W. Henning. 

8. Artemesia, m'd John Barton. 

9. Mary T. Powell, m'd Oct. 19, 1855, John E. Brooks. 

10. James, was the youngest. He received a good educa- 
tion, and became a brick-mason. He is a man of 
superior natural mind, and his experience and read- 
ing make him a man of large information. He is a 
working Methodist, a good Bible scholar, and a use- 
ful citizen. Mrs. Powell is a hale, hearty, and genial 
lady, highly respected and well beloved. Children : 
[«]* Lena, m'd E. Peitsel; [&] Gertrude, m'd March 
8, 1882, T. D. Harrington. Ch : [./] Sophronia Har- 
rington; \2] James. [ c ] Maggie Powell, m'd April 
9. 1890, H. H. Martin; [d] Nona Powell, m'd June 4, 
1890, Robert Ell ey. 

A it g. SO — C. B. Hawley opens a dry goods store in Platte City, 
in the house lately occupied by Murray & Freeland. 

MORIN AND WOODS. 

A sharp and bitter handbill controversy is progressing be- 
tween ^apt. W. T. Woods, late sheriff, and Maj. Jesse Morin, his 
deputy, in relation to the money collected and accounted for 
by each. 



1866, SEPT. 419 THE PENCES. 

SEPTEMBER. 

THE PENCE FAMILY. 

Sept. 1 — Lewis Pence died to-day. His father was George 
Pence, of German descent. He married a Brown aud emigrated 
to Kentucky. Most of his children came to Platte. Ch: 

I. EDWARD HERNDON PENCE, d. in Platte in 1861. He 
m'd in Kentucky Lucinda Snell, b. Feb. 8, 1808; d. Jan. 20, 
1868. She m'd 2d, Jan. 28, 1863, Elder Oliver C. Steele (his 
fourth wife); no children. Ed. H. Pence's children were: 

1. Elizabeth Pence, m'd Darwin J. Adkins, of Clay, a man , 

of moral and financial standing. 

2. Elenora Pence, m'd Thos. H. Talbott. (See.) 

3. Elvira, m'd J. M. Guthrie. (See.) 

1. Edward F. Pence, killed by a fall from a horse Dec. 4, 
1862; m'd Jeana Dvsart. Ch: [«] Madison Pence; 
[&] Stella. 

5. Ehnarine (Letie) Pence, m'd Sept. 1, 1859, Wm. A. King, 
from whom she was divorced. She m'd 2d, Oct. 6, 
1879, Nathan P. Ogden. He was a merchant at New 
Market, and being a Union man, his store was looted 
June 1, 1861, by bushwhackers. In August follow- 
ing, he removed to Weston. May 1, 1865, he was 
appointed sheriff of Platte County, in the place of 
W. T. Woods, ousted. In 1866 he was elected to the 
same office, over L. Shepard, by a vote of 808 to 632. 
In May, 1880, he removed to St. Joseph, and has 
since been successfully engaged in banking and 
other financial enterprises. He is now regarded as 
one of the solid men of that city. She has no chil- 
dren bv either husband. 
II. JOSEPH PENCE, b. in 1801; d. Feb. 24, 1878; m'd 1st, Sallie 
Chism. Ch: 

1. James Pence, m'd Susan M. Parrott. (See.) 

2. Joseph Pence (ii), m'd a Durrett. 

3. William L. Pence, m'd Feb. 27, 1873, Diana Lamar. 
Joseph (i) m'd 2d, Sarah Noonan. Ch: 

4. Mary Pence, m'd Thos. Noonan (cousin). 

5. Martha Pence (twin), m'd Manlius Lovd. 

III. MILTON PENCE, m'd Lavinia Lankford, b.' in 1806; d. Sept. 
29,1884. Ch: 

1. Lucinda, b. Feb. 27, 1842; m'd John Moore, b. Jan. 2. 

1835. Ch: ["] William Moore; [&] Milton Moore: 
[ p ] Dora, m'd 1st. F. ( Jockrill (see), and was divorced ; 
she then m'd 2d, William Harris, son of John M. : 
[d] Walter. 

2. Elenora Pence, m'd Sept. 6, 1855, Geo. Moore. Ch: 

[«] Gibson. 

3. Elmarine Pence (ii), m'd Oliver Todd. (See.) 



1866, SEPT. 420 COUNTY CONVENTION. 

IV. LEWIS PENCE, d. in June, 1866; m'd Jane Scarce, d. April 
24, 1891. He was a director of the Mechanics' Bank of 
Weston and one of my esteemed friends. Ch: 

1. Emma Pence, m'd Dec. 3, 1866, J. N. Vineyard. (See.) 

2. Lewis W. Pence (ii), m'd Ruth Adkins, dr. of Dar. J. 

Ch: [«] Jennie, m'd Oct. 3, 1894, Ellis G. Mings. 

3. Mollie T. Pence, m'd Nov. 18, 1879, Judge Jas. Gibson, 

of Kansas City. 
V. DANIEL PENCE, lived and died in Kentucky. 

A CONSERVATIVE COUNTY CONVENTION. 

Sept. 3 — A Conservative County Convention was held at the 
Baptist church, in Platte City, to nominate candidates for the 
ensuing election. A majority were disfranchised; yet, after a 
spirited contest, in which S. A. Gilbert led the opposition, all 
were permitted to vote. After the nominations were made for all 
the offices, the crowd adjourned to the street; and, appointing 
tellers, the chairman called for the candidates for one office at a 
time to stand forth; and, at the word, the voters took position 
behind their favorites respectively. In this way the nominees 
were very soon, and very satisfactorily, selected. The result was 
as follows: Representatives, John Wilson and H. J. Wolf; cir- 
cuit clerk, R. D. Johnston; county clerk, D. P. Lewis; sheriff, 
L. Shepard; treasurer, L. Ferguson; assessor, J. A. Stone; public 
administrator, J. B. Cox; surveyor, R. C. Ellifrit; supervisor of 
registration, W. Cunningham; coroner, E. D. Cord. 

Sept. 8 — The brickwork of the court-house is now up to the 
second story. The jailer's house is under roof, and a large amount 
of rock is on the ground for the jail. 

REGISTRATION. 

Sept. 13 — James Durbin, supervisor of registration gives 
notice that all qualified voters may register any Saturday between 
September 20th and October 20th, at their proper precincts; 
and that a board of appeals will be held at Platte City, from the 
23d to the 26th of October. 

Sept. 15 — Grasshoppers have reached Leavenworth, leaving 
terror before them and desolation behind them. 

A DESPERATE AFFRAY AT PLATTE CITY. 

In the afternoon, after the Radical Convention had ad- 
journed, a crowd gathered in front of the Fleshman House. J. 
H. Dunagan, a Radical of Herculean frame, got drunk, and 
flourished a pistol with threats. Officers interfered, but Duna- 
gau refused !<> obey, and fired off his pistol. Immediately, there 
was a general firing of revolvers, and the crowd hastily dispersed. 
William CailaghaD and John Heath were hilled, and among the 
wounded were Richard Bush. J. B. Cates, J. H. Dunagan, D. Flem- 
ing, John Foley, W. B. Heath, Sanders Mr-Comas, E. J. Phillips, 



1866, SEPT. 421 LAWLESSNESS. 

Henry Todd, and Jonathan Todd. Dunagan was arrested, and 
gave bond; but nothing was ever done, It was a battle between 
Conservatives and Radicals, and the former held the field. 

LAWLESSNESS. 

James Durbin, supervisor of registration, was attacked on 
the street of Platte City by a man named Queen, who threatened 
him on account of his politics, and ordered him to leave the town. 
Durbin returned to Weston, and it was his home until his death. 

Bennett Whitely took refuge at my house, and when all 
seemed quiet, I went with him to hunt up his horse. When on the 
scene of the riot, W. H. Spratt presented himself, in a drunken 
state, with drawn revolver presented at my breast; and stating, in 
an angry tone, that I had been talking about him, swore he would 
shoot me. But just at the critical moment Constable H. T. Calla- 
han, revolver in hand, rushed between us, and saved my life. 

Sanders McComas lay hid in town three days. A Mr. Mc- 
Millan took refuge in the new iron vault, made for the bank, and 
not yet in place. Some of the Radicals were pursued, at full 
speed, out of town. No legal proceeding was instituted. For a 
few weeks as much awe rested on the community as during the 
war. 

Sept. 18 — Judge Charles Drake spoke in Weston. 

Sept. 25 — Fair for four days; it was sparsely attended. 
Officers, acting : R. D. Johnston, president ; A. Tribble, vice-presi- 
dent; J. C. Greenawalt, secretary; A. Burge, treasurer. Direc- 
tors: Faulconer, Aller, Harrington, Hinkle, Hughes, Miller, Pep- 
per, Singleton, Steele, White, Smith. 

Faulconer was chosen president of the new board, Belt secre- 
tary, and Burge treasurer. 

GRASSHOPPERS. 

Sept. 21 — During the fair grasshoppers commenced falling 
like snow from the heavens. In a few days they were like the 
locusts of Egypt. But they came too late to damage anything 
except wheat and grass. They left their eggs in the ground, and, 
when hatched out in the spring, desolation reigned. 

The removal of the county seat to Weston is still agitated, 
notwithstanding the court-house is nearly complete. A petition 
is circulated to have the question submitted to the people. 

Good Templars are flourishing in the county. 

OCTOBER. 

Oct. 1 — The county court pays out large sums, in warrants, 
for coupons on Parkville G. R. Railroad bonds, and on W. & A. 
Railroad bonds. The amount paid, in one day, exceeded $30,000. 



1866, OCT. 422 COUNTY SEAT REMOVAL. 

Oct. 3 — The registrars all fail to bring their books to the 
county clerk, as required by law; and the county attaches the 
officers. Eight of them deliver their books, and the others are 
brought forward by the sheriff, and give up their books, under 
duress. 

John Wilson resigns as county attorney. 

KEMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT. 

A petition is presented to the county court for the removal of 
teh county seat to Weston, and asking that the question be sub- 
mitted to the people. It is ordered that a vote be taken at the 
general election, to be held November 6th. A counter-petition is 
also presented. 

J. W. FOLEY. 

J. W. Foley having died, J. A. Hyatt administered. He lived 
in Marshall Township. His widow was named Rhoda- Ch: 

I. MARY FOLEY, m'd Jonathan H. Miller. 
II. ELIZABETH A. FOLEY, m'd W. F. Nelson. 

III. JONATHAN W. FOLEY, 

IV. ZACHARIAS T., m'd Elenora Miller. Ch : 

1. Chas. 2. Ollie. 3. Guy. 4. Hugh, 
5. Luella Foley. 
V. JAS. R. FOLEY * 

VI. ANDREW B. FOLEY, m'd Oct. 25, 1884, Dora Seever, dr. 

of G. W. 

VII. NANCY B. FOLEY, dead. 

VIIL MARTHA FOLEY, m'd John W. King and died leaving: 

1. Jos. A. King. 2. Rhoda A. 3. John R. 4. Louisa P. 
5. Minnie. 

SQUIRE JERRY WOODS. 

