Bates County, Missouri - The whole text, 1900 (part 3 of 5)

Second Annual Meeting At Butler, Missouri, October 1, 1898

The Society met in the court house square, in the City of Butler, pursuant to adjournment. The weather, though cloudy, was favorable as a promoter of solid comfort, and the liberal advertisement given us by the newspaper fraternity brought to our place of meeting the largest number of people ever assembled there. It was believed that, had the heavens shown clear in the early morning at about the time our "Old People" abandoned their peaceful slumbers and cast their weather-eye upwards, it would have been difti- cult to have properly cared for all who would have eoine to our beautiful city, The Queen of the Prairies, and lent the charm of their presence to our success. To those who so liberally donated their funds, and to the newspaper fraternity throughout the county, who so liberallv' advertised our meeting, we extend our heartfelt thanks.

The museum of old relics, in the hall-way of the court house, was an interesting feature. So dense was the crowd continually surrounding the show-cases containing these exhibits that it was impossible to secure a list and discription of the articles, or the names of the owners. There were books, knives, bugles and clothing more than 100 j^ears old. The old English parchments exhibited by Dr. Everingham, were indeed interesting, as were two coverlets on exhibition, which were woven by Henry France, an old settler of Bates County, in 1*10. and which have been in use ever since.

The program was fully and faithfully carried out. After some beautiful music by the band, Divine blessing was invoked, in a very impressive manner, by Rev. W. F. Jones, of the M. E. Church. Bro. Jones has a happy faculty of saying beautiful and impressive things in prayer, as well as in sermons and lectures. We are thankful for God's blessing on our Society, which he so earnestly asked. Mayor Francisco's address of welcome was iu warm, heart}7 words aud eloquent terms, but he would persist in addressing our Old Settlers as. "Gentlemen of the Jury." It is thought by some of his friends that, when he arose to deliver his address, he discovered in the audience a beautiful face, and two bright eyes fastened upon him. and that the vision reminded him of something done, in commission, or left undone, in omission, whereupon our Mayor became "rattled." However, we also thank you. John, for your kind words to our "Old People." Hon. Clark Wix. Vice President of our Society, responded to the Mayor's address, in his usual hapi^y manner, and his remarks were appropriate and appreciated by all present. The Butler Glee Club sang some beautiful and sentimental songs, which were highly appreciated and received by the audience with applause. The Rich Hill and Adrian Glee Clubs were on the program for songs, but both failed to materalize. Miss Stella Christj-'s reading of "The Chant of the New Union." was much. appreciated, containing as it does, a

In the afternoDii quite a number of the Old Settlers of our Society made short, amusing and interesting speeches. Your Secretary cannot give the names of all who participated as

After the speech-making came tin* awarding of prizes, and there were many close contests. Some were disappointed, in a good natured way. but the beauty of this branch of management is, that those who failed on this occasion wiil come in for a prize at our next annual meeting, as no member can draw a prize a second time until tin* good fortune has been passed around. Prizes were awarded as follows:

A large rocking chair, to Geo. W. Rains, as the oldest White man present, an actual settler and resident of the County. Uncle George was born in Tennessee, October 24, 1812.

Two handsome rocking chairs, to Mr. and Mrs. John S. McCraw, as being the first couple married in Bates County, now living and present, and who have not heretofore received a prize from the Society. Mr. and Mrs. McCraw were married in Bates County on November 16, 1848.

As a result of the election of officers of the Society to serve until the third annual meeting of the Society; the following were duly elected, to-wit:

Third Annual Meeting

The third animal meeting of the Old Settlers' Society of Bates County was held in ButW. October 5, 1899, with a large attendance. Everything passed off pleasantly and all enjoyed themselves. The assemblage was called to order by the President, Hon. John B. Newberry, with a few well chosen remarks.

Speeches were delivered by Hon. D. A. DeArmond, Judge "W. W. Graves. Judge Clark Wix and others. There was singing by the Colored Glee Club and music by the baud.

To the oldest married couple who were boru and raised in Bates County, and have resided here continuously since, carving set, to G. N. Requa aud Wife.

Judge Samuel Levy

Samuel Levy was born in Germany in 1846, and emigrated to America in September, 1S63. He started in business in New Madrid, Mo., in 1868, and came to Butler, Bates County, Mo., in 1876. He has been continuously in business there ever since under the firm name of Samuel Levy & Co., and his dry goods house has always been one of the leading establishments of the kind in this section of the state. He has won and retained the confidence of the general public to a marked degree. He is a conservative citizen and a successful business man.

As an evidence of the high esteem in which he is held, in 1888, when Associate Judge Boswell was killed by lightning, a numerously signed petition went to Gov. A. P. Morehouse praying for the appointment of Mr. Levy as successor. The governor appointed him and Judge Levy served out the unexpired term with credit to himself and satisfaction to the general public.

Gen. H. C. Clark

Harvey C. Clark, now serving his second term as prosecuting attorney, is a native Missourian, born in 1869; and raised in Hales county, where he lias lived during the thirty years of his life. He enjoyed exceptional educational advantages. After completing the course of study in the public school-, of Butler and the Butler Academy, he attended Wentworth Male Academy at Lexington and then the Scarritt Collegiate Institute at Neosho, from which latter institution he graduated in 1S91 as valedictorian of his class, receiving the degree of A. B. Upon leaving college he entered the law office of Judge DeArmond and Hon. T. J. Smith, who were then partners, and in 1893 was admitted to the bar by Judge Lay, passing an examination upon which he received the highest compliment of the court. Upon being admitted to the practice of the law, he entered into partnership with W. W. Graves, now circuit judge of this judicial district, under the firm nameof Graves & Clark. This firm was recognized as one of the strongest in Southwest Missouri and was engaged in some of the most important cases, both civil and criminal, in the jurisdiction of the state. This partnership continued until January 1, 1900, when Judge Graves assumed the duties of Circuit Judge. In iSy6 Mr. Clark was elected Prosecuting attorne}- by one of the largest majorities ever given a candidate for a county office. During the memorable campaign of that year he established his reputation as a public speaker, spending some two mouths upon the stump in advocating the cause of his party. When war was declared against Spain and the president called for volunteers, he tendered his services to the governor and was appointed lieutenant colonel of the Sixth Missouri Volunteers, which regiment he organized and commanded during the Spanish- American war. His regiment was attached to the 7th Army Corps commanded by General Fitzhugh Lee, and assigned to the same division with the Third Nebraska, commanded by \V. J. Bryan. Col. Clark's unassuming modesty, fairness and ability made him popular with his men, and upon his return home Governor Stephens commissioned him Brigadier General of the National Guards of the state in recognition of his services and ability. While serving with his regiment in the field he was renominated for a second term as prosecuting attorney, and was re-elected by a majority which again attested his popularity. Colonel Clark was married to Miss Hattie DeArmond, only daughter of Congressman DeArmond, in June, 1897, and their modest little cottage in the suburbs of the county seat is an ideal home. In politics the subject of this sketch is a democrat, and takes an active interest in public affairs, and his wide acquaintance, recognized ability and reputation as a public speaker have given him a prominence throughout the state attained by few men of his years. As a lawyer, his unswerving integrity and fidelity to the interests of his clients, together with his legal acumen and oratorical ability have given him a place in the front rank of his profession. As prosecuting attorney of the county he has beeu unusually successful, and his record of convictions stands unsurpassed.

Spanish- American War

Iu the spring of 1M9H, when it became apparent that this couutry was jibout to be drawn into war with the Kingdom of Spain, the citizens of Bates County were found willing and anxious to do their whole duty in the battle for humanity and freedom. Co. B. of thn l*nd Mo. State Militia, organized in lKJHlat Butler, recruited up to the limit, and when the call for troops came they were impatiently awaiting the summons. They left Butler for Jefferson Barracks, to be mustered into U. S. service. May. 5th. Before they left Butler they were tendered a banquet and farewell reception. From Jefferson Barracks they went to the camp at Chickauiauga, Ga., to go through the hard training which was to tit them for service at the front. There many of them suffered from the contagion of typhoid fever which swept through that great camp, losing one member, young Conklin, who gave his life to his country's service. There, also, their Captain was stricken with a stubborn disease which for mouths kept him at death's door, and brought to his bedside his heroic fiance, who loyally «-ast her lot with his, and as his wife assumed the right to care for him whom she loved. From Chickamauga they were sent to Lexington. Kw, and then to Albany, Ga. They, wore mustered out of the U. S. service in March, 1899, and gladly returned to tue pursuits of peace.

Besides the boys of Co. B, a considerable number of our patriotic young men found service in other organizations. One, Walter Shields, went through the battles before Santiago. Cuba, survived an attack of the dread "yellow jack," and then in his weakened condition, battled for weeks against a lingering siege of typhoid fever.

Harvey C. Clark was appointed Lieut. Col. of (ith Reg. Mo. Vol.. which was stationed at Jacksonville, Fla., and a considerable number of Bates County boys were with him. After the close of the war Col. Clark was appointed Brigadier- General Commanding, 1st Brigade, Natioual Guard.

County Directory

By choice of her voters B;i1es County has town.diiporganization - each township administers its local affairs. The the township officers are. trustee, who is also chairman of the township board; two members of the township board: two or more justices of the peace; clerk: assessor; collector: constable; also an overseer for each road district.

