NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES
3 3433 08
\ \
\X
.
<£4^W-
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
L
riingt otheActofCo- fre ss.intheyearl897.1 )y
VB M PAXTi
u ' :,s,ungto,, ' D
ANNALS OF PLATTE COUNTY.
ifl
*
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.
Wyando 