Squire Jerry Woods died at Weston. He was born in Ohio 
May 26, 1797; married May 10, 1821, Virginia Soward, b. May 23, 
1804, and died July 5, 1841. They came to Weston in 1839. He 
was elected a justice of the peace soon after his arrival, and held 
the office, by successive elections, to the day of his death; was a 
member of the first board of trustees for Weston; was a charter 
member of Masonic Lodge No. 53, and rose to the order of knight- 
hood ; was one of the earliest mayors of the city, and was univers- 
ally esteemed for good natural sense and stern justice. Ch: 
I. WILLIAM, b. March 25, 1822, m'd Mary Toole, sister of 

Edwin, of St. Joseph. 
II. JOHN S. WOODS, b. Feb. 7, 1824, m'd Elizabeth Wester 

field. (See.) 
in. JONAS S. WOODS, b. Dec. 1, 1825; m'd a Hawn. He went 

to the Mexican War as an officer of Capt. W. S. Murphy's 

company, rose to the command of the company, and 

achieved honor bv his gallantry. 
IV. ELIZA J. WOODS, b. Dec. 16, 1827; m'd Jan. 22, 1846, Larkin 

M. Reed. d. July 29, 1895; she died at Leavenworth July 3, 



1866, OCT. 423 BOARD OF APPEALS. 

1885. Mr. Reed was a saddler, and worked at Ins trade in 
Platte City, Weston, and Camden Point. He was a man of 
some education, and. as a Democrat, often wrote for the 
county papers. Oh: 

1. Anna, m'd Geo. Wilkins. 

2. Jeff I>. 3. Lida. 4. Robert. All of Kansas City. 

A'. WASH. T. WOODS, b. July 27,1829, m'd Nannie McKinney. 
He commnaded Company A of Col. Price's regiment of 
militia; was elected in November, 1862, sheriff, over G. W. 
Hood, by a vote of 928 to 595; and again, in 1864, over J. A. 
Price, by a vote of 892 to 457. From his second term he 
was ousted by the Vacating Ordinance. He subsequently 
removed to Kansas City, where he now lives. 

VI. SARAH A. WOODS, b. Sept. 28, 1S33, dead; m'd Harvey 

Burch. 

VII. JERRY M. WOODS, b. Aug. 7, 1835. Lives in California. 
VITT. LOUISA W. WOODS, b. Sept. 26, 1837, d. Dec. 17, 1884, m'd 

April 7, 1859, Judge Henry W. Roney. b. June 25. 1836. He 
came to Weston before the war, and engaged in the furni- 
ture trade; was marshal of the Weston Court of Common 
Pleas, studied law, was admitted to the bar, and was 
elected judge of the Weston court; deputy provost-marshal 
under Comingo; was clerk of the probate court; was 
elected in November, 1882, circuit clerk without opposition, 
and reelected in 1886. He has since devoted himself to the 
practice of law at Platte City. Ch : 

1. Charles Roney. 

2. Ella Roney, m'd Dec. 9, 1884, David K. Cox. She died 

leaving: Ch: [«]D. D. Cox. (See Roxie Wheeler.) 
IX. SAMUEL A. WOODS, b. April 17, 1840, m'd Nannie 
Walker. 

Oct. 18 — The Radicals nominate Geo. S. Park for State 
senator. 

Oct. 19 — A triple wedding at the Christian church in Platte 
Citv: 1, Jas. M. McCluer and Frankie Hunt; 2, R, P. Tribble and 
Mollie White; 3, F. G. Cockrill and Cynthia Tribble. 

The board of appealsmet at PlatteCity to correct registration. 

Oct. 30 — The Radicals hold a large meeting at Parkville. 
Geo. S. Park and F. Luthy speak. They nominate Dr. F. D. Moore 
for representative, and condemn the official course of Jas. Durbin. 
supervisor of registration. 

Change of Conservative ticket; some of the nominees being 
unable to take the oath, the central committess fill the vacancies, 
by putting forward G. W. Belt for treasurer, in place of Ferguson ; 
Isaac Dean for supervisor of registration, in place of Cunning- 
ham; and S. A. Hiinrod for superintendent of county schools, in 
place of Cates. 



1866, OCT. 424 T. P. BRUCE. 

This year Thomas P. Bruce and Thomas J. Doke, brothers-in- 
law, settled near Edgerton. They are enterprising men, and are 
doing much to build up that flourishing little city. I will here set 
out their family trees : 

THOMAS P. BRUCE , 

Son of Henry, was b. Nov. 2, 1835, in Mercer Co., Ky., m'd Oct. 12, 
1858, Mary Stone, widow of J. T. Stone. She was born Oct. 
12.1837. Ch: 
I. MAGGIE M. BRUCE, m'd Jas. B. Matney. Ch: 
1. Thomas. 2. Henry. 3. Albert. 
II. JAMES H. BRUCE, m'd Oct. 30, 1890, Mary W. Handley, b. 
June 27, 1879. He is cashier of the Bank of Edgerton, and 
one of the rising business men of the county. Ch : 

1. Irvin Bruce, b. Oct. 4, 1891. 

2. W. Oscar Bruce, b. Sept. 6, 1893. 

III. THOMAS A. BRUCE, single, lives in Moberly, Mo. 

IV. ELIZABETH BRUCE, m'd Jas. A. Gustin. (See.) 
V. JOHN B. BRUCE. VI. RICHARD D. BRUCE. 

VII. EFFIE BRUCE. 

THOMAS J. DOKE, 

Born near Danville, Ky., Nov. 12, 1832, m'd Nov. 22, 1853, Martha 
A. Bruce, dr. of Henry and sr. of Thos. P. Mr. Doke possesses pub- 
lic spirit, and his heart is enlisted in the causes of humanity and 
religion; and he gives active support to every good and useful 
enterprise. Ch : 

I. JOHN H. DOKE, m'd Sept. 12, 1879, Lilian H. Weber. 
H. WILLIAM J. DOKE, m'd Dec. 1, 1886, Fannie McPhetridge. 

III. FIELDING Y. DOKE. 

IV. MOLLIE B. DOKE, m'd Jan. 4, 1872, Walter B. Smith. 

Their dr. Mattie, b. in 1879, m'd Nov. 2, 1896, Walter 
Johnson. 

NOVEMBER 

Nov. 1 — The brickwork of the court-house is finished. 

THE REGISTRATION. 

The registration gives displeasure to both parties. Durbin is 
condemned more by the Radicals than by the Conservatives. 
Durbin is a candidate for the Legislature, and charges that his 
party are conspiring to drop him, and to take up A. G. Brown. 
He charges Brown and C. M. Boyd with duplicity. 

REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT. 

Citizens of Weston issue a handbill stating that the city had 
agreed to give $40,000, and that a further sum of f 20,000 had been 
subscribed by individuals, on condition of the removal of the 
county seat to Weston. Platte City and its people were referred 



1866, NOV. 425 THE ELECTION. 

to with contempt. The other side issued a handbill in reply, 
showing Weston to be insolvent, and the county debt $475,000. 

.Nov. 2 — The Border Times has G. S. Park's circular in relation 
to the senatorial race. 

Nov. 5 — Rev. G. L. Moad removes to Leavenworth, having 
accepted a call from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of that 
place. 

Nov. 6 — Maj. Morris and a company of United States soldiers 
are at Platte City, to keep order during the election. No disturb- 
ance, but the presence of the soldiers incensed the Conservatives. 

THE ELECTION. 

Congressman— J. H. Birch, 764; R. T. Van Horn, G52. 

Senator— D. D. Burnes, 888; Geo. S. Park, GOO. 

Representative — Eastern District, John Wilson, 370; T. 
Quinn, 377; Western District, Durbin, 5; Wolf, 436; Beller, 245. 

Circuit Clerk— F. M. Tufts, 736; R. D. Johnston, 700. ' 

County Clerk— D. P. Lewis, 763 ; D. W. Moore, 666. 

Sheriff— N. P. Ogden, 798; L. Shepard, 632. 

Treasurer— G. W. Belt, 798; C. M. Boyd, 630. 

Assessor— J. A. Stone, 681 ; F. Luthy, 653. 

Public Administrator — J. B. Cox, 769; W. S. Kimsev, 651. 

Coroner— E. D. Cord, 764; D. Fleming, 656. 

Supervisor of Registration — Isaac Dean, 782; M. Miles, 639. 

Superintendent of Common Schools — S. A. Himrod, 779; J. 
W. Mason, 646. 

County Justice — N. Beery, 606; Paul Jordan, 608; Jacob 
Hamm, 605. 

Survevor— J. S. Owens, 769; Bradley, 641. 

*/ 7 nJ 7 

For Removal of County Seat, 568; against, 702. 
Nov. 12 — Judge Walter King held circuit court at the Baptist 
church. 

W. H. Roney enrolled as an attorney. 

Nov. 13 — James W T . Coburn enrolled as an attoney. Here 
is the first public appearance of a young man of intellect and 
culture, destined to stand high in private life as well as in the 
forum and on the platform. He still lives to add to his laurels, 
and to rise to position and fame. He has never married, but, in 
his office and spacious library, spends his days and nights in un- 
ravelling the intricate web of truth, right, and justice. His 
parents were Dr. John A. Coburn and Elizabeth M. Wood. The 
latter is a first cousin of my wife. The Coburns were men of 
judicial acumen and untarnished honor. James Wilson Coburn 
was born in Mason County, Ky. He setteled at Weston, and en 
gaged in the practice of law, with his relative, Col. John Doni- 
phan. Upon the removal of the latter to St. Joseph, he continued 
the practice alone. One of Mr. Coburn's first works was an 
abstract of Platte County titles, a book of labor, patience, and 



1866, NOV. 426 G. S. ELGIN. 

value. This was complete in January, 1879. In November, 1880, 
he was elected prosecuting attorney, over Win. Forman, by a vote 
of 1,315 to 1,219; and two years later he was reelected, without 
opposition; and in 1884 he was elected again, without opposition, 
for a third term. He now devotes himself assiduously to the 
practice of law, not only in Platte, but in the highest Federal and 
State forums. His name will be frequently mentioned as we 
progress with these annals. 

The railroad from Weston, in the direction of Kansas City, 
is finished to East Leavenworth. 

Nov. 19 — H. M. Aller is enrolled as an attorney. 

Weston is improving. I. H. Masterson and Adam Durkes 
are erecting fine brick dwellings. Ringo is putting up a stone 
dwelling; and a call for a wool factory is heard. 

G. S. ELGIN KILLED. 

Nov. 20 — Elgin, a nephew of William Tatman, was a deputy 
sheriff in Clay County. There were five of the Titus brothers, 
and Elgin shot and killed two of them, while resisting his official 
authority. Apprehending danger, Elgin fled to the house of his 
uncle, William Tatman, on the road from Platte City to Weston. 
The three surviving Titus brothers, with one John Biven, sur- 
rounded Tatman's house by night. They had a warrant for the 
arrest of Elgin. In the morning Elgin came forth from the house, 
and was shot by Bevin. 

AN EPISODE IN COUNTY COURT. 

Nov. 26 — There was no law in force for the election of a new 
county court, but votes were cast for Noah Beery, Paul Jordan, 
and Jacob Hamm. They were commissioned by the governor. 
The three came, in the early part of the day, before Judge Aller 
had appeared at the court-room, and were sworn in by County 
Clerk D. W. Moore. They did some business and adjourned. 
The next day Judge Aller took his seat. But D. W. Moore held 
the keys of the vault, where the records were stored, and refused 
to deliver them. The vault was broken open, Moore was sus- 
pended, and D. P. Lewis, the newly elected clerk, was sworn in. 
Judge Aller continued to discharge the duties of the court, and 
D. P. Lewis was his clerk. We hear no more of D. W. Moore. 

JUDGE W. A. KING. 

Judge King decided that all indictments for treason before 
him were void, under the terms of the surrender, and the procla- 
mations of peace and amnesty. He therefore dismissed them. 
For this he was impeached and deposed. 



1866, DEC. 427 COL. J. DURBIN. 

DEOEMBEE. 

COL. JAMES DURBIN. 