Santford Hardy

The subject of this sketch was born in Barton county, Mo., October 13, 1S68. Later moved with his parents to St. Clair county, Mo., from there to Henry county. Mo., where he grew to manhood. He received his education in the public schools of Montros-?. At about the age of 15 he began his apprenticeship in the Montrose Monitor office. He is a typical practical printer, having worked in Missouri, Illinois. Iowa. Kansas, Indian Territory and Arkansas. On December 2=;th, 1S92, he was married to Miss Laura DeLung, of Rockvilie, Mo.

On May 11. 1S93. he established the Rockvilie Reflex, of which paper he is now editor and proprietor. The Reflex is one of Bates County's brightest papers, and has done much for the city of Rockvilie with "its everlasting admonition to the people to "keep your eye on Rockvilie."

Financial

- Bates Couuty has no bonded indebtedness. The following reminders of the old bond issuing days stand against the territory included in old Mt. Pleasant township, which was nine miles square. 170 bonds of slOOO each, issued in 1885, in compromise of the old railroad bonds which, with the interest accrued during fifteen years of litigation, amounted to about s24<».Oi>o. The new bonds drew interest sit the i-ate of 0 jx*r cent. j>er annum. Ten were j»aid and 10o refunded iu 18111. at 3 j>er cent. Twenty of tiiese were paid, aud the remaining 1-H* refundet1., June. 1, ]si«7. at 41 per cent, to run tweutv years, but mav be redeemed as follows: *50.<XX) on June. 1. 1'nrJ: *T>0. 000 June. 1. 1907; *40,000, June, 1, 1912.

There are also 5 of the old Prairie City township, (including what is now Prairie and lv,oek\ ill** townships.) railroad l>onds outstanding, but they will l>e paid in the near future.

Assessed Va Ligation Surplus Products

We jrive below a partial list of surplus products shipped out of Bates County during the year 1*!K as «riveu in thereport of State Labor Commissioner.

Note. - Since the article on Harmony Mission was written. Mrs. Jane Austin, daughter of Rev. Jones, mentioned as the first white child born within the limits of Bates County, died at the home of her daughter, in Nevada, Mo, was born March 26, 1844, in Woodford county, Illinois. Received a common school education. At the age of 17 he learned the trade of sign and ornamental painting, at which he continued until 1862, when he enlisted in the ioSth Regiment Illinois Infantry Volunteers. Was wounded at Spanish Ft., near Mobile, Alabama, March 27, 1865, and was discharged August 17, 1865. Returned home and engaged one year in teaching school. Served two years as township assessor, and one year as collector. He was married to Miss Agnes McLaughlin April 23, 1868, and moved to Bates county, Mo., March, 1870, and located in Walnut township. Taught school for several terms, and served as collector two years, assessor for nine years, and Justice of the Peace for two years. He moved to Butler in the spring of 1895. Was elected Presiding Judge of Bates county Court in the fall of 1898 and took charge of the office January 1, 1899, and his term will expire December 3, 1902. He is a quiet, conservative, honorable man, and has the confidence of all who know him. He has always been a Democrat.

To the Reader. - The following personal recollections have been written wholy from mouiory. and as I have not attempted to write anything like a history of Bates County, many incidents of interest have been left out which are matt *rs of record. The effort to recall and record some of the incidents connected with my early residence in Bates County has awakened mmy pleasant memories of the past, for truly I can look back to those early times with the very pleasant conviction that they wero among the most happy of my life and. if I have succeeded in writing anything which will interest or iirausi' the readers of the historj* of Bates County, I shall feel amply repaid for the effort. While I am well aware that the recollections are of a somewhat rambling and disconnected character. I think I can safely claim the indulgence of the leader to overlook the faults and shortcom -. ings of the writer in his efforts to contribute, however slightly, to the history of Bates County j>rcvious to the war of 1SG1 to IsTm.

Bates County as I saw it in !*:>;*.- I came to Bates County in the spring of 1 *!">:;. and located at Papinsville. Then* were seven families living there at this time: 8. H. Loring, F. F. Eddy, F. H. Eddins. Geo. L. Duke, S. 8. Duke. D. B. McDonald and James McCooL 8. H. Loring was engaged in merchandising, as was the firm of Eddy & Eddins. James McCool kept a dram shop. Geo. L. Duke oj>eratcd a wool carding machine, the motive power of which was an inclined wheel. S. 8. Duke worked at the carpenter trade. D. B. McDonald was clerk in Eddy & Eddin's store. There were several others employed at work of various kinds aljout town. Papinville" was at this time the county seat of

Bates County, which at that time comprised the territory out of which Vernon County was erected. I shall not attempt to give a history of the changes in the county lines or the causes which led up to the same. An old log building was serving as a court house at this time. In 1h.">4 a new brick court house was erected, which enlivened and greatly added to the business of the town. Newcomers began to arrive, new buildings were erected and the population continued to increase until the county scat was removed in lsr>(». During the year 1853 Richardson A: Onay brought in and operated a saw i.iill. for which eight or ten horses furnished the motive po.ver. Onay was accidentally thrown against the saw in the summer of l.s*i4, receiving injuries from which he died in a few days. Richardson, assistt-d by Eddy & Eddins, soon changed the motive power to steam and ojicratcd it until his death, when it was taken charge of by others.

In the season of 18.">4 or r>.~» a bridge was built across t"he river, which was a great convenience to the traveling public as well as to the community.

In 18T>^-»*-4 and 5 there was considerable emigration to California and thousands of cattle were bought to be driven across the plains, leaving thousands of dollars of gold coin in the hands of the people, which made prosperous times for the country. In fact it was sometimes boast ingly said that the people all had their pockets full of twenty dollar golc pieces.

The Immediate vicinity of Papinsville was spareely settled at this time. Freeman Burrows li\a>d al>out one and one half or two miles southeast of town: P«*t»-r Colin, (pronounced Collee,) lived alx>ut one mile south of him: J. N. Durand lived about three miles due east from town. There were quite a number of settlers living along Panther Creqk and its tributaries, among whom I rememl>er W. H. Anderson, James S. Hcok, who still lives at tl.e s; me place, Jaccb Housinger and several members of his family who had families of their own, Robert Bilcher and family, William Milton, John Gilbreath and sons, William, Simeon and Stephen, were living in what was called Round Prairie, as did Richard Stratton, Peter B. Stratton, who was afterwards elected Circuit and County Clerk, lived farther west and on the north side of the creek. William He .1 rick, who is still living and has passed the ninty -fifth milc» stone on life's journey, and is halo and hearty. John D. Myros, also afterwards elected Circuit and County Clerk. Col. George Dougless. George Rains, "Widow Blevins and family, mother of Judge C. I. Robards: hers was the first house I saw the inside of in Bates county, and I have greatly held in reineniberanoo their kindness, and also the tup of cold coffee they gave me. for 1 was very thirsty as well as weary, and was greatly refreshed by it. The next settlement north of Panther Creek was on Deepwator, among whom 1 might mention Hiram Snodgrass and his sons, Isaac. Richard, William and Jaines V.. the latter of whom and two sisters. Mrs. White and Mrs. Jennings, are still living in U.ites. widow Lutsenhizor's family, two of whcm, T. B. Lutsenhizer and Mrs. Simpson, wife of J. R. Simpson, arc still living here. George Ludwick and family of whom John L. and Mrs. Vanhoy are living in this county, and AVilliam is temijorarilv staving in Colorado. Olivor Drake, Peter Gutridge, W. B. Price, Samuel Scott and Joseph Beatty.

On North Deerrve.iter at Johnstown and vicinity, were living John Harbort and family: John Hull live<l in the town; 11. L. Pettus, J. B. Pettus, Samuel Pyle. James McCool and others.

In the north part of the <- unity on Peter Creek, Elk Fork and Grand River thoiv were settlements, among others whom I remember, Martin Hackler, J. L?akey, Alexander Erhart. Austin Reed or. Joseph Reeder, J. C. Gragg, Joseph Highly, George Soars, "William Crawford, Martin Owens. Hiram Edwards. William Franc*'. R. DeJarnott, Lewis C. Haggard, John Pardee, John Evans. John S. M-Craw. the last two of whom are still living at the same place they were then, Enoch Rolling. George L. Smith. Barton Holderman, Alexander Feelv, Frank R. Berry. Joseph Clvmer. Vincent Johnson and John Green.

On the Miami, Mulberry and Maries des Cygnes there were a number of settlers, among whom were Samuel Dobbins, Clark Vermillion, Oliver Elswkk, H. B. Francis, Bluford Merchant, Messrs. Ramsy. Jackson and J. Rogers.

Peter Trim bio. Dr. McNeil, Cornelius Naf us. Hugh Campbell, John Dillion, Dr. William Requa, William, George and Aaron Thomas, John, Lindsey and Thomas Wine. James Coe, Enoch Humphrey, George Requa and family including Austin, James, George and Cyrus, Jesse Rinehart, J O. Starr and John Hartman.