Dec. 6 — Col. .Tanics Durbin dies at Weston. He came in 1804. 
from Ohio, where, it was said, he left a family. He possessed 
ambition and energy— was an earnest and impressive speaker, 
but lacked ballast. Always under excitement, he was visionary 
and unsuccessful. He had been in the State but two years, and had 
held the offices of surveyor and of supervisor of registration. He 
was a candidate for representative at the late election, and re- 
ceived only 5 votes. The Weston court adjourned for his funeral, 
and the bar passed resolutions in his honor. 

REVIVALS. 

Dec. 10 — Within a. radius of twenty-five miles, 802 persons 
had united with the various churches within the last six months. 

Services at Platte City, in the Christian church, resulted in 
70 additions. 

Dec. 11 — Thomas Jenkins succeeds W. A. White as landlord 
of the Green House at Platte City. 

Dec. 25 — Pat Doyle's new brick house on Lot 1, Block 29, 
Platte City, is complete. 

Dec. 29— A festival at Platte City for Southern relief. 

The court-house is complete. 

Kansas City's population, 11,000; St. Joseph's, 18,000; Leaven- 
worth's, 22,000. 



1867. 



OFFICERS. 

Governor, T. C. Fletcher; Congressman, R. T. Van Horn; 
State Senator, Geo. S. Park; Circuit Judge, Walter B. King; Cir- 
cuit Attorney, E. F. Esteb; Assessor, J. A. Stone; Treasurer, 
G. W. Belt; Coroner, E. D. Cord; Superintendent of Schools, S. A. 
Himrod; Representatives, Thomas Quinn and H. J. Wolf; Cir- 
cuit Clerk, F. M. Tufts; Probate Judge, S. A. Gilbert; Countv 
Justice, H. M. Aller; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Sheriff, N. P. 
Ogden; Surveyor, Jas. Durbin; Public Administrator, W. M. 
Paxton (J. B. Cox did not qualify). 

Platte County Agricultural and Mechanical Association — 
W. K. Faulconer president. Belt secretary, Burge treasurer. 



1867, JAN. 428 PRICES. 

PRICES. 

Apples, $1; brown domestic, 22 cents; eggs, 25 cents; coffee, 
30 cents; flour, |T; corn, 50 cents ; calico, 20 cents; ham, 20 cents; 
hemp, $180; potatoes, $1; salt, $5; sugar, 20 cents; wheat, $2; 
whisky, $5. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — H. A. B. Anderson, N. B. Ander- 
son, Baker, Boyd, Campbell, Connelly, Fleshman, Greenawalt, 
Herndon, Hollingsworth, Merryman, Norton, Paxton, Robertson, 
Shaw, J. Wilson, R. P. C. Wilson. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Guthrie, Johnson, McDonald, Red- 
man, Smith. 

Merchants, etc. — Burge, E. C. Cockrill & Co., Colman, Haw- 
ley, Hunt, Jenkins (postmaster) & Son, D.. Jenkins, Kenney, 
Leavel, Likins, Mason & Swain, Mattox & Oliver, Recht, Rice, 
Perry & Co., Smith & Co., Wilkinson, Young, Zarn. 

Lodge— Neb. 12, W. C. Hatton, N. G. 

Farmers Savings Association — A. Tribble cashier. 

At ~\Yeston: Attorneys — Beller, Burnes, Carpenter, Carroll, 
Coburn, Doniphan, Fulton, Georgen, Gilbert, Hitt, King, Law- 
son, Scott, Watts, Wolf. 

Physicians — Allison, Beaumont, Bonifant, Bowlby, Gras- 
muck, Hale, Peters, Price, Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Allen, Anderson, Barnhart, Bell, Blanjour, 
Briggs, Brill, Brown, Carpenter, Calvert, Cockrill, Blackmore & 
McCluer, Deckelman, Deitz, Doppler, Egstadt, Ellefrit, Evans, 
Gerner & Frank, Gedultig, Halyard, Hardesty, Hood, Hughes & 
Co.,Ilkenhans, Johnson, Kaufman, Keller, Kenney, Kurtz, Magers, 
Mathews, Mettier, Moore, Nagle & Roney, Newhouse, Noble, Oli- 
phant, Perry, Raileys, Rohring, Schindler, Synder, Steubenraugh, 
Termier, Trollman, Warner, Winzer & How, Wood, Woods & 
Story. 

Weston Court of Common Pleas — Wolf, judge; Yocom, clerk; 
Hedges, marshal. 

Newspapers — Border Times, Beller editor; Landmark, Gil- 
bert editor. 

High School — Ringo and Vance. 

Banks — Platte Savings Institution, Warner cashier; Railey 
& Bro. 

Lodges — Weston Lodge, No. 53, B. F. Newhouse. W. M.; 
Star of the West, Good Templars, A. G. BellerT W. C. T. 

Preachers— J. W. Waller (Chris.), T. W. Barnett (Bap.), Robt. 
Auslin (M. E.), E. B. Sherwood (Pres.), A. Batte (Epis.), Arnsberger 
(Ger. M. E.). 

At Parl-ville: Carmody, Davis, Earl, Kahm, Bueneman 
(postmaster), Luthy, Dal(\ Mitchell, Dr. Moore, Park, Pack, Jor- 
dan. Summers. 

Camden Point: Tnffev, Hale (postmaster), Dibble (academy). 
Jack, Pullins & Kirttey. 



1866, JAN. 429 LYCEUM. 

At Farley: Dr. Holt, Meads (postmaster), Simpson. 
At Iatcm: Smith (postmaster), Dr. Larry. 
At New Market : Armstrong, Allen. Cartwright, Singleton. 
At Ridgely: Chrisman, Gustin, Ellington, Robinson, Hill 
(postmaster). 

JANUARY. 

■/(in. J — I have files of the Border Times and Reveille in full, 
and of the Landmark about half the numbers of the year 18G7. 

LYCEUM AT PLATTE CITY. 

The young people of Platte City have formed a lyceum with 
Ad. Burge as president, and hold weekly meetings at the Baptist 
church for debate. They have raised money, and have purchased 
a library, which is kept in the closet of the probate office, with 
Ben Gilbert as librarian. 

Mr. Oldham runs a daily hack for passengers between Platte 
City and Leavenworth, fare f 1. 

The only mail to Platte City is a triweekly from Weston. 

Hitherto revenue stamps have been required on deeds, 50 
cents on every f 500 of consideration ; process for suit, 50 cents ; 
bank check, 2 cents; contract, 5 cents; and affidavit, 25 cents. 
The latter is now removed. 

BANK AT PLATTE CITY ROBBED. 

Jan. 3 — Burglars, by night, entered the vault and broke open 
the small iron safe, taking $1,414. They attempted to break open 
the large burglar-proof safe, but failed; yet ruined the lock. It 
could not afterwards be opened here, and was sent to St. Louis, 
where a new Yale combination lock was put on.it. Depositors 
were promptly paid, and the institution grew in favor. 

FEBRUARY. 

Feb. 1 — Many persons are taking advantage of the new Bank- 
rupt Law. 

Cockrill, Blackmore & McCluer, of Weston, establish a 
branch store at Platte City. 

H. J. Wolf resigns as judge of the Westou Court of Common 
Pleas, and Jas. N. Burnes is appointed in his place. 

James Adkins bought of E. C. Cockrill the Hays farm, two 
miles north of Platte City, consisting of 170 acres, at $5,400. 

The real estate of J. Y. Oockrell, deceased, sold for partition, 
brought the average price of $28 per acre. 

CONTESTED ELECTIONS. 
The cases of C. M. Boyd vs. G. W. Belt (treasurer), of M. Miles 
vs. Isaac Dean (supervisor of registration), of D. W. Moore vs. D. 
P. Lewis (county clerk), and of F. Luthy vs. J. A. Stone (assessor), 
were heard bv the circuit court and dismissed. 



1867, FEB. 430 J. H. LAYTON. 

JUDGE JAS. H. LAYTON. 

Feb. 7 — Judge Jas. H. Lavton died at his home above Weston. 
Steele & Sinither administered, giving bond for $40,000. Judge 
Lavton was born in Mason County, Ky., July 13, 1813; married in 
August. 1836, Sarah Smither. They came to Platte in 1814, and 
settled in Marshall Township. He was elected in August, 1856, 
a judge of the county court. When, in I860, the county court 
was reduced to one judge, he was appointed to the office. In 
November, 1864, he was elected to the same office. He was ousted 
by the Vacating Ordinance, and H. M. Aller succeeded him. His 
stern integrity, with the nerve and resolution to do his duty, 
peculiarly fitted him for the responsible office he held in the 
troublous time of war. His courage, justice, and honor are the 
chief treasures he left to his posterity. Ch: 
I. MARY LAYTOX, b. in 1S39; m'd W. W. Rhinehart. Ch: 

1. SaUie Rhinehart. m'd Jan. 28, 1890, Charles A. Ohl- 

hausen. 

2. Clarence Rhinehart. 3. Nellie. 
Mrs. Rhinehart m'd 2d. a McKirk. 

II. DAVID B. LAYTOX, b. Feb. 2, 1841; m'd Dec. 31, 1863, Mary 

J. Risk. (See.) 
HI. ALICE LAYTOX, m'd Benton Cabbert. (See.) 
IV. PERRY S. LAYTOX, b. Feb. 14, 1846; m'd 1st, Dec. 21, 1870, 

Sallie Lovelady,b. in 1852; d. May 13, 1875, leaving children: 

1. May Laijton, m'd April 5, 1896, W. X. Stagner. 

2. SaUie. 3. Myrtle. 4. Ada. 

Perry S. m'd 2d, Jan. 9, 1876, Xannie Lovelady, sister of 
his first wife. Thev live in Kansas. 
V. SARAH AXX LAYTOX, m'd Merrit L. Xewbv, b. Jan. 22, 
1848. Mr. Xewby is a farmer of Marshall Township. Ch : 

1. Ida G. Newiy. 2. Lula J. 3. Jessie. 4. Sarah. 

5. Henri/. 

VI. ELVIRA LAYTOX, m'd J. W. Steele (ii), and was divorced. 

She then m'd Edgar W. Hull. Ch : 
1. Ermie. 2. Ira Coburn. 

VII. JAMES W. LAYTOX, b. Aug. 27, 1857; m'd Jan. 22, 1880. 

Lydia Benner. (See.) Mr. Lavton was, in Xovember. 
1894, elected a county court justice, and is now in office. 

VIII. ELIZABETH LAYTOX. m'd J. W. Xoland. 

Feb. 11 — Heavy rains. The ice in the Missouri River is 
moving. 

The State Legislature repeals the law for a county court of 
"in- judge for Platte, and authorizes the governor to appoint three. 

Cars are running from Weston to East Leavenworth, on the 
Platte Country Railroad, and the remainder of the road is nearly 
complete. 

Elders Bird. Clay, and Williams hold a protracted meeting in 
the Baptist church, at Pleasant Ridge and receive 27 members. 



1867, FEB. 431 NUW COUNTY COURT. 

Feb. l'i — St. Valentine's Day profaned by a dance and 
carousal, at the new court-house, called a dedication. 

Feb. IS — Geo. S. Park is granted the seat in the State Senate 
to which D. D. Burnes was elected. 

MAEOH. 

March 1 — Of files for March I have the Landmark and Reveille 
full, and two numbers of the Border Times. 

The county court appoints L. E. Bradley surveyor, in the 
place of Jas. Durbin, deceased. It seems J. S. Owens, who was 
elected in November, 1800, did not qualify. 

Prof. Goodale retires, and Ringo & Vance take Weston High 
School. 

Abner Whiteley is buying much land in the Missouri River 
bottom, opposite Leavenworth. 

A lodge of Good Templars organized in Platte City. 

THE NEW COUNTY COURT. 

March 5 — Noah Beery, A. G. Brown, and Jacob Hamin, hold- 
ing commissions from the governor, as county justices, take the 
Constitutional oath, and form a new court. Judge Aller does 
not demur. 

A postoflfice is established at Hampton, with Robt. Wilhite 
postmaster. 

March 9 — N. E. Wilkinson has finished his two story frame, on 
Lot 2, Block 30, Platte City, and moves into it, with his family 
and his stock of tinware. 

James R. Burckhartt and W. H. Hunt enter into the grocery 
business in the new Dovle building, on Lot 1, Block 29, Platte 
City. Burckhartt buys the house at f C>,000. 

A moot court is formed at Platte City with W. M. Paxton 
judge. The bar consists of N. B. Anderson, Campbell, Gates, Con- 
nelly, Fleshman, Robertson, and Shaw. 

March 13 — W. M. Paxton, as agent for the county, sells the 
rock of the foundation of the old court-house, publicly. 

Daniel D. Burnes died. (See.) 

JOHN SWANEY. 

March /// — John Swaney died at Platte City. He was a 
younger brother of Hugh Swaney (see), and was born in Indiana 
July 4, 1814. He married there a Miss Falken, who died, leaving 
one child: 

I. NANCY SWANEY. She m'd John Keller, and d. childless. 

Mr. Swaney m'd 2d, Sept. 19, 1844, Delilah Wills, dr. of Geo. 

She was born May 10, 1820, and died October 29, 1S09. Mr. 

Swaney was a sprightly, enterprising, and social gentleman — a 



1867, MARCH. 432 JOHN ZARN. 

Mason and a zealous Christian. He was a constable, assessor, 
and deputy sheriff. With Wilburn Christison, he engaged in the 
mercantile business, at Platte City, just before the war, and built 
the Swaney block, on Lot 6, Block 30, of Platte City. He erected 
also the Zarn dwelling. But the advent of the war found him in 
debt, and he failed. Children by his second wife: 
H. LAURA SWANEY, m'd Chester Hurlbut. (See.) 

III. JOHN SWANEY (ii), m'd Sept. 6, 1871. Luella Middleton, b. 

Sept. 6, 1854, dr. of Wm. T. Ch: 
1. John W. Sivcmey. 2. Robt. Hugh. 

IV. HUGH SWANEY (ii), m'd Alice Singleton, dr. of W. T. 

In a poem I dedicated to the memory of John Swaney (i) is 
the following stanza: 

Active, bold, and self-reliant. 

Full of energy and zeal, 
And to sanguine hope compliant, 

He was crushed by Fortune's wheel. 
Body worn and spirit broken, 

Soon the grave received his clay; 
But no charge was ever spoken. 
And his memory 's pure to day. 

Hon. Walter King, judge of the circuit court, is impeached 
by the House of Representatives for disloyalty. He received 
news of the charges while holding court in Ray County, and im- 
mediately adjourned. 

Jenkins & Son sell their drug store in Platte City to Dr. G. 
W. Smith, and Smith becomes postmaster. 

Jas. Adkins sells to John Zarn Lots 7 and 8, Block 30, Platte 
City, with the brick house thereon, for $1,661. 

Let us here notice 

JOHN ZARN. 

He was born in Prussia May 29, 1832, and served an apprentice- 
ship to a shoemaker. He is tall and soldierlike, and served in the 
German army for some years. He came to the United States 
in 1856, and settled at Platte City in 1858. He has been in the 
shoe trade at Platte City ever since. We have no better citizen 
than John Zarn. He has prospered in business and is wealthy. 
He purchased, in 1885, the Bane farm of 350 acres, at $11.05 per 
acre. He married January 17, 1867, Kate Y. Jacquemin, born 
December 14, 1843. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, and his 
wife is a Catholic. Ch: 
I. RICHARD 0, ZARN, b. Nov. 1. 1867. now a merchant of 

Burlington Junction, Mo. 
II. CLARA O. ZARN, b. Sept. 30, 1860. She is regarded as one 

of the best musicians in the country, and her services as a 

teacher are in demand. 
111. CHARLES B. ZARN. 1). July 11, 1871; m'd Nov. 12, 1896, 

Lizzie Davis, dr. of W. H. 



1867, APRIL. 433 ELECTIONS. 

IV. GEORGE G. ZARN, b. April 4, 1873. 
V. MINNIE ZARN, b. Dec. 27, 1877; d. Jan. 20, 1897. I append 
one stanza from a poem I devoted to her memory: 

As chaste as the snow on the mountain, 

In grace she surpassed the gazelle; 
Her thoughts were as pure as the fountain, 

And guile from her lips never fell. 
Her spirit was Purity's bower; 

Her person was moulded by Grace; 
Her soul was a half-open Hower, 

Where Innocence veiled a sweet face. 

Revival at Platte City under the preaching of Austin and 
Leftwich. Sixty additions to the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

WAR TAXES. 

The income tax is 5 per cent on all sums over $1,000. In- 
heritances are taxed, and professions licensed. Legal instru- 
ments are stamped. 

APRIL. 

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. 
April 1 — J. A. Halderman is elected mayor of Leavenworth, 
and T. F. Warner mayor of Weston. Beery, Belt, Guthrie, Hern- 
don. Merrvman, Tufts, and Wells are elected trustees of Platte 
City. i | fif 

E S. FRAZIER. 
E. S. Frazier having died, his widow, Elizabeth, administers. 
Bond, |2.000. Ch : 

I. CHRIS. C, FRAZIER. II. DANIEL. III. JOHN. 
IV. TODA FRAZIER. V. GEORGIA ANN. VI. NANCY. 

VII. SARAH, m'd Wm. Hatton. 

VIII. IV A JANE FRAZIER, m'd W. H. Fuller. 
Grasshoppers hatching. 

April ■') — The new county court orders the treasurer not to 
pay any warrant issued by Judge Aller; but this order was con- 
sidered as null, for all were paid. 

April 20 — A. J. Colman opens a tin and stove shop in Platte 
City. 

T. C. Batterlv advertises a wool-carding factorv in Platte 
City. 

An earthquake felt in Platte City and as far east as Lexing- 
ton, Missouri. 

April 25— The Platte County & Ft. Des Moines Railroad, 
now known as the C. & S. W. Railway, has purchased the right of 
way through nearly every farm on the route. Jas. N. Burnes and 
N. P. Ogden had a contract to buy the route and construct the 
road. 

28- 



867, APRIL. 434 COUNTY FINANCES. 

April 29 — An unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Oapt. W. 
J. Fitzgerald. 

MAY. 

COUNTY FINANCES. 

Expenditures. 

Court-house warrants $ 120.00 

Other warrants 39,749.22 

Borrowed of School Funds 4,741.62 

Warrants for railroad bonds 45,521.35 $210,012.19 

Collected during the year 42,678.22 

$167,333.97 

Add outstanding warrants 13,500.00 

W. & A. Railroad bonds $ 43,500.00 

Interest 4,580.00 48,080.00 

P. & G. R. Railroad bonds 100,000.00 

Interest 29,930.00 129,930.00 

Interest on School Funds bonds 474.16 

County debt $359,318.13 

Coupons paid, $10,530. Lands, 264,435 acres, assessed at 
$4,339,284; but this valuation was reduced by the State board of 
equalization. 

Tax Books: Lands and lots, $4,361,368; other property, 
$2,054,716; insurance companies, $5,881; making, $6,421,965. 

Total taxes assessed, $86,464. 

Valuation of Stock: Horses, 5,858; each, $40; mules and 
asses, 1,587; each, $62; cattle, 11,036; each, $19; sheep, 16,206; 
each, $2; hogs, 40,339; each, $4.67. 

Expenditures in Detail. 

Bridges on turnpike $ 496.00 

Skinner's bridge 50.00 

Platte City bridge 429.00 

Prairie Creek bridge 709.00 

Bridge on Weston & St. Joseph road 100.00 

Bridge on Kansas City and Barry road 500.00 

Other roads and bridges ' 2.187.00 

Poor 4,354.00 

Old County Court 980.00 

New County Court 305.00 

County Clerk (Moore) 3,931.00 

County Clerk (Lewis) 324.00 

Assessor (Stone) 1,397.00 

County Attorney (Wilson) 600.00 

Sheriff (Ogden) 2.556.00 

Cirr-nit Clerk (Belt and Tufts) 1,725.00 



1867, MAY. 435 HIGH WATER. 

Treasurer (R, M. Johnston) $1,600.00 

Stationery 804.00 

Printing G15.00 

Court-house 1,258.00 

Jail 30.00 

Wood 173.00 

Weston Court of Common Pleas 293.00 

Criminal costs 2,750.oo 

Registration 1,004.00 

Court-house Commissioner (Murphy) 10,000.00 

Sundry purposes 579.22 

Total 139,749.22 

County lew, $1.18. 

Taxable property of Platte City, $247,500. Taxes collected, 
$117.00. 

HIGH WATER. 

The Missouri is now falling. The rivers were, the middle of 
April, higher than at any time since 1858. The high-water years 
have been as follows: 1820, 1844, 1858, 1867, 1881, 1892. The aver- 
age is fourteen years. It is an Indian tradition that the Missouri 
rises to a great height, on an average, every fourteen years. Next 
to 1844 was the rise of 1S5S. The next highest water was in 1881 ; 
and 1867 comes next. In 1892 the rise came largely from the 
Platte, and the damage was done chiefly below its mouth. 

CHARLES B. ALMOND'S DEATH. 

May o — The ten-year-old son of Judge Win. B. Almond, de- 
ceased, was riding one horse and leading another past Dr. W. 
Baldwin's house, in Platte City, when his wrist was caught in the 
rope, and the horse dashed off, dragging the boy over a long ledge 
of rocks, killing him instantly. It is remarkable that precisely 
twelve months earlier, at the same hour, day, and month, at the 
same spot, and in the same manner, a son of Noah W. Beery, of the 
same age, lost his life. Mr. Beery and Mrs. Almond were living 
on adjoining lots, and Dr. Baldwin witnessed both tragedies. 

Platte City improving; John R. Swain, J. H. Connelly, 
G. R. Carnahan, J. D. Murray, and Mayo & Stone are building 
good houses. 

GRASSHOPPERS. 

Grasshoppers are hatched out and half-grown. They are 
devouring every tender herb. Early corn was undisturbed, when 
young and tender vegetation was at hand. Not a particle of dog- 
fennel escaped. An onion was a precious morsel. I had a good 
patch of early onions. They ate all of them, and burrowed in the 
ground for the roots. For a week their breaths perfumed the 
atmosphere. A hundred would fight over a chew of tobacco. 



1867, MAY. 436 GRADING. 

They roosted at night on the side of a house, a wall, or a tree. 
They moved by brigades. Here, the array goes north; there, it 
goes south. Hogs grew fat upon them, and chickens could not 
be eaten with a relish — they tasted of grasshoppers. Various 
schemes were ineffectually tried to destroy them. Fire and 
water were of no avail. All efforts were as vain as to try to stop 
the tides by baling out the sea with a bucket. Trees were stripped 
of leaves; young and tender bluegrass pastures were left as bare 
as the public road. My wife thought she would let her cow have 
the grass of the yard, and had it cut off close to the ground; but 
it came up fresh and tender, and the grasshoppers dug it out by 
the roots. We had to sow the yard again with bluegrass seed. 
The hackberry woods were as bare of leaves as in winter. Early 
corn did well; but all planted in May was devoured. Such as 
was planted in June, after the devourers left, was called grass- 
hopper corn. It was light and loose on the cob. Seed corn, the 
next spring, was brought from Iowa. 