Oa Mission Branch and Sycamore I remember George Wed - dle, Abraham Goodwin, Widow Zimmerman and family, Mrs. Charette and family, also an Osage Indian half breed named Ggsso Chateau, who had been educated at Harmony Mission, but who still retained the Indian characteristics of shiftlessness and laziness and was fond cf whisky, and "while possessing a fairly good education, gave little evidence of it except when his tongue got limbered up with liquor.

Of those who were living on the south side of the Maries des Cygnes river I remember M. Parks, Jeremiah Burnett, William, Thomas and B. F. Jennings, O. H. P. Miller, Widow West and family, Edmund Bartlett, Jason and A. H. Woodin.

In the foregoing list of names I have intended to include only those who were living in the county at the time of my coming to the county, but as it is written from memory it is possible it may contain names of some few who came to the county after 1833.

There are many left off for the reason that their names have escaped my memory at the time of writing, but whom I formerly was well acquainted with.

From this time (18j3) on the county settled up very fast. Many immigrants came from other states every year, aside from those who came from other counties within the state. New farms were opened up, new houses built and improve-

Lorenzo D. Wimsatt

The subject of this sketch was born in Wilson count}', Kentucky, in 1847, and moved with his parents to Indiana in 1854. He was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools. He came to Missouri in 1878 and engaged in farming and stock raising in Jackson county. The following year he was married to Miss Lemora B. Goe. He moved his family to Bates county in 1890 and engaged in the mercantile business in Adrian. After conducting this business successfully for several years he sold out and moved on his farm near that town, in Mound township, where he now resides. He was a member of the Adrian School Board when the High School building was erected and was re-elected by unanimous vote of the district. Served two terms as city councilman. Elected associate Judge of the Bates County Court, for the north district in 1898. He is a member of the Baptist church, and is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. He was nominated and elected as a Democrat.

prise to some of the old settlers most of whom canie fmm sections of country heavily timbered, and I have heard more than one of them sagely assert that the wide open prairies of Bates County would always remain so. as people could not settle them up and live upon them so far away from timber: and furthermore there was not enough to support more than a small area near the streams. How greatly those first settlers were mistaken in the capability of the county for the support and maintenance of a large population we can now realize when Ave see s;>me of the finest and l>est improved farms miles away from timber and the owners not caring to ]*>sse^s any timber land. It has been abundantly demonstrated that much less timber is needed than the early settler supposed was the case. Hedges and barbed wire supply the place of rails for fences, and the rail roads bring in building material for other improvements, thereby lessening the demand for native timber.

From IbTtS to Mil the county continued to increase rapidly in papulation and wealth. By the end of l>ri7 practically all government land had been entered, and mostly by actual settlers.

retarded the growth of the country somewhat but probably not to a great extent, but when the war commenced in 1MJ1, the ]**ople began t> move away from the border on the west, some iroinir south and some ucith. while others further awav I left was neither small in bulk or insignificant in value and most of which was an utter loss to the owners, it afterwards being cither stolen or destroyed. In the fall of 1S63 there was not a single family left within the confines of Bates County which three short years before contained thousands of contented, pro>pe7*ous and happy people.. As a proof of

Having in the foregoing hastily written a very imperfect sketch of uiy recollections of the earlier years of wy residente in Bates county, I shall not attempt to write about tlie return to and re -sett lenient of thecouuty after the war was over, by those who had been comjxdled to leave their homes by reason of the war, to find in a majority of cases that their houses were turned or destroyed together with the other improvements oj their places, finding a waste and desolation in place of any of the comforts or conveniences of the hour1 the}' had left behind them when they were compelled to abandon the county: nor do 1 propose to mention the name; of the many hundreds of worthy, industrious and valuable citizens who had settled in our county since the war: this is within the recollection of inanv others as well as myself.

Character. Iiahits And Amusements Op Tee Early Settlers

They were generally honest, industrious, frugal and contented. They were also very free hearted, charitable and always willing and readv to assist their neighbors or others needing assistance such as they were able to give. There were verv few of great wealth but nearlv all in circumstances to live comfortably according to the customs of the country. Nearly all had some education, there being some highly educated, while there were others whose educational advantages barelv enabled them to read and write.

Newspapers were not so plentiful or cheap as at present. Neither wen mail facilities equal to those we now enjoy. The mails were carried on horseback and once each week only, but quite a number of ptpers were taken, and those who received none got the news from their neighbors, and the people were generally well informed about tlie word's doings. Generally a g<x>dly number of the people wont to town on Saturday, for the purpose of trading at tlie stores.

was born near Mt. Sterling, Montgomery count)', Kentucky, February 27, 1843. Received a common school education. Removed to Johnson county, Mo., in [868, thence to Bates county in 18S1. He has held the office of Treasurer and justice of the Peace in Deepwater township, Bates county, Mo. He enlisted in the Confederate army in September, 1861, and served three and a half years, in the First Kentucky, mounted, and in the Eighth Kentucky Cavalry, under General John Morgan, and captured during his raid into Ohio in July, 1863.

He was married in Johnson county, Mo., in 1^70, and has two children. In 1898 he was nominated by the democrats and elected Associate Judge of the County Court, and is now serving the people acceptably in that capacity. He is a consistent member of the Christian church.

to get tlieir mail, have their plows sharpened or work done, Iwar the news, meet tlieir neighbors and sonie went on general principals and to hare a good time.

As there were no means of transporting " f arm products to market there was no induc*-iuent to open up large farms a id raise large crops as there is at present, in consequence of which, the ]>eop]e had more leisure for visiting and hunting: and game, such as deer, turkey and waterfowl, was abundant, and fish were plentiful in the streams and lakes. Visiting was indulged in as if it was a duty as well as a pleasure. Neighbors living ten or fifteen miles apart would often exchange visits, while those who lived from three to five miles from each other would g«» still more often, frequently sjx'iiding a fay and night or a longer time with their neighbor. House raisings, coin shnckings and such like occasions called out the neighbors for miles around, and after the work was done, usually a dance w«>uld follow, when all, both young and old. participated if they chose to do so. and usually kept it up all night.

Shooting matches were frequently arranged when the ]>eople for miles around would ine«*t and contest for the championship, sometimes u b^ef would be contested for, with first, second, third, fourth and fifth choice, the hide being fifth. Occasionally one person would win all five parts and could drive his animal home if lie chose to do so. |

Education

Education for their children seems to have l**en early looked after and provided for bv the early settlers. Schools were established in each district, where from three to six months school was held each year. Subscription schools were frequently provided for when the public funds were inadequate. While the public schools of that day were probably not up to the high standard of the present, yet they were sufficient to furnish :i really good and useful common school education, quite as helpful and practical as that obtained in our more modern schools: and verv few children

The interest taken by the early settlers in education has continued to grow and increase with those who came after them until at the present time I think it no exaggeration to say that no county in the state has better public schools, or where the people more liberally and earnestly support them, materially and otherwise, than in Bates county, and her citizens all feel proud of them and the excellent public school system of the state, and no fears need be felt but that they will be kept at their present high standard.

Mirthful Or Amusing

There was among the people a delightfully free and easy abandon when it came to joking or fun making, yet it was seldom that exception was taken or anger shown by the victim, who usually joined in the mirth and sought an opportunity to return the compliment in kind. I might remark here that while it was customary for the people to drink, there being very few teetotalers, there was no great number of drunkards, but when neighbors met in town treating was common and an offer to do so was seldom declined by the recipient. It would be impossible for me t:> enumerate the number of jokes perpetrated or pranks plaj-ed. to which I wa -; witness, many of which have long since passed out of my memory, but a few of which I still remember, and some of which 1 relate here for the entertainment or amusement v .ae reader according as he may view them. I am well re that most jokes and amusing incidents lose much by t< lling, and in relating the following I cannot hope to convey to the understanding of the reader all the conditions and peculiarities which attended and surrounded them at the time. Myself and a number of others were sitting in one of the business houses at Papinville one day soon after I came here.

tin.1 saddler was in: (there was not a harness shop in the county ;it that tiui<\ ) Sain L . who loved a joke. pointed to Stephen, saying, "yes. there In- is."' Mr. Hook stepped up to hiu) ;m<] asked if ho could get some repairs for his saddle. Stephen told liiui ho was not a saddler, and every one in the room began to laugh. Mr. H. :it once poivoivod that lie was the victim of ;i joke. Looking at Stephen. Mho by the way was a very stoop shouldered uiaii. not to say crooked, he. after a moment, turned to the crowd which had been laughing ;i1 him and said: He looked so much like a saddle-tree himself thai I thought lie ought to 1m» a saddler." At tljis sally every one laughed more immoderately than liefore and. somewhat to my surj>rise. Stephen joined in as heartily as any of the others. He evidently * 1 1 « 1 not approve of s]>oi]ing a joke by showing resentment where no offense was intended.

One pleasant Sunday evening several persons, myself among the number, were sitting in the shelter of a shade when we noticed a man. riding on si horse, coming into town. He rode up to a little group of persons, but \*'ry shortly left and came riding toward us. Wheii lie stopped in front of our party he was not in a pleasant frame of mind. Without addressing any one in particular, or making any preliminary remarks he. with evident heat, blurted out, "That man up there." pointing toward the group he had just left, "must think I am a d - fool!" None of us had the least idea of what had transpired to put him in ill humor, but one of the crowd answered promptly, "Yes. yes. that is what bethinks." This was almost 1<>o much for the gravity of some of us and we laughed at the evident desire of the party who answered to agree with the stranger. The man looked at us with a sort of puzzled expression on Ins countenance and then in evident disgust turned his horse and rode out of town in the opjMisite direction from which he came. I am ignorant to this day as to what he got offended at.