MAIN STREET OF PLATTE CITY GRADED. 

The new board of trustees of Platte City exhibited energy. 
Main Street was graded, by taking five feet of dirt from in front of 
the new court-house and putting it on the lower part of the street. 
It cost 28 cents per cubic yard. The property-owners on Main 
Street were required, by ordinance, to macadamize to the middle 
of the street. This duty was cheerfully complied with. The 
work was done by Mr. Quihless. 

May 10 — The court-house and jail are reported complete, by 
commissioner Jos. Murphy, and the contractor, J. A. McGonagle, 
paid off. 

May 15 — The Senate finds the charges against Judge W. A. 
King are true, and he is degraded from office by a party vote of 
23 to 8. 

May 23 — Richmond, Mo., is visited by outlaws, and mayor, 
jailer, and deputy sheriff are killed. The bank is robbed. 

JUNE. 

June 5 — Grasshoppers are leaving, going northwest. This is 
known as the first visit of grasshoppers. The last of them 
left the 29th instant. 

June 16 — Ridgely Christian Church organized. 

Jane 29 — Soldiers of 1812 held a meeting: Present: W. L. 
Brightwell, Robert Cain, Thomas Jones, Jesse Lewis, Robert 
Mitchell, Samuel Rogers, William Rogers — 7 out of 12 living in 
Platte. 



1867, JULY. 437 MASONIC HALL. 

JULY. 

July 1 — Philander Lucas is appointed circuit judge in the 
place of Walter A. King, impeached. 

Pleasant Ridge College, under Prof. Ilimrod, has 60 scholars. 

July -'t — A pleasant picnic at the fair grounds. The Good 
Templars of Weston have a picnic in Wells' pasture. 

METHODIST AND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND 

MASONIC HALL. 

An arrangement has been made between the Methodists, the 
Presbyterians, and the Masons, to rebuild the church and hall, 
in Platte City, on Lot 6, Block 31, giving the churches the lower 
story, and the Masons the upper story. The committee adver- 
tises for bids, and W. V. Slone takes the contract, at |G,000. It 
is to be finished b}' December 15th. 

July 5 — A concert and tableaux at Platte City raised $75.00 
for a public library. 

Burckhartt and Hunt are soliciting contributions for the 
South. i j || "fijii] 

Clerk's offices sold; Milton Campbell, county commissioner, 
sells publicly the circuit clerk's office, on the old public square, to 
Florence Brady, and 12 feet off the west part of Lot 10, Block 25, to 
E. C. Redman. 

AUGUST. 

THE LANTER FAMILY. 

Aug. 1 — Albert Lanter died. His parents were Thomas 
Lanter and Spicy Davis, who came in 1820, from Virginia, to Old 
Franklin, Mo., thence to Clay in 1824, and to Platte in 1842. He 
removed to Jackson County, Mo., in 1863, and there died in Sep- 
tember, 1880. He was a soldier of the War of 1812, under Col. 
Dick Johnson. Mrs. Lanter survived him. Their children: 

I. MARY JANE LANTER, m'd Dudley Tribble, who d. Nov. 
10,1847. Ch: 

1. John T. Tribble, m'd Cora Anderson. 

2. Amanda J. Tribble, m'd Wm. Lewis. 

3. Missouri A. Tribble. m'd Wm. Wingo. 

4. Richard M. Tribble. 

II. DAVIS LANTER. m'd Elizabeth Bowring. (See.) 

III. SARAH A. LANTER, m'd Samuel Richardson. 

IV. ROBERT, in Kansas. 

V. ALBERT LANTER. m'd Lavinia Bowman, and d. Aug. 

1, 1867. 

VI. SIDNEY LANTER, m'd Sept. 9, 1858, Nancy A. Martin. He 

was one of the earliest volunteers for the Confederacy. He 

possesses sprightliness and geniality. His wife died, leav- 



1867, AUG. 438 C. & S. W v RAILWAY. 

ing 2 children, and he m'd 2d March 25, 1871, Jane Mc- 

Michael. 
VII. JULIA A. LANTER, m'd Dec, 14, 1851. Kobert S. Carson. 
VHI. NANCY E. LANTER, m'd Oct. 9, 1856, Henry D. Sutton 

(see); 2 children. 
IX. MARGARET LANTER, m'd 1st, Feb. 25, 1858, Guy McComas. 

died, son of Hiram. She m'd 2d, a Locke, of Kansas. 

Aug. 5 — David F. Moody having died. Isaac N. Moody admin- 
isters. Bond, $2,500. 

Caleb Parrish having died, C. M. Parrish administers. Bond, 
$3,000. 

Aug. 8 — James Leavel sells his stable in Platte City to Field 
& Park. 

Aug. 12 — The controversies with rival roads are settled, and 
now the C. & S. W. Railroad will be built. 

Aug. 15 — A promenade concert at Mettier's hall, Weston, for 
the benefit of the Episcopal Church. 

Aug. 20 — The site for the church and hall at Platte City has 
been cleaned off, and work on the building will soon commence. 

F. Krause and W. Carson are building. The grading of 
Main Street is finished, and the macadam is complete up to Sec- 
ond Street. 

Aug. 21 — The corner-stone of the first abutment of the Kansas 
City bridge laid. 

Aug. 22 — A grand tournament at Prairie Point. A few 
cases of cholera in the county. 

THE C. & S. W. RAILWAY. 
A public meeting of citizens advise the town board of Platte 
City to offer $10,000, provided the depot is placed within a half- 
mile of the town. 

SEPTEMBER, 

Sept. 1 — The Weston Cemetery Association formed, and $700 
raised. Ground had been reserved, and several acres had been 
given to the city by T. F. Warner. In 1853 it was platted, and lots 
have been sold. It is a beautiful city of the dead — and the rough 
ground makes it more picturesque. 

Beller & Geogen issue a few numbers of the Daily Border 
Time*. 

The court-house yard has been graded and walled in. 

Tin- Platte Savings Instil ution. by T. F. Warner, sells publicly 
812.000 in Platte County bonds, issued to the W. & A. Railroad, 
and held by the bank as collateral. 

Sept. 5 — A Baptist festival at Weston. 

Sept. 9 — Sunday-School Convention at Weston. 



1867, SEPT. 439 HON. H J. WOLF. 

HON. HENRY J. WOLF. 

Eon. Henry J. Wolf died. He was at the time our represent 
ative in the State Legislature. It was his second term in that 
body. He was a lawyer of superior education and marked abil- 
ity. He was a partner of Col. Jas. N. Burnes. He served for sev- 
• era! terms as judge of the Weston Court of Common Pleas. He 
married Amanda Leachman, who died, childless. July 30, 1865. 
The courts and people did him honor. 

THE FAIR. 

Sept. 24— Gross receipts, $4,172. The Platte City band fur- 
nished the music. Jas. W. Steele was elected president and G. W. 
Belt secretary. 

Sept. 27- — William T. Middleton is killed by a foolish hired 
hand on his farm. 

THE MIDDLETON FAMILY. 

1. William Middleton was the ancestor. He was at one 
time sheriff of Alexandria County, Va. He died December 27, 
1814. His wife was Frances Moss. Their son, 

2. Horatio Middleton, was born November 20, 1790, and died 
in 1839; married Rebecca Owens, born December 27, 1796, and 
died in Kentucky November 20, 1866. They were the parents of 

3. William T. Middleton, born in Kentucky July 22, 1820; 
married October 10, 1843, Mary E. Owens, born June 24, 1825. 1 
knew Mr. Middleton intimately, and regarded his as a Christian 
gentleman of intelligence, truth, and honor. He was treacher- 
ouslv killed, and the murderer escaped. Their ch: 

I.' WILLIAM H. MIDDLETON, b. Sept. 17, 1844; m'd Nov. 11, 
1866, Augusta P. Baughman, of Clinton County. He was 
well educated, received his degree in medicine, and com- 
menced his professional career at New T Market. He spent 
some years in Kansas City, and there stood among the lead- 
ing physicians. He has obtained distinction as a forcible 
and chaste w r riter on moral and professional themes. Ch: 
1. Belle Middleton. 2. Waller J. 
3. Mary Middleton. 4. Lillian. 
II. ROBERT C. MIDDLETON, b. Sept. 20, 1849; m'd Lizzie 
Owens, of Kentucky; no children. 

III. LUELLA MIDDLETON, b. Sept. 6, 1854; m'd Sept. 6, 1871, 

John Swaney, (ii). Ch: 

1. John W. Swaney. 2. Robert Hugh Swaney. 

IV. EVA MIDDLETON, b. Aug. 2, 1863; d. Dec 25, 1884; m'd 

Rollo Bigwood, of Kansas; no children. 

OCTOBER. 

Oet. 5 — Tournament and picnic at Hickory Grove. 
Oct. 19— Camden Point Lodge, No. 169, A. F. & A. M.. 
chartered. 



1867, OCT. 440 CROPS. 

Oct. 20 — G-eo. W. Belt, commissioner, is macadamizing the 
north side of Main Street, opposite the court-house, and is gutter- 
ing and paving the sidewalk. 

At a special election John Doniphan was chosen to succeed 
Wolf as representative. 

NOVEMBER. 

CROPS FOR 1867. 

Nov. 1 — The damage by grasshoppers is not so serious as 
were the fears of the farmers. Wheat was an average, both in 
quality and quantity. Early corn, though thinned out around 
the edges of the field, was good. Frost held off until very late, 
and the replanted corn did well. Very little hemp was sowed, 
and that was ruined. Potatoes were unhurt. Fruit was abun- 
dant, grapes mildewed, peaches and small fruits good. 

W. M. Paxton advertises his abstract of title, complete. 
For the court-house inclosure John F. Carroll was paid $4 
per perch, and $1.50 per foot for the coping. 

Nov. 4 — Special election for judge of the Weston Court of 
Common Pleas. John Doniphan received 109 votes, and J. N. 
Burnes 90. I ■ , j ] 

NICHOLAS H. HOPE. 

Nov. 5 — Nicholas H. Hope died on his farm, six miles south- 
east of Platte City. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, June 
10, 1810; came to Shelby County, Ky.,when a child, learned the 
saddler's trade, came to Platte in 1837, and was one of the earliest 
settlers in Martinsville. With David S. Irwin, he built a log 
house, and opened a saddler's shop. December 16, 1852, he mar- 
ried Mary Boyd, born in Shelby County, Ky., June 8, 1820; died 
March 12, 1892; she was a daughter of Joshua Boyd. In Sep- 
tember, 1862, he purchased the farm where he died. Ch: 

I. MINERVA HOPE, b. Oct. 3, 1853; m'd Sept. 13, 1868, Wm. 
H. Elliott, b. in Laurel Co., Ky., Nov. 27, 1843; came to 
Platte in 1847. Ch: 

1. Jennie Elliott, b. Sept. 27, 1876. 

2. Louann, b. April 11, 1884. 

II. JENNIE HOPE, b. March 23, 1857; d. Nov. 2, 1890; m'd 
Sept. 17, 1879, Henry H. Patty. Ch : 

1. Jessie Patty, b. Jan. 3, 1881. 

2. Chas. T. Patty, b. April 24, 1883. 

in. MARY ELIZABETH HOPE, b. Sept. 3, 1859; d. June 7, 1890. 
IV. WILLIAM THOS. HOPE, b. Sept. 7, 1861; m'd March 6, 1896, 

Hannah Clarke, dr. of David. He is 6 feet 4 inches high, 

and a voung man highlv esteemed. 



*& 



Nov. 1 1 — Judge Philander Lucas holds his first term of circuit 



1867, NOV. 441 REV. COFFEY. 

court, with Esteb, circuit attorney, Tufts, clerk, and Ogden, 
sheriff. 

Nov. 12 — Dan'l Jenkins killed at Platte City, by a negro 
called Alfred Hughes, who was indicted for murder, convicted on 
change of venue to Clinton, and there hung. 

N. B. Anderson and L. Georgen admitted to the bar. 

Nov. 16 — J. A. McGonagle is paid his full bill for building the 
court-house and jail, amounting, with extras, to $93,852.65. To 
this was afterwards added discounts on warrants. 

REV. RICHARD N. COFFEY. 

Rev. Richard N. Coffey died at Camden Point. He was born 
in Amherst County, Ya., July 5, 1795. He was a son of Osborn 
Coffey, a soldier of the Revolutionary army, who served at Sara- 
toga and Yorktown. The family came to Kentucky about 1800, 
and settled near Danville, where Richard N. studied medicine 
under the distinguished Dr. Ephraim McDowell. He afterwards 
received a diploma from the University of Pennsylvania. He 
was under Shelby at the battle of the Thames. He practiced med- 
icine, but his life-work was preaching the gospel of Christ, as a 
Baptist missionary. He came to Platte in March, 1854. His 
memory is venerated in the churches of Platte. His wife was 
Catherine McCormick, daughter of Joseph and Margaret, natives 
of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Coffey was born in Lincoln County, Ky., 
April 9, 1799, and died in Platte September 5, 1875. Oh : 

I. EPHRAIM McDOWELL COFFEY, b. in Hustonville, Ky., 
Jan. 26, 1829; m'd 1st, June 9, 1854, Bettie F. James. She 
died, childless, April 6, 1865; and he m'd 2d, May 1, 1866, 
Helen O. Barnes, daughter of Allison and Lucy Barnes. 
After reading medicine with his father, Dr. E. McD. Coffey 
graduated, in 1854, at Transylvania University, Lexington. 
Ky.. and settled the same year at Camden Point. May 16, 
1861, he volunteered under Col. Jeff. Thompson, in the Con- 
federate service, and was appointed surgeon of his regi- 
ment. He was at Wilson's Creek, Lexington, Pea Ridge, 
and other engagements, with the 1st Brigade of Missouri 
Volunteers. He was at Corinth, Grand Gulf, Champion 
Hill (or Baker's Creek), the siege of Vicksburg, Lookout 
Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Fort Gaines, and Fort Powell. 
He was chief surgeon of Gen. Bowen's division, and was 
chairman of medical examiners for the Board of Con- 
scription, and was paroled May 5, 1865. Returning to 
Camden Point, he was elected sheriff in 1872, nnd re- 
elected in 1874. In 1892-3 he was State commissioner for 
the World's Fair, and treasurer of the board. He held 
the office of county treasurer for one term. 

Dr. Coffey possesses intelligence, nnd his tall and com- 
manding figure, crowned by a head of perfectly white hair. 



1867, NOV. 442 THE COFFEYS. 

adds dignity to wisdom. He is considerate and cautious 
in all his acts, punctilious in his dealings, and true in his 
words. He is an elder in the Christian Church, and has 
taken the highest degrees in Masonry and Odd Fellowship. 
The family live in Platte City, where the doctor has a large 
practice. Ch: 

1. Alfred Coffey, b. Oct. 2, 1867. 

2. Richard J. Coffey, b. Feb. 4, 1870. 

3. Albion Coffey, b. Oct. 6, 1874. 

4. Grundy C, b. Nov. 10, 1877. 

Mrs. Helen Coffey is an amiable and intelligent Christian 
woman. 

' II. WM. A. COFFEY, the oldest child, chose the profession of 
medicine; m'd a Miss Hull, of Madison Co., Ky., entered the 
Union army in 1861, as major of the 1st Kentucky Cavalry, 
and died near Richmond, Ky., in 1873, leaving a widow 
and five children, of whom Dr. Win. H. Coffey, of Parkville, 
is the oldest, who m'd July 16, 1889, Jennie E. Ringo, dr. 
of J. W. (See.) 

in. LETITIA S. COFFEY, m'd in 1842, T. B. Williams, of Dan- 
ville, Ky. Thev came, in 1849, to Kansas Citv, where he 
died in 1867; and she still lives with her only child, R. E. 
Williams, and her second husband, John Mason, whom 
she m'd Dec. 17, 1877. 

IV. MARY J. COFFEY, died, childless, Oct. 16, 1887; m'd May 3, 
1868, Thomas Hale, a merchant and postmaster at Camden 
Point. After his death, she m'd 2d, Nov. 20, 1873, James 
W. Bradley, b. in Bourbon Co., Ky., Oct. 1. 1814. He is a 
son of Elisha Bradley and a grandson of Daniel, an emi- 
grant from Scotland. His mother was Elizabeth Steele. 
He came to Missouri in 1838, and settled in Andrew County, 
where, Nov. 15, 1846, he m'd Emeline Cogsdall, b. in 1828; 
d. in 1871. Th family came to Platte in 1865, and settled 
near Camden Point. Children by his first wife: 

1. Sarah Bradley, b. Dec. 15. 1847; m'd a Ford. Oh: 

[ a ] Anna Ford; [ 6 ] James; [ c ] Brvant; [ d ] Henrv; 
[e] Matthew; [f] Mamie Ford; [ff] Chas.; [?<] Geo. 

2. Lucinda Bradley, b. Jan. 20, 1849; m'd Pat. Maupin 

Ch: [«] Emma Maupin; [&] Charles. 

3. Jacob Bradley, b. May 20. 1850. 

L Emily Bradley, b. Jan. 27. 1852; m'd Thomas Martin. 
Children: [«] Lewis Martin; [&] Susan; [c] John; 
[d] Thomas. 

5. J am ex, b. Oct. 30. 1853. 

6. Susan, b. March 6. 1858; m'd Jas. B. Wilson. 

7. Ceo. W. Bradley, b. Nov. 6. 1859; m'd March 29. 1890. 

Sue Miller. 

8. Henry C. Bradley. 1>. Aug. 30. 1861 ; m'd Dec. 28. 1888, 

Pearl Hitrhr-or-k. Ch: ["] Ceo. L. Bradley, b. Dor. 



1867, NOV. 443 PETER STIGERS. 

L3, 1889; [&] Nellie, b. Aug. 9, 1891; [<] John C, b. 
•Jan. i:t. 189::. 
9. Ada Bradley, b. Jan. 25. 1867; m'd Sept. 23, 1889. M. 

Freeman. Ch: ["] Rov Freeman. 
10. John 8. Bradley, b. Oct 15, L868. 
Mp. J. W. Bradley's father died, aged 98, and his mother, 
aged 95. 

Nov. 10 — The Missouri Valley Railroad (formerly Platte 
Country Railroad) is securing the right of way through farms be- 
low East Leavenworth. 

Nov. 20 — Furnishing court-house: The county paid for two 
2G-light chandeliers, $198; for carpeting, spittoons, and upholster- 
ing, $813.45; for chairs, $200; and for clock, $30. 

The Masonic hall and church, at Platte City, are under roof. 

Ignatius Naylor (ii) is killed by one stroke of the fist of Ste- 
phen Waldron who was tried and acquitted of murder, on the 
ground that the fist was not a deadly weapon. 

PETER STIGERS. 

Peter Stigers having died, Jacob Smelser administered. 
Bond, $3,000. Oh: 1, Mary S. Stigers; 2, Rachel; 3, Melissa J.; 
4, Julia A. 

The wall around the court-house, the pavement, and 
macadam cost the county $2,705. 

DECEMBER. 
Dec. 16 — Thos. W. Park licensed as an attorney. 

BENJ. VENRICK. 

Dec. 2Jf — Benj. Venrick having died, Geo. P. Venrick admin- 
istered. Bond, $2,000. Heirs: 
I. JOHN VENRICK. II. MARY. in. ETTIE. IV. ANN. 
V. MARGARET. VI. SAMUEL. 
Vn. MARTHA, m'd Nov. 22, 1804. Robert Ebbard. 
VHI. GEORGE P. VENRICK. 

MRS. LYDIA TEBBS. 

Dec. 30 — Mrs. Lydia Tebbs having died, her son, Col. A. S. 
Tebbs, administered. Bond, $10,000. Her maiden name was 
Lydia Kennedy. She married William H. Tebbs (i). He died in 
Virginia, and she came west with her children. She was a wo- 
man of intelligence, dignity, and reserve. Precise in her words, 
and formal in her address, she displayed a consciousness of her 
superiority. Her children all inherited her aristocratic bearing. 
The females of the family are. or were, beautiful, spirited, and 
lively; the males were formal in their manners and brilliant in 
conversation. Their ch: 



1867, DEC. 444 TEBBS FAMILY. 

I. ALGERNON SIDNEY TEBBS, d. in Aug., 1872; m'd Julia 
Coleman, dr. of William Coleman and Lydia Lane. Col. 
Tebbs was a successful lawyer of Leesburg, Va. After 
practicing in the higher courts of Virginia and the District 
of Columbia, he came west, in 1856, and purchased a large 
farm, two miles east of Platte City. He essayed to prac- 
tice in our courts, but his formal manner's did not suit our 
people. He was a determined opposer of the war, until 
Virginia seceded. He returned to his native State, came 
west again, lived for a time in Kansas, and spent his re- 
maining days to no purpose. Mrs. Tebbs yet lives in Vir- 
ginia. She was a remarkable beauty. Ch : 

1. Julia Tebbs, was a most lovely woman. She m'd 1st, 

Dan. McCook, one of the heroic family from Ohio, 
who gave their lives for freedom. He himself died 
in battle June 27, 1864. She m'd 2d, Oct. 24, 1867, 
Col. W. M. Lock, a handsome and chivalrous Con- 
federate officer. They went to Portland, Oregon, 
where he died. Mrs. Lock went to Kansas City, 
and thence to Virginia, where she died March 25, 
1897. She had one child by her first husband: 
[«] Blanche McCook. 

2. Laura Tebbs, m'd Mr. Gilbert, a merchant of Brook- 

lyn, N. Y. Like all of the name, she was beautiful 
and lively. I have letters from Mr. Gilbert that 
attest superior business accomplishments. They 
have children. 

3. Dr. Algernon S. Tebbs, studied medicine and took his 

degree at Louisville University. He m'd Tillie Pax- 
ton. (See.) 

4. James Tebbs, married, and lived in Kansas City; dead. 
II. ADELAIDE TEBBS, m'd Wm. S. Parker, who died; she 

died in 1896 (in Ohio). 

1. Lydia T. Parker, m'd Arch Clarke, son of Edward. 

2. Margaret Parker, m'd Jas. M. Murray. (See.) 

3. Kate Parker, m'd Worthington, of Ohio. 

4. Wm. H. Parker (ii). 5. Jos. M. Parker. 6. Aug. 8. 
7. Walter S. 8. Adelaide P. (ii). 

III. CATHERINE M. TEBBS, m'd Dr. J. M. Davis. Ch: 

1. Tebbs Davis. 2. William Davis. 3. Walker. 4. John. 

5. Jephtha. 6. Ben. 7. Lydia. 

IV. ELIZABETH TEBBS, m'd Col. John H. Winston. (See.) 
V. Dr. W. H. TEBBS (ii), m'd Martha E. Anderson; went to 

Kansas, and was representative in the Territorial Legis- 
lature in border ruffian times. 