1 happened one day to step. up to where a group of several persons were listening to a man who was usually called Hob Me. H<" was talking about some one who had failed to do something, which he thought was the proper thing to do and ought to have been done under the circumstances. After dwelling on the subject al considerable length and hav- ing express* »d his opinion fully, as if in palliation of theparty's slvortcomings. made the remark tli;it he was a d - - fool and would get drunk like ;ill Virginians: (Me. was from one of the eastern states:) About this tame he hap]>ened to look around and saw standing in the crowd Frank - - . a native of Virginia, and at once asked his pardon for the remark. Frank assured him that no apology was necessary, as everyone knew that a Virginian would get drunk, and that a d Yankee would steal! At this sally everybody laughed, including the principals. Finally some one in the crowd caught his breath long enough to propose that an adjournment be taken to where all could liquidate, or liquor up. or something of the kind. The motion carried unanimously and I passed on.

The forgoing calls to mind another incident which afforded unbounded amusement to those who witnessed it, and the more so owing to the peculiar habits and characteristics of at least- one of the principals, and which of course can not be imparted in telling it. Col. H. was a Virginian by birth. ;i J°Hy> genial kind hearted old gentleman as the county afforded, well educated and well informed, and with whom I have passed main* pleasant moments and for whom I still cherish the most kindly remembrance. The Col. unfortunately posessed the weakness spoken of by Hob Mc. in a moderate degree. At one time the Col. and a man whom we will now call Hale, were opposing candidates for election to the office of Representative of Bates County. The Col. failed to get votes enough, so was defeated. He charged Ins defeat largely to reports derogatory to him as a sober, orderly citizen, put in circulation by his opponent and his friends. Some time after the election the Col. and his late opponent met in F. F. Eddy's store at Papinsville. and as the former had boon imbibing somewhat liberally, the sight of Hah' reminded him of his defeat and of the alleged cause of it. The Col. felt decidedly belligerant, and approaching Hale charged him with telling varus on him during the campaign. This Hale denied and attempted to reason with him and quiet his evidently excited condition: but the Col. had his war jwdnt on and refused to be pacified. Waiting his opportunity he suddenlv let fiv with his list, but did not disable or damiire his op]>onent to any great extent: Hale caught him. threw him to the floor mid proceed«*d to shut off his wind. The Col. had scarcely touches] the floor when lie began to call to the bystanders to take liiinotT. This was don*', and the Col. arose but was not ]>:*<-iti«Hl and again begun tin* quarrel, presently striking at Hale again. when the same performance was gone through with. For the third time the Col. renewed the quarrel, winding up by striking at Hale and then shouting. "Take him off. take him off!" Hut this tiuic the bystanders were not so prompt to do so. but let Hale choke him awhile, then they helj>ed him to his feet. H*» did not renew the light, but left the hou: e shortly afterwards. A few minutes afterwards someone who wa* pr»«sen1 at the difficulty met the Col. on the street and asked him why he had not hit Hale again when he got up the last time. The Col. straightened himself up as well as his condition would allow, looked straight in the face of his questioner for a moment, then shutting one eye. answered. "They were too d - long taking him off the last lime!" It is perhaps needless to add that tin* trouble was never renewed, or that Hah' had any intention of doing the Col. any serious harm.

Going to my work one morning I met Isaac Wine, a young ma)i who was employed by F. F. Eddy, as hostler, general utility man and helper about the place, who. in cutting sheaf . oats, got his finger too far through and cut about half an inch off the fore linger of his left hand. He hunted around ..

among the cut outs until In- found the severed portion of his linger, then taking it in bis right hand he started towards the house. Noticing the blood I halted and made inquiry of him as to what had happened. He both told and showed me j end does not hurt a bit. but, (holding out the stub,) this end hurts like the devil!" As much as I sympathized with him this was too much for my gravity and I laughed heartily at the singular and quaint reply. He looked at me in a sort of puzzled maimer, then laughed himself, but evidently merely because I dhl. not because he realized that there was anything in his reply to my question that was laughable. I doubt if he ever understood what I was laughing at.

Elihu I - , after having imbibed a considerable quantity of tanglefoot, strolled into 1 1»«* old log <-ourt house at Papinsville.wheiv Judge B - was holding Prob.it** Court, and as he was feeling rather salubrious himself, wanted to amnse and entertain those around him by joking with and talking to them, apparently oblivious of the fact that court was in cession for the purpose of transacting business. The Judge sjK>ke to him asking him to keep quiet, out without any perceptable effect on Elihu: finally the judge, after having spoken to him several times, told him thai In* should line him ten dollars for contempt of court. At this Elihu at first looked surprised -and then apparently became indignant. Stru;'- gliug to his feet and steadying himself as well as he was able he looked at the Court as he replied. "Well-hic-Judge, I reckon, by G - ! you will find me the money to pay it with, wont VOU? He presently walked out of the. house with as much dignity as he could command. Tliir* episode caused considerable amusement among the spectators and there was a quiet twinkle in the eyes of the Judge and a i»ereeptible relaxation of the inusel *s of his mouth, but the dignity of the court was preserved. As Elihu's earthly possessions consisted of the clothes he wore at the time, and as then* was no jail In which to confine any one. the Court could not well enforce the payment of the fine had he earnestly de -sired to do so. but I am of the opinion that the judge accomplished his object by getting rid of the disturbing thereby restoring order in court, and probably entered a mental remittal of the fine.

Having already occupied more space than 1 intended, and not wishing to weary any reader of the History of Rites Co. or discourage the publisher by unnecessary prolixity, I take leave of the subject, feeling that if the reader derives the pleasure in reading that I have experienced in recalling the past, I shall lx* rewarded for any contributions I have l>cen able to make to the county's historv.

Chas. A. Denton

Charles A. Denton was born in Adams County, Illinois, September 25, 1854. His father's name is E. P. Denton, a farmer of Hancock County, Illinois; his mother's maiden name was Jemima Whitney, and both were natives of Kentucky. Charles led the average uneventful life of a boy on a farm. He was educated at the Carthage Lutheran College, and the Industrial University at Champaign. He taught school fir several terms. He read law with the firm of McCrary, Hagerman & McCrary at Keokuk, Iowa, and was admitted to the bar February 28, 1880, and began the practice of his profession at Keokuk, but shortly afterwards removed his family to Rich Hill, Mo. In 1888 he moved to Butler where he now resides, and is devoted to his professional duties, being the junior member of the firm of Smith & Denton, one of the strongest law firms in the city. He has a wife and two children, lives in a commodious home and enjoys the confidence and respect of the people.

Politically Mr. Denton has always affiliated with the Republican party, and has been repeatedly honored by his party with important offices, and although defeated he has always run ahead of his ticket. In 1898 he was nominated for Judge of the 29th Judicial Circuit, and made a creditable race against overwhelming odds. He is a member of the Republican State Central Committee for this congressional district, and is in the way of political preferment.

Prairies Fifty Years Ago

No man will over be able to imitate the beauty of landscape and variety oJ scenery of the natural prairies of tlie Groat West, because of their vastuess and their great variety of products, many of which arc extinct.

Flowers that grow spontaneously and occupied every season, from earliest spring to latest fall, excelled any collection man could gather in a life-time. Lilies, roses, phloxes, violets, wild chrysanthemums single petunas. crimson asclepias. snow (hops- brilliant and gorgeous flowers for every season - were here to be enjoyed for their beauty as land- '» any meadow of modern days. Fruits in groat variety grew in the wooded districts along the water courses and ripened in succession - an abundant supply for the wants of all. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, dewberries, wild apples, blackhaws. grapes of large size and excellent flavor, persimmons, pawpaws, pecan nuts, black walnuts so pleuti- r it could be gathered by the barrel-full. Everywhere nature provided so abundantly for man's wants that no one could doubt the Bible representation «>f "The land that flowed with milk and honey."

Apple and peach orchards planted in those primative days knew no insect pests and uo failure of crops. Watermelons and muskmelons planted in freshly turned prairie sod covered the ground with the luxuriance of their vines, and with- out cultivation produced monstrous melons so abundantly there were more than could be consumed. Water, pure and fresh stood in open prairies in sunken basins or pools that seemed to have neither inlet or outlet. Fish occupied those uatural ponds. Wild animals and fowls found food, water and shelter in these great natural fields. Wooded s1 reams afforded protection and water for fish and fowls. Along the margins of these water courses grew wild climbing roses: in the ponds and lakes grew water lilies, and beavers and otters had their home-; here.

When this immense growth of vegetation was killed by frosts in the fall, grand and wonderful sights were presented in the burning prairies, for the wild grass grew in some seasons to the hight of eight or ten feet. Then these furious fires would create destruction to the lives of stock and occasionally a human life would be sacrificed by the intense heat. But as the prairies became more densely inhabited, better regulations were established for protect! on. and whole neighborhoods would form lines of men armed with different weapons of defence against these dangers. In the highest fury of these fires the flames would leap over creeks and rivers, destroying houses, fences and trees. Then the only means of defence was to build counter fires to advance and meet the oncoming flames until the two lines united' and there was nothing more to destroy.