VI. O. B. TEBBS, m'd Susan Anderson. 

Vm. DANIEL TEBBS. m'd Aug. 31, 1863, Sue E. Burnes. (See., 



1867, DEC. 445 OFFICERS. 



1868. 

OFFICERS. 

Governor, T. C. Fletcher; Congressman, R. T. Van Horn; 
State Senator, G. S. Park; Circuit Judge, Philander Lucas; Cir- 
cuit Attorney, E. F. Esteb; County Clerk, D. P. Lewis; Assessor, 
J. A. Stone; Surveyor, L. E. Bradley; Superintendent of Schools, 
S. A. Himrod; Representatives, T. Quinn, and J. Doniphan; Cir- 
cuit Clerk, F. M. Tufts; Probate .Judge, S. A. Gilbert; County 
Justices, Beery, Brown, and Ham; County Attorney, M. Camp- 
bell; Sheriff, N. P. Ogden; Treasurer, G. W. Belt; Coroner, E. D. 
Cord; Public Administrator, W. M. Paxton. 

PRICES. 

Bacon, hams. 20 cents; coffee, 33 cents; corn, 80 cents; eggs, 
15 cents; flour, $7; hemp, $160; potatoes, 75 cents; wheat, $2.50; 
salt, $4.50. 

BUSINESS MEN. 

At Platte City: Attorneys — H. A. B. Anderson, N. B. Ander- 
son, Baker, Boyd, Campbell, Cates, Connelly, Fleshman, Greena- 
walt, Herndon, Hoi lings worth, Merryman, Norton, Park, Paxton, 
Robertson, Shaw, Wilsons. 

Physicians — Baldwin, Guthrie, McDonald, Johnson, Redman, 
Smith (postmaster). 

Merchants, etc. — Battersby, Boyd, Brady, Burge, Burckhartt, 
E. C. Cockrill & Co., Column, Eiseman, Gaylord (academy). Haw- 
ley, Hunt, Jenkins, G. W. Johnston, Kinney, Krause, Likins (mill), 
Lutes, Mason & Swain, Park & Field, Perry, Redman, Keith & 
Tribble (lumber), Smith (postmaster), Wilkinson, Young, Zarn. 

Lodge— Neb. 12, T. F. Richardson, N. G. 

Farmers' Savings Association — A. Tribble cashier. 

Platte County Agricultural and Mechanical Association — 
J. W. Steele president, G. W. Belt treasurer. 

Preachers— J. W. Waller (Chris. |, Austin (M. E.). 

At Weston: Attorneys — Beller, Burnes, Coburn, Carroll, 
Doniphan, Fulton, Georgens, Gilbert, Hitt, King, Lawson, Roney, 
Scott, Watts. 

Physicians — Allison, Beaumont, Bonifant, Hale, Peters, 
Price, Shortridge. 

Merchants, etc. — Allen, Barnhart, Bell, Blanjour (post- 
master), Briggs, Brill, Brown, Carpenter, Calvert, Cockrill & Co., 
Deckelman, Deitz, Doppler, Egstadt, Ellifrit, Evans. Frank. Hal- 
yard, Hardesty, Hood, Ilkenhans, Kyle & Keller, Kinney, Kurtz, 
Magers, Masteison, Moore, Nagle, Newhouse, Noble. Oliphant. 
Perry, Pickett, Raileys, Rohring, Schindler. Termier, Warner, 
Wood. 



1868, JAN. 446 JACOB BROADHURST. 



Court of Common Pleas — J. Doniphan, judge; Yocom, clerk; 
Hedges, marshal. 

Newspapers — Border Times, Beller editor; Landmark, Gilbert 
editor. 

Mayor — Warner; woolen factory. 

Preachers — Bassett (Bap.), Batte (Epis.). 

Platte Savings Institution — Warner cashier; Bailey & Bro. 

At Parkville: Ashby, Carmody, Davis, Bueneman (post- 
master), Kahm, Dale, Luthy, Dr. Moore, McDonald, Jordan, Pack, 
Park, Summers. 

At Camden Point: Coffey, Hale (postmaster). Dibble (acad- 
emy), Jack, Kirtley, Pullins. 

At Farley: Dr. Holt, Meads (postmaster), Simpson, and 
Carpenter. 

At la-tan: Alexander, Dr. Larry, Smith (postmaster). 

At New Market: Armstrong, Allen, Cartwright, Singleton. 

At Ridgely: Chrisman, Ellington, Gustin, Dr. Robinson, A. 
Hill (postmaster). 

JANUARY. 

Jan. 1 — Fractional paper currency is largely issued, from 5 
cents to 50 cents and it takes the place of silver coins. 

JACOB BROADHURST. 

Jan. 6 — Jacob Broa.dh.urst having died, James A. Broadhurst 
administered. Bond, f 5,000. Heirs : 

I. JOHN A. BROADHURST. II. JACOB A. 
HI. MARGARET A., m'd Nov. 22, 1859, James H. Prather. 
IV. COLUM. W. BROADHURST, m'd Dec. 8, 1875, A. B. Prather. 

Jan. 8 — A tri-weekh 7 mail is still carried by hack between 
Weston and Liberty. 

WILLIAM LEWIS. 

Jan. 20 — William Lewis having died, John Hughes admin- 
istered. Bond, |15,000. He was born March 5, 1819. He mar- 
ried, first, Charity B. Gibson, born September 1, 1822, and died 
August 18, 1853. She was an intelligent and graceful woman. 
Her handsome monument stands in our cemetery. Ch: 

I. DANIEL P. LEWIS (ii), m'd Mollie Day, of Kansas, and 
died, leaving no children. 
II. MARY J. LEWIS, m'd April 20, 1858, Johnson C. Hughes. 
(See.) Thev went to Colorado. 
HI. roRDELIA P. LEWIS, m'd Feb. 25, 1858, Thos. A. Gregg. 

(See.) 
IY. YELTNA (ANNIE I. m'd Nov. 0, 1804. Bufus O. Larkin. (See.> 
Mi-. William Lewis married, second, Sarah Osborn. Ch: 



1868, JAN. 447 ADAM BECKLEY. 

V. JAMES LEWIS, single. 
VL WILLIAM LEWIS, in railroad service 

VII. ROSKTTA LEWIS, b. in L854; m'd Dec 22, 1874, Thos. J. 

Cole, son of William Cole. (See.) After spending his 
early years in farming, he opened a hardware store in 
Platte City Sept ember 1, 1887, but sold out November 15, 
1888, to Pope & Dye. Upon the death (October 7, 1891) of 
Geo. H. Pope, county treasurer, Mr. Cole was appointed 
by the governor to till out his term. July 1, 1893, he suc- 
ceeded Sanders McComas as postmaster at Platte Oity. 
His office was made, in 1805, a presidential office, and he 
was commissioned for four years. He, as occasion offers, 
deals in live stock, shipping to Chicago or to Kansas City. 
He possesses superior business qualifications. Ch: 

1. Lelia F. Cole, is a graceful and modest, but spirited, 

young lady, and makes an admirable deputy post- 
mistress. 

2. WilUam Cole, is a vouth of intelligence and promise. 

3. Jessie 0. Cole. 4. T. ])<■ Witt Coir. 5. James L. Cole. 

VIII. FANNIE O. LEWIS, died, childless, Nov. 14, 1888; nfd 
Feb. 14, 1880, T. J. Lewis (cousin), b. July 24, 1800. He 
m'd 2d, April 22, 1885, Agnes Belle Douglas. 

The Supreme Court of Missouri refuses a mandamus to com- 
pel the county court of Platte to issue to the C. & S. W. Railway 
ompany the f 1 00.000 subscribed. 

Jan. 27 — J. J. Throckmorton buys the St. George Hotel at 
Weston, for f 8,000. 

ADAM BECKLEY 

Settles near Parkville. After some ten or fifteen years' residence, 
he left. He was born in Harrison County, Ohio, July 3, 1838; 
married September 20, 1859, Sarah Grim. He possessed superior 
intelligence. Ch: 
I. LAURA B. BECKLEY, m'd C. H. Staples. (See.) 
II. KITTIE BECKLEY. 
HI. ELLA M. BECKLEY, m'd Dec. 22, 1886, Thos. B. Naylor. 
IV. ABSALOM. V. DIBBIE A. BECKLEY. VI. ('HAS. F. 
Vn. JOHN H. VIII. BART L. 

FEBRUARY. 

SHOOTING OF C. M. BOYD 

Feb. / — Charles M. Boyd is killed by Joseph Boyd (not re- 
lated). The two occupied the same house on Main Street, 
opposite the court house, in Platte City. Joseph Boyd's store 
was below, and Charles M. Boyd, with his family, occupied the 
upper rooms. An outside stairway led to the street. Joseph 
Boyd, having missed some of his goods, secreted himself in his 
store, by night, to shoot the robber, if he should again visit the 



1868, FEB. 448 C. M. BOYD. 



house. About ten o'clock two shots were heard, the window 
lights in the front door were blown out, and C. M. Boyd was found 
dead, on the stairway leading to his rooms. Joseph Boyd testified 
that he had shot him when in the act of entering the store. 
Nothing was done, but much scandal was freely spoken. 

CHARLES M. BOYD 

Was a son of Judge J. R. Boyd and Harriet Henderson, of Ten- 
nessee. He was born September 29, 1838; married August 13, 
1865, Edmonia Cannon (see), of Platte City. He was a young 
lawyer of ability and untiring enterprise, and a trusted leader of 
the Radical party. His mother was a Henderson, and her 
family embraces some of the best citizens of Platte, whose names 
will appear in the following notice of 

THE HENDERSON FAMILY. 

John Henderson, of Charlottesville, Va., a lawyer, married 
Anna B. Hudson. The family came to Kentucky, and thence to 
Missouri. Ch : 

I. MARY HENDERSON, m'd Merriwether Jefferson, for whom 
Jefferson Oitv was named; 3 children. 
H. EMILY HENDERSON, who died June 16, 1864; m'd George 
Winn, of Tennessee. (See D. D. Burnes, J. E. Ireland, and 
Emily Winn.) 
III. HUDSON HENDERSON. 
IY. CHARLES HENDERSON, of Kentucky. 
Y. HARRIET HENDERSON, m'd Judge John R. Boyd, of Ten- 
nessee. Ch : 

1. Dr. John R. Boyd, a dentist, now of Leavenworth. 

2. Georgia A. Boyd, m'd Stephen Johnston (i). (See.) 

3. 8. Emma Boyd, m'd 1st, a Mulhurn, who died, leaving: 

["] Emma Mulhurn. Mrs. Mulhurn m'd 2d, March 
19, 1856, Perry Keith. Mr. Keith first married the 
widow of Felix G. Cockrill. (See.) Mr. Keith and 
a lart?e family of children live in Kansas City. 

4. C.M.Boyd. 

YI. HETTIE HENDERSON, m'd 1st, a Stalter, and. m'd 2d, an 

Armistead. She lives in Leavenworth. 
YH. SARAH HENDERSON, m'd Gen. G. P. Dorriss. (See.) 
Vni. MARTHA HENDERSON, m'd 1st. James H. Johnston. 

(See.) She m'd 2d, Sept. 17, 1860, Hon. A. W. Morrison, 

dead; no children by her second husband. 

GEO. B McADOW. 
George B. McAdow having died, his widow, Martha McAdow, 
administered. 

THE McADOW FAMILY 

Are descended from John McAdow, an emigrant from Scotland, 
who married Mary Burns and settled in Mason County, Ky. 
Their children: 



1868, FEB. 449 THE McADOWS. 