But man's progress and civilization have- destroyed that which can never be reproduced. The plow and the railroad have developed a different order of things and whether better or worst1, it remains for those who loved the beautiful prairies to know them only in memory.

A Model Log House

In the eastern pail of Bates County, in Hudson township, there stands a log house in a good way of preservation, now owned and occupied by Thomas J. Pheasant, that was built on my father's farm almost fifty-five years ago. All' the loirs in this building arc of whit** oak or black walnut hewn with smooth surfaces by the broad ax ami adz. leveled at top and bottom, dove-tailed and matched at the ends. As the logs werq laid in place each one was bedded in mortar, and to add to the security of their position, holes were bored through every loir from top to oattoin of the whole wall on each side of every door and window, on each side of every corner and held in place by an inch iron bolt the full heijrht of the wall. This log h(»use has been re-roofed four or live times, first 'with black walnut rived boards, then with best sawed shingles and now with pine. The flooring was all cut with a whipsaw. the log being placed on a strong frame and one man standing above tlie loir to pull the saw up while another ;tood bouaath the log to pull it down. The upj>er lloor was cut from large pecan lo^rs. the lower lloor large black walnut timber. Tile reason my f;ith<*r had for having tiiis house built so substantially was to resist high winds.

I do not remember that we feared cyclones in the early settlement of this country, but we could often s<>e the tracks of terrific tornadoes and hurricane's in the timber districts. Our house was built and stands on a high limestone tableland at tin* head of Panther Creek. From this eminence we could view a beautiful laudscajie live miles in extent in nearly every direction.

diiu]!1 of nearly cv< ry kind was abundant and from our hill we could see deer every fair day in the year. Indians from different tribes came to visit us every spring and fall to ask permission to hunt game, until we became so accustomed to seeing them that we did not fear thein.

My father settled in B.rte-; County when I was ten years of age. I had four sister.-.. When the indiaus came to see us, sometimes a dozen or more at the same time, we would go out and meet them and exchange park or corn or some article that they wanted, for their venison. They invariably had one interpretor or sjKikesman, all other members of the party giving us to understand that they could not speak our language. When they returned the next season some other member of the party would act as interpretor and the sj>eaker of the former season would be silent, pretending not to understand. But they were jovial among themselves and much given to lauirhter.

About the year of 1*40 a band of Osa^e Indians obtained permission from their agent, located in what is now Kansas, to come over the border into Missouri to hunt. While hunting game in the woods they killed some hogs belonging to white settlers. In haste, and angered at the depredations of the indians, an armed band of whites suddenly apj>eared at the indians' camp to bring them to account for their conduct. TiJe first unfortunate impulse ofthe indians was'tofly to their arms and resist what they supposed to be a determination to butcher them. The indians opened fire on the white men and killed a Mr. Dodge, one of the most useful and influential pioneers of the county. Finally the indians were induced to surrender, and after being informed that they must not return, the locks were removed from their guns and they were sent back to their agency in disgrace. The indians' visits were not so frequent for several years after this event, but finally under promise of good behavior they began to return in small bands and always asked permission when they came to hunt.

One day a wounded deer came bounding into iny father's cornfield. My dog gave chase and soon caught it. Just then a large indian with a gun in his hand ran to me and gave me to understand that it was his deer, and ixnnting to its hind foot showed me it had been shot off: of course I could but submit. He proceeded to dress the deer in a hasty but neat way, and after it was all ready to pack he cut off one of the hind quarters and gave it to me as my portion for the service my dog had rendered. I thought then as I now think, he proved himself to be better than most white men in manliness and gratitude.

My Watermelon Patch

The subject of this sketch was born in Larue County, Ky., on March 27, 1852. Was educated in the common schools, and attended the Hodgensville Academy. Came to Bates County, Mo., in 1873 and settled near Burdette. Went to Pacific coast in 1883*, returned in 1885, and went out again in 1888 and returned in 1891. While out there he was engaged in contracting on r; ilroad and other public works.

Was married to Miss Amanda Still well in 1874. Has always been a democrat. In 1896 was nominated and elected sheriff by the democracy. Was re-elected in 1898, and is at this time Sheriff of Bates County.

As a public official "Shelt" Mudd, as he is familiarly called, is popular with the people, and as a man and citizen he has a a large circle of admirers and friends. He is fearless in the discharge of his public duties, companionable and generous in the priyate relations of life. Faithful to his friends, respectful to every body, it is not remarkable that he is popular as a public officer. His term of office will expire January 1st, 1901.

Ok Kates Ixjvxtv. - Kit

down into it. As I looked into mv melon liatch one dav I discovered that a nninb?r of d?;»r and wild turkeys had taken possession of it and that after they had dined on melons at my expense were engaged in a little innocent dance among the vines. The turkeys would flap their wings and strike and jump against the deer, while the latter danced and jumped around the turkeys like lambs at play.

They were so intent on their amusement that they did not notice nr* as I quietly crept down among the corn to within a few feet of the little open square. Here I lay quiet a few moments, then raising my head discovered that a turkey was my nearest game. Leveling l: y gun I pulled the trigger, hut to my disappointment the gun l.ad been loaded so long that it failed to discharge j;ud I feared the explosion of the percussion cup would scare the game away. I remained very quiet for a little while until assured that there would be no general alarm, then placed a fresh capon thetube. By this time a deer stood, broadside, within a few feet of where I lav. I took steadv aim. but to mv increase aggravation mv gun again failed to do service. 1 now felt sure I should lose all opportunity to capture any of the game, although withiu reach of it. The turkeys began t:» be suspicious and I knew by their notes of alarm that they were warning each other to be on the look-out for danger. I determine however, that as long as the game remained within reach of a shot I would continue to try the obstinate gun. The third time I took more care to prepare my gun for service. Having come prepared with powder-horn aLd shot, 1 opened thetube with a pin, poured in fresh powder and prlim-d it to the top. then placed on a new cap and raising my head cautiously, saw a fat. half grown deer less than twenty feet away. This time my gun did full execution and there immediately occurred a rushing'Uight and stampede of ;:11 the game except the animal at which I had aimed, and that one I dragged proudly home.

Takes Two To Shoot Wild Turkey

cainc from the woods and. although it always seemed a little shy, stayed all winter witli the tame ones. In the spring lie became discontented and began to evince a disposition to return to his haunts in the woihIs. He would make frequent attempts to lead our whole Hock of tame ones away to the place of the home of his wild t-oinjKiuions. I then determined that if he was so ungrateful as to desert us after all our kindness and after having shared our hospitality a whole whiter I would rather have his dead bodv than to have his living memory. I carefully h»adcd my rifle, but to my great chagrin, found that my cap lx>x was empty. In those days it was not easy to obtain supplies when they were exhausted as it was six miles to the nearest store.

I had determined to shoot that turkey, however. By this time the turkey had perched himself cm a fence within twenty feet of the house. Having raised the window quietly, I told my mother to take the tongs and bring a coal of lire from the tire place and when I raised the hammer of the gun as I t(K>k aim at him, to touch the live coal to the tube of the gun. The discharge, of course, was simultaneous with the application of the coal. My mother was greatly frightened: but we shot the turkey and ate him for dinner.

Sign Language Of Birds

I noticed a remarkable proof of the communication of the wishes of birds. As I stood on our hill one day at noon I noticed a large? hawk slowly and laboriously approaching the limestone bluff to the west of the house The direction the bird was flying was bringing it ne.irly over my head. The hawk was evidently carrying a heavy prey for its young and as it came nearer I discovered that its burden was a rabbit hanging down from its talons. At this moment I noticed the hawk's mate dart rapidly away from the cliffs and fly directly under its mate at a distance of fifteen feet or more below, then suddenly the upper hawk dropped its burden, I supposed accidentally, but it was caught by the mother hawk, as I believed the lower bird to ba. who turned herself feet up in the air and received the rabbit as dextrously as ever ba>e born in Franklin County, Kentucky, September 12th, 1859. Moved to Missouri in 1875 with his parents, Richard N. and Jannette Allen, who located on a farm in New Home township, Bates count)'. Served an as apprentice in a printing office in 1876-79. Took an A. B. course in Kentucky Millitary Institute 1879 to 1882. Was Senior Captain of Corps 1881 2. Salutatorian '82 class. Was Deputy County Clerk from January 1, 1883, to July 1, 1884, when he took charge of the Butler Weekly Times, which paper he is still conducting. Was congressional committeeman from 1886 to 18S8. Delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago, from 6th Missouri District in 1892. Was Postmaster at Butler from July 1, 1893, to October 1, 1897. Appointed by Govenor Lon V. Stephens, on October 2, 1899, a member of commission to locate and build State Lunatic Asylum No. 4, in Southeast Missouri; elected chairman of the commission by his conferres, in which capacity he is now serving the state. Was married Oct. 6th, 1S86, to Miss Ida R. Wood, to which union three sons were born, Robert, William and Jacob.