I. JOHN McADOW, l>. in Kentucky aboul 1799; d. in Califor- 
nia in 1840; m'd March 2, 1843^ Mary Bean, d. in 1868, dr. 
ofBenj. Ch: 

1. J (inns W. McAdow, b. in Platte Sept. 2, 1845; m'd 

April 2, 1874, Alice G. Steele, 1). in 1852, dr. of 
James \Y. Steele. Mr. McAdow is well educated 
and is a thriving fanner in the northern part 
of the county. Oh : [«] Ernest McAdow, b. in 1873 ; 
[»] Mary E. McAdow; [ (> ] Fannie; [<*] Jas. W. (ii). 

2. John McAdow (iii), b. Oct. 14, 1849; m'd Sept. 22, 1875, 

Florence M. Dye, dr. of James. (See.) Children: 
[«] Henry; [ 6 ] Ben. B. McAdow; [c] Samuel W.; 
[<'] John;' [c] Ralph; [f] Frank McAdow; ["] Jas.; 
[>'] Hugh. 
Mrs. Mary McAdow m'd 2d, Oct. 12, 1853, Reuben Brown- 
ing; no children. 
II. GEO. B. McADOW, b. in Mason Co., Ky., in 1801; died in 
Platte in Feb., 1868 ; m'd Milly Byram. ( Jh : 
1. Dr. John. 2. James A. 3. Thomas McAdow. 
4. Margaret. 5. Nelson. 6. Fannie. 7. Frank. 
8. Mary, m'd Melvin McKee. She m'd 2d, Silas May. 
Geo. B. McAdow, m'd 2d, Pus® Douglas, and m'd 3fi, a 
Rose. 

III. DR. SAMUEL McADOW, b. in Kentucky Oct. 27, 1808, went 

to California, and d. in Nov., 1850; m'd April 7, 1831, 
Jnlianna Bean, b. May 17, 1807, dr. of Benj. He took his 
professional degree at Transylvania in 1827; practiced in 
Mason until 1838, when he came to Flatte, and settled in 
Marshall Township. He was a boon companion and genial 
friend. His hospitality and generosity exceeded his means. 
He was an experienced physician, and his services were in 
demand. He went to California in 1850, died at sea, and 
was buried at Panama Dec. 3, 1850. Ch: 

1. Oeorgeanna McAdow, m'd Aug. 8, 1850. Dr. Joseph 

Malin, now of St. Joseph, but formerly of Weston. 
Ch: [«] Samuel M. Malin; [''] Georgeanna, m'd a 
son of Hon. James Craig; 2 children. 

2. Mary Elizabeth McAdow, m'd E. W. Bailey. (See.) 

3. Perrji W. McAdow, m'd Clara Tonilinson, of Montana. 

4. William Ti. McAdow, m'd Florence Lamme. 

5. Jnlianna McAdow, m'd Dr. W. T. Shortridge (second 

wife), dead. 

6. Henrietta McAdow, m'd W. A. Malin. Ch: ["] Jennie 

Malin; [&] Hannah. 

7. Ada B. McAdow, m'd T. B. Ellis. Her first husband 

was Samuel Alexander, by whom she had : ["] Wil- 
lie; [ h ] Nellie Alexander, m'd S. Fowler; 2 children. 

IV. There was a Moses McAdow. lived in latan. but 1 know noth- 

ing further of him. 
29- 



1868, FEB. 450 LEAVENWORTH BRIDGE. 

LEAVENWORTH BRIDGE. 

Feb. 3 — A deputation of Leavenworth business men held a 
meeting at the court-house, Gapt. Wm. Triplett presiding, to pre- 
sent to our people the project of building a railroad and wagon 
bridge across the Missouri at Leavenworth. 

MELODY CHAPTER, No. 21, 

Commenced work under a dispensation dated January 27, 1868. 
Present : G. W. Belt, H. P. ; J. S. Brasfield, K. ; F. M. Johnson, S. ; 
W. M. Paxton was secretary. John Cain, R. T. Darnall, H. De 
Bard, and A. T. Guthrie were charter members. Visitors: 
Henry Colman, L. R. Ringo, F. H. Lewis, E. C. Cockrill, and S. A. 
Gilbert, of Weston Chapter, No. 4, Samuel Hardwicke, of Liberty, 
Lee M. Williams, of Barry, and W. M. Rush, of St. Joseph. A 
number of petitions were presented, and in the course of a few 
months, the following were exalted: 1, W. R. Adams; 2, Jas. Ad- 
kins; 3, H. A. Anderson; 1, Jerry Beery; 5, James A. Baldwin; 
6, Jesse Blakley; 7, W. I). Bonnell; 8, W. P. Bright well; 9, J. L. 
Carmack; 10, R. P. Clark; 11, 1. P. Cartwright; 12, W. F. Cockrill; 
13, J. M. Darnall; 14, A. J. Colman; 15, Thos. Colman; 16, J. W. 
Coots; 17, W. H. Elliott; 18, J. B. Flannerv; 19, J. F. Flannerv; 
20, J. C, Greenawalt ; 21, C. J. Hamblin ; 22, C. B. Hawley ; 23, G. C. 
Henson; 24, Dr. J. A. Herndon; 25, Jesse Hodges; 26, L. F. Hol- 
lingsworth; 27, L. W. Horner; 28, David Hunt; 29, W. H. Hunt: 
30, T. E. Jenkins; 31, Chas. Loan; 32, Henrv Meads; 33, E. J. Mil- 
ler; 34, W. J. Miller; 35, J. G. Minnear; 36,' J. M. Oliver; 37, E. J. 
Park; 38, T.W. Park; 39, John Shepard; 40, W. V. Slone; 41, G. W. 
Smith; 42, John Spratt; 43, J. R, Swain; 44, Jas. Tate; 45, F. M. 
Tufts; 46, Jas. Wallace; 47, R. P. C. Wilson; 48, S. C. Woodson; 
49, H. S. Yates. 

Feb. /-'/ — The Methodist and Presbyterian Churches of Platte 
City raise, by a festival, |440, on their church debt. 

JOHN S. LIGHT. 
Feb. 18 — John S. Light having died, Thos. D. Cook admin- 
istered. Bond, $1,000. His widow, Hannah, was born in 1808, 
and died June 10, 1881. Oh: 

I. JACOB LIGHT. IT. WILLIAM LIGHT. 

I II. JOHN W., m'd May 13, 1894, Rhoda Morgan. 

IV. JOSEPH LIGHT. V. NANCY. VI. ASBURY. 

Nancy Light married April 28, 1S74, Robert Murdock; no 
children. She was his second wife. His third wife was Carrie 
Grah (Minter), who subsequently (October 10, 1882) married Jas. 
H. Maun. 

MARCH. 

March 7 — A Democratic club formed at Weston; S. A. Gilbert 
president, s. I). Fulton secretary. 

A Democratic club formed at Platte City; R. D. Johnston 
president, <;. W. Bell secretary. 



1868, MARCH, 451 SUNDAY-SCHOOL. 

[larch 27 — Dr. G. H. Hale removes from Weston to Platte 
City. 

SUNDAY SCHOOLS AT PLATTE CITY. 

March 29 — Up to this time there had been but one Sunday- 
school in Platte City. In January, 1850, I organized a union 
school in the old M. E. church, on Lot 3, Block 33. In 1855 this 
was moved to the Presbyterian church, on Lot G, Block 31, and 
when (in July, 18<>4) this house was burned, I moved the school to 
the Baptist church. The average attendance was about 40. But 
now there were three convenient churches in the town, and it 
was my opinion that three denominational schools would do 
more good than one feeble union school; and the result proved I 
was right. Without consulting anyone, but from a sense of duty, 
I announced at the close of school in the Baptist church, that the 
next Sabbath I would ring the bell of the M. and P. church, and 
would invite all to attend. But that I advised that denomina- 
tional schools be opened in the Baptist church and the Christian 
church. During the following week my course was severely 
criticised, and loudly condemned. Yet my advice was followed; 
and soon 180 scholars were attending the three schools. I have 
never seen reason to repent my conduct. 

APRIL. 

April 5 — Dedication of the M. and P. church, by Rev. 
Leftw r ich. 

April 7 — H. A. B. Anderson enrolled as an attorney. 

April l.'i — John P. Whitlaw killed Phil. Doerr at Parkville; 
held to be justifiable homicide. 

April 15 — Simeon Shearman assassinated near Weston, by 
someone unknown. 

HOWELL JENKINS. 

April 2") — Howell Jenkins died at Platte Oity. He was born 
in Merthv, Wales, July 17, 1812; married Charlotte Evans, born 
June 21, 1814, and died in Platte City April 25, 1884. They came 
to Platte City in the summer of 1842. By industry and honesty, 
they acquired considerable property and the confidence and es- 
teem of the people. He was an excellent stone-mason, and from 
the native rock hewed and chiseled all the early tombstones of 
our cemetery. He built for himself the large and beautiful stone 
dwelling on Lot 4, Block 28, Platte City, which, if not destroyed 
by fire, will stand for centuries as a monument of his skill. In 
later life, he was a merchant and postmaster at Platte City. All 
the original family except Wm. T. Jenkins lie side by side in our 
cemeterv, beneath the shadow of a massive shaft. 

I. DANIEL W. JENKINS, b. in Wales Oct. 3, 1839; killed Nov. 
12, 1867, at Platte City, by Alf. Hughes (colored) (see), who 



1868, APRIL. 452 JENKINS FAMILY. 

was hung for the crime. He nrd Dee. 13, 1866, Phoebe Ella 
Cain, dr. of John; no children. 
II. THOMAS E. JENKINS, b. in Platte City Sept. 30, 1845; d. 
April 23, 1883; m'd Dec. 19, 1866, Alice Hall, of Clay, who 
survives, living in Kansas City. Thomas received a fin- 
ished literary and business education, and became a mer- 
chant in Platte City. His courteous address and native 
kindness of heart made him a general favorite. He was an 
ardent Democrat, and was elected treasurer of Platte 
County. In the war he espoused the cause of the South. 
He was a zealous Mason, and a punctual attendant on the 
meetings of the order. Ch : 

1. John Jenkins, b. Jan. 29, 1868. He graduated in dent- 

istry at Kansas City, and is now practicing at 
Liberty. 

2. Gertie E. Jenkins, b. March 7, 1870; m'd in 1893, Wm. 

Harwood. They live in Kansas City. 

3. O'Fallon (Fal), b. April 27, 1875. 

4. Bertha J., b. Sept. 20, 1877. 

III. JOHN I. JENKINS, b. Oct. 15, 1848; d. July 20, 1866. 

IV. WILLIAM T. JENKINS, b. Aug. 12, 1853 ; m'd April 23, 1888, 

Sallie Guthrie, b. at New Bloomfield, Mo.; d. in Platte 
City March 5, 1894. She was a delicate and charming 
beauty, endowed with grace, purity, and loveliness. Mr. 
Jenkins is an ambitious and rising young man. In June, 
1877, he purchased the grocery store of G. W. Smith, and 
continued the business for several years. In 1886 he re- 
ceived the Democratic nomination for countv collector, 

v 7 

and in November was elected without opposition. In No- 
vember, 1888, he was reelected. In August, 1890, he bought 
the Landmark of J. B. Mundy, and has since edited it, and 
has made it a leading Democratic paper. The loss of his 
wife was a severe affliction, and he dotes upon her only 
child, little Ruth, born February 12, 1891. . I was fond of 
Mrs. Jenkins, and, as she lay in her coffin, I wrote in her 
honor a poem, from which I claim room for one stanza : 

She 's gone to the land where there 's rest for the weary, 

Her sanctified spirit ha