Mr. Allen ha? made the Times one of the leading and influential Democratic weeklies of the state; and he is recognized as among the prominent politicians of his party, and his friends hope to see him suitably honored by his party in the future.

I was bora in Monroe county. Missouri. October. 14. Is4<>. My family left there September. 28, 1855, for Linn county, Kansas, passing through Butler on October. 7. At that time it was a small village with grass growing in the streets. We arrived at our destination. October. i*th. and remained there until the spring of IhIV.J. moving to Lone Oak township on the 29th day of March.

While this township was sparcely settled, and what settlements there were confined to the creeks and rivers, yet the ]MK>ple were kind and hospitable. Churches and schools had been established in most communities. Church services were generally held in school houses which were built of logs, with one end out for a fire-place, and one log out the full length of one side for a window and with slabs for seats. Such were the facilities for what education I have acquired, and which were cut short by that little difficulty between the states. The first frame church building erected in the county that I remember, was within three-fourths of a mile from where the writer now sits, built by the Presbyterians. The lumber was haulded from the southern part of the state or northern Arkansas in the fall of lKr>*». At this time the seat of government had been moved to Butler: which was building up rapidly. This was our postoffice and trading point.

There are but few of the old settlers left that were here when we came. "We can call to mind only one head of a family that was here then, John Daniels. There are a good many descendants of the early settlers remaining.

Nothing of an exciting nature took place from that time until 1*01. when the presidential election occured. Our people were attending to their legitimate affairs, quietly and good naturedly. Once in a while a raid of freebooters from Kansas, or visa versa, which soon quieted down. Not until l"il)l. as the campaign progressed did the excitement reach fever heat. As I was not a voter I took but little interest in passing events. There was one little incident after thecleetion that I of ten call to mind. As I remember, there were eleven votes cast in the county for Mr. Lincoln. Tin* names of these voters wore printed on placards and stuck up at every cross-roads. I mention this to show what partisanism will load men to. Actual hostilities did not commence in this county until the latter part of tin* summer of 1801.

My father being a slave holder and the circumstances surrounding us left us to take sides with the south. The company of which I was a member, was made up in this vicinity on the :27th da}* of June. 1861. We took up our line of march for the south, joining: the main army at Papinsville. commanded by General Price. We wore uninterrupted until near Carthage, Missouri, when wo met General Siegcl, and after a sharp engagement of several hours, with slight loss on both sides. General Siegel was forced to retire. General Price continued his march to Cowskin Prairie, whore wo remained three weeks: then took up our line of march for Springfield. Ten miles south-west of this city on Wilson Creek, we encountered General Lyon. I am unable to give the details of this fight, as our regiment was in advance, receiving the first assault. I fell early in the engagement. with a niinnie ball in the thigh, near whore General Lyon fell. I was taken to the hospital at Springfield. In the latter part of September 1 was able to return home where I remained until 1863. From the time of my arrival at home until my departure there were many incidents, a few of which I will relate without being exact as to dates.

In the fall of 1861 .lames Hawkins accidently shot and killed himself while passing through a gate at tin* Andrew Brown place. In less than a year Alexander Weddle and a Mr. McRupe were killed at and near the same place.

Some time in the fall of l^iji* Joe Myers called nt the residence of John Lloyd, and angry words ensued. Myers shot the latter, killing him instantly. In April or May. !*(>'!. Judge Durand, a prominent citizen of Prairie City, was killed by two bushwhackers, while going from his homo to Butler. It Was not the design of these men to take his life, only his horse and gun. but he refused to surrender. Just before or shortly after this last oeeurrenre M. D. Elledgo ;ind .1. W.

Jones wore encamped in the brush near where Pleasant Valley school house now stands. While each had gone to his home for breakfast, being only a short distance away, a coin- }>any of militia surrounded their camp. Elledge returned first: his first intimation of danger was a demand to surrender. He began to retreat, at the same time shooting at those in front of him: that opened a way for him to escape. Many shots were tired and the last one hit Ellodgein the arm. He returned home, called his wife out and told her where to find him when the militia had gone. He was so:>n able to be in the saddle again.

On December .">. I'KU, a band of outlaws came to the residence of George Thomas, a respectcnl citizen and a Union man. carried him oil. and he was never heard of. It is suppose.! lie was murder.nl. In the fall of lKfiS a lot of Southern men were in the brush in the southern part of the township when a dispute arose between Jim Lloyd and Harry Humphreys, over- the return of some horses taken from Jack Wright, Humphreys demanding their return. Angry words ensued end both reached for their guns and fired simultaneously. Lloyd received a ball in his brain and Humphreys one in his breast, both expiring immediately.

Iji May lH();>, the order of General Ewing. depopulating the border counties, was issued. Being unable for service I remained at home until this time. A pass was furnished me to go into our lines. I did not reach the lines until fall when I re-enlisted in the 10th Missouri Cavalry, C. S. A. Not able for active service* I was detailed in the Commissary department, where I remained until the army reached the Missouri River on the Price raid, when I re-joined my company and participated in all the engagements to the close, except that of Mines Creek in Linn county. Kansas. At Cane Hill, Arkansas, we turned into the Nation, where for three weeks we had nothing to eat but me il without salt: and our faithful animals, brush and prairie grass, in the month of November. After reaching Red River we turned down that stream until we reached Lee, where we spent the balance of the winter and spring, surrendering at Shreveport June the 10th, 1865. After Uncle Sam had licked us he was kind enough to furnish us transportation home1 and plenty of grub to eat.

day of June. 1SG3. I did nut return to this county until lsi>7. While there was a great deal of animosity existing here I received very kind treatment at the hands of my late enemies, and lam proud to say that now my warmest friends are those who wore the Blue, some of whom I met on the battle-field.

Now in conclusion I wish to say that the foregoing are the facts as to my best ability to chronicle them, without any coloring, for I see things differently from what I did thirty years ago. When I laid down mv musket I considered the war at an end. and have adhered to that policy since. The past is behind us. our duty is to the future and as patriotic Americans we should turn our eves in that direction.

Incidents Of Frontier Life

John Daniels settled near the north boundry of Lone Oak township in the year 1H55. The hardships of those early times were indeed trying to the yoeinan who undertook to support his family and improve his farm under the existing circumstances.

Mr. Daniels relates that net pork was worth but three dollars per cwt. when delivered at Tipton, Missouri, and that almost all goods were freighted by wagon from the same place. Milch cows were worth from five to seven dollars per head, until traders came in from Oregon and caused cattle to advance.

Mr. Daniels served as a soldier during the war and returned at its close to find his buildings all destroyed and the effects of his hard toil almost wiped out. Not discouraged by this he once more went to work and soon regained from waste his farm of two hundred acres, on which he still resides.

George W. Blankexbecker settled in Lone Oak township in IsGG. Mr. Blankenbecker was a typical frontiersman and enjoyed the rough and ready life of the settler. His ax quickly cleared away the forest and his fruitful

John Emery Dowell

The subject of this sketch was horn in McDonough County, Ills., forty years ago. When he was four years old his father died, leaving a widow and three sons to fight the stern battles of life, which at times were such as to require effort and great personal sacrifice. His early educational advantages were such as afforded by attending school two months in the winter and by close application to study at home during the evening hours, by denying himself the pleasuies of social life during his early manhood he acquired the foundation which enabled him to pass the examination into the higher institutions of learning. This he did at the earliest opportunity, and graduated from the Methodist School at LaHarp, Ills., in 1883, with the hi nors of his class.

Immediately after his graduation he joined the mighty army of energetic people who were then going to Dakota Territory, where he was an active figure in the battle incident to life in anew country.

In 1884 he was nominated as a candidate for Superintendent of Public Schools of Potter County, Dakota Territory, which he resigned to accept a good position as Teacher in another county.

In March, iS84,he associated himself with C. N. VanHosen, now editor of the Springfield Republican, (this state), as editors and publishers of the Potter Count}' Blizzard, (it was just what its name implies). In March, i8S6,Mr. Dowell was admitted to the bar, and located at Miller, Hand Co., Dakota. Here he held several positions of trust, and enjoyed the confidence of the people. In the autumn of 1S90 he came to this county, locating at Adrian, and bought the Journal at that place, with which he is still connected. In the spring of 1897 he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and in the autumn of the same year was elected Mayorof Adrian to fill the vacancy caused by the death of A. J. Satterlee; in the spring of 1898 he was re-elected to that office, and is still acting in that capacity.

On October nth, 1885, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Mollie M. Purkey; to this union have been born three children, viz: George B., Lucy V. and John Emery, Jr., all of whom are living. Mr. Dowell is a member of the Cresent Hill Lodge No. 368. A. F. & A. M. ; of Adrian Lodge No. 13, I. O. O. F. ; he is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

fields occupy the grounds which once nourish**] the giants of tin* forests. Deer, wolves and wild turkeys in almost eountless nuuilwrs gave sj»ort to tin* huntsman, and no one could handle a rifle more effectively than he. He was foremost iu the chase as well as with the ax. He yet lives on the farm which his strong arm wrested from the wilderness, but how great is the change the years have wrought. His ax lies idle, and the rifle, his constant companion in those days, is now only cherished as a relic of the jxist.

countv. Kentuekv. Mav 1». 1H7. and was the sou of Edmund and Sallv Bartlett. "rx>th Virginians bv birth. Thev died when Edmund was quite small. On this account his opportunities for obtaining an education were greatly limited. Hut by his great determination in late years he has obtained a good education. Mr. Bartletl was married to Miss Marian Cook in Kentucky. August 11. 1*36. To this union were given seven children, four are still living, one son and thn*e daughters.

The Judge said: "In I^'IT I procured a blind horse and an old busrgv. which I loaded with inv tramping outtit and what provisions it would carry, and we start«*d out to find our fortune. My wife drove while I tramped along-side with inv «run on inv shoulder. We tirst settled in Morgan county. Missouri, where I bought eighty acres of land, on time, on which I made some improvements. After living there for five years I disposed of it for So*<», and in the last of March 3*4o. I came to Rites County. At first I rented a farm on Deepwater Creek, but the spring following I moved to "Walnut township and bought a claim, the land not yet being in market. When I came to Walnut township there were only nine families besides my own. two families of Woodfins. two of McHcnrys, one each of Sells. Andres. Gilliands, Pierces and a bachelor named Cooper.

"Our Dearest neighbors on the west were the Pota watomies, a tribe of Indians that lived in Kansas and with whom we were on friendly terms. We would frequently exchange our products, such as corn meal or a piece of meat for calico, domestic or such goods as they had to dispose of. They very seldom showed any signs of hostility.

'-We got our mail at Little Osage until 1H1G, when a posto,*- fice was established at Marvel, which was the first postoftice established in Walnut township: J. D. Dickey being the first postmaster. The mail route* was laid out from Harrisonville to Papinsville by way of West Point and Marvel; M irk Wert was tiie mail contractor. We also had our grinding done at a little horse mill on the Little Osage, operated by a man named Ray. The customers frequently hitched their own horses or oxen on and ground out their own grists, and frequently had to wait quite a while for their turn.

--Religious services were held at private houses and what few school houses there were scattered over the county. The first school district in south-western part of the county was organized at iny instigation, and consisted of congressional township 39. range 33. People would go fifteen or twenty miles to meetings, house-raisings and social gatherings."

Judge Bartletf has borne such hardships and privations as only a pioneer meets, but by hard work and great endurance has overcome all obstacles and won a good home for himself and family, and a character beyond reproach. He was a farmer by occupation, but has served the public in various capacities: as school teacher, justice of tin? peace, postmaster, township collector, was elected and re-elected county judge until he had served in that capacity for ten years, being succeeded by Judge Feeley in 18SD. He ably discharged his official duties, with much credit to himself. He resided in Walnut township from 1844 until the county was de- ]x>pulated by "Order No. 11." when he went to Kansas, returning to his home in 1836, where he resided until a few years ago when he moved to Butler, where he owns a nice home.

Although Judge Bartlett is past eighty years of age his mind is as clear as most men's at forty. H? was a member of the Grand Jury that found a bill against Dr. S. Nottingham for killing his wife, the only man legally executed in

Note. A short time after Judge Bartlett accorded our representative the foregoing interview he "Passed Over to tii*1 Silent Majority." The list of pioneers is yearly growing shorter.- Publishers.

In Northern Bates

Among the ol<l settlers of Deer Creek township arc Sainuel Jackson and wife, aged respectively sixty-five ami sixtvfour. Mrs. Jackson is a native Missourmn, having been lxjru in Clay county. They came to Rates County in November lsr»r>. passed through Papinsville three days before the cxecution of Dr. Nottingham, and Mrs. Jackson wanted to remain to witness the hanging but her husband would not stop. Tne old couple appear to have been all over the western part of the state. They made forty-two moves in the first twenty years of their married life. Mrs. Jackson gives some vivid accounts of "The old times" as they appeared to one who went through them. She went to school three months ;md two weeks, >o her education, as we look at it in these d lys. was rather limited. In the ways and works of frontier life, h ,wever. she was thoroughly educated. She follows many of the practices of the early days and has a profound contempt for much of the"fuss and foolery" of modern times and expressed her sentiments as follows: "I am getting a piece of carpet ready for the loom now. and I will have me some home-spun dresses to wear by the middle of May. and I will go to church and wear them, you bet! I was raised to work and I like it: I like to spin and hear the old wheel hum; 1 like to make pretty striped cloth and like to wear it too. Some people are too proud to do anything only play on the organ, or crochet, or something like that. In war times I could not get clothing, so I raised my own cotton, picked the seed out with my fingers, carded and spun it and made cloth- iiig for myself and family. I wove many a yard of cloth after night. For four years I cut and hauled all of my wood and went forty miles to mill, driving the oxen myself. I rode a government mule to Kansas City and carried my baby in my lap. I could walk all over the town then in half an hour. I have put out two washings in half a day and then could hardly make a living for myself and four little children. Mr. Jackson was gone in the war three years and fourteen days, and I did not once see him during that time. I had to leave my children when I went to buy corn or go to mill. At first I was very timid and feared to tell my business, but I soon found out how to do. and could get through with my business as quickly as any man. In 1801 we got out of Hour, we had some wheat in the shock, and had got tired of eating corn bread so I put the wagon sheet down on the ground and got sticks and beat the grain out, took it to a corn mill and got it grounds but we had to eat the bran, as the sieve would not take it out.

"Talk about the good old times! I tell you they were good times for work. My husband has made rails enough to fence in Bates County, and I have wove enough cloth to carpet a good portion of it. I used to know everybody: now I know but few.

"The first house we lived in was log with a sod chimney and puncheon floor. We had one chair, and a box for a table, we sat on the floor to eat. I had a pot with one leg out: I wrapped a rag round a corn cob and stopped the hole: I could cook in it twice before the cob would bum out. My cupboard was six augur holes bored in the logs and a clapboard laid on pins. I had a scaffold bedstead and was happy as a lark in spring-time.

"In 186- father and Benton McPherson were killed. I went after them: got there at night. They lay on the snow which was eighteen inches deep. I knew it would not do to let them lay until morning as they would freeze fast, so I took them up that night, watched over them until morning, put them in a wagon and took them to wh:>re both fimilies were staying. I saw sights during war times that would well-nigh drive one crazy."

O. D. Austin

O. D. Austin was born in Shelby, Richland County, Ohio, October 7, 1841. His father was of French extraction and was born in Massachusetts July 16, 1804. He was an eminent physician and began his professional career in Shelby, Ohio. His wife, whose maiden name was Flavia A. Conger, was a sister of Hon. O. D. Conger, United States Senator from Michigan. The subject of this sketch was the oldest of six children and was educated in the public schools of Plymouth, Ohio. At the age of 17 he entered the office of the Herald at Marshfield, Ohio. In 1862, through the influence of Hon. John Sherman, he obtained a clerkship in the treasury department at Washington. He was present at Ford's theatre on April 14, 1865, and saw President Lincoln shot. In 1866 he came to Kansas City, Mo., and was foreman in the office of the Kansas City Advertiser for about six months. This was the first daily paper published there. In November of the same year he went to Butler and became general manager of the Bates County Record. In the spring of 1867 he returned to Kansas City and was local editor of the Advertiser until October, at which time returned to Butler and purchased the Record plant, and has continued to own and publish the Record ever since.

In October, 1881, he was appointed postmaster at Butler by President Arthur. He was again appointed postmaster in 1SS9 by President Harrison and served the people acceptably. He is a member of the Masonic order and a Knight Templar, and is prominent in the order, having been Deputy District Grand Master for the last four years. He was married May 3. 1871, to Miss Florence M. Stobie of Butler, formerly of Pittsfield. 111. They have two children, Edwin S. and Nellie B.

--My father, W. Leinar, moved to this county in the spring of lnr>3, when I was thirteen years old, and bought the place where he now lives, two and one-half miles south of Amsterdam. When we moveJ hen* there were but few houses in tin* country: there was Mr. Jackson's, who lived where L. F. Parrish now lives: Logan Mitchell lived where he now resides, four and one-half miles south of Amsterdam: Mr. Adair was located one mile south of Mulberry: Mr. Arnott, where Robert iiraden now lives: and John Green on what is now the Walley farm. Mr. Green's house burned down soon after we came and two children perished in the flames.

-I was married in the spring of 1*C>*, to J. J. Clark. We moved to the place where 1 now live, one and a half miles north- west of Amsterdam. Mr. Clark was a democrat, nevor-the less a Union man and believed in each man voting his own sentiments.

--The fall that Lincoln was elected, two gentlemen by the name of Pope, and very intimate friends of Mr. Clark, were visiting us. Mr. Clark persuaded them to go to the jx>lls and vote. They voted for Lincoln, which was against Mr. Clark's sentiments, but it made no difference to him while others thought it to be a great fault. Mrs. Mattox, living just across the state line, frequently told the Federal troops that my husband was a rebel and harbored bushwhackers. This caused us a great deal of trouble with the Union troops, a company of which were stationed at Trading Post, Kansas. One winter soldiers from this company called upon us very often but we never found out what they wanted until in the spring, when six men came one Sunday morning. They had always wanted a meal, but on this occasion they simply chatted and smoke;! their pipes. One of the- men inquired if we cared to know their business: we told them we did. They then told us that Mrs. Mattox. had told them we were rebels and kept bushwhackers under our roof. They had been watching us and had found the statement t:» b.* untrue. We were annoyed so much by bushwhackers that w were compelled to move across the state line into Kansas, where we remained two years.

"In the spring of 1K5H, a band of bushwackers crossed into Kansas and killed a Mr. D*xlo aud another man whose uauic I do not know. Mrs. Mattox told the jayhawkers that the - raid was caused by my husband, while he at the time wa> sick in bed. Tin* next day two men rode up to onr hous«.\ came to the door and snapped their pistols at hiin. but the guns failed to go off. They then started to take him out. but strengthened by f right. I compelled them to leave. At another time bushwhackers carried my husband away, but lie was released aud came home the next day.

"In 1859 Hamilton and his followers murdered some men near the Trading Post: Metlark and Driffy from this county, "were implicated in the affair. Driffy was caught and hanged at Mound City, Kansas. Metlark escaped into Piatt county. Kansas, but was caught by Hargrove and a small band of men. They brought him bonis aud hanged him.

"Id May, 1858, a band of jayhawkers came across the Jim* and sent a man to "West Point to get pennissiou to hunt for Hamilton. While waiting for a reply part of the baml came to our home and robbed us of our money and stock. In those days goods were transfered in wagons pulled by ox teams. They were carried from Kansas City to West Point. The nearest mill we could get to was thirty miles distant.

"When Lincoln was elected, everybody expected a war. and each, the North and South, boasted of the 'short work" they would make of the opposite side. Before the war commenced every one was peaceful, had plenty and enjoyed themselves, no one lacking the necessities of life. Wild grass grew to such a height that a inan riding a horse couldscarccly see cattle as they were running free on the prairies. There were very few settlers aud thev were close to tin* timber where they could secure mat* rial for building purposes and tire wood. West Point was a great -trading plare. and was frequented by bands of Indians who did almost all their trading there. They were always peaceful and committed no depredations.

caused bv marauding bauds on the border. These bands would cross the lino and carry off everything they thought worth taking. In June. 1861, Mr. Egnue. living north-east of Wi'st Point, was taken from his house by a band of bushwhackers and hanged to a tree. In August, 1862, Mr. Fussoll was killed by bushwhackers, while lie was on his way homo fro in a marauding tour. In December the same yc»ar George Walley accidentally killed himself.

--Tho nearest regular battle was fought at Muddy Creek, where the Southern army under Price encountered the Uuiou forces under General Lane. Tho conflict was short and but few men were killed. On November $*th, 1863, as Price's men passed through they came upon Mr. Ward as he was burning the grass around his farm. A squad rode up and demanded his horse: he refused to give it up and they shot him. They next came to where Mr. Vernon was also burning the grass around his field in order to save his homo from tho prairie fires which were devastating the country. His wife and two children were in the wagon nearby. The men rode up and demanded tho horses. Vernon told them he would give up his life before he would let them take his team. His revolver was iu the wagon, but before ho could got it, one of the m^u shot him in the breast. Tho men left without taking the horses or molesting the wife and children. Mrs. Vernon managed to get tho dead body of her husband into the wagon and had almost reached homo when another band came up and took tho team from tin1 wagon, leaving the woman and crying children without aid to bury their dojd. Vernon hid lx»en almost killed before by a band of bushwhackers who were ransacking his home. Ho protested, and they struck him over tho head with his own rifle, knocking him senseless and throwing his body into the yard. "After the war there was nothing left but a few houses scattered over the country, the tires having swept over both forest, prairie and held alike: no horses, cattle, hogs, or other live stock left. Xo full crop had been raised during the war and food was scarce, consequently prices wore very high. A common team would cost throe hundred dollars. Iu a short time men began to come home and improve their farms, stock was brought in and people began to be prosperous again. --Sevemi m«'n were decoyed from their homes and killed by unknown enemies. Oik- man 1 remember in particular: he lived not far from Butier. He had built new fences and inside a number of improvements. On*' evening as he was ready to sit down to supper he heard a cow bell a short distance from tho luu-; '. Supposing sun* stray cattle were trying to get through the fence to his crops, he went out to investigate. While waiting at the house for his return the family became alarmed, and then started out in search of husband and father. When they came to the fence they found his lifeless body. He had been deceived and shot by some one in ambush. This is only one of a great many such incidents, a result of the bitterness cau^e.1 by the long struggle between the North and the South. These outrages tended to prevent the resettlement of the county, and for several years the progress was slow.

"The town of West Point remained the principle tradii g point until after the railroad reached La Cygne, then goods were hauled from that place; and West Point never recovered its importance. In the seventies, when the war was in a measure forgotten, the country settled up rapidly, but there were no towns of importance in the western part of the county until after the railroad wa built throagb in 1**U. The towns of West Point and Mulberry were then practically deserted aud new towns sprang up on the railroad. Old towns, old times and old people are almost forgotten in the new and busy world.

"But few of the first settlers remain. Some were killed during war times; others were driven from their homes and did not return; many have' moved away, but more have passed away. The cemetery at old West Point is a mute witness to the changes from the old to the new times."

Born in Madison count}', Kentucky, Nov. 14, 1843. Removed to Lincoln county, Kentucky, when threp years old. Was educated in common schools and a private school of a Presbyterian minister. Removed to Monroe county, Mo., in 1866. Married at Macon City to Miss Kate Burton in 1868. Six children have blessed this union. Removed to Rich Hill. Bates county, Mo., in March, 1882. Clerked in hardware store of J. L. Minor 9 years. Member and Secretary of School Board 9 years; City Collector 6 years; Township Collector 3 years; Secretary Rich Hill Fair Association several years, and was elected County Clerk in 1898, as a Democrat. He is deservedly popular with the people and his party. As evidence of this he lead his ticket by a good strong vote. Mr. Broaddus is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, and is making an efficient County Clerk.

Ix Deer Creek Toivxship

My father eamo to Bates County in 1HTi3. Iwasthcncighteen years old. In l*r>4 I went to Harrisonville and worked at Winchester Paine's saw mill. In 1850 I went to work at the mill known as Bill's Mill, on Grand Riwr. four miles south-west of Harrisonville. I worked at this mill until l*r>7. I then came back to. this county and helped set up and run a saw mill which was brought here from Jackson county by David Moore and located on Mormon Fork, about seven miles north-west of where Adrian now stands. In lf*3& I began farming in Deer Creek township, but in 1^00 1 went back and worked at Paine's mill until 1*01.

When the war broke out in '61 I was a Union man. hence I was compiled to '"hide out,"' seeking shelter in com tields and brush patches, and depending on my friends to bring my food after night. Iu August. 1£61, the bushwhackers caught me at my father-in-law's house. After a few words Bud Childers drew his gun and swore he would shoot me. I said. "Shoot and be d - ! You can kill, but you cant scare me.*' Then Dave Majors. Childers' accomplice, interfered and told him to lower his gun or he would shoot him: that I had always befriended their people and had done nothing against them. Childers drew his gun again and said. "Iflwerosure you was an abolitionist I would shoot your d - head off.*' They finally went away and left me unharmed. From that time until October I kept 4ihid out." Then my father-in-law and myself decided to try to get our families out of Missouri, if possible. The Mate line was only sixteen miles distant, but every road and cow-path leading to Kansas was guarded by the bushwhackers, and every man that was caught trying to get to Kansas was supposed to be a Union m;m. and he was robbed or killed, sometimes both. Al>out this time the -Battle of Lexington occurred and a large arniv of Union soldiers passed through the east part of Cass county, which caused the bushwhackers to lie low. This, we thought, would give us a chance to go east, and possibly get out of the country. Knowing we were in constant danger where we were, we started east. "We intended to go north when we got to Rose Hill, but it being very dark when we got there, and being anxious to get as far away as possible, we pushed on and lost our way. The next morning we came back to Rose Hill to get on the right road and were told that sixteen heavily armed men had passed through during the night and gone the road we had intended to go, but we missed it in the darkness. These men some hours afterwards had returned b\- the same way they went, and there was much speculation as to what they were after. We thought we knew what it meant and, in all probability, if we had not taken the wrong road they would have caught us near the Blackwater bridge, where we had intended to camp that night. We continued our journey to Illinois, where we remained until the spring of 1806. I then returned to my farm in Bates County and found that my fence and other improvements had been burned. The first year I had to go to Kansas and work out. in order to get money to buy provisions. We went to Trading Post, Kansas, for our Hour and meal. In the winter of 18(56 I went to Pleasant Hill and paid eighteen dollars for a barrel of pork.

one of the editors of the Rich Hill Tribune, was born in Calhoun county, Iowa, May 31, 1877, and with his parents removed to Missouri in 1879, and in the spring of 1S81 came to Rich Hill where they still reside. He was educated in the public schools of that place and after finishing the high school served his apprenticeship as a printer, but on account of ill health was forced to leave the case. In 1897 he attended the Rich Hill Business College and graduated with honors in the class of '98. He then returned to the case but decided to teach school during the winter and taught a very successful term.

In March, 1899, he purchased an half interest in the Rich Hill Tribune and continues as its junior editor. He is an intelligent, upright and industrious young man, a staunch Republican and true to his party's principles